Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer Only (b) and (d)

Key Points

• Landforms refer to the natural features on the surface of the earth that have been created through geological and geomorphological processes over time.
• These landforms are often created by agents or forces that shape the earth's surface.
• In the given pairs, we have to identify the correct agent that is responsible for the formation of a particular landform.

(a) Levees - Wind:

• Levees are natural or man-made embankments or ridges that are formed along the banks of rivers or other water bodies.
• These ridges are created by the deposition of sediment carried by the water during floods.
• While wind can cause erosion and deposition of sediment, it is not the primary agent responsible for the formation of levees. Therefore, this pair is incorrect.

(b) Stacks - Sea waves:

• Stacks are tall pillars of rock that are formed as a result of erosion by the sea waves.
• The waves erode the softer rock and leave behind the harder rock that forms the stack.
• This pair is correct because sea waves are the primary agent that forms stacks.

(c) Mushroom Rocks - River:

• Mushroom rocks are large rocks that have a distinctive shape, resembling a mushroom.
• They are often found in arid environments and are formed due to the process of erosion by wind.
• While rivers can also cause erosion, they are not the primary agent responsible for the formation of mushroom rocks. Therefore, this pair is incorrect.

(d) Moraines - Glaciers:

• Moraines are ridges or mounds of glacial debris that are deposited by glaciers.
• Glaciers are slow-moving masses of ice that can carry large amounts of rocks, soil, and other debris.
• As glaciers move, they transport this debris and deposit it along their edges and terminus.
• This pair is correct because glaciers are the primary agent responsible for the formation of moraines.

In conclusion, the correct pair of landform agents is (d) Moraines - Glaciers

Altitude is the factor that is responsible for the extremely cold and dry climate of Ladakh.

Important Points

• Ladakh is located at a high altitude in the Himalayas, with an average elevation of over 3000 meters above sea level.
• Due to the high altitude, the air is thin, and the atmospheric pressure is low, which results in lower temperatures.
• In addition, the region is surrounded by high mountains, which restrict the movement of moist air from the sea, making it extremely dry.
• The combination of high altitude, low atmospheric pressure, and dry air makes Ladakh's climate cold and dry.

Hence, the most important factor is Altitude.

Both these statements (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).​

Key Points

Statement (A) asserts that the air is cold in areas with lower temperatures.

• This statement is generally true because lower temperatures in an area often result in colder air.

Statement (R) claims that air is heavy in cold areas.

• "Air is heavy in cold areas," it's somewhat misleading. While it's true cold air is denser than warm air, stating it as "heavy" may lead to confusion.
• The density does increase, causing the air to settle closer to the ground, but the weight does not significantly change.

 

Therefore, the correct option would be:

Both these statements (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

The corrrect option is 'Cellular phones'.

Key Points

• Cellular phones are not an example of mass media.
• Mass media refers to various forms of communication that are designed to reach a large audience.
• It involves the dissemination of information, news, and entertainment to a broad range of people.

Additional Information

• Newspapers:
• Newspapers are a traditional form of mass media that have been in existence for centuries.
• They are printed publications that contain news articles, stories, opinions, and advertisements.
• Newspapers are widely distributed and reach a large number of readers.
• Radio:
• Radio broadcasts are another form of mass media.
• Radio stations transmit audio content, including news, music, talk shows, and advertisements, to a wide audience.
• People can tune in to radio stations using radios or various digital platforms.
• Television:
• Television is a highly popular form of mass media.
• It involves the transmission of visual and audio content to viewers through television sets.
• Television programs cover a wide range of topics, including news, entertainment, sports, documentaries, and more.

The correct answer is South West Africa.

Key Points

The Mediterranean-type vegetation thrives in regions with a specific climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

• ​ This climate pattern is typically found around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• California in the United States of America also exhibits a Mediterranean-type climate in some areas, supporting similar vegetation due to comparable weather patterns.

However, South East Africa (Option 3) does not predominantly host Mediterranean-type vegetation. Instead, this region generally features a different climate, such as a tropical climate with different vegetation types like savannas, forests, and grasslands.

