Geography UPSC Mains Topic Wise Previous Year Questions (1979-2023)

Geography UPSC Mains Topic Wise Previous Year Questions (1979-2023)

Geography holds significant importance in the UPSC civil services examination, featuring prominently in both the preliminary and mains stages. Moreover, the UPSC offers Geography as an optional subject, and it enjoys widespread popularity among candidates, irrespective of their academic backgrounds in science or arts. This popularity can be attributed to its logical approach and its potential for high scores. However, even if candidates do not select Geography as their optional subject, a comprehensive understanding of the subject remains crucial for success in clearing the IAS exam. A total of 70 questions were asked by UPSC in the last 10 Years.

  1. (a) What is the ‘diamond ring effect’ observed during a total solar eclipse? How is it caused?
    (b) Astronomers have, of late, been discussing ‘black hole’. What is a ‘black hole’? 1979
  2. Why has Saturn’s Titan been in the news recently? 2011
  3. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (150 words) 2017
  1. Mention the number of States and the number of Union Territories in India. 1979
  2. Is it correct to say that the land of India slopes from West to East? 1981
  3. Briefly describe the role of the Himalayas in the resource development of the country. 1983
  4. (a) Why has Bombay longer sunshine after office hours than Calcutta?
    (b) Why is the Coromandel coastal plain wider than the Malabar coast? 1983
  5. Name the main physiographic divisions of India and give the salient features of each division. 1984
  6. (a) Despite the fact that half of India lies outside the Tropic of Cancer, India is called a tropical country. Why is it so? 1987
    (b) What is the Exclusive Economic Zone of India? Why has it been constituted? 1987
  7. What is eutrophication? What are its effects? 1987
  8. How was the Meghalaya Plateau separated from the Deccan Plateau? 1991
  9. What do you understand by Deccan Trap? Describe Its characteristics. 1995
  10. Why do the Western Ghats receive more rainfall than the Eastern Ghats? 1995
  11. Mention the advantages that India enjoys being at the head of the Indian Ocean. 1996
  12. What are the geo-economic causes of underdevelopment of various regions in India? 1998
  13. How do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep differ in geological evolution and topographical conditions? 1998
  14. How is deforestation of Himalayas disturbing the ecological balance of north India? 1999
  15. What is the importance of the Indian Ocean for India? 1999
  16. Write note on Linguistic regions of India. 2000
  17. Had there been no Himalayas, what would have been the winter climate in north India? 2001
  18. Write a short note on Glacier. 2001
  19. Write a short note on Equinox. 2001
  20. Write a short note on Define Teral Region. 2003
  21. Why are the Aravallis called a divide between Mewar and Marwar? 2004
  22. Write a short note on Karewas. 2005
  23. Write a short note on New Moore Island. 2006
  24. Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in the development of the South- West monsoon. (125 words) 2007
  25. Write notes on Indira Point (20 words) 2007
  26. Write notes on Causes of Chambal Ravines. (20 words) 2007
  27. Write about Terai Region in 20 words. 2008
  28. Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic development in India. 2009
  29. Write about Barren Island. 2009
  30. Write brief but precise note on Sea – floor spreading.2010
  31. Examine the causes and the extent of ‘desertification in India and suggest remedial measures. (250 words) 2012
  32. What do you understand by the theory of ‘continental drift’? Discuss the prominent evidence in its support. (100 words) 2013
  33. Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-300 N latitudes and on the western side of the continent. Why? (200 words) 2013
  34. Bring out the causes for the more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (100 words) 2013
  35. There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? 2013
  36. Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. 2014
  37. Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014
  38. “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. 2016
  39. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (Answer in 150 words) 2018
  40. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? 2019
  41. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words) 2020
  42. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2020
  43. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words) 2021
  44. Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 2021
  45. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
  46. How are the fiords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? 2023
  1. Unlike most other parts of the country, why is the Tamil Nadu coast wettest in November-December and not in July-August? (1980
  2. (a) What is the greenhouse effect? 1981
    (b) What is ‘Jaipur Foot’?
    (c) What is the Richter scale used for?
    (d) What is biological nitrogen fixation?
