UPSC Mains Answer PYQ 2024: Geography Paper 1 (Section- B) | Geography Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Q5: Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Critically examine the significance of Behavioural Approach in the development of human geography.
Ans:
Introduction
The behavioural approach in human geography emerged in the 1960s as a critique of the quantitative revolution. It focuses on understanding human decision-making, perceptions, and motivations in spatial contexts.

Significance of Behavioural Approach

1. Human-Centric Perspective:

   • Prioritizes individual and group behavior over purely physical or economic factors.
   • Example: Migration studies considering aspirations and fears.

2. Bridging the Gap:

   • Connects quantitative data with qualitative insights, such as mental maps.

3. Policy Implications:

   • Helps urban planners design people-friendly spaces.
   • Example: Behavioural studies in transportation planning.

4. Criticism:

   • Subjective and difficult to quantify.
   • Overemphasis on micro-level interactions may ignore structural issues.

Conclusion
The behavioural approach enriches human geography by highlighting human agency and perception but requires integration with other methods for comprehensive analysis.

(b) “While scarcity of water resources are felt locally, but its causes are increasingly global." Comment.
Ans: 
Introduction
Water scarcity is a pressing issue globally, impacting agriculture, industry, and daily life. Though its effects are local, its causes are influenced by global factors.

Causes of Water Scarcity

1. Climate Change:

   • Global warming disrupts precipitation patterns.
   • Example: Melting glaciers in the Himalayas affect South Asian rivers.

2. Global Trade and Virtual Water:

   • Exporting water-intensive crops like rice depletes local resources (e.g., Punjab, India).

3. Population Growth and Urbanization:

   • Rapid global urbanization increases water demand.

4. Industrialization:

   • Multinational corporations extract local water for production (e.g., Coca-Cola in India).

Conclusion
Addressing water scarcity requires coordinated global actions, such as international agreements and sustainable resource management.

(c) Central Business Districts (CBDs) are in decline as the economic core of metropolitan cities. Critically examine.
Ans: 
Introduction
CBDs have historically been the economic hubs of cities. However, their significance is declining due to urban sprawl, technological advancements, and changing work patterns.

Reasons for Decline of CBDs

1. Decentralization:
   • Suburbanization shifts businesses and residents to peripheral areas.
2. Technological Changes:
   • Remote working and e-commerce reduce dependency on physical offices.
3. High Costs:
   • Rising rents make CBDs unaffordable for small businesses.
4. Traffic Congestion:
   • Poor accessibility discourages businesses and customers.

Counterarguments

1. Revitalization Efforts:
   • Redevelopment projects (e.g., Canary Wharf, London).
2. Cultural and Financial Significance:
   • CBDs remain symbolic and attract tourists.

Conclusion
While CBDs are facing challenges, adaptive strategies can maintain their relevance as economic and cultural centers.

(d) There is a need for gender-sensitive regional development. Elaborate.
Ans:
Introduction
Gender-sensitive regional development emphasizes equal opportunities and equitable resource distribution for all genders, addressing disparities in access, participation, and benefits.

Need for Gender-Sensitive Development

1. Economic Growth:

   • Women’s participation in the workforce boosts regional GDP.
   • Example: SHGs in India empower rural women economically.

2. Social Equity:

   • Reduces gender-based disparities in education, health, and employment.

3. Sustainability:

   • Women are crucial in resource management, especially in agriculture.
   • Example: Chipko Movement led by women for forest conservation.

Steps for Gender-Sensitive Development

1. Policy Interventions: Gender budgeting and women-focused welfare schemes.
2. Education and Skill Development: Enhancing women’s employability.
3. Infrastructure Development: Safe public spaces and gender-neutral transport systems.

Conclusion
Gender-sensitive development fosters inclusive growth and sustainable regional transformation.

(e) Explain the theoretical framework and stages of economic growth proposed by Rostow's model.
Ans: 
Introduction
Rostow’s “Stages of Economic Growth” (1960) outlines a linear progression of economies, emphasizing modernization and industrialization.

Stages of Rostow’s Model

1. Traditional Society:
   • Agrarian economy, subsistence farming, and limited technology.
2. Preconditions for Take-Off:
   • Investments in infrastructure and primary industries.
   • Example: Britain’s Industrial Revolution.
3. Take-Off:
   • Rapid industrialization, technological innovation, and urbanization.
   • Example: Japan post-Meiji Restoration.
4. Drive to Maturity:
   • Diversified industries and rising living standards.
5. Age of High Mass Consumption:
   • Consumer-oriented economy with widespread affluence.
   • Example: Post-World War II USA.

