Indian & World Geography — UPSC Questions

Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC Mains GS1, 2014)

Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. (UPSC Mains GS Paper 1, 2021)

Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats–Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity: 1. Species richness 2. Vegetation density 3. Endemism 4. Ethno-botanical importance 5. Threat perception 6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions. Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context? (a) 1, 2 and 6 (b) 2, 4 and 6 (c) 1, 3 and 5 (d) 3, 4 and 6. Answer: (c). (UPSC Prelims, 2011)

"The question of India's Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India's economic progress. Analyze India's energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries." (UPSC Mains 2017, General Studies Paper II)

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)

Gas-based power, though a small share of India's generation mix, plays a disproportionately important role in grid balancing. In the light of below-normal monsoon forecasts and geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, examine the vulnerabilities in India's energy security and suggest measures to strengthen the resilience of its power system. (250 words)

The repeated failure to finalise an Ecologically Sensitive Area for the Western Ghats reflects the deeper tension between ecological conservation and developmental aspirations in India. In this context, critically examine the recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan committees and suggest a balanced way forward. (250 words)

The 2026 crisis over the Strait of Hormuz has once again exposed the structural vulnerabilities in India's energy security. In this light, examine the steps India has taken to safeguard its energy supplies during the conflict and suggest a long-term strategy to reduce its dependence on a single maritime chokepoint. (250 words)

The AN-32 crash in Assam highlights the importance of logistics platforms in India’s defence preparedness. Discuss the role of tactical airlift in national security and examine the challenges of modernising ageing military aircraft fleets.

"The Great Nicobar Island Development Project illustrates the tension between strategic infrastructure development and ecological and tribal protection." Critically examine the project's strategic rationale and the environmental and human concerns it raises, and suggest a balanced way forward. (15 marks, 250 words)

"The Quad's enduring challenge is not whether it can become an 'Asian NATO,' but whether four democracies with disparate interests can sustain strategic cooperation in an era of great-power competition." In light of the recent Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its outcomes, critically examine the relevance, achievements and limitations of the Quad for India's Indo-Pacific strategy. (250 words, 15 marks)

The dominance of Prosopis Juliflora (Vilayati Kikar) across 63.48% of Delhi's Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary highlights the deepening crisis of biological invasion in India's protected areas. Critically examine the ecological impacts of invasive alien species on India's biodiversity and evaluate the adequacy of the legal and institutional framework, including the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 and India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, in addressing this challenge. (15 marks, 250 words)

The restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz amid the 2026 West Asia conflict have exposed vulnerabilities in India’s energy supply chains. In this context, discuss the strategic importance of maritime chokepoints for India and evaluate the steps India should take to strengthen its long-term energy security while maintaining balanced relations in the region.

The ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz amid the 2026 US-Iran conflict has serious implications for global energy security. In this light, discuss the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India and evaluate how India can safeguard its energy interests through diplomatic and economic measures while promoting regional stability in West Asia.

Analyse the risks of escalation in the ongoing Iran war following the entry of Yemen’s Houthis, with special reference to threats to global energy security and the strategic importance of India’s neighbourhood outreach through measures like the fuel shipment to Sri Lanka.

Examine the factors contributing to small nations like Cape Verde achieving global success in sports, and discuss the implications for India's football development strategy in the context of regional imbalances and resource allocation.

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.

Analyze the vulnerabilities in India's air defence systems revealed during Operation Sindoor and evaluate how the proposed radar upgrades, integrated with networks like Akashteer, can enhance border security while promoting indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.