  3. Monsoon is known to be an energy released by the sea. Explain. How does this energy benefit the entire economic system of our country? In what ways could this country prepare itself to fight the vagaries of the monsoons? (About 150 words) 1982
  4. Why is India undertaking expeditions to Antarctica? Describe the influence of Antarctica and the Antarctic ocean on the climate of India and on the nutrient and energy supply to the Indian Ocean. 1983
  5. How far is It justifiable to state that the financial budget of this country is a gamble, against the Indian monsoon? To what extent have developmental measures solved the problem? 1986
  6. What is the basis of monsoon forecasts now prepared by the Indian Meteorological Department, which have been reasonably correct for the last three successive years? 1991
  7. Which part of India receives more rainfall from the northeast monsoon than from the southwest monsoon? Explain why It Is so. 1994
  8. What is the ‘intensity of rainfall’? Discuss Its importance to Indian farmers. 1995
  9. Discuss the origin of the Monsoon in India. 1997
  10. Mention the agro-climatic regions of India stating the basis of classification. 2000
  11. Write short note on Mango Showers. 2000
  12. Explain the causes of the Indian Monsoon. 2001
  13. Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall over India In the summer monsoon season. 2002
  14. Write note on Winter rains In India. 2008
  15. The winter rains in North India are largely related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances. Bring out the relationship. (150 words) 2008
  16. Write about Nor’westers In 20 words. 2008
  17. Bring out the significance of the various activities of the Indian Meteorological Department. 2009
  18. List the significant local storms of the hot-weather season In the country and bring out their socio – economic Impact. (150 words) 2010
  19. Write brief but precise note on Frontogenesis and Frontolysis. 2010
  20. Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100 words) 2013
  21. What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place? (100 words) 2010
  22. Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? 2015
  23. How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss 2015
  24. How does the cryosphere affect global climate? (150 words) 2017
  25. Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 2021
  26. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect eh weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 2021
  27. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
  28. Troposphere is very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? 2022
  29. Discuss the consequences of climate change on food security in Tropical countries. 2023
  30. Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (Easterly) in Bhojpur region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? 2023
  1. Possessing a tremendous diversity of climate and physical conditions, India has a great variety of fauna. What are the main categories/ species of Indian fauna? Name any three which are unique in the world. What Important steps are being taken to preserve them? Have these efforts been successful? (150 words) 1982
  2. Which Is the largest expanse of tidal forests in India and in which State is it located? 1984
  3. Where do we find large desert areas in India? What steps have been taken by the Government for their development? 1985
  4. List major areas of wasteland in India. Write a note on the prospects of the wasteland development in the Country explaining its impact on the food, fodder, and fuel supply. 1986
  5. Which parts of India are described as ‘arid zones’? Comment on the characteristics and economic activities prevalent in these regions. 1993
  6. Where do mangrove forests occur In India? Describe their main characteristics. 1996
  7. Why has there been opposition from the North-Eastern States to the Supreme Court ban on all activities inside forests? 1997
  8. Which parts of India have been identified as drought-prone? Mention the norms for such identification. 1998
  9. What is wasteland? Write a note on the prospects of wasteland development in India.2000
  10. What are mangroves and in what way are they useful to us? 2001
  11. ‘Mention the area of Shola forests in India. 2003
  12. Write a short note on the following: 2004
    1. The Sambhar Lake
    2. The Sundarban
    3. Bombay High
    4. Sabarkantha & Banaskantha
  13. Discuss the wetlands and their role In ecological conservation in India. 2009
  14. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. 2019
  15. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
  16. 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.
