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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Q.1) The vagaries of Indian Monsoon are not only a product of meteorological factors
but also anthropogenic causes. Illustrate.
Approach:
Introduction: Introduce by explaining the significance of monsoon in India.
Body: Elaborate about how different anthropogenic activities which are contributing to
vagaries of monsoon
Conclusion: Write a concise conclusion highlighting that control in anthropogenic
activities may reduce the vagaries of the monsoon.
Answer:
The Indian Monsoon plays a very crucial role in bringing rains to India, as it causes more
than 75 per cent of India's annual rainfall. Indian Agriculture and hence its economy
strongly depend on the monsoon rain. The fate of the Kharif crops depends on the
performance of the southwest Monsoon.
Interference by humans in the natural landscape and changes made by them to suit their
needs (like urbanization, industrialization etc.) leads to disturbances in hydrological cycle of
atmosphere.
Reasons behind variability of Indian monsoon due to meteorological factors:
Variability in the monsoon is caused by several meteorological phenomena such as
variable Sea Surface Temperature (SSTs) leading to El-Nino, and La Nina, shifting of
ITCZ, movement of westerly jetstream, differential heating patterns of Tibetan plateau
and Indian Ocean etc.
El-Nino leads to weakening of Indian monsoon.
La-Nina leads to more rains than normal years
If ITCZ doesn’t establish fully above the Tibetan plateau, then monsoon remains weak
and abrupt changes occur
Strength of monsoon also depends on the shifting of southern branch of the westerly
jetstream to the north of the Himalayas. If the southern branch doesn’t shift to the
north of himalayas, monsoon remains weak.
South-west monsoon also depends on the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) wave for
normal monsoon.
Impact on Indian monsoon due to man made changes
● Anthropogenic interventions are leading to excessive deforestation, increase in
pollution and pollutants, rise of built-up area, global warming, etc.
● Increased availability of pollutants and dust particles are leading to an increase in
the number of condensation nuclei, which in turn leads to the urban regions receiving
increased rainfall than the rural regions.
● Increased built up area allows increased heating of the surface. This increased
temperature causes more evaporation and further affects rain patterns
● Deforestation also creates an adverse impact on monsoon.
- Increased concretization leads to increased run-off and less water
percolation thereby affecting water cycle and disrupting monsoon cycle.
- The pressure differences which are vital for monsoonal precipitation have
been unbalanced and unpredictable
- High rise buildings cause variations in local wind patterns and alter
precipitation.
Page 1 of 44
MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
● Global warming
- Rise in sea level temperature etc. make the monsoon erratic and unpredictable.
They cause droughts in one region and floods in another. Such extreme weather
events have been on the rise primarily due to human activities.
● Destruction of Wetlands
- Wetlands help in water purification, flood control, shoreline stability, and act
as a carbon sink. Destruction of wetlands such as lakes or ponds in urban
areas is one of the major reasons of irregular rain pattern in big cities like
Chennai or Srinagar.
● Concrete Use: Use of concrete in urban areas causes poor recharging of groundwater
and changes the hydrological cycle of environment which ultimately disturbs the
Monsoon system of India.
● Agriculture: Large scale use of chemicals and bore well irrigation in agriculture also
influences the hydrological cycle.
- Increasing irrigation using groundwater in North West India is leading to pre
monsoon greening & wetter surface causes cooling that weakens the strength
of low pressure necessary for monsoons to progress into northern India. while
urban areas experiencing more rainfall.
- Monsoon requires a warm, dry surface to advance but increased irrigation leads
to a wet, green area, which does not allow the monsoon to reach far enough
north.
● Creation of large dams in hilly areas which have changed the ecological flow of rivers
is also an example of man-made changes.
Though other reasons like El-Nino, Cloud cover, Differential heating patterns of Tibetan
plateau and Indian Ocean also causes the monsoon change, but man-made factors can be
easily controlled that are affecting the Indian monsoon badly.
Q.2) Discuss the difference in the process of formation of Lakshadweep and Andaman
$ Nicobar Island of India.
APPROACH
Give brief introduction about Andaman& Nicobar Island.
Explain formation of Andaman & Nicobar group of Island
Give brief introduction about Lakshadweep Island.
Explain formation of Lakshadweep island
ANSWER
Andaman & Nicobar Island consists of 572 group of island / Islets located in the Bay of
Bengal and Andaman Sea. The entire group of islands is divided into two broad categories:
The Andaman in the north and the Nicobar in the south. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands
form the continental islands that are the peaks of submerged young fold mountains. The
Andaman & Nicobar archipelago is the emergent part of a ridge which extends from the
Arakan–Yoma ranges of western Myanmar in the north to Sumatra (Indonesia) in the south.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a geological continuity with the tertiary formation of
the Himalayas, and form a part of southern extension of the Arakan Yoma which is the
extension of Purvanchal range.
Page 2 of 44
MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Process of formation of Andaman & Nicobar Island
● The Andaman-Nicobar Island has evolved through a complex history of tectonics
associated with convergent plate boundaries between Indian plate and west
Burmese plate. Its formation is initiated with northward drift of Indian Plate with
respect to Asia. Andaman and Nicobar Islands were formed due to collision between
Indian Plate and Burma Minor Plate.
● The continued thrusting caused uplift and formation of the Andaman Nicobar Ridge as
a chain of Islands. The Andaman chain of islands form a part of geo-tectonic regime;
“The Great Indonesian Island Arc System” of the East Indies and it extends upto Burmese Arc i.e. Arakan Yoma fold belt.
● The Andaman Group also includes two islands of volcanic origin, Barren and
Narcondam islands, located in the Andaman Sea. The India's only active volcano is
located on Barren Island which is located at the edge of the Indian and Burmese
tectonic plates.
Lakshadweep Islands are a group of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea. The entire island
group is made of coral deposits and built over Laccadive ridge. The Laccadive Ridge is
separated from India mainland by Laccadive depression.
Process of formation of Lakshadweep
● The Laccadive ridge is considered as a continental remnant split away from the
western continental margin of India. The origin of the Laccadive Ridge has been
attributed to different processes such as a hotspot related volcanism or transforms
faulting and terrain tectonics. The present day surface features of the reefs are the
results of coral reef formation, erosional and depositional consequence of sea-level
changes over the time.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
● The process of formation of the two island group have some common features such as
role tectonic process but the Island differ substantially in their physical features. The
difference in physical features are as under
Difference
Andaman & Nicobar Island Lakshadweep
The topography is undulating and relief
features such as hills, streams, valleys, etc.
are present. It has mountains having
elevations of up to 738 metres (Saddle peak).
The topography is flat and relief features
such as hills, streams, valleys, etc. are
absent. The islands have islands have low
elevation not exceeding five metre above sea
level.
The islands are formed as a result of tectonic
and volcanic activity.
All are islands of coral origin.
It has two volcanoes located in Barren island
and Narcondam Island.
It doesn't have presence of any volcano.
It has medium to very deep red loamy soils
including marine alluvium-derived soils
along the coast.
It has highly calcareous and sandy soils.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Q.3) Describe the concept of upwelling. Illustrate the causes and regions of upwelling
and their socio-economic impact.
APPROACH
Introduce with defining the process of upwelling and describe the process in brief.
Main body should consist of causes and regions of upwelling with maps and diagrams as
question specifically asks for illustration.
Address the second part of the question by pointing out the socio-economic impact of
upwelling.
Conclusion should be made on the correlation between climate change and threatening
the process of upwelling and the need to address the issue.
ANSWER
Upwelling is an oceanic process in which cold, nutrient rich water rises towards the surface.
Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. Water then rises up from beneath
the surface to replace the water that was pushed away. Upwelling, generally occurs in the
open ocean and along coastlines. The water that is moved up to the surface is usually cold
and rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which come from the decomposing bodies
of Dead Sea creatures.
Causes and regions of upwelling:
● The major reason for upwelling is the replacement of surface water which is being
moved by the wind. Upwelling often happens where wind blows along a coastline.
● The wind causes the water at the ocean surface to move perpendicular to it, away from
the coast, because of a process called Ekman transport. When surface water moves
away from the coast, water from deeper in the ocean rises up and takes its place.
Major regions of upwelling:
The major upwellings in the ocean are associated with the divergence of currents that bring
deeper, colder, nutrient rich waters to the surface.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
AREAS OF UPWELLING IN RED
Socio-economic impact of upwelling:
● Marine ecosystem: Nutrient-packed water pushing to the surface forms the basis of
the ocean’s food chain that attracts marine life along with coral reefs. It also promotes species diversity; thus, constant replenishment of nutrients is important to sustain
this cycle and maintain the balance in the marine ecosystem.
● Food security and livelihood source: Upwelling regions, especially along the coast
provides a fertile ground for fishing. Approximately 25% of the total global marine fish
catches come from five upwellings that occupy only 5% of the total ocean area. Any
changes in upwelling pattern can cause major disruption in fishing sector and prove
to be an economic disaster.
● Climate change: There appears to be a strong correlation between upwelling and
oceanic-current/climate cycle. Any changes in upwelling pattern results into adverse
climatic effects with global repercussions.
CONCLUSION
Upwelling is an important oceanic process which is being threatened by the impact of climate
change. El Nino Southern Oscillation system also causes decreased upwelling in the
equatorial regions leading to disruption in marine food chain. Commercial fishing at
unsustainable levels is depleting the marine diversity and exhausting the fish resources. It is
imperative for humankind to address anthropogenic changes in the oceanic ecosystem and
prioritise and integrate this issue with mitigating climate change efforts.
