Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Zambia.

Key Points

• The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world.
• It is located in Africa.
• It measures approximately 3oo miles from east to west and between 800 to 1200 miles from north to south.
• It covers ten countries**: Algeria, Libya, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Mauritania, and Tunisia.**
• Zambia is not located in the Sahara desert.

Additional Information

• Algeria is the largest country in Africa, and most of its land is covered by the Sahara desert.
• Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, and part of the Sahara desert is located in the northern part of the country.
• Niger is also a landlocked country in West Africa, and about 80% of its land is covered by the Sahara desert.
• Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, not in the Sahara desert.

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

Key Points

• The correct option is Both statements are correct. Statement (A) is correct because nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air, making up about 78% of the atmosphere.
• Nitrogen is indeed the most plentiful gas in the air (Statement A), but the increased volume of nitrogen alone is not the primary factor affecting Earth's weather and climate (Statement B). Other greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide play a more significant role in influencing climate change.

The correct answer is Local winds.

Key Points

• The loo is a local wind.
• It is a dusty, hot, and dry summer wind.
• It is a harmful local wind.
• It blows in the plains of northern India and Pakistan.
• It blows from the west in the months of May and June.
• It may cause sunstroke.

Additional Information

• Permanent winds are also known as prevailing winds.
• Permanent winds blow continuously throughout the year in a particular direction.
• Seasonal winds are also known as periodic winds.
• Polar winds are also known as polar easterlies.
• Polar winds blow from the polar regions towards the equator.

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

Key Points

• The correct option is Both Assertions (A), and Reason (R) are correct, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• Assertion (A) is correct because mountainous areas are often inhospitable to human habitation.
• The steep slopes, rugged terrain, and harsh climate make it difficult to build homes and grow crops in these areas.
• As a result, the population density in mountainous areas is typically much lower than in other parts of the world.
• Reason (R) is also correct because it explains why mountainous areas are inhospitable to human habitation.
• The steep slopes and rugged terrain make it difficult to build roads and other infrastructure and transport goods and services to these areas.
• The harsh climate can also be dangerous, with high winds, heavy rains, and snow storms that can make it difficult to travel and work.

The correct answer is Petroleum.

Key Points

• Black gold is a term for oil or petroleum.
• "Black" because of its appearance when it comes out of the ground.
• "Gold" because it made the oil industry rich.
• Crude Oil is also known as Black Gold.
• Petroleum is used in the manufacture of various products such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, gasoline, synthetic fabrics, etc.

Additional Information

• Coal is called Black Diamond.
• Natural gas is not commonly referred to as Black Gold.
• Manganese is not related to petroleum.

The correct answer is the Iron and steel industry.

Key Points

• The iron and Steel industry is referred to as the backbone of modern industry.
• Almost everything we use is either made of iron or steel or has been made with tools and machinery of these metals.
• Ships, trains, trucks, and autos are made largely of steel. Even the safety pins and the needles we use are made from steel.
• Oil wells are drilled with steel machinery. Steel pipelines transport oil. Minerals are mined with steel equipment. Farm machines are mostly steel. Large buildings have steel frameworks.

Additional Information

• The cotton textile industry is important for the fashion and apparel industry and provides employment to millions of people worldwide.
• The chemical industry is important for the production of various products like medicines, fertilizers, and plastics and has a significant impact on the global economy.
• The automobile industry is important for transportation and mobility and has a significant impact on the global economy.

The correct answer is Shifting cultivation.

Key Points

• The type of farming that is also known as Milpa, Roca and Lading is shifting cultivation.
• Shifting cultivation is a form of agriculture in which an area of land is cleared for cultivation for a few years, then left fallow for a period of time to allow the soil to regenerate.
• This type of farming is practiced in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
• The names Milpa, Roca, and Lading are all local terms for shifting cultivation.
• Milpa is the term used in Mexico and Central America, Roca is the term used in Brazil, and Lading is the term used in Indonesia.

Additional Information

The correct answer is (A), (B), and (D).

Key Points

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964.
• The act prohibits discrimination in employment, education, public accommodations, and other areas.
• The act also created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is responsible for enforcing the law.
• The EEOC investigates complaints of discrimination and can bring lawsuits against employers who violate the law.
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of American history's most critical pieces of civil rights legislation.
• It has helped to end discrimination in many areas of American life and has made it possible for people of all races, religions, and sexes to have equal opportunities.

The correct answer is (A), (C), and (D).

Key PointsThe question is asking about factors that make rural livelihood vulnerable.

• Option 1: Dependence on monsoon for irrigation
• This is a significant factor, as a lack of adequate rainfall can lead to crop failure and loss of income.
• Option 2: Selling products to village cooperatives.
• This option is not a factor that makes rural livelihood vulnerable, as selling products to cooperatives can provide a stable source of income for farmers.
• Option 3: Crop failure due to pest attack.
• This is another major factor that can lead to loss of income and vulnerability in rural livelihoods.
• Option 4: Loans taken from money lenders.
• Taking loans from money lenders can lead to debt traps and financial instability, making rural livelihoods vulnerable.

