Mains Test Series 2020: Sample Answers

MAINS TEST
SERIES 2020
Economic Geography of India

and the World
TEST NO. : MT(GS)-2
SAMPLE ANSWERS
►QUESTION TAGS FOR L1 TESTS
 DEFINE - Give the precise meaning of
 ENUMERATE/ MENTION/ HIGHLIGHT - List out ALL the relevant points briefly (don’t get into
details). Note: Width is more important than depth.
 DESCRIBE/ EXPLAIN / ELUCIDATE/ SUBSTANTIATE / ELABORATE/ ILLUSTRATE / CLARIFY - Bring
clarity by giving relevant details (reasons, illustration, data, facts, examples, etc.)
 ACCOUNT FOR / GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF - Provide a detailed narrative about the subject in
question
 DISTINGUISH / DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN - Bring out the differences between the subjects in
question (or relationship if any between them)
 COMMENT – Provide view-point or opinion on the subject in question. Conclusion is necessary.
 ANALYZE/ DISCUSS – Explore the various dimensions of the subject in detail. State clearly the pros
and cons or argue for and against. Authenticate by giving examples or support your argument (or
stand point) by giving evidence or reasons. Conclusion is necessary.
Please note:
 Give examples/ data wherever required to authenticate your arguments.

 In Geography, draw diagrams wherever possible.
 Understand the subject and demand of the question and get straight to the point.
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SAMPLE ANSWERS | QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2
ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA AND THE WORLD
Question The Sample Answers have been constructed to train students about how
No. to write relevant and succinct answers in exam condition.
1. Discuss the factors for the locations of the Jute industry in India 10
and elaborate the challenges associated with it. (150 words)
 Introduction: Briefly describe the nature of the industry.
 Body: Discuss
o Key reasons/ factors affecting the location of Jute
Industry, and
o Main problems faced by the Jute Industry.
o Also draw the diagram on spread of Jute Mills and Jute
growing areas in India.
 Conclusion: Conclude with way forward/ future of Jute Industry of
India.
Jute industry being agro processing is directly connected to the

livelihood of workers and farmers through backward linkages.
Factors responsible for the Location of Jute industry:
 Easy availability of raw material (jute growing region)

 Abundant water availability (150 cm rainfall region)
 Humid climate helps in spinning and weaving
 Waterways providing cheaper transport
 Proximity to Ports
 Cheap labour from West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, etc.
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Challenges:
 Lack of implementation of Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987

which has a provision for jute packaging mandatory for all food
grains.
 Cheap imports and smuggling of jute due to porous border with
Bangladesh.
 Lack of innovation and diversification limits market potential.
 Labor unionism of Bengal.
 Increasing input cost and acute scarcity of quality jute seed
 Lack of demand in world market,
 Outdated technology leads to lower output/productivity,
Initiatives like MSP, ISAPM, single use plastic ban, imposition of anti-
dumping duty can boost the Jute industry.
Jute as an industry should rapidly evolve into a multiple product

producing efficient industry which will not only save millions of jobs
but will also link India to global supply chain.

2. Discuss the scope & challenges of aquaculture in India. (150 Words) 10
 Introduction: Define Aquaculture and provide certain facts

regarding the aquaculture in India
 Body: Write about the scope of aquaculture in India and then in
brief mention about the challenges associated with it.
 Conclusion: Way forward to tackle the above challenges.
Aquaculture (aqua farming) means farming of aquatic organisms in

both coastal (saltwater) and inland (freshwater) areas. As per FAO,
aquaculture in India accounts for 85% of the total fish production.
Scope of Aquaculture
 Abundant availability of fresh water in terms of water bodies such

as river, lakes, and ponds provides immense scope for aquaculture.
 Huge domestic markets as 70% of Indians are non-vegetarian.
 Vibrant growth as this sector has seen 11 fold increase in last six
decades.
 Shift in dietary preference towards protein rich diet.
Challenges Associated
 Lack of mechanisation which reduces overall productivity
 Inefficient supply chain due to lack of adequate cold storage.
 Lack of government support in terms absence of subsidies.
 Food processing is at nascent stage.
In this regard government in recent budget introduced Matsya

Sampada Yojna.
Further, solution lies in implementing recommendation of Meena
Kumari Committee on fishing.
Fish as a food source is not only remotely producible but also well
suited for SDG 2 (removing hunger).

