Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Magnesium.

Important PointsThe main mineral constituents of the oceanic crust are primarily composed of silicate minerals rich in magnesium and iron.

• The dominant mineral in the oceanic crust is basalt, which is a fine-grained igneous rock.
• Basalt is primarily composed of minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar, both of which contain significant amounts of magnesium.
• Silica (silicon dioxide) is also present in the oceanic crust, but it is not one of the main mineral constituents.
• Alumina (aluminum oxide), nickel, and ferrous minerals are not commonly found as major components of the oceanic crust.

Therefore, the correct mineral constituent of the oceanic crust mentioned in the answer is Magnesium.

The correct answer is Carbon-dioxide

Important Points

Global warming is primarily associated with the rise in carbon dioxide (CO2), so the correct answer is Carbon-dioxide.

• Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere through various human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.
• These activities contribute to the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space.

• This leads to the greenhouse effect, where the Earth's atmosphere becomes warmer.
• The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is considered one of the major factors driving global warming and climate change.

Nitrogen, argon , and oxygen are also present in the Earth's atmosphere but do not contribute significantly to global warming. Nitrogen and oxygen are the main constituents of the Earth's atmosphere and are not greenhouse gases. Argon is an inert gas that does not participate in chemical reactions and is also not a greenhouse gas.

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

Important Points(A) Insolation is an important factor that influences the distribution of temperature.

• This statement is true.
• Insolation refers to the incoming solar radiation or sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface.
• The amount of insolation received at different locations on the Earth's surface influences the distribution of temperature.

(B) The amount of insolation increases from the equator towards the poles.

• Insolation, which is the amount of solar radiation received by any given area, generally decreases from the equator towards the poles.
• The reasons for this are, angle of sunlight, atmospheric path, day length, etc.
• These factors together mean that the equator generally receives more insolation than the poles.
• This differential heating is a primary driver of Earth's weather and climate systems, including the generation of wind, formation of clouds, and distribution of temperatures.

Hence, this statement is incorrect.

(C) Temperature decreases from the equator towards the poles.

• The temperature indeed decreases from the equator towards the poles.
• This temperature difference is primarily caused by the sun's energy and the amount of that energy retained in the Earth's systems.
• The equator receives more direct sunlight and thus has a higher temperature, while the poles, receiving less direct sunlight, have lower temperatures

Hence, only (A) and (C) are true.

The correct answer is  Bangladesh.

Important Points

Bangladesh shares the longest land border with India. The border between India and Bangladesh is approximately 4,096 kilometers (2,545 miles) long, making it the longest land border that India shares with any country.

• To provide some additional information, here are the lengths of the land borders that India shares with the other countries listed:

(1) China:

• India shares a land border with China, which is approximately 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles) long.

• It is the second-longest land border that India shares with any country. (2) Pakistan:

• India shares a land border with Pakistan, which is approximately 3,323 kilometers (2,065 miles) long.

• It is the third-longest land border that India shares with any country. (3) Myanmar:

• India shares a land border with Myanmar, which is approximately 1,458 kilometers (906 miles) long.

• It is not the longest land border that India shares with any country.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (4) Bangladesh, as it shares the longest land border with India.

The correct answer is (A) and (C)

Important Points

A population pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the distribution of different age groups in a population, with males on one side and females on the other.

• The width of the bars at each age group represents the number or percentage of people in that specific age group.
• When the population pyramid is broader at the base, it indicates a higher proportion of younger individuals in the population.
• This suggests a high birth rate and a large number of children in the population. A broader base typically signifies a larger population size in the younger age groups.

  

Additional Information

Options (B) and (D) are not accurate:

(B) High Life Expectancy:

• The width or shape of the base of a population pyramid does not directly indicate the life expectancy of a population.
• Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live, and it is not specifically represented by the shape of a population pyramid.

(D) Low Death Rate:

• The width of the base of a population pyramid does not directly indicate the death rate of a population.
• The death rate refers to the number of deaths per unit of population over a specific period, and it is not specifically represented by the shape of a population pyramid.

Therefore, the correct option is (A) and (C).

Teaching the theme 'Migration' this example could be used to discuss: Pull Factor and Emigration.

 Key Points

• Emigration:
• ​Emigration refers to the act of leaving one's home country or region to live in another.
• In the context of our example, during the Great Famine (1845-1852), more than a million people emigrated from Ireland.
• The Famine resulted in severe economic hardship and a lack of basic resources such as food.
• Thus, the desire to escape these harsh conditions led many Irish people to emigrate.
• ​Pull Factor:
• ​Pull factors are conditions that attract individuals to move to a new area.
• For Irish emigrants during the Great Famine, there were several pull factors.
• ​Economic Opportunities:
• The United States and other countries such as Canada and Australia were perceived to have better job opportunities and economic conditions.
• The possibility of employment and a better standard of living drew many Irish people.
• ​Political Stability:
• Some countries were seen as having more political stability than Ireland at the time.
• This stability meant the possibility of a more secure life.
• Existing Migrant Communities: ​
• There were already established Irish communities in places like the United States.
• This meant that new arrivals might have an easier time integrating, with community support and a familiar culture.
• In the classroom, you could further this discussion by exploring the impacts of this migration on both Ireland (the decrease in population, the impact on the economy, etc.) and the destination countries (how these countries were shaped by Irish immigrants, their contributions to the new societies, and the challenges they faced).

