Geophysical Phenomena & Changing Geography — UPSC Questions
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Previous year questions and Mains practice questions on this exact syllabus topic, collected from every GainingSun analysis mapped to it. Each question links back to the analysis it came from, so you can read the material behind the answer.
Previous year questions (from 4 analyses)
Questions UPSC has set on this syllabus topic, as cited in our analyses.
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC Mains GS1, 2014)
From El Niño 2026–27 Explained: WMO Warning, RONI and Risks for India
How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscape? Discuss. (UPSC Mains GS1, 2015)
From July Monsoon Revival Explained: Why Near-Normal Rain Did Not Erase India’s Deficit
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (UPSC Mains GS1, 2016)
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC Mains GS1, 2014)
From Hindu Kush Himalaya Monsoon Outlook 2026: Drier Rains, Higher Climate Hazards
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2021)
Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (UPSC Mains GS1, 2019)
From Human Contribution to Global Warming at Record High: 2025 Climate Study Explained
Mains practice questions (from 8 analyses)
Practice questions written for this topic, each tied to the current affairs that would answer it.
Explain how ENSO influences India’s monsoons. Why should an exceptionally strong El Niño warning lead to region-specific preparedness rather than a uniform prediction of drought? (250 words)
From El Niño 2026–27 Explained: WMO Warning, RONI and Risks for India
A normal national rainfall total may conceal both agricultural drought and destructive local floods. Explain this paradox with reference to active and break monsoon spells, low-pressure systems and the changing spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall in India.
From July Monsoon Revival Explained: Why Near-Normal Rain Did Not Erase India’s Deficit
The Hindu Kush Himalaya is simultaneously a water tower, climate hotspot and disaster-risk zone for South Asia. Discuss the implications of a drier but hazard-prone monsoon for India’s water security, disaster management and climate adaptation strategy.
From Hindu Kush Himalaya Monsoon Outlook 2026: Drier Rains, Higher Climate Hazards
Human-induced global warming has reached record levels even as countries continue to announce new climate targets. Discuss the scientific, economic and governance challenges in aligning global climate action with the 1.5°C pathway, with special reference to India.
From Human Contribution to Global Warming at Record High: 2025 Climate Study Explained
The recent disruption at the Strait of Hormuz has exposed the vulnerability of energy supply chains that depend on maritime chokepoints. Examine India's dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy imports and discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's energy security. (15 marks, 250 words)
From Strait of Hormuz 'Dark Fleet' Explained: AIS, Energy Tankers and India's Oil Security
Examine the role of India's Antarctic research program in advancing global climate science and national strategic interests, with special reference to the development of the Maitri II station.
From India Approves Maitri II: Boosting Sustainable Research in Antarctica's Eastern Wilderness by 2029
Evaluate the accuracy and limitations of climate models in forecasting global warming, with special reference to their implications for climate policy in developing countries like India. (250 words)
From Assessing Climate Model Accuracy: Debunking Myths Amid Trump's Claims on Global Warming Predictions
Discuss the historical origins and strategic implications of the Sir Creek border dispute between India and Pakistan, and evaluate the challenges in achieving a bilateral resolution in the context of recent military developments.