3. Analyze the factors responsible for the location of the 10

pharmaceutical industry on the western region of India. (150
Words)
 Introduction: Mention the present status of Pharmaceutical industry
of India.
 Body:
o Mention the factors and reasons why it is concentrated more in
western region of India than in other parts of country.
o Also draw the diagram on its location in India.
 Conclusion: Way forward.
India is considered as a global pharmaceutical hub for being the

largest provider of generic drugs. It not only earns foreign exchange
revenues but also enables cheap access to quality healthcare to the
millions.
Factors Responsible for its dominance in western region:

(locations on map)
 Petrochemical industry: As one of the main raw material is

derived from there.
 Port Connectivity (Kandla, Nava Sheva): import of raw material
and export of generic drugs to major markets (Africa, Europe etc.)
 Established Engineering Sector: 35-40% of pharmaceutical
machinery is produced in Gujarat.
 Investor friendly government policies - Ease of doing business of
Gujarat, Maharashtra
 Low electricity tariff (cold storage facility)
 Well established healthcare sector (known for Medical Tourism),
 Strong infrastructure facilities (well-connected roads for access to
domestic market).

Case study: Decentralization of pharma sector is taking place owed

to preferential state policies and market from Delhi NCR.
The emerging competition from cheap Chinese pharmaceuticals and

lingering issues of IPR are the challenges which we will face in near
future. Hence, government needs to protect domestic industry
through preferential treatment as well as incentivizing innovation.

4. Explain the role of climate in controlling the water resources and 10

cropping pattern in India. (150 Words)
 Introduction: Briefly, mention the linkage b/t climate, water resource &
cropping pattern.
 Body: Elaborate the linkage giving examples and diagram.
 Conclusion: Impact of climate change.
Climate through temperature, humidity, wind pattern and rainfall

controls the water resources and cropping pattern.
Impact on Water resources
 South West Monsoon mainly in the coastal region, Northern and

North-Eastern India and few parts of Peninsular plateau act as:
o source of restoration of groundwater and surface water;
o source of seasonal streams such as Luni and their tributaries;
o provide water security to peninsular India (perineal rivers).
 Similarly retreating monsoon brings precipitation in Tamil Nadu

region.
 Western disturbances bring rainfall/snow in the Northern India,
thus replenishing glaciers.

Impact on cropping pattern
 Spatially: the high rainfall and warmer regions grow tropical crops
and cold and drier regions grow temperate crops (wheat in
Punjab and Haryana and Rice in West Bengal and coastal
locations)
 Temporally:
o the crops grown in a region is guided by variability of water
throughout the year.
o Hence tropical crops (jute and rice) during monsoon season

and temperate crops (rice and groundnuts) during drier season.
Case study: However, humans have created techniques which defy

this distribution (Indira Gandhi canal has enabled rice cultivation in
desert)
However, global warming and extreme El-Nino events are effecting

the climate which may change the water resource distribution and
cropping pattern of India, hence, adaptation of sustainable
strategies needed.

5. Do you think that Automobile Industry is decentralised in India? If 10

no, then discuss its potential for decentralisation? (150 Words)
 Introduction: Mention the ‘centralized’ status of automobile Industry in
India
 Body:
o Briefly mention major, minor and emerging clusters with factors
favouring them
o Opportunities and challenges for decentralisation
 Conclusion: Way forward
Automobile industry in India is highly centralized. It is seen to have

adopted a cluster-based approach and these clusters are seen at:
MAJOR CLUSTERS
(1) Mumbai - Pune (West)
 large domestic market

 availability of power supply (Western Ghats hydrothermal)
 good infrastructure
 port facility in Mumbai for export.
(2) Chennai – Bangalore (South)
 availability of steel from Salem Steel plant and aluminium from

Madras Aluminium corp.
 port facility in Chennai for export as well import of modern
machinery.
 Good infrastructure
(3) National Capital Region (North)
 large domestic market of northern India

 favourable government policy (availability of loan)
 availability of land (Gurugram policy)
 good road connectivity for transportation to other markets
MINOR CLUSTERS
(1) Kolkata – Jamshedpur (East)

Case study: Despite unavailability of raw material (steel and

aluminium) Delhi NCR is a major cluster because of a large
domestic market.
 Development of dedicated freight corridors (easy transport of

raw material).
 Improvement in road infrastructure in UP, Bihar, MP,
Chattisgarh.
 Supportive Government policies
Case study: Uttarakhand has become a large truck manufacturer
from the setting up of the Ashok Leyland factory
But the following constraints make realizing the potential of

decentralization difficult:
 Availability of raw material (steel & aluminium) is not

decentralised
 Lack of other infrastructure facilities like power etc.
 Regional problems, example rugged terrain in North-East
 Land acquisition example Singur – Nano case
 Interstate policy differences
Decentralisation of automobile sector will become possible if the

above challenges are addressed. Also, automobile being a labour
intensive industry, its decentralization will effect India’s balanced
economic growth.
However, it is first important to bring the sector out from the current
recession.

