All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Geography
2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full,
with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
India map locations and physical geography (1)Agricultural institutions, space policy and urbanization (1)Regional disparities, glaciers and domestic tourism (1)Migration, tribal development and water scarcity (1)Rainfall distribution, races, agricultural technology, drought areas, seaports (1)Industrial waste, demographic structure and water conservation (1)India in global affairs, Panchayati Raj and land fragmentation (1)Urban morphology, health geography and rapid transit systems (1)
A
Q1
50M30wCompulsorydiscussIndia map locations and physical geography
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: (i) Lunkaransar, (ii) Gua, (iii) Raidak River, (iv) Ekta Nagar, (v) Chandanwari, (vi) Babina, (vii) Tatipaka, (viii) Along Airport, (ix) Karaikal, (x) Panna. (b) Discuss the basis of various explanations for the formation of Shiwalik. (10 marks) (c) Conservation and breeding centres are important components of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation, 2020-2025. Why? (10 marks) (d) North-Eastern States of India are geopolitically sensitive and strategically significant. Explain. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
आपको दिए गए भारत के रेखा मानचित्र पर, निम्नलिखित सभी की स्थिति को अंकित कीजिए। अपनी क्यू० सी० ए० पुस्तिका में इन स्थानों में से प्रत्येक का भौतिक/वाणिज्यिक/आर्थिक/पारिस्थितिक/पर्यावरणीय/सांस्कृतिक महत्व अधिकतम 30 शब्दों में लिखिए : (i) लूणकरणसर, (ii) गुआ, (iii) रायडाक नदी, (iv) एकता नगर, (v) चंदनवारी, (vi) बबीना, (vii) तातिपाका, (viii) अलोंग हवाईअड्डा, (ix) कराइकल, (x) पन्ना। (b) शिवालिक के निर्माण के विभिन्न स्पष्टीकरणों के आधार की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक) (c) संरक्षण व प्रजनन केन्द्र, गिद्ध संरक्षण की कार्य योजना, 2020-2025 के महत्त्वपूर्ण घटक हैं। क्यों? (10 अंक) (d) भारत के उत्तरी-पूर्वी प्रदेश भू-राजनीतिक रूप से संवेदनशील तथा रणनीतिक रूप से महत्त्वपूर्ण हैं। व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' for part (b) requires examining multiple viewpoints on Shiwalik formation, while parts (c) and (d) demand explanatory depth. Allocate ~20% time to map-based part (a) (10 locations × 30 words), ~25% to Shiwalik theories (b), ~25% to vulture conservation (c), and ~30% to Northeast geopolitics (d). Structure: concise map entries with precise significance; thematic body paragraphs for each sub-part; integrated conclusion linking physical geography to regional development and conservation policy.
Part (a): Correct map marking of 10 locations (Lunkaransar-salt lake/Rajasthan; Gua-iron ore/Jharkhand; Raidak River-Bhutan-India tributary of Brahmaputra; Ekta Nagar-Sardar Sarovar/Gujarat; Chandanwari-Amarnath base camp/J&K; Babina-military station/UP; Tatipaka-ONGC oil terminal/AP; Along Airport-Arunachal connectivity; Karaikal-Puducherry coastal enclave; Panna-diamond mines/MP) with precise 30-word significance covering physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural dimensions
Part (b): Discussion of three major Shiwalik formation theories—Pliocene uplift of folded Tertiary sediments (Drew-Wadia), compressional tectonics from northward Indian plate movement creating foreland basin, and molasse deposition from Himalaya erosion; mention of relict drainage (Dun structures), piggyback basins, and neo-tectonic activity as supporting evidence
Part (c): Explanation of vulture breeding centres' role in reversing catastrophic population decline (99.9% loss since 1990s), diclofenac-free carcass provision, captive breeding for Gyps species release, satellite tracking for migration studies, and integration with SAVE (Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction) programme and Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre-Pinjore
Part (d): Analysis of Northeast strategic significance—Chicken's Neck vulnerability, Act East Policy gateway (Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport, India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway), hydropower potential (50,000 MW), ethnic insurgency and border management challenges, Chinese claims on Arunachal Pradesh, and ecological security of Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot
50MjustifyAgricultural institutions, space policy and urbanization
