UPSC Mains 2024 Geography Paper II
Explore the complete UPSC Mains Geography Paper II question paper from 2024, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.
The official PDF is UPSC’s own bilingual file. The UPSC Gurus edition is a clean English version formatted for easy reading and printing.
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Question Paper Specific Instructions
- There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS.
- Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- 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.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches/maps and diagrams, wherever considered necessary. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
Section A
- 1
Question 1
50marks- 1(a)20marks
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: (i) Lunkaransar (ii) Gua (iii) Raidak River (iv) Ekta Nagar (v) Chandanwari (vi) Babina (vii) Tatipaka (viii) Along Airport (ix) Karaikal (x) Panna [Outline map of India provided]
- 1(b)10marks
Discuss the basis of various explanations for the formation of Shiwalik.
- 1(c)10marks
Conservation and breeding centres are important components of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation, 2020-2025. Why?
- 1(d)10marks
North-Eastern States of India are geopolitically sensitive and strategically significant. Explain.
- 1(a)
- 2
Question 2
50marks- 2(a)20marks
Institutional factors are playing a dominant role in controlling the agricultural prosperity in India. Justify with evidences.
- 2(b)15marks
The Indian Space Policy, 2023 supports the commercial presence in space. In what ways will it benefit the socio-economic development and security of India?
- 2(c)15marks
Discuss the process of formation of conurbations in India and describe their problems.
- 2(a)
- 3
Question 3
50marks- 3(a)20marks
India has wide-ranging regional disparities in economic development. Explain the patterns, implications and challenges.
- 3(b)15marks
Discuss the variations in nature of glaciers in India and the emerging issues due to climate change.
- 3(c)15marks
Domestic tourism in India has immense local resource potential. Discuss the reasons and its various dimensions.
- 3(a)
- 4
Question 4
50marks- 4(a)20marks
Migration is the reflection of regional disparities. What socio-economic and demographic consequences are experienced at the place of origin and destination?
- 4(b)15marks
In spite of various tribal area development programmes in India, tribal areas still lag behind. Discuss critically with examples.
- 4(c)15marks
Water scarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions.
- 4(a)
Section B
- 5
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
50marks- 5(a)10marks
How are geographic factors influencing the distribution of high annual rainfall in certain parts of India?
- 5(b)10marks
Indian population belongs to large number of races. Discuss the spatial distribution of major races.
- 5(c)10marks
Examine the transitional role of technology on Indian agriculture sector.
- 5(d)10marks
Describe the area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India.
- 5(e)10marks
Examine the relationship between seaports and regional development in India.
- 5(a)
- 6
Question 6
50marks- 6(a)20marks
Industrial waste is diversified. Discuss the potentials and challenges associated with it.
- 6(b)15marks
How is cultural background of States of India reflected in the attributes of sex and age structure?
- 6(c)15marks
Discuss the targets of focused interventions of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, 2024 in rural and urban areas.
- 6(a)
- 7
Question 7
50marks- 7(a)20marks
India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits.
- 7(b)15marks
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act devolved functions, finances and functionaries for planning of rural areas in India. Discuss the major achievements with examples.
- 7(c)15marks
How do small and fragmented landholdings affect the agro-ecological system in rural India? What are the resilient steps needed to overcome this issue?
- 7(a)
- 8
Question 8
50marks- 8(a)20marks
How can morphology of Indian towns be described historically? Discuss the major features of the first planned city in India after independence.
- 8(b)15marks
Health is the outcome of interaction between physical setting, cultural traits and ecological connection. Explain.
- 8(c)15marks
What are the major regional rapid transit systems developed in India? How are urban problems being addressed by them?
- 8(a)
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