UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2023: GS1 Geography | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Discuss the consequence of Climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (Geography)
Ans: 
Climate Change and Its Impact on Various Sectors:

Consequences:

1. Reduced Crop Yields:
   • Elevated temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events like droughts and floods can diminish both crop yields and quality.
   • In Sub-Saharan Africa, maize yields have experienced a decline of 5.8%.
2. Altered Growing Seasons:
   • Climate change can disrupt traditional farming seasons, negatively affecting agricultural productivity.
   • In India, erratic rainfall patterns and shorter growing seasons for crops like rice are attributed to climate change.
3. Food Price Volatility:
   • Climate change disruptions in food supply and demand can lead to price instability, impacting food accessibility.
   • The 2007-2008 food crisis, partially triggered by climatic factors such as droughts and floods, is a notable example.
4. Increased Vulnerability:
   • Tropical countries are increasingly vulnerable to cyclones and storms, resulting in damage to crops and food systems.
   • Cyclone Amphan in 2021, for instance, caused widespread damage to agriculture and fisheries in India.

Measures for Food Security in Tropical Countries:

To enhance food security in tropical regions, it is essential to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies, including:

•  Improving land management to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
•  Developing resilient crop varieties.
•   Dversifying food production systems and diets.
•   Promoting healthy and sustainable eating habits.
•   Reducing food waste across the entire supply chain.

Q2: Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Geography)
Ans: Freshwater, crucial for survival, health, and development, is currently in a global crisis. The UN reports that over 2 billion people reside in countries experiencing high water stress.
Reasons for Declining Freshwater Resources:

1. Climate Change:
   • Global warming disrupts the hydrological cycle, causing shifts in precipitation, glacier melt, and extremes like droughts and floods, adversely affecting freshwater resources.
   • The 2018 "Day Zero" crisis in Cape Town, nearly running out of water due to consecutive drought years, is an example.
2. Over-Extraction:
   • Overexploitation, particularly through activities like irrigation and mining, leads to freshwater depletion and degradation.
   • The Aral Sea, once the world's 4th-largest lake, has drastically diminished due to irrigation water diversion.
3. Pollution:
   • Freshwater pollution, resulting from untreated wastewater, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and solid waste, reduces its availability.
   • According to the UN, over 80% of wastewater is released without treatment.
4. Loss of Natural Reservoirs:
   • Harm to ecosystems that regulate water storage and filtration, such as wetlands, forests, and aquifers, contributes to the freshwater crisis.
   • Lake Kolleru in Andhra Pradesh, one of the largest freshwater lakes, is rapidly shrinking.

Remedial Measures: To address the freshwater crisis, several remedial measures are crucial:

•  Promoting water-saving practices like rainwater harvesting, as seen in Tamil Nadu's 'Namma Ooru-Namma Veetu' initiative.
• Adopting water-efficient farming methods, including precision agriculture and conservation tillage.
• Implementing innovative solutions like smart irrigation systems and water-efficient appliances, exemplified by the 'Sarvajal' project's solar-powered water ATMs.
• Reducing the water footprint through minimization and offsetting of water use.

Q3:  How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Geography)
Ans:  Fjords are sea inlets, characterized by their long, narrow, and deep structure, surrounded by steep cliffs or mountains. They result from glacial ice erosion and are typically found in regions where sea levels have risen post the ice age. Nations boasting fjords include Norway, Chile, New Zealand, and the U.S. state of Alaska.

Picturesque Features and Reasons:

• Fjords stand out for their picturesque qualities, attributed to:
• The striking contrast between the serene, blue waters and the rugged, snow-capped mountains.
• Reflections of mountains and the sky creating captivating images on the water's surface.
• The interplay of light and shadow on both the water and the surrounding cliffs.

Biodiversity and Cultural Harmony:

• Fjords support diverse marine and terrestrial life, including seals, penguins, dolphins, whales, seabirds, and various plants.
• Fjord culture encapsulates centuries of history, with farms, villages, churches, and monuments seamlessly blending with the breathtaking natural environment.

