On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the…

Lunkaransar is a wetland in Haryana, near Rohtak, at approximately 28.9° N, 76.5° E. It is a Ramsar site and a crucial habitat for migratory birds, significant for its ecological role in the Indo-Gangetic plain and its status as a protected wetland.

Gua is a town in Jharkhand, near Ranchi, at approximately 23.3° N, 85.3° E. It is the headquarters of the Ranchi district and a major commercial hub for the region, significant for its economic activity and as a gateway to the Chotanagpur Plateau.

Raidak River is a tributary of the Teesta in Sikkim, flowing through Gangtok, at approximately 27.3° N, 88.6° E. It is significant for its hydroelectric potential, including the Teesta Lower Hydroelectric Project, and its ecological importance in the Eastern Himalayas.

Ekta Nagar is a planned township in Gujarat, near Ahmedabad, at approximately 23.0° N, 72.6° E. It is significant as a model for sustainable urban development, integrating renewable energy and waste management, serving as a case study in green city planning.

Chandanwari is a town in Jammu and Kashmir, on the banks of the Chenab River, at approximately 33.0° N, 74.9° E. It is significant for its cultural heritage, including the famous Chandanwari Mela, and its strategic location along the Chenab Valley.

Babina is a town in Uttar Pradesh, near Jhansi, at approximately 25.4° N, 78.5° E. It is significant for its industrial growth, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, and its role in the economic development of the Bundelkhand region.

Tatipaka is a town in Andhra Pradesh, near Visakhapatnam, at approximately 17.9° N, 83.3° E. It is significant for its industrial base, including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and its role in the economic development of the coastal Andhra region.

Along Airport is an airport in Arunachal Pradesh, near Tawang, at approximately 28.2° N, 94.8° E. It is significant for its strategic military importance in border areas and its role in improving connectivity to remote regions of the Northeast.

Karaikal is a union territory in Tamil Nadu, near Pondicherry, at approximately 10.9° N, 79.8° E. It is significant for its unique cultural identity, blending French and Tamil influences, and its historical importance as a former French colonial settlement.

Panna is a district in Madhya Pradesh, near Jabalpur, at approximately 25.5° N, 79.5° E. It is significant for the Panna Tiger Reserve, a key site for tiger conservation, and its ecological importance in the central Indian forest ecosystem.

(b) The formation of the Shiwalik Hills is explained by various geological theories. The primary basis is the tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which caused the upliftment of sedimentary layers. These layers, deposited in the Tethys Sea, were folded and faulted during the Himalayan orogeny. The Shiwaliks are the outermost range, composed of soft, unconsolidated sediments, making them prone to erosion and landslides. This tectonic activity is ongoing, with the Indian plate continuing to move northward, causing further upliftment and seismic activity in the region.

(c) Conservation and breeding centres are vital for the Vulture Conservation Action Plan 2020-2025 because vultures face severe threats from diclofenac poisoning, habitat loss, and illegal hunting. These centres provide a safe environment for breeding, increasing population numbers. They also serve as research hubs for studying vulture behavior and health. By releasing bred vultures into the wild, these centres help restore populations in critical habitats. Additionally, they raise awareness about the ecological importance of vultures as natural scavengers, reducing disease spread.

(d) The North-Eastern States are geopolitically sensitive due to their land borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Their strategic significance lies in their role as a bridge to Southeast Asia, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. The region's ethnic diversity and porous borders pose security challenges, including insurgency and cross-border crime. India's strategic initiatives, such as the Act East Policy, aim to enhance connectivity and economic integration with ASEAN countries. The region's natural resources and potential for hydropower also add to its strategic importance.