CBSE Class 12 – Geography Question Paper 2023

SECTION A

1. Which one of the following factors is an economic factor affecting the distribution of population in the world?

(a) Urbanization
(b) Soils
(c) Unrest
(d) Availability of water

Answer: (a) Urbanization

2. Which approach of human development was proposed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)?

(a) Income
(b) Welfare
(c) Basic need
(d) Capability

Answer: (c) Basic need

3. Read the following statements regarding objectives of family planning and choose the correct option:

I. Control the birth rate
II. Spacing the birth of children
III. Improving women’s health
IV. Reducing the death rate of children

Options:
(a) Only I, II and IV are correct.
(b) Only I, II and III are correct.
(c) Only II, III and IV are correct.
(d) Only I, III and IV are correct.

Answer: (b) Only I, II and III are correct.

4. Which among the following is related to ‘truck farming’?

(a) Fruits production
(b) Grain production
(c) Tea production
(d) Vegetables production

Answer: (d) Vegetables production

5. Which among the following is the largest region of ‘commercial dairy farming’?

(a) North Western Europe
(b) Canada region
(c) New Zealand region
(d) South Eastern Australia

Answer: (a) North Western Europe

6. Fodder crops are an important component of which among the following types of agriculture?

(a) Mixed
(b) Co-operative
(c) Mediterranean
(d) Collective

Answer: (a) Mixed

7. Which one of the following countries has the highest rank in Human Development Index?

(a) Germany
(b) Sweden
(c) Australia
(d) Denmark

Answer: (c) Australia

8. Study the following statements and choose the correct option:

Statement I: With the digitisation of information, telecommunication slowly merged with computers.
Statement II: It resulted in integrated networks termed as Internet.

Options:
(a) Only Statement I is correct.
(b) Only Statement II is correct.
(c) Statements I and II both are correct, Statement II is the correct result of Statement I.
(d) Statements I and II both are correct, Statement II is not the correct result of Statement I.

Answer: (c) Statements I and II both are correct, Statement II is the correct result of Statement I.

9. Which one of the following is related to push factor of migration?

(a) Natural disasters
(b) Pleasant climate
(c) Security of life and property
(d) Peace and stability

Answer: (a) Natural disasters

10. Which one of the following states has the highest population growth rate during 2001 to 2011 decade?

(a) Manipur
(b) Nagaland
(c) Mizoram
(d) Sikkim

Answer: (b) Nagaland

11. Choose the correct option in order of the number of people speaking modern Indian languages from maximum to minimum:

(a) Indo-European, Dravidian, Austric, and Sino-Tibetan
(b) Indo-European, Austric, Dravidian, and Sino-Tibetan
(c) Dravidian, Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, and Austric
(d) Dravidian, Austric, Indo-European, and Sino-Tibetan

Answer: (a) Indo-European, Dravidian, Austric, and Sino-Tibetan

12. Read the given resources and choose the correct option related to ‘community’s resources’:

I. Village water bodies
II. Village agricultural land
III. Village residential land
IV. Pasture land

Options:
(a) Only I and II are correct.
(b) Only II and III are correct.
(c) Only III and IV are correct.
(d) Only I and IV are correct.

Answer: (a) Only I and II are correct.

13. The port designed to receive petroleum, petroleum products, and fertilizers is:

(a) New Mangaluru
(b) Haldia
(c) Kandla
(d) Tuticorin

Answer: (c) Kandla

14. Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option:

Column I (Railway Zone)	Column II (Headquarter)
i. North Central	1. Secunderabad
ii. East Central	2. Allahabad/Prayagraj
iii. West Central	3. Hajipur
iv. South Central	4. Jabalpur

Options:
(a) i-1, ii-2, iii-3, iv-4
(b) i-4, ii-3, iii-1, iv-2
(c) i-3, ii-4, iii-2, iv-1
(d) i-2, ii-3, iii-4, iv-1