Facts: Ekman transport
● As wind blows across the ocean, it moves water because of friction at the ocean
surface. Because the Earth rotates, surface water moves to the right of the wind
direction in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left of the wind direction in the
Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect.
● The speed and direction of the moving water changes with depth. Ocean water at the
surface moves at an angle to the wind, and the water under the surface water turns a
bit more, and the water below that turns even more. This makes a spiral of moving
water 100 to 150 meters (330 to 500 ft) deep called an Ekman spiral.
● The average direction of all this turning water is about a right angle from the wind
direction. This average is Ekman transport.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Q.4) Differentiate between agro-climatic zones and agro-ecological zones of India. Also
enumerate need for such zoning.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Briefly mention the types of agricultural zonation in Indian context.
Body: Give some points of difference and add maps for representation. Briefly add the
needs of zonation.
Conclusion: As per the context.
Agro-climatic zone (ACZ) as a land unit represented accurately or precisely in terms of major
climate and growing period, which is climatically suitable for certain range of crops and
cultivars. Agro-ecological zones are defined on the basis of combinations of soil, landform
and climate characteristics. An agro-ecological zone is the land unit carved out of agro-
climatic zone superimposed on landform which acts as a modifier to climate and length of
growing period. The classification or zoning of land is a step towards scientific agricultural
planning and ecological sustainability.
DIFFERENCES
Agro-climatic zones or regions Agro-ecological zones or regions
1. Agro-climatic zone is a land unit in
terms of major climates suitable for a
certain range of crops and cultivars.
1. Agro-ecological zone is a geographical
area exhibiting similar climatic
conditions that determine their ability to
support rain-fed agriculture.
2. Agro-climatic conditions refer to soil
types, rainfall, temperature and water
availability which influence the type of
vegetation in a zone.
2. At regional level agro ecological zones are
influenced by latitude, elevation and
temperature as well as seasonality and
amount of rainfall and its distribution
during the growing season.
3. Delineation of agro-climatic zones is
done by the Planning Commission and
National Agricultural Research project
which divided India into 15 and 127
Agro-climatic zones.
3. Delineation of agro-ecological zones is
done by National Bureau of Soil Survey &
Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) which
divided India into 20 such zones and 60
sub-zones.
4. The zoning was based on physiography,
soils, geological-formation, climate and
cropping patterns which eventually
determine the type of crop to be grown.
Out of 15 such regions, 14 were in the
mainland and the remaining one in the
Islands of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian
sea.
4. The zoning was based on growing period
as an integrated criteria of effective
rainfall, soil groups adjusted to district
boundaries with a minimal number of
regions. Here soil and bio-climatic maps
are superimposed to determine the crops
to be grown in the region.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
There are twenty agro-ecological zones in India.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
NEED
Agro-ecological Zoning (AEZ) refers to the division of an area of lend into smaller units, which
have similar characteristics related to land suitability, potential production and environmental
impact.
1. To provide a framework for scientific and sustainable use of natural resources.
2. To optimize agricultural production.
3. Increase share of agriculture in the state's GDP.
4. Diversify and stabilize the earnings of farmers.
5. Create more employment opportunities.
6. Promote resource use efficiency.
Agro Climatic zone and Agro-Ecological Zone Planning aims at scientific management of regional
resources to meet the requirements of food, fibre, fodder and fuel wood without eroding the
status of natural resources and environment which is the need of the hour to arrest climate
change and its after effects.
Q.5) What is apiculture? Explain its importance in agriculture and rural development.
Demand of the Question
Introduction- Write what is Beekeeping
Body- importance of beekeeping, potential in india.
Conclusion- As per the context
Apiculture or beekeeping is the practice of intentional maintenance of honeybee hives by
humans. A beekeeper may keep bees in order to collect honey and beeswax, or for the purpose
of pollinating crops, or to produce bees for sale to other beekeepers.
Beekeeping is an agro-based activity which is being undertaken by farmers/landless
labourers in rural area as an integrated farming practices. Beekeeping supplements
● income & employment generation and
● nutritional intake of rural population
● Honeybees have been offering services to the society through ensured pollination in
cross-pollinated crops.
● Honey Bees have vital role in sustaining plants bio-diversity resulting in environmental
stability.
IMPORTANCE OF APICULTURE IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Beekeeping industry is source of livelihood for rural poor/tribals/forest based population.
Benefits of beekeeping are summarized as under:
In agriculture:
1. Increase productivity of crops through pollination.
2. Increased food and nutritional security
3. Proper utilization of natural resources – nectar & pollen otherwise go waste;
4. Beekeeping is benign: Beekeeping generates income without destroying habitat;
5. Landless farmers can perceive apiculture as it can be done in community or wild forest
lands
6. Creating value from inaccessible land
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
In Rural development:
1. Unemployed youth can start this business with minimal funds (INR. 1.00 to 2.00
lakhs);
2. Generates 3.75 lakhs mandays to maintain 10,000 Bee colonies in Bee hives;
3. Different sectors and trades benefit from a strong beekeeping industry;
4. Beekeeping helps in increasing National income;
5. Income from 100 Bee colonies is around INR 2.50-3.00 lakhs per annum; May help in
doubling farmer’s income by supplementing/complementing agriculture/
horticulture;
6. Export of honey/beehive products attracts foreign exchange;
7. It helps in rural development and promotes small village industry;
8. Encouraging beekeeping encourages biodiversity.
Hence, beekeeping may be adopted as an enterprise by anyone after getting training
on the subject.
POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITIES
India has vast potential for Beekeeping. The diversity in flora and fauna provides more
opportunities for the development of beekeeping industry. The National Commission on
Agriculture had visualized the need for deploying about 150 million Bee colonies for pollinating
12 major agricultural crops in the country. Presently, 200 million Bee colonies are required
for enhancing their yield which will provide employment to 215 lakh persons and produce 10
million tonnes of honey and increase in crop production.
Thus, direct benefits are those which stem directly from the activity of beekeeping. They are
quantifiable and often obvious, while indirect benefits are less obvious. Example of a direct
benefit would be honey production, and indirect benefit would be an advantage of increased
crop production. Apiculture will help in inclusive and sustainable development.
Q.6) Explain hydrological cycle and its various elements? How do these various
elements interrelated?
APPROACH
Introduction: Explain briefly about the concept and functioning of hydrological cycle.
Body: Explain the elements of the hydrological cycle and the relation between the
elements.
Conclusion: Conclude suitably highlighting the imbalance in the cycle.
ANSWER
The hydrological cycle is the movement of water on the earth in different forms and between
different realms. It is the sum total of all processes in which water moves from the land and
ocean surface to the atmosphere and back in the form of precipitation. It is also a pathway
through which energy is transferred between the surface of the earth and the atmosphere.
The cycle consists of inflows, outflows and storage.
ELEMENTS OF the HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE:
Hydrological cycle can be best understood by analyzing its elements/components:
● Water present in biosphere: All living beings, plants etc are composed of water in the
biosphere, it also includes artificial reservoirs etc.
● Water in the atmosphere: It occurs as water vapour, clouds etc.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
● Water in the lithosphere: It occurs in the form of underground water, streams, lakes
etc.
● Water in the hydrosphere: It occurs in the form of oceans, rivers, ponds, etc.
INTER-RELATION BETWEEN THE ELEMENTS OF THE HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE:
● Evaporation and evapotranspiration: Through evaporation the liquid water gets
converted into gaseous state and through evapotranspiration the transfer of water from
the surface of the earth takes place towards the atmosphere through evaporation,
sublimation and transpiration. The water from the oceans, streams and rivers etc. gets
heated, gets converted into gaseous state and rises into the atmosphere.
● Condensation: Once water rises to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, the
gaseous water vapours in the air rise, cool and lose their capacity to hold water, and
as a result excess water condenses to form droplets.
● Precipitation: The water droplets in the atmosphere combine to form clouds. As the
water droplets in the clouds coalesce to form larger drops the water holding capacity
of clouds diminishes resulting in rain or precipitation in the form of rain, sleet, snow
or hail.
● Infiltration and percolation: As water reaches the surface in various forms of
precipitation. Upon reaching the ground, some water infiltrates into the soil, possibly
percolating to the groundwater zone or it may run across the surface as runoff.
Infiltration refers to penetration of water into the ground through cracks etc.
Percolation occurs beneath the root zone as groundwater percolates through the soil,
sand, gravel, rocks, etc. This water forms the underground water.
● Surface Runoff: Water that does not percolate under the ground either evaporates from
the surface directly into the atmosphere or moves along the surface to join the canals,
streams, rivers and finally flows into the oceans, thus completing the hydrological
cycle.
CONCLUSION
Water moves from one reservoir to another through above mentioned processes thus
maintaining the balance of water among the biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and
hydrosphere. However, incessant exploitation and use of groundwater (lithospheric water)
and surface water in rivers, streams etc (biosphere) for human consumption with a speed
that exceeds the replenishment rate through condensation and precipitation has upset the
balance within the hydrological cycle resulting in water scarcity in the biosphere.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Q.7) What is Land Degradation Neutrality? In what ways it can act as a centrepiece in
achieving the goals of Sustainable Development Goal by India.Discuss
APPROACH
Explain about Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Discuss how LDN can help achieving Sustainable Development Goals by India.