(a) Institutional factors are playing a dominant role in controlling the agricultural prosperity in India. Justify with evidences. (20 marks) (b) The Indian Space Policy, 2023 supports the commercial presence in space. In what ways will it benefit the socio-economic development and security of India? (15 marks) (c) Discuss the process of formation of conurbations in India and describe their problems. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में कृषि समृद्धि को नियंत्रित करने में संस्थागत कारक प्रमुख भूमिका निभा रहे हैं। साक्ष्य सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारतीय अंतरिक्ष नीति, 2023 अंतरिक्ष में वाणिज्यिक उपस्थिति का समर्थन करती है। इससे भारत के सामाजिक-आर्थिक विकास और सुरक्षा को किस प्रकार लाभ होगा? (15 अंक) (c) भारत में सनगरों के गठन की प्रक्रिया पर विवेचना कीजिए और उनकी समस्याओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'justify' for part (a) demands evidence-based argumentation with supporting data, while parts (b) and (c) require 'discuss' and 'describe' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief integrated introduction, three distinct sections for each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and a conclusion that synthesizes how institutional, technological-spatial, and urban processes collectively shape India's development geography.
Part (a): Land tenure systems (zamindari/ryotwari), Green Revolution institutions (CACP, FCI, NABARD), MSP procurement zones, cooperative and contract farming models, and recent farm laws debates with regional evidence from Punjab-Haryana vs. Bihar-UP
Part (b): IN-SPACe as regulatory facilitator, private satellite constellations for agriculture/insurance, space-based asset management for disaster response, strategic autonomy through indigenous PSLV/GSLV, and dual-use implications for border surveillance
Part (c): Definition and stages of conurbation formation (Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi NCR), satellite town emergence, ribbon development along transport corridors, and specific problems: sprawl, groundwater depletion, solid waste crisis, and governance fragmentation
Cross-cutting: Integration of institutional-spatial-technological themes showing how policy interventions reshape geographical outcomes
Contemporary relevance: Link to Amrit Kaal, Gati Shakti, and Smart Cities Mission for policy coherence across all three parts
50MexplainRegional disparities, glaciers and domestic tourism
(a) India has wide-ranging regional disparities in economic development. Explain the patterns, implications and challenges. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the variations in nature of glaciers in India and the emerging issues due to climate change. (15 marks) (c) Domestic tourism in India has immense local resource potential. Discuss the reasons and its various dimensions. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में आर्थिक विकास में व्यापक क्षेत्रीय असमानताएँ हैं। प्रतिरूप, निहितार्थ और चुनौतियों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारत में हिमनदों की प्रकृति में विभिन्नताओं और जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण उत्पन्न होने वाले मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) भारत में घरेलू पर्यटन में अपार स्थानीय संसाधन क्षमता है। कारणों एवं इसके विभिन्न आयामों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'explain' for part (a) demands causal reasoning and structured elaboration, while parts (b) and (c) require 'discuss' which needs balanced argumentation. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure as: brief integrated introduction → three distinct sections with clear sub-headings → conclusion synthesizing inter-linkages between regional development, climate vulnerability, and tourism potential.
Part (a): Patterns of regional disparity using Williamson index, per capita income gradients (west-east, north-south), human development indices, and infrastructure gaps; implications for social cohesion and national integration; challenges of inclusive growth and federal fiscal imbalances.
Part (b): Variations between Himalayan (valley/alpine) glaciers and Trans-Himalayan (cold desert) glaciers; differences between clean-ice, debris-covered, and surge-type glaciers; climate change impacts including accelerated retreat, GLOF risks, and altered hydrological regimes.
Part (c): Reasons for domestic tourism growth—rising middle class, improved connectivity, spiritual/cultural circuits; dimensions including economic (employment, multiplier effects), social (cultural exchange, urban-rural linkages), environmental (carrying capacity pressures), and regional development (backward area revitalization).
