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2007 SOLVED PAPER I Time Allowed : Three Hours Maximum Marks : 300
Candidates should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question.
Q. 1 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words) : 30
(a) What was the character of socio-religious reforms in the 19th Century and how did they contribute to the national awakening in India? Important Points for Answer: - Reforms in the 19th century - Character - Contribution in national awakening - Positive - Negative
Answer: In the 19th century various factors led to socio-religious reforms in Indian society. Western influence and education played a vital role in this awakening. These reforms aimed at abolition of social evils like Purdah system, child marriage, polygamy, polytheism, female infanticide, restriction on widow remarriage, sati etc. It also reformed religious rigidities, dogmas, superstition, idolatory, caste hierarchy, obscurantism, etc. These reforms came through various movements and acts. Movements like Brahmo Samaj by Raja Rammohan Roy, Prarthna Samaj, Young Bengal Movement by Derozio, Women empowerment by Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar and others played important role in reforming social and religious spheres of India in 19th century. Character: They aimed at removing the superstition in religion, helped in reducing caste rigidities, spread education, some were revivalist in nature which awakened past glory of India, like Arya Samaj by Dayanand Saraswati, some movements aimed at religious upliftment and consciousness, social practices were aimed to be purge of ill-habits and effects, movements like Wahabi Movement, Aligarh Movement, Deoband Movement were concerned with Muslim socio-religious reforms, which sometimes became critical to national interest, same was the case with some Hindu religious movements like Bharat Dharma Mahamandal, which preached Orthodoxy. some legislations like Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act-1856, Age of Consent Act-1891, Bengal Regulation of 1829 banning Sati etc. were also influenced by social reforms. Contribution: These movements were not directly aimed at national awakening. Many of them were limited in their sphere except some all India movements like Ramakrishna Movement Arya Samaj and Theosophical Movement. But yet they positively contributed in liberating individual in making worship and religion more personal affairs in reducing caste-based and religion based differences in strengthening secularism in providing a base for social modernisation And, ultimately increasing, as summing up all these effects, national consciousness. Some negative contributions, like having narrow social base, increasing differences as side effects, indirectly contributing to increase mystic vision, leading communal differences among Hindus and Muslims etc. They also limited the scope of their contribution in national awakening. Concluding as a whole, it is true that these reforms helped in national awakening in the time where no other means were available for that purpose.
(b) The crisis of the colonial order during 1919 and 1939 was directly linked to the constitutional reforms, disillusionment and militant anticolonial struggles. Elucidate. Important Points for Answer: - Crisis in Colonial order - Constitutional Reforms - Disillusionment - Militant anti-colonial struggles
Answer: During 1919 and 1939, the colonial order faced a threatening crisis in India as all over the world. Even before the end of the first world war, some revolutionary activities had created a trouble in colonial order. At the end of the first world war in 1919, the Government gave India the Government of India Act-1919. This was wholly unsatisfactory and was protested commonly by all groups and leaders. Though the protest of Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh incident was of much importance in this crisis, yet another major protest after the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement was the Anti-Simon agitation which became violent. Again, the Civil Disobedience and Dandi March were the major crisis creating actions for the colonial order. To get rid of these crisis and as a response to them, some constitutional reforms were awarded by the British Government. Like, the Act of 1919 enlarged the Indian membership in legislative council and also introduced dual government system. Again, Simon Commission was introduced to recommend measures to amend the Act of 1919 but it was severely protested. But the Government of India Act-1935 gave a popular election and federal structure to the Indian polity. Election was participated by Indian parties and they formed government in the Centre and provinces. On the other hand, these crisis break away the illusionments of Indians towards the British rule. The Act of 1919 disappointed freedom fighters. British style of reforming Indian Constitution without respecting Indian opinion e.g. Constitution of the Simon Commission was also a shock. Now Congress adopted ‘freedom’ as its goal in 1929. Also the illusion that the League represented the Muslims and Congress to the Hindus was also done away with by the result of the 1937 elections. As response to these crisis, encouraged by them, some activists choose a violent path of struggle to get rid of colonial rule. They killed unpopular British officers, looted government treasures and committed robberies like Kakori-1925, etc. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru anti Sukhdev threw a bomb in Central Assembly and let themselves hanged in 1931. Thus, we can sum up that colonial crisis during 1919 to 1939 was responsible for awakening Indians for more constitutional reforms - even to the extent that Indians themselves tried their Constitution in the form of the Nehru Report-1928. These crisis also encouraged militant struggles. All these happened because this period helped in disillusioning the old beliefs regarding Indian conditions and British supremacy.
