Social Studies PYQs

The Correct answer is: Only (B) and (C) are true

Key Points

• Statement (A): The amount of insolation increases from the equator towards the poles:
• This statement is incorrect.
• Insolation refers to the solar radiation received on Earth's surface.
• The equator receives the maximum insolation because the Sun's rays are more direct and concentrated in this region.
• As we move from the equator towards the poles, the Sun's rays become more oblique, reducing the intensity of insolation.
• Thus, the amount of insolation decreases from the equator towards the poles.
• Statement (B): The equator receives comparatively more insolation than Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn:
• This statement is correct.
• The equator experiences more consistent solar radiation throughout the year because it lies at the latitude where the Sun is nearly overhead at some point during the equinoxes.
• The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn receive slightly less insolation as the Sun is overhead only during specific times of the year (solstices).
• This consistent direct sunlight makes the equator a region of higher average insolation.
• Statement (C): Generally, at the same latitude, the insolation is more over the continent than over the ocean:
• This statement is correct.
• Land surfaces heat up more quickly and to higher temperatures than water surfaces due to their lower specific heat capacity and lack of mobility.
• This results in greater absorption of insolation over continents compared to oceans at the same latitude.
• Oceans, due to their high heat capacity and movement, distribute heat over a larger area, reducing the intensity of insolation at any given point.

Additional Information

• Factors Influencing Insolation:
• Latitude: Insolation is highest at the equator and decreases towards the poles due to the angle of the Sun's rays.
• Seasons: Earth's axial tilt causes seasonal variations in insolation, with the tropics receiving more during solstices.
• Surface Type: Land absorbs more heat than water, resulting in higher insolation over continents.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Cloud cover, dust, and pollutants can reflect or absorb solar radiation, affecting insolation.
• Heat Distribution Between Land and Water:
• Land heats up and cools down faster than water, leading to greater temperature variations over continents.
• Oceans moderate temperature fluctuations by distributing heat through currents and waves.
• Importance of Insolation:
• Insolation drives Earth's climate systems, including wind patterns, ocean currents, and weather phenomena.
• It is also crucial for processes like photosynthesis and the Earth's energy balance.

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

Key Points

• The atmosphere is indirectly heated by Earth's radiation.
• This is because the Earth absorbs solar radiation and then re-emits it as infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the atmosphere and warms it up.
• Carbon dioxide creates a greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiated from the Earth.
• This is because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs infrared radiation and prevents it from escaping into space.
• This means that the assertion that the atmosphere is indirectly heated by Earth's radiation is true, and the reasoning that carbon dioxide creates a greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiated from the Earth is also true and explains why the atmosphere is heated.

Additional Information

• Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
• Examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
• The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth's temperature within a range that is suitable for life.
• However, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

The correct answer is Cape Town, Quito, Miami, Darwin, Chennai.

Key Points

• Cape Town: Located in South Africa, it is an important hub for shipping in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
• Miami: Located in the USA, Miami is a major seaport contributing significantly to the economy of Florida. It is also known for its cruise ship activity.
• Darwin: Located in Australia, it is an important commercial gateway to Asia.
• Chennai: Located in India, Chennai is one of the largest and busiest ports in the country, an important hub for shipping on the Eastern Indian Ocean.

Additional Information

• Sea-ports are essential for global trade and commerce, as they serve as gateways for goods to enter and exit countries.
• Some other major sea-ports of the world include Shanghai, Singapore, Rotterdam, and Los Angeles.
• Major sea ports in india include Kolkata port, Paradip port, Vizag port, Kamarajar port, Chennai port, Tuticorin port, Cochin port, New Mangalore port, Mormugao port, Mumbai port, Jawaharlal Nehru port and Kandla port.

The correct answer is Coal.

Key Points

• Coal is referred to as "Buried Sunshine" because it is formed from ancient plant material that trapped the energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
• Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that is primarily used for electricity generation and steel production, but it's also used in manufacturing industries and for heat in homes.
• It is categorized into different types, such as anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, and lignite, based on its carbon content, hardness, moisture level, and energy output.

Additional Information

• Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a fossil fuel that is used to produce gasoline, diesel, and other products.
• Gold is a precious metal that has been used for currency, jewelry, and decoration for thousands of years.
• Silver is another precious metal that has been used for currency and decoration, as well as in industrial applications such as electronics and photography.
• India's largest producer of coal is the state of Jharkhand, which has a total reserve of roughly 83.15 billion tonnes.
• A large and highly valued fossil fuel that meets around 60% of India's fundamental energy needs is coal.

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

Key Points

• Water shortage is a global issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
• The factors that contribute to water shortage in an area: 
• Climatic conditions of the area:
• Areas with low rainfall and high temperatures are more prone to water shortage.
• Droughts, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events can exacerbate the problem.
• Variation in the seasonal period:
• Seasonal changes can affect the availability of water in an area.
• For instance, areas with monsoon rains face water scarcity during the dry season.
• Overexploitation:
• Overuse of water resources by industries, agriculture, and households can lead to water shortage.
• Groundwater depletion, excessive irrigation, and wastage of water are some of the causes.
• Contamination of water resources:
• Pollution of water bodies due to industrial waste, sewage, and other pollutants can make water unsuitable for consumption.