Inter-linkage: How regional disparities affect tourism potential distribution and how glacier-dependent regions (Himalayan states) face unique development-tourism-climate trade-offs.
Policy connectivity: Mention of Aspirational Districts Programme for (a), National Action Plan on Climate Change for (b), and Swadesh Darshan/Dekho Apna Desh for (c).
50MdiscussMigration, tribal development and water scarcity
(a) Migration is the reflection of regional disparities. What socio-economic and demographic consequences are experienced at the place of origin and destination? (20 marks) (b) In spite of various tribal area development programmes in India, tribal areas still lag behind. Discuss critically with examples. (15 marks) (c) Water scarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) प्रवासन क्षेत्रीय विषमताओं का प्रतिबिंब है। इसके उत्पत्ति स्थान व गंतव्य स्थान पर कौन-से सामाजिक-आर्थिक और जनसांख्यिकीय परिणाम अनुभव किए जाते हैं? (20 अंक) (b) भारत में विभिन्न जनजातीय क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रमों के बावजूद, जनजातीय क्षेत्र अभी भी पिछड़े हुए हैं। उदाहरणों सहित समालोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) भारत में पानी की कमी विवादों और झगड़ों का एक महत्वपूर्ण कारण है। इसके स्थान-आधारित समाधान हेतु नवोन्मेषी तरीके सुझाइए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' requires balanced treatment of all three sub-parts with critical depth. Allocate approximately 40% time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief integrated introduction on regional disparities → systematic treatment of (a) origin-destination consequences, (b) critical evaluation of tribal development with reasons for failure, (c) location-specific water conflict solutions → conclusion synthesizing spatial justice and sustainable development.
Part (a): Socio-economic consequences at origin (remittance economy, feminization of agriculture, labour shortage) and destination (slum growth, pressure on infrastructure, cultural conflicts); demographic consequences (age-selective migration, distorted sex ratios, brain drain vs. brain gain)
Part (a): Regional disparity as push-pull framework — Lee's theory or Ravenstein's laws applied to internal Indian migration (Bihar-UP to Delhi-Mumbai, circular migration in tribal belts)
Part (b): Critical analysis of why tribal development programmes failed — top-down approach, lack of tribal participation, diversion of funds, land alienation, displacement without rehabilitation (examples: Dandakaranya, Sardar Sarovar, mining in Jharkhand/Odisha)
Part (b): Success stories and alternative models — PESA implementation gaps vs. Kerala's tribal development, Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, MGNREGA in tribal areas
Part (c): Location-based innovative solutions — arid regions (Rajasthan): traditional water harvesting revived (johads, tankas); peninsular India: interlinking with local checks; Himalayan region: spring shed management; deltaic regions: arsenic-safe aquifer mapping and managed aquifer recharge
Part (c): Specific conflict cases — Cauvery (inter-state), SYL canal (Punjab-Haryana), Damanganga-Pinjal (inter-basin), and how location-specific tech (IoT-based monitoring, solar pumps, wastewater recycling) can reduce zero-sum competition
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) How are geographic factors influencing the distribution of high annual rainfall in certain parts of India? (b) Indian population belongs to large number of races. Discuss the spatial distribution of major races. (c) Examine the transitional role of technology on Indian agriculture sector. (d) Describe the area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India. (e) Examine the relationship between seaports and regional development in India.
