GPSC Mains 2023: Geography - A comprehensive guide to previous year questions and answers



1. Analyse the major causes of low literacy rate in India and suggest some reasonable and feasible measures to raise the literacy level in India.

There are several major causes of low literacy rate in India, including:

Poverty: Many families living in poverty are unable to afford the cost of education for their children, which can lead to a lack of access to schools and educational resources.

Gender discrimination: In some areas of India, girls are not given the same educational opportunities as boys, which can lead to a lower literacy rate for females.

Lack of infrastructure: In rural areas, schools and other educational resources may be lacking or of poor quality, which can make it difficult for children to receive an education.

Socio-economic and cultural factors: Socio-economic and cultural factors such as caste and religion can also play a role in low literacy rate in India.

To raise the literacy level in India, some reasonable and feasible measures include:

Increasing government funding for education: This can help to build more schools and improve the quality of education in India.

Providing scholarships and financial aid: This can help to make education more affordable for families living in poverty.

Encouraging girls' education: This can be done through programs and initiatives that promote girls' education and address the cultural and societal barriers that prevent girls from attending school.

Building more schools in rural areas: This can help to increase access to education for children living in rural areas.

Adult literacy programs: These programs can target the population that has missed the opportunity to learn to read and write during their childhood and increase their participation in the workforce and society.

Creating awareness campaigns: Campaigns that create awareness about the importance of education and the benefits it can bring can help to motivate people to seek out educational opportunities.

In conclusion, low literacy rate in India is a complex issue that is caused by a variety of factors including poverty, gender discrimination, lack of infrastructure, and socio-economic and cultural factors. To raise the literacy level in India, it is important to address these issues through measures such as increasing government funding for education, providing scholarships and financial aid, encouraging girls' education, building more schools in rural areas, creating adult literacy programs, and creating awareness campaigns. It is important that these measures are implemented in a coordinated and sustainable manner to achieve the goal of increasing literacy rate in India.

2. Highlight the state of organic farming in India and government policy regarding it.

The state of organic farming in India is relatively small compared to conventional farming, but it is growing. Organic farming in India is based on traditional farming practices that have been used for centuries, and it is based on the principles of sustainable agriculture. Organic farming in India is mostly practiced by small and marginal farmers, who are more likely to be affected by the negative impacts of chemical-based farming.

The Government of India has recognized the potential of organic farming and has implemented several policies and programs to promote and support it. The National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) was launched in 2001 to promote organic farming in the country. The NPOP provides certification for organic products and sets standards for organic farming. The government also provides financial assistance and subsidies to farmers who want to convert to organic farming.

The government has also launched several other initiatives to support organic farming such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to mention a few.

Despite the government support, the organic farming still faces several challenges in India. These include lack of awareness and knowledge about organic farming among farmers, lack of access to markets for organic produce, lack of proper infrastructure for organic farming, and high costs of certification.

In conclusion, Organic farming in India is growing, but it still represents a small portion of total farming. The government has implemented several policies and programs to promote and support organic farming, and it has provided subsidies and financial assistance to farmers who want to convert to organic farming, but more effort is needed to overcome the challenges faced by the organic farmers.

The Smart Cities Mission, launched by the Government of India in 2015, aims to develop 100 smart cities across the country. The mission seeks to create sustainable and livable cities by leveraging technology and innovation to improve the quality of life for citizens.

3. Write a critical note on the need and significance of Smart Cities Mission in India.

One of the main reasons for the need of the Smart Cities Mission is the rapid urbanization that India is currently experiencing. The population in India's cities is projected to increase from 340 million in 2008 to 590 million by 2030, putting a tremendous strain on existing infrastructure and services. Smart cities, with their emphasis on efficient use of resources and integrated planning, can help to address this challenge and create more livable and sustainable urban environments.

Another significant aspect of the Smart Cities Mission is its focus on citizen engagement and participation. The mission encourages active participation of citizens in the planning and development of their cities, which can lead to more inclusive and equitable outcomes. This can be done through various citizen engagement platforms such as open data portals, city dashboards, and mobile applications that provide real-time information on city services and infrastructure.

The Smart Cities Mission also aims to promote sustainable urban development by reducing the ecological footprint of cities and improving the use of renewable energy sources. The mission targets to achieve this by promoting energy-efficient buildings, green transportation, and sustainable waste management practices.

In addition, the Smart Cities Mission also aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth through the development of smart cities. The mission focuses on creating a conducive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to flourish, by providing access to infrastructure and services, and promoting innovation and technology.

In conclusion, the Smart Cities Mission in India is a significant initiative that addresses the challenges of rapid urbanization, promotes sustainable development, citizen engagement and participation, and fosters economic growth. It is a unique approach that leverages technology and innovation to create smart and livable cities that can improve the quality of life for citizens. However, there are also some critics of this mission, stating that it could lead to displacement of low-income communities, homogenization of cities, and lack of transparency in the implementation process. Nonetheless, the government should strive to address these concerns, to ensure the success of the mission in creating smart and inclusive cities.


The Peninsular plateau region of India is a vast and diverse landform that covers most of the southern part of the country. It is a plateau that is composed of ancient rocks that have been subjected to weathering, erosion, and uplift over millions of years. The Peninsular plateau region can be broadly divided into four main landforms: the Deccan plateau, the Malwa plateau, the Chota Nagpur plateau, and the Meghalaya plateau.

4. Describe in detail the landforms of Peninsular plateau region of India and show their effects on the drainage system of the rivers.

The Deccan plateau is the largest and most prominent landform in the Peninsular plateau region. It is a vast triangular shaped plateau that is composed of basaltic rocks. The Deccan plateau is characterized by a flat surface with a few low hills and is drained by several major rivers such as the Godavari, the Krishna, and the Cauvery. The Deccan plateau is also known for its black soil, which is rich in iron and is suitable for growing crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and soybeans.

The Malwa plateau is located in the central part of the Peninsular plateau region. It is a small plateau that is composed of sandstone and is characterized by a flat surface with low hills. The Malwa plateau is drained by the Chambal River and its tributaries. The Chota Nagpur plateau is located in the eastern part of the Peninsular plateau region. It is a high plateau that is composed of granite and other hard rocks. The Chota Nagpur plateau is characterized by a rugged surface with high hills and deep valleys. It is drained by several major rivers such as the Damodar, the Brahmani, and the Subarnarekha.

The Meghalaya plateau is located in the northeastern part of the Peninsular plateau region. It is a small plateau that is composed of sandstone and limestone. The Meghalaya plateau is characterized by a rugged surface with high hills and deep valleys. It is drained by several major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, the Barak and the Surma.

The landforms of Peninsular plateau region have a significant effect on the drainage system of the rivers. The Deccan plateau, with its flat surface and black soil, allows the rivers to flow smoothly and provide fertile land for agriculture. The Malwa plateau, with its flat surface, allows the Chambal river to flow smoothly. The Chota Nagpur plateau, with its rugged surface and high hills, causes the rivers to flow swiftly and deeply, creating rapids, gorges, and waterfalls. The Meghalaya plateau, with its rugged surface and high hills, causes the rivers to flow swiftly and deeply, creating rapids, gorges, and waterfalls. This rugged terrain also causes the rivers to have a braided or meandering pattern, which can result in frequent changes in the course of the river.

In conclusion, the Peninsular plateau region of India is a diverse landform that is composed of ancient rocks that have been subjected to weathering, erosion, and uplift over millions of years. The landforms of Peninsular plateau region have a significant effect on the drainage system of the rivers, with the Deccan plateau allowing the rivers to flow smoothly and providing fertile land for agriculture, the Malwa plateau allowing the Chambal river to flow smoothly, the Chota Nagpur plateau causing the rivers to flow swiftly and deeply, creating rapids, gorges, and waterfalls, and the Meghalaya plateau causing the rivers to flow swiftly and deeply with a braided or meandering pattern. Understanding the landforms of the Peninsular plateau region and its effect on the drainage system of the rivers is crucial for proper water management and sustainable development in the region.

Post a Comment

0 Comments