6. India is emerging as one of the largest producer of energy from 15

renewable sources. Discuss the opportunities and challenges
associated with the renewable energy in India? (250 words)
 Introduction: Write facts and data on renewable energy and few
government schemes
 Body:
o Elaborate on opportunities that exists in renewable energy sector
o Elaborate on challenges associated in doing so
 Conclusion: Way forward/ suggestions
In India renewable energy presently accounts for 34.6% of total

installed power capacity. It includes solar energy, wind energy, hydro
power, biofuel etc.
Opportunities associated with renewable energy are:
 Revenue from export of electricity has been done to Bangladesh in

recent times.
 Reduction in fossil fuel import bill India presently imports 84% of
its total energy needs
 Shift to clean energy with help redressing climate change and
global warming concerns.
 Provides India an opportunity to adopt role in global energy
leadership especially with projects such as ISA.
 Health benefits associated due to cut down in fossil fuel emissions.
 Falling cost of renewable energy generation in the recent years.
Challenges associated with renewable energy:
 Over ambitious targets India has raised it's INDC targets from 175
GW to 450 GW words by 2022
 Renewable energy is land intensive – faces problem of land
acquisition.
 Dependent on imports for example solar panels are imported
majorly from China
 Inadequate grid infrastructure to facilitate exchange between
energy surplus and energy deficient areas

Steps needed include
 Enhanced investment in research and development

 Promotion of innovative solution such as solar trees
 Cheaper credit availability for renewable energy promotion
 Exploring new sectors like tidal energy, ocean thermal energy etc.
As Economic Survey 2019 suggests green growth with unfettered blue

sky thinking is the only way forward for facilitating sustainable and
inclusive development towards $5 trillion economy.
Focus on rapid enhancement of Renewable energy production is the

only way to solve the twin problems of lack of access affordable and
clean energy (SDG 7) as well as climate change mitigation (SDG 13).

7. Elaborate the role of agriculture in aggravating India’s water 15

crisis? Suggest methods for water-use efficiency in agriculture?
(250 words)
 Introduction: Mention facts related to water crisis in India and relate it
with agriculture
 Body: State factors responsible for inefficient water-use in agriculture
and suggest methods to tackle them
 Conclusion: Way forward
According to NITI Aayog, India is currently suffering from the worst

water crisis in its history.
Agriculture accounts for 78 % of water use in the country. With

reducing groundwater level and increasing water scarcity the major
concern at present is practice of water use in agriculture.
Role of agriculture in aggravating India’s water crisis:
 Groundwater reduction due to high dependence on groundwater

and reckless pumping example Maharashtra
 Changing cropping pattern towards water intensive crops (like
sugarcane) due to incentive structure like MSP, heavily subsidized
electricity etc.
 Flood irrigation, furrow irrigation etc. leads to wastage of water,
salinization and ground water contamination
 Absence of government support.

 Lack of awareness among the farmers regarding water use
efficiency.
Case study - Water crisis relates to soil deterioration: inefficient
ground water use has led to alkalization and salinization of soil in
Punjab and Haryana.
As agriculture is highly dependent on water, methods for water-use

efficiency are of utmost importance. Water-use efficiency can be
defined as the ratio of agricultural output to the amount of water
consumed.

Methods for water-use efficiency in agriculture:
 Water saving irrigation technologies like micro-irrigation.

 Shifting from paddy and sugarcane to less water-
intensive crops such as oilseeds, pulses and millets.
 Soil moisture conservation techniques such as mulching helps in
reducing the amount of water lost from the soils.
 Application of organic manure helps in decreasing consumption
of water.
 Zero tillage/Conservation tillage can increase water use efficiency.
 Drought resistance seed
We need to respond to the looming water crisis by implementing

methods for water use efficiency in agriculture so as to achieve the
objective of ‘Per Drop, More Crop’.

8. Describe the changes occurring in the cropping pattern in India 15

and their impact on the water and soil, giving examples. (250
words)
 Introduction: Define the cropping pattern and factors associated with
it.
 Body: Explain the changes occurring in cropping pattern and their
impact on soil and water by giving suitable examples.
 Conclusion: Intervention required to meet the crisis.
Cropping pattern is the proportion of area under various crops at a

point of as it changes over space and time based on factors related
to agro- climatic conditions, availability of resources, market forces,
government policies, etc.
In the recent time, to reap the better economic prospects (due to

trade or government policies), there has been change in the cropping
pattern in different regions of India.
Before After
Maharashtra
 Dry land farming (suited to arid  Water intensive cropping
climate) pattern
 Pulses and soybeans  Sugarcane
Punjab and Haryana
 Intercropping
 Mono cropping
 Rabi and Kharif cycle (pulse-  Wheat-Rice cultivation cycle.
wheat, maize-wheat).
Rajasthan
 Pulses, oilseeds  Cotton (water intensive)
 However, change in the cropping pattern is leading to the

depletion of natural resources such as:
o Depletion in soil nutrients in arable tracts of Haryana,
Punjab, UP.

o Soil salinity and soil erosion
o Water contamination due to usage of urea, leading to

eutrophication
Hence the need of the hour is to shift to ecologically sustainable

cropping pattern (pulses and horticulture) which will not only solve
water issues but will also address malnutrition challenges being faced.
This is possible through proper government policy intervention and
good price remuneration with assured market for alternative crops.