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : (a) भारत के कुछ हिस्सों में उच्च वार्षिक वर्षा के वितरण को भौगोलिक कारक कैसे प्रभावित कर रहे हैं? (b) भारतीय जनसंख्या बहुसंख्यक नस्लों से संबंधित है। प्रमुख नस्लों के स्थानिक वितरण की विवेचना कीजिए। (c) भारतीय कृषि क्षेत्र पर प्रौद्योगिकी की परिवर्ती भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए। (d) भारत में सूखा-प्रवण क्षेत्रों के विकास हेतु क्षेत्र-विशिष्ट रणनीतियों का वर्णन कीजिए। (e) भारत में बंदरगाहों और क्षेत्रीय विकास के बीच संबंध का परीक्षण कीजिए।
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'examine' for parts (c) and (e) requires critical analysis with cause-effect reasoning, while 'describe' for (d) demands factual enumeration with spatial precision. Allocate ~30 words each to (c), (d), and (e) (10 marks each), structuring as: (c) transition from traditional to modern tech with Green Revolution impacts; (d) zonal strategies for arid/semi-arid regions; (e) port-hinterland linkages with regional growth patterns. Use comparative frameworks and conclude with integrated policy insights.
(c) Technology transition: HYV seeds, mechanization, drip irrigation shift; Green Revolution regional disparities (Punjab vs. Bihar); precision agriculture emergence
(c) Critical examination: Environmental costs (water table depletion in Punjab), digital divide in adoption, smallholder exclusion
(d) Drought-prone area strategies: Watershed development in Deccan Plateau, dryland farming techniques in Rajasthan, livestock integration in Gujarat
(d) Institutional mechanisms: Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP), MGNREGA employment guarantee, fodder banks and tank rehabilitation
50MdiscussIndustrial waste, demographic structure and water conservation
(a) Industrial waste is diversified. Discuss the potentials and challenges associated with it. (20 marks) (b) How is cultural background of States of India reflected in the attributes of sex and age structure? (15 marks) (c) Discuss the targets of focused interventions of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan : Catch the Rain, 2024 in rural and urban areas. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) औद्योगिक अपशिष्ट विविधीकृत है। इससे जुड़ी क्षमताओं और चुनौतियों की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारतीय राज्यों की सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि, लिंग और आयु संरचना की विशेषताओं में कैसे परिलक्षित होती है? (15 अंक) (c) ग्रामीण एवं शहरी क्षेत्रों में जल शक्ति अभियान : वर्षा जल संचयन, 2024 के केंद्रित हस्तक्षेपों के लक्ष्यों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' demands a balanced, analytical treatment with multiple perspectives. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, then dedicated sections for each sub-part with clear headings, and a synthesizing conclusion that links industrial sustainability, demographic transition, and water security as interconnected dimensions of India's human-environment geography.
Part (a): Diversified nature of industrial waste (hazardous, non-hazardous, e-waste, biomedical, construction debris) with sectoral distribution
Part (a): Potentials including resource recovery, circular economy, energy generation (WTE plants), and employment in recycling sectors
Part (a): Challenges encompassing regulatory gaps, informal sector dominance, transboundary movement, and technological limitations in processing diverse waste streams
Part (b): Regional variations in sex ratio reflecting cultural practices—Punjab/Haryana's male-skewed ratios versus Kerala/Tamil Nadu's balanced/female-advantaged ratios
Part (b): Age structure variations linked to fertility transitions—higher youth bulge in BIMARU states versus aging in southern states, connected to cultural norms around family size and son preference
Part (c): Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2024 rural targets: rainwater harvesting structure rejuvenation, pond/tank restoration, spring shed development, and greywater management
Part (c): Urban targets: stormwater drain desilting, rooftop rainwater harvesting mandates, lake rejuvenation, and AMRUT 2.0 convergence for water-sensitive urban design
50MexamineIndia in global affairs, Panchayati Raj and land fragmentation
(a) India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits. (20 marks) (b) The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act devolved functions, finances and functionaries for planning of rural areas in India. Discuss the major achievements with examples. (15 marks) (c) How do small and fragmented landholdings affect the agro-ecological system in rural India? What are the resilient steps needed to overcome this issue? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत विश्व मामलों में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा रहा है। भारत द्वारा महत्वपूर्ण वैश्विक व क्षेत्रीय शिखरों में अपनाए गए रुख का परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) 73वें संविधान संशोधन अधिनियम ने भारत में ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों की योजना के लिए कार्य, वित्त व पदाधिकारियों को हस्तांतरित किया। प्रमुख उपलब्धियों की उदाहरणों सहित विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) ग्रामीण भारत में लघु एवं खंडित भूमि जोत, कृषि-पारिस्थितिकी प्रणाली को कैसे प्रभावित करती है? इस मुद्दे पर काबू पाने हेतु कौन-से लचीले कदमों की आवश्यकता है? (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'examine' for part (a) requires critical analysis of India's diplomatic positions, while 'discuss' for (b) and 'how/what' for (c) demand explanatory and evaluative treatment. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, three distinct sections with clear sub-headings, and a conclusion that synthesizes India's evolving role across global, institutional and grassroots scales.