Answer: (a) i-1, ii-2, iii-3, iv-4

Read the case study given below and answer Q. No. 15 to 17.Ramesh has been working in contract as a welder on a construction site in Talcher (coal region of Odisha) for the last two years. He moved with the contractor to various places like Surat, Mumbai, Gandhi Nagar, Bharuch, Jamnagar and so on. He remits 20,000 per year to his father in his native village. The remittances have been mainly used for daily consumption, healthcare, schooling of children, etc. Part of the money is also used in agriculture, purchasing of land and building of houses, etc. The standard of living of Ramesh’s family improved significantly.Fifteen years ago, the situation was not the same. The family was passing through very tough times. Three of his brothers and their families had to survive on three acres of land. The family was highly in debt. Ramesh had to discontinue his studies after ninth standard. He was further hard pressed when he got married.Simultaneously, he was also impressed by some successful out-migrants of his village who had been working in Ludhiana and supporting their families in the village by sending money and some consumer goods. Thus, due to abject poverty in the family and perceived job promises at Ludhiana, he made a move to Punjab with his friend. He worked there in a woolen factory for six months at the rate of only 20 per day in 1988. Apart from the crisis of managing his personal expenditure from this meagre income, he was also facing difficulty in assimilation to the new culture and environment. Then he decided to change his place of work from Ludhiana to Surat under the guidance of his friend. He learnt the skills of welding in Surat and after that he has been moving to different places with the same contractor. Though the economic condition of Ramesh’s family at the village improved, he is bearing the pain of separation of his near and dear ones. He cannot shift them with him, as the job is temporary and transferable.15. Which one of the following is the meaning of remittance?(a)Money sent by migrants(b) Money earned by migrants(e)Money spent by migrants(d)Loan taken by migrants

15. Which one of the following is the meaning of remittance?

(a) Money sent by migrants
(b) Money earned by migrants
(c) Money spent by migrants
(d) Loan taken by migrants

Answer: (a) Money sent by migrants

16. The main cause of rural-urban migration in India is:

(a) Education
(b) Employment
(c) Health
(d) Tourism

Answer: (b) Employment

17. Which one of the following is the demographic consequence of rural-urban migration?

(a) Pressure on infrastructure at the place of destination
(b) Shortage of labour at the place of origin
(c) Imbalance in age and sex
(d) Intermixing of culture at the place of destination

Answer: (a) Pressure on infrastructure at the place of destination

19. Study the given table carefully and answer the questions that follow

Year	Number of Urban Population (in Thousands)	% of Total Population	Decennial Growth (%)	Towns/UAS
1901	1,827	25,851	-9.0	841
1911	1,815	25,941	-6.1	790
1921	1,949	28,086	-2.1	788
1931	2,072	33,456	0.0	799
1941	2,250	44,153	-3.1	931
1951	2,843	62,443	-7.1	941
1961	2,365	78,936	-6.1	926
1971	2,590	109,114	19	913
1981	3,378	159,463	23.34	946
1991	4,689	217,611	25.7	1,036
2001	5,161	285,355	27.78	1,143
2011	6,171	377,000	31.16	1,455

Questions and Answers:

(19.1) In which year was the decennial growth of urban population the highest in India?

Answer: The highest decennial growth of urban population occurred in the year 1981, with a growth rate of 23.34%.

(19.2) How much was the total urban population in the year 2001?

Answer: The total urban population in the year 2001 was 285,355 thousand (or 28.54 million).

(19.3) How much was the total growth of the number of towns between the years 1901 to 2011 in India?

Answer: The number of towns increased from 1,827 in 1901 to 6,171 in 2011. The total growth of the number of towns is:

6,171 – 1,827 = 4,344 towns.

For the Visually Impaired Candidates:

Explain any three characteristics of urban settlements in India.

Answer:

High Population Density: Urban areas in India have a high population density, with people migrating from rural areas for better job opportunities, education, and healthcare.
Better Infrastructure and Services: Urban settlements tend to have better infrastructure, including transportation, communication, healthcare, and educational services, compared to rural areas.
Economic Hub: Urban settlements are the centers for economic activities like industries, trade, and commerce, providing employment and contributing to the nation’s economy.

SECTION C

20. (a) “Human beings were able to develop technology after they developed a better understanding of natural laws.” Evaluate the statement in the context of naturalization of humans.

Answer: The statement highlights how human progress is directly linked to the understanding of the natural world. Over time, as humans gained insights into natural processes—such as the laws of motion, energy, and the behavior of materials—they were able to develop technologies that reflected this knowledge. For instance, the discovery of the laws of physics led to the creation of machines, the invention of tools, and the advancement of transportation and communication technologies. This process of utilizing nature’s laws for technological development is an essential aspect of the naturalization of humans. Human beings, through observation and experimentation, learned to interact with and harness nature’s resources, and their activities have had a profound impact on shaping the natural environment, thereby naturalizing their existence within the world.