Criticism

1. Ignores historical and cultural contexts.
2. Assumes a universal path for development.

Conclusion
Rostow’s model provides a foundational framework for understanding economic transitions but requires adaptation to diverse socio-economic realities.

Q6: (a) The urbanisation process is particularly pronounced in Asia and Africa, where too many urban residents grapple with extreme poverty, exclusion, vulnerability and marginalisation. Discuss.
Ans:
Introduction
Urbanization in Asia and Africa is rapid, driven by population growth and rural-to-urban migration. However, the process has exacerbated socio-economic challenges like poverty, exclusion, and vulnerability.

Challenges of Urbanization

1. Extreme Poverty:

   • Limited access to basic services like housing, healthcare, and sanitation.
   • Example: Slums in Mumbai (India) and Kibera (Kenya).

2. Exclusion:

   • Marginalized groups face unequal access to opportunities and resources.
   • Informal workers lack job security and social protection.

3. Vulnerability:

   • Urban residents are exposed to environmental risks like floods and pollution.
   • Overcrowding intensifies public health crises (e.g., COVID-19 in densely populated cities).

4. Marginalization:

   • Displacement due to infrastructure projects and gentrification.
   • Example: Forced evictions in Lagos, Nigeria.

Solutions

1. Inclusive urban policies and slum rehabilitation.
2. Investment in affordable housing and public services.
3. Empowering marginalized communities through education and employment.

Conclusion
Sustainable and inclusive urban development is essential to address the challenges faced by urban residents in Asia and Africa.

(b) Explain how the physical view of geographical space has impacted the forms of spatial analysis.
Ans: 
Introduction
The physical view of geographical space focuses on the tangible features of the Earth’s surface, influencing the methodologies and frameworks in spatial analysis.

Impact on Spatial Analysis

1. Environmental Determinism:

   • Early theories linked human activities to physical landscapes.
   • Example: Settlements along rivers and fertile plains.

2. Quantitative Revolution:

   • Spatial analysis tools like GIS emerged to map physical features and analyze patterns.

3. Urban and Regional Planning:

   • Physical geography influences infrastructure development and land-use planning.
   • Example: Flood-prone areas mapped for disaster mitigation.

4. Transportation Networks:

   • Physical terrain dictates the design of transportation systems.
   • Example: Himalayan regions rely on narrow roads and tunnels.

5. Resource Management:

   • Spatial analysis identifies areas for sustainable resource extraction and conservation.

Conclusion
The physical view of space underpins spatial analysis, aiding in practical applications like urban planning, disaster management, and environmental conservation.

(c) Explain the Heartland theory with reference to contemporary geopolitical scenario of the world.
Ans: 
Introduction
The Heartland Theory, proposed by Halford Mackinder, emphasized Eurasia’s central region (the “Heartland”) as the key to global dominance. Contemporary geopolitics partially aligns with this theory.

Explanation of the Theory

1. Core Premise:
   • "Who rules East Europe commands the Heartland; who rules the Heartland commands the World-Island; who rules the World-Island commands the world."
2. Strategic Importance:
   • The Heartland’s resources and central location provide military and economic advantages.

Contemporary Relevance

1. Russia and Central Asia:

   • Russia’s geopolitical influence aligns with Mackinder’s view.
   • Example: Energy pipelines and military bases in Central Asia.

2. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

   • Infrastructure projects in Eurasia reinforce Heartland’s strategic significance.

3. NATO and US Strategy:

   • Efforts to counter Russia and China reflect Heartland’s enduring importance.

4. Emerging Multipolarity:

   • India, China, and Russia’s activities challenge unipolar dominance.

Conclusion
The Heartland theory remains relevant in contemporary geopolitics, influencing strategies in Eurasia. However, global interconnectedness has diversified power centers.

Q7: (a) ExpIain the basis of D. Whittlesey's classification of agricultural regions of the world.
Ans: 
Introduction
D. Whittlesey’s classification (1936) categorized global agricultural systems based on climatic, technological, and socio-economic factors, highlighting the diversity of farming practices.

Basis of Classification

1. Natural Environment:
   • Climate, soil, and topography dictate crop and livestock choices.
2. Cultural Practices:
   • Traditional versus mechanized farming systems.
3. Market Orientation:
   • Subsistence versus commercial agriculture.
4. Intensity of Land Use:
   • Extensive (e.g., ranching) versus intensive (e.g., wet rice farming).

