Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is  Both (A) and (B) are correct and (B) is the correct explanation of (A).

Key PointsThe question is related to endogenic forces and their impact on the earth's surface.

• Option 1 is the correct answer, which states that both statements are correct, and (B) is the correct explanation of (A).
• The following points support this answer: - Endogenic forces such as tectonic plate movements and volcanic eruptions can cause sudden movements, which can result in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• These sudden movements can cause mass destruction on the earth's surface, as stated in statement (B). - Statement (B) explains the impact of sudden movements caused by endogenic forces, which makes it the correct explanation of statement (A).
• Option 2 is incorrect as it states that both statements are correct, but (B) is not the correct explanation of (A), which is not true, as explained above.
• Option 3 is incorrect as it states that (A) is correct and (B) is incorrect, which is not true as a statement (B) is also correct.
• Option 4 is incorrect as it states that (A) is incorrect and (B) is correct, which is not true as a statement (A) is also correct.

Additional Information

• Endogenic forces are the internal forces of the earth that originate from within the earth's surface.
• Exogenic forces are the external forces of the earth that originate from outside the earth's surface, such as wind, water, and ice.
• The impact of endogenic forces can be seen in the form of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formations.
• The impact of exogenic forces can be seen in the form of erosion, weathering, and deposition.

The correct answer is In Thermosphere, radio waves are reflected back.

Key PointsThe question is related to the layers of the earth's atmosphere and their characteristics.

• Option 1 is incorrect because the ozone layer is present in the stratosphere, not the troposphere.
• Option 2 is incorrect because meteorites burn up in the mesosphere, not the stratosphere.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the temperature in the mesosphere decreases with increasing height, not rises rapidly.
• Option 4 is correct because radio waves are reflected back to the earth in the thermosphere due to the ionization of gases.

Important Points

Thermosphere 

• The thermosphere is the uppermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
• It is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation.
• The gases in the thermosphere are ionized, allowing radio waves to reflect.
• The thermosphere is also home to the auroras, which are caused by interactions between solar radiation and the ionized gases.

Additional Information

• The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects the earth from harmful UV radiation.
• Meteorites burn up in the mesosphere due to friction with the air molecules.
• The mesosphere is the layer between the stratosphere and the thermosphere and is characterized by low temperatures and decreasing temperatures with height.

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

Key Points: PointsThe question is about insolation, which is the incoming solar energy the Earth intercepts.

• Option 1 is the correct answer, as statements (A) and (B) are true.
• Statement (A) is true as insolation is the incoming solar energy the earth intercepts.
• Statement (B) is also true as the amount and intensity of insolation vary during a day, in a second, and in a year.
• These variations are due to factors such as the sun's angle, the atmosphere's thickness, and the earth's rotation and revolution.
• Option 2 is incorrect as statement (A) is true, but statement (C) is false.
• The amount of insolation actually decreases from the equator towards the poles.
• Option 3 is incorrect as statement (B) is true, but statement (C) is false.
• Option 4 is incorrect as all three statements are true, not false.

 

Additional Information

• Insolation is an important factor that affects climate, weather, and ecosystems.
• The variations in insolation can cause differences in temperature, pressure, wind, and precipitation patterns.
• The equator receives more insolation than the poles because the sun's rays are more direct and spread over a smaller area.
• The tilt of the earth's axis also affects the amount and distribution of insolation, leading to the seasons.

The correct answer is Roadways

Key PointsThe question is asking about the means of transport in India, with the largest network in Asia.

• Option 1: Roadways - This refers to the road network in India. While India has an extensive road network, it is the largest in Asia.
• Option 2: Railways - This refers to the railway network in India. India has the largest railway network in Asia, and it is also one of the second-largest in the world.
• Option 3: Waterways - This refers to the water transport network in India. While India has a significant coastline and several major rivers, its water transport network is not as extensive as its road or rail network.
• Option 4: Pipelines - This refers to the pipeline network in India. India has a significant pipeline network for transporting oil and gas, but it is not the largest in Asia.

Important Points

• The Indian railway network is one of the largest in the world, covering over 67,000 km of track and serving millions of passengers every day.
• The railway network is operated by Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers, with over 1.3 million employees.
• The railway network is divided into zones, each of which is responsible for a specific region of India.
• The railway network plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, transporting goods and people across the country.

Additional Information

• India has the second-largest road network in the world, with over 5.5 million km of roads.
• India has several major rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus, but its water transport network is underdeveloped compared to other countries.
• India has a significant pipeline network for transporting oil and gas, but it is primarily used for domestic consumption.