Q. 2 Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(a) What are the salient features of the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1909 ? Important Points for Answer: - Salient features of: - Government of India Act 1858 - Government of India Act 1909
Answer: Salient features of the Government of India Act - 1858 : It transferred to the British Crown the powers of Company to govern India. The administration was to be run by Her Majesty, through the Secretary of State for India, assisted by the Council of India. Council of India had 15 members, 8 appointed by the Crown and 7 elected by the Court of Directors. The Court of Directors and Board of Control were abolished. The Council of India-was an advisory body, with the Secretary of State as its Chairman. This act made India a direct colony of the British Crown. Salient features of the Government of India Act-1909 : It is also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms. It increased the number of elected members in the Imperial Legislative Council and the Provincial Legislative Councils. However, overall majority of non-elected members remained intact. Even elected members were to be elected indirectly by electoral college, elected by local bodies. Separate electorate was introduced. Muslims were allocated 8 seats, British capitalists 6 seats, landlords 2 seats and general electorate were allocated 13 seats out of total 27 non-official seats of total 68 seats in Imperial Legislative Council. Muslims were also provided representation in excess to their strength. Powers of legislatures were enlarged to enable it to pass resolution and ask questions and supplementaries, but yet not able to vote upon the budget as a whole. One Indian was to be appointed to the Viceroy’s executive council. This was criticised by Indian freedom fighters.
(b) Do you think Mahatma Gandhi’s support to Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials? Give your argument based on the assessment of events. Important Points for Answer: - Khilafat Movement - Anti-secular element - Justification - Conclusion
Answer: The Khilafat Movement had nothing to do with the Indian politics. It was a purely Islamic movement supporting the cause of Khalifa of Turkey on religious bases, against the British Government. It rose out of the defeat of Turkey and allies in the first world war against the British and allies. Gandhi had always advocated for secular politics. He was against the use of religion as an agenda. But supporting the Khilafat issue was severely criticized by many leaders as diluting his secular credentials. But Gandhi was justified. Because the League had started to advocate itself as a Muslim representative organisation and branding the Congress as a Hindu body. This issue gave a chance to wash away these branding blames. Again, here the nation saw an unprecedented Hindu-Muslim unity during 1919 to 1922. Both community spiritedly opposed the British. And after it, Gandhi never supported religion based politics. He even opposed the partition on religious bases. So, it can be concluded that it was not an anti-secular act by Gandhi but only an opportunity to cement the Hindu-Muslim unity to make Indian politics more participatory and really secular, i.e. supported by all religions equally.
(c) Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause of India’s struggle for independence. Important Points for Answer: - Revolutionary Activities - Contribution
Answer: Bhagat Singh was one of the youth who opted for a violent way to get rid of the British rulers and to end exploitation. He provided a good leadership to such youth. He was one of the founder of the Hindustan Republican Association. They undertook revolutionary activities like robberies, killing of unpopular officials, e.g. murder of Saunders’, bombing in Central Assembly as the main influencing act. They believed in sacrifice for the cause of nation. Their way, especially that of the group led by Bhagat Singh, created a new wave of national spirit among people when there was an environment of soothing struggle. Youthas well as other ages were inspired by his heroic acts. He did not only created an unvisioned violence but he was really a visionary of exploitationless world order. His ideas and act inspired people as well as leaders. On the eve of his execution, even British officials like Lord Irwin was afraid that nation may rose in a huge protest. Even Gandhi was given an insulting welcome on his way to Karachi by showing black flags. This was a person who not only created violence but also violated the belief of British rule that they will be able to rule India easily.
Q.3 Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each): 2 × 15 = 10
(a) Age of Sangam Literature
Answer: During the time of third century B.C. to first century B.C. Tamil literature flourished to give a classic age of literature in South India. It was during and among the ruling of the dynasties, namely, Cholas and Pandyas.
(b) Bhakti
Answer: It is a form of worship in Hinduism. Along with Gy ana
(Knowledge), Karma (Action), Bhakti (Devotion and Prayer) is one of the way to Moksha. It is to devote oneself to the deity and to worship god. 15th century A.D. is the time when Bhakti was at its peak.
(c) Ashtadhyayi of Panini
Answer: It is a book of grammar written by Panini. This book contains eight (Asta) chapters (Adhyaya) of Sanskrit Grammar. Panini was from Gandhara. The book also narrates contemporary social, political, economic and cultural account.
(d) Charvakas
Answer: A totally materialistic/philosophy. It does not accept even the existence of God. It believes neither in Karma nor in Dharma. It was established by Charvaka Rishi, it is also known as Lokayata Philosophy.
(e) Ajivikas
Answer: Established in nearly 6th century B.C. by Maskari Gosal, it was a community that believed in determination and did not believe in existence of God.
(f) Gandhara Art
Answer: Gandhara art developed in 1st and 2nd century B.C. in Gandhara region due to confluence of Indian and Greek art. It is mainly related to idol making. This architectural art is one of the most beautiful in India.
(g) Mlechchhas
Answer: Mlechchhas were tribes not believing in brahmanical religion. They also not followed Vedic religion. They were living out of towns.
(h) Lingayats Ans Lingayats worship Lord Shiva in the form of ‘Linga’. This Veerashiva community was founded by Vasava, a brahman. This is a form of Shaivism.
(i) Megasthenes
Answer: Ambassador of Seleucus Niketar in the court of Chandra Gupta Maurya. He wrote ‘Indica’, which gives a vivid account of Indian society of that time. But he could not understand Indian social system perfectly, so it is defective.
(j) R. C. Dutt Ans.The author of “the history of economics” in British India. He was an economist. He also played a role in explaining how British exploited India economically.
(k) Nagarjunakonda
Answer: Situated in Andhra Pradesh at present, it derives its name from the great Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna. Here is also an ancient Buddha stupa of Maurya age.
