Social Studies PYQs

Correct Answer: Sun, Planets, Satellites, Asteroids, Meteorites

Key Points

The Sun:

• The central star of our solar system around which all the other celestial bodies orbit.

Planets:

• Our solar system consists of eight planets, which in order of their distance from the Sun are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Satellites (Moons):

• The solar system contains dozens of moons that orbit the planets. For example, Earth has one moon, while Jupiter and Saturn have many.

Asteroids:

• These are small rocky bodies that mainly orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, though they can be found elsewhere in the solar system as well

Meteorites:

• Although not explicitly mentioned in the search results, meteorites, which are fragments of asteroids or comets that fall to Earth's surface, can be inferred as part of the solar system's composition considering they originate from within the solar system, particularly from asteroids and comets.
• The other options include terms such as "Saptarishi," "Constellations," and "Pole star," which are not components of the solar system in the context of the provided results.
• "Saptarishi" refers to the Big Dipper, a part of the constellation Ursa Major, and constellations are patterns of stars visible from Earth, not celestial bodies within our solar system.
• The "Pole star" (Polaris) is a star visible from Earth that lies nearly in a direct line with the Earth's rotational axis, but is not part of our solar system.

The correct answer is Social privileges are a result of one's birth.

 Key Points

• The idea that social privileges are a result of one's birth was increasingly questioned from the seventh century onwards.
• This period marked the beginning of intellectual and philosophical movements that emphasized individual actions, merit, and spiritual equality over birthright.
• The critique of birth-based social hierarchy led to the formation of various religious and social movements that advocated for equality and justice.

 

Additional Information

• The belief that only human beings pass through countless cycles of births is more aligned with specific religious doctrines about reincarnation and samsara (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth) found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This idea wasn't particularly questioned starting from the seventh century; rather, it was a fundamental aspect of these religions.
• The notion that all human beings are equal at the time of birth is a philosophical and ethical idea that has been discussed and promoted in various cultures and times, including but not limited to the seventh century. It wasn't a concept that began to be questioned but rather one that has been advocated for by various movements to challenge existing social hierarchies.
• The belief that one could break the cycle of rebirth through personal effort is central to several religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This concept underscores the importance of individual actions (karma), spiritual practices, and ethical living as means to achieve liberation (moksha or nirvana). It wasn't questioned but rather encouraged as a spiritual goal.

Correct Answer is 'Ordinary men and women'

Key Points 'Periyapuranam':

• 'Periyapuranam,' also known as 'Tiruttontarpuranam,' is a Tamil poetic work composed by Sekkizhar in the 12^th century.
• It is a part of the Shaiva literature corpus and narrates the lives of the sixty-three Nayanars, who were devout followers of Lord Shiva.
• These Nayanars were not just from a single social class or profession but included a diverse range of individuals from different walks of life, including ordinary men and women, who were celebrated for their unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva.

Additional Information

• While soldiers and military generals are often subjects of historical and literary works, the 'Periyapuranam' specifically focuses on the lives of devotees of Lord Shiva, irrespective of their professions or social status. It does not specifically highlight the lives of soldiers and military generals.
• Although some of the Nayanars were of royal lineage, the work is not exclusively about kings and queens. Its primary focus is on the devotion to Lord Shiva exhibited by people from various backgrounds, including those of humble origins.
• While scholars and poets are among the Nayanars, and their contributions to Shaiva literature are significant, 'Periyapuranam' encompasses a broader spectrum of devotees, including those who were not scholars or poets by profession.
• The essence of 'Periyapuranam' lies in its portrayal of devotion to Lord Shiva as a universal ideal, transcending social and economic distinctions.

The correct answer is 'Tarabai Shinde'

 Key Points

• Tarabai Shinde, the author of 'Stripurushtulna', was a pioneering feminist writer in India.
• Her work is considered one of the first feminist texts in the country, which critiqued the patriarchal system and the treatment of women in 19^th-century Indian society.
• This makes her the correct individual associated with the book mentioned.

 Additional Information

• E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) was a social activist and politician in Tamil Nadu, known for founding the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam.
• Pandita Ramabai was an Indian social reformer, a champion for the emancipation of women, and a pioneer in education.
• Veerasalingam Pantulu was a social reformer and writer from Andhra Pradesh.
• Tarabai Shinde's work in 'Stripurushtulna' is significant for its early critique of gender inequality and the social norms that perpetuated it.