The correct answer is (C), (B), (A).

Key Points

• Iron and steel industries were initially located near raw materials, power supply, and running water.
• This was because early production methods relied on water power and charcoal as fuel, which required proximity to these resources.
• As the use of coal as a fuel source became more common, iron and steel industries began to move closer to coal fields.
• This allowed for easier access to fuel and reduced transportation costs.
• Eventually, the location of iron and steel industries shifted once again towards large areas of flat land near sea ports.
• This was due to the increasing importance of international trade and the need to easily transport goods by sea.

The correct answer is 24 hours of daylight.

Key Points

• The summer solstice occurs on June 21^st, which is when the Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of daylight.
• This phenomenon is due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which causes the sun to remain above the horizon for 24 hours.
• During this time, the Arctic Circle experiences constant daylight, which can be a unique and surreal experience for visitors.
• Aman can expect to have a full day of sunlight during his visit to the Arctic Circle on June 21^st.
• The Arctic Circle experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains visible for 24 hours during the summer solstice (June 21^st) and remains below the horizon for 24 hours during the winter solstice (December 21^st).

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

Key Points

• The answer to the question includes discrimination, hierarchy, and prejudice as characteristics of the caste system in India.
• Discrimination:
• The caste system in India is based on birth, and individuals are placed in different castes or social classes based on their family background.
• This leads to discrimination against individuals who are born into lower castes, as they are often denied access to education, employment opportunities, and basic human rights.
• Hierarchy:
• The caste system is hierarchical in nature, with individuals in higher castes holding more power and privilege than those in lower castes.
• This leads to a system of oppression and exploitation, where those in higher castes can use their power to maintain their position and keep those in lower castes in a state of subjugation.
• Prejudice:
• The caste system is also characterized by prejudice, as individuals in higher castes often hold negative stereotypes and beliefs about those in lower castes.
• This can lead to discrimination, violence, and other forms of mistreatment based solely on an individual's caste identity.

Additional Information

• Diversity:
• While the caste system does represent a form of diversity in terms of the different castes and sub-castes that exist in India, it is important to note that this diversity is often used to justify discrimination and inequality rather than celebrating differences..

The correct answer is apartheid.

Key Points

• Apartheid was a system of institutional racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s.
• It was implemented by the National Party government, which was dominated by Afrikaners, who were white South Africans of Dutch descent.
• The policy involved the classification of people into racial groups, with black Africans, coloureds, and Indians being regarded as inferior to whites, who enjoyed political and economic power.
• The apartheid system enforced strict laws that restricted the movement and rights of non-whites, including where they could live, work, and go to school.​

Additional Information

• Ethnicity refers to the cultural and social identity that a group of people share based on factors such as language, religion, and customs.
• Casteism is a form of social stratification that is based on birth, occupation, and hereditary status.
• Racism is the treatment of someone unfairly and with prejudice because of their race or ethnicity.

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

Key Points

• The statement (A) is correct
• Governor is the head of the state.
• Governor has similar powers and functions at the state level as those of the president of India at the central level.
• The statement (B) is incorrect
• The Governor is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Union government.
• The statement (C) is correct
• The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor who also appoints other ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.​

Additional Information

• The term Governor is derived from the Latin word gubernator, which means one who governs.
• The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and represents the President of India in the state.

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

Key Points

• Gram Panchayat can receive donations for community work, and they can collect local taxes.
• Different states can have their own law with regard to the Panchayat, which means the powers and functions of the Gram Panchayat may differ from one state to another.
• The Secretary of the Gram Panchayat is a non-elected member but appointed by Government and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Gram Panchayat.
• Gram Panchayat is responsible for the provision of basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare in rural areas.
• Gram Panchayat is also responsible for the implementation of various government schemes and programs in rural areas.

Additional Information

• Gram Panchayat is the lowest tier of the Panchayati Raj system in India, responsible for the administration of rural areas.
• The Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch who is elected by the members of the Panchayat.

The correct answer is (B) and (C).

Key Points

• The correct answer is (B) ship-breaking industries and (C) pesticide producing industries as hazardous workplaces.
• Ship-breaking industries involve the dismantling of old ships, which can release hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and oil into the environment and harm workers' health.
• Pesticide producing industries involve the use of toxic chemicals that can harm workers' health and the environment if not handled properly.
• Garment factories and tea-plantations are not necessarily hazardous industries, although they may have workplace safety issues such as poor ventilation or improper use of pesticides.
• It is important for all industries and workplaces to prioritize worker safety and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and health hazards.

Additional Information

• Garment factories can have workplace safety issues related to poor ventilation, ergonomic hazards, and exposure to chemicals and dyes.
• However, not all garment factories are hazardous and many have implemented safety measures to protect workers.
• Tea-plantations may use pesticides and other chemicals that can harm workers' health and the environment, but not all tea-plantations are hazardous.
• It is important for these industries to implement proper safety measures and training for workers.

