ICSE Class 10 Geography Sample Paper 2026 with Solutions

PART I (30 Marks)

(Attempt all questions from this Part.)

Question 1

Study the extract of the Survey of India Map Sheet No. G43S10 and answer the following questions:

(i) (a) Identify the conventional symbol found at the six figure reference of 666364. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Post office

Teacher's Note:
a) Six-figure grid references pinpoint exact locations using eastings and northings with a precision of 100 metres.
b) Students must carefully read the topographical sheet legend to identify abbreviation symbols like PO (Post Office).

(b) Identify the drainage pattern in the Grid Square 6334. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Dendritic

Teacher's Note:
a) A dendritic drainage pattern resembles the branching pattern of tree roots.
b) It typically develops in regions of uniform rock resistance and slope.

(ii) (a) Calculate the shortest distance in km. from Malgaon to Mohabbatgarh. [1 Mark]

Answer:
3 km to 3.5 km (any answer within this range)

Teacher's Note:
a) Measure the straight-line distance between the two specified settlements using a divider or scale and convert using the given map scale (1 cm = 500 m).
b) Always state the final measured distance in kilometres with appropriate units as requested.

(b) In which direction will Sneha be driving if she is going from Mohabbatgarh to Sanwara along the metalled road? [1 Mark]

Answer:
North-east

Teacher's Note:
a) Direction is determined with respect to the cardinal and intermediate points on the topographical sheet.
b) Ensure the starting point and destination are correctly located before determining the bearing.

(iii) (a) Write whether the conventional symbol marked as a blue dot in the Pamera settlement is man-made or natural. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Man-made

Teacher's Note:
a) A blue dot in settlement areas typically represents a lined or perennial well.
b) Wells constructed by humans for irrigation or drinking purposes are classified as man-made features.

(b) A resident of Malgaon settlement (Grid Square 6131) has to report a crime at the nearest police station. Which settlement will he be visiting? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Pamera

Teacher's Note:
a) Police station symbols (PS) are marked near major settlements on topographical sheets.
b) Spatial analysis of nearby grid squares helps identify the correct administrative facility.

(iv) (a) How do the local people benefit from the causeways seen in this region? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Causeways are raised roads that help people to cross minor seasonal streams when they have water during monsoons.

Teacher's Note:
a) Causeways provide functional connectivity across seasonal riverbeds without requiring large bridges.
b) Mentioning seasonal water flow and transport continuity fetches full credit.

(b) Explain why Fire lines are significant from the point of view of environment. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Fire lines prevent forest fires from spreading and help in protection of forest reserves.

Teacher's Note:
a) Fire lines are cleared strips of land created within forests to act as barriers against raging wildfires.
b) They play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and preventing ecological disaster.

(v) (a) Rajiv is travelling from Gulabganj for a visit to the Reserved Forest near Tarepara Nadi (Grid square 6728). Which two means of transport he would come across during his journey? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Metalled road and unmetalled road

Teacher's Note:
a) Symbols for roads are distinguished by red lines (metalled) and broken red lines (unmetalled).
b) Careful observation of the route connecting Gulabganj to the southern reserved forest reveals both transport types.

(b) Differentiate between the types of huts in Grid Square 6935 and the ones found in Grid Square 7033. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Grid Square 7033: Temporary
Grid Square 6935: Permanent

Teacher's Note:
a) Unpaved or scattered huts indicated by open red squares represent temporary dwellings, whereas solid red blocks represent permanent ones.
b) Settlement symbology on topographical sheets differentiates permanent habitations from seasonal ones.

Question 2

On the outline map of India provided: [10 Marks]

[Figure: Outline map of India showing markings for (i) Black soil in Gujarat, (ii) Kolkata port, (iii) Deccan Plateau, (iv) Palk Strait, (v) SW Monsoon Arabian Sea branch winds, (vi) Sparsely populated area in western India, (vii) Nilgiri hills, (viii) River Damodar, (ix) Standard Meridian, and (x) Coromandel Coast.]

(i) Shade and label an area of black soil in Gujarat. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Shaded region in the southern part of Gujarat on the outline map.