• Regarding Option 4) in South West Africa, this area also does not feature Mediterranean-type vegetation.
• It's characterized by a climate more similar to arid or semi-arid conditions, such as the Namib Desert, which doesn't support the growth of Mediterranean vegetation.

Therefore, among the options provided, only Option 4) South West Africa is where you do not typically find Mediterranean-type vegetation due to its arid or semi-arid climate conditions.

The correct answer is Only (B), (D) & (E)

Important Points

(A) Mica is not a renewable resource.

• Mica is a mineral that is used in a variety of industrial and electronic applications, including insulation, paint, and electronics.
• However, it is a non-renewable resource that is mined from the earth and cannot be replenished naturally.

(B) Forests are a renewable resource.

• Forests are a renewable resource because they can be replanted and regenerated through natural processes.
• When managed sustainably, forests can provide a wide range of benefits, including timber, non-timber forest products, and ecological services.

(C) Natural gas is a non-renewable resource.

• Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
• It is a finite resource that cannot be replenished naturally, and its reserves are being depleted rapidly due to high demand.

(D) Soil is a renewable resource.

• Soil is formed over thousands of years through the weathering of rocks and the accumulation of organic matter.
• However, soil erosion, degradation, and contamination can lead to the loss of this non-renewable resource.

(E) Water is a renewable resource.

• Water is a renewable resource because it is replenished naturally through the water cycle.
• However, the availability and quality of water resources are becoming increasingly strained due to climate change, population growth, and pollution.

Therefore, only statements (B), (D), and (E) are examples of renewable resources, and the appropriate option is 3) Only (B), (D), and (E)

The correct option is Only (A) and (C).

Important PointsMultiple factors play a major role in the formation of soil. The factors listed are:

(A) Parent rock:

• The parent rock or bedrock is the underlying geological material from which the soil is formed.
• The characteristics and composition of the parent rock significantly influence the properties and fertility of the resulting soil.
• Different types of parent rocks contribute to the formation of different soil types.

(C) Climatic factors:

• Climatic factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and weathering processes, have a significant impact on soil formation.
• Climate affects the rate of weathering of the parent rock, the leaching of minerals, and the organic matter decomposition.
• It influences the development of soil horizons and the overall fertility of the soil.

Additional Information

(B) Topography:

• While topography can influence soil erosion and the redistribution of soil materials, it is not a major factor in the initial formation of soil.
• However, it plays a role in determining the spatial distribution and characteristics of soils across a landscape.

(D) Time:

• Time is a factor that is closely related to the formation of soil. It takes significant periods for soil to develop from parent materials through weathering, organic matter accumulation, and other soil-forming processes.
• However, time alone is not considered a major factor in the formation of soil but rather an important aspect in the overall soil development process.

Considering the factors mentioned, the major factors in the formation of soil are the parent rock (option A) and climatic factors (option C). These factors contribute significantly to the characteristics and fertility of soils. Therefore, the correct option is (A) and (C)

The correct option is 'Moneylenders and small farmers'.

Key Points

• The concept of a "debt trap" in rural areas typically refers to the exploitative relationship between moneylenders and small farmers.
• In many rural communities, small farmers often lack access to formal credit sources, such as banks, and are forced to rely on moneylenders for loans to meet their agricultural expenses.
• Moneylenders, taking advantage of the farmers' financial vulnerability, often charge exorbitant interest rates and impose unfavorable terms and conditions.
• This exploitative cycle begins when small farmers borrow money from moneylenders to finance their agricultural activities, such as purchasing seeds, fertilizers, equipment, or paying for labor.
• Due to various factors like low crop yields, market fluctuations, and unpredictable weather conditions, the farmers may struggle to repay the loans in a timely manner.
• As a result, they may find themselves in a situation where they need to borrow more money to repay the existing debt, leading to a cycle of borrowing and indebtedness.
• Over time, the interest on these loans accumulates, and the debt burden becomes increasingly difficult to escape, trapping the farmers in a cycle of perpetual debt.