Therefore the correct answer is Pull Factor and Emigration.

The crop that requires two hundred and ten frost-free days and bright sunshine for its growth is Cotton.

Key Points

• Cotton is a warm-season crop that needs a long growing season with plenty of heat and sunlight to thrive.
• It typically requires around 160 to 210 frost-free days to complete its growth cycle from planting to harvesting.
• Additionally, bright sunshine is essential for its optimal growth and yield.

Cotton cultivation requires careful management and attention to detail throughout the growing season to ensure a successful harvest. Farmers must consider factors such as planting time, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting to achieve optimal yield and quality of cotton fibers.

The correct answer is Martin Luther King Jr.

Key Points

• Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.
• He is best known for advancing civil rights using civil disobedience, nonviolence, and love.
• He organized many nonviolent protests, including the Montgomery bus boycott, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
• He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work.
• King's philosophy of nonviolence was based on the belief that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
• He argued that violence only leads to more violence and that the only way to achieve lasting change is through peaceful means.
• King's nonviolent methods were highly effective in the civil rights movement, and they helped to bring about significant changes in American society.
• Here are some of the key events in the civil rights movement that King led:
• ​The Montgomery bus boycott (1955-56): King helped to organize the Montgomery bus boycott, which lasted for 381 days and resulted in the desegregation of the city's bus system.
• The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963): King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington, which helped to raise awareness of the civil rights movement and its goals.
• The Selma to Montgomery marches (1965): King led the Selma to Montgomery marches, which helped to bring about the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• King's work in the civil rights movement had a profound impact on American society.
• He helped to end segregation and discrimination, and he inspired millions of people around the world to fight for justice and equality.
• He is considered one of the most important figures in American history, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.

​Therefore the correct answer is Martin Luther King Jr.

Sulabh, an organization that provides sanitation facilities all over India, is a Non - Government organization.

 Key Points

• Sulabh International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through education.
• It has been in operation for over 50 years and has built over 1.5 million toilets all over India.
• Sulabh is also a leading advocate for the elimination of manual scavenging, a practice in which people are forced to clean human waste by hand.
• The organization has rescued thousands of manual scavengers and helped them to find new livelihoods.
• Sulabh is a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860 and is also a public charitable trust.
• It is governed by a board of trustees and has a network of over 50,000 volunteers.
• Sulabh is headquartered in New Delhi and has offices in over 25 states and union territories in India.
• The organization has received numerous awards for its work, including the Gandhi Peace Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the UN Public Service Award.
• Sulabh is a leading example of how NGOs can make a significant contribution to social development.

​Therefore the correct answer is Non - Government organization.

The correct code is (A) is false, (B) is true.

 Key Points

• The District Collector is a part of the executive, but not the political executive.
• They are part of the civil services and are typically career administrators within the government.
• They are appointed, not elected, and their role is to implement policy rather than make political decisions.
• The Home Minister is part of the political executive.
• They are typically elected officials, are a part of the government's cabinet, and are involved in making political decisions and policy-making related to the internal security and law enforcement of the country.
• The political executive is made up of the elected representatives of the people, who are responsible for making and implementing government policies.
• The District Collector is a civil servant, who is appointed by the government and is not an elected representative.
• Therefore, the District Collector is not a part of the political executive.
• The Home Minister, on the other hand, is an elected representative and is a part of the political executive.

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

Disciplined is NOT a category of employment in an economic sense.

 Key Points

• The word "disciplined" is not a category of employment in an economic sense.
• In economics, the categories of employment are usually defined by the type of work that is done, such as manufacturing, service, or retail.
• "Disciplined" is more of a personality trait or a description of someone's behaviour.
• It can mean someone who is self-controlled, orderly, and focused.
• While these qualities can be valuable in the workplace, they do not define a specific category of employment.
• For example, someone who is disciplined could work in any of the following industries:
• ​Manufacturing
• Service
• Retail
• Finance
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Education
• The key is that the person's work is characterized by self-control, orderliness, and focus.
• This could be in the form of following procedures, meeting deadlines, or maintaining a high level of accuracy.

​So, while "disciplined" is not a category of employment in an economic sense, it is a quality that can be valuable in any job.

Marital Rape is still NOT legally recognized as a form of offence against women in India.