Conclusion
ANSWER
Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) has been defined by UNCCD as ‘A state whereby the amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services
and enhance food security, remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial
scales and ecosystems.’ ● As land is fixed in quantity, there is ever-increasing competition to control land
resources, which has the potential to cause social and political instability, exacerbating
poverty, conflict and migration.
● LDN represents a paradigm shift in land management policies and practices. It is a
unique and innovative approach that counterbalances the expected loss of productive
land with the recovery of degraded areas.
POTENTIAL OF LDN IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development puts a strong emphasis on the integrated
approach to achieving SDGs that can harness synergies and minimize potential trade-offs.
Land can play an important part in accelerating the achievement of many SDGs. Maintaining
and restoring land resources can play a vital role in tackling climate change, securing
biodiversity and maintaining crucial ecosystem services, while ensuring shared prosperity
and well-being.
Healthy and productive land can play an unparalleled role as an engine of economic growth
and a source of livelihood for billions worldwide, including the most vulnerable populations.
Achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) can become an accelerator of achieving SDGs
across the board. Below are some of the global goals for sustainable development, SDG 1-
poverty elimination, 15- life on land, 14- life under water, 13- climate change etc, which can
be achieved by investing in the future of the land:
● Opportunities for all: Our future economic growth, prosperity and well-being depend
on protecting and restoring working landscapes. Two billion hectares of degraded land
are available to kick-start green economy and develop opportunities for employment,
learning and poverty reduction.
● It is also necessary to recognize the role of women as agents of positive change.
Evidence shows that when women are given equal opportunities and access to
resources and decision-making, communities become more prosperous and more
peaceful. Women’s transformative potential can become the cornerstone for achieving LDN and fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
● Doing more and better with less: Estimates show that large amount of people in
India are chronically undernourished, often as a direct consequence of land
degradation, declining soil fertility, unsustainable water use, drought and loss of
biodiversity. The sustainable land management (SLM) and restoration of terrestrial
resources are vital to enhancing agricultural productivity especially for small-scale food
producers. SLM ensures sustainable food production and resilient agricultural
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (20 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
practices, as well as the efficient use of natural resources, thus contributing to human
well-being.
● Blue lifelines: Water scarcity affects more than half of the population and is projected
to increase. SLM practices that improve water efficiency and quality in a cost-effective
way, as well as the restoration of water-related ecosystems, are essential to mitigating
water scarcity. This is an important precondition to achieving access to adequate and
equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
● Fuel for life: Climate change requires a rethink and a bold move towards renewable
energy sources. By 2030, nearly three billion people will rely on biomass for cooking
and heating. The sustainable management of land and water is pivotal to ensure a
reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supply for all.
● Working with nature: By 2030, most of the population will live in urban areas. It is
critical to promote integrated spatial development planning approaches to optimize the
allocation of resources, on which human settlements in urban and peri-urban areas
rely. Health benefits and disaster prevention are additional advantages that
sustainable land use planning can provide.
● Land matters for climate: Without proper consideration of the land sector, we cannot
get to a 2° C stabilization pathway and deliver climate-change resilient landscapes.
Improved land use and management, such as low-emissions agriculture, agro-forestry
and ecosystem conservation and restoration could close the remaining emissions gap
by up to 25 per cent, while reducing the risks posed by climate change and developing
the resilience of key sectors.
During implementation following ideas should be focused on:-
● Integrated ecosystem management approaches should be central to achieving LDN.
● Natural resource governance should be strengthened to enable equitable LDN
outcomes.
● LDN should proceed on the basis of adequate evidence and monitoring.
● Achieving LDN should build on the synergy with other conservation approaches and
targets.
● Innovative funding should be developed to support implementation of action towards
LDN.
CONCLUSION
Land Degradation Neutrality is a powerful vision for the future. Land Degradation Neutrality
provides a great opportunity to address one of the most fundamental challenges to
conservation and sustainable development. It is an ambitious target that will allow countries
to track progress towards environmental sustainability across their entire terrestrial area.
LDN is an aspiration that all conservation actors should support.
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Q.8) What do you understand by temperature inversion? Discuss various types of
inversions.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Give brief introduction about temperature inversion.
Body: Enlist different type of temperature inversion and briefly discuss each type.
Conclusion: As per context of the question.
In the lower part of the atmosphere up to a height of 8-18 km from the surface, temperature
normally decrease with increasing altitude. The normal lapse rate is 6.5 °C. But sometimes,
under special circumstances, it has reversed and temperature instead of decreasing is found
to increase with elevation, though only in certain layer of the atmosphere. Such inverted vertical
temperature gradient is termed as inversion of temperature.
Such situation may occur near the earth’s surface or at greater height in the troposphere but
the inversion of temperature near the earth’s surface is of very short duration because the radiation of heat from the earth’s surface during daytime warms up the cold air layer which soon disappears and temperature inversion also disappears.
TYPES OF TEMPERATURE INVERSION
According to the process that cause them and the relative heights from earth’s surface at which they develop, the temperature inversion may be classified in the following types.
1. Ground or surface inversion
A. Radiation inversion
B. Air drainage inversion
C. Advection inversion
2. Upper air inversions
A. Subsidence inversion
B. Frontal inversion
Radiation inversion: The surface inversion produced by radiational cooling of lower air is
called radiational inversion. Such inversion normally occurs during the long cold winter
nights in the snow-covered re-gions of the middle and high latitudes. In fact, surface inversion
is caused due to excessive nocturnal cooling of the ground surface due to rapid rate of loss
of heat from the ground through outgoing longwave terrestrial radiation.
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Air drainage inversion: Generally, occurs in the mountainous valleys due to radiation and
vertical movement of air. The temperature of the upper parts of the valleys in mountainous
areas becomes exceedingly low during winter nights because of rapid rate of loss of heat from
the surface through terrestrial radiation. Consequently, the air coming in contact with the
cool surface also becomes cool. On the other hand, the temperature of the valley floor does
not fall considerably because of comparatively low rate of loss of heat through terrestrial
radiation. Thus, the air remains warmer than the air aloft and hence the warm and light air
of the valley floor is pushed upward by the descending cold and heavier air of the upper part
of the valley. Thus, there is warm air aloft and cold air in the valley floor and inversion of
temperature is caused. This situation is responsible for severe frost in the valley floors
causing great damage to fruit orchards and vegetables and agricultural crops.
Advection inversion: It is caused by horizontal movement of air occurs in several situa-tions.
Such inversion is caused when warm air invades the area of cold air or cold air moves into
the area of warm air because warm air being lighter is pushed upward by relatively denser
cold air. When the warm air moves, such inversion is caused over the continents during
winter and over the oceans during summer but when the cold air becomes active and invades
the areas of warm air, such inversion occurs over the continents during summer and over
the oceans during winter. Such surface inversion occurs generally in the low latitudes. The
convergence of cold and warm ocean currents also causes such inversion of temperature.
Subsidence inversion: Occurs well above the earth surface on the account of subsidence of
air current. The sinking air warm at dry adiabatic rate of 10 °C/km. Subsidence inversion
are of common occurrence in region of high pressure that are characterised by sinking of air.
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Frontal inversion is caused in the temperate zones due to temperate cyclones which are
formed due to the convergence of warm westerly’s and cold polar winds in the northern hemisphere. The warm air is pushed up by the cold polar air and thus the warm air overlies
the cold air because it is lighter than the cold air. Thus, the existence of warm air above and
cold air below reverses the normal lapse rate and inversion of temperature occurs. The
inversion layer associated with frontal or cyclonic inversion is always sloping.
Though inversion of temperature denotes local and temporary conditions of the atmosphere but
there are several climatic effects of inversion which are of great significance to human and his
economic activities.
Q.9) Explain the concept of Weather Fronts, also discuss their formation and
characteristics.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Give brief introduction by defining the weather front and its type.
Body: Briefly explain formation and characteristics of fronts.
Conclusion: As per the context of the question.
Weather front is that sloping boundary which separates two opposing air masses having
contrasting characteristics in terms of air temperature, humidity, density, pressure, and wind
direction. An extensive transitional zone between two converging air masses is called frontal
zone or frontal surface which represents zone of discontinuity in the properties of opposing
contrasting air masses. The process associated with the creation of new fronts or the
regeneration of decaying fronts already in existence is called frontogenesis. Fronts are
classified into four principal types: Cold front, Warm front, Stationary front and Occluded
front.
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FORMATION OF FRONTS
Conditions for frontogenesis:
Necessary condition for frontogenesis
include presence of two opposing air masses
having contrasting characteristics in terms
of air temperature, humidity, density,
pressure, and wind direction.
1. Temperature difference
One air mass should be warm, moist and
light while the other should be cold, dry and
dense. In such condition, when two air mass
converge, then cold and denser air mass
invades the area of warm and light air mass
and pushes it upward and thus front is
formed.
2. Opposite direction of air masses
Convergence of two contrasting air masses is
a prerequisite condition for frontogenesis,
when they converge they try to penetrate into
the region of one another and thus a wave
like front is formed.
Creation of fronts:
When two contrasting air masses converge
in deformation circulation, they
spreadhorizontally along the axis of outflow
or dialation. In such situation the creation of
front depends on the angle between the axis
of outflow and isotherms. Fronts do not form
when this angle exceeds 45 degrees.