Correct Answer: There are advanced technological developments to enable it.

 

Key Points

• Building railways in mountainous areas is a challenging engineering and construction feat due to rough terrain, steep gradients, and the need for precise planning to avoid environmental and geological hazards.
• The advancement in technology, including tunnel boring machines, bridge construction techniques, and improved materials, has made it possible to undertake such ambitious projects that were once considered impractical or too costly.
• This development also includes the ability to conduct detailed geological surveys, use satellite imagery for planning, and employ advanced construction techniques that minimize impact on the environment while maximizing safety and efficiency.

 Additional Information

It is easy to construct railways in mountains):

• This statement is incorrect because constructing railways in mountainous areas is actually very challenging.
• The terrain can be steep and unstable, requiring extensive engineering work such as tunneling and building bridges, which complicates the construction process.

Mountains are highly eroded):

• While it's true that mountains can be highly eroded, this is not a suitable reason for the construction of railways.
• Erosion can actually make construction more difficult by creating unstable conditions and requiring additional measures to stabilize the terrain.

Mountain people are making railways):

• This option inaccurately suggests that the initiative for building railways in mountainous areas comes directly from local mountain communities.
• While local support can be crucial for such projects, the construction of modern railways usually involves national governments or large corporations, driven by broader transportation and economic goals.

The correct answer is '(A) is false but (R) is true'

Key Points

• Dadabhai Naoroji, one of the great leader of Indian National Congress, never become the President of INC.
• This Statement is incorrect
• Dadabhai Naoroji was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress three times - in 1886, 1893, and 1906.
• He was one of the great leader of Indian National Congress.
• His contributions to the INC and the freedom movement in India are well-documented and celebrated.
• He was a businessman and publicist settled in London and for sometime a member of the British Parliament.
• This Statement is correct
• He was a businessman and publicist settled in London and for some time a member of the British Parliament.
• Dadabhai Naoroji's role as a businessman and a member of the British Parliament did not preclude him from being an active and influential figure in Indian politics and the Indian National Congress.
• His involvement in British politics actually helped him advocate for India's cause more effectively on an international platform.

Correct Answer: Nitrogen and Oxygen

Understanding the composition of Earth's atmosphere is crucial for numerous environmental, biological, and technological reasons. 

Key Points

Nitrogen (N2) - 78%:

• Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere.
• It is a critical element for all life forms, as it is a major component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
• Although nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere, most organisms cannot use this atmospheric nitrogen directly and rely on a process called nitrogen fixation to convert it into a biologically usable form.

Oxygen (O2) - 21%:

• Oxygen is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere.
• It is essential for the respiration of many living organisms and is a vital component of the Earth's biosphere.
• Oxygen is also involved in combustion processes and the ozone layer's formation in the stratosphere, which protects life on Earth by blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Additional Information

Argon (Ar) - Approximately 0.93%:

• Argon is a noble gas that is the third most common gas in the Earth's atmosphere.
• Being chemically inert, it doesn't readily form compounds with other elements.
• Its primary source in the atmosphere is the decay of potassium-40 to argon-40 in the Earth's crust.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - About 0.041% as of the latest pre-2021 data:

• Carbon dioxide is a trace gas in the atmosphere but is of significant interest because of its role in the greenhouse effect and climate change.
• CO2 levels have been rising due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
• It is also involved in the process of photosynthesis, which is critical for plant life.

Other gases:

• The rest of the Earth's atmosphere is made up of trace amounts of gases such as neon, helium, methane, krypton, and hydrogen, as well as water vapor.
• Water vapor content varies significantly by location and weather patterns and plays a critical role in Earth's climate and weather systems as a potent greenhouse gas.

Ozone (O3):

• Though not one of the primary gases in terms of overall volume, ozone plays a critical role in absorbing and blocking the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere, forming the so-called ozone layer.
• At ground level, however, ozone is a pollutant and a key component of smog, harmful to human health.

 

Understanding the composition and characteristics of the atmospheric gases is vital for studying air quality, atmospheric chemistry, climate change, and the protection of the environment and human health.