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

Key Points

The given statement is about the special source of human beings and the correct options for the rest.

• The correct answer is option 1, which includes only options (A) and (B) as correct.
• Human beings are a special resource because of their skills and knowledge, which differentiate them from other resources.
• Skills refer to humans' abilities and expertise, enabling them to perform various tasks efficiently.
• On the other hand, knowledge refers to the information and understanding humans have acquired through education, experience, and research.
• Both skills and knowledge are crucial for human beings to contribute to the growth and development of society.

Additional Information

• Option (C) - Technology, though important, is not a defining factor for human beings as it is a product of their skills and knowledge.
• Option (D) - Personality, while unique to each individual, cannot be considered a special resource as it does not contribute to the growth and development of society.

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

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure. They can be broadly classified as metallic and non-metallic minerals. 

Key Points

Statement A: Metallic minerals mainly found in sedimentary rocks.

• Metallic minerals, such as iron, copper, and gold, are primarily associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks.
• These minerals are formed deep within the Earth under high temperature and pressure conditions.
• Sedimentary rocks, on the other hand, are formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral and organic particles at the Earth's surface, often in water bodies.
• While it's not impossible to find metallic minerals in sedimentary rocks, it's not the primary location for their occurrence.

Thus, statement (A) is not accurate.

Statement B: Mineral fuels such as coal and petroleum are also found in the sedimentary strata.

• Sedimentary rocks, especially the sedimentary basins, are the primary sources for mineral fuels like coal and petroleum.
• Coal originates from the remains of plants that lived and died in vast swampy areas over millions of years.
• These plant remains got buried under sediments, and over time, heat and pressure transformed them into coal.
• Similarly, petroleum and natural gas originate from the remains of tiny marine organisms.
• When these organisms died, their remains settled at the bottom of ancient seas and were covered by layers of sediments.
• Over time, heat and pressure transformed these remains into oil and gas.

Therefore, statement (B) is accurate.

In light of the information provided, statement (A) is false, but statement (B) is true.

The correct answer is Shelter belts.

Key PointsThe question asks about rows of trees planted to protect soil from erosion caused by wind movement.

• The correct answer is option 2, which is shelter belts.
• Shelter belts are rows of trees that are planted to protect soil from erosion caused by wind movement.
• They are also known as windbreaks or wind belts.
• Shelter belts can also provide other benefits, like reducing wind damage to crops, providing habitat for wildlife, and improving air quality.
• They are commonly used in agriculture and forestry to protect crops, pastures, and forests from wind erosion.

Additional Information

• Intercropping is a farming method where two or more crops are planted in the same field at the same time. This can help reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility, but it is not specifically designed to protect soil from wind erosion.
• Contour planting is a farming method where crops are planted along the contour lines of the land to help prevent soil erosion caused by water runoff. This method is not specifically designed to protect soil from wind erosion.
• Strip plantation is a method of planting trees in strips or rows for commercial forestry. This method may help protect soil from wind erosion but is not specifically designed for that purpose.

The correct answer is Culture.

Key PointsQuestion Analysis: The question asks about the term used for passing on values, beliefs, ideas, and characteristics from one generation to the next.

Option Analysis:

• 1) Customs: This option is incorrect as customs are specific practices or behaviors that are unique to a particular group or society.
• 2) Ethnicity: This option is incorrect as ethnicity refers to a person's cultural identity based on ancestry, nationality, or heritage.
• 3) Culture: This option is correct, as culture encompasses the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society.
• 4) Assimilation: This option is incorrect, as assimilation refers to adopting a dominant group's cultural norms and practices. 5) No option mentioned:

Additional Information

• Culture is the correct option for the term to pass on values, beliefs, ideas, and characteristics from one generation to the next.
• Customs are specific practices or behaviors that are unique to a particular group or society.
• Ethnicity refers to a person's cultural identity based on ancestry, nationality, or heritage.
• Assimilation refers to the process of adopting the cultural norms and practices of a dominant group.

The correct answer is (A) and (B).

Key PointsThe question is asking for a situation or behavior that reflects prejudice.

• Option 1: Giving preferential treatment to English-speaking people individuals, which is a form of prejudice.
• Option 2: Making friends with people of one's own caste and religion only - This is an example of prejudice as it involves favoring individuals who belong to the same social or religious group while excluding those who do not.
• Option 3: Separate queues for females and males - This is not necessarily a reflection of prejudice, as it is a common practice in many cultures and is often done for reasons of privacy and comfort.
• Option 4: Paying homage to places of one's own religion - This is not necessarily a reflection of prejudice, as it is a common practice for individuals to honor and respect the beliefs and traditions of their own religion.
• Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer as it is the only option that reflects prejudice.