(l) Pastoralism
Answer: Pastoralism is a form of nomadic life, where people depend on cattle as their main source of livelihood. They wonder from one place to another in search of fodder. Initial vedic period belongs to pastoralism.
(m) Rudramadevi
Answer: A Kakatiya dynasty lady ruler of Warrangal. She ruled for more than three decades. She was the first lady ruler of India.
(n) Sati
Answer: Sati was a socio-religious evil practised among various Hindu communities. Here a widow burns herself along with the dead body of her husband on the funeral pyre.
(o) Ramanuja
Answer: A religious preacher of Bhakti movement. He gave slogan of ‘Brahma Satya, Jagat Satya’. He preached ‘Visista-advaitavada’.
Q.4 Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each) : 10 × 2 = 20
(a) Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in the development of the South - West monsoon. Important Points for Answer: - Development of S-W Monsoon - Role of Himalayan and Tibetan Highlands
Answer: In hot season of April-May, the landmass of Indian sub-continent gets heated by the sun rays. This decreases pressure and increases temperature of the land in comparison to the water bodies of the Indian ocean and Arab Sagar. As a result, air on Indian landmass goes up developing jet stream and moisturised air from Arabian sea approaches India on the starting of June from South-west direction causing rain. The Himalayan and the Tibetan plateau are highlands. They help in getting much heat and so decreasing pressure. Then they prevent the moisturised winds blowing from water bodies. So, they give rainfall in India. They are important for maximum rainfall in north Indian states and north-west land rainfall. These highlands not only help in getting rain but also help in getting for a longer period. Otherwise, the winds would have crossed India and duration and amount of rainfall would not be as high as it is.
(b) Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in India. How far do you agree with this view? Important Points for Answer: - Use of roads - Technological changes - Shift
Answer: Roads are considered the “Life line” of transportation system in India. Indian roads are increasing in length due to their rising importance and use. Today, there is about 33 lacs km of roads. Of which only 2% of National Highways carries nearly 40% of transportation. This is due to good quality of these NHs. Technological changes have given a boost to transportation facilities. Even air-travelling is now much easier and cheaper. Railway has also assumed more importance. These have effects on road transport. But improving quality of all weather metallic roads, Golden quadrilateral and East-West, North-South national corridor, Express highways etc. have sustained importance of roads. Moreover, modern technologies in road vehicles also help in it. Subways and flyovers are also technological changes that lead roads to claim for more importance. The shift is due to demand of good quality road that is hurdle free and cost and fuel saving. Therefore, there is a shift in road use as transport corridors.
(c) Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India. Important Points for Answer: - Slums in metropolitan cities - Nature - Causes
Answer: In India, number of metropolitan cities are increasing and with that increases slums attached to them. Accordingly, about 1440 lacs of people today, live in slums. The nature and causes of slums are as below Nature : They develop at the outer edges of cities, on sides of roads and other cheap places; They lack pure drinking water facilities; There are no sanitation system maintained properly; They are dirty places without hygienic air, space or light; Dwelling facilities are also not properly liveable; Disease and mortality rates are high; Law and order is also not properly maintained. Causes : Unemployment in rural area drift people to cities in search of job and without property they became slum dwellers. Development of industries and services are mainly concentrated in cities. Cities have no space to accomodate immigrates in proper facilitated space so this result in increase of slums. Lack of proper management and implementation of law on the part of town authorities.
Q.5 Write notes on the following (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 =10
(a) Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
Answer: SEZs are territories which are excluded from normal rules and regulations of the sovereign land for the purpose of economic development. There is also some tax benefit. It is implemented from April 2000.
(b) Inceptisol
Answer: It is a kind of brown soil. It contains less aluminium and iron, so it is brown. New land classification includes it.
(c) Jarawas
Answer: Jarawas is a Andaman-Nicobari tribal community since ancient times. This community is at the risk of extinction now. So government is worried for their conservation.
(d) Indira Point
Answer: Indira Point is the southern most land point of India. It is an island. It is the part of Andaman and Nicobar situated in the Indian Ocean.
(e) Causes of Chambal Ravines
Answer: The flowing river current towards lowlands from the hills of Chambal causes soil erosion in its way, creating ravines. This is the cause of Chambal Ravines.
Q.6 Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250 words) : 30
(a) What is a Constitution ? What are the main sources of the Indian Constitution ? Important Points for Answer: - What is a Constitution ? - Sources of Indian Constitution.
Answer: Wade and Philips defined a Constitution as : A Constitution means a document having a special legal sanctity which sets out the framework and the principal functions of the organs of the Government of a State and declares the principles governing the operation of those organs. It is also said that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land which cannot be violated even by the Government. It is an Umbrella Legislation. Sources of Indian Constitution Parliamentary System : India adopted the Parliamentary system of government. One of the main reasons was that this system was familiar to India. This was adopted from the United Kingdom. Again, related to this, the Legislative procedure and the Parliamentary privileges were directly adopted from the United Kingdom. Republican model was chosen from the Constitution of France. The procedure of amending the Constitution is adopted from South African Constitution. Federal structure of Government is directly inherited from the Government of India Act-1935. Some features related to judiciary, like the Supreme Court—its organisation and powers, judicial review and the provisions of the fundamental rights are inspired from the U.S.A. Constitution. Legal processes like “Rule of Law” and the “due process of law” are accepted from U.K. and U.S.A. respectively. Similarly, procedure established by law is taken from Japan. The post of Vice-President of India is similar to provisions of the Constitution of USA. The Directive Principles of State Policy are ensourced from Ireland and the Emergency provisions are from the Constitution of Germany. Again, federal aspects like the Concurrent list is derived from Australian system. Federation with a strong centre is mainly Canadian tendency. Fundamental duties are taken from the Russian Constitution. Thus, Indian Constitution has taken many features borrowed from other systems of the world to make it more comprehensive and effective.