  1. Describe the various types of soils and their distribution in India. 1983
  2. Soil erosion is one of the most crucial problems In India and offers the most frightening prospects for the coming years. Describe the various kinds of soil erosion and the steps which may be taken for the protection of land steps which may be taken for the protection of land. 1984
  3. What are laterite soils? Where do we find these In India? Explain their problem and the most suitable use. 1984
  4. What is black soil? Give their distribution in India and explain their uses and problems. 1988
  5. What is the need for soil conservation? What are the major measures taken by the Government towards conserving soil in India? 1990
  6. Why is the soil of Malwa In Madhya Pradesh black while that of Karnataka red? Discuss the relative fertility of these soils. 1994
  7. Write short note on India’s Laterite soils. 2000
  8. Write a short note on Regurs. 2005
  9. Write note on Causes of Soil erosion and its control in India. 2005
  10. Write notes on Inceptisol. (20 words) 2007
  1. Name the major International rivers flowing through India. What Countries / States are covered by the Ganga and the Godavari rivers on their course from their source to the sea? 1980
  2. Describe the different methods of irrigation practiced in India and bring out their relative importance in view of the recent developments in irrigation. 1984
  3. What Is Dakshin Gangotri and where is it located? 1984
  4. What is ‘Dakshina Ganga’? Why is it so named? 1991
  5. Describe the various measures taken under the Ganga Action Plan and their impact on the water quality of the river. (About 250 words) 1994
  6. Why have the rivers of peninsular India well-defined rigid channels In sharp contrast to the Himalayan rivers? 1995
  7. Write a short note on “Two prominent left bank tributaries of river Ganges”. 2001
  8. Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of Peninsular India. 2003
  9. Elucidate the factors contributing to the growing need for water harvesting in India, both rural and urban. 2005
  10. Write note on Significance of Lake Chilka. 2005
  11. Why do the rivers of west coast not form a delta? 2006
  12. Write note on Hussain Sagar. 2006
  13. Write about Buckingham Canal. 2008
  14. Write brief but precise note on Causes for dominant dendritic pattern of drainage in the Gangetic plains. 2010
  1. Can the agricultural development, we have achieved so far, be considered adequate? If so, why? If not, why not? 1980
  2. Which are the States in India that produce (i) groundnut, (ii) tea, (iii) tobacco, and (iv) pepper? 1980
  3. Write short notes on the following: 1981
    1. Thai – Vaishet Project
    2. Operation flood
  4. What is shifting cultivation? Where in India has this been resorted to? Consider its consequences and examine the steps taken by the Government to prevent this practice. 1981
  5. Discuss the geographical conditions favoring the cultivation of wheat or rice in India and describe the steps taken to improve its productivity. (About 150 words). 1982
  6. Name the cotton-growing areas of India. Describe the various factors that favor its cultivation in these areas. What part does cotton play in the present-day economy of India? 1983
  7. The government of India has given high priority to Oilseeds Development Program. What strategy has been adopted to accelerate the efforts to increase their production? Name important oilseeds cultivated in India with their distribution. 1984
  8. What are the important wheat-growing regions in India and why? Are we now growing enough wheat in India to meet our own demand for it? 1985
  9. What is white revolution? Discuss the different factors which have helped to bring about this revolution in India. 1986
  10. The Government of India has recently set up a Department of Food Processing. What are its functions? 1988
  11. Explain the concept of ‘social forestry’ in India. 1990
  12. Mention the states where shifting cultivation is still practiced in India. 1990
  13. Briefly explain the use of various chemical fertilizers in Indian agriculture. 1990
  14. What is social forestry? Describe how social forestry can help in the uplift of the rural poor. 1993
  15. What is dryland agriculture? Discuss its importance to India. 1994
  16. What is shifting cultivation? Describe its salient characteristics with reference to India. 1996
  17. What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India. 1999
  18. Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and state the economic significance of these plantations. 2002
  19. Write short notes on Jhum cultivation – process and consequences. 2002
  20. Write a note on the Negative impacts of shifting cultivation. 2005
  21. Agricultural Productivity in India remains low. Explain the reasons for this situation. (150 words) 2008
  22. Write about Organic Farming in 20 words. 2008
  23. Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for a regionally differentiated approach to increase crop production and Diversification in the country. 2009
  24. Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivalik and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. 2014
  25. Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? 2014
  26. Mention the advantage of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared the International Year of Pulses By the United Nations. 2017
  27. How and to what extent would micro irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? 2021
    1. Why is there a concentration of the jute mills along the Hooghly and chemical industries in Gujarat? 1979
