UPSC Mains Optional Geography Paper 2 (2014)

SECTION A

Q1. (a) On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/ commercial/ economic/ ecologicall environmental/ cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry: 2×5=10

(i) Guru Shikhar

(ii) Bhor Ghat

(iii) Shravanabelagola

(iv) Kalibangan

(v) Ganga Sagar

(b) Explain how eco-tourism activities could be important livelihood options in the Himalayan and North-Eastern regions of the country. (150 words) 10

(c) How is drainage pattern determined by the water divide? (150 words) 10

(d) Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are not mutually conducive. Analyse. (150 words) 10

(e) Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives? (150 words) 10

Q2. (a) Bring out the distribution of Laterite soils in India and their specific use for agriculture. 20

(b) Suggest the measures of wild-life conservation with reference to extinction of rare species.  15

(c) Describe the Problems of agro-based industries in India in general and cotton textiles in particular. 15

Q3. (a) Highlight the socio-economic and ecological roles of River Cauvery in its riverine tract. 20

(b) Discuss the problems and prospects of National Waterway No. 1. 15

(c) Explain the concept of ‘Make in India’ and indicate the essential inputs for its success. 15

Q4. (a) Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalaseema region. 20

(b) `In spite of various negative impacts of Green Revolution, there is a demand for New Green Revolution’. Elaborate. 15

(c) What are the desired possible changes in our trade policy to promote the development of cottage industry? 15
                            

                                       SECTION B

Q5. (a) On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/ commercial/ economic/ ecological/ environmental/ cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry: 2×5=10

i.Mundra Port

ii.Chandipur

iii.Mahendragiri

iv.Hazira

v.Vembanad Lake

(b) Highlight the implications of declining child sex ratio in India. (150 words) 10

(c) Analyse the feasibility of ‘Smart Towns’ Development in India. (150 words) 10

(d) Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India. (150 words) 10

(e) Bring out the role of terrain in determining India’s political influence over neighbouring countries. (150 words) 10

Q6. (a) Discuss the trends in emigration focusing on its major thrust. 20

(b) Account for the multiple problems of urban agglomerations. 15

(c) Evaluate the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme. 15

Q7. (a) How can a meaningful skill development programme contribute to the economic growth of hill areas? 20

(b) Differentiate between the ‘intensity’ and `magnitude’ of an earthquake and explain its varying impact in different parts of India.15

(c) Discuss the implications of India’s strategic location with reference to the Indian Ocean. 15

Q8. (a) India is involved in a number of border disputes. Explain the reasons and remedies. 20

(b) Discuss the concept of Command Area Development and evaluate its success with reference to Indira Gandhi Canal. 15

(c) How has an inappropriate urban land use policy accounted for undesirable development in and around metropolitan cities? 15

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