Part (a): India's principled stands at G20 (climate finance, debt restructuring), COP (LiFE initiative, equity in CBDR), SCO (connectivity projects countering BRI), QUAD (Indo-Pacific maritime security), and BRICS (de-dollarization, institutional reform)
Part (a): Strategic autonomy in Ukraine conflict, vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19, and leadership in ISA/CDRI as evidence of normative power projection
Part (b): Constitutional mandate of 29 subjects in Eleventh Schedule, PESA extension to Fifth Schedule areas, and devolution metrics (14th/15th Finance Commission grants)
Part (b): Exemplary achievements—Kerala's People's Plan Campaign (1996), West Bengal's three-tier resource mapping, Madhya Pradesh's watershed committees, and residual challenges like untied fund utilization below 15%
Part (c): Agro-ecological degradation through loss of biodiversity, soil micronutrient depletion, inefficient water use (flood irrigation on small plots), and carbon sequestration reduction due to monocropping
Part (c): Resilience measures—land consolidation via voluntary pooling (Andhra Pradesh's LAPS), FPO promotion (10,000+ registered), precision agriculture adoption, and agroforestry integration under National Agroforestry Policy 2014
50MdiscussUrban morphology, health geography and rapid transit systems
(a) How can morphology of Indian towns be described historically? Discuss the major features of the first planned city in India after independence. (20 marks) (b) Health is the outcome of interaction between physical setting, cultural traits and ecological connection. Explain. (15 marks) (c) What are the major regional rapid transit systems developed in India? How are urban problems being addressed by them? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय नगरों की आकारिकी का ऐतिहासिक वर्णन किस प्रकार किया जा सकता है? स्वतंत्रता पश्चात् भारत के पहले नियोजित शहर की प्रमुख विशेषताओं की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) स्वास्थ्य भौतिक स्थिति, सांस्कृतिक लक्षणों व पारिस्थितिक संबंध के बीच परस्परिक क्रिया का परिणाम है। व्याख्या कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) भारत में विकसित प्रमुख क्षेत्रीय द्रुत पारगमन प्रणालियाँ कौन-सी हैं? उनके द्वारा शहरी समस्याओं को कैसे सम्बोधित किया जा रहा है? (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' for part (a) requires critical examination with multiple perspectives, while 'explain' for (b) and (c) demands causal reasoning. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) given its 20 marks, with ~30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief integrated introduction, three distinct sections for each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and a synthesizing conclusion linking urban planning, health geography, and sustainable transport.
For (a): Historical morphology phases from ancient (Harappan grid pattern) through medieval (fort-camp towns, temple towns, bazaar streets) to colonial (railway towns, civil lines-cantonment duality) and post-independence planned cities
For (a): Chandigarh as first planned city—Le Corbusier's sector concept, 7V road hierarchy, Capitol Complex, integration of green belts, and critique of social segregation
For (b): Physical setting includes topography, climate, water quality, disease vectors; cultural traits encompass dietary practices, medical pluralism, gender norms; ecological connection involves human-environment feedback loops
For (c): Major RRTS—Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, Delhi-Alwar corridors; metro systems (DMRC, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi Water Metro); their role in decongestion, air quality improvement, and transit-oriented development
For (c): Urban problems addressed—reduced vehicular emissions, informal settlement regularization near corridors, last-mile connectivity challenges, and equity concerns in access