Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is 1952.

• On October 2, 1952, The Community Development Program was launched in India, on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
• It was recommended by the Fiscal Commission (1949) and the Grow More Food Enquiry Committee (1952).
• It was a multi-project programme with the aim of the overall development of villagers.
• This programme consisted of agriculture, animal husbandry, irrigation, cooperation, public wealth, education, social education, communication, village industries, etc.
• There are officials for each activity at the district level to plan execute and evaluate the programme up to the village level.

Key Points

• Essential Features of Community Development Programme
• It is a movement designed to promote better living for the community with active participation and/or initiative in the community.
• The basic objective of Community Development in India is the development of the people of Destination Man.
• Economic development, social justice, and democratic growth.
• Objectives of the Community Development Programme
• In India, the objective behind the community development programme is to develop the resources of the people numbering about 640 million who form the rural population. The elements of development
• General: Farm, home, public service, and village community.
• Specific: To bring improvement in the production of crops and animals, living conditions, health, and education of the people.
• Elements that need change are People-men, women, and youth.
• Change agents: The change agents are:
• Voluntary local leaders-members of Panchayats, village and Block Advisory Committees, etc.
• Professional community development workers- Village Level Workers, extension officers, block development officers, etc.

Keshwananda Bharati Case formed the Basic Structure of the Constitution of India

Important Points

• Keshwanand Bharati Case established the doctrine of the constitution that provides safeguards for the basic structure of the Indian Constitution from Parliamentary amendments.
• The parliamentary amendments cannot alter the fundamental or the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.

Hence, we can conclude that the Supreme Court of India enunciated the Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution in the Keshwanand Bharati Case.

Additional Information 

• Keshwananda Bharati was the head of the Edneer Mutt in Kerala.
• He filed a case challenging the Kerala government's attempts to acquire the Mutt's property.
• He argued that this act of the government violated his fundamental right to property.

The correct answer is Article 200.

• Article 200 of the Indian Constitution deals with the powers of the Governor with regard to assent given to bills passed by the State legislature and other powers of the Governor such as reserving the bill for the President’s consideration.

Key Points

• Article 200 provides that when a Bill passed by the State Legislature, is presented to the Governor
• The Governor shall declare - 
• If in the opinion of the Governor, the Bill, if it became law, would so derogate from the powers of the High Court as to endanger its constitutional position, he shall not assent to but shall reserve it for the consideration of the President.
• The Governor may, as soon as possible, return the Bill (other than a Money Bill) with a message for re-consideration by the State Legislature. But, if the Bill is again passed by the Legislature with or without amendment, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom (First Provision), or
• That he reserves the Bill for the President's consideration, or
• That he withholds assent therefrom, or
• That he assents to the Bill, or
• If the Governor reserves a Bill for President's consideration, the enactment of the Bill then depends on the assent or refusal of assent by the President.

Additional Information

• Article 52: There shall be a President of India.
• Article 108: The joint sitting of both Houses in certain cases.
• Article 213: Power of Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature

The correct answer is all the members of both the Houses of Parliament.

• Election of the Vice-President:
• The election is in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferred vote and the voting is by secret ballot.
• The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting in such election is by secret ballot.
• The Electoral College to elect a person to the office of the Vice-President consists of all members of both Houses of Parliament.
• The Vice-President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters his office.

Additional Information

• The Council of states is also known as Rajya Sabha. Thus, option 1 and option 4 will be incorrect.

The correct answer is Japan.

• The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia.
• Its member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Thus, Japan is NOT a member of SAARC.
• The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on 17^th January 1987.

Key Points

• ​SAARC: 
• The objectives of the Association as outlined in the SAARC Charter 
• To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life.
• To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals with the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potentials.
• To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia; to contribute to mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of one another's problems.
• To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields.
• To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries.
• To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interests.
• To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

Additional Information

• SAARC was founded in Dhaka (Capital of Bangladesh) on 8^th December 1985.
• Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Secretary-General: Esala Ruwan Weerakoon

The correct answer is Ananda K. Coomaraswamy.

Key Points

Ananda K. Coomaraswamy is the writer of Rajput Painting.

• It is an account of the Hindu paintings of Rajasthan and the Panjab Himalayas from the 16^th to the 19^th century described in their relation to contemporary thought with texts and translations.
• Hence option 1 is correct.

