Geography 2021 Paper I 50 marks Examine

Q3

(a) Examine major influencing factors for varied patterns of precipitations on the continents. (20 marks) (b) Maritime security is being neglected. Indicate the major challenges and suggest solutions in the context of Law of the Sea. (15 marks) (c) Explaining the concept of carbon neutrality, describe the measures taken by carbon positive and negative nations. (15 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) महाद्वीपों पर वर्षण के विविध प्रतिरूपों को प्रभावित करने वाले प्रमुख कारकों का परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) सामुद्रिक सुरक्षा की उपेक्षा हो रही है । प्रमुख चुनौतियों को इंगित कीजिए और समुद्र नियम के सन्दर्भ में उपाय सुझाइये । (15 अंक) (c) कार्बन तटस्थता अवधारणा की व्याख्या करते हुये, कार्बन धनात्मक और ऋणात्मक राष्ट्रों द्वारा किये गये उपायों का वर्णन कीजिये । (15 अंक)

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Directive word: Examine

This question asks you to examine. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'examine' for part (a) requires critical analysis of precipitation factors with evidence; parts (b) and (c) use 'indicate/suggest' and 'explain/describe' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief composite introduction, then three distinct sections addressing each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and a synthesizing conclusion linking climate-maritime-carbon themes.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Factors controlling precipitation patterns—pressure belts, wind systems (trade winds, westerlies), ocean currents (warm/cold), relief/orographic effects, continentality, and ITCZ migration; contrast between equatorial, tropical, temperate and polar regions
  • Part (a): Specific continental variations—why South America has Amazonian convection vs. Atacama aridity; why Africa shows latitudinal zonation; monsoonal Asia vs. Mediterranean Europe
  • Part (b): Maritime security challenges—piracy (Gulf of Aden, Malacca Strait), illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, EEZ violations, seabed mining disputes, climate change impacts on SLOCs
  • Part (b): UNCLOS-based solutions—coastal state jurisdiction (Art. 56), hot pursuit (Art. 111), ISPS Code, regional cooperation (IORA, BIMSTEC), and India's SAGAR policy
  • Part (c): Carbon neutrality concept—net-zero CO₂ emissions through balancing sources and sinks; distinction from climate neutrality
  • Part (c): Carbon positive nations (Bhutan, Suriname) and their strategies—forest carbon sinks, renewable energy dominance, constitutional environmental provisions
  • Part (c): Carbon negative nations (major emitters like China, USA, EU) and their mitigation—carbon pricing, NDCs under Paris Agreement, CCS technology, India's Panchamrit targets

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness22%11Demonstrates precise understanding of: (a) atmospheric circulation mechanisms and precipitation formation; (b) UNCLOS provisions (territorial waters, EEZ, continental shelf) and maritime security dimensions; (c) carbon accounting principles, net-zero vs. gross-zero, and differentiated responsibilities under UNFCCCShows basic grasp of precipitation factors and maritime zones but confuses carbon neutrality with zero emissions or misstates UNCLOS articles; some conceptual gaps evidentFundamental errors—confuses convectional/orographic rainfall, conflates maritime security with naval power alone, or describes carbon neutrality as merely planting trees without systemic approach
Map / diagram18%9Includes at least two relevant maps/diagrams: for (a) world precipitation map or Hadley cell schematic; for (b) Indian Ocean SLOCs or EEZ boundary diagram; for (c) carbon cycle or emissions trajectory sketch—properly labelled, integrated with textOne generic world map or rough sketch present but lacking specific annotation for the question's demands; diagrams mentioned but not drawnNo maps or diagrams; or entirely irrelevant sketches that demonstrate misunderstanding of spatial dimensions
Indian regional examples20%10For (a): Western Ghats orography vs. Tamil Nadu rain shadow, NE monsoon variations; for (b): India's EEZ, Lakshadweep/Andaman security concerns, Operation Sankalp, Sagarmala; for (c): India's Panchamrit, net-zero 2070 target, International Solar Alliance leadershipMentions India in 1-2 parts only (e.g., only monsoons in part a) without depth; generic references without specific policy or regional detailCompletely omits Indian examples or provides factually incorrect ones (e.g., wrong monsoon mechanism, irrelevant security threats)
Spatial analysis20%10Explicitly analyzes spatial patterns: (a) latitudinal/longitudinal precipitation gradients, inter-hemispheric contrasts; (b) chokepoints geography, Indo-Pacific spatial strategy; (c) global emissions geography, North-South carbon inequality, spatial distribution of sinksDescribes locations without analyzing spatial relationships or patterns; lists rather than explains geographic distributionNo spatial perspective; treats all topics as aspatial policy issues without geographic context
Application / policy20%10For (b): concrete UNCLOS-based solutions—joint patrols, information sharing, capacity building; for (c): specific national policies (EU Green Deal, China's 2060 target, Bhutan's constitutional mandate) and India's climate diplomacy; synthesizes across parts on sustainable developmentGeneric policy mentions without specificity; suggests 'more cooperation' or 'renewable energy' without naming mechanisms or frameworksNo policy application; purely theoretical treatment or unrealistic suggestions ignoring legal/political constraints

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