20. (b) “The imprints of human activities are created everywhere.” Evaluate the statement in the context of humanization of nature.

Answer: The statement emphasizes the pervasive influence of human activities on the environment. Humanization of nature refers to the transformation of the natural world by human actions—such as agriculture, urbanization, industrialization, and deforestation—which have left visible marks on the Earth’s landscapes. For example, forests have been cleared for agriculture, rivers have been dammed for water supply and energy generation, and cities have been constructed by altering natural terrains. These activities have fundamentally reshaped ecosystems and the global environment, indicating that human imprint is found in almost every corner of the Earth. This concept highlights how human culture, technology, and society have progressively altered the physical world, making the planet more adapted to human needs, often at the cost of natural ecosystems.

21. Why is Phase III (1951-1981) of the growth of population referred to as the period of population explosion in India? Explain by giving any three arguments.

Answer: Phase III (1951-1981) of population growth in India is referred to as the period of population explosion due to several factors:

Declining Death Rates: During this period, there was a significant improvement in healthcare and sanitation, which led to a sharp decline in death rates. The introduction of vaccination, better medical facilities, and improved living conditions reduced the mortality rate, especially infant mortality.
Increased Birth Rates: The period witnessed an increase in birth rates as families continued to have many children despite the improvements in healthcare. This contributed to a high population growth.
Improved Agricultural Productivity: The Green Revolution, which began in the 1960s, resulted in increased food production and better agricultural practices. This allowed the population to be sustained and even thrive, further contributing to the growth of the population during this period.

22. Describe the objectives of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in the development of Indian agriculture.

Answer: The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to promote sustainable farming practices in India. The main objectives of NMSA are:

Enhancing Soil Health and Fertility: NMSA focuses on promoting organic farming, integrated nutrient management, and soil health management practices to enhance soil fertility and productivity.
Promoting Water Use Efficiency: The mission encourages efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and drip irrigation, to ensure the optimal use of water resources in agriculture.
Adopting Climate-Smart Practices: NMSA seeks to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture by promoting practices like agroforestry, integrated pest management, and crop diversification, which make agriculture more resilient to changing climatic conditions.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The mission also promotes the adoption of eco-friendly practices like crop rotation, minimum tillage, and organic farming, which help in maintaining ecological balance and conserving biodiversity.
Improving Farmers’ Income: NMSA strives to increase farmers’ income by promoting efficient farming techniques and reducing the cost of cultivation, enabling farmers to get higher yields and better market access.

23. (a) Mention the main characteristics of the mineral belt of ‘South-Western Plateau Region’ of India.

Answer: The South-Western Plateau Region of India, which includes parts of states like Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, is known for its rich mineral resources. Some of the main characteristics of this mineral belt include:

Presence of Iron Ore: This region is rich in iron ore deposits, especially in areas like Goa and the western parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Iron ore is extensively mined and is one of the key resources exported from the region.
Bauxite Deposits: The region also has significant deposits of bauxite, which is used in the production of aluminum. The bauxite-rich areas are primarily located in the hills of Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Manganese and Other Minerals: The South-Western Plateau also contains manganese ore, which is an essential component in steel production. Additionally, other minerals like limestone, copper, and gold are found in smaller quantities.
Geological Formation: The region has a distinct geological formation, with the presence of ancient volcanic rocks and the Deccan Traps, which are rich in various minerals.

23. (b) Mention the main characteristics of the mineral belt of ‘North-Western Region’ of India.

Answer: The North-Western Region of India, including parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, is another key mineral belt with distinctive characteristics:

Salt and Gypsum Deposits: Rajasthan is famous for its large salt deposits, especially in the Sambhar Lake region, and gypsum, which is important for the cement industry.
Marble and Limestone: Rajasthan is also known for its vast deposits of high-quality marble, which is exported worldwide. Limestone, used in cement production, is another significant mineral found in the region.
Copper and Zinc: The North-Western region, particularly in Rajasthan, has significant deposits of copper and zinc, particularly around the areas of Khetri and Zawar.
Energy Resources (Coal): The region has substantial coal reserves in Gujarat, which are used for power generation and industrial activities.
Geological Characteristics: The region is characterized by the Aravalli Range, which has ancient rocks rich in various minerals, including copper and zinc.

