Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Only (C)

Important Points

The given table provides the correct match between the layers of the Earth and their corresponding content. The continental mass is composed of rocks rich in silica and alumina, the oceanic crust is composed of rocks rich in silica and magnesium, and the core is primarily composed of nickel and iron.

The correct answer is: Monsoon in India

Important Points

Monsoon in India is an example of seasonal winds.

• The monsoon is characterized by a seasonal reversal of wind direction, with the southwest monsoon bringing moist air from the Indian Ocean to the Indian subcontinent during the summer months, and the northeast monsoon bringing dry air from the landmass back to the ocean during the winter months.
• This pattern of seasonal winds plays a crucial role in the climate and rainfall patterns of the Indian subcontinent.

Additional Information

• Monsoon in India is a prime example of seasonal winds. It refers to the seasonal reversal of wind patterns that occurs over the Indian subcontinent.
• During the summer months (approximately from June to September), the southwest monsoon winds blow from the Indian Ocean towards the land, bringing with them moisture and causing heavy rainfall in various parts of India.
• The monsoon winds are driven by temperature differences between the landmass and the ocean.
• In summer, the intense heating of the Indian subcontinent creates low-pressure systems, while the surrounding ocean maintains relatively cooler temperatures.
• This contrast in temperature leads to the formation of a pressure gradient, which in turn results in the inflow of moist air from the ocean to fill the low-pressure region over the land.
• Conversely, during the winter months (approximately from October to December), the northeast monsoon winds blow in the opposite direction.
• These winds originate from the landmass and flow towards the Indian Ocean. They are relatively drier and do not bring as much rainfall as the southwest monsoon.

The correct option is: Only (A) is correct.

Important Points

Student (A) correctly states that waves are formed when winds scrape the water across the ocean surface.

• This is a common understanding of how waves are generated.

Student (B) incorrectly states that tsunamis are caused by winds blowing at high speeds.

• In reality, tsunamis are typically generated by seismic activities such as earthquakes, underwater landslides, or volcanic eruptions.

Student (C) incorrectly states that tides are a type of waves.

• Tides are actually the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun.

Therefore, only statement (A) is correct, while statements (B) and (C) are incorrect.

The correct answer is: Wool industry due to sheep rearing

Important Points

• The Velds refer to the grassy plains and plateaus found in South Africa.
• The climate and vegetation of the Velds are suitable for sheep farming, making it a significant industry in the region.
• Sheep farming provides wool, and the wool industry thrived in the Velds due to the abundance of sheep and the favorable conditions for rearing them.

Therefore, option 1) Wool industry due to sheep rearing is the correct answer.

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

Important Points

Statement (A) is true: Kolar mines in Karnataka, India, were among the deepest gold mines in the world.

• Mining of the ore in these mines was indeed a very expensive process due to the depth and associated challenges.

Statement (B) is true:

• While Karnataka does have significant mineral resources, including iron ore, manganese, and bauxite, and substantial deposits of gold.
• The Kolar Gold Fields, which were historically significant, have experienced in gold production .

The correct answer is that both are non-conventional energy.

Important Points

Biogas and firewood share the common feature of being non-conventional sources of energy. Here's a brief explanation for each option:

• They are also both renewable sources of energy.
• Biogas is derived from organic waste materials, while firewood is obtained from trees.
• These two energy sources can be replenished naturally over time.
• Additionally, they are both used in cooking and heating, especially in rural areas.

 

Additional Information

Both take almost the same time of formation:

• This statement is not necessarily true.
• Biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials, which can take several weeks to months depending on the conditions.
• Firewood, on the other hand, is obtained from cutting and drying trees, which can take years.

The correct option is:(A), (B) and (D) 

NOTE:

The correct option is:(A), (C) and (D)  according to official answer key, But Intensive subsistence agriculture is commonly practiced in densely populated areas, and climates with a large number of days with sunshine. Hence, A, B, and D are the correct answer.

Important Points

Intensive subsistence agriculture is a farming system characterized by the cultivation of small plots of land with high labor input and a focus on maximizing crop yield.

The features associated with intensive subsistence agriculture are:

(A) Small plots and simple tools:

• In this type of agriculture, farmers typically work on small plots of land and use simple tools, such as hand tools, to carry out farming activities.

(B) Thick populated area:

• Intensive subsistence agriculture is commonly practiced in densely populated areas where land is scarce, and farmers need to maximize production from limited land resources to meet the food demands of the population.

(D) Climate with a large number of days with sunshine:

• A climate with a large number of days with sunshine is beneficial for agricultural activities, including intensive subsistence agriculture. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy for growth and development.