Additional Information

• Rajput painting, also known as Rajasthani Painting, is a style of Indian painting that developed and flourished during the 18^th century in the royal courts of Rajasthan.
• The most important themes around which Rajput Paintings of India revolve are:
• Life of Lord Krishna
• The Great epics of Ramayana
• The Mahabharata
• landscapes
• Human beings.
• Rajput paintings in India have also beautified the walls of palaces, interior chambers of the forts, Havelis, and the like.

The correct answer is Regional art.

Key Points

• Folk art, predominantly functional or utilitarian visual art created by hand (or with limited mechanical facilities) for use by the maker or a small circumscribed group and containing an element of retention—the prolonged survival of tradition.
• Folk art is the creative expression of the human struggle toward civilization within a particular environment through the production of useful but aesthetic buildings and objects.

Additional Information

• Folk art in India apparently has great potential in the international market because of its traditional aesthetic sensibility and authenticity. The rural folk paintings of India bear distinctive colorful designs, which are treated with religious and mystical motifs.
• Some of the most famous folk paintings of India are the Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Patachitra paintings from the state of Odisha, the Nirmal paintings of Andhra Pradesh.
• The regional dances of India, such as the Bhangra dance of Punjab, the Dandiya of Gujarat, the Bihu dance of Assam, etc, which project the cultural heritage of those regions, are prominent contenders in the field of Indian folk art.

The correct answer is The design made by geometrical forms.

Key Points

• Geometrical design (GD) is a branch of computational geometry.
• It deals with the construction and representation of free-form curves, surfaces, or volumes and is closely related to geometric modeling.
• The geometric design is a fun trend that focuses on the simplistic beauty of mixing certain shapes, lines, and curves for creative results.
• It's often used to create seamless patterns, abstract backgrounds, and cool photo effects.
• Geometric models can be built for objects of any dimension in any geometric space.

Additional Information

• To create a basic design
• Select the Polygon Tool (U) or Custom Shape Tool (U) in Adobe Photoshop to begin arranging different shapes together.
• Freestyle the arrangement by adding more shapes to the design, or test out common math theories found in our free tutorials.
• When finished, right-click the shape layers to create a Smart Object to finalize your design.

The correct answer is Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• Aipan is ritualistic folk art, native to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
• It is drawn to commemorate auspicious occasions, festivals, and even rituals performed during the death of a person.
• The art form is also known to offer protection against evil.
• While earlier, the art form was found on the floors and walls of the houses, today it has marked its presence in many daily use objects or clothing pieces.
• Hence option 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• Aipan has multiple variations and modifications, known by different names in different states of India.
• It is Alpana in Bengal, Arichan in Bihar, Bhuggul in Andhra Pradesh, Satiya in Gujrat, Chowk Pooran in Uttar Pradesh, Madne in Rajasthan, and Kolam in South India.
• The sacred motifs of Aipan were traditionally painted at the entrance of a house, the courtyard, and at places of worship, but now the applications have diversified.

Important Points

• Vimla Shah, an artist who practices Aipan in Nainital is passing on the legacy by teaching it to many others.

The correct answer is 7.

Key Points

• Shuddha Swaras: For practical purposes, seven major shrutis have been chosen from twenty-two shrutis that are known as Pure or Shuddha Swara. These are recited at their proper place.
• The seven Swara is known as shadaj, rishabh, gandhar, madhyam, pancham, dhaiavat, and nishad. They are known by their abbreviated form as sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni.
• Shudh swaras are of two kinds:
• a) Chal Swara: Chal Swara means a swara that may move, so it may take a deviant form after leaving its fixed place There are five such swaras- re, ga, ma,dha, ni.
• b) Achal Swara: Achal swaras are those swaras that remain fixed at their place. Achal means static or non-moveable. Sa and Pa are regarded as achal swaras.
• In total there are seven Shrutis (Shuddha) Swaras in Hindustani Sangeet.

​

The correct answer is 12.

• Swara is a voice that pleases the heart of a listener. In a modem sense, seven voices of regular use in music, are called swaras.
• These are seven main swaras and their places are also fixed.

Important Points

They are two kinds- Shuddha and Vikrita.

