Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is western margins of the continents.

Important PointsTropical deserts, such as the Sahara, the Kalahari, the Sonoran, and the Atacama, are typically found on:

1. The western margins of the continents

These areas are typically characterized by high pressure and sinking air which inhibits precipitation, leading to arid, desert conditions. The air is usually dry due to the cold ocean currents along these western margins, which also contribute to the creation of deserts.

So, the correct answer is option 1) western margins of the continents.

Additional Information

1. Trade Winds: In the tropics, the prevailing winds, known as the trade winds, blow from east to west.
2. Moisture Loss: These trade winds pick up moisture from the ocean, but often lose much of it before reaching land, leading to dry conditions.
3. Cold Ocean Currents: The western margins of continents typically have cold ocean currents. These cool down the warm, moist air brought by the trade winds, causing the moisture to condense and fall as rain over the ocean before reaching the land.
4. High Pressure Zones: The western margins of continents, especially in the tropics, often fall within high-pressure zones, where air is descending. This descending air warms up, reducing cloud formation and precipitation, thus creating arid conditions.
5. Rain Shadow Effect: Mountain ranges on the western coasts can further enhance desert conditions. As air rises over the mountains, it cools and loses its moisture, causing the areas on the leeward side of the mountains to be dry.

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

Important Points

(A) The stratosphere is indeed almost free from clouds.

• The cloud formation primarily takes place in the troposphere, the atmospheric layer beneath the stratosphere.
• While there are a few types of clouds that can form in the lower stratosphere under certain conditions (like nacreous or lenticular clouds), the vast majority of weather and cloud formation occurs in the troposphere.

(B) The stratosphere contains the ozone layer.

• The ozone molecules in this layer absorb high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, which warms the air in the stratosphere.
• This absorption of UV radiation is crucial as it protects life on Earth by blocking most of this harmful radiation.

(C) The stratosphere extends to a height of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface.

• The boundary marking the top of the stratosphere and the beginning of the next layer, the mesosphere, is called the stratopause.
• The height of the stratopause can vary with latitude and with the time of year, but 50 kilometers is a generally accepted value for its average altitude

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

Important Points(A) High tides do help in navigation.

• High tides can help large ships navigate more easily because the water level is higher, which decreases the chance of the ships running aground or hitting obstacles that would be problematic at lower tides.

(B) High tides can also assist with fishing.

• In many places, certain species of fish are more likely to feed during high tide when more water from the sea can flow into normally shallow areas, bringing in more food for the fish.
• This behavior can make them easier to catch.
• However, this can depend on the specific species of fish and local conditions, so it's not a universal rule. But in general, the changing tides can influence the behaviors of many marine species.

The correct answer is Place where the river joins another water body.

Important PointsA river's mouth is the place where a river discharges, usually into a larger body of water. This could be a sea, an ocean, a lake, or even another river. The mouth is the endpoint of a river's drainage system.

The river carries with it sediment and debris, which often get deposited at the river's mouth, creating various interesting geographical features:

Deltas:

• Some river mouths form broad plain areas known as deltas.
• The most famous of these is probably the Nile Delta in Egypt.
• Deltas form when the sediment and debris a river carries are deposited faster than the sea can remove them.
• Over time, this creates a fan-shaped (or delta-shaped, hence the name) area at the river's mouth.

Estuaries:

• In other cases, the river's mouth can form an estuary, a partially enclosed waterbody where freshwater from the river mixes with saltwater from the sea.
• Estuaries are typically characterized by their brackish water (a mix of fresh and salt water) and are known for being incredibly biodiverse habitats.

Bird's Foot Delta:

• Some rivers, like the Mississippi, form what's called a "bird's foot" delta, named for the shape the river's mouth takes on as it divides into multiple smaller channels that each flow into the sea.

Whether a river's mouth takes on one form or another depends on a variety of factors, including the speed and volume of the river's flow, the tides and currents of the body of water it's flowing into, and the amount and type of sediment it's carrying.

All of these features play an important role in creating different types of habitats for wildlife, influencing human settlement and activity, and impacting navigation and other water-related activities

The correct answer is China. 

Important Points

China:

• China is the world's largest producer and consumer of coal.
• China has been mining more coal than any other country for decades, and it uses most of its coal for power generation, which is why it has numerous coal-fired power plants.
• The country has several major coal mining regions with large reserves. China's coal production was driven by its industrial growth and the need to maintain energy security.

The correct answer is (A) and (B) only.

Important Points(A) Actual Resources:

• These are resources that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined, and are being used in present times.
• For example, the petroleum and natural gas which are already being obtained from oil fields.

