Previous Year Questions Asked In Mains From This Topic
- Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. [2021]
- Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. [2021]
- Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. [2021]
- What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? [2021]
- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. [2020]
- Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. [2020]
- Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. [2019]
- Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed ? How does it help in navigation ? [2018]
- Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region ? [2018]
- Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. [2018]
- What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. [2018]
- “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. [2017]
- Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. [2017]
- Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. [2017]
- Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. [2016]
- India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. [2015]
- What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? [2015]
- Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along. the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. [2014]
- Why did the Green Revolution in India Virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of wager ? [2014]
- Account for the change in the. spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. [2014]
- Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. [2014]
- How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? [2014]
- Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India ? Discuss with justification. [2013]
- Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. [2013]
- With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. [2013]
- It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. [2013]
Distribution Of Key Natural Resources Across The World
Key natural resources are distributed unevenly across the world due to geological and environmental factors. Here is a general overview of the distribution of some key natural resources:
Fossil Fuels:
- Oil and Natural Gas: Major reserves are found in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait), Russia, Venezuela, and the United States.
- Coal: Abundant reserves are found in countries such as the United States, Russia, China, India, Australia, and Indonesia.
Minerals and Metals:
- Iron Ore: Major reserves are found in countries like Australia, Brazil, China, India, and Russia.
- Bauxite: Rich deposits are found in Australia, Guinea, Brazil, China, and India.
- Copper: Significant reserves are found in Chile, Peru, China, the United States, and Australia.
- Gold: Major producers include China, Australia, Russia, the United States, and Canada.
- Diamond: Significant deposits are found in countries like Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
Agriculture:
- Wheat: Major producers include China, India, the United States, Russia, and Canada.
- Rice: Main producers are China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
- Corn (Maize): Mainly produced in the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine.
- Soybeans: Major producers include the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China, and India.
- Coffee: Significant producers include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
Renewable Resources:
- Hydropower: Countries with abundant hydropower resources include China, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Russia.
- Solar Energy: Countries with high solar energy potential include China, the United States, India, Japan, and Germany.
- Wind Energy: Countries with significant wind energy resources include China, the United States, Germany, India, and Spain.
It’s important to note that the availability and accessibility of natural resources can change over time due to technological advancements, exploration, and changes in environmental policies. Additionally, regional conflicts, political stability, and economic factors can influence the utilization and trade of natural resources.
Factors Responsible For The Location Of Primary, Secondary, And Tertiary Sector Industries In Various Parts Of The World
The location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries is influenced by several factors, including:
Natural Resources: The availability and proximity of natural resources play a significant role in determining the location of primary sector industries. Industries that rely on raw materials like mining, agriculture, forestry, and fishing tend to be located near the sources of these resources. For example, mining industries are often found near mineral deposits, while agricultural industries are located in areas with fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions.
Labour Availability: The presence of a skilled or unskilled labour force can influence the location of both primary and secondary sector industries. Labor-intensive industries, such as manufacturing and textiles, often choose locations where there is a large pool of available workers. Factors like wage rates, labor laws, and workforce skills also play a role in industry location decisions.
Market Access: The proximity to markets and transportation infrastructure is crucial for all sectors. Secondary sector industries, such as manufacturing, need efficient transportation networks to receive raw materials and distribute finished products. Tertiary sector industries, including retail, hospitality, and services, often locate in areas with high population densities and good transportation links to serve their target markets.
Infrastructure: Availability of infrastructure like roads, ports, railways, and utilities (electricity, water, telecommunications) is essential for the establishment and growth of industries. Adequate infrastructure reduces transportation costs, facilitates the movement of goods and services, and supports the overall functioning of industries.
Government Policies: Government policies, regulations, and incentives can influence industry location decisions. Tax incentives, subsidies, infrastructure development programs, and special economic zones are examples of policies that can attract industries to specific regions. Governments may also impose restrictions or regulations on industries to protect the environment, public health, or national security, which can affect industry location choices.
Climate and Environmental Factors: Climate and environmental conditions can influence the suitability of certain industries in specific regions. For instance, agricultural activities are affected by factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil fertility. Industries that require specific environmental conditions, such as tourism or renewable energy, may choose locations with favorable climates or natural resources like sunshine or wind.
Historical Factors: Historical factors, including colonial legacies, past industrialization patterns, and cultural traditions, can have long-lasting impacts on industry location. For example, some regions may have a historical advantage in certain industries due to early development, access to trade routes, or established supply chains.
It’s important to note that the relative importance of these factors can vary depending on the specific industry, economic conditions, technological advancements, and global trade patterns. Industries often cluster in certain regions due to the combination of favorable factors, creating economic specialization and regional development patterns.