9. What is the importance of Indian Ocean for India and other littoral 15
states? (250 words)
 Introduction: Explain the concept of the Indian Ocean region

and its littoral states with help of a diagram.
 Body: Write about the (strategic, economic, geopolitical etc.)
importance of Indian Ocean Region
 Conclusion: Challenges and Solution
Indian Ocean Region refers to the geographical region consisting of

Indian Ocean and its contagious land territory (32 littoral states)
that includes countries such as Australia, India, Indonesia,
Bangladesh etc.
Importance of Indian Ocean Region for India and Littoral States -
 Strategic Importance – 95% Indian trade by volume and 70% by

value passes through IOR.
 Geo political Importance - Region is witnessing rising global power
contestation especially with regard to rising aggressive China and
its policies such as Maritime Silk Route (OBOR).
 Economic Importance - in terms of resources such as poly metallic
nodules.

 Food and nutrient security – in terms of protein rich marine food

resources.
 Energy Security via tapping of ocean thermal energy, tidal energy,
fossil fuel (ex-Persian gulf) etc.
 Security – India has 7500km long coast, defending it is critical for
national and regional security perspective. For example - 2008
Mumbai attackers entered India via maritime route.
 Monsoon Phenomenon – Indian monsoon critically depends on
high pressure systems that develops over the Indian ocean during
summer months.
 Ecology – wide presence of coral reefs, mangroves in the region.
 Indo-Pacific has been catching global attention and IOR region is a
natural extension of it.
IOR faces various challenges from choke points such as Malacca strait,
emerging Chinese assertion of strength in IOR (string of pearls) non-
traditional threats such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling etc.
In this regard various steps been taken which include multilateral

exercises such as BIMSTEC exercise conducted in 2018, India getting
possession of Island from Seychelles, port of Duqm from Oman.
Further need exists to facilitate strategic cooperation and dialogues

among IOR littoral states to ensure stable rule based order in the
region.
Keeping in mind the significance of the Indian ocean, India should try
to become undisputed net security provider.

10. How can strategic minerals play a role in location of certain types 15
of industries in India? (250 words)
 Introduction: Define the concept of strategic minerals with

suitable examples
 Body: Mention few strategic minerals and explain how they play
a significant role in location of industry. Also write in brief the
problems related to it.
 Conclusion: Way forward - Recent government initiatives and

suggestions to resolve the challenges associated with strategic
minerals.
Minerals whose non availability or low domestic extraction have wide

ramification across economy, industry and defence of the country are
called as Strategic mineral.
For example - while crude oil is strategic resource for India because
of its limited availability, it is not strategic for UAE. On the reverse
while Iron ore is strategic for UAE, it is not strategic for India because
of its wide abundance.
Strategic minerals have a role in location of certain types of

Industries such as
 Lithium can encourage electronic industry (Eg - lithium-ion

batteries)
 Petroleum can encourage petroleum refinery industry as seen
around Mumbai, Gujarat industrial cluster (Ankleshwar, Kolol,
Trombay) etc.
 Natural Gas can encourage fertilizer industries (Eg - Jagdishpur
fertilizer plant) and steel Industry (Eg - Vishakhapatnam steel plant)
 Rare Earth Metals can encourage Electronics (computer, smart
phone, digital cameras etc), Aerospace, Defence Industry etc.
 Copper, Cobalt from Polymetallic Nodules can encourage
Electronic Appliances and Cable Industries.

ADDITIONAL
CONTENT
FOR
CONCEPTUAL
CLARITY

ADDITIONAL CONTENT | QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2
Additional Content for conceptual clarity and related information
1. JUTE INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Other Factors responsible for its location
 British Rule : arrival of British merchants provided early start advantage in setting up of jute mills in erstwhile
Bengal
 Lack of marketing for biodegradable jute products to environmentally conscious users in foreign markets
 Transport Facility : cheap water transport (Hugli river) , ports, railways and roadways facilitate movement of raw
material to the mills
Other Challenges
 Competitors like Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt and Thailand are affecting jute industry in India by producing quality
products at cheaper rates.
 Cheaper synthetics fiber from Europe and North America is reducing the its overall demand in international
market.
 Lack of Raw Material: After Partition the jute mills remained in India but three-fourth of the jute producing area
went to Bangladesh.
Facts
 Jute is otherwise known as the 'Golden Fiber' -a plant that produces a fiber, mainly used for sacking and cordage.
 This raw material is used for sacks, globally and is the most versatile fibers of nature.
 Different forms of handicrafts also use this fiber.
 Jute is cheap and important among all textile fibers, after cotton
 India is the largest producer of raw jute and jute goods and stands at second place as an exporter after
Bangladesh.
 Most of these are located in West Bengal, mainly along the banks of the Hugli River, in a narrow belt (98 km long
and 3 km wide).
 The first jute mill was set up near Kolkata in 1859 at Rishra.
 After Partition in 1947, the jute mills remained in India but three-fourth of the jute producing area went to
Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan).
 Jute industry is mainly a raw material based industry.
 Most of the jute mills are in the jute producing areas of the country.
 West Bengal alone accounts for 85 per cent of the total jute production of the country.
 Jute Industry is a labour intensive industry which directly and indirectly provides job to more than 4 lakh people
 The jute sector in India engages a key role in the Indian economy, providing direct employment to about 0.26
million workers, and supporting the lives of around 4.0 million farm families.
 Around 0.14 million people are believed to be engaged in the tertiary sector, that supports the jute industry.
Currently it also contributes to exports to the tune of about 1000 crore.
 The internal demand has been on the increase due to the Government policy of mandatory use of jute packaging.
To stimulate demand, the products need to be diversified.