Globe

 Key Points

Globe:

• A globe is a three-dimensional, spherical representation of Earth.
• It accurately depicts the shapes, sizes, and relative positions of Earth's continents and oceans.
• Unlike flat maps, globes do not have distortions in area, shape, distance, or direction because they mimic the true spherical shape of the Earth.
• This makes globes the most accurate physical model of our planet.

Additional Information 

Map:

• Maps are two-dimensional representations of the Earth's surface.
• Due to the Earth's curvature, maps cannot replicate the globe's features without some distortion.
• Different map projections are used to minimize these distortions, but no flat map can be as accurate as a globe.

Satellite image:

• Satellite images are photographs of Earth taken from space by satellites.
• They provide a realistic view of what the Earth looks like from space, showing real-time or near-real-time conditions.
• However, these are not models but actual images and can represent only a part of the Earth at any given time.

Rugby ball:

• A rugby ball shape is an elongated ellipsoid, which does not represent Earth's nearly spherical shape.
• This option is clearly incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the dimensions or properties of the Earth.

The correct answer is - Minimum age for men: 18 years, Minimum age for women: 14 years

Key Points

• Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929
• Also known as the Sarda Act.
• Prohibited the solemnization of marriages below the specified minimum ages.
• Set 18 years as the minimum age for men and 14 years for women.
• Marked an early effort by the British Indian government to address child marriage issues.

Additional Information

• Amendments and Enforcement
• The age for women was later raised to 18 years under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
• Initial enforcement was weak due to social customs and lack of awareness.
• Social Context
• Child marriage was prevalent in India due to patriarchal norms and dowry practices.
• The Act aimed to improve women’s health, education, and social status.
• Worked alongside reform movements led by social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
• NCERT Reference
• Discussed in Class 12, Themes in Indian History – Part II under Social Reform Movements and legislation during the freedom struggle.

The Correct Answer is Sulaiman and Kirthar hills

 Key Points

• The Sulaiman and Kirthar hills, located in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent (present-day Pakistan), are among the regions where some of the earliest evidence of agriculture, including the cultivation of crops like wheat and barley, has been found.
• This area was part of the region where the Neolithic Revolution took place, marking a significant transition from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities, which was a cornerstone in human history.
• The evidence includes remnants of early farming villages, tools, and cultivated grains dating back to around 7000 BCE.

Additional Information

Nilgiri Hills:

• Located in the southern part of India, the Nilgiri Hills are known for their rich biodiversity and tea plantations. However, they are not recognized for the earliest evidence of wheat and barley cultivation.

Garo Hills:

• Situated in the northeastern part of India, the Garo Hills are part of the Meghalaya plateau. They have a rich cultural heritage and biodiversity but do not hold evidence for the earliest cultivation of crops like wheat and barley.

Malabar Hills:

• Malabar Hills are located in the western part of India, in Mumbai. Known for their affluent residential area and natural beauty, they do not contain evidence of the earliest agricultural practices such as the cultivation of wheat and barley.

**Correct Answer-**Movement of air from high pressure area to low pressure area. 

Key Points

• Winds are primarily caused by the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.
• This movement is driven by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which causes differences in air pressure.
• High-pressure areas are typically regions where the air is cooler and denser, leading it to sink, while low-pressure areas are warmer, causing the air to rise.
• The wind blows as the air moves to balance these pressure differences.

The correct answer is 'Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) does not explain (A)'.

 Key Points

• In 1960, the bilingual state of Bombay was divided into separate states for Marathi and Gujarati speaking people.
• This statement is true.
• The state of Bombay was indeed bifurcated into two linguistic states on May 1, 1960.
• Marathi-speaking regions were reconstituted as Maharashtra, and Gujarati-speaking regions became Gujarat.
• This division was the result of the demands of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and the Mahagujarat Movement, which sought states for Marathi and Gujarati speakers, respectively.
• In 1966, the state of Punjab was also divided into two States Punjab for Punjabi speakers and Haryana for Haryanavi or Hindi speakers.
• This statement is also true.
• On November 1, 1966, the state of Punjab was reorganized to create two separate entities: Punjab for Punjabi speakers and Haryana for speakers of Haryanavi and Hindi.
• This division was largely influenced by linguistic differences and the demand for a separate state for Punjabi speakers, which was spearheaded by the Akali Dal through the Punjabi Suba movement.