As the convergence of air continues, this
angle decreases and iso-therms try to
become parallel to the axis of outflow and
frontogenesis is activated. The steepness
and intensity of fronts depends on
temperature gradient. If two contrasting air
masses are parallel to each other and there
is no upward displacement of air, stationary
front is formed. Such fronts are climatically
insignificant because they are not conducive
for cloud formation and precipitation.
But such situation is not very common
because two contrasting and converging air
masses are generally separated by sloping
boundary due to deflective force (Coriolis
force) of the earth and cold and dense air
mass pushes warm and light air mass
upward.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF FRONT
The temperature contrast influences the thickness of frontal zone in an inversely proportional
manner. i.e. two air masses with higher temperature difference do not merge readily. So the front
formed is less thick. With a sudden change in temperature through a front, there is a change in
pressure also, which is reflected in bending of isobars towards the low pressure. Also, a front
experiences wind shift, since the wind motion is a function of pressure gradient and Coriolis force.
Since fronts are formed due to convergence of two air masses of contrasting temperatures and
hence contrasting weather conditions are found from north to south or south to north. Differences
in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, and wind direction are experienced
along different fronts e.g. warm and cold fronts.
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Q.10) Explain the different types of corals. Also explain the challenges and threats faced
by corals.
APPROACH
Introduce by explaining about corals.
Explain different types of coral reefs.
Describe the challenges and threats faced by corals.
ANSWER
Coral reefs are built by and made up of thousands of tiny animals—coral “polyps”—animal
and have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (microscopic algae), which lives on coral.
Zooxanthellae assists the coral in nutrient production through its photosynthesis activities,
which provides coral with fixed carbon compounds of energy, enhance calcification and mediate
elemental nutrient flux.
Coral in return provides zooxanthellae with protected environment to live within and steady
supply of carbon dioxide for its photosynthesis processes.
The various types of coral reefs are grouped into three major types:
1. Fringing Reefs: fringing reefs, also called a shore reef, is directly attached to a shore, or
borders it with an intervening narrow, shallow channel or lagoon. They are usually less than
100 metres wide, but some are hundreds of metres wide. Fringing reefs are initially formed on
the shore at the low water level and expand seawards as they grow in size. However, sometimes
reef beds are broken to result into irregular channels called lagoon. The fringing reefs of the Red
Sea are "some of the best developed in the world"
2. Barrier Reef: The barrier reefs are fringing reefs but they are situated in the sea nearly 1 km
to 15 km away from the shore. Therefore, navigable channel called lagoon separates these reefs
from the shore. The Great Barrier Reef on the north-east coast of Australia is 1,200 miles long,
about 20-70 miles wide and situated nearly 90 miles away from the shore.
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3. Atoll Reef: The atoll reef, also referred to as coral island or Lagoon Island, is a circular or
horse-shoe-shaped reef enclosing a lagoon of water which may be small or large up to 50 miles
across.
Atoll reef may be broken to form channels; some suitable for navigation and other may not be
suitable for it. An interesting atoll reef example is Aldabra in the Indian Ocean, about 260 miles
northeast of the Malagasy Republic and 400 miles from the coast of Africa.
Major threats to coral reefs and their habitats include
1. Climate change
Corals cannot survive if the water temperature is too high. Global warming has already led to
increased levels of coral bleaching, and this is predicted to increase in frequency and severity
in the coming decades. Such bleaching events may be the final nail in the coffin for already
stressed coral reefs and reef ecosystems.
2. Destructive fishing practices
These include cyanide fishing, blast or dynamite fishing, bottom trawling, and muro-ami
(banging on the reef with sticks). Bottom-trawling is one of the greatest threats to cold-water
coral reefs.
3. Overfishing
This affects the ecological balance of coral reef communities, warping the food chain and causing
effects far beyond the directly overfished population.
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4. Careless tourism
Careless boating, diving, snorkelling, and fish
ing happens around the world, with people touching reefs, stirring up sediment, collecting coral,
and dropping anchors on reefs.
Some tourist resorts and infrastructure have been built directly on top of reefs, and some
resorts empty their sewage or other wastes directly into water surrounding coral reefs.
5. Pollution
Urban and industrial waste, sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs.
These toxins are dumped directly into the ocean or carried by river systems from sources
upstream.
Some pollutants, such as sewage and runoff from farming, increase the level of nitrogen in
seawater, causing an overgrowth of algae, which 'smothers' reefs by cutting off their sunlight.
6. Sedimentation
Erosion caused by construction (both along coasts and inland), mining, logging, and farming
is leading to increased sediment in rivers. This ends up in the ocean, where it can 'smother'
corals by depriving them of the light needed to survive.
The destruction of mangrove forests, which normally trap large amounts of sediment, is
exacerbating the problem.
7. Coral mining
Live coral is removed from reefs for use as bricks, road-fill, or cement for new buildings.
Corals are also sold as souvenirs to tourists and to exporters who don't know or don't care about
the long term damage done, and harvested for the live rock trade.
Q.11) What factors govern global distribution of rainfall? Explain how rainfall variation
impacts human activities and vegetation in an area.
Demand of the Question
Introduction- Rainfall variation- spatial and temporal
Body- Factors governing rainfall distribution, impact on human activities and vegetation
Conclusion- As per context
There is a wide range of spatial and temporal variation in the distribution of precipitation over
the globe. Example: The equatorial region records-the highest mean annual rainfall which is more
or less evenly distributed throughout the year, the tropical and subtropical hot deserts receive the
lowest mean annual rainfall, the monsoon climatic regions receive more than 80% of mean annual
rainfall during four wet months of summer season (June to September), the monsoon lands also
record the highest rainfall in the world (at Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, 1087 cm and 1141 cm
respectively, in India), the polar areas receive precipitation in solid form etc. Not only this, there is
much temporal variation of annual rainfall in a particular area (Example: Bahia Felix of Chile has
325 rainy days, while Arica of the same country has only one rainy day per year)
Mean annual rainfall for the whole globe is 970 mm but this mean annual distribution is highly
variable and unevenly distributed.
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Factors Governing Rainfall Distribution-
The spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation over the globe is controlled by a host of
factors like-
Moisture content of the air is supposed to be positively correlated with rainfall (both type and
amount) while atmospheric humidity is closely related with air temperature through the process
of evaporation. The atmospheric moisture depends on evaporation of water or ice through the
input of heat (solar) energy. Thus, precipitation is also, though indirectly, related to evaporation
and a zonal pattern. The regions having high temperatures and abundance of surface water, and
of course wide open oceanic surfaces for evaporation, receive higher amount of annual rainfall.
Example- Equatorial regions are typical examples of such situation
The convergent or divergent air circulation determines the ascent or descent of air and its
adiabatic cooling or heating which in turn determines the amount of precipitation. Example –
ITC zone, frontal action and cyclonic rainfall in mid-latitudes.
Topographic conditions present both favourable and unfavourable conditions for precipitation.
It the mountain barriers parallel the coastal lands and there is onshore moist air, moist air is
forced by the mountains to ascend and cool adiabatically ultimately yielding precipitation.
Example- Western Ghats receive high rainfall
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Distance from the source of moisture determines the amount of precipitation in different
areas. As the distance from the source of moisture (mainly oceans) increases, the moisture
content and hence the amount of precipitation decreases. For example, trade winds give more
precipitation in the eastern parts of the continents and the amount decreases westward because
the westward moving winds lose moisture. The monsoon winds in India give more rainfall in the
coastal areas than in the interior regions. The continental deserts located in the interior of the
continents are arid because they are far away from oceanic source of moisture.
Impact of ocean currents- warm current increases precipitation in coastal areas of higher
latitude while cold current in tropical latitude results in dryness of area. Example- cold Peru
Current and dryness of Atacama Desert.
Impact of Rainfall Variation on Humans
Agriculture and allied activities- selection of crop depends upon the rainfall conditions in area.
Plantation crops like rubber, palm oil tree etc. are grown in equatorial regions. Wet crops like
sugarcane, rice etc. are grown in tropical regions where as dry crops like millet are grown in
water deficit regions. Commercial animal husbandry is practiced in grasslands of Argentina and
New-Zealand. Also, method of soil conservation for maintaining fertility of soil also depend upon
rainfall.
Settlement- Settlements tend to be compact and clustered around water source in dry regions
example settlement around lakes in dry regions. In wet areas settlement tends to be located on
higher flood plains to avoid periodic flooding.
Industries- some industries like aluminum industry prefer to locate in areas of high rainfall
because of the easy availability of bauxite which is formed because of leaching due to high
rainfall.
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Disaster management- areas of high rainfall are vulnerable to floods especially river flood planes
during rainy season and coastal areas during cyclones. On the other hand dry areas face frequent
droughts.
Rainfall ensures surplus water in river and contribute to human development by providing a
source of transportation and power generation.
Impact of Rainfall Variation On Vegetation-
The areas of high rainfall have dense forests. As the rainfall decreases the vegetation starts
changing from dense forests to monsoon forests to savannah and grasslands and finally into
thorny desert type xerophytes. The vegetation is also controlled by seasonal distribution of
rainfall. Example-
Equatorial rain forest Rainfall all around the year. 80 inches.
Monsoon forest Heavy summer rains. 60 inches
Desert vegetation Little rain, 5 inches.
Mediterranian forests and
shrubs
Winter rains 35 inches
In recent years’ rainfall pattern has been changing and becoming more erratic with rising frequency of extreme events like cyclones and droughts due to human induced global warming and climate
change.
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Q.12) Despite the implementation of various programmes for cleaning of our major rivers
by the government, riverine pollution continue unabated in India. Explain by giving
reasons.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Briefly about riverine pollution.