Additional Information

• Selling products to village cooperatives can be beneficial for rural livelihoods, as it provides a stable market for farmers to sell their products.
• Loans from formal financial institutions such as banks can be a better option than loans from money lenders, as they often have lower interest rates and better repayment terms.
• Factors that can make rural livelihoods vulnerable include lack of access to education and healthcare, limited infrastructure and technology, and climate change.
• To address these issues, government policies and programs can focus on improving infrastructure, promoting education and healthcare, and supporting sustainable agriculture practices.

The correct answer is Rent on the private property of the Panchayat Secretary.

Key Points

• Option 1: Taxes on houses, marketplaces, etc., is a common source of revenue for Panchayats.
• The revenue generated from these taxes is used for the village's development, infrastructure maintenance, and other community services.
• Option 2: Donations for community work are also a source of funds for Panchayats.
• These donations are used for various community services, such as organizing health camps, building community halls, and other welfare activities.
• Option 3: Government scheme funds received through various departments are another source of revenue for Panchayats.
• The government allocates these funds for specific purposes, such as constructing roads, providing water supply, and other development projects.
• Option 4: Rent on the private property of the Panchayat Secretary is NOT a source of funds for Panchayats.

Additional Information

• Panchayats are the local self-government bodies in rural areas in India.
• The three-tier system of Panchayats includes Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.
• The Constitution of India provides for establishing Panchayats as an institution of self-government.
• Panchayats have the power to levy and collect taxes, borrow money, and receive grants-in-aid from the government.

The correct answer is Wards.

Key Points

• Wards are geographic subdivisions of a municipality or local government that are used for electoral purposes.
• Wards: 
• They are commonly used in municipal, city, and town elections.
• They may be redrawn periodically to reflect changes in population or demographics.
• They allow for more localized representation and decision-making.
• They are typically based on population size and geographic location.
• Councils could refer to the governing body of a municipality but not specifically to territorial constituencies.
• Section and Areas are vague and could refer to different types of geographic divisions or administrative units.

Additional Information

• Councils could also refer to other types of governing bodies, such as a school board or a tribal council.
• The section could refer to a specific municipality portion, such as a zoning district or a land use area.
• Areas could also be used to describe larger geographic divisions, such as a county or a region.

The correct answer is Primary.

Key Points

• The primary sector employs the largest portion of the Indian population.
• In the Primary sector of the economy, activities are undertaken by directly using natural resources.
• Agriculture, Mining, Fishing, Forestry, Dairy, etc. are some examples of this sector.
• It is called so because it forms the base for all other products.
• Since most of the natural products we get are from agriculture, dairy, forestry, and fishing, it is also called Agriculture and allied sector.
• People engaged in primary activities are called red-collar workers due to the outdoor nature of their work.

Additional Information

• Secondary Sector
• It includes the industries where finished products are made from natural materials produced in the primary sector.
• Industrial production, cotton fabric, sugar cane production, etc. activities come under this sector.
• Since this sector is associated with different kinds of industries, it is also called the industrial sector.
• People engaged in secondary activities are called blue-collar workers.
• Tertiary Sector/Service Sector
• This sector’s activities help in the development of the primary and secondary sectors.
• Goods transported by trucks or trains, banking, insurance, finance, etc. come under the sector.
• It provides value addition to a product same as the secondary sector.
• These sector jobs are called white-collar jobs.
• The gig economy is expected to grow in the coming years due to increasing internet penetration and the rise of digital platforms.

The correct answer is Farming.

Key PointsThe question is asking which activity is commonly associated with seasonal unemployment.

• Option 1: Farming is the correct answer as agricultural work is often seasonal, with planting and harvesting seasons leading to temporary employment.
• Option 2: Milk cooperatives may have some seasonal fluctuations, but it is not as commonly associated with seasonal unemployment as farming.
• Option 3: Call center jobs are typically not seasonal and have a steady demand throughout the year.
• Option 4: Ceramic pottery may have seasonal demand for certain products, but it is not as commonly associated with seasonal unemployment as farming.

Additional Information

• Farming is a significant source of employment in many countries, with seasonal workers making up a large portion of the workforce.
• Milk cooperatives may experience seasonal fluctuations in milk production, but it is not as significant as in farming.
• Call center jobs are often in demand throughout the year, with no significant seasonal fluctuations.
• Ceramic pottery may have seasonal demand for holiday or gift items, but it is not as significant as in farming.

The correct answer is Universal Adult Franchise.

Key PointsThe question is asking about the basic indicator of a democratic government.