Key Points

• Marital rape is indeed not explicitly recognized as a criminal offence under Indian law.
• Marital rape refers to non-consensual sexual acts committed by one spouse against the other.
• While rape is considered a criminal offence in India, there is an exception in the law that exempts acts of sexual intercourse by a husband with his wife if she is above the age of 15.
• This exception essentially legalizes marital rape for women who are above the age of 15.
• It's important to note that this exception has been a subject of debate and criticism.
• Various human rights organizations and activists have called for the criminalization of marital rape in India, arguing that it violates a woman's right to bodily autonomy, equality, and protection from sexual violence.
• There have been efforts to challenge this exception in court and advocate for legal reforms, but as of now, marital rape remains unrecognized as a specific offence under Indian law.

​So the correct answer is Marital Rape.

A famous newspaper 'Khabar Lahriya' which is run by eight Dalit women in Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh is written in the Bundeli language.

 Key Points

• Khabar Lahriya is a weekly newspaper written and edited by a group of Dalit women in Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh.
• It is written in the Bundeli dialect of Hindi and covers a wide range of topics, including local news, politics, social issues, and entertainment.
• The newspaper has been praised for its feminist perspective and its coverage of marginalized communities.
• Khabar Lahriya was founded in **2002 by Nirantar, a New Delhi-**based non-profit organization that works to promote gender equality and education.
• The newspaper was initially started as a way to give a voice to Dalit women in rural Uttar Pradesh.
• Today, Khabar Lahriya has a circulation of over 5,000 copies and is read by people in over 400 villages in the region.
• The newspaper has won numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication in 2014.
• Khabar Lahriya is an important example of how journalism can be used to empower marginalized communities and promote social change.

​Therefore the correct answer is Bundeli.

In relation to the different forms of mass media one who enjoys but also questions the content that media showcases is an 'action viewer'.

Key Points

• An action viewer is someone who enjoys watching mass media but also takes the time to question the content that is being presented.
• They are not simply passive consumers of media, but rather active participants who are engaged in the process of meaning-making.
• Action viewers are often aware of the fact that mass media is a form of communication that can have a powerful influence on people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
• They understand that the media can be used to promote certain values and beliefs, and they are therefore critical of the messages that are being conveyed.
• Action viewers are also aware of the fact that mass media is often biased.
• They understand that the media is owned and controlled by a small number of people and that these people have their own agenda.
• As a result, action viewers are careful to evaluate the information that they are presented with, and they are not afraid to challenge the status quo.
• In short, action viewers are active and engaged consumers of mass media.
• They are not simply passive observers, but rather they are critical thinkers who are aware of the power of the media to influence people's lives.
• Here are some examples of action viewers:
• ​A person who watches a news report about a political scandal and then does their own research to learn more about the issue.
• A person who watches a movie about violence and then reflects on the message that the movie is sending.
• A person who plays a video game and then thinks about the way that the game portrays certain groups of people.
• Action viewers are an important part of the media landscape.
• They help to ensure that the media is held accountable for the messages that it conveys.
• They also help to ensure that people are able to think critically about the media and to make informed decisions about the information that they consume.

Therefore the correct answer is one who enjoys but also questions the content that media showcases.

The forest is included under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution.

 Key Points

• Forests are included under Entry 16 of the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution.
• This means that both the Union Government and the State Governments have the power to make laws on forests.
• However, if there is a conflict between the laws made by the Union Government and the State Governments, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.
• The inclusion of forests in the Concurrent List is important because it ensures that there is a uniform approach to forest management across the country.
• This is essential for the conservation of forests and the sustainable use of forest resources.
• The Union Government has a number of laws on forests, including the Forest Conservation Act, of 1980, the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972, and the National Forest Policy, of 1988.
• The State Governments also have their own laws on forests.
• The Concurrent List is a list of 52 items that are shared by the Union Government and the State Governments.
• The other items in the Concurrent List include education, marriage and divorce, trade unions, and weights and measures.

​Therefore the correct answer is Concurrent List.

The Federal Court of India is regarded as the predecessor of the Supreme Court of India.

Key Points

• The Federal Court of India was a judicial body established in India in 1937 under the provisions of the Government of India Act 1935, with original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction.
• It functioned until the Supreme Court of India was established in 1950.
• The Federal Court had jurisdiction over a wide range of matters, including:
• ​Disputes between the Union and the States
• Disputes between different States
• Disputes between the Government of India and the rulers of Indian princely states
• Appeals from the High Courts
• Advisory opinions on matters of law
• The Supreme Court of India was established on 28 January 1950, two days after India was declared a republic.
• The Supreme Court inherited the jurisdiction of the Federal Court and has since added to its jurisdiction by virtue of the Constitution of India.
• The Supreme Court is the highest court in India and has the power to interpret the Constitution, strike down laws that are unconstitutional, and hear appeals from the High Courts.
• The Supreme Court is also the guardian of the fundamental rights of the citizens of India.
• In many ways, the Supreme Court of India is a successor to the Federal Court of India.
• However, the Supreme Court has a much broader jurisdiction and plays a more important role in the Indian legal system.