Body: Discuss the various programmes for cleaning of our major rivers by the government.
Conclusion: As per the context.
Rivers are one of the most important water bodies in our Country. Some of the major rivers include
The Brahmaputra, Ganga, Narmada, Kaveri, Godavari, Sabarmati, etc. According to the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in 2018, the number of polluted stretches of the country's rivers
has increased to 351 from 302 two years ago, and the number of critically polluted stretches —
where water quality indicators are the poorest — has gone up to 45 from 34.
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DESPITE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES, THE RIVERINE POLLUTION CONTINUES UNABATED
1. Sewage treatment plants (STPs): They have been at the centre of all policies and
programmes to control riverine pollution abatement. A look at the status of the STPs
project undertaken makes one doubt whether the government would even achieve its
objective. Example: As per Namami Gange targets, STPs with over 2,000 million litres a
day (MLD) capacity had to be rehabilitated of which only 328 MLD have been done. STPs
get delayed due to land acquisition. The issue is just not with the construction or
rehabilitation of STPs but also their performance.
2. Restoring the flow: There is another fundamental problem that will ensure the rivers
remains dirty. A river is a self-purifying system only when water flows through it. Most of
the rivers fail this basic test except during monsoons. If the flow in the river is maintained,
it can solve the problem of 60-80% of organic pollutants and we may not require such
elaborate programmes. The water level across the rivers is going down at an
unprecedented rate. If the rivers are chained with barrages and canal diversions and its
natural path is altered, it will become more vulnerable.
3. Sludge control: Lack of proper faecal sludge management, would invariably pollute the
rivers. What should cause further concern is that faecal sludge is a bigger pollutant than
sewerage. While the BOD of sewage is 150-300 mg/l, that of faecal sludge would be
15,000-30,000 mg/l.
4. Urbanisation and Encroachment: Rivers and streams have borne the brunt of the recent
urban explosion in India. Unplanned growth has led to the use of water bodies as dumping
grounds for sewage and industrial effluent. According to India’s Central Pollution Control Board, 63% of the urban sewage flowing into rivers (some 62 billion liters a day) is
untreated. In addition, riverbanks, wetlands, and floodplains have been claimed over time
by infrastructure, slums, offices, and housing developments - all of which has narrowed
natural river channels and distorted flow, greatly reducing the ability of India’s rivers to buffer flooding. It also has taken a toll on biodiversity.
5. Governance glitches: The cleaning of the rivers requires seamless coordination between
the agencies responsible for carrying out different tasks. This calls for vision and a clear-
cut governance strategy. Example: The water resources ministry signed MOUS with 10
ministries for better implementation of Namami Gange. However, till date no detail is
available as to how these ministries are functioning for better convergence.
6. The political clout of industries, contractor-driven boondoggles and the politics of states,
weakens the implementation of various programmes for cleaning up rivers.
Example: As per news reports at least 28 kms of the river stretch in Assam is heavily
polluted. However, efforts to clean up the river is mired in political blame-games between
Assam- Arunachal Pradesh and diplomatic issues with China.
WAY FORWARD
1. If we have to reverse this killing and bring back life to our rivers we will need to understand
the complex set of activities which destroy them, then go about reversing them.
2. We will need to create the right river basin institutions which track the fate of our rivers
in real time and inform people about the state of them. Every river in India needs a river
basin institution.
3. Industries should install machineries to remove contaminants from their effluents and
wastewater. Example: Installation of Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). This way we can
control pollution at the source itself.
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4. All towns and cities must have proper Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) matching to the
capacity of sewage generated.
5. There is a need to regulate chemicals and pesticides in farming and a shift towards
organic methods of farming for reducing chemical pollution of rivers is a much needed
step.
Rivers being a holistic system in itself cannot be dealt in silos. Water, forest, mining and other
departments have to work as one and not with isolated action plan or targets.
Q.13) Explain with evidence, how continental drift theory explained the shifting of world
continents over the earth's surface. Also, highlight its limitations.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Give a brief introduction about continental drift theory.
Body: Explain in brief evidence of continental drift theory and the shifting of world continents.
Also highlights the limitation of continental drift theory in short.
Conclusion: As per context.
Continental drift theory was given by Alfred Wagner who accepted the possibility that
Continents are in motion. He rejected the view of the permanency of continents and ocean basins.
Thus, the main objective of Wegener behind his ‘displacement hypothesis’ was to explain the global climatic changes which are reported to have taken place during the past earth history.
Basic premises of continental drift theory: According to Wegener, all the continents formed a
single continental mass, a mega ocean surrounded by the same. The supercontinent called
Pangaea, which meant all earth. The mega-ocean was called Panthalassa, meaning all water.
He argued that, around 200 million years ago, the supercontinent, Pangaea, began to split.
Pangaea first broke into two large continental masses as Laurasia and Gondwanaland forming
the northern and southern components respectively. Subsequently, Laurasia and Gondwanaland
continued to break into various smaller continents that exist today.
EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE CONTINENTAL DRIFT
1. The Matching of Continents (Jig-Saw-Fit): The shorelines of Africa and South America
facing each other have a remarkable and unmistakable match.
2. Rocks of the same age across the Oceans: The radiometric dating methods developed
in have facilitated correlating the rock formation from different continents across the vast
ocean. The belt of ancient rocks of 2,000 million years from Brazil coast matches with
those from western Africa. The earliest marine deposits along the coastline of South
America and Africa are of the Jurassic age. This suggests that the ocean did not exist
prior to that time.
3. Tillite: It is a sedimentary rock formed out of deposits of glaciers. The Gondwana system
of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of
the Southern Hemisphere. Counter parts of this succession are found in Africa, Falkland
Island, Madagascar, Antarctica and Australia besides India.
4. Placer deposits: The occurrence of rich placer deposits of gold in the Ghana coast and
the absolute absence of source rock in the region is an amazing fact. The gold bearing
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veins are in Brazil and it is obvious that the gold deposits of the Ghana are derived from
the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.
5. Distribution of fossils: The observations that Lemurs occur in India, Madagascar and
Africa led some to consider a contiguous landmass “Lemuria” linking these three landmasses. Mesosaurus was a small reptile adapted to shallow brackish water. The
skeletons of these are found only in two localities: the Southern Cape Province of South
Africa and Iraver formations of Brazil. The two localities presently are 4,800 km apart
with an ocean in between them.
SHIFTING OF CONTINENTS
Force for Drifting: Wegener suggested that the movement responsible for the drifting of the
continents was caused by pole-fleeing force and tidal force. The polar-fleeing force relates to
the rotation of the earth. The second force that was suggested by Wegener—the tidal force—is due
to the attraction of the moon and the sun that develops tides in oceanic waters. Wegener believed
that these forces would become effective when applied over many million years.
Actual drifting of the continents: The disrup-tion, rifting and ultimately drifting of the
continental blocks began in carboniferous period. Pangaea was broken into two parts due to
differential gravitational force and the force of buoy-ancy. The northern part became Laurasia
(Angaraland) while the southern part was called by Wegener as Gondwanaland. The intervening
space between these two giant continental blocks was filled up with water and the resultant water
body was called Tethys Sea. This phase of the disruption of Pangaea is called ‘opening of Tethys’. Gondwanaland was disrupted during the cretaceous period and Indian peninsula, Madagascar,
Australia and Antarctica broke away from Pangaea and drifted apart under the impact of tidal
force of the sun and the moon. North America broke away from Angaraland and drifted westward
due to tidal force.
Similarly, South America broke away from Africa and moved westward under the impact of tidal
force. Due to the northward movement of Indian Peninsula Indian Ocean was formed while the
Atlantic Ocean was formed due to westward movement of two Americas. The size of the
Panthalassa (primitive Pacific Ocean) was remarkably reduced because of the movement of
continental blocks from all sides towards Panthalassa. Thus, the remaining portion of Panthalassa
became the Pacific Ocean. It may be mentioned that disruption, rifting and displacement (drifting)
of continental blocks continued from car-boniferous period to pliocene period when the present
pattern and arrangement of the continents and ocean basins was attained.
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LIMITATION OF CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY
1. The forces applied by Wegener (the force of buoyancy and tidal force of the sun and the
moon) are not sufficient enough to drift the continents so apart. The tidal force as invoked
by Wegener to account for the supposed westerly drift of the continents would need to be
10,000 million times as powerful as it is at present to produce the required effects, and, if
it had such a value, it would stop the earth’s rotation completely in a year. Similarly, the
differential gravitational force and the force of buoyancy are also not adequate to cause
equator ward movement of the continents, instead the force, if so enormous, might have
caused the concentration of the continents near the equator.
2. Wegener has described several contrasting view-points. Initially, sialic masses
(continents) were considered by Wegener as freely floating over ‘sima’ without any friction
offered by ‘sima’ but in the later part of his theory he has described forceful resistance
of offered by ‘sima’ in the free movement of sialic continents to explain the origin of
mountains along the frontal edges of floating continents.
3. Both coasts of the Atlantic Ocean cannot be completely refitted. Thus, the concept of
juxtaposition’ or ‘jig-saw fit’ cannot be validated. 4. Wegener has not elaborated the direction and chronological sequence of the
displacement of the continents. He did not describe the situations of pre- carboniferous
times. Many questions remain unanswered such as, what kept Pangaea together till its
disruption in Mesozoic era? Why did the process of continental drift not start before
Mesozoic era?