(b) Bring out the differences between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy. Discuss some of the measures taken by the Union and State Governments for the implementation of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Important Points for Answer: - Difference between the Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles of State Policy - Measures
Answer: These are the following differences between the Fundamental Rights (FRs) and the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs). First and the foremost difference is that the FRs are justiciable in a court of law and DPSPs are no so. The fundamental rights are negative instructions to the state that it shall not taken away on abridge any of the rights provided in Part III except following the procedure of the Constitution, while the DPSPs are positive in the form and are directions to the State to enact legislations to give effect to them. DPSPs in Part IV are essential in the governance of the country for achieving the goals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India. Fundamental Rights are very basic for all over development of a person as a human being. Article 12 to 35 provides the FRs, Article 36 to 51 deals with DPSPs. Implementation measures : Zamindari, Jagirdaris etc. old institutions of hereditary proprietory have been abolished by the Government under Article39
(b) which provides for distribution of ownership and control of the material resources of the community to the common good. Untouchability is now a punishable offence under the Constitution aiming at equality. The Government has fixed minimum wages for workers and has also modernised the labour laws, to improve the conditions of labourers, this is to implement Article-42 providing for just and human conditions of work. Panchayats have been established by the 73rd and 74th Amendments in 1992 under Article-40. For promotion of cottage industries, the government has established All India Khadi and Village Industries Board, Small Scale Industries Boards, Silk Board, All India Handicrafts Board, All India Handloom Board etc. and other boards. Compulsory education to children between the age of 6 to 14 has been made a fundamental right under Article 21-A. Many states have enacted laws to prohibit slaughters of cows and calves
(Article 48). Separation of judiciary from the executive under Article-50 is also implemented in some states like Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, etc. To protect monuments and places and objects of national importance (Article 49), Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological sites and remains
(Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951 has been enacted. By adding a new Article 31C to the Part III Article 39(b) and (c) have been given supremacy over the Fundamental Rights. Nationalisation of Banks in 1971 and Land Reforms are also similar measures. Even the judiciary has adopted a trend to evolve some of the DPSPs to the status of the FRs to made them justiciable. Thus, the Centre and the State Governments have implemented various DPSPs through suitable measures.
Q.7 Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250 words) : 30
(a) What is Regionalism ? In which way regionalism has affected the Indian polity ? Important Points for Answer: - Regionalism - Effect on Indian Polity.
Answer: Regionalism is a tendency of people to feel more affinity to their territory, language, culture and social habits. They give more importance to their own territorial region in comparison to other parts of the nation. This tendency creates feelings of doing more and getting more for the interest and development of own region. Though it helps in development and growth of a region by its people but on the other hand, it also creates feelings of ignorance or neglecting towards other regions. This hurts the all over development of a country like India. India is a country with various diversity. In geographical, historical, social, cultural and linguistic fields such differences can be seen among various regions of India. These differences lead to politically different ideologies and give rise to regional political parties to protect and preserve specific interest of a region. Since 1990s, India notices tremendously increasing role of regional political parties. Even we can find its genesis in the protest of Hindi as a national language by the South Indian states, in the era of coalition government, we can see that allied parties in the government pressurises the main ruling party to tilt its policies in the interest of any specific regions. It many times, subsides national interest. Moreover, such regionalism has became a big hurdle in two party politics and stable government. Today, regional parties are growing importance. They mostly stuck to their region specific demands. Inter-state water disputes, emerging demands of new states and sometimes region specific violent struggle are evils of regionalism. Vidarbha, Telangana etc. are demanding their own separate states. Northeastern groups are even demanding for freedom - or at least autonomy in the forms of ‘Nagalim” and ‘The Great Assam’. It is admitted that nationalism must be respected over regionalism and so national spirit should be spread.