 In 2005, National Jute Policy was formulated with the objective of increasing productivity, improving quality,
ensuring good prices to the jute farmers and enhancing the yield per hectare.
2. AQUACULTURE IN INDIA
 Aquaculture is a rapidly growing fisheries sector in India with an annual growth rate of over 7%.
 Freshwater aquaculture contributes over 95% of the total annual aquaculture production of 5.77 million t.
 Technologies of induced carp breeding in ponds and tanks brought about perceptible upward shift in freshwater
aquaculture production. Of late, the sector has been witnessing diversification with the inclusion of medium and
minor carps, catfishes and murrels.
 Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal are the top producers of freshwater fish through aquaculture.

 System diversification has resulted in optimum productivity. Public and private carp hatcheries produce around
40 billion fry.
 Fish requirement by 2020 is expected to touch 15 million t, of which around 9 million t would need to come from
freshwater aquaculture.
 Input-related, social and environmental constraints of aquaculture in India need to be tackled through horizontal
and vertical expansion, technology as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, for sustainable
development.
Meena kumari Committee recommendations -
 Sustainable exploitation of fisheries and a holistic plan for the resource consumption in the coastal areas.
 Diversify fishing using deep buffer zones and development of technology to exploit water beyond 500 meters
 Squid fishing to be increased
 Trained domestic crew on board and capacity building of the existing Indian crew.
 Requested the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) Kochi to design
appropriate courses for different category of operators and conduct training programs
Government should consider setting up of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in selected places to make tuna fishing
more remunerative.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN INDIA

What is pharmaceutical industry?
 The pharmaceutical industry is an important component of health care systems throughout the world
 Pharmaceutical industry means the discovery, development, and manufacture of drugs and medications
(pharmaceuticals) by public and private organizations.
 It is comprised of many public and private organizations that discover, develop, manufacture and market
medicines for human and animal health.
 It is primarily based upon the scientific research and development (R&D) of medicines that prevent or treat
diseases and disorders.
 The pharmaceutical industry discovers, develops, produces, and markets drugs or pharmaceutical drugs for use
as medications to be administered (or self-administered) to patients, with the aim to cure them, vaccinate them,
or alleviate the symptoms.
 Pharmaceutical companies may deal in generic or brand medications and medical devices
Status in India
 The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the world’s third largest of drugs by volume
 India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally.
 The country also has a large pool of scientists and engineers who have the potential to steer the industry ahead to
an even higher level.
 Presently over 80 per cent of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms.

 The pharmaceutical sector was valued at US$ 33 billion in 2017.
Challenges
Regulatory obstacles
 Lack of proper infrastructure
 Lack of qualified professionals
 Expensive research equipments
 Lack of academic collaboration
 Underdeveloped molecular discovery program
 Divide between the industry and study curriculum
Government Initiatives
 The National Health Protection Scheme is largest government funded healthcare programme in the world.
 Pharmaceutical units are eligible for tax reduction at 150% for the research and development expenditure
obtained.
 Two new schemes namely, New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative and the Drugs and
Pharmaceuticals Research Program have been launched by the Government.
 The Government of India unveiled 'Pharma Vision 2020' aimed at making India a global leader in end-to-end drug
manufacture.
 The government introduced mechanisms such as the Drug Price Control Order and the National Pharmaceutical
Pricing Authority to deal with the issue of affordability and availability of medicines.
 ‘Cluster Development Programme for Pharma Sector’ (CDP-PS), is proposed as a Central Sector Scheme for the
remaining years of the 12th Plan and also to continue in the next Five Year Plan. The Scheme would be
implemented on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) format through one time grant –in – aid. The scheme is for
setting up of new cluster as well as Upgradation of existing cluster. However, the purpose of the grant is for
activities of common facilities.
 Common Facilities Common Facilities under the CDP-PS will consist of creation of tangible "assets" as Common
Facility Centers (CFCs). Some of the indicative activities under the Common facilities are: i. Common Testing
Facilities ii. Training Centre iii. R&D Centres iv. Effluent Treatment Plant v. Common Logistics Centre
Important Terms
 Drugs are substances with active pharmacological properties in humans and animals. Drugs are compounded
with other materials, such as pharmaceutical necessities, to produce a medicinal product.
 Pharmacy is the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs for preventing, diagnosing or treating
diseases or disorders in humans and animals.