(B) Potential Resources:

• These resources exist in a region and may be used in the future.
• The total quantity of these resources is not known. These resources could be used in the future.
• For example, the potential for solar or wind energy in a region.

Additional Information

(C) Localized Resources:

• While this term can be used in some contexts related to resources, it is not a widely accepted or recognized term for classifying resources based on development and use.

(D) Abiotic Resources:

• This term refers to non-living resources. While it is a type of resource, it is classified based on the nature of the resource rather than its development and use.
• Abiotic resources include things like water, air, soil, and minerals.

Therefore, based on the criteria of development and use, only (A) Actual Resources and (B) Potential Resources are applicable.

The correct answer is Nomadic Herding 

Important Points

Nomadic herding

• Nomadic herding is a form of pastoralism when livestock are herded in order to find fresh pastures on which to graze.
• True nomads follow an irregular pattern of movement, in contrast with transhumance where seasonal pastures are fixed.
• This lifestyle is still practiced in some regions of the world, including parts of Africa, Asia, and the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
• Nomads typically move their herds to cooler highland pastures during the hot summer and to lowland pastures during the cold and harsh winter.
• Their wealth is measured in terms of their livestock.

Additional Information

Intensive Subsistence Farming:

• This type of farming is practiced in regions where the population is high and agricultural land is limited.
• The farmers aim to get the maximum yield from a small plot of land to sustain their families, often using methods that require a high amount of labor relative to the land area. Rice cultivation in East and Southeast Asia is an example of intensive subsistence farming.

Shifting Cultivation:

• This type of farming is also known as 'slash-and-burn' agriculture.
• It involves the clearing of a piece of land by felling and burning the trees and vegetation.
• Once the land is cleared, crops are grown for a few years until the soil's fertility decreases, after which, the land is left fallow, and the cultivators move to a new area and repeat the process.
• This practice is common in many parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, though it is becoming less common due to deforestation concerns.

Mixed Farming:

• This type of farming involves the raising of crops and livestock on the same land.
• The crops are used to feed the animals, and the animals, in turn, provide manure for crop cultivation.
• This type of farming is common in more developed agricultural economies, where it helps to spread risk and make more efficient use of resources.
• It is a common practice in various parts of Europe, North America, and Asia

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

Important Points

 Different ways in which people get married:

• Indeed, the ways in which people get married in India are quite diverse, influenced by regional, religious, and ethnic variations.
• There are different rituals, ceremonies, and traditions across the many cultures in India, all of which contribute to its diversity.

  In Jharkhand people use johar to greet each other:

• This statement is true.
• The word "Johar" is a common greeting among the tribal community in Jharkhand.
• This form of greeting represents the linguistic diversity in India, as different regions have unique ways of greeting one another.

 Different culture influences and shape life of people:

• The culture of each region in India influences the lifestyle, food, clothing, traditions, and even thought processes of the people.
• This cultural influence adds to the diversity of India, making it one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world.

 Symbols of the nation symbolise diversity:

• National symbols of India, such as the national animal (Bengal Tiger), bird (Indian Peafowl), fruit (Mango), flower (Lotus), etc., represent the biodiversity of the nation.
• In a broader sense, these national symbols can be seen as representing India's overall diversity, including its cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity.

The correct option is '(B), (C) and (D)'

Key Points

• Make biased opinions:
• Stereotyping involves making generalizations or assumptions about a particular group of people based on limited information or preconceived notions.
• These stereotypes can lead individuals to form biased opinions about the community in question, without considering the diversity and individuality within that group.
• Stereotypes can perpetuate negative beliefs or misconceptions and shape people's attitudes and judgments.
• Discriminate:
• Stereotyping can also contribute to discrimination against a specific community. When people hold biased opinions based on stereotypes, they may treat individuals from that community unfairly, deny them opportunities, or engage in discriminatory practices.
• Discrimination can occur in various areas of life, such as education, employment, housing, and social interactions.
• Ridicule:
• Stereotyping often involves exaggerating or mocking certain characteristics or behaviors associated with a particular community.
• This can lead to the ridicule of individuals from that community, making them the target of jokes, derogatory comments, or other forms of ridicule.
• Ridicule can cause emotional harm, perpetuate stereotypes, and create a hostile or unwelcoming environment for the targeted group.

The correct option is '(A) and (B)'.