The correct answer is both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Key Points

• Independent media means that no one should control and influence its coverage of news.
• No one should tell the media what can be included and what should not be included in a news story.
• Independent media is important in a democracy.
• In a democracy, independent media is important to ensure that citizens have access to reliable information and are able to make informed decisions.
• An independent media is one that is free from government control or influence and is able to report on issues without fear of censorship or retribution. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.
• The reason (R) given for the assertion is also correct as the information available through media should be reliable and not biased, as biased or fake news can mislead the public and undermine the democratic process.
• In a democracy, it is important that citizens have access to accurate and impartial information, which they can use to form their own opinions and make informed decisions.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that both the assertion (A) and reason (R) are true, and the reason (R) is a correct explanation for the assertion (A).

The correct option is '(B) & (C)

Key Points

• State level:
• India has a federal system of government where power is divided between the central government and the states.
• The state governments are responsible for various aspects of governance within their respective states.
• This includes areas such as law and order, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other state-specific matters.
• The state level is an important level of governance in India.
• National level:
• The national level refers to the central government of India, which is responsible for matters of national importance and governance.
• The central government handles areas such as defence, foreign policy, finance, national laws, and regulations, among others.
• It is the highest level of government in India.

The correct option is 'One ward member elected by other ward members'.

Key Points

• In the context of panchayats in India, the position of Panchayat President is typically held by a ward member who is elected by other ward members.
• Panchayats are local self-government institutions at the village level, responsible for local governance and development.
• The Panchayat President, also known as the Sarpanch or Village President, is the head of the Gram Panchayat.
• The Gram Panchayat consists of elected representatives from different wards within the village.
• Each ward member represents a specific geographic area or ward of the village.
• After the panchayat elections, the ward members come together to elect one among themselves to serve as the Panchayat President.
• This election is usually conducted by the ward members through a voting process.
• The Panchayat President acts as the leader and the spokesperson of the Gram Panchayat and is responsible for chairing the meetings, making decisions, and overseeing the functioning of the panchayat.

The correct option is 'A place where daily wage labourers assemble in search of work'

Key Points 

• A labor chowk refers to a place where daily wage laborers gather or assemble in search of work.
• In many urban areas, particularly in developing countries, labor chowks are common sites where individuals who rely on daily wages for their livelihood gather in the morning to seek employment opportunities.
• Labor chowks are often found near construction sites, markets, or other places where manual labor is in demand.
• Contractors, builders, or employers looking for laborers visit these chowks to hire workers for short-term or daily work assignments.
• The laborers usually gather early in the morning, and employers select and hire them based on their skills, experience, and availability.
• The labor chowk serves as a meeting point between job seekers (daily wage laborers) and potential employers, facilitating the process of hiring labor for various projects or tasks.
• It is a place where laborers can find work opportunities for the day, allowing them to earn their daily wages and sustain themselves and their families.

The correct answer is only (A) is true.

Key Points

• The weavers are paid very little by the merchant under the putting out system.
• Weaver’s cooperatives are one way to reduce the dependence on the merchant and to earn a higher income for the weavers.
• In a cooperative, people with common interests come together and work for their mutual benefit.
• In a weaver’s cooperative, the weavers form a group and take up certain activities collectively.
• They procure yarn from the yarn dealer and distribute it among the weavers.
• The cooperative also does the marketing.
• So, the role of the merchant is reduced, and weavers get a fair price on the cloth.

hence, we can conclude that only statement (A) is true.

The correct option is ' Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)'.

Key Points

• No country can be said to be completely democratic.
• This statement is true
• No country can claim to be completely democratic as there are always limitations and challenges in implementing the principles of democracy.
• Individuals and communities always try to expand the idea of democracy.
• This statement is also true.
• Democracy is a constantly evolving concept, and individuals and communities always strive to expand its principles and ensure that it is more inclusive and participatory.
• However, (R) is the correct explanation of (A) as the fact that individuals and communities always try to expand the idea of democracy  mean that no country can be said to be completely democratic.

The correct option is ' Family, society and government levels'.

Key Points

• Gender inequality is a pervasive social issue that affects individuals and society as a whole.
• It is caused by various factors such as social norms, economic disparity, and cultural beliefs.
• Hence, addressing gender inequality requires interventions at multiple levels, including the family, society, and government.
• At the family level
• Parents need to be educated on the importance of gender equality and how they can contribute to promoting it in their households. Children need to be raised with a gender-sensitive perspective and taught to respect and value people regardless of their gender.
• This can be achieved through parental education, support for working mothers, and gender-inclusive parenting.
• At the societal level
• Efforts should be made to change harmful social norms, beliefs, and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.
• This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and community-level interventions that promote gender equality.
• At the government level
• Policies and programs that address gender inequality need to be implemented.
• This can include laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender, access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, and social protection programs for women and marginalized groups.