Additional Information

• The division of Bombay into Maharashtra and Gujarat and the division of Punjab into Punjab and Haryana are both examples of linguistic reorganization of states in India.
• However, the reason for the division of Punjab does not directly explain why Bombay was divided; they are parallel instances of a broader policy of linguistic reorganization in India rather than a cause-and-effect scenario.

Communicable diseases

Key Points Communicable diseases:

• These are illnesses that spread from one person to another or from an animal to a person.
• The spread often happens via airborne viruses or bacteria, but also through blood or other bodily fluid.
• Diseases like the flu, COVID-19, and tuberculosis are examples of communicable diseases.
• This is the correct category for diseases spread through water, food, air, etc., as they involve pathogens that can be transmitted through these mediums.

 Additional InformationCongenital diseases:

• These are medical conditions that are present at birth.
• They can result from genetic issues, complications during pregnancy, or infections during pregnancy, but they are not typically spread from person to person through water, food, or air.
• Examples include Down syndrome and some heart defects.

Genetic diseases:

• These are diseases caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome.
• They can be inherited from one's parents or caused by mutations in one's genes.
• While they are passed down through families, they do not spread between individuals through environmental means like water, food, or air.
• Examples include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.

Acquired diseases:

• This term refers to diseases that develop after birth as opposed to being congenital.
• While some acquired diseases can be communicable, the term itself is more general and can include non-communicable diseases as well, such as most cancers, which are not transmitted through water, food, or air.

In summary, communicable diseases are specifically those that can spread between individuals through various mediums including water, food, and air.

The correct answer is 'Both (A) and (B) are true'.

 Key Points

• In 1770, a terrible famine killed ten million people in Bengal.
• This statement is true.
• The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was a catastrophic event that occurred in the Bengal region of India, then under the rule of the British East India Company.
• It is estimated that a significant portion of the population died due to starvation and disease caused by crop failure and the economic policies of the British East India Company. Therefore this statement is correct
• About one-third of the population was wiped out.
• This statement is also true.
• Historical records and estimates suggest that approximately one-third of the population in the affected region died as a result of the famine.
• The population of Bengal at the time was around 30 million, and the death toll of ten million represents about one-third of that population.

Additional Information

• The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was one of the most devastating famines in history, leading to the death of a significant portion of Bengal's population.
• The famine's impact was exacerbated by the policies of the British East India Company, which prioritized tax collection and profit over the well-being of the local population.

The correct Answer- (a), (c), (d)

Key Points

• Reducing consumption of resources (Statement A):
• Reducing the consumption of resources directly contributes to sustainable development by ensuring that resources are available for future generations.
• It minimizes the depletion of natural resources and reduces environmental degradation. Hence, Statement A is correct.

Recycling resources :

• Recycling is a key component of sustainable development as it allows materials to be reused, reducing the need to extract and process raw materials.
• This conserves natural resources and reduces environmental impacts such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, Statement C is correct.

Reusing things (Statement D):

• Reusing items instead of discarding them after a single use helps reduce waste, conserves resources, and minimizes environmental impacts.
• It supports sustainable development by promoting a more efficient use of resources. Hence, Statement D is correct.

Additional Information

Increasing resource use (Statement B):

• Increasing the use of resources without considering sustainability can lead to overexploitation and depletion of resources, which is counterproductive to the goals of sustainable development.
• It can also increase pollution and environmental damage. Hence, Statement B is incorrect.

 

These practices contribute to the conservation of resources, reduction of waste, and minimization of environmental impacts, which are all crucial for sustainable development. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2: (a), (c), (d).

Answer- (b), (c), (d)

Key Points

Statement (b) The Basin lies in sub-tropical region.

• This statement is correct.
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is indeed located in the sub-tropical region of the Indian subcontinent.
• This geographical positioning contributes to its warm and humid climate, making it conducive for a rich variety of flora and fauna to thrive.

Statement (c) The area is dominated by Monsoon climate.

• This statement is correct.
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin experiences a monsoon climate, characterized by heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
• This climatic pattern significantly influences the agriculture, lifestyle, and biodiversity in the region.

Statement (d) The basin area has a varied topography.

• This statement is correct.
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin exhibits a diverse topography, including plains, plateaus, and mountains.
• This variation in terrain affects the climate, vegetation, and human activities across different parts of the basin.

Additional Information Statement (a) Coniferous forests grow in this region.