Recreational Opportunities:

• The recreational allure of fjords draws tourists, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, skiing, and cruising.

Fjords serve as remarkable examples of the harmonious blend of nature and culture, creating some of the world's most stunning areas.

Q4: Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultured ethos of the region? (Geography)
Ans: The South-West Monsoon, active from June to September, brings substantial rainfall to India. As these monsoon winds interact with various mountain ranges, they create easterly 'Purvaiya' winds in the Bhojpur region. This distinct wind pattern significantly influences Bhojpur's cultural identity, spanning parts of India and Nepal.

Impact of Purvaiya on Bhojpur's Cultural Ethos:

• Agriculture and Festivals: Purvaiya marks the beginning of the planting season and is celebrated with festivals like Teej.

• Rituals and Beliefs: Rain gods like Indra and Parjanya are worshiped for a fruitful harvest. Madhushravani involves paying homage to Vishahara and Gosaun.

• Traditional Cuisine: The growth of rice, vegetables, and fruits, facilitated by Purvaiya, influences the region's cuisine. Special dishes like Pua are prepared during this season.

• Folklore: 'Purvaiya' is a recurring theme in proverbs, songs, and poems that convey the winds' significance and evoke emotions. Proverbs such as “Purvaiya chale to khet khile” and folk songs like 'Birha' exemplify this cultural expression.

In essence, Purvaiya winds play a crucial role in shaping Bhojpur's culture, influencing its traditions, rituals, and daily life.

Q5: Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.(Geography)
Ans: India's extensive coastline, spanning over 7,500 kilometers along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, presents abundant resource opportunities and notable challenges related to natural disaster preparedness.

Resource Opportunities of India's Coastline:

• Fisheries: The marine-rich coastline is a vital center for fisheries, playing a key role in supporting a thriving fishing industry that significantly contributes to the country's food security.
• Ports and Shipping: Several major ports, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, along the coastline facilitate trade and commerce.
• Tourism: Coastal areas like Goa, Kerala, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors with their scenic beauty and cultural attractions.
• Mineral Resources: Coastal regions often harbor rich mineral resources, including sand, salt, and minerals like ilmenite, garnet, and monazite.
• Renewable Energy: India's coastline holds substantial potential for renewable energy generation, especially through offshore wind and tidal energy projects.

Natural Hazard Preparedness Status: Despite the opportunities, India's coastline faces vulnerability to natural hazards such as cyclones, tsunamis, and sea-level rise:

• Sea-level changes are actively monitored, with efforts directed toward enhancing coastal infrastructure resilience, conserving mangroves, and engaging in urban planning.
• The establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) facilitates coordinated disaster response and preparedness at national and state levels.
• Improvements in early warning systems, particularly for cyclones, have resulted in saving numerous lives.
• The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), operated by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), provides advanced capabilities in tsunami detection.
• INCOIS and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) play crucial roles in monitoring and understanding sea level trends and variations.

To ensure sustainable growth, ongoing efforts are needed in disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation in India's vulnerable coastal regions.

Q6: Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. (Geography)
Ans: India's natural vegetation showcases impressive diversity due to various geographical, climatic, and ecological factors.

Factors Influencing Diversity of Natural Vegetation in India:

• Geographic Variation: India's extensive and diverse geography, spanning from the Himalayas in the north to the southern coast, creates varied ecosystems and vegetation due to a wide range of climatic conditions.
• Climatic Variation: The diverse climates across India, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the north, directly influence regional vegetation patterns.
• Monsoon Winds: Monsoon winds bring significant rainfall, leading to the growth of tropical rainforests in certain areas and supporting xerophytic vegetation in arid regions.
• Altitude: Varied altitudes, from the Himalayas to lower regions, contribute to diverse vegetation, with alpine flora at higher altitudes and temperate forests at lower ones.
• Soil Types: Diverse soil types, including alluvial, red, laterite, and desert soils, impact plant species and distribution, influencing varied vegetation.

Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rainforest Regions of India:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Wildlife sanctuaries provide protected habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including those that may be endangered or endemic.
• Research and Education: These sanctuaries serve as living laboratories for researchers and conservationists to study and understand complex ecosystems.
• Tourism and Economic Benefits: Well-managed wildlife sanctuaries can attract ecotourism, bringing economic benefits to local communities.
• Carbon Sequestration: Rainforests play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Ecological Balance: Rainforests contribute to ecological balance by providing essential ecosystem services such as water purification, soil fertility, and pollination.

India's diverse natural vegetation is influenced by geography, climate, altitude, soil, and biodiversity, while rainforest wildlife sanctuaries play a vital role in conservation, research, tourism, carbon sequestration, and ecological health.

Q7: Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Geography)
Ans: The divergence between economic development and human development in India can be attributed to various complex and interconnected factors:

• Income Inequality: Persistent income inequality in India disproportionately favors the wealthy, hindering equitable access to healthcare, education, and basic services for a significant portion of the population.
• Education Disparities: Despite economic growth, India faces challenges in education, such as high dropout rates, inadequate infrastructure, and poor quality, limiting human capital development and workforce participation.
• Healthcare Inequities: Unequal healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, contributes to high disease burdens and child mortality rates, impacting human development indicators, compounded by limited access to clean water and sanitation.
• Gender Disparities: Gender inequality in India restricts women's access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Gender-based violence and discrimination further hinder their development.
• Social Exclusion: India's caste system and social hierarchies historically marginalize communities, limiting their opportunities and affecting human development outcomes.
• Inadequate Social Safety Nets: India's welfare programs often fall short in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, offering limited protection against poverty and malnutrition.
• Environmental Degradation: Unsustainable development and environmental degradation for economic growth have long-term consequences. Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion threaten well-being.
• Governance Challenges: Weak governance, corruption, and inefficient bureaucracy can hinder the effective implementation of policies and programs.

However, India has achieved significant growth over the years in social, economic, and political life. Human development has also been catching up with the pace of economic development, for example, in 1990, India's HDI score was 0.429, which increased to 0.633 by 2021.

Q17:  From being a net food importer in the 1960's, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide Reasons. (Geography)
Ans: Since the 1960s, when India faced chronic food shortages and had to depend on imports and food aid, the country has made significant progress in its ability to produce and export food.

As per the WTO's Trade Statistical Review (2022), India has achieved a position in the top 10 global agricultural exporters.

Factors Contributing to Progress:

1. Green Revolution: The introduction of the green revolution in the mid-1960s led to increased agricultural productivity, higher food grain production, and improved irrigation infrastructure.
2. Government Policies: Supportive government policies, including Minimum Support Price, e-NAM, subsidized inputs, and a better procurement system, encouraged farmers to enhance food production.
3. Research and Development: Investments in agricultural research and development, such as by the Indian Council for Agriculture Research, facilitated the adoption of improved technologies and methods.
4. Private Sector Participation:** Involvement of the private sector in agriculture and related fields, like food processing industries, led to better infrastructure, improved market access, and higher market prices (e.g., e-Choupal, Tata Kisan Kendras).
5. Diversification of Crops: The government's emphasis on diversifying India's food supply, through initiatives like the technology mission and Crop Diversification Programme (CDP), played a crucial role.
6. Trade Liberalization: The liberalization of trade in the 1990s and subsequent periods contributed to enhanced exports.
7. Global Demand: Increasing global demand in expanding world markets has also positively impacted Indian agriculture.

While India has become a significant net food exporter, it still faces challenges such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and effective water management. Ensuring that the benefits of exports reach small and marginal farmers remains a priority.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining and improving India's position in the global food market while ensuring national food security.