• Option 1:
• A proportional representation system is a method of electing representatives where the number of seats a party receives is proportional to the number of votes they receive.
• This is not a basic indicator of a democratic government.
• Option 2:
• This is the correct answer option.
• ​ Universal Adult Franchise is the right of all adult citizens to vote in elections.
• This is a basic indicator of a democratic government.
• It ensures that all adult citizens have an equal say in the government.
• It promotes political equality and prevents discrimination based on gender, race, religion, etc.
• It is a fundamental right in most democratic countries.
• It increases the government's legitimacy and promotes trust in the electoral process.
• Option 3:
• The first post system is a method of electing representatives where the candidate with the most votes wins.
• This is not a basic indicator of a democratic government.
• Option 4:
• Territorial representation is a method of electing representatives where each territory or region has its own representative.
• This is not a basic indicator of a democratic government.

The correct answer is It provides women with an equal share of the Parent's property.

Key Points 

This Act has been passed to remove gender discriminatory provisions in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and gives the following rights to daughters under Section 6: 

• ​The daughter of the coparcener (joint-heir) by birth becomes a coparcener by right in the same manner as the son.
• The daughter has the same rights in the coparcener property as she would have had if she had been a son.
• In the new law, sons, daughters and their mothers can get an equal share of the land.

Hence, the Amendment brought about in 2005 to the Hindu Succession Act provided for the Right of women to have an equal share in the family property.

The correct answer is (A), (B), and (C).

Key Points

• When the tribal groups are displaced from their lands due to developmental activities, as a consequence, they tend to lose them:
• Customs and traditions
• Sources of income and livelihoods
• Access to forests

Key Points 

• History relies solely on the past without examination of how the past has influenced the present. This statement is false as history examines the past to understand how it has shaped the present.
• History is the story of the growth of human consciousness, both in its individual and collective aspects. This statement is true as history is the study of human experiences and how they have shaped the world we live in today.
• History is a dialogue between the events of how the past and progressive changes in the future. This statement is true as History is a dialogue between the events of the past and progressive changes in the future, understanding how past events have shaped and continue to shape the present and future.
• Continuity and coherence are the necessary requisites of history. This statement is true as history should be presented in a logical and coherent manner, with a clear understanding of how events are connected.

Thus, the correct answer is (B), (C) and (D).

The correct answer is  BCE. in place of BC

Key Points

• Option 1 - A.D. in place of B.C.E. This is the incorrect option.
• Explanation:
• A.D. stands for "Anno Domini" which means "in the year of our Lord". It represents the years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
• B.C.E. stands for "Before Common Era" and is used as a secular alternative to B.C.
• Option 2 is incorrect as B.C. (Before Christ) is used for years before the estimated birth year of Jesus Christ, and A.D. is used for the years after.
• Option 3 is incorrect as B.C.E. is used to denote years before the Common Era (similar to B.C.) and not the years in the Common Era or after (which is denoted by C.E., equivalent to A.D.).
• Option 4 is correct as The term B.C.E. (Before Common Era) is now often used in place of B.C. (Before Christ) as a more neutral term. The counterpart to B.C.E. is C.E. (Common Era), used in place of A.D. (Anno Domini).

Additional Information 

• The use of B.C.E. and C.E. (Common Era) as secular alternatives to B.C. and A.D. respectively is gaining popularity in recent times.
• The use of B.C. and A.D. has religious connotations and some people prefer to use the secular alternatives instead.
• The use of A.H. (After Hijra) is also used by Muslims to represent years after the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

Key Points

• Novels can provide primary sources of information on the architecture of Britishers during the time period.
• Novels can provide insights into the architectural styles and designs of Britishers.
• Novels can provide primary sources of information.
• Novels can give a glimpse into the culture and society of the time period.
• Novels can provide a unique perspective on the subject matter.

Thus, the correct answer is Novels.

Hint 

• Newspaper reports are considered secondary sources of information and may not provide accurate information about the architectural styles and designs of Britishers.
• Rastrapati Bhawan is not relevant to the question as it is the official residence of the President of India and has no connection to British architecture.
• Meenakshi Temple is not relevant to the question as it is an ancient Hindu temple in South India and has no connection to British architecture.

Key Points Following are the different ways through which learning experiences from a project can be captured:-

• Reports are a detailed and comprehensive way to capture learning experiences and provide an in-depth analysis of the project.
• PowerPoint presentations are an effective way to summarize the key findings and highlight the important aspects of the project.
• Pen and paper tests can be used to evaluate the knowledge gained from the project and assess the effectiveness of the learning experience.

Thus, the correct answer is Only (A), (B) and (C).

Hint 

Scrapbooks and sketches are not commonly used to capture learning experiences from a project. However, they can be useful in documenting the creative process and visual aspects of the project.