Teacher's Note:
a) Black soil (Regur) is prominently found in the Saurashtra and southern districts of Gujarat.
b) Neatly shade the specified region using pencil or standard shading without cluttering the map boundary.

(ii) Mark using a dot and name a major river port of India. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Kolkata

Teacher's Note:
a) Kolkata is a riverine port located on the banks of the Hooghly River.
b) Use a clear dot on the eastern flank of India along the river route to mark its exact position.

(iii) Shade and label the Deccan plateau of India. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Shaded triangular region covering peninsular India south of the Satpura range.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Deccan Plateau is a large triangular plateau bounded by the Satpura and Vindhya ranges to the north and the Ghats on east and west.
b) Clearly demarcate the boundaries to avoid overlapping with coastal plains.

(iv) Mark and label the Palk Strait. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Water body between southeastern Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Palk Strait connects the Bay of Bengal with the Palk Bay.
b) Label should be precisely placed in the narrow sea channel separating India and Sri Lanka.

(v) Mark with arrows and name the wind which brings rainfall to the Konkan coast. [1 Mark]

Answer:
South-West Monsoon (Arabian Sea Branch)

Teacher's Note:
a) Arrows must point in a north-easterly direction striking the western coast of India.
b) Correctly label the branch as the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West Monsoon.

(vi) Shade and label a sparsely populated area in western India. [1 Mark]

Answer:
The Thar Desert region in western Rajasthan.

Teacher's Note:
a) Arid climatic conditions and rugged terrain result in sparse population density in western Rajasthan.
b) Shade the desert expanse clearly and label it appropriately.

(vii) Mark and label the hills that are popularly called Blue Mountain. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Nilgiri Hills

Teacher's Note:
a) Nilgiri means blue mountains, named after the purplish-blue flowers of the Neelakurinji plant.
b) Mark the junction where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet in southern India.

(viii) Mark and name the river known as the 'Sorrow of Bengal'. [1 Mark]

Teacher's Note:
a) The Damodar River was historically known for devastating floods in West Bengal.
b) Trace the tributary flowing into the Hooghly River north of Kolkata.

(ix) Mark and label the Indian Standard Meridian. [1 Mark]

Answer:
82°30' E longitude passing vertically through the country.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Indian Standard Meridian passes through Mirzapur near Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
b) Draw a straight vertical line and label it with the exact degree value.

(x) Mark and label the Coromandel coast. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Southeastern coastal plain of India along Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Coromandel Coast receives winter rainfall from the retreating northeast monsoon.
b) Clearly mark the southeastern coastal strip along the Bay of Bengal.

Question 3

Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.) [10 Marks]

(i) The Himalayas have a significant impact on the climate of India as they: [1 Mark]
(a) block the N.E. monsoon winds.
(b) cause rainfall in the Gangetic plains.
(c) create a rain shadow area in the Deccan plateau.
(d) cause cyclonic disturbance in the Bay of Bengal.

Answer: (b) cause rainfall in the Gangetic plains

The Himalayas intercept the moisture-laden South-West monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their moisture across the Gangetic plains.

Teacher's Note:
a) The lofty Himalayan mountain wall acts as a climatic barrier for the Indian subcontinent.
b) Students often confuse this with blocking winter winds originating from Central Asia.

(ii) Ex-situ soil found in India is __________. [1 Mark]
(a) Alluvial soil
(b) Black soil
(c) Laterite soil
(d) Red soil

Answer: (a) Alluvial soil

Alluvial soil is transported and deposited by rivers away from its place of origin, making it an ex-situ (transported) soil.

Teacher's Note:
a) In-situ soils develop in their original place of formation over parent rocks (e.g., black and red soils).
b) Ex-situ soils are brought down by running water or wind from distant regions.

(iii) Find the option most similar to: Teak: Tropical Deciduous Forest [1 Mark]
(a) Mahogany: Furniture
(b) Stilted roots: Mangrove Vegetation
(c) Ebony: Tropical Rainforest
(d) Spines: Tropical Desert Vegetation.

