UPSC 2014 Mains Question Paper - Geography (Paper II)

UPSC Mains 2014

Geography – Paper II

Time: 3 hours

Marks: 250

Instructions

v    Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams wherever necessary. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.

v    There are EIGHT questions divided in two Sections and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.

v    Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.

v    Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each Section.

v    The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.

v    Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorized one.

v    Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.

v    Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly

SECTION A

(01) Answer following. 5 x 10 = 50 marks.

(I) 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 the locations, whether physical / commercial / economic / environmental / cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry:

(2 x 5 =10 marks)

A. Guru Shikhar

B. Bhor Ghat

C. Shravanabelagola

D. Kalibangan

E. Ganga Sagar

(II)  Explain how eco-tourism, activities could be important livelihood options in the Himalayan and North-Eastern regions of the country.

(III) How is drainage pattern determined by the water divide?

(IV) Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are mot mutually conducive. Analyse.

(V) Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives?

(02) Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

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

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

(III) Describe the problems of agro-based industries in India in general and cotton textiles in particular.

(03) Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

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

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

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

(04) Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

(I) Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalseema region.

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

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

SECTION B

(05) Answer following: 5 x 10 = 50 marks.

(I) 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 x 5 = 10 marks)

A. Mundra Port

B. Chandipur

C. Mahendragiri

D. Hazira

E. Vembanad Lake

(II) Highlight the implications of declining child sex ratio in India.

(III) Analyse the feasibility of “Smart Towns’ Development in India.

(IV) Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India.

(V) Bring out the role of terrain in determining India’s political influence over neighbouring countries.

(06) Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

(I) Discuss the trends in emigration focusing on its major thrust.

(II) Account for the multiple problems of urban agglomerations.

(III) Evaluate the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme.

(07) Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

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

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

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

(08) Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

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

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

(III) How has an inappropriate urban land use policy accounted for undesirable development in and around metropolitan cities.

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For More on UPSC 2014 Mains Question Papers:

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GS Paper I 
GS Paper II
GS Paper III
GS Paper IV
Geography - Paper I
Geography - Paper II [You are Here!!]

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