SECTION D

24. (a) Analyse five main factors affecting the location of industries in the world.

Answer: The location of industries in the world is influenced by several factors, including:

Availability of Raw Materials: Industries are often located near sources of raw materials to reduce transportation costs. For instance, steel industries are typically located near coal and iron ore deposits, such as in the Ruhr Valley of Germany.
Proximity to Markets: Industries prefer locations that are close to their target markets to reduce transportation costs for finished goods. Consumer goods industries, like electronics or garments, are often located near large urban centers.
Labor Availability: The availability of skilled and unskilled labor is crucial for industries. Industries often prefer areas with a large, affordable workforce, such as in cities with a significant labor pool or in areas with specialized labor for particular industries (e.g., tech hubs).
Transport and Communication: Good transport infrastructure (railways, roads, ports, airports) and reliable communication networks are critical. This is why industries often cluster around transportation hubs or along major trade routes to ensure the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products.
Government Policies and Support: Government incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure development, can attract industries to certain areas. For example, special economic zones (SEZs) have been set up in various countries to encourage industrial growth.

24. (b) Analyse the classification of industries on the basis of raw materials into five heads.

Answer: Industries can be classified based on the raw materials they use. The five main types are:

Primary Industries: These industries involve the extraction and harvesting of natural resources. Examples include mining, fishing, and agriculture. They provide raw materials for secondary industries.
Secondary Industries: These industries process raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods. Examples include manufacturing industries like steel, textiles, and automobiles.
Tertiary Industries: Although not directly based on raw materials, these industries provide services that support primary and secondary industries. Examples include transportation, banking, and retail services.
Quaternary Industries: These are knowledge-based industries, such as research and development, education, and information technology. They do not rely on raw materials but focus on intellectual outputs.
Quinary Industries: These industries involve high-level decision-making and are characterized by specialized knowledge and expertise. Examples include top-level management, government officials, and academic researchers.

25. “Pipelines are used extensively to transport liquids and gases in the world.” Support the statement with appropriate arguments.

Answer: Pipelines are widely used to transport liquids and gases due to several advantages:

Cost-Effective: Pipelines offer a low-cost solution for transporting large quantities of liquids and gases over long distances. Once the infrastructure is set up, operating costs are relatively low compared to other methods like shipping or road transport.
Safety and Efficiency: Pipelines are a safer option for transporting hazardous liquids and gases. Unlike road or rail transport, which can be prone to accidents, pipelines have fewer risks of spills or explosions if properly maintained.
Environmental Impact: Pipelines have a smaller environmental footprint compared to trucks or ships. They can transport large volumes of materials with less impact on the environment, provided they are properly monitored and maintained.
Continuous Flow: Pipelines provide a continuous, steady flow of resources, such as crude oil, natural gas, and water, which is essential for industries and domestic needs.
Minimal Disruption: Pipelines do not face traffic issues or congestion, unlike road and rail transport. They offer uninterrupted transport, even in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

26. Define the term ‘international trade’. Describe two types of ‘international trade’ in the world.

Answer: International trade refers to the exchange of goods and services across international borders. It involves the export and import of products between different countries, enabling them to access resources, goods, and services that are not available domestically.

Two types of international trade are:

Bilateral Trade: This is a type of international trade where two countries agree to exchange goods and services directly. Bilateral trade agreements are often formed to benefit both nations by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. For example, the trade agreement between the United States and Canada is a bilateral trade relationship.
Multilateral Trade: This involves more than two countries and is often governed by international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). In multilateral trade, countries enter agreements to promote trade, reduce tariffs, and establish common trade rules. An example is the trade agreements within the European Union (EU) or the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

27. “Attaining sustainable development in the Indira Gandhi Canal (Nahar) Command Area requires major thrust upon the measures to achieve ecological sustainability.” Evaluate the statement.