Answer: (c) Ebony: Tropical Rainforest

Teak is a representative tree species of tropical deciduous forests, just as ebony is a representative tree species of tropical rainforests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Questions on natural vegetation require matching tree species with their respective forest types.
b) Ebony and mahogany are often confused; mahogany is a timber product, whereas ebony is the tree itself.

(iv) Which of the following may be used for the recharging of underground water? [1 Mark]
(a) Planting of shelter belt
(b) Plugging of gullies and ravines
(c) Percolation pit
(d) Tube-well irrigation

Answer: (c) Percolation pit

Percolation pits allow rainwater to seep directly into the ground, helping replenish depleted groundwater aquifers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Water conservation methods like percolation pits and rooftop rainwater harvesting actively recharge groundwater.
b) Tube-wells extract water rather than recharge it.

(v) Arrange the following in descending order according to their carbon content: [1 Mark]
(a) Anthracite, Bituminous, Peat, Lignite
(b) Bituminous, Lignite, Anthracite, Peat
(c) Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat
(d) Anthracite, Lignite, Peat, Bituminous

Answer: (c) Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat

Anthracite has the highest carbon content (above 80-90%), followed by bituminous, lignite, and peat.

Teacher's Note:
a) Coal varieties are classified based on carbon percentage and age of formation.
b) Peat is the lowest grade of coal with minimum carbon content and high moisture.

(vi) Assertion (A): Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on monsoon rains.
Reason (R): Most Indian farmers practice rainfed agriculture and lack access to irrigation facilities. [1 Mark]
(a) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(b) (A) is false but (R) is true.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Answer: (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Dependence on monsoon is directly linked to the lack of extensive irrigation infrastructure across large parts of rural India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Assertion-reason questions test conceptual clarity and cause-effect relationships in socio-economic geography.
b) Verify if the reason correctly justifies the condition stated in the assertion.

(vii) Which crop is associated with Retting? [1 Mark]
(a) Sugarcane
(b) Jute
(c) Rice
(d) Cotton

Answer: (b) Jute

Retting is a microbiological process used to loosen the bark and extract fibre from jute stalks.

Teacher's Note:
a) Jute bundles are submerged in slow-moving water during retting.
b) This processing step is essential for obtaining high-quality golden fibre.

(viii) Which steel plant amongst the following does NOT belong to public sector? [1 Mark]
(a) Bhilai
(b) Tata Steel
(c) Vishakhapatnam
(d) Rourkela

Answer: (b) Tata Steel

Tata Steel (TISCO) is part of the private sector, whereas Bhilai, Vishakhapatnam, and Rourkela are public sector steel plants.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must distinguish between private, public, and joint sector industrial enterprises.
b) TISCO at Jamshedpur was India's first major private iron and steel plant.

(ix) If you need to transport perishable goods over a short distance, which mode of transport will you use and why? [1 Mark]
(a) Air transport because it is the fastest.
(b) Road transport as it is economical.
(c) Rail transport as it is ecofriendly.
(d) Water transport as it can handle large amount of goods.

Answer: (b) Road transport as it is economical.

Road transport provides door-to-door service, making it most suitable and economical for short-distance movement of perishable goods.

Teacher's Note:
a) Air transport is fast but expensive, making road transport ideal for short local hauls.
b) Flexibility and door-to-door connectivity give roadways an advantage for short distances.

(x) Which of the following methods of disposal is best applicable for the waste depicted in the picture below: [1 Mark]
[Figure: Broken glass bottle and glassware waste]
(a) Burning waste in an open area
(b) Recycling waste
(c) Dumping
(d) Composting

Answer: (b) Recycling waste

Glass waste is non-biodegradable and can be efficiently melted down and recycled into new glass products.

Teacher's Note:
a) Glass and metal wastes must be segregated for recycling rather than dumped or burned.
b) Visual questions test identification of waste types and appropriate sustainable disposal methods.

PART II (50 Marks)

(Attempt any five questions from this Part.)

Question 4

(i) "The climate in different parts of India is largely impacted by the relief features". Explain the above statement with the help of two suitable examples. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Western Ghats act as a barrier to the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West monsoons, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side while the Deccan Plateau on the leeward side remains relatively dry.
2. The Himalayas trap the moisture-laden Bay of Bengal branch winds, forcing them to shed heavy rainfall over Assam and Meghalaya (e.g., Mawsynram), while Shillong on the leeward side receives much less rainfall.