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Though most point of Wegener’s theory was rejected but its central theme of horizontal displacement was retained. In fact, the postulation of plate tectonic theory after 1960 is the result
of this continental drift theory of Wegener.
Q.14) Insensitivity towards ecology of the Western Ghats is making the Southern States
vulnerable to floods and landslides. What measures are required to arrest the widespread
ecological devastation that the fragile Western Ghats are facing?
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Write about latest examples of floods and landslides.
Body: Reasons. Measures.
Conclusion: As per the context.
Floods, landslides and cave-ins witnessed during 2018 Monsoon in Kerala showcases the
vulnerability of Western Ghats to rampant encroachment and urbanization imposed over its fragile
landscape. Attempts to conserve this ecologically sensitive mountain range and bring it under strict
development rules have been met with stiff resistance from all six state governments.
INSENSITIVITY TO WESTERN GHATS: INTENSIFYING FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES
1. Geological: Unlike many other rivers in India west flowing rivers cover shorter distance
between watershed area and coast. So there is a high chance of floods. Without considering
this aspect many dams and houses built on the river basin.
2. Quarrying: The effect of quarrying and deforestation has intensified the floods. The
presence of stone powder in Pampa River shows quarrying. Iron ore mining, bauxite
mining predominant in Western Ghats. Madhav gadgil says the quarrying in Wayanad and
Idukki regions were the main contributor for Kerala floods
3. Wetland ecosystem: the wetlands and lakes that acted as natural safeguards against
floods have disappeared because of rampant urbanization and infrastructure.
4. Forest ecosystem: The construction of illegal buildings on the slopes of the famous hill
stations like Nilgiri, Munnar have increased the chances of landslides by loosening the soil
particles. IUCN world heritage outlook 2 says pressure from the human population in
Western Ghats is greater than that faced by many protected areas around the world.
5. Construction of dams: the construction of dams across the rivers block the regular flow
of the rivers. Adding this, the unscientific opening of dams are disastrous to the Western
Ghats ecology. First time in history 35 out of 54 dams were opened during the Kerala
floods of 2018.
6. Plantation: The plantation of exotic trees like eucalyptus have absorbed groundwater,
thereby affecting the ground water table of Western Ghats. This also has led to landslides.
Similarly the plantation crops like coffee and tea plantation on Western Ghats
have reduced the native forest trees to capture the moisture laden south west winds. This
makes sudden downpour in certain places leading to floods.
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MEASURES TO ARREST WIDESPREAD ECOLOGICAL DEVASTATION
1. Legislative
a. Need for policy to manage water in reservoirs. A scientific authority has to give policy
on opening and closing of reservoirs during disaster period
b. The implementation of Dam safety bill may be helpful in monitoring and managing
water in dams.
2. Decentralization
a. Governments should impose 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments acts effectively
and give gram panchayats to reject developmental projects
b. Government should set up biodiversity management committees in preparation of
environmental impact assessment
3. Technological Intervention: The usage of modern technologies like drones, satellite
images to curb the illegal quarrying, mining in Western Ghats region.
4. Madhav Gadgil committee Recommendations
a. Carrying out quarrying of stone with cooperatives like Kudambashree will help in
reducing damage to the forests, thereby reducing the vulnerability to floods
b. Madhav Gadgil committee Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel recommended 64% of
Western Ghats under ecologically sensitive area. However Kasturirangan committee
changed to 37% area as ecologically sensitive area striking a balance between
development and environment. Try to implement Madhav Gadgil report
recommendations of announcing 64% of Western Ghats under ecologically sensitive
areas
5. Others
a. Removal of illegal construction in the region on a mission mode basis.
b. The discharge of polluted waters of plantation crops must be restricted.
c. The green corridors for the animals have to be fasten up and projects have to be
scrutinised through EIA
The drought and drying up of wells within a few days after the Kerala floods reminds us of the
need for sensitivity towards the Western Ghats ecology. Hence in the scenario of climate change,
the conservation of our ecology remains predominant and utmost urgent.
Q.15) Why is there a demand for a separate time zone in our country? Discuss its pros and
cons. Also, explain how it is different from daylight saving.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Give a brief introduction about why there is demand for different time zone.
Body: Discuss the pros and cons of separate time zone. Explain daylight saving and its
limitations.
Conclusion: As per context of the question.
Time Zone refers to the local time of a region or a country. Indian Standard Time (IST) is the time
observed throughout India, with a time offset of +05:30 with respect to GMT. Since India spans
about 2,933 km between its western and eastern points, demands for two separate time zones
have been persistently there for decades now.
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WHY DEMAND FOR A SEPARATE TIME ZONE
India is the second largest country in the world that runs on a single time zone after China. The
Time difference between the westernmost and easternmost part of India is approximately two
hours and as a result, sun rises as well as sets early in the east than in the rest of the country.
In the North-East, the sun rises at approx. four in the morning and sets at about four in the
evening in the winter. By the time that people start their work, half of the daylight is already
wasted. In winter, this thing becomes even more problematic and results in more electricity
consumption and lag in the economic development in comparison to other states.
Many activists, industrialists, and common people have complained about the effect of IST on
their normal daily life.
PROS OF SEPARATE TIME ZONES
1. Potential energy savings: Advancement of IST is likely to lead to energy savings of 2.7
billion units (0.3% of the yearly electricity consumption totaling 700 billion units).
2. Ensuring schools and offices do not extend working hours.
3. Eastern India is blessed with an abundance of minerals, but still it lags in economic
development from rest of the country because of the less working hours. Therefore, adding
a different Time Zone would provide them more working hours and will help in the
development.
4. Biomedical research has consistently pointed to the physical and psychological benefits
of aligning circadian (sleep) rhythms to the sun’s rising and setting.
CONS OF DIFFERENT TIME ZONES
1. Two time zones will create a lot of confusion and would need extra efforts to educate
people and will also cause the loss of resources & economy of the state.
2. People travelling across the border of two time zones have to change time every time they
cross the border, and it is confusing.
3. Railway signals are not fully automated and many routes have single tracks. Trains may
meet with major accidents due to human errors. Just one such accident would wipe out
any benefits resulting from different time zones in the country.
4. With different time zone from the rest of the country, North Eastern states may feel further
alienated.
DAYLIGHT SAVING
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks forward 1 hour from standard
time during the summer months, and back again in the winter, in order to make better use of
natural daylight.
Some studies show that DST could lead to fewer road accidents and injuries by supplying more
daylight during the hours more people use the roads. DST is also used to reduce the amount of
energy needed for artificial lighting during the evening hours.
However, if we were to introduce DST in India, the inconvenience of time adjustment during
summer and winter months would involve the whole country, happening twice a year, with
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marginal benefits. The possibilities of rail accidents would still be high. Even in the U.S. and
Canada, road accidents increase discernibly in the days immediately following the change.
WAY AHEAD
One proposal is to introduce neither time zones nor DST, but to advance IST by half an hour to
being six hours ahead of GMT, once and permanently.
It was found that merely advancing IST by 30 minutes would translate into a heft saving of energy
of 2.7 billion units.
This proposal of advancing IST by half an hour avoids the problems apprehended in the other two
proposals (of time zones and DST) but provides maximum energy saving during evening hours
when the utilities fail to supply continuous power.
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Q.16) Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture
development in India.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Write about blue revolution.
Body: Problems and Strategies for Pisciculture development.
Conclusion: Challenges faced by this sector and what are the remedies to overcome them
in a sustainable manner.
The concept of rapid increase in the production of fish and marine product through package
programme is called as blue revolution. It was launched in India during the seventh Five-year
plan (1985-1990) when the Central Government sponsored the Fish Farmers Development Agency
(FFDA). Realizing the immense scope for development of fisheries and aquaculture, the Government
of India has restructured the Central Plan Scheme under an umbrella of Blue Revolution for
the Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries (CSS) to increase both fish
production and fish productivity from aquaculture and fisheries resources of the inland and marine
fisheries sector including deep sea fishing. It has been targeted to enhance the fish production
from. 107.95 lakh tonnes in 2015-16 to about 150 lakh tonnes by the end of the financial
year 2019-20. It is also expected to augment the export earnings with a focus on increased
benefit flow to the fishers and fish farmers to attain the target of doubling their income.
India’s fisheries sector faces the challenge of sustainability. The Food and Agriculture
Organisation’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture reports note that nearly 90% of the
marine fish stocks have either been fully exploited, or over-fished or depleted to the extent that
recovery may not be biologically possible. Besides this, there are certain other problems in
Pisciculture development in India.
PROBLEMS FOR PISCICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
1. Major zoological degradation owing to increased abstraction of water by industrial and
human settlements and wash off of agricultural pesticides.
2. Many reservoirs are understocked, unexploited and not well managed.
3. Sometimes outbreak of major disease like which spot viral disease may damage the growth
and present production.
4. Absence of proper extension network with field and laboratory facilities.
5. Shortage of high quality fish meal for feed.
6. Shortage of quality and healthy fish seeds and other critical inputs.
7. The productivity is low — in terms of per fisher, per boat and per farm. Lack of resource-
specific fishing vessels and reliable resource and updated data.
8. Inadequate awareness about nutritional and economic benefits of fish.
9. Inadequate extension staff for fisheries and training for fishers and fisheries personnel.
10. Absence of standardization and branding of fish products.
India is the world’s second-largest fish producer with exports worth more than INR 47,000 crores.