Additional Information Semi-arid regions typically receive limited rainfall, which is not conducive to intensive subsistence agriculture. Intensive subsistence agriculture usually requires a more reliable and sufficient water supply, often found in regions with a good amount of rainfall, such as monsoon regions. Therefore, the semi-arid region is not associated with intensive subsistence agriculture.

The correct option is 'Difference of economic status'.

Key Points

• Diversity refers to the representation of different types of individuals and groups in a social system, such as a country or an organization.
• It encompasses many aspects of difference, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, religion, political beliefs, or other ideologies.
• In the context of your question, difference of religion, difference of mother tongue, and difference of food habits are examples of diversity because these are elements that can vary widely among individuals without implying any inherent hierarchy or value judgement.
• On the other hand, inequality refers to uneven distribution or disparities of resources, rights, and opportunities among different groups in society.
• Economic status is one of the most significant areas where inequality can be observed.
• The difference in economic status often leads to unequal access to resources and opportunities, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and wealth.
• Economic inequality can result in some people having a higher standard of living, better opportunities for education, and greater overall life chances than others.

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

Key Points

• Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes held by individuals about others that are not based on reason or personal experiences.
• It involves making judgments about individuals or groups without having sufficient knowledge about them.
• "Judging people negatively" fits under the definition of prejudice because it involves forming a negative judgment or opinion about individuals or groups without objective or substantive reason.
• "Seeing some people as inferior" is also an example of prejudice. This relates to the concept of "in-group" and "out-group" bias, where people tend to favor those who are like them (the in-group) and discriminate against those who are different (the out-group). .
• "Fixing people into one image," It could refer to stereotyping, which involves assigning a set of characteristics to all members of a particular group. Stereotyping can lead to prejudice if these characteristics are used to form a negative judgment about the group.

**The correct option is '**Sedition Act'

Key Points  

• The Sedition Act, in its most famous form, was actually part of British colonial law introduced in India. Specifically, it was Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, introduced in 1870, under the British rule. It wasn't a separate act, but a part of an existing code.
• On the other hand, the Domestic Violence Act (2005), Street Vendors Act (2014), and the Hindu Succession Act (1956) are all laws enacted by the Indian Parliament.

Additional Information  

• The Domestic Violence Act, officially named The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, was enacted in 2005 to protect women from acts of violence within their families or domestic relationships.
• The Street Vendors Act, officially named The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, was enacted in 2014. It aims to protect the rights of urban street vendors, as well as to regulate street vending activities.
• The Hindu Succession Act was enacted in 1956 to amend and codify the law related to intestate or unwilled succession among Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.

The correct option is 'Only (B) is correct'.

Key Points

• Dispute with respect to allocation of GST to a state is matter of dispute between two states.
• The statement "Dispute with respect to allocation of GST to a state is a matter of dispute between two states" is incorrect.
• In India, the allocation of GST (Goods and Services Tax) revenues to states is not typically a matter of dispute between two states.
• Instead, this is managed at a national level, by the central government and the GST Council, which is a constitutional body made up of the Union Finance Minister (who serves as its chairperson), the Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or Finance, and the Minister in charge of Finance or Taxation from each state.
• Therefore, any disputes regarding the allocation of GST are usually resolved by the GST Council, not between individual states.
• Dispute regarding sharing of river water is a matter of dispute between two states.
• The statement "Dispute regarding sharing of river water is a matter of dispute between two states" is correct.
• Water disputes are a common source of conflict between states in India, particularly when rivers flow through multiple states.
• The distribution of water is often a contentious issue and can lead to disputes.
• In India, such disputes are typically settled through tribunals established under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act of 1956, which was enacted to resolve disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys.

The correct option is 'Labour chowk'.

Key Points

• "Labour Chowk," is the most associated with migrant workers in Indian towns and cities.
• "Labour Chowk" is a term used in many parts of India to refer to a specific location or area where daily wage laborers, often migrants, gather in the morning to be picked up for work by potential employers.
• These laborers typically engage in unskilled or semi-skilled work such as construction, loading and unloading, or other manual labor jobs.

The correct option is 'An arrangement between the merchant and the weavers'.

Key Points  

• The "putting-out system," also known as the domestic system or the workshop system, is a historical system of production that was used in the textile industry before the Industrial Revolution, and it typically involved a merchant and a craftsman or laborer, such as a weaver.
• In the putting-out system, a merchant would "put out" materials to rural producers who typically worked in their homes or workshops.
• The workers would process the materials into finished goods, and then return them to the merchant. In the context of the textile industry, this often meant that a merchant would supply raw materials like wool or cotton to weavers, who would then return finished cloth to the merchant.
• This system allowed merchants to bypass the regulations of urban craft guilds and take advantage of rural labor markets where wages were often lower.
• For the weavers and other workers, it offered the flexibility to work from home and maintain their agricultural work.