Teacher's Note:
a) Relief features heavily influence temperature, precipitation distribution, and wind direction across India.
b) Always cite specific geographic examples such as the Western Ghats or Himalayas to support your explanation.

(ii) What is the source of winter rainfall in each of the following areas? [2 Marks]

(a) Punjab
Answer:
Western disturbances originating in the Mediterranean region / Temperate cyclones.

(b) Tamil Nadu
Answer:
North-east winter monsoon winds / retreating monsoon.

Teacher's Note:
a) Punjab receives winter rain due to western disturbances which are vital for Rabi crops like wheat.
b) Tamil Nadu receives winter rain as the northeast monsoon picks up moisture over the Bay of Bengal.

(iii) Give a reason for each of the following: [3 Marks]

(a) Kerala gets rainfall from the summer monsoons much before Uttar Pradesh.
Answer:
Kerala lies in the southwest of the country where the southwest monsoon winds strike first, and the monsoon advances gradually towards the north, reaching Uttar Pradesh later.

(b) Vishakhapatnam records a low annual range of temperature.
Answer:
Vishakhapatnam has a coastal location and experiences the moderating influence of the sea.

(c) Winds are mostly offshore during the cold season.
Answer:
Land loses heat fast and high pressure develops over it during the cold season, while surrounding seas remain warm and have low pressure, causing winds to blow from land to sea.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sequential progression of monsoons determines the timing of rainfall across different states.
b) Maritime influence ensures moderate temperatures in coastal cities compared to continental interiors.

(iv) Study the climatic data of station X and answer the following questions: [3 Marks]

(a) Calculate the average temperature of station X for the summer season only. [1 Mark]
Answer:
27.8 degrees Celsius (Sum of March, April, May temperatures: 26.3 + 27.1 + 30.0 = 83.4; 83.4 / 3 = 27.8°C).

(b) Which is the driest month? [1 Mark]
Answer:
May (0.1 cm rainfall)

(c) Name the wind that brings maximum rainfall to this station. [1 Mark]
Answer:
N E Monsoon (indicated by heavy winter rainfall in November, December, and January).

Teacher's Note:
a) Summer months in climatic tables correspond to March, April, and May before monsoon onset.
b) Analyse rainfall data across winter months to identify the retreating or northeast monsoon influence.

Question 5

(i) Nathu, a farmer in Bihar, does not get good yields as the soil he tills is coarse and has fair proportion of kankars. Motilal on the other hand has his field closer to the river and gets better yields. [2 Marks]

(a) Identify the two types of soil being discussed in the above passage.
Answer:
Bhangar and Khadar respectively.

(b) Give a possible reason why Motilal benefits from having his field along the river banks.
Answer:
The khadar soil gets replenished every year with fresh silt deposits during floods and is hence more fertile.

Teacher's Note:
a) Bhangar represents older alluvium containing calcareous nodules (kankars), whereas Khadar represents newer, fertile alluvium.
b) Annual flooding deposits nutrient-rich silt, enhancing agricultural productivity in Khadar regions.

(ii) With reference to soil erosion in India, answer the following questions. [2 Marks]

(a) How does population pressure affect soil erosion?
Answer:
Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and intense urbanization driven by population pressure strip the protective vegetation cover, accelerating soil erosion.

(b) Mention any two innovative agricultural techniques that can help to prevent soil erosion.
Answer:
1. Contour ploughing
2. Strip cropping / Crop rotation / Shelter belts (any two)

Teacher's Note:
a) Human interference is a major catalyst for accelerated soil erosion across rural and urban fringes.
b) Conservation techniques like contour farming reduce surface runoff on sloping terrain.

(iii) With reference to Red Soil, answer the following: [3 Marks]

(a) How is it formed?
Answer:
Formed due to the weathering and decomposition of ancient crystalline metamorphic and igneous rocks.

(b) Why is it good for Dry Farming?
Answer:
It is porous and well-drained, though it cannot hold moisture for long durations.