• Shuddha Swaras: For practical purposes, seven major shrutis have been chosen from twenty-two shrutis that are known as Pure or Shuddha Swara. These are recited at their proper place.
• The seven Swara is known as shadaj, rishabh, gandhar, madhyam, pancham, dhaiavat, and nishad. They are known by their abbreviated form as sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni.
• Shudh swaras are of two kinds:
• a) Chal Swara: Chal Swara means a swara that may move, so it may take a deviant form after leaving its fixed place There are five such swaras- re, ga, ma,dha, ni.
• b) Achal Swara: Achal swaras are those swaras that remain fixed at their place. Achal means static or non-moveable. Sa and Pa are regarded as achal swaras.
• In total there are seven Shrutis (Shuddha) Swaras in Hindustani Sangeet.
• Vikrit Swaras: In these types of Swara each Swara has its definite place, but when it is placed by shifting its place, either upwards or downwards, it is called vikrit Swara. Five swaras belong to this category- re,ga, ma,dha, ni. These are of two kinds- Komal and Teevra.
• Komal Swara: When a Swara is quote by bringing it a bit lower than its fixed place, there occurs some slowness, lightness or softness, so it is known as Komal Swara. Such swaras are - re,ga,dha,ni.
• Teevra Swara: When a Swara is quote by shifting its place a bit upwards, it becomes teevra Swara. Such Swara is madhyam. Such Swara is used in raga Yaman.

Thus, in total there are twelve in a saptak, there are seven shudha and five vikrit swaras.

The correct answer is Dhrupad.

• Char Taal is used for Gayaki Dhrupad​.

Key Points

• Dhrupad is a genre in Hindustani classical music from the Indian subcontinent.
• It is the oldest style of major vocal styles associated with Hindustani classical music, Haveli Sangeet, and also related to the South Indian Carnatic tradition.
• Sanskrit Brij language has been used in Dhrupad.

Additional Information

• The word Dhrupad is derived from Dhruva, the steadfast evening star that moves through the galaxy, and Pada meaning poetry.
• Traditionally, the dhrupad style of singing was performed with a tanpura and pakhawaj.
• The lyrics sung in Dhrupad are in a medieval form of Hindi and typically heroic in theme, or praise of a particular deity.
• It is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Samveda.
• One significant characteristic of Dhrupad is the emphasis on maintaining the purity of the Raga.
• Hindustani classical music is primarily vocal-centric.
• The primary vocal forms associated with Hindustani music are :
• Khayal
• Ghazal
• Dhrupad
• Dhammar
• Tarana
• Thumri.

Important Points

• Padma Shri awardee and renowned Dhrupad vocalist Ramakant Gundecha passed away in Bhopal.
• The earliest source that mentions a musical genre called Dhrupad is Ain-i-Akbari of Abu Fazl (1593).
• Later works attribute much of the material to musicians in the court of Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior.

The Correct Answer is Ram Das Sharma.

• Ram Das Sharma is not a Tabla player.

Key Points

• Zakir Hussain:-
• Ustad Zakir Hussain is the eldest son of tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha and an Indian tabla virtuoso, composer, percussionist, music producer, and film actor.
• Pt. Kishan Maharaj:-
• Pandit Kishan Maharaj was an Indian tabla player who belonged to the Benares Gharana of Hindustani classical music.
• Ahmed Jan Thirakwa:-
• Ustad Ahmed Jan Khan "Thirakwa" was an Indian tabla player, who was considered the most prominent tabla player of the 20^th century.

Additional Information

• Yuyutsu Ram Dass Sharma is a renowned Himalayan poet and translator.
• He is a recipient of fellowships and grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ireland Literature Exchange, the Trubar Foundation in Slovenia, the Institute for the Translation of Hebrew Literature, and the Foundation for the Production and Translation of Dutch Literature.

The Correct Answer is **Bombay.**​

Important Points

The first National Games of India were organized in Bombay (now known as Mumbai) in the year 1940.

• This event heralded the beginning of a formal, national-level sporting event in India.
• The National Games of India is a sporting event held in the country since 1940.
• However, it's important to note that, it is modeled after the Olympic Games, comprising various disciplines in which sportsmen and sportswomen from different states participate against each other.

Additional Information

• On a side note regarding the cities mentioned in the options - Delhi, Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), and Madras (Chennai) - these are all major Indian cities and have at various times hosted national and international sporting events.
• However, with regard to the very first National Games, Bombay is the correct answer.

The Correct Answer is Swami Vivekananda.

• "Today India does not need Gita but needs a Football ground" thought is given by Swami Vivekananda.
• Swamiji suggested becoming strong. When he told that a person will be "nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita", he did not mean that one does not need to read Bhagavad Gita.
• Swami Vivekananda told—

First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterward. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita. These are bold words; but I have to say them, for I love you. I know where the shoe pinches. I have gained a little experience. You will understand the Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger. You will understand the mighty genius and the mighty strength of Krishna better with a little strong blood in you. You will understand the Upanishads better and the glory of the Atman when your body stands firm upon your feet, and you feel like men. Thus we have to apply these to our needs.

