Indian Geography

• The Indian subcontinent’s collision with the Eurasian plate has resulted in the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. Provide an explanation of the geodynamic processes that underlie this collision and subsequently the formation of Himalayas.

Physical Geography of India

Physiography of India

• How are landslides in the Western Ghats different from those in the Himalayas?
• Explain the underlying causes behind the phenomenon of sinking islands in India’s coastal regions. Also, evaluate its possible implications for the nation as a whole and island communities in particular.
• Analyse the possible impact of climate change on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). What steps can be taken to mitigate it?

Drainage System

• Examine the reasons for ground water stress and ways through which India can harness floodwaters as a strategy to alleviate water stress?
• Illustrate the distinctions that characterize rivers in northern and southern regions of India.

Climate

• Pre-monsoon season in India is characterised by thunderstorms, lightning and many such events. In this context, explain how thunderstorms are formed and discuss the impact of pre-monsoonal rainfall in various regions of India.
• In recent years, India has witnessed an increase in extreme weather events. Assess the factors contributing to this trend.
• Explain the mechanism behind the onset of the Indian monsoon. Additionally, explain the effect of ENSO on the Indian monsoon.

Soils in India

• State the major types of soils in India and their characteristics. It also gives an account of the spatial distribution of soil in India.
• In view of the important role played by soil for the ecosystem, discuss the significance of sustainable soil management in India.

Natural Vegetation

• India’s diverse climatic conditions have given rise to a wide range of natural vegetation types, each adapted to specific environmental conditions. Examine the major threats to vegetation in India.

Human Geography

Demography

• Demographic dividend: How can India leverage its biggest strength?

Urbanization

• A large proportion of India’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050. In this context, discuss the need for urban green spaces in creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in the country.

Census

• The question of whether to conduct a caste-based census in India is a complex and contentious one. While there are valid arguments in favour of such a census, there are also concerns about the potential for further social division and the logistical challenges of collecting and analysing caste-based data. Critically examine.

Economic Geography

• Discuss the concept of ‘Virtual Water’ and its pertinence in the strategic management of water resources within India’s intricate drainage system.

Agriculture

• Holistic solutions need to be devised to deal with the issue of air pollution arising from the practice of crop residue and stubble burning in North India. Discuss.

Mineral Resource

• What are ferrous minerals? Give an overview of the distribution of iron ore in India with examples.
• Provide a detailed account of coal distribution in India.

Energy Resources

• Diversification of energy basket is no longer a choice for India, it has become a necessity. Elucidate.
• What are the different non-conventional energy sources available in India? Highlight their importance in providing eco-friendly energy.
• The high wind energy potential in India remains untapped due to various reasons. Discuss and suggest a way forward.
• India has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures.
• Bringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration.

Industry

• Give a brief account of the state of IT & BPM (Business Process Management) industry in India. Also, discuss the factors that are at play in determining the location of IT hubs in different Indian cities.
• As the world grapples with an acute semiconductor shortage, there is an opportunity for India to tap into this sector. In this context, discuss the challenges that confront the chip design industry in India and mention the steps that can be taken in this regard.
• Give a critical account of region-specific constraints with regard to sustainable tourism in India.
• Describe the challenges and opportunities of tourism in glacier and ice-covered areas.

Transport & Communication

• India has the world’s second-largest entertainment market. In this light, analyse the reasons responsible for the growth and emergence of animation and VFX industry in India.
• Oil and gas pipelines are considered as the veins of the economy. In this context, throw some light on the status of oil and gas pipelines in India. Also, enlist the advantages and disadvantages of pipeline transportation.