4. ROLE OF CLIMATE IN CONTROLLING THE WATER RESOURCES AND CROPPING PATTERN IN

INDIA.
India has about 4% of world’s freshwater resources ranking it among the top ten water rich countries. Despite this,
according to the Working Group II report of the Fourth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, India is designated a ‘water stressed region’ with current utilisable freshwater standing at 1122 cubic
meter (cu m) per year and per capita compared to international limiting standards of 1700 cu m.
In future, at the current rate it is expected that India with high demands will be termed a ‘water scarce region’ as
utilizable freshwater falls below the international standard of 1000 cu m per year and per capita. Water demand is
on a high due to rapid urbanization and industrialization along with the traditional demand for agriculture.
Overall, every year, precipitation in the form of rain and snowfall provide over 4000 cu km of freshwater to India,
of which 2047 cu km return to oceans or is precipitated. A small percentage is stored in inland water bodies and
groundwater aquifers. Topographic constraints, distribution pattern, technical limitation, and poor management
do not allow India to harness its water resources efficiently.
The urgency to conserve the water resources is enormous as the pressures are three fold. Firstly, water is
becoming scarce both in terms of quality and quantity leading to a supply side shortage. Secondly, on the demand
side, the requirement is increasing by leaps and bounds as India’s population, food demands, industrial
requirements increase with development and economic activities lurching ahead. Thirdly, the loss or dwindling of
these aquatic ecosystems will ultimately result in Dry River and lakebeds, and parched aquifers.
To allay such scenarios, various efforts have been undertaken through the aegis of various government
departments both at the centre and the states to conserve, revive, control and manage these aquatic systems.
Apart from the government, NGOs and communities themselves are making active efforts to conserve water
resources.

But India does not so much face a water crisis as a water management crisis, calling for a fundamental
reassessment of the way the country manages water.
5. AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Data related to Automobile Sector:
 Automobile industry occupies a prominent place in the Indian economy.
 Industry contributes around 7.1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% of the nation’s manufacturing
GDP. It has deep forward and backward linkages with several key segments of the economy.
Cluster:
 ‘Clustering’ describes the propensity of manufactures within a specific industry to locate operations in the same
geographic area.
 Examples: knitwear of Ludhiana, textiles of Tirupur, diamond cutting and polishing of Surat, pharmaceuticals of
Baddi.
 Clusters usually form on the basis of availability of raw material, skilled labour and other support infrastructure.
 Cluster helps in developing a symbiotic relationship between manufacturers, part suppliers, related services and
support industries
Benefit of Decentralisation:
 Availability of wider infrastructure and intermediate goods
 Better access to markets and coastal regions (e.g. Chennai)
 Supportive Government policies
 Reduced inventory costs, transportation time etc.
 Labour availability
 Inter-firm transactions in collaboration and information sharing
 Intra-industry transactions e.g. shared buyer-supplier network
Government Initiative:
 Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006-2016 gives importance of the automotive clusters noting that the emerging
industrial clusters will carry forward the momentum of India’s success in the automobile sector, and thus help
contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the new ‘AMP 2016-26’: increasing production, exports and
creating more jobs which aims to create 65 million jobs in the automotive industry.
6. RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDIA

 India’s population of more than 1028 million is growing at an annual rate of 1.58%.
 As fossil fuel energy becomes scarcer, India will face energy shortages significantly due to increase in energy
prices and energy insecurity within the next few decades.
 Increased use of fossil fuels also causes environmental problems both locally and globally.

 There is a very high demand for energy, which is currently satisfied mainly by coal, foreign oil and petroleum,
which apart from being a non-renewable, and therefore non-permanent solution to the energy crisis, it is also
detrimental to the environment.
 Thus, it is imperative that India obtains energy security without affecting the booming economy, which would
mean that the country must switch from the non-renewable energy (crude oil and coal) to renewable energy.
 The role of new and renewable energy has been assuming increasing significance in recent times with the growing
concern for the country’s energy security.
 The Indian Government has been at work, making a comprehensive policy for compulsory use of renewable
energy resources through biomass, hydro-power, wind, solar and municipal waste in the country, particularly for
commercial establishments, as well as Government establishments.
 Presently, solar power segment continues to be the major contributor of new capacity growth in the renewable
energy sector with a share of more than two-thirds of the new capacity.
 Wind sector continues to show progress and it added about 1,304 MW of new capacity. During the last fiscal, this
segment added 1,481 MW and this year it is expected to add more capacity.
 Hydro-power is another source of renewable energy that converts the potential energy or kinetic energy of water
into mechanical energy. It refers to the energy produced from water (rainfall flowing into rivers, etc.). Only about
11% of the vast hydel potential has been tapped so far.
Biomass power generation in India is an industry that attracts investments of over Rs. 600 crores every year,
generating more than 5000 million units of electricity and yearly employment of more than 10 million man-days in
the rural areas
7. AGRICULTURE AND INDIA’S WATER CRISIS

