Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250
Q1. (a) On the outline map of India provided, mark the location of the following. Write in your answer booklet the physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural significance of each in no more than 30 words. (2x10=20)
(i) Kutch
(ii) Auroville
(iii) Ziro Valley
(iv) Atal Tunnel
(v) Coorg
(vi) Bhitarkanika
(vii) Hampi
(viii) Tawang
(ix) Agatti Island
(x) Rann of Kutch
(b) Why does air pollution continue to be a persistent challenge in the Indo-Gangetic Plains? (10 marks)
(c) How does India’s topography influence its renewable energy potential? Suggest a diagram. (10 marks)
(d) Explain how coastal erosion impacts India’s coastal ecosystems and communities. (10 marks)
Q2.
(a) Critically analyze the factors contributing to the increasing frequency of cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the role of India’s river systems in shaping its agricultural productivity with recent examples. (15 marks)
(c) Evaluate the challenges of urban flooding in India’s metropolitan cities with reference to 2024 events. (15 marks)
Q3.
(a) Examine the impact of climate change on India’s Himalayan ecosystems and suggest mitigation strategies. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the significance of India’s coastal economic zones in boosting maritime trade. (15 marks)
(c) (PYQ) Soils of India are clear reflections of the structure and process. (15 marks)
Q4.
(a) Correlate India’s geological diversity with its renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Suggest a diagram. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the role of micro-irrigation in enhancing agricultural sustainability in India’s semi-arid regions. (15 marks)
(c) Analyze the impact of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) on India’s northern states with recent examples. (15 marks)
Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10x5=50)
(a) Discuss the role of the National Green Tribunal in addressing environmental issues in India.
(b) How can urban local bodies contribute to sustainable urban planning in India?
(c) Evaluate the significance of India’s eastern ports in enhancing trade with ASEAN countries.
(d) How does the decline in India’s sex ratio impact its demographic dividend?
(e) (PYQ) Kalapani dispute has opened a new front on the India-Nepal international border. Explain.
Q6.
(a) Why do regional disparities in infrastructure development persist in India? How does the PM Gati Shakti initiative address this? (20 marks)
(b) Critically examine the role of India’s space program in disaster management. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the socio-economic challenges of India’s aging population with reference to 2024-2025 trends. (15 marks)
Q7.
(a) Analyze the growth of IT hubs in southern India and their impact on regional development. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the emergence of eco-tourism in India’s north-eastern states. (15 marks)
(c) Evaluate the role of smart cities in addressing India’s urban housing crisis. (15 marks)
Q8.
(a) How do physiographic regions of India influence its agricultural regionalization? Illustrate with a map. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the geopolitical significance of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indo-Pacific region. (15 marks)
(c) Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in ensuring food security. (15 marks)
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