Key Points

• Each organ acts as a check on the other organs of government:
• The principle of separation of powers aims to distribute power among the three branches of government: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
• Each organ acts as a check on the powers of the other organs to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful or abusing its authority.
• For example, the legislature creates laws, the executive implements laws, and the judiciary interprets laws and ensures their constitutionality.
• By having checks and balances, no single organ can dominate the others.
• All three organs work under their defined jurisdictions:
• The principle of separation of powers also establishes defined jurisdictions for each organ of government.
• Each branch has its specific responsibilities, functions, and powers. The executive branch is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws, the legislature is responsible for making laws, and the judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and resolving disputes.
• This separation of powers ensures that each organ operates within its prescribed limits and prevents the concentration of power in one particular branch.

The correct option is 'State'

Key Points

• State:
• The President of India is the constitutional head of the state. In the Indian political system, the President represents the nation as a whole and symbolizes the unity and sovereignty of the country.
• The President is the highest-ranking official and exercises various powers and functions in the interest of the state.
• Government:
• ​The President does not directly govern or participate in the executive decision-making process, which is the primary responsibility of the government.
• The President's role is more ceremonial and representative in nature.
• Parliament:
• The Parliament of India consists of two houses - the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• The President is not the head of the Parliament. The Lok Sabha is headed by the Speaker, while the Rajya Sabha is headed by the Vice President of India, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Union Cabinet:
• The Union Cabinet is the core decision-making body of the executive branch of the Indian government.
• It consists of ministers appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The correct option is 'Only (iii)'.

Key Points

• A landless agricultural labourer may not typically be engaged in supervising a garment factory.
• Making baskets at home:
• A landless agricultural labourer may engage in making baskets at home as an additional source of income or as a traditional skill.
• This activity can be done during leisure time or when there is no agricultural work available.
• Construction sites:
• Landless agricultural labourers often find employment in construction sites.
• Construction sites offer opportunities for daily-wage labor, which can be a source of income for landless agricultural laborers.
• Supervising a garment factory:
• Supervising a garment factory typically requires managerial skills, technical knowledge, and expertise in the garment industry.
• It is less likely for a landless agricultural laborer, who may not have the relevant qualifications or experience, to be engaged in supervising a garment factory.
• Collecting firewood from forests:
• Landless agricultural laborers, especially in rural areas, may collect firewood from forests for personal or community use.

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

Important PointsIn 1984, there were very no laws protecting the environment of India.

• This statement is false.
• Prior to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984, there were indeed some environmental regulations in India, albeit not as comprehensive as they became later.
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981.
• However, the severity and scale of the Bhopal disaster highlighted the need for more comprehensive environmental legislation and led to the passing of the Environment (Protection) Act in 1986.

Supreme Court held that the Right to Life is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution and it includes the right to the consumption of pollution-free water and air.

• This statement is true.
• The Supreme Court of India has interpreted Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, to include the right to a healthy and clean environment.
• This has been established in several judgments, and the court has held that pollution-free water and air are integral to the right to life.

Therefore, the correct answer is: "(A) is false but, (B) is true."

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

Key Points

• Setting up of child-care centers:
• One of the barriers that women often face in the workplace is the lack of accessible and affordable childcare options.
• By setting up child-care centers at or near workplaces, employers can provide a supportive environment for working parents, including women.
• This allows women to balance their work responsibilities with their caregiving responsibilities, reducing the burden on them and enabling them to participate more fully in the workforce.
• Equal pay:
• Gender pay gaps have been a persistent issue in many workplaces, with women often earning less than men for the same or similar work. Achieving equal pay for equal work is crucial in realizing gender equality at workplaces.
• It ensures that women receive fair compensation for their contributions, promotes economic empowerment, and helps overcome systemic biases and discrimination.
• Less working hours for female employees:
• This statement is incorrect.
• Providing less working hours specifically for female employees can perpetuate gender stereotypes and reinforce gender inequalities.
• It implies that women are primarily responsible for household and caregiving duties, which can limit their professional growth and opportunities.

The correct option is 'Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)'.

Key Points

• Women are often paid less than men in many workplaces:
• This statement is true.
• Gender pay gaps exist in numerous industries and countries, where women tend to earn less than their male counterparts for the same or similar work.
• This pay disparity is a result of various factors, including discriminatory practices, occupational segregation, and societal biases.
• Men are physically stronger than women:
• This statement is true.
• Physical strength differences between men and women do not justify or directly cause the pay disparity between genders in workplaces.
• Pay discrepancies are primarily driven by social, economic, and cultural factors, including gender discrimination, biases in hiring and promotion practices, and unequal access to opportunities and resources.

Therefore,  both (A) and (R) are true statements, but (R) does not provide a correct explanation for (A).