The correct option is 'Right to property'.

Key Points

• The right to property was originally recognized as a Fundamental Right in the Indian Constitution under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31.
• However, it was removed as a Fundamental Right through the 44^th Amendment Act in 1978 and is no longer considered a standalone Fundamental Right.
• Instead, it is now regarded as a legal right under Article 300A of the Constitution, which states that no person shall be deprived of his or her property except by the authority of law.
• The removal of the Right to property as a Fundamental Right was done to give more emphasis to the principles of social justice, redistribution of wealth, and land reforms.
• The intention was to enable the government to acquire private property for public welfare purposes without facing significant legal obstacles.

Additional Information

• Right to freedom of religion: This right is enshrined in Article 25-28 of the Indian Constitution. It grants individuals the freedom to follow and practice any religion of their choice and to manage religious affairs without interference from the state.
• Right to constitutional remedies: This right is an essential feature of the Indian Constitution. It is provided under Article 32, which enables individuals to seek legal remedies through the Supreme Court in case of violation of Fundamental Rights.
• Availing elementary education: Though not explicitly mentioned as a standalone Fundamental Right, the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. It is considered a crucial socio-economic right aimed at promoting equality and providing access to education for all.

The correct option is 'Right to life'.

Key Points

• The provision of the Midday Meal Scheme in schools is an extension of the fundamental right to life granted to Indian citizens.
• The Midday Meal Scheme is a government program in India that aims to provide free meals to school children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, during school hours.
• The program recognizes that access to adequate nutrition is essential for the overall well-being and development of children, ensuring their right to life.
• The right to life, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India, includes the right to a dignified life, good health, and adequate nutrition.
• The Midday Meal Scheme contributes to fulfilling this right by addressing the nutritional needs of children and promoting their physical and mental well-being.

The correct option is ' Inordinate delay in completion of trial by judiciary'.

Key Points

• The phrase "Justice delayed is justice denied" refers to the problem of inordinate delay in the completion of trials by the judiciary.
• It implies that if a person has to wait for an unreasonably long time to get justice, then it is as good as not getting justice at all.
• In India, the problem of delayed justice has been a longstanding issue, and it affects the common people the most.
• The reasons for such delays are multi-fold, including the lack of adequate infrastructure, shortage of judges, large pendency of cases, complicated legal procedures, and so on.
• The judiciary has been making efforts to address this problem by adopting measures like fast-track courts, computerization of courts, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and so on.
• However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner, especially to the marginalized sections of society who are often the most affected by the delays in the justice system.
• One of the biggest problems in the Indian justice system is the backlog of cases, which leads to delays in the completion of trials.

The correct option is ' (A) and (B)'.

Key Points

• The Forest Rights Act (2006) is a law which recognizes and vests the forest rights and occupation of forest land in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recorded.
• It recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, to protect and conserve the forest, and to manage and protect their forest-based livelihoods.
• The Act also aims to address historical injustices meted out to forest-dwelling communities and to empower them to participate in forest conservation and management.
• The Act recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to live in and use forest resources for sustenance, including for hunting and gathering forest produce, cultivating land within traditional forest limits, and collecting non-timber forest products.

The correct answer is A and B.

Important Points Marginalization is often associated with experiencing:

• Disadvantage: Marginalized individuals or groups may face social, economic, or political disadvantages due to their marginalized status. These disadvantages can limit their access to resources, opportunities, and overall well-being.
• Discrimination: Marginalization is often rooted in discrimination, which can be based on factors such as race, gender, socio-economic status, religion, or other characteristics. Discrimination can further exacerbate the disadvantages faced by marginalized individuals or groups.
• Equality and Pride are not associated with marginalization.
• In fact, marginalized individuals or groups usually experience inequality and may struggle with feelings of shame or exclusion due to their marginalized status.