    2. Briefly outline the causes of sickness in industries, particularly in the eastern region of India. What are the concrete measures that are being taken to meet the situation and with what results? 1980
    3. Mention the distribution of steel plants in India, with foreign collaboration or assistance, if any. What are the locational advantages enjoyed by each of these plant? 1981
    4. What is an industrial sick unit? Name the Indian industry where the problem of industrial sickness is very acute. 1990
    5. What is the exclusive economic zone of a country? Discuss its relevance to India. 1994
    6. Name the mineral which is mined at each of the following places: 1994
      1. Neyveli
      2. Panna
      3. Jaduguda
    7. Name the industry which is located at each of the following places: 1995
      1. Bongaigaon
      2. Alwaye
      3. Kapurthala
    8. Describe the changes that have taken place in the direction of international trade of India since Independence. 1998
    9. Write note on Khetri Copper Project. 2002
    10. Account for the very high concentration of salt extraction industries in the Saurashtra and South Tamilnadu Coast. 2003
    11. Examine the distribution of oil refineries in India. 2004
    12. Write note on Mixed economy. 2006
    13. Write notes on Special Economic Zone (SEZ). (20 words) 2007
    14. Bring out the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones. (150 words) 2008
    15. Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southern states of India? Discuss with justification. (100 words) 2013
    16. Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (100 words) 2013
    17. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014
    18. Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. 2019
    19. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2020
    20. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (Answer in 250 words) 2021
    21. Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words) 2022
  1. Bring out the findings of the 1981 Census in regard to the growth and variations in rates of growth of population in different parts of the country. How do you account for the population explosion during the last three decades? What measures should be adopted for population control? 1981
  2. Where do the Todas and Santhals live in India? 1986
  3. Mention any three tribal areas in India. What are the main components of the Government’s tribal development programme? 1988
  4. Explain the factors affecting the distribution of population In India, bringing out the variation in density over space. 1991
  5. What measures has the Government of India taken for the development of Tribal areas in India? (97/lI/6b/15)
  6. Examine the fallout of the population explosion in India at the close of twentieth century. (98/I/6a/10)
  7. Name the mega cities of India and mention their specific problems. (99/II/6c/15)
  8. Explain the major racial groups of India. (00/I/4b/10)
  9. Write short note on Census definition of urban places. (02/I/5(iv)/2)
  10. State the four distinctive stages of Indian Demographic history. (03/I/4C/10)
  11. Write short notes on the following :
    (I) Who are Todas and where do they live?
    (ii) Name any four principal languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (03/I/5(iil),(iv)/2)
  12. Write notes on Jarawas. (20 words) (07/I/5C/2)
  13. Write about Demographic Dividend. (08/I/4d/2)
  14. Write brief but precise note on Transhumance in India. 2010
  15. What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (250 words) 2017
  1. Name two major ports each in India’s eastern and western sea coast and the major export/imports through each of these ports. 1980
  2. Which are the terminal stations of the Black Diamond Express? Why is the train so named? 1981
  3. Point out at least three advantages of dieselisation of rail transport in India. 1985
  4. Where is the largest railway marshalling yard located in India? Also name the railway and the district. 1984
  5. What is MRTS? Where it is in operation? 2003
  6. What is Golden Quadrilateral? How will it help in the economic development of the country? 2004
  7. Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in India. How far do you agree with this view? 2007
  8. Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016
  9. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (Answer in 250 words) 2018
  10. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? 2019
  1. What are the current problems facing the Tarapur Atomic Power Project and what steps are being considered to overcome them? 1979
  2. Name the atomic mineral of which India has abundant resources. 1979
  3. Comment on the performance of the Power (Electricity) Sector in India. What is the Impact of recurring power shortages and frequent power cuts on production and growth? What steps could be taken to tone up the performance of this vital sector of the economy? 1980
  4. What is Geothermal? Mention a few areas where we have located geothermal resources in India. 1980
  5. What is Bombay High? What Is SAGAR SAMRT’S connection with Bombay High? 1980
  6. What measures have been taken by the Government of India to develop our own sources for the supply of petroleum crude? Discuss the measure of success achieved in this regard. 1985
  7. Expert opinion is sharply divided regarding the advisability or otherwise of building nuclear power plants in India. Summarize the chief arguments on either side and suggest what according to you would be a wiser policy.  (About 250 words) 1987
  8. What is the need for Coal Conservation? What are the major components of India’s Coal Conservation Policy? 1987
  9. Explain the term captive power station. What is the aim of setting up of such stations? 1990