(b) What are the main determinants of voting behaviour in India ? Important Points for Answer: - Voting behaviour - Indian determinants
Answer: Voting is essential process in a democratic set up. Parties try to capture maximum number of votes to come in power to govern the state. To this end, they have to develop and determine the voting behaviour of the voters. In India, the study of last 57 years of democracy show the following factors as determining the voting behaviour : Castism : Various castes are represented by a person as the main agenda of election. This is the most ancient and most widely used factor. Rajputs, Harijans, Brahmins etc. are some of the mostly used castes as agenda in electoral process. Religion : Secondly comes religion Hinduism, Islam, etc. are mostly used. The league had started representing Islamic community. Though in a secular state like India, it must not be used. Yet it is a fact that religion plays a vital role especially where both followers are situated in a constituency. Regionalism : It is getting more and more importance since 1990s. Demanding separate region, promoting region specific interest, claiming representation to end exploitation etc. are the emerging causes from regionalism that determines voting behaviour. Language : At state level politics, language does not play a big role but at national level, it is a deciding factor. For example, Anti-Hindi agitation in South India was one such method. Race : Sometimes and in some regions, yet race plays a role like in North Eastern states, it will be very tough to get elected by any South Indian and so is the case with South India also. Charismatic personality : Some political leaders magnetise a huge mass to attract votes. Like Jawahar Lai Nehru, Indira Gandhi etc. They due to their personal influence of behaviour, look, style and ideology attract a number of voters. Incidences : Some important and sudden events and incidences can change the equations in politics. Like, proclaiming emergency was such an incident that drove Indira Gandhi out of power and so Janta Government could come to power. Ideology : Some political ideologies play a deciding role like Communism, Socialism, democrats etc. in Kerala and West Bengal, its tough to ride out Leftists because people have communist ideology in their tendency but it is limited to those states only. Development : It is an agenda that is practised in developed democracy. When development is used as a factor, it is a sign of old and smooth running democratic system. It is admitted that this is the main and desirable factor that should play a big role in determining the voting behaviour. These are the determining factors of voting behaviour in India.
Q.8 Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) : 15 × 2 =30
(a) What are the exceptions when the President of India is not bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers ? Important Points for Answer: - Position of the President of India - When can President exercise discretionary powers ?
Answer: In India, the President is nominal head of the state while real executive powers are vested in the Prime Minister, who is the head of the Council of Ministers. The President of India is bound to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers. But in the following exceptional situations, he can exercise his discretionary powers. The President can require the Council of Ministers to reconsider the bill sent to him under Article 111. He can ask for information from the Prime Minister regarding functioning of the Government (Article 78). The President generally appoints the head of the party that wins majority of the seats as the Prime Minister but in situations where no party can claim absolute majority to form a government, he can use his discretion to appoint a person as the Prime Minister but he has to give a time to prove that person his majority. The Council of Ministers is answerable to the Lok Sabha, if any government loses the support of the Lower House, the President is not bound to follow the advice of such Council of Ministers. Except these situations, the President has to follow the advice of the Cabinet Ministers and he has no authority to exercise his powers personally.
(b) What is pro tem speaker? Important Points for Answer: - Pro-tem Speaker - Constitutional provisions - Importance or functions
Answer: The Pro tern Speaker is a temporary and operative person on the chair of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on State Legislative Assemblies. He is to work for a limited period. Till the new speaker and deputy speakers are elected after the election, a Pro tern speaker is chosen. Newly elected house is yet to elect its speaker. So to run activities till he is elected, the house chooses one of them with an agreement to work as a Pro tern speaker. Even on other situations, where the posts of the speaker and deputy speaker lie vacant e.g. death, resignation etc. In such situations, a Pro tern speaker is to handle the activities of the House. Except in routine work, the Pro tern speaker has not as much a power with himself as the speaker. He is to run the activities for a limited period and so he cannot or at least does not exercise the serious powers of the speaker like defection, etc. But in regular routine, he enjoys same powers, position, privilege and immunities as that of a speaker.
(c) Under what circumstances, Parliament may legislate on State subjects? Important Points for Answer: - Parliament’s powers - When it can legislate upon the State subjects ?
Answer: In normal circumstances, the Centre and the State cannot interfere into the fields of eachother. But in exceptional circumstances, as provided herein, Parliament can legislate upon the state subjects : Article-249, when the Rajya Sabha by a two third majority passes a resolution giving Parliament such power in national interest. During proclamation of emergency under Article 250. Such law remains in effect for six months after the emergency ceases to operate. When two or more states passes a resolution that it is desirable to have a law passed by Parliament on any specified matter in State list. This is power given by consent. Even to give effect to treaties and international agreements, Parliament can enact a law under Article 253. Here, normal distribution of power does not stand in the way. In case of failure of the constitutional machinery in a State, under Article 256. When the Parliament declares that the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. In these situations, the Parliament gets power to enact a law upon the State subject.
Q.9 answer the following question ( in about 20 words each ): 2 × 5 = 10
(a) What is criminalization in politics?
Answer: Criminalization of politics means to use criminal force for political purpose by the politicians either in winning elections or other political works. It also suggests increasing number of criminals in politics.
(b) How is the President of India elected ?
Answer: The President of India is elected by an electoral college, consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and MLAs, through a transferable vote in the form of secret ballot under Article 55.
(c) What is casting vote ?
Answer: When any bill or motion is being voted in a legislature, and both sides gets equal votes than the Presiding Officer has a right to cast a vote on either side, it is called Casting Vote.
(d) What is the difference between Council of Ministers and Cabinet?
Answer: The Cabinet is the inner circle of the highest rank of Ministers of any government while the Council of Ministers is a larger circle that includes more ministers.
(e) What is the importance of Right to Constitutional Remedies ?
Answer: To give effect to any of the fundamental rights, the right to remedy is essential. Without right to remedy (under Article 32 and 226), the fundamental rights would be of no use. It is considered as the soul of the Constitution.