Answer: The Indira Gandhi Canal (Nahar), which serves as an important irrigation system in the desert areas of Rajasthan, has contributed significantly to agricultural growth in arid regions. However, achieving sustainable development in the command area requires a focus on ecological sustainability for the following reasons:

Water Management: Over-reliance on the canal for irrigation has led to groundwater depletion and salinization of soil. Sustainable water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques (like drip irrigation), must be implemented to prevent further depletion of water resources.
Soil Health: Over-irrigation can lead to salinization of the soil, making it less fertile. Proper soil management and the introduction of soil health restoration techniques like crop rotation, organic farming, and the use of bio-fertilizers are essential for ecological sustainability.
Biodiversity Conservation: The canal area needs to focus on preserving local ecosystems and biodiversity. Over-exploitation of resources can harm the natural environment, and policies for conservation of flora and fauna in the region should be encouraged to ensure long-term sustainability.
Social and Economic Factors: Ecological sustainability should be integrated with economic development, ensuring that agricultural practices lead to better livelihoods without causing environmental degradation.

28. (a) “India has one of the second-largest road networks in the world.” Support the statement.

Answer: India’s road network is among the largest in the world, and the country ranks second after the United States in terms of road length. Key points supporting the statement are:

Vast Road Infrastructure: India has an extensive road network that spans over 5.8 million kilometers. This includes highways, state roads, rural roads, and urban roads.
National Highways and Expressways: The Indian government has made substantial investments in improving national highways and constructing expressways to promote faster and more efficient transportation across the country.
Rural Connectivity: A large proportion of India’s roads connect rural areas, which is crucial for the country’s agriculture and rural development. Rural road networks ensure that agricultural products reach urban markets.
Economic Growth and Development: The road network plays a crucial role in economic activities, including trade, commerce, and tourism, and is a key driver of India’s economic development.

28. (b) “Indian Railways network is one of the longest in the world.” Support the statement.

Answer: The Indian Railways network is one of the longest and busiest in the world, and this can be supported by the following points:

Extensive Network: Indian Railways operates a network of over 67,000 kilometers of track, connecting almost every part of the country. This makes it one of the largest rail networks in the world.
Passenger and Freight Services: It serves a population of over 1.3 billion people, offering both passenger and freight services. With more than 23 million passengers traveling daily, Indian Railways plays a key role in transportation.
Geographical Coverage: The network reaches remote areas, including the mountains of the north and the coastal regions of the south, providing connectivity to both urban and rural areas.
Vital for Economic Growth: Indian Railways is a backbone of India’s economy, facilitating the movement of goods (like coal, oil, and agricultural products) and passengers, thus supporting trade, commerce, and social connectivity.

SECTION E

29. Map-based Questions:

29.1) Which is the largest country in Africa?

Answer: Algeria

29.2) Name an area of extensive commercial grain farming in Argentina.

Answer: The Pampas

29.3) Name any one major seaport in Japan.

Answer: Port of Tokyo

29.4) Name the canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in the West.

Answer: Panama Canal

29.5) Name a major airport of New Zealand.

Answer: Auckland International Airport

29.6) Name the canal that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

Answer: Suez Canal

29.7) Name the largest country in South America.

Answer: Brazil

30. Map-based Questions:

30.1) The state with the highest density of population.

Answer: Bihar

30.2) The easternmost city of India having more than 10 million population.

Answer: Kolkata

30.3) The leading cotton-producing state.

Answer: Gujarat

30.4) Oil refineries located in Uttar Pradesh.

Answer: Mathura (Refinery is located near this city)

30.5) Coal mines located in Tamil Nadu.

Answer: Madhugiri (Located in the Tamil Nadu region)

30.6) Major seaport located in Odisha.

Answer: Paradip Port

30.7) International airport located in Punjab.

Answer: Amritsar (Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport)

For Visually Impaired Candidates:

30.1) Name the state of India with the highest density of population.

Answer: Bihar

30.2) Name the leading cotton-producing state.

Answer: Gujarat

30.3) In which place of Uttar Pradesh are oil refineries located?

Answer: Mathura

30.4) Name the easternmost city of India having more than 10 million population.

Answer: Kolkata

30.5) In what state are the Khetri copper mines located?

Answer: Rajasthan

30.6) In which state is Tuticorin seaport located?

Answer: Tamil Nadu

30.7) In which place is the international airport of Punjab located?

Answer: Amritsar