Additional Information

• Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes towards individuals or groups based on their perceived characteristics or attributes.
• Prejudice can be based on various factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
• Discrimination is a behavior that is based on prejudice and involves treating individuals or groups unfairly or differently based on their perceived characteristics or attributes.
• Prejudice and discrimination can negatively impact individuals and society, including social exclusion, inequality, and conflict.

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

Key Points The question asks about the accuracy of two statements related to Costa Rica's health and government policies.

• This option suggests that Costa Rica's status as one of the healthiest countries in Central America is due to the government's decision to prioritize safe drinking water, sanitation, and nutrition over military spending.
• Costa Rica has a strong public healthcare system and high life expectancy.
• The country abolished its military in 1948 and invests heavily in social programs and education.
• Costa Rica's health outcomes may also be influenced by factors such as access to healthcare and lifestyle choices.
• The decision to abolish the military was a political and social choice, not solely motivated by public health concerns.
• Costa Rica consistently ranks highly in health indices for the region
• .The country's decision to abolish the military was a major political and social shift.

The correct answer is that without laws, the government's power to make decisions is not much use.

Key PointsThe question is about the true statement regarding democratic government.

• Option 1 is incorrect, as the government has the power to make decisions and enforce them.
• Option 2 is correct, as laws are necessary for the government to exercise its power and make decisions.
• Option 3 is incorrect, as in a representative democracy, people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• Option 4 is incorrect; in a democratic government, all adults have the right to vote.

Additional Information

• Representative democracy is based on ideas and institutions formed during the European Middle Ages and Enlightenment, as well as the American and French Revolutions.
• Universal suffrage, competitive elections, freedom of expression and the press, and the rule of law have all come to be associated with democracy.

The correct answer is Agricultural work.

Key Points The question asks about working women's occupations in India.

• According to the Census of India, 2011, women constitute 42% of the agricultural labor force in India.
• Women are involved in various activities in agriculture, such as sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest operations.
• Women's participation in agriculture is often unpaid or underpaid, and they face various challenges, such as a lack of access to credit, land, and technology.
• Women's contribution to agriculture is crucial for food security and rural livelihoods.

Additional Information

• "Medical profession": Women's participation in the medical profession has been increasing in recent years, but it is still relatively low compared to men. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data, only 26% of doctors and 6% of nurses in India are women.
• "Teaching work": Women's participation in teaching is relatively high in India, and they constitute 57% of the teaching workforce in elementary education.
• "Private companies": Women's participation in the formal sector, including private companies, is increasing, but it is still lower than men's. According to the World Bank, only 27% of women in India are employed in the formal sector, compared to 72% of men.

The correct answer is Only (C).

Key Points

• Minimum wages are meant to protect workers and ensure that they receive a fair and decent wage for their work.
• It is illegal for an employer to pay a worker less than the minimum wage set by the government.
• Denying workers the wages as fixed by the government is not legal and can result in legal action being taken against the employer.
• Option (1) (A) and (B) are incorrect because minimum wages are meant to protect workers, and it is illegal for an employer to pay less than the minimum wage.
• Option (2), (B), and (C) is incorrect because it is not legal to deny workers wages as fixed by the government.
• Option (3) Only(A) is incorrect because minimum wages are meant to protect workers.

Additional Information

• Minimum wage laws vary from country to country and even within different regions of the same country.
• Employers can face penalties and legal action if they comply with minimum wage laws.
• Minimum wage laws are often revised and updated to reflect changes in the cost of living and other economic factors.
• Minimum wage laws can positively and negatively affect the economy, depending on how they are implemented and enforced.

The correct answer is the people of India.

Key PointsThe question is asking about the entity that creates a democratic government and decides about its functioning.

• Option 1: Elected government - This option is incorrect as the elected government is a result of the decision made by the people of India.
• Option 2: People of India - This is the correct answer, as the people of India, through the process of elections, elect their representatives who form the government and decide its functioning.
• Option 3: Members of Rajya Sabha - This option is incorrect members of the Rajya Sabha are only a part of the Parliament and do not have the sole authority to create a democratic government.
• Option 4: Members of Lok Sabha - This option is incorrect as members of the Lok Sabha are also a part of the Parliament and do not have the sole authority to create a democratic government.

Additional Information

• The people of India elect their representatives through the process of elections.
• The elected representatives form the government and decide about its functioning.
• The people of India have the power to change their representatives and the government through the process of elections.
• The functioning of a democratic government is based on the principles of accountability, transparency, and participation.