Q. 10 Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250 words) : 30
(a) What were the main recommendations of the Platform for Action
(PFA) adopted at the Beijing Women Conference, 1995 ? Important Points for Answer: - Main Points - Main Recommendations PLATFORM FOR ACTION (PFA)
Answer: The 1995 Conference will adopt a “Platform for Action”, analyzing obstacles to women’s advancement and recommending steps for overcoming them. They are intended to mobilize society to meet the challenges and demands of the next century. In 1985, when goals to the year 2000 were established at the Nairobi Conference, known as the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women to the Year 2000, those goals were an appeal for government strategies to address the impact on women of government policies in areas such as employment, education, industrial investment, housing, transportation and the environment. The Platform is intended to speed up the process of making the Forwardlooking Strategies a reality, by proposing actions to be taken by policy makers and by women and men at the grass roots. The proposed actions have realistic and quantifiable targets; the average woman could ither undertake them herself or ask her political leaders to do so. They focus on ten critical areas of concern: poverty; education and health; violence against women; the effects of arpred or other kinds of conflict; economic participation; powersharing; insufficient mechanisms to promote women’s advancement; human rights; mass media; and environment and development. The goals of the Forward-looking Strategies, which were intended to be implemented by the year 2000, are deliberately ambitious. In the legal domain, they include equal rights for women, the abolition of slavery and prostitution, establishing a legal minimum age for marriage and punishing female infanticide. At the social policy level, the Strategies call for access by all women to maternity leave, maternal health care, family planning, nutrition and education, as well as for increased national health budgets. Governments are asked to develop incentives for the provision of child care and to start campaigns for equal sharing of domestic responsibilities. The percentage of women in politics and management is to be increased, and there is a call for legislation to prevent violence against women and eliminate female circumcision.
(b) Discuss the steps to get rid of child labour in India. Important Points for Answer: - Child labour - Steps recommended
Answer: Child labour is a blame upon the Indian democracy. It is a curse upon the society that children in the age of ‘study and play’ have to work to earn money. Indian poverty has made it compulsory to employ children in payable work as self-employment to meet the ends of the family. Many a times, children have to work due to compulsion by their drunkered parent. Steps must be taken to prevent the child labour, as the children are the future of our country. They must be provided with opportunities of education, skillbuilding and their development. Crores of children work today and policies and plannings have failed to achieve their goals. So, following steps must be taken : Implementation of legislations properly. Stringent punishment to employers. Social awareness regarding evil effects of the child labour upon the future of thesociety and that of the child and family itself. Alternatives to the abolition of the child labour in the form of Funds for their rehabilitation and compensation for the loss of income to the vulnerably poor families. Welfare funds by the government can be established to take care of such children. Proper facilities of free education to such children. They should be provided free meal and scholarship apart from free books and literature of their study. They can be given vocational education so that at the age of earning, they should not have to search for a job which is tough to find. Child labour policy should be re-examined to make it more effective. A Commission should be set up in each district to monitor the implementation of related laws and to create awareness in the society’. Where possible and necessary, alternate employment should be provided to an adult from the family of the child so removed from labour. The employers violating the laws should be forced to deposit an amount in a fund which can be utilised to remove this curse from India. Hazardous industries are already banned from child employment and now domestic work is also banned. Related bills and acts can be drafted or amended in such a way as to make them more operative rather than more oppressive. At the base, social awareness is must to remove child labour, so education in such vulnerable localities can help to improve their conditions. A Commission can be set up to recommend on this aspect and the directions of the Supreme Court given in the case of the M.C. Mehta case can be followed.
Q. 11 Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each) : 10 × 2 = 20
(a) What is stealth technology ? Important Points for Answer: - Stealth technology - Purpose & Use
Answer: Stealth technology is a sub-discipline of electronic countermeasures which covers a range of techniques used with aircraft, ships and missiles, in order to make them less visible (ideally invisible) to radar, infrared and other detection methods. It is a defence technology used in preparing fighter planes, sub-marines and other vehicles for the purpose of war through land, water or air medium. The instruments using stealth technology cannot be traced by the enemy radars or other detective systems, so they can safely attack their target. Enemy cannot destroy such weapons because of failure in locating them as wrongful location given to them. At present, America, Russia have such stealth technology. Some other nations are also developing it. If this technology is developed and used widely, they can change the nature of war. It can result in only destruction and no prevention. So, stealth missiles, planes, tankers or ships are being developed to attack from any front. Anti-stealth radars or other tracing instruments have yet not been developed by any country.
(b) Differentiate between Natural and Cultural heritage. Important Points for Answer: - Natural heritage - Cultural heritage
Answer: Natural heritage are those which are gifted naturally to mankind. Like rivers, mountains, desert, vegetation etc. are natural gifts. Streams, lakes, vegetations, animals, fields may also be natural heritage. Everything that is natural is not heritage. Only those natural things which have specific importance to the area or nation as a whole. In India, some biosphere reserves like Sunderbans, Nilgiri etc. are recognised as natural heritage. On the other hand, those sites which are developed by mankind during the course of evolution of cultural civilisation can be included in cultural heritage. Some form of art, music, painting, dance, architecture etc. In India, Lai Killa, Kathak dance, Bhagwad Gita are included in Cultural heritage. UNESCO prepares a list of Cultural and Natural heritage every year. Thus, certainly, natural heritage is gifted to mankind without any human efforts while the cultural heritage are man-made.
