Mains PYQs - GS-1 (2025) (Q. 16 - 18)

16. Discuss how the changes in shape and size of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. (250 words, 15 marks) (2025)

Introduction

Define plate tectonics/plate movements.

Main Body

Changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins

• Convergent Boundaries
  • Continent-continent – Mountain Building (Himalayas).
  • Ocean-ocean - Deep ocean trench (Mariana Trench) & volcanic island arc (Japan).
  • Continent-ocean – Volcanic mountain ranges ( Andes Mountains & Peru–Chile Trench), causing frequent earthquakes.
• Divergent Boundaries
  • Continent-continent – Rift valley (East African Rift Valley).
  • Ocean-ocean - mid-ocean ridges – Sea floor spreading (Mid Atlantic Ridges).
  • Continent-ocean - new ocean basin, mid-ocean ridge (Red Sea (African Plate–Arabian Plate), Gulf of Aden).
• Transform boundary – Transform faults, fault valleys, offset streams (San Andreas Fault (USA), North Anatolian Fault (Turkey)).
• Provide a map to all.

Conclusion:

Conclude like Plate movement’s contribution in buildiong of planet & their contribution inn growth of mankind.

17. Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. (250 words, 15 marks) (2025).

Introduction:

Mention Ganga River Basin aspects with a map (or) define population density.

Main Body

Distribution & Population Density

 Role of land, soil & Water

• Land - Flat land topography – Ease & dense transportation facilities, low construction cost, intense agriculture potential.
• Eg. Bihar, UP & West Bengal.
• Hilly regions have sparse population.
• Soil - Fertile Alluvial soil – Bhangar and Kadhar depositions, densest rural population, major agricultural surplus belt, etc.
• Water - Perennial water resources – Fed by glaciers & monsoon rains – Ganges & its tributaries. Majority of the water used for agriculture, helps to recharge groundwater.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a positive note – people prefer to settle in this basin because of the availability of resources, which leads to the density of population. (or) Interlink with some tech-related interventions to improve availability of resources with a future perspective.

18. How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience. (250 words, 15 marks) (2025)

Introduction:

Describe briefly about fast food industries & add some data related to it.

Main Body

Reason for growth of fast food industries

• Lifestyle changes – Busy work culture, etc.
• Urbanisation
• Digital/Quick Commerce – online instant delivery apps, etc. (Hyper-Convenience Economy).
• Aggressive marketing & Branding
• Rise of demand – for taste, flavour, etc, especially among youths and teenagers.
• Westernisation of food habits
• Availability & Affordability

Indian Experience

• Diabetics capital – ICMR indicates that over 11% of the Indian population is diabetic.
• Rise of lifestyle diseases – Rise of heart-related issues, hypertension, obesity, etc.
• Double burden of malnutrition – Micronutrient deficiencies ("hidden hunger") + rising adult and childhood obesity rates.

Conclusion:

Conclude that growth reflects in the lifestyle shift & rise in health concerns. To tackle this, create awareness, promote healthier alternatives, ensure affordability, etc to the people.