India has a marine fisher population of 3.5 million; 10.5 million people are engaged in inland
fishery and fish farming. For this the government has launched Mission Fingerling to achieve the
Blue Revolution.
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STRATEGIES FOR PISCICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
1. Technology transfer and linkage development: Strong linkages between research
organizations and development agencies are essential not only to transfer the
technologies from the laboratory to the field, but also to obtain feedback on the prevalent
problems and technology adoption levels as recommended by D. Meena Kumari
committee.
2. Infrastructure for quality seed and feed: Seed and feed being two key inputs in
aquaculture, appropriate policy measures need to be taken to provide the infrastructure
for production of quality fish and shellfish seed across the country as also encourage
private entrepreneurship in the sector. For this purpose government has established
’Brood Bank’ for commercially important species to ensure production and supply of
certified broods.
3. Ownership of water bodies: As most water bodies comprising ponds, tanks and small
reservoirs are public waters, fishing and aquaculture rights need to be properly delegated
to aquaculturists with leasing policies allowing reasonable durations of ownership. This
will enable entrepreneurs to invest and develop the water bodies for long-term fish culture
practices as well as for ornamental fisheries.
4. Mobile laboratories: With aquaculture management increasingly becoming scientific and
farms located in far flung areas, the concept of mobile laboratories for soil and water
testing, fertilizer recommendations, fish health checks and advisory services for pond
management, as in Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Management Laboratory
is to be put into practice. Mobile fish disease diagnostic laboratories are particularly
important. This will aid fish culture practices.
5. Eco-friendly aquaculture: With pollution control and environmental management being
of great concern, it is necessary that farming practices incorporate them in management.
This aspect needs to be exploited to develop resource recovery-based waste treatment
measures for which government has approved INR7522 crore Fisheries and Aquaculture
Infrastructure Development Fund.
6. Aquaculture financing: Freshwater aquaculture technologies provide for a wide array of
culture systems. The Union government has identified 20 States based on their potential
and other relevant factors to strengthen the Fish Seed infrastructure in the country.
Similarly various state governments like Maharashtra, Orissa etc. are providing
subsidies for fishermen’ welfare and central governments initiative of National Scheme
of Welfare of fishermen.
7. Data management: Information base for fisheries sector has been found to be weak as
compared to crop systems that is vital for policy decisions at the macro level. For this
purpose government formed National Fisheries Development Board for geographical
information system of the fisheries sector
8. Human resource development: Trained manpower at different levels of management
and application has become a necessity in the wake of increasing entrepreneurial interest
in freshwater aquaculture sector. For this a New National Policy on Marine Fisheries
has been formulated along with a statutory Body called Coastal aquaculture Authority
to regulate coastal aquaculture activities.
9. Insurance coverage: With aquaculture becoming commercial it is necessary to
provide due insurance coverage to operations that involve several risks like natural
calamities, disease incidence and crop failure. This has been catered by the creation of
Fishermen Insurance Scheme. Public education and awareness with regard to
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practices and potentials of freshwater aquaculture will facilitate adoption of aquaculture
practices in a greater magnitude.
10. Modern biotechnology has opened new avenues towards improvement of fish
production and aquatic animal health management. Several genetic and non-genetic
manipulations are being attempted to enhance fish production levels.
11. Efforts like SAMPADA Scheme focus on producing large scale processed products
such as flakes, keema, burgers and canned fish which can be preserved for a longer
period and can support new industries.
There is a need to be cautious of falling prey to the temptation of introducing large-scale industrial
fishing. We must factor in the sustainability challenges and acknowledge that fishing is
a primary livelihood activity for a large number of communities and individuals. The
policies framed by the new department should aim at enhancing productivity, better returns, and
increased incomes.
Q.17) Explain the origin and types of volcanoes. Also, explain various landforms associated
with volcanoes.
Introduction- write in brief about volcanoes
Body- origin, type and landforms with diagram
Conclusion- As per context
A volcano is a place where gases, ashes and/or molten rock material – lava – escape to the ground.
It is from the asthenosphere that the molten rock materials find their way to the surface. The
material in the upper mantle portion is called magma. Once it starts moving towards the crust or it
reaches the surface, it is referred to as lava.
Origin of Volcanoes
The crust is composed of tectonic plates that rest on the upper mantle. Because of the ductile
nature of the mantle, tectonic plates move very slowly, but move nonetheless. Volcanoes are
formed when the edges of tectonic plates meet. These regions are called convergent boundaries.
When they collide, they are called subduction zones. When they move apart, they are called
divergent boundaries.
Volcanos emerge in subduction zones, where two tectonic plates collide. One tectonic plate moves
under another plate, pushing it down into the upper mantle. This causes a change in the
temperature and pressure above the submerged plate. Magma then forms as a result of lower
pressure and increased temperature.
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Illustration of a subduction zone and formation of magma
Although there are several factors triggering a volcanic eruption, three predominate: the
buoyancy of the magma, the pressure from the exsolved gases in the magma and the injection of
a new batch of magma into an already filled magma chamber.
Types of Volcanoes
There are three types of volcanoes: active, dormant and extinct. Volcanoes are said to be active
when they frequently erupt or at least when they have erupted within recent time. Those that
have been known to erupt and show signs of possible eruption in the future are described as
dormant. Volcanoes that have not erupted in historic times but retain the features of volcanoes
are termed extinct. All volcanoes pass through active, dormant and extinct stages but we can
never be thoroughly sure when they are extinct. Mt. Vesuvius and Mt. Krakatau were once
thought by people to be extinct and yet both erupted most violently
VOLCANIC LANDFORMS
Extrusive landforms
Shield volcanoes-. These volcanoes are mostly made up of basalt, a type of lava that is very fluid
when erupted. For this reason, these volcanoes are not steep. They are characterised by low-
explosivity. Example - The Hawaiian volcanoes
Composite Volcanoes These volcanoes are characterised by eruptions of cooler and more
viscous lavas than basalt. These volcanoes often result in explosive eruptions. Along with lava,
large quantities of pyroclastic material and ashes find their way to the ground Example-
Stromboli, the Lighthouse of Mediterranean, Mount Fuji etc.
Flood basalt provinces (Lava plateaus) When a very thin and fluid lava comes out to the Earth's
surface, and flow after intervals for long periods of time, spreading to a large area; it produces a
layered, undulating- wave-like flat surfaces. Example - The Deccan traps of India, Snake basin
of USA, Canadian Shield etc.
Caldera- These are the most explosive of the earth’s volcanoes. They are usually so explosive that when they erupt they tend to collapse on themselves rather than building any tall structure.
The collapsed depressions are called calderas. Example- Lonar in Maharashtra, Krakatoa in
Indonesia, and Lake Caldera in southern Oregon etc.
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Mid-oceanic ridge volcanoes -The mid-oceanic ridges occur in the underwater oceans. There is
a system of 70000 km long mid-oceanic ridges that stretch along all the major ocean basins. The
central portion of the mid-oceanic ridges is associated with frequent volcanic eruptions.
Intrusive Forms
The commonest intrusive landforms are sills and dykes. When an intrusion of molten magma
is made horizontally along the bedding planes of sedimentary rocks, the resultant intrusion is
called a sill. Similar intrusions when injected vertically as narrow walls of igneous rocks within
the sedimentary layers are termed as dykes.
Igneous intrusions on a larger scale are the various types of ‘—liths’: laccoliths, lopoliths,
phacoliths and batholiths. A laccolith is a large blister or igneous mound with a dome-shaped
upper surface and a level base fed by a conduit from below. It arches up the overlying strata of
sedimentary rocks, Example- the Laccoliths of the Henry Mountains, in Utah U.S.A.
A lopolith is another variety of igneous intrusion with a saucer shape. A shallow basin ¡s formed
in the midst of the country rocks. The Bushveld lopoliths of Transvaal, South Africa are examples.
A phacolith is a lens-shaped mass of igneous rocks occupying the crest of an anticline or the
bottom of a syncline and being fed by a conduit from beneath. Example Corndon Hill in
Shropshire, England.
A batholith is a huge mass of igneous rocks, usually granite, which after removal of the overlying
rocks forms a massive and resistant upland region such as the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. It
is generally believed that large masses of magma rising upwards metamorphosed the country
rocks with which they came into contact.
Although volcanoes are destructive but they also create new islands and lands, provide habitat to
pioneer species, create economic mineral and soil deposits, create beautiful landscape and
generate tourism
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Q.18) What factors are responsible for geographical localization of automobile industries?
Also identify major automobile clusters in the world and in India.
Demand of the Question
Introduction: Brief introduction of automobile industries.
Body: Factors responsible for location, clusters in world and India
Conclusion: As per context
The automobile industry comprises a wide range of companies and organizations involved in
the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles. These are not
footloose industries and shop a specific spatial pattern in their localization. Alfred Weber
formulated a theory of industrial location in which an industry is located where the
transportation costs of raw materials and final product is a minimum. For automobile industries
Weber’s theory is applicable but with modifications due to various geographical and non-
geographical reasons.
Factors Controlling Localization of Automobile Industries
Raw material: The automobile industry tends to be located near iron and steel producing centers
because steel is the basic raw material used in this industry. The proximity of places producing
tyres, tubes, storage batteries, paints and other ancillary industries is considered to be an added
advantage. Example- clustering of automobile industries near Great Lake region in USA.
Power: Regular supply of power is a prerequisite for the localization of automobile industries.