Allahabad High Court was NOT among the first three High Courts established in India in 1862.

Key Points

• The first three High Courts established in India in 1862 were the Calcutta High Court, the Bombay High Court, and the Madras High Court.
• The Allahabad High Court was established in 1866.
• The Indian High Courts Act of 1861 authorized the establishment of three High Courts in India, one each in the Presidencies of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
• The Calcutta High Court was established on May 14, 1862, followed by the Bombay High Court on August 20, 1862, and the Madras High Court on October 1, 1862.
• The Allahabad High Court was established by Letters Patent on March 17, 1866, to replace the Sudder Diwani Adalat of Agra.
• The High Court initially sat in Agra, but it was moved to Allahabad in 1869.
• It is the largest High Court in India in terms of the number of judges, with a total of 160 judges.

​Therefore the correct answer is Allahabad High Court.

Omprakash Valmiki is the author of 'Joothan'.

Key Points

• Omprakash Valmiki is the author of the acclaimed autobiographical book 'Jonathan'.
• This book was originally written in Hindi, and it is one of the most important works in Dalit literature.
• 'Joothan', which literally translates to 'scraps of food left on a plate', primarily meant for animals in Indian households, is used metaphorically to reflect on the experiences of Dalits, who were traditionally considered 'untouchables' in Indian society.
• Valmiki's memoir provides a deeply personal account of growing up as a Dalit in a rural northern Indian setting and the extreme social and economic discrimination he faced.
• This book is significant as it sheds light on the lived experiences of Dalits and challenges the oppressive caste system in India.
• Its translation into English and other languages has allowed these critical perspectives to reach a broader, global audience.

 Therefore the correct answer is Omprakash Valmiki.

The Sachar Committee Report highlighted the marginalized status of Muslims community in India.

Key Points

• The Sachar Committee Report highlighted the marginalized status of the Muslim community in India.
• The report found that Muslims in India were disproportionately affected by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and sanitation.
• The report also found that Muslims were underrepresented in government jobs and in the private sector.
• The report made a number of recommendations to address the marginalization of Muslims, including:
• Reservations in education and employment: 
• The report recommended that Muslims be given reservations in education and employment, similar to those given to other marginalized communities.
• Establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission: 
• The report recommended that an Equal Opportunities Commission be established to address discrimination against Muslims and other minority communities.
• Improved access to basic services: 
• The report recommended that the government improve access to basic services for Muslims, such as healthcare, education, and sanitation.
• The Sachar Committee Report was a landmark document that helped to raise awareness of the marginalized status of Muslims in India.
• The report's recommendations have been partially implemented by the government, but more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by the Muslim community.
• Here are some of the specific findings of the Sachar Committee Report:
• ​​Poverty: 
• The poverty rate among Muslims was 25.8%, compared to 16.3% for the general population.
• Literacy: 
• The literacy rate among Muslims was 59.1%, compared to 75.3% for the general population.
• Employment: 
• The unemployment rate among Muslims was 12.6%, compared to 8.3% for the general population.
• Access to basic services: 
• Muslims were less likely to have access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation than the general population.
• The Sachar Committee Report was a wake-up call for the Indian government and for the wider society.
• It showed that the Muslim community was facing significant challenges and that these challenges needed to be addressed.
• The report's recommendations have been partially implemented by the government, but more needs to be done to improve the lives of Muslims in India.

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

Key Points

• Statement (A) is true because stereotypes are generalizations about a group of people, and they often ignore the individual differences within that group.
• This can prevent us from seeing each person as a unique individual with their own special qualities.
• Statement (B) is also true because stereotypes are often based on the assumption that all members of a group are the same.
• This means that stereotypes fit large numbers of people into a single type, which can be very inaccurate.
• For example, the stereotype that all Asians are good at math is a harmful generalization.
• It ignores the fact that there are many Asians who are not good at math, and it also ignores the fact that there are many people of other races who are good at math.
• The stereotype that all black people are good at sports is also a harmful generalization.
• It ignores the fact that there are many black people who are not good at sports, and it also ignores the fact that there are many people of other races who are good at sports.
• Stereotypes can have a negative impact on our interactions with others.
• They can lead us to make assumptions about people that are not true, and they can prevent us from getting to know them as individuals.
• It is important to be aware of stereotypes and to challenge them whenever possible.
• We should not judge people based on stereotypes, but rather on their individual merits.

​So based on the above discussion, we conclude that (A) and (B) both are true and (B) is the correct explanation of (A).