Types of Agricultural Regions

1. Shifting Cultivation: Tropical regions (e.g., Amazon Basin).
2. Pastoral Nomadism: Arid regions (e.g., Sahara).
3. Mixed Farming: Temperate zones (e.g., Europe).
4. Plantation Agriculture: Tropics (e.g., tea estates in India).

Conclusion
Whittlesey’s classification remains a foundational framework for understanding agricultural diversity and its dependence on geographic and socio-economic factors.

(b) What is Transnationalism? Why has the scale and scope of transnational linkages of diaspora multiplied in recent times?
Ans: 
Introduction
Transnationalism refers to the interconnectedness of people and institutions across national borders, facilitated by migration, technology, and globalization.

Expansion of Transnational Linkages

1. Globalization:

   • Increased trade and cultural exchanges.
   • Example: Indian diaspora contributing to IT industries globally.

2. Technological Advancements:

   • Internet and communication tools connect diasporas with their homeland.

3. Economic Opportunities:

   • Remittances and investments from diasporas boost home economies.

4. Policy Frameworks:

   • Dual citizenship and diaspora engagement policies encourage connections.
   • Example: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India.

Conclusion
Transnationalism has fostered socio-economic and cultural exchanges, making diasporas key players in global networks.

(c) Assess the criteria required for selecting regions for developmental planning?
Ans: 
Introduction
Developmental planning requires identifying regions based on socio-economic needs, natural resources, and growth potential to ensure equitable progress.

Criteria for Selection

1. Economic Potential:

   • Resource availability and industrial base.
   • Example: Gujarat’s industrial hubs.

2. Infrastructure:

   • Connectivity, energy, and healthcare facilities.

3. Social Indicators:

   • Literacy rates, poverty levels, and gender equity.

4. Environmental Suitability:

   • Ensuring sustainability in resource use.

5. Special Needs:

   • Backward regions needing focused attention (e.g., North-East India).

Conclusion
Strategic regional planning fosters balanced growth, addressing disparities while optimizing resource use.

Q8: (a) What is complementary region? With reference to hierarchy of settlements, describe the different types of complementary regions as proposed by Christaller.
Ans: 
Introduction
A complementary region provides goods and services to surrounding areas. In Christaller’s Central Place Theory, it forms the basis of settlement hierarchies.

Types of Complementary Regions

1. Threshold Areas:
   • Minimum demand required for services (e.g., small towns).
2. Hierarchy Levels:
   • Low-order services (villages) versus high-order services (cities).
3. Overlapping Regions:
   • Complementary regions of neighboring settlements overlap for efficiency.

Conclusion
Complementary regions highlight the interdependence of settlements, shaping spatial planning and resource distribution.

(b) Analyse the spatial changes and emerging patterns of semiconductor manufacturing in the world.
Ans: 
Introduction
Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology. Their manufacturing has shifted geographically due to global trade, technology transfer, and market demands.

Spatial Changes

1. Initial Dominance:
   • USA and Japan led early semiconductor innovation.
2. Shift to Asia:
   • South Korea (Samsung), Taiwan (TSMC), and China emerged as leaders.

Emerging Patterns

1. Diversification:
   • Nations like India are investing in semiconductor hubs (e.g., Gujarat’s Semicon City).
2. Technological Advancements:
   • AI-driven chip production in advanced economies.
3. Supply Chain Dependencies:
   • US-China trade tensions impact global manufacturing.

Conclusion
Semiconductor production reflects economic shifts and geopolitical dynamics, necessitating resilient and diversified supply chains.

(c) "In developed countries, migration rather than fertility will be the main driver of population dynamics over the next few decades." Examine the statement.
Ans: 
Introduction
In developed nations, declining fertility rates and aging populations highlight migration as the primary factor influencing demographic changes.

Reasons for Migration Dominance

1. Aging Population:

   • Low fertility leads to workforce shortages.
   • Example: Japan’s reliance on migrant workers.

2. Economic Needs:

   • Skilled migrants fill gaps in healthcare and technology sectors.

3. Global Mobility:

   • Policies favoring skilled migration boost population growth.
   • Example: Canada’s immigration programs.

Conclusion
Migration will shape population dynamics in developed nations, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies to integrate migrants effectively.