• This statement is incorrect.
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin, being in the sub-tropical region, predominantly features a mix of deciduous and tropical evergreen forests rather than coniferous forests.
• Coniferous forests are more common in the colder, temperate, and subarctic regions, not in the warm, humid conditions of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.

 

Therefore, option 3 (b), (c), (d) is the correct answer.

Answer- the mid-day sun is exactly overhead

Key Points

A. Torrid Zone Explanation: 

The Torrid Zone, also known as the Tropical Zone, is the region of the Earth near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere and the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere.

B. Key Characteristics:

• Direct Sunlight: This zone receives the most direct sunlight throughout the year. The sun's rays hit the Earth's surface at a nearly perpendicular angle, minimizing the amount of atmosphere the sunlight must pass through, which maximizes heating efficiency.
• Overhead Mid-Day Sun: At certain times of the year, the mid-day sun is exactly overhead at some point within this zone. This occurs because the Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane around the Sun, causing the solar declination (the latitude at which the sun is directly overhead at noon) to move between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn throughout the year.
• High Solar Radiation: As a result of the direct angle of sunlight, regions within the Torrid Zone receive higher levels of solar radiation compared to those in the Temperate or Polar Zones. This leads to higher average temperatures throughout the year.
• Seasonal Variation: Despite being known for its consistently warm climate, the Torrid Zone experiences some seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation, primarily due to shifting patterns of ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. However, these variations are less pronounced than in higher latitudes.
• Biodiversity: The consistent climate and high levels of sunlight support diverse ecosystems within the Torrid Zone, including rainforests, savannas, and other types of vegetation that are adapted to warm temperatures and varying amounts of rainfall.

The correct answer is '(A) is true but (B) is false'.

 Key PointsVeda Samaj Establishment:

• The Veda Samaj was indeed established in Madras, which is now known as Chennai, in the year 1864.
• This movement was part of a broader spectrum of socio-religious reform movements that emerged in India during the 19^th century, aiming to reform Hindu society.
• Contrary to the statement provided, the Veda Samaj was not inspired by the Arya Samaj.
• In fact, the Arya Samaj itself was founded later, in 1875, by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. This means that the Veda Samaj could not have been inspired by the Arya Samaj since it predated it.
• The primary focus of the Veda Samaj was to promote the values and ideals found in the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism.
• They aimed to purify Hinduism by discarding what they considered to be later accretions and to return to the original teachings of the Vedas.
• They advocated for the abolition of caste distinctions and child marriage, and promoted widow remarriage and women's education, reflecting a progressive stance on social issues.

 Additional Information

• While both the Veda Samaj and the Arya Samaj sought to reform Hinduism by emphasizing the authority of the Vedas, the Arya Samaj had a more aggressive reform agenda.
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, was known for his criticisms of idol worship and his advocacy for the infallibility of the Vedas.
• Arya Samaj also played a significant role in the socio-political sphere, including the freedom movement, whereas the Veda Samaj primarily focused on social and religious reforms.

The correct answer is (A) is true but (B) is false

 Key Points

• In 1817, James Mill published 'A History of British India' in three volumes.
• This statement is True.
• James Mill, a Scottish historian and political theorist, did indeed publish 'A History of British India' in three volumes starting in 1817.
• This work was a comprehensive and influential account of Indian history from the ancient times up to the 19^th century, reflecting Mill's utilitarian views and his support for British imperialism.
• In this he divided Indian history into three periods -Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
• This statement is False.
• A History of British India. In this, he divided Indian history into three periods – Hindu, Muslim and British. This periodisation came to be widely accepted.

The correct answer is 'Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) does not explains (A)'

Key Points

• The assertion (A) states that "Tribes have rich and unique cultural traditions including their own language and music etc."
• This statement is undoubtedly true as tribes around the world are known for their distinct cultural practices, languages, music, and other forms of expression that differentiate them from other societies.
• These unique cultural attributes are passed down through generations and are a source of identity and pride for tribal communities.
• Land, forests, grasslands and water are regarded as the wealth of the entire tribe and everybody shares and uses these together.
• This statement is also true.
• In many tribal societies, natural resources such as land, forests, grasslands, and water are considered communal assets. These resources are not owned by individuals but are shared among all members of the tribe.
• This communal approach to natural resources is a fundamental aspect of many tribal societies and contributes to their way of life, including their economic, social, and cultural practices.