(c) Name any two areas where it is found.
Answer:
Tamil Nadu and Odisha (or Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka).

Teacher's Note:
a) Red soil gets its characteristic reddish tint due to the presence of iron oxide.
b) It requires chemical fertilizers and irrigation for high crop yields due to its low fertility.

(iv) Give a reason for the following statements: [3 Marks]

(a) Black Soil has self-ploughing property.
Answer:
Black soil hardens and develops deep cracks when dry, which helps in natural aeration of the soil.

(b) Laterite Soil is not suitable for cultivation.
Answer:
Due to intense leaching caused by heavy rainfall, essential minerals percolate down the soil profile, making the topsoil acidic and infertile.

(c) Alluvial soil has varying texture.
Answer:
Rivers deposit coarse and porous sediments in the upper course, which become progressively finer and more compact in the lower course and deltas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Understanding soil characteristics requires linking parent material and climatic factors to soil properties.
b) Leaching washes away plant nutrients in areas with alternate wet and dry climates.

Question 6

(i) Mahesh went for an excursion with his friend and came across a marshy area with trees that had stilt like roots. [2 Marks]

(a) Which natural vegetation belt did he come across?
Answer:
Tidal / Littoral (Mangrove) vegetation

(b) Name an area in India where this kind of vegetation is found.
Answer:
Delta of R. Ganga in Sundarbans (or deltas of Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri)

Teacher's Note:
a) Stilt roots (pneumatophores) help mangrove plants breathe in waterlogged, saline deltaic soils.
b) The Sundarbans represent the world's largest mangrove forest ecosystem.

(ii) (a) How does Social Forestry help to conserve forests? [1 Mark]
Answer:
It involves local communities in planting trees on community land, providing fuelwood and fodder, thereby reducing pressure on natural forest reserves.

(b) Why are long and deep roots a typical characteristic of desert vegetation? [1 Mark]
Answer:
To draw water from deep underground as rainfall is scanty in arid regions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Social forestry promotes sustainable management of woodlots and wasteland afforestation.
b) Xerophytic plants develop specialized root systems and modified leaves to survive water scarcity.

(iii) Give three reasons why forest conservation is the need of the hour. [3 Marks]
Answer:
1. Forests provide oxygen and purify the air while absorbing carbon dioxide to reduce global warming.
2. They help in soil conservation by holding soil particles together with roots and preventing floods.
3. They act as natural habitats for diverse flora and fauna and help recharge groundwater through water percolation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Forests are vital ecological life-support systems providing raw materials and regulating climatic cycles.
b) Mentioning ecological, hydrological, and atmospheric benefits secures full marks.

(iv) (a) Name a forest conservation method that involves the local community. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Social forestry / Joint Forest Management

(b) Which primitive system of agriculture had led to large scale destruction of forest in the past? [1 Mark]
Answer:
Jhum cultivation / shifting agriculture / slash and burn farming

(c) Name the process which involves planting two saplings for each tree that is felled. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Reforestation / Afforestation

Teacher's Note:
a) Community participation is essential for successful forest management and conservation.
b) Shifting agriculture causes severe deforestation and soil degradation in hilly tracts.

Question 7

(i) The need for irrigation in India is to a large extent, influenced by the rainfall pattern of the country. Explain. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. Rainfall in India is seasonal, erratic, and unevenly distributed across different regions.
2. Certain high-water-requirement crops like rice and sugarcane cannot rely solely on uncertain monsoon rains, making irrigation necessary.

Teacher's Note:
a) Monsoon variability necessitates reliable artificial irrigation for stable agricultural production.
b) Emphasize the seasonal and unpredictable nature of Indian rainfall in your answer.

(ii) Why is canal irrigation a more suitable method of irrigation in the northern plains of India? [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. The northern plains feature flat, level topography which makes digging and maintaining canals easier.
2. The presence of numerous perennial rivers originating from the Himalayas ensures a continuous water supply for canals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Perennial rivers and alluvial plains create ideal physical conditions for extensive canal networks.
b) Contrast this with rocky plateau regions where tank irrigation is more feasible.

