4) How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) (2025)
Direction: Intro----effects of climate change & sea level rise----Conclusion.
Introduction
Define impacts of island nations with supportive data.
Main Body
How do climate change & sea level rise affect the island nations?
- Land loss & Submergence – In Solomon Islands, several inhabited islands have lost up to 20% of their land, forcing village relocations.
- Rise in temperature
- Vulnerability to extreme weather - Cyclones like Cyclone Winston (2016) in Fiji devastations are equivalent to around 31% of GDP.
- Climate refugees
- Destruction of marine ecosystem
- Agricultural challenge – threat to food security
- Economic loss
- Sovereignty & legal challenges - Eg- Appeal at UN by Tuvalu to preserve its statehood despite land loss.
Conclusion
Conclude with some suggestions/way forward.
5) What are the non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) (2025)
Directions: Intro-----Physiographic features + related activities + Examples------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Define non-farm primary activities with examples.
Main Body
Activities related to physiographic features in India
- Northern Himalayas – Lumbering, Pastoralism (Pashmina Goats, Ladakh), Lithium Reserve (J&K)
- Eastern Himalayas – Petroleum & Tea (Assam), Bamboo-based industries (Meghalaya).
- Gangetic Plains – Inland fishing (Ganga & Brahmaputra), Dairy Farming & Cattle rearing (Punjab, Haryana), River sand mining.
- Peninsular plateau – Iron ore (Karnataka-Goa), Granite (Andhra), Gold (Kolar Mines), Lumbering, Inland fisheries.
- Deserts – Camel rearing (Rajasthan), Salt extraction, sandstone quarrying, marbles (Aravali)
- Coastal areas & Islands - Marine fishing, shrimp aquaculture (Andhra Pradesh), salt production (Rann of Kutch – largest in India), Monazite sands (Kerala, TN), pearl & Coral cultivation (Gulf of Mannar)
Conclusion:
Give a progressive perspective, like how these help in India’s economic growth, etc.
6. Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks) (2025)
Direction: Intro----- Ecological & economic benefits-----Conclusion.
Introduction:
Mention about India’s renewable energy capacity & targets.
Main Body
Ecological benefits
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - NTPC Ramagundam Floating Solar, Telangana, avoids 210,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
- Reduction in global warming – helps reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.
- Improves air quality.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Improves water quality - Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan
Economic Benefits
- Optimal use of land – combine farming with solar panels, Kerala’s Kayamkulam floating solar project.
- Employment generation – generating over 1.3 million jobs.
- Reduction of fossil fuel dependence
- Promotes rural electrification – PM KUSUM Scheme, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bhijili yojana.
- Promotes investment opportunities
- Cheaper in Cost compare to fossil fuel power.
Conclusion:
Give it a positive note – try to mention the 2070 net zero target, strengthen make in India programme, etc.