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

Key Points

• A democracy must be based on a free and fair election.
• The statement "A democracy must be based on a free and fair election" is correct.
• One of the foundational principles of democracy is that it allows citizens to choose their leaders and influence public policy through free and fair elections.
• In such elections, citizens have the right to express their choice and vote for the candidates or parties they prefer without coercion, intimidation, or fraud. It's crucial that elections are conducted fairly and transparently to ensure the democratic legitimacy of the elected leaders.
• In a democracy the final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
• The statement "In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people" is also correct.
• Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise their power directly or through elected representatives.
• The decision-making power in a democratic system lies with the elected representatives who are responsible for making laws, forming the government, and taking major decisions on behalf of the people.
• These representatives are accountable to the citizens, and their power is subject to the rules of law and democratic processes.

The correct option is 'Only (B)'.

Key Points

• The statement "Laxmi Lakra (27) became the first woman engine driver for Northern Railways" is an example of breaking gender stereotypes.
• Traditionally, roles such as train or engine drivers have been dominated by men, under the stereotype that such jobs are too physically demanding or technically complex for women.
• Laxmi Lakra becoming an engine driver challenges these stereotypes, demonstrating that women are equally capable of succeeding in such roles.
• This represents a significant break from traditional gender expectations, making it an example of breaking gender stereotypes.

The correct option is 'Life'.

Key Points

• The Right to Health in India is recognized as a part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 21 states, "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law."
• While the article doesn't explicitly mention health, the Supreme Court of India has broadly interpreted the right to life to include the right to live with human dignity, which encompasses aspects such as health, nutrition, and clean environment.
• In several judgments, the Supreme Court has declared that the right to health and access to medical care is a fundamental right under Article 21 because a healthy body is the very foundation for all human activities.
• In other words, without health, the exercise of other rights would not be possible.

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

Key Points  

• Political democracy:
• Fundamental rights are essential for the functioning of a political democracy.
• They protect the rights of individuals against infringement by the state and guarantee civil liberties such as freedom of speech and expression, right to equality, and protection of life and personal liberty.
• These rights ensure that citizens can participate freely and fully in the political life of the nation.
• Socio-economic democracy:
• The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are guidelines for the central and state governments of India to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies.
• They aim at establishing social and economic democracy through welfare measures and equal distribution of wealth.
• They seek to promote social justice, provide adequate means of livelihood, distribute material resources for the common good, and prevent the concentration of wealth and means of production.
• Welfare state:
• Both Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy aim to establish India as a welfare state.
• A welfare state is one that ensures the well-being of its citizens by providing social and economic security.
• The state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the social and economic well-being of its citizens based on the principles of equality and justice as envisaged in the DPSP.
• Police state:
• A police state is characterized by government oppression and control over the population, often using police and secret police to stifle dissent and maintain power.
• It is directly contradictory to the principles of democracy and the concepts of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian constitution.

The correct option is 'The Chief Justice of India'.

Key Points

• The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the judiciary of India and the Supreme Court of India, the highest court in the country.
• The CJI presides over the court's proceedings and administrative functions.
• The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India and holds office until they reach the age of 65, as per the Constitution of India.
• The CJI plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Supreme Court and has significant administrative powers, including the authority to allocate cases to different judges and to decide the composition of the benches.

The correct option is 'Tamil Nadu'.

Key Points

• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a school meal program designed to improve the nutritional status of school-age children nationwide.
• It was first introduced in the state of Tamil Nadu in 1963 by then Chief Minister K. Kamaraj. However, the program became universal throughout Tamil Nadu in 1982 under Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran.
• The aim of the program was to provide at least one meal per day to mitigate hunger, increase school enrolment and attendance, and improve the nutritional status of children.
• The success of Tamil Nadu's Mid-Day Meal Scheme served as a model for similar programs throughout the country.
• In 1995, the Indian government introduced the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE), which evolved into the nationwide Mid-Day Meal Scheme, mandating free lunches in government and government-aided primary schools.

The correct option is 'Goal - 02'.

Key Points

• The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 is "Zero Hunger."
• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme in India contributes to this goal by providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren, which helps to alleviate hunger and promote better nutrition.
• Under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, free lunches are provided on working days for children in primary and upper primary classes in government, government-aided, local body, Education Guarantee Scheme, and alternate innovative education centers, Madarsa and Maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Child Labour Project schools.