(iii) (a) Name a state in India where tube wells are commonly used. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Punjab (or Haryana, Uttar Pradesh)

(b) Give two geographical conditions that favour tube well irrigation in this state. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. High groundwater table with abundant underground water reserves.
2. Soft alluvial soil which makes sinking tube wells easy and cost-effective.

Teacher's Note:
a) Tube well irrigation requires reliable electricity supply and sufficient groundwater potential.
b) The Green Revolution states in northern India rely heavily on tube well irrigation.

(iv) Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow: [3 Marks]
[Figure: Rooftop rainwater harvesting system showing catchment area, drain line, and underground storage tank]

(a) Name the water conservation method shown in the picture. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Rainwater harvesting (Rooftop rainwater harvesting)

(b) Mention any two similar water harvesting practices followed in India. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. Percolation pits and recharge wells
2. Tankas / Johads / Zings (any two)

Teacher's Note:
a) Rainwater harvesting captures precipitation from rooftops for immediate use or groundwater recharge.
b) Traditional water harvesting structures vary across different regions of India based on local terrain and climate.

Question 8

(i) There is ample potential of setting up biogas plants in India... (https://biogas.mnre.gov.in) [2 Marks]

(a) Why do you think generation of biogas can be achieved in every household of rural India?
Answer:
Every rural household generates organic kitchen waste and animal dung (cattle waste) which serve as raw materials for biogas generation.

(b) Mention two ways in which generation of this form of energy proves to be a boon for Indian farmers.
Answer:
1. It produces high-quality organic bio-fertilizer as a by-product.
2. It provides cheap and clean cooking fuel while improving hygiene and sanitation in rural areas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Biogas technology promotes sustainable rural energy independence and waste management.
b) Emphasize the dual benefit of obtaining fuel and organic manure simultaneously.

(ii) With reference to the picture given below, answer the following: [2 Marks]
[Figure: Hirakud Dam - India's largest dam structure]

(a) On which river is it based?
Answer:
River Mahanadi

(b) Name an Indian state benefitted by the project.
Answer:
Odisha

Teacher's Note:
a) Hirakud Dam is one of the longest major multipurpose river valley projects in India.
b) Multipurpose projects provide irrigation, hydroelectricity, and flood control benefits.

(iii) (a) Why is copper an important household mineral? [1 Mark]
Answer:
Being malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of electricity, it is used for electrical wiring and utensils.

(b) Name two Indian states where copper is found. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

(c) How is distribution of mineral deposits responsible for the concentration of industries in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau? [1 Mark]
Answer:
Bulky raw materials like coal and iron ore are found in close proximity, reducing transportation costs and encouraging heavy industrial concentration.

Teacher's Note:
a) Industrial location is heavily influenced by proximity to raw material sources.
b) The Chhota Nagpur plateau is referred to as the Ruhr of India due to its rich mineral wealth.

(iv) (a) Identify the type of energy being harnessed in the above picture. [1 Mark]
[Figure: Array of photovoltaic solar panels]
Answer:
Solar energy

(b) Mention why this form of energy is preferred over fossil fuels. [1 Mark]
Answer:
It is a clean, renewable, and inexhaustible source of energy that does not cause pollution.

(c) Why does India stand at an advantage in the production of this type of energy? [1 Mark]
Answer:
India has a tropical location and receives abundant, strong sunlight throughout most of the year.

Teacher's Note:
a) Solar power is a prominent non-conventional energy source promoted under national green initiatives.
b) Geographic location in the tropical belt gives India high insolation levels.

Question 9

(i) Mention any two agricultural reforms done by the government for the betterment of the agricultural sector. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. Institutional credit facilities through rural banks and cooperatives at subsidized interest rates.
2. Distribution of HYV seeds, fertilizers, and development of irrigation facilities under various agricultural missions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Government reforms aim to modernize agriculture and protect farmers from exploitation.
b) Mentioning credit access, seed distribution, or land reforms will secure credit.

(ii) (a) State one point of difference between Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Kharif crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon (May-June) and harvested in autumn, whereas Rabi crops are sown in winter (October-November) and harvested in spring (February-March).