The correct answer is Double burden.

Key Points

• Double burden refers to the situation where women must perform domestic and paid work and balance work responsibilities inside and outside the home. Hence Statement First is correct.
• Women have to manage household chores, taking care of children, elderly family members, and also have to work outside the home to earn a living, which puts them under immense pressure and stress.
• Overburden (option 2) and Double duty (option 3) are similar to double burden but do not specifically refer to the situation of women.
• Overtime (option 4) refers to working hours that exceed the standard working hours of an organization, and it is irrelevant to the questions.

The correct answer is  Legal.

Key Points

• The Preamble of the Constitution of India mentions the objectives and purposes of the Constitution.
• The Preamble mentions justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity ideals.
• The Preamble does mention justice, such as social, economic, or political justice.
• The absence of the term "Legal" in the Preamble does not mean that the Constitution does not refer to Legal justice.
• Legal justice is an inherent part of the Constitution and is mentioned in various articles and provisions.

Additional Information

• The Preamble ensures justice, democracy, and equality for all the people of India and promotes fraternity among the people.
• The Preamble's Four Components are:
• The Preamble states that the Constitution's source of authority lies with the people of India.
• It declares that India is a country that is socialist, secular, secular, democratic, and a republic.
• It sets out its priorities of maintaining justice, freedom, and equality for all people and fostering fraternity to preserve the nation's unity and dignity.
• It cites the date on which the constitution was adopted (November 26, 1949).

The correct answer is the Right to cultural development and education.

 Key Points

• The correct answer is option 3, which is the Right to cultural development and education.
• This is because Rishad is opening an educational institution based on the teaching of his faith, which is a part of his culture and heritage.
• The Right to cultural development and education is enshrined in Article 29(1) of the Indian Constitution, which states that any section of citizens having a distinct language, script, or culture has the right to conserve and promote their culture.
• Option 1, which is the Right of freedom of religion, is also relevant in this context. Still, it does not directly enable Rishad to open an educational institution based on the teaching of his faith.
• Option 2, the Right to equality, and Option 4, the Right to freedom, are not directly relevant in this context.

Additional InformationIndia currently has six fundamental rights -

• Article 14-18 - Right to Equality
• Article 19-22 - Right to Freedom
• Article 23-24 - Right against Exploitation
• Article 25-28 - Right to Freedom of Religion
• Article 29-30 - Cultural and Educational Rights
• Article 32 - Right to Constitutional Remedies

The correct answer is Judiciary.

Key Points

• The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country, and the final interpreter of the Constitution is the judiciary.
• The judiciary has the power of judicial review, which means it can declare any law or action of the government unconstitutional if it violates any provision of the Constitution.
• The judiciary also has the power to interpret the Constitution and its provisions to resolve any disputes or conflicts that may arise.
• The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country, and its decisions on constitutional matters are binding on all other courts in the country.

Additional Information 

• Legislature: The legislature is responsible for making laws in the country.
• It comprises the Lok Sabha (lower house) and the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and is part of the Parliament.
• Executive: The executive is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws in the country.
• It comprises the President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
• Parliament**: Parliament is the supreme legislative body** in the country and consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
• While it has the power to make laws, it is not the final interpreter of the Constitution.

The correct answer is Economic, Social, and Educational.

Key Points

• Justice Rajindar Sachar's committee was a seven-member High-Level Committee In India.
• It was established in March 2005 by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
• The committee was headed by the former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Rajinder Sachar.
• It was established to study the social, economic and educational conditions of Muslims in India.

 Thus, we can say that Justice Rajinder Sachar committee in 2005 examined the economic and social marginalisation of Muslims.

The correct answer is Once some slum-dwellers were evicted from Mumbai city.

Key PointsThe question is asking about a real-life incident that established the right to livelihood as part of the Right to Life.

• Option 1: Once some slum-dwellers were evicted from Mumbai city .This is the correct answer.
• The incident refers to the Olga Tellis case, where slum-dwellers were evicted from Mumbai city, and the Supreme Court ruled that the right to livelihood is a part of the Right to Life.
• Option 2: Injured farmer Hakim Sheikh - This option is not related to the question.
• Option 3: Discrimination faced by Omprakash because he was a Dalit - This option is not related to the question.
• Option 4: The protest of Samykut Kisan Morcha (SKM) - This option is not related to the question.

 

Additional Information

• The Supreme Court ruled that the right to livelihood is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• The case is considered to be a landmark judgment in the Indian jurisprudence.