  10. What do you understand by the Integrated Rural Energy System? Also mention at least three new sources of Energy. 1991
  11. Discuss the potential of solar energy utilization in India. (About 250 words) 1992
  12. Mention some of the new programs that have been undertaken in recent years in respect of nuclear research in India. 1992
  13. Name of main petroleum producing areas in India. 2002
  14. Write short note on Bombay High. 2004
  15. What are the resource bases available for the economic development of the newly created States of Jharkhand and Uttaranchal? 2005
  16. Bring out the prospects of development of alternative energy sources of India. 2006
  17. Write about Ultra Mega Power Projects 2006
  18. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (200 words) 2013
  19. “Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss (150 words) 2017
  20. Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words) 2017
  21. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
  22. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
  1. It is said that India has substantial reserve of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (200 words) 2013
  2. How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014
  3. What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? 2015
  4. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? (Answer in 150 words) 2018
  5. Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? 2019
  6. Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
  7. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (250 words) 2023
  1. Explain briefly the importance of the Beas Sutlej Link Project. 1979
  2. What is the economic importance of the Kandla and Paradeep ports? 1979
  3. What is the scope of the Farakka Barrage and what are the problems relating to it? What proposals have been put forward toresolve the problems and with what results? 1980
  4. Where is Thein dam being built and why? 1985
  5. What are the objects of the Ganga Action Plan? Explain, in brief, the benefits of the plan. (About 75 words) 1986
  6. Scarcity of safe drinking water is an acute problem In a large number of villages in India. Point out the factors which make even the available water unfit for drinkingby the rural population. What steps would you Recommend to make such water potable? (About 250 words) 1987
  7. What is “under-water archaeology”? What important findings have been made in Indian coastal waters recently? 1987
  8. What is fluorosis? What can be done to minimise its harmful effects? 1988
  9. Where is Tehri Dam located and what is the scope of the project? What are the objections of the Environmentalists to the project? 1990
  10. Explain the concept of National Water Grid and its objectives. 1990
  11. Comment on the detrimental effects of canal irrigation? 1990
  12. What is ‘Jal Shakti’? What are its uses? 1991
  13. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is expected to set up a number of hydroelectric projects in the Eighth plan. Summarise the salient features of the proposal. 1991
  14. What is drip irrigation? Why is it considered the most efficient method of irrigation? 1995
  15. Why has the Narmada River Valley Project attracted the attention of the common people? 1997
  16. What do you know about Narmada Sagar Dam? 1998
  17. Write note on Nagarjunasagar Project. 2000
  18. What do you know about Hirakud Project. 2001
  19. Write note on National Water Grid. 2006
  20. Write about National Waterways. 2009
  21. The impact of climate change on water resources in India. Examine, (in about 150 words) 2011
  22. Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. 2014
  23. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. 2015
  24. The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. 2016
  25. Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? 2016
  26. In what way micro -watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? 2016
  27. Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. (250 words) 2017
  28. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas? (Answer in 250 words) 2018
  29. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (Answer in 250 words) 2018
  30. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? 2019
  31. How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples. 2020
  32. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words) 2020
  33. The interlinking of revivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
  34. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
  35. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? 2023 
  1. Examine the recent developments that have taken place in identifying and mapping land resources in India. 1991
  2. What do you understand by Command Area Development? 1992
  3. Why is there a demand for making Uttarakhand a Separate Hill State in India? 1997
  4. Write a short note on Multi-level planning in India. 2000
  5. ‘Political boundaries and regional boundaries need to be co-terminus.’ Do you agree? 2005
  6. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. 2015
  1. What is the economic rationale behind the establishment of “growth centers”? Briefly explain the criteria for selecting three growth centres. 1990
  2. As part of the process of urban sprawl’, distinguish between urban peripheral growth, suburbs and satellite towns giving, at least, one example of each type from any metropolitan centre of India. 1990
  3. Define the concept of ‘growth centres’ and evaluate its relevance in regional planning in India. 2002
  4. Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India. 2007
  5. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. 2022