(b) Name the state that is the leading producer of groundnut in India. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Gujarat

Teacher's Note:
a) Cropping seasons in India are determined by temperature and rainfall cycles.
b) Gujarat leads in oilseed production, particularly groundnut, due to favourable black soils.

(iii) With reference to cultivation of coffee, answer the following: [3 Marks]

(a) Name a state that leads in the production of coffee in India. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Karnataka

(b) Give two geographical conditions present in this state that make it the leading producer. [1 Mark]
Answer:
1. Temperatures ranging between 15°C to 28°C with heavy rainfall (150-250 cm).
2. Sloping hill tracts with well-drained loamy soil and shade from direct sunlight.

(c) Other than coffee, name a crop that can also be raised in plantations. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Tea (or rubber / spices)

Teacher's Note:
a) Plantation agriculture involves large estates specializing in single cash crops for commercial markets.
b) Coffee plants require shade and sloping topography to prevent water stagnation at roots.

(iv) Rohan, a farmer, hired some labourers to help him with 'GINNING'. [3 Marks]

(a) Name the crop grown by Rohan. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Cotton

(b) Mention any two climatic conditions suitable for this crop. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. Temperature between 20°C to 32°C.
2. Moderate rainfall of 50 to 120 cm and at least 200 frost-free days.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ginning is the process of separating cotton fibres from cotton seeds after harvesting.
b) Bright sunshine and frost-free days during boll maturation are essential for cotton cultivation.

Question 10

(i) Mention any two points of difference between Small scale and Large scale industry. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. Small scale industries require less capital investment and fewer workers, whereas large scale industries involve huge capital investment and employ a large workforce.
2. Small scale industries produce goods in smaller quantities for local markets, whereas large scale industries engage in mass production for national and international markets.

Teacher's Note:
a) Industries are classified based on investment size, number of workers, and volume of production.
b) Use comparative points in a structured manner to earn full marks.

(ii) Explain any two ways in which cotton textile industry is important for the Indian economy. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. It is a major agro-based industry that generates large-scale employment for skilled and unskilled workers.
2. It earns valuable foreign exchange through the export of yarn and finished garments.

Teacher's Note:
a) The cotton textile industry is one of the oldest and most self-reliant traditional industries in India.
b) Mentioning employment generation and foreign exchange earnings highlights its economic significance.

(iii) With reference to the petrochemical industry, answer the following: [3 Marks]

(a) State a reason for the growing popularity of this industry in recent times. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Petrochemical products are cheaper, highly durable, attractive, and can be manufactured quickly.

(b) Why is it located close to oil refineries? [1 Mark]
Answer:
To ensure easy availability of raw materials (by-products of petroleum refining) and reduce transportation costs.

(c) Name any two petrochemical products. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Plastics and synthetic fibres (or synthetic rubber, PVC pipes, detergents)

Teacher's Note:
a) Petrochemicals serve as foundational raw materials for a wide range of consumer and industrial goods.
b) Proximity to refineries is crucial for minimizing transport overheads of liquid raw materials.

(iv) Give one reason to explain each of the following: [3 Marks]

(a) Sugar production is gradually gaining importance in peninsular India.
Answer:
Peninsular India has a tropical climate which results in a longer crushing season, higher sucrose content in sugarcane, and well-managed cooperative sugar mills.

(b) Indian silk products are becoming less popular in the international market.
Answer:
High pricing of Indian silk compared to cheaper synthetic alternatives and international competitors.

(c) The importance of the iron and steel industry will never decline.
Answer:
It is a basic industry that provides machinery and raw materials necessary for all other manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure sectors.

Teacher's Note:
a) The shift of the sugar industry towards the south is attributed to higher cane yields and frost-free winters.
b) Iron and steel is termed a basic industry because all other industries depend on its output.

Question 11

(i) Mention any two disadvantages of using waterways. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. Water transport is a relatively slow means of transport compared to roadways and airways.
2. Waterways can be affected by seasonal weather disturbances and low water levels during dry months.

Teacher's Note:
a) Inland waterways depend on navigability of rivers and presence of perennial water channels.
b) Speed limitations restrict water transport primarily to bulky, non-perishable goods.