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

Key Points

• The assertion states that the government must ensure that public facilities are available to everyone.
• This is because public facilities are essential for the well-being of society, and private companies may not provide them to everyone.
• The reasoning states that private companies do provide public facilities, but they do so at a price that only some people can afford.
• This is because private companies are profit-driven, and they prioritize their profits over providing services to everyone.

The correct answer is (A) is valid 

Key Points

• Universal Adult Franchise means that every adult citizen of a country has the right to vote in elections.
• Jasleen (19) being able to vote in the Municipal Council Election is valid because she is an adult citizen of the country.
• Faiza (54) being able to vote in the Presidential election is NOT valid because the president is indirectly elected by an electoral college comprising both houses of the Parliament of India and the legislative assemblies of each of India's states and territories, who themselves are all directly elected by the citizens.
• Universal Adult Franchise is an important feature of democratic elections and ensures that every citizen has an equal say in the governance of their country.

The correct answer is Working women.

Key Points

• The correct answer is Working women, as they often have to balance both work responsibilities and domestic responsibilities.
• She is also expected to fulfill many social obligations like entertaining friends and relatives and attending social functions.
• ​

Additional Information

• Government employees, and Labourers, may also experience high levels of work-related stress, but they may not necessarily have to balance this with domestic responsibilities.
• Double-burden refers to the situation where individuals, particularly women, have to balance both work responsibilities and domestic responsibilities.
• This term is commonly used in the context of developing countries where traditional gender roles are still prevalent.
• The double burden can lead to physical and emotional stress, as well as limited opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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

Key Points

• Indian secularism is based on the principle of maintaining a principled distance vis-a-vis religion.
• State intervention in religion is possible in certain cases, such as banning practices that are harmful to individuals or society.
• The state cannot interfere in religious affairs that do not violate the law or harm others.
• Various works are done to prevent religious domination, such as promoting inter-faith dialogue and ensuring equal treatment of all religions by the state.

Additional Information

• (A) and (B) only - This option is incorrect as both state intervention in religion and non-interference in religious affairs are possible in Indian secularism.
• (A) and (C) only - This option is incorrect as Indian secularism also includes efforts to prevent religious domination.
• (A), (B), (C), and (D) - This option is incorrect as statement (B) is not entirely true.
• While the state cannot interfere in religious affairs that do not violate the law or harm others, it can intervene in certain cases to protect individuals or society.

The correct answer is Fundamental Rights.

Key Points

• The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights to its citizens, such as the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
• These fundamental rights protect individuals from the arbitrary exercise of power by the government and ensure that citizens are not deprived of their basic rights and freedoms.

Additional Information

• Directive principles of state policy:
• This are non-justiciable principles that guide the government in making laws and policies, and they do not provide any legal remedy to individuals.
• Legal rights:
• This are rights that are recognized and enforced by law, but they may not necessarily be fundamental rights.
• Fundamental duties:
• ​This are a set of moral obligations that citizens are expected to fulfill towards the nation, but they do not provide any legal remedy to individuals.

The correct answer is (A) and (B).

Key Points

• The Supreme Court is the highest court in India and has more power than the High Courts.
• The Supreme Court has original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction. Its exclusive original jurisdiction extends to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other or between two or more States, if and insofar as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or of fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
• In addition, Article 32 of the Constitution gives an extensive original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court in regard to enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
• India's integrated judicial system means that decisions made by higher courts are binding on lower courts and parties dissatisfied with the decisions of a lower court can appeal to a higher court.

Additional Information

• The key word in the question is "integrated judicial system," which means that the judicial system in India is unified and connected.
• While decisions made by higher courts are binding on lower courts, the power of the High Courts and the Supreme Court is not the same.
• While parties can appeal to a higher court, the judicial system in India is not directly connected to the functioning of the Indian political system.

The correct answer is Art 17.

Key Points

• Article 17 specifically addresses the issue of untouchability and declares it as illegal.
• The article also prohibits the practice of untouchability in any form, including enforcing social disabilities.
• This provision was included in the Constitution to eradicate the practice of untouchability and promote social equality.
• The article has been instrumental in providing legal protection to the marginalized communities in India.

Additional Information

• Article 14:
• ​It guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
• Article 15:
• It prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
• Article 16:
• It guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. .

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

Key Points

• Enforcement of Minimum Wages Act is crucial for a democracy because of the following reasons:
• Ensuring social justice: The law helps to regulate the activities of individuals and companies to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage for their labor.
• This ensures that workers are not exploited and are able to earn a decent living.
• Protecting against exploitation: The law guarantees the Right against Exploitation, which is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
• This right prohibits forced labor and ensures that workers are not subjected to any kind of exploitation or abuse.
• Empowering workers: The law allows workers to bargain for better wages and working conditions.
• This gives them more bargaining power and helps to improve their standard of living.

Additional Information

• Minimum Wages Act is not just about controlling the activities of individuals and companies.
• It is also about ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage for their labor.
• It is also about empowering workers and allowing them to bargain for better wages and working conditions.
• It is also about ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage for their labor and protecting them against exploitation.