The correct option is 'Separation of powers'

Key Points

Separation of Powers:

• According to the Constitution, there are three organs of government.
• These are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
• The legislature refers to our elected representatives.
• The executive is a smaller group of people who are responsible for implementing laws and running the government.
• The judiciary refers to the system of courts in this country.
• In order to prevent the misuse of power by any one branch of government, the Constitution says that each of these organs should exercise different powers.
• Through this, each organ acts as a check on the other organs of government and this ensures the balance of power between all three.

Additional Information

• Division of powers: While this term is related to the distribution of powers among different levels of government (such as federal and state governments in a federal system), it does not specifically refer to the separation of powers among the three branches of government.
• Centripetalism: This term generally refers to a political ideology or approach that emphasizes the centralization of power. It is not synonymous with the concept of the separation of powers.
• Confederation: Confederation refers to a system of government where power is decentralized and held primarily by individual states or regions. It does not directly relate to the separation of powers among different branches of government.

The correct option is 'Provide opportunities for education to child or ward between the age of six to fourteen years by parent or guardian'.

Key Points

• "Provide opportunities for education to child or ward between the age of six to fourteen years by parent or guardian. "This duty was added to the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens in the year 2002 through the 86^th Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution.
• The amendment inserted Article 51A(k) which states that it shall be the duty of every parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the ages of six and fourteen years.
• The addition of this duty highlights the significance of education in the development of individuals and the nation as a whole.
• It emphasizes the responsibility of parents or guardians to ensure that children receive access to education during the crucial age range of six to fourteen years, which corresponds to the elementary and secondary schooling years.
• By making this duty a part of the Fundamental Duties, the aim is to promote universal education and enhance literacy rates across the country.
• It reflects the government's commitment to providing educational opportunities and encouraging the holistic development of children in India.

The correct option is 'When law passed by the Parliament violates the basic structure of the Constitution'.

Key Points

• The power of judicial review, which includes the authority to invalidate or strike down laws, is derived from the doctrine of the basic structure of the Constitution.
• The basic structure doctrine holds that there are certain fundamental features and principles of the Constitution that cannot be amended or altered by the Parliament, as they form the bedrock of the constitutional framework.
• The Supreme Court of India, as the guardian of the Constitution, has the power to review the constitutionality of laws enacted by the Parliament.
• If the Court finds that a law passed by the Parliament is in violation of the basic structure of the Constitution, it can declare that law null and void.
• The concept of the basic structure was established by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala in 1973.

The correct option is '(A), (B) and (D)'.

Key Points

• The marginalization of certain groups in society can occur for various reasons, and factors like speaking a different language, following different customs than the mainstream, and belonging to a different religious group from the majority community can contribute to that marginalization.
• Speaking a different language:
• Language can be a significant factor in marginalization, especially in societies where linguistic differences are used to discriminate against or exclude certain groups.
• Following different customs than the mainstream:
• Customs and cultural practices that deviate from the mainstream can lead to social exclusion and marginalization.
• When the dominant culture or majority community does not accept or understand different customs, it can create a sense of otherness and discrimination.
• Belonging to a different religious group from the majority community:
• Religious differences can be a basis for marginalization, particularly in societies with a dominant religion or religious majority.
• Discrimination based on religion can result in social exclusion, limited access to resources, unequal treatment, and even persecution.

The correct option is 'Adivasis lose only source of income when they are displaced'.

Key Points

• Adivasis lose only source of income when they are displaced:
• This statement is not accurate.
• When Adivasis are displaced from their traditional lands and territories, they often face multiple challenges and not just the loss of their income.
• Displacement can result in the loss of their homes, livelihoods, access to natural resources, and disruption of their social and cultural fabric.

Additional Information

• Adivasis have been increasingly compelled to migrate to live as workers in plantations, domestic workers, etc. due to various forces:
• This statement is correct.
• Adivasis, due to various factors such as land acquisition, development projects, and economic pressures, have been compelled to migrate and seek work in industries like plantations, domestic work, and other low-wage sectors.
• Apart from losing the source of income, Adivasis lose their traditions and customs when they are displaced:
• This statement is  true.
• Displacement can disrupt the social, cultural, and spiritual life of Adivasis.
• They may lose access to their ancestral lands, which are often integral to their cultural practices, and face challenges in preserving their traditions and customs.
• When Adivasis are displaced, they often get caught in a cycle of poverty and deprivation:
• This statement is also correct.
• Displacement can lead to a cycle of poverty and deprivation for Adivasis.
• They may struggle to find alternative livelihoods, face discrimination, lack access to basic services and amenities, and experience marginalization in their new locations.