Coal, mineral oil and hydr0-electricity are the three important conventional sources of power.
Most of the automobile industries tend to concentrate at the source of power. The iron and steel
industry (main raw material for automobiles) which mainly depends on large quantities of coking
coal as source of power are frequently tied to coal fields. Example- electro-metallurgical processes
in automobile industry require cheap power.
Labour: labour supply is important in two respects (a) workers in large numbers are required;
(b) people with skill or technical expertise are needed. Automobile industries tend to locate near
large urban centers to fulfill labour requirement.
Transport: Transportation by land or water is necessary for the assembly of raw materials and
for the marketing of the finished products. Example- many export oriented automobile
manufacturing plants are located in port cities.
Market- Nearness to market is essential for quick disposal of manufactured goods. It helps in
reducing the transport cost and enables the consumer to get things at cheaper rates. Example-
many automobile industry tend to locate near urban centers as they provide readymade market
like Gurgaon, Pune etc.
Site- Site requirements for industrial development are of considerable significance. The region
should be politically stable with low crime rates. Government incentives like tax holidays also
play an important role in deciding site for manufacturing unit.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (30 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Climate- Harsh climate is not suitable for the establishment of automobile industries. There can
be no industrial development in extremely hot, humid, dry or cold climate.
Capital- Modern automobile industries are capital intensive and require huge investments.
Capital is usually available in urban centers. Example- Detroit, Chicago, Tokyo, Mumbai etc have
developed automobile industries.
Culture of innovation- automobile industry is very innovative and dynamic industry. Areas of
high technological advancements have very well developed automobile industries. Example-
German and Japanese automobile industry
Other important factors determining the location of automobile industries include effects of
agglomeration and industrial inertia, work culture, banking facilities, water availability.
MAJOR AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS IN WORLD
Mid-Western Region/ lake
region in USA
-Youngstown-Pittsburgh-Johnstown iron and steel
triangle, Cleveland, Louisville, Rook-ford, Flint and
Detroit, Chicago, Anderson, Midland, Iowa, St. Louis,
Minneapolis
-Lake Superior iron ore and Appalachian coal fields
Rhine Industrial Region
aka Ruhr- Westphalia
industrial region, Germany
-Dusseldorf and Dortmund, Wuppertal, Solingel, Essen
-Ruhr coal and Siegerland iron ore, Rhine for transport
Lorraine and Paris
industrial region France
Coal and iron in vicinity, large market
Northern industrial region,
Italy
Lombardy, Piedmon, Venice, Milan, Turin, genoa, Savona
Moscow-Tula Industrial
Region
-Moscow-Tula-Vladimir triangle
-Iron ore of Tula and brown coal of Moscow
Yangtze Valley Region,
China
-Wuhan, Nanchang, Chung-king and Shanghai,
Hangzhou
-Availability of raw material, port location of Shanghai.
Tokyo- Yokohama- Chukyo
region, Japan
-Nagoya, Tokai, Kawasaki
-Joban coalfields and hydel power
MAJOR AUTOMOBILE CLUSTERS IN INDIA
Norther Cluster Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Delhi
Eastern cluster Jamshedpur, Kolkata
Southern Cluster Banglore, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Hosur
Western Cluster Mumbai, nasik, Aurangabad, Pune, Vadodara, Sanand
Page 40 of 44
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (30 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Automobile industry in India
The automobile industry is a major industrial and economic force worldwide. The automobile
industry provides well-paying jobs with good benefits, has heavy linkages with supplier industries
(which gives it an oversized role in economic development), and has a strong political influence.
Q.19) In light of population explosion in cities assess the importance of land use planning
in assuring sound urban transport.
APPROACH
Introduce with mentioning state of population explosion in Indian cities with facts and
importance of urban transport system.
Main body should highlight the importance of integration of land use planning with
development of Public transport system.
Conclude with policy focus and some suggestions to end with.
ANSWER
United Nations (UN) report on population points out that India’s urban population will take over the rural population by the end of 2050. In this context Indian cities needs to be prepared for
the upcoming challenge of sustaining more than half of the population of India and sound public
transport system needs to be at the centre of this urban transformation.
Importance of land use planning in assuring effective urban transport
• Scarcity of land resource in urban areas: Urban land is a scarce resource and building
urban transport systems like Metro rail, roads evolving technologies like hyperloop requires
a lot of land to be built upon. Efficient urban land-use will not only reduce burden of land
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (30 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
scarcity but improve productivity of cities with respect to employment, business, cluster
development and connectivity with accessibility.
• Haphazardly planned Indian cities: Most of the cities in India are unplanned and exhibits
challenge to build various urban transport systems along with their interconnectivity.
Thus, any further integration of urban transport requires analysing land usage across the
area and then develop a system to correct the mismatch in urban transport system.
• Legal problems: Acquisition of land for building urban transport remains the major hurdle
in Indian cities. Sustainable land use practises with overhead and underground corridors
for transport can address this challenge of land acquisition.
• Room for all stakeholders: Indian cities especially roads are full of mismatched
stakeholders (pedestrians, cyclist, two wheelers, heavy vehicles etc.). This leads to frequent
traffic jams and accidents. Effective land use planning can mitigate this problem by
planning dedicated corridors for Pedestrians, cyclists, Buses, Heavy vehicles and
smoothing the traffic flow.
• Quality of Public transport: Depending on the density of land use for housing and other
purposes, demand for public transport capacity can be calculated using the results of
household surveys on mobility pattern.
• Parking policy: In metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, the problem of parking
vehicles for private as well as public buses are prominent. Thus, land management should
consider the aspects of parking. Ex. Metro rails in India provides parking spaces for private
vehicles.
• Increasing boundaries of urban areas: A prominent example of new development
extending beyond city’s previous boundaries but with problematic transport consequences is Pune city in Maharashtra state. Lack of land use planning and integration of public
transport system has led to connectivity issues in many other tier 1 and 2 cities especially
in the satellites areas.
• Providing last mile connectivity: Different transport system requires different land usage.
To provide last mile connectivity, land integration of various public transport system needs
to be planned.
CONCLUSION
An efficient transport system is a prerequisite for sustained economic growth of our cities as well
as country. The most crucial aspects of Land use planning need to be integrated with public
urban transport system policy. Government should also focus on innovative financing for
massive capacity building efforts, cleaner technologies and demand management to provide
future generation better and healthier transport system.
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MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (30 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
Q.20) How does sand mining affect the Hydraulic structure in the country? What measures
can be taken to mitigate these effects?
Approach:
Introduction: Give a brief background about sand extraction, why it is needed and its effect.
Body: Discuss in detail as how the rampant sand mining is affecting the water level in the
country.
Conclusion: Give way forward to sustainable use of sand as a natural resource.
Answer:
Sand Mining is an activity referring to the process of the actual removal of sand from the
foreshore including rivers, streams and lakes as it is a valuable natural resource that is needed
for Infrastructure projects and construction activities. India’s increasing infrastructure and
housing needs propelled the illegal sand mining in the country that is the biggest environmental
challenge in the country.
As per UNEP report both China and India top the list of critical hotspots for sand extraction
impacts in rivers, lakes and coastlines.
Sand mining Impacts on the hydraulic structure:
● It transforms the riverbeds into large and deep pits; as a result, the groundwater table
drops leaving the drinking water wells on the embankments of these rivers dry.
● Bed degradation from in-stream mining lowers the elevation of stream flow and the
floodplain water table which decreases wetted periods in riparian wetlands. For locations
close to the sea, saline water may intrude into the fresh water body.
● In-stream sand mining activities will have an impact upon the river's water quality.
Impacts include.
○ increased short-term turbidity
○ sedimentation due to stockpiling and dumping of excess mining materials
○ oil spills or leakage from excavation machinery and transportation vehicles.
● Increased riverbed and bank erosion increase suspended solids in the water at the
excavation site and downstream and adversely affects water users and aquatic
ecosystems.
● Sand extraction results in river and coastal erosion and threatens freshwater, marine
fisheries and aquatic ecosystems and would lead to increased flooding.
● The damming of rivers for hydro-electricity production or irrigation is reducing the
amount of sediment flowing downstream.
● Ecological impacts can be seen by direct loss of stream reserve habitat, disturbances of
species attached to streambed deposits, reduced light penetration, primary production,
and feeding opportunities.
Measures needed:
● Better spatial planning and reducing unnecessary construction like speculative projects
● Investing in infrastructure maintenance and retrofitting rather than demolishing and
rebuilding cycle
● Embracing alternative design and construction methods, even avoiding the use of
cement and concrete where possible and using green infrastructure.
Page 43 of 44
MGP 2020 | Test 12A/B – Solutions (31012) | ForumIAS (30 Questions | 250 Marks | Duration 3 Hours)
ForumIAS Offline Guidance Centre
2ndFloor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005 | [email protected]|9821711605
● Large-scale multi-pronged actions from global to local levels, involving public, private and
civil society organisations to build consensus and reconciling policies with sand
availability.
● The alternative substitute materials like oil palm shell, waste foundry sand, m-sand
(crushed tiles, granite powder), mine waste, bottom ash, and discarded rubber etc should
be promoted for construction.
Conclusion:
To help states deal with the sand mining issues, including demand supply deficit and illegal
extraction, the Union Government has launched a framework prepared after intensive
consultations with all stakeholders. There is a need to reduce demand to responsible levels and
stop environmentally damaging practices to protect sensitive ecosystems and meet biodiversity
conservation goals.
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