Additional Information

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan 

• He was the first vice president of India and the second president of Independent India. On his birth anniversary on 5^th September every year, there is Teacher's day celebrated in whole over India. He believes that Teachers should be the best minds in the country.

Plato:-

• Plato was a Greek philosopher, who displays political events and intellectual events of his time in his writings which are read by the readers in this time and respect Plato's in important aspects.

Rousseau:- 

• Rousseau is the swiss philosopher who writes political theories whose treatises and novels inspired the leaders of the French Revolution.

The Correct Answer is 29^th August.

Key Points

• National Sports Day is celebrated on 29^th August.
• National Sports Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand Singh.
• Dhyan Chand Singh is popularly known as the Wizard of Indian Hockey. He was born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• He was regarded as a prodigy in the field of hockey. He has secured over 400 international goals and 1,000 goals in his entire career in 22 years during the period from 1926 to 1948.
• Dhyan Chand is regarded as India's greatest hockey player ever. Under the leadership of Dhyan Chand, the Indian Hockey team has achieved several victories. He has led India into 3 Olympic gold medals in 1928,1932 and 1936.
• National Sports Day is also known as the Rashtriya Khel Divas.
• The main reason behind celebrating National Sports Day lies in championing the spirit of sportsmanship and propagating the message of various sports.

The Correct Answer is Maharishi Patanjali.

• The author of the most prominent book on Yoga, Yog Darshan is Maharishi Patanjali.
• Yog Darshan is very useful and important literature for devotees.

Additional Information

Some other books on Yoga - 

The Correct Answer is Maize.

• Zein is a class of prolamin proteins that are mainly present in maize.
• It is the main storage protein found in the seeds of maize.
• Zeins are stored in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), derived protein bodies.
• All the zein polypeptides are products of different structural genes. Most of the prolamin genes have a promoter element called the endosperm or prolamin box.
• Whole over the world**, maize** is known as the queen of cereals because it has the highest genetic yield potential among the cereals.
• Maize is the third most important food crop after rice and wheat in India.

Additional Information

Paddy:-

• Paddy, also called rice paddy used to cultivate rice in southern and eastern Asia.

Soybean:-

• Soya-bean is a native of East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean.
• It is high in protein and a decent source of both carbs and fat.

Oat:-

• The Oats, called the common oat, is a species of cereal grain.
• They are mainly eaten as an ingredient in breakfast cereals, and in baked goods.

The correct answer is Tharparkar.

Key Points

• Tharpakar Cow
• It is originated in the Tharparkar district of southeast Sindh in Pakistan.
• It is also known as the White Sindhi, Gray Sindhi, and Thari.
• The Tharparkar cattle are dual-purpose animals.
• They are used for both milk production and also for using as a draught animal.
• The age of first calving ranges from 38-42 months and inter calving period from 430 to 460 days.

Additional Information

• Gir Cow
• The Gir cattle is an important dairy cattle breed of India, and they are best known for their milking prowess.
• Sindhi Cow
• This breed is also called Red Karachi and Sindhi.
• This breed is mostly found in Karachi and Hyderabad district of Pakistan.
• The milk yield of this type of cow ranges from 1100-2600 kgs.
• It is widely used in crossbreeding programs.
• The age of first calving ranges from 39-50 months and inter calving period from 425-540 days.
• Jersey Cow
• Jersey Cow is the smallest type of dairy type of cattle developed on the island of Jersey, U.K.
• In India, this breed has adapted well and is widely used in crossbreeding with indigenous cows.
• These types of cows are economical producers of milk with 5.3% fat and 15% SNF(Solid-not-fat).

The correct answer is 15.

Key Points

Agro-Climatic Zones in India

• In 1988 the Planning Commission came up with a growth strategy based on a holistic approach of area planning for long-term resource efficiency and sustainability.
• During the late nineteen eighties, a consensus seemed to have been achieved on the primacy of topography for a regional division of India.
• Based on this notion the Planning Commission proposed 15 agro-climatic zones, these have still existed wide variation in a geographical area, population density, soil types, and crops are grown.
• To increase the degree of homogeneity in agro-climatic factors, these 15 zones were further sub-divided into 73 subzones based on more specific soil types, topography, climate, and cropping pattern characteristics.
• A planning team was set up for each zone and each zone was sub-regionalized on the basis of factors intrinsically related to the character of the agricultural economy.