(ii) Explain why the Golden Quadrilateral has contributed towards improvement of the Indian economy? [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. It has reduced travel time and transport distance between major metropolitan cities and industrial hubs.
2. It facilitates faster movement of raw materials and finished goods, promoting trade and urban growth along transit corridors.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Golden Quadrilateral is a prestigious highway network connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
b) Improved connectivity stimulates regional economic development and logistics efficiency.

(iii) (a) "Roadways have an edge over railways in India." Give reasons to support your answer. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Roads are cheaper to construct, highly flexible, provide door-to-door service, and can negotiate steeper gradients than railways.

(b) Air transport is fast but not suitable for all regions and purposes in India. Give arguments in favour of the statement. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Air transport is expensive, limited to urban centers with airports, and not suitable for transporting bulk, heavy commodities.

(c) Which is the Inland Waterway that connects Prayagraj to Haldia? [1 Mark]
Answer:
National Waterway No. 1 (NW-1 on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system)

Teacher's Note:
a) Road transport complements railways by acting as a feeder service to remote locations.
b) National Waterways are designated arterial water transport routes monitored by the government.

(iv) Give a reason for each of the following: [3 Marks]

(a) At present times, airports are being established even in smaller towns of India.
Answer:
To encourage air travel, connect remote regions, save travel time, and boost economic growth and employment in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

(b) Railways are well developed in the northern states of India.
Answer:
The northern plains feature flat terrain, dense population, and high agricultural output which makes laying rail tracks economically viable.

(c) Helicopter services are crucial during emergencies.
Answer:
Helicopters can easily reach remote or disaster-hit areas quickly to provide medical aid and conduct rescue operations where conventional transport fails.

Teacher's Note:
a) Regional connectivity schemes have expanded aviation access across smaller towns.
b) Helicopters play an indispensable role in disaster relief and emergency evacuation.

Question 12

(i) What is the impact of waste generation on the following? [2 Marks]

(a) Surface water
Answer:
Water pollution, depletion of dissolved oxygen, death of aquatic animals, and eutrophication.

(b) Landscape
Answer:
Spoilage of natural scenery, accumulation of unsightly garbage dumps, and land degradation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Unchecked waste disposal severely impacts both aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial landscapes.
b) Direct dumping of untreated effluents into rivers causes severe ecological damage.

(ii) Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow: [2 Marks]
[Figure: Open dumping site with garbage trucks unloading waste and scavengers collecting materials]

(a) Name the method of waste disposal seen in the picture. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Dumping (Open dumping)

(b) Why is this method considered a harmful method of waste disposal? [1 Mark]
Answer:
It leads to soil and groundwater pollution, breeds disease-carrying pests and rodents, and emits foul odours.

Teacher's Note:
a) Open dumping is an unscientific method of waste disposal posing serious health and environmental hazards.
b) Modern waste management encourages sanitary landfills, recycling, and incineration instead of open dumping.

(iii) Fire broke out at the Kochi city waste treatment plant... — Economic Times, 10.03.2023 [3 Marks]

(a) Which method of waste management would have helped in reducing health hazards in the above case? [1 Mark]
Answer:
Segregation of plastic and bio-medical wastes at source.

(b) Mention any one measure you can adopt in schools to reduce waste. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Reusing textbooks, recycling paper, or banning single-use plastics on campus.

(c) State one way in which domestic waste can be made useful. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Converting kitchen organic waste into compost for gardening.

Teacher's Note:
a) Waste segregation is the cornerstone of effective municipal solid waste management.
b) Promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in schools fosters sustainable habits among students.

(iv) (a) What is composting? [1 Mark]
Answer:
Composting is a biological process in which microorganisms decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich humus used as natural fertilizer.

(b) Enumerate two advantages of composting as a method of waste disposal. [2 Marks]
Answer:
1. It significantly reduces the volume of solid waste sent to landfills.
2. It improves soil texture, enhances water-holding capacity, and provides organic nutrients for plant growth.

Teacher's Note:
a) Composting is an eco-friendly method for managing biodegradable domestic and agricultural waste.
b) It converts organic waste into valuable manure, closing the nutrient loop naturally.