Reports/Data: Asian Water Development Outlook (2016): In India, almost 89 per cent of groundwater is
extracted for irrigation.
Types of irrigation:
 Surface irrigation: the entire or most crop area is flooded
 Sprinkler irrigation: imitates rainfall
 Drip irrigation: water is dripped onto the soil above the root zone only
 Underground irrigation of the root zone by means of porous pots or pipes placed in the soil
 Sub-irrigation, in which the groundwater level is raised sufficiently to dampen the root zone.
Keys terms related to irrigation with explanation:
 Surface and sprinkler irrigation are together known as conventional irrigation. Surface irrigation is currently by
far the most common techniques. It is particularly used by small farmers since it does not involve operation and
maintenance of sophisticated hydraulic equipment. Surface irrigation is still likely to be dominant in 2030, even
though it leads to wastage of water and is a major cause of waterlogging and salinization.
 Drip irrigation and underground irrigation are examples of localized irrigation. Ii is increasingly popular form of
irrigation in which water efficiency is maximized because water is applied only to the places where it is needed.

 Irrigation water productivity is defined as ratio of the crop output to the irrigation water applied by the farmer/
irrigation system either through surface canals, tank, pond or the well and tubewell during the crop growth.
Other Factors responsible for water stress in India:
i. Environmental
 Climate variability
 Large scale temporal and spatial variations in availability and demand of water
ii. Urbanisation
 Large scale urbanisation
 Increasing population pressure
 Rural- Urban Migration
 Changing consumption patterns
 Ever-increasing demand for freshwater
 Improving living standards
 Low water use efficiency
 Water leakage losses
 Increased concretization leading to poor ground water recharge
 Abysmal water pricing and metering of water
 Absence of rain water harvesting
 Lack of proper maintenance of existing infrastructure
iii. Pollution
 Point and non -point source
 Industrial effluents disposal resulting in pollution of ground and/ or surface water
 Leaching of agricultural fertilizer contaminating ground water
 Rising economic activities
 Not following prescribed standards for industrial effluent
iv. Poor Water Management
 low investment in surface-water based irrigation system
 encouraging irrigated agriculture and ground-water based irrigation system by providing free electricity
 Negligence in management of natural drainage channels and traditional water storage
v. In-adequate and stressed wastewater infrastructure
9. IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN OCEAN

 The Indian Ocean is third largest water body of the world
 The most important trade routes of the world pass through this region.
 The Indian Ocean provides the predominant outlet for oil from the Persian Gulf to various destinations all over
the world. Eg : Malacca Strait
 India imports 70 % of its oil requirements, 4000 tankers come to Indian ports annually and almost 95 % of
Indian trade moves by sea. Any interference to our sea lanes, coastal offshore areas and ports, will have a
crippling impact on the country’s economic growth.
 Economically, some 80% of the world’s maritime oil trade flows through three narrow passages of water, known
as choke points, in the Indian Ocean. This includes the Strait of Hormuz – located between the Persian Gulf and
the Gulf of Oman – which provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
 Politically, the Indian Ocean is becoming a pivotal zone of strategic competition. China is investing hundreds of
billions of dollars in infrastructure projects across the region as part of its One Belt One Road initiative.

Important Terms
 Littoral State means a coastal state with land territory adjacent to a particular maritime area
 Geopolitics means influence of geography on the politics, international relations, relations between countries
and foreign policy of a country.
 Indian Ocean Region means an area which comprises of the ocean itself and the countries that border it.
These include Australia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, Tanzania, South Africa, the United
Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Challenges faced by IOR
 Traditional and non-Traditional Threats – such as weapons of mass destruction (WBD), missile capabilities, drug
trafficking, piracy, Illegal fishing, smuggling etc.
 Choke points such as Malacca strait, Strait of hormuz, Bab-el-mandeb etc.
 Climate change and natural disaster threat is a big threat for small island countries in the region.
Steps taken to overcome these challenges
 Indian government policies such as Sagarmalla, Project Mausam.
 Bilateral Initiatives such as AAGC (Asia Africa growth corridor) by India and Japan in Africa.
 Multilateral Initiatives such as Indian Ocean navel symposium (IONS).
TESTS SCHEDULE
LEVEL 1
RELEASE DATE
TEST SYLLABUS
(For test & test discussion videos)
MT(GS)-1 Physical Geography of India & the World 13/10/19
MT(GS)-2 Economic Geography of Indian & the World 20/10/19
Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change &
MT(GS)-3 03/11/19
Disaster Management
MT(GS)-4 Indian Culture 10/11/19
MT(GS)-5 Modern History 17/11/19
MT(GS)-6 Post – Independence History + World History 24/11/19
MT(Essay)-1 Essay (Themes from Geography & History) 25/11/19
MT(GS)-7 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude - 1 01/12/19
MT(GS)-8 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude - 2 08/12/19
MT(GS)-9 Ethics in Governance – Case Studies 15/12/19
MT(GS)-10 Indian Polity & Governance - 1 22/12/19
MT(GS)-11 Indian Polity & Governance – 2 29/12/19
MT(Essay)-2 Essay (Themes from Polity and Ethics) 05/01/20
MT(GS)-12 Indian Society and Social Justice 12/01/20
MT(GS)-13 S&T 19/01/20
MT(GS)-14 International Relations & Internal Security 27/01/20
MT(Essay)-3 Essay (Themes from Indian Society and IR) 02/02/20
MT(GS)-15 Economic Development – 1 09/02/20

