4) The World Bank-funded hydrology project in some states in India

was helpful in coping with flood related problems. What do you

understand by hydrological data? Analyse why reliable hydrological
data is important in flood management. (200 Words)
5) Changes in various policies related to trade and entry of multinational
companies in the Indian pharmaceutical industry were initiated in the
early 1970s. However, the pace of growth of this industry has shown a
remarkable upswing only after 1991, and particularly after 2005.
Critically examine which factors have been responsible for this growth.
(200 Words)
6) Maldives is redefining democracy in a way similar to the version the
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom presidency had in place for many decades
before the country held its first multiparty presidential election in
2008. In the light of recent developments in Maldives, critically
comment on the statement. (200 Words)
7) An Indian origin scientist in USA has proposed that geoengineering of
Eastern ghats can harness the full potential of moisture rich North
Eastern Monsoons to solve the water scarcity problem in the peninsular
India. What do you understand by geoengineering? Examine why North
Eastern Monsoon brings less rainfall far below its actual potential and
also critically discuss how geoengineering can solve the problem. (200
Words)
8) What do you understand by antimicrobial resistance? Examine its
health and economic costs on the world with special reference to India.
(200 Words)
9) What are cryogenic fuels? Examine their importance and application
in food processing industry. (150 Words)
10) Some analysts arguethat the public food supply chain for market
intervention has a favourable impact on the cost-benefit ratio, poverty
reduction, calorie consumption by the poor and productivity-led
agricultural growth. In this regard, examine the reforms needed in the
public food supply chain. (200 Words)
i

GEOGRAPHY
Paper II
SECTION A
Q1. (a) On the outline map of Ind a 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/ ecologicall environmental/ cultural, in not more than 30 words for each
entry: 2x5=10
(i) Guru Shikhar
(ii) Bhor Ghat
(iii) Shravanabelagola
(iv) Kalibangan
(v) Ganga Sagar
(b) Explain how eco-tourism activities could be important livelihood options in the Himalayan
and North-Eastern regions of the country. (150 words)10
(c) How is drainage pattern determined by the water divide? (150 words)10
(d) Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are not mutually conducive.
Analyse. (150 words) 10
(e) Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives? (150 words) 10
Q2. (a) Bring out the distribution of Laterite soils in India and their specific use for
agriculture. 20
(b) Suggest the measures of wild-life conservation with reference to extinction of rare
species. 15
(c) Describe the Problems of agro-based industries in India in general and cotton textiles in
particular. 15
Q3. (a) Highlight the socio-economic and ecological roles of River Cauvery in its riverine
tract. 20
(b) Discuss the problems and prospects of National Waterway No. 1. 15
(c) Explain the concept of 'Make in India' and indicate the essential inputs for its success. 15

Q4. (a) Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalaseema region. 20

(b) `In spite of various negative impacts of Green Revolution, there is a demand for New
Green Revolution'. Elaborate. 15
(c) What are the desired possible changes in our trade policy to promote the development of
cottage

industry? 15

SECTION B
Q5. (a) 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: 2x5=10
i.Mundra Port
ii.Chandipur
iii.Mahendragiri
iv.Hazira
v.Vembanad Lake
(b) Highlight the implications of declining child sex ratio in India. (150 words) 10
(c) Analyse the feasibility of 'Smart Towns' Development in India. (150 words) 10
(d) Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India. (150 words) 10
(e) Bring out the role of terrain in determining India's political influence over neighbouring
countries. (150 words) 10
Q6. (a) Discuss the trends in emigration focusing on its major thrust. 20
(b) Account for the multiple problems of urban agglomerations. 15
(c) Evaluate the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme. 15
Q7. (a) How can a meaningful skill development programme contribute to the economic
growth of hill areas? 20
(b) Differentiate between the 'intensity' and `magnitude' of an earthquake and explain its
varying impact in different parts of India.15

(c) Discuss the implications of India's strategic location with reference to the Indian
Ocean. 15
Q8. (a) India is involved in a number of border disputes. Explain the reasons and
remedies. 20
(b) Discuss the concept of Command Area Development and evaluate its success with
reference to Indira Gandhi Canal. 15
(c) How has an inappropriate urban land use policy accounted for undesirable development
in and around metropolitan cities? 15

Answer ALL the questions(1-6) in about 200 words:

1) Examine the merits and demerits of modernising and running Indias
large railway stations in the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.
2) Critically comment on the significance of Iraqi governments
recent long-term accord with the autonomous Kurdish region to share
the countrys oil wealth and military resources.
3) Examine why is India reluctant to sign the Information Technology
Agreement (ITA) of WTO. Also examine why is India facing renewed
pressure to sign the ITA?
4) Critically comment on the key recommendations of the Tax
Administration and Reform Commission (TARC) which submitted its
third report recently to the government.
5) In India, some cities are changed from being a congenial space of
shared amenities and relationships to a fearful nightmare of private
strongholds and walled compounds insecure, insular and isolated.
Critically examine why and its consequences.

6) Examine why the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)

system was introduced in schools and why is there an opposition now to
this system?