(c) What is value-based politics ? Important Points for Answer: - Value based politics - Importance
Answer: Value-based politics means political ideology and practice that is based on certain values like secularism, national benefit, truth, welfare state, democratic preservation, etc. Such value-based politics is necessary to create an ideal democracy. Idealistic ideology can lead a corruption free politics. So, value-based practice can help in national development. It is aimed at national, social and human interests. It does not use corruption, criminal force, men or money power, regionalism, religion or caste, language or race as the agenda of politics. It is also seen that value-based politics is a sign of developed democratic and social order. It is sadly confirmed that India at present is much far from value-based politics. Today, no party in India is strictly following an ideology. They can give up any ideals and that too, to any extent for power or position. Therefore, value-based politics is required to be developed in India.
Q. 12 Write notes on any txvo of the following (in about 125 words each) :10 × 2= 20
(a) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Important Points for Answer: - The Scheme - Main Objectives - Main Provisions
Answer: The Integrated Child Development Sevices Programme aims at providing services to preschool children in an integrated manner so as to ensure proper growth and development of children in rural, tribal and slum areas. ICDS is a centrally sponsored scheme. Objectives: To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0 to 6 years. To lay the foundations for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child. To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop-out. To achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development. To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education. The delivery of sevices to the different beneficiary groups is as follows: Beneficiaries Services 1. Children below 6 months of age i. Immunization, ii. Health Check-up, iii. Referral Services 2. Children between 6 months to 3 years of age i. Supplementary Nutrition ii. Immunization, iii. Health Check-up, iv. Referral Services 3. Children between 3 to 6 years of age i. Supplementary Nutrition, ii. Immunization, iii. Health Check-up, iv. Referral Services, v. Nonformal pre-school education 4. Expectant and nursing mothers i. Health Check-up, ii. Immunization of expectant mothers against tetanus, iii. Referral Services, iv. Supplementary Nutrition, v. Education on Nutrition & Health 5. Other women 15 to 45 years i. Education on Nutrition & Health 6. Adolescent girls between 11 to 18 years of age (Under Kishori Shakti Yojana) i. Education on Nutrition & Health, ii. Supplementary Nutrition, iii. Awareness generation on women and children rights
(b) Prime Minister’s 5-point agenda for India’s development as a knowledge society. Important Points for Answer: - 5-points agenda India as a Knowledge society
Answer: To develop India as a knowledge society, the Prime Minister has given 5-point agenda. These are related to : Information Technology : to develop and get benefit of the IT sector in telecommunication, medical, engineering, economic services and other fields of science and technology. Education expansion : to aim at expanding educational services and access to all to the education to create education oriented society. Networking : to expand a world wide network of telecommunication and broadcasting services to interact with the world community. Interconnection : interconnection among the power based technologies, economic flora and information related topics. Law and implementation : to educate people and to create such an environment where there is close contact between people and government and a law and order situation is maintained. These were the themes of the PM’s 5-point agenda aimed at making India a knowledge society.
(c) The Lokpal Bill Important Points for Answer: - Lokpal Bill - Main points
Answer: The Lokpal Bill is aimed at getting rid of the corruption in the political system. This is based on the system of Ombudsman. The bill is yet not passed and it is most sought bill by educated people. Main points and features are : It creates a quasi-judicial authority, namely the Lokpal, who shall be selected by a committee under the chairmanship of the Vice-President. A person who is or has been the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India can be appointed as the Lokpal. He shall be co-operated with other members. The Lokpal shall have authority to hear an application of complaint against any of the Member of Parliament and also a Member of the Council of Ministers. The President and the Vice-President are kept out of the authority of Lokpal’s jurisdiction. Even the Prime Minister is brought in the scope of his jurisdiction except regarding his working in the fields of National Security or National Systems. If the Chairman of the Lokpal is blamed and charges against him are proved, then he may be removed from his office. This system, if established would help in improving administration and governance of the nation.
Q. 13 Write short notes on the following (in about 20 words each) :2 × 5 = 10
(a) Yakshagana
Answer: Started by Vijayanagar artists in the 14th and 15th century, this form of dance is a local art of South India.
(b) PACE
Answer: PACE is a super computer. It is developed by the Department of Research and Development Organisation to develop and design missiles, fighter aircrafts and other strategic services.
(c) Footloose Industries
Answer: These industries are those which are movable to some extent. Not attached to any particular place or religion, they have an advantage of greater mobility.
(d) The Statue of Liberty
Answer: Situated in New York, U.S.A., it is a symbol of liberty of mankind. It depicts a lady with a torch in her raised hand. It was established on the American Independence.
(e) Genome
Answer: A collection of genes in an organism. This is responsible for the hereditary qualities of it. It is situated within DNA.