MT(GS)-16 Economic Development – 2 16/02/20

MT(Essay)-4 Essay (Themes from Economy and S&T) 23/02/20
LEVEL 2
RELEASE DATE
TEST SYLLABUS
(For test & test discussion videos)
Geography + Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity + Disaster
ST(GS)-1 28/06/20
Management (GS Paper-1+3)
History - Culture, Modern, Post-Independence & World History
ST(GS)-2 05/07/20
(GS Paper-1)
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude - Theory & Case Studies (GS Paper -
ST(GS)-3 12/07/20
4)
ST(GS)-4 Indian Polity & Governance (GS Paper-2) 19/07/20
ST(GS)-5 Indian Society & Social Justice + S&T (GS Paper-1+2) 26/07/20
International Relations & Internal Security
ST(GS)-6 02/08/20
(GS Paper-2+3)
ST(GS)-7 Economic Development (GS Paper-3) 09/08/20
LEVEL 3
TEST DATE
TEST SYLLABUS (For test & test discussion TEST TIME
videos)
FLT (Essay) - 1 Essay 16/08/20 9 am – 12 pm
FLT(GS) – 1 GS – 1 (Full Syllabus) 23/08/20 9 am – 12 pm
FLT(GS) – 2 GS – 2 (Full Syllabus) 23/08/20 2 pm – 5 pm
FLT (Essay) - 2 Essay 06/09/20 9 am – 12 pm

Mains Test Series 2020: Sample Answers

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MAINS TEST

Economic Geography of India

 Give examples/ data wherever required to authenticate your arguments.

Jute industry being agro processing is directly connected to the

Factors responsible for the Location of Jute industry:

 Easy availability of raw material (jute growing region)

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 1 P.T.O.

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 Lack of implementation of Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987

Jute as an industry should rapidly evolve into a multiple product

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 2 P.T.O.

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2. Discuss the scope & challenges of aquaculture in India. (150 Words) 10

 Introduction: Define Aquaculture and provide certain facts

Aquaculture (aqua farming) means farming of aquatic organisms in

 Abundant availability of fresh water in terms of water bodies such

In this regard government in recent budget introduced Matsya

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 3 P.T.O.

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3. Analyze the factors responsible for the location of the 10

India is considered as a global pharmaceutical hub for being the

Factors Responsible for its dominance in western region:

 Petrochemical industry: As one of the main raw material is

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 4 P.T.O.

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Case study: Decentralization of pharma sector is taking place owed

The emerging competition from cheap Chinese pharmaceuticals and

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 5 P.T.O.

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4. Explain the role of climate in controlling the water resources and 10

Climate through temperature, humidity, wind pattern and rainfall

Impact on Water resources

 South West Monsoon mainly in the coastal region, Northern and

o source of seasonal streams such as Luni and their tributaries;

o provide water security to peninsular India (perineal rivers).

 Similarly retreating monsoon brings precipitation in Tamil Nadu

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 6 P.T.O.

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Impact on cropping pattern

o Hence tropical crops (jute and rice) during monsoon season

Case study: However, humans have created techniques which defy

However, global warming and extreme El-Nino events are effecting

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 7 P.T.O.

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5. Do you think that Automobile Industry is decentralised in India? If 10

Automobile industry in India is highly centralized. It is seen to have

(1) Mumbai - Pune (West)

 large domestic market

 availability of steel from Salem Steel plant and aluminium from

 large domestic market of northern India

(1) Kolkata – Jamshedpur (East)

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 8 P.T.O.

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Case study: Despite unavailability of raw material (steel and

 Development of dedicated freight corridors (easy transport of

But the following constraints make realizing the potential of

 Availability of raw material (steel & aluminium) is not

Decentralisation of automobile sector will become possible if the

QIP-MTS-20/MT(GS)-2/RAU’S IAS TEST SERIES 10 P.T.O.

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6. India is emerging as one of the largest producer of energy from 15

In India renewable energy presently accounts for 34.6% of total

Opportunities associated with renewable energy are: