Geography 2024 Paper II 50 marks 30 words Compulsory Discuss

Q1

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 प्रश्न 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)

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2024 Geography questions

Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. 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 '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.

Key points expected

  • 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

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Demonstrates accurate understanding of Shiwalik tectonics (foreland basin, molasse, neo-tectonics), vulture ecology (Gyps bengalensis, diclofenac toxicity, ecological role as scavengers), and Northeast geopolitics (Act East Policy, Chicken's Neck, Chinese claims); no factual errors in geological processes or conservation biologyBasic grasp of Shiwalik as youngest Himalayan range and vulture decline causes, but confuses specific mechanisms (e.g., conflates Shiwalik formation with Lesser Himalaya) or oversimplifies Northeast strategic issues; minor errors in location significanceFundamental misconceptions about Shiwalik origin (e.g., volcanic origin), incorrect vulture species-ecosystem linkages, or confused Northeast geopolitical analysis (e.g., misidentifying border disputes); significant factual errors in location significance
Map / diagram20%10All 10 locations precisely marked on outline map with correct latitudinal-longitudinal positioning; significance statements strictly within 30-word limit covering diverse dimensions (physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural); uses appropriate symbols and clear labelling7-8 locations correctly marked with minor positional errors; significance statements exceed word limit or lack dimensional diversity; some confusion between similar names (e.g., Panna MP vs Panna river)Fewer than 6 locations correctly marked; major positional errors (e.g., placing Raidak in wrong river system, confusing Karaikal with Mahe); significance statements generic or missing; poor map hygiene
Indian regional examples20%10Rich, specific Indian examples: Shiwalik—Dun valleys (Dehra, Patli), relict drainage; vulture—Pinjore, Rajabhatkhawa, Rani breeding centres; Northeast—Doklam, Galwan context, Zoji-La, Nathu-La, specific hydro projects (Subansiri, Tipaimukh); links to tribal communities (Nyishi-Hornbill, Bishnoi-vulture)Some relevant examples but lacks specificity (e.g., mentions 'Duns' without naming, 'vulture centres' without locations, 'Northeast tribes' without naming); examples partially support argumentsFew or no specific Indian examples; uses generic South Asian or international references instead of required Indian cases; examples factually wrong (e.g., wrong state for location)
Spatial analysis20%10Explicit spatial reasoning: Shiwalik as physiographic transition zone between Plains and Himalaya; vulture distribution linked to livestock density and carcass availability gradients; Northeast analyzed through corridor geography, altitudinal zonation, and borderland spatiality; uses directional terms (north-south, east-west) accuratelySome spatial awareness evident but not systematically developed; mentions location without explaining spatial relationships (e.g., notes Shiwalik position but not its structural role); directional references impreciseAbsence of spatial analysis; treats locations as isolated points without geographic context; no understanding of spatial processes (diffusion, connectivity, fragmentation) in vulture conservation or Northeast strategy
Application / policy20%10Integrates current policy frameworks: Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025 (MoEFCC), diclofenac ban implementation, NSA (National Security Act) in border management, Act East Policy projects, Inner Line Permit system, and Sixth Schedule relevance; evaluates policy effectivenessMentions some policies but superficially (e.g., names Act East without specifics, notes vulture plan without components); policy-application link weak or descriptive rather than analyticalNo policy awareness; fails to mention Action Plan 2020-2025, diclofenac regulation, or any Northeast-specific policy instruments; answer remains purely physical-geographic without governance dimension

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →

More from Geography 2024 Paper II