Q. 1 Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 × 2 = 30
(a) Indo-Russian Defence Co-operation Important Points for Answer: - Areas - Importance - Co-operation Answer: India entered into treaty of peace, friendship and co-operation in August 1971 with the Soviet Union as a concrete step in defence co-operation with it. This twenty years treaty helped in expanding scope in defence cooperation. It continues even after USSR’s disintegration with Russia. Both nations have worked jointly in R & D, manufacturing & marketing in defence field. Both are jointly engaged in producing fifth generation of state-of-the-art fighter jet. Brahmos missile is another milestone in this field. It is supersonic antiship cruise missile. India has agreed to join Russian programme of developing a next generation fighter, by Sukhoi-planned to make its maiden flight by 2009. Recently during President Putin’s visit to New Delhi on 26th January, 2007 both expressed need to expand India-Russia-China trilateral cooperation. Both expressed strong support to the UN Security Council Resolution 1737 on Iran’s nuclear issue on international defence field. Russia will transfer technologies and licences for the production of sophisticated military equipments, namely T-90 main battle tank, 50-30 MK-I fighters, etc. Russia also co-operates in Navy, Air Force and Army fields of India. Thus, Russia has helped strengthening India’s defence power and India has proved a big customer to Russia.
(b) India’s response to political crisis in Bangladesh Important Points for Answer: - Political crisis in Bangladesh - Indian Response Answer: When the term of Begum Khaleeda Zia led Government of Bangladesh National Party (BNP) ended in 2006, political crisis started. The President declared emergency in January, 2007 and also he appointed Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed as the Chief Advisor to the caretaker government. He also formed a new interim government. To this political crisis, India responded very positively in the interest of Bangladesh. After this emergency Indian External Affairs Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee visited Dhaka in February 2007 and held talks with top leadership. In June, 2007 Foreign Secretary level talks were held at Dhaka where India’s Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon addressed on “Creating A South Asian Identity : India-Bangladesh Relations”. He said that the people of Bangladesh and their political parties should resolve outstanding issues through discussions and dialogue among themselves, rather than through external intervention or pressure. India also believes that people should be able to exercise their franchise in free and fair elections. On this point, India supports ongoing electoral reforms. India also favours Bangladeshi President’s attempt to make parties free of corruption. India is ready to develop relations with Bangladesh and it wants the crisis must be solved with better result immediately.
(c) Elaborate on India’s Nuclear Doctrine. Important Points for Answer: - Nuclear Doctrine - Main points
Answer: India declared its nuclear doctrine in 1999 after its second nuclear explosion. This doctrine is the policy that India follows regarding its nuclear programme. The doctrine has following main points : India shall not use first its nuclear weapons. No use against any non-nuclear state. Use only in case where Indian territory or armed forces are attacked by nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons. Nuclear weapons shall be maintained under a Nuclear Command Authority under Political representatives. India shall have always maintain a stock required for minimum deterrence. India voluntarily declared ban on further nuclear test or explosion but it can revive the programme if national security so demands. India shall always dialogue with other nations to make the world free of nuclear weapons and disarmament on equal basis. India will also continue dialogue on treaty for reduction of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It is admitted that the Indian nuclear doctrine is perfectly in accordance with requirement of world peace. It shall not surrender its right even under 123 Agreement to conduct nuclear tests, if situation demands so.
Q. 2 Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words) : 10
(a) SAFTA
Answer: SAFTA - South Asian Free Trade Agreement. It is an agreement among SAARC members to develop free trade among them and to co-operate in economic development of each other and the region as a whole.
(b) India and East Asia Summit (EAS)
Answer: East Asia Summit was held in Cebu in 2007 which comprises ASEAN + 6 countries. India is one of these six nations. It is a platform for India to cultivate trade and economic relations with ASEAN members.
(c) Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (S.C.O.)
Answer: S.C.O. is established in 2001 by six nations - Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is for mutual cooperation in the fields of economic, defence and cultural sector.
(d) Panchsheel in India’s Foreign Policy
Answer: Panchsheel, five principles were enunciated by Jawahar Lai Nehru and Chou-en-lai, leaders of India and China, have became cornerstones of India’s foreign policy of peaceful co-existence in international relations.
(e) Relevance of NAM
Answer: Relevance of NAM : NAM - Non-align Movement has now assumed a multi-dimensional role in all over development of a state in various areas, with the passage of time, and has maintained its importance.
Q. 3 Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words)2 × 5 = 10
(a) Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yoiana, 2006
Answer: This scheme guarantees insurance for death, accident, disability etc. to new Indians and others living abroad. It is for the welfare of those people who migrate abroad.
(b) Indian All-Women Contingent to Liberia
Answer: Indian women mission is praised by the General Assembly. The mission was related to the mission of rapid action forces in Liberia-2006. The Trained Women Battalions had performed their work well.
(c) Madheshis in Nepal
Answer: Madheshis in Nepal are a hindi speaking community having descent of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar community of India. They are mainly cultivators having land ownership. They are being attacked by Maoists.
(d) Know India Programme (KIP)
Answer: KIP is a programme to introduce Indian culture, social and religious practices, architectural and geographical beauties to the foreigners and thus to attract tourists to India.
(e) Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
Answer: MOIA is a Union Ministry. It is responsible for the issues related to overseas Indians, their tour to India, their investment and developments related to these issues.
Q.4 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words): 30
(a) What is Dumping ? Evaluate the remedial measures taken by Government of India vis- a-vis WTO provisions regarding dumping. Important Points for Answer: - What is Dumping ? - WTO provisions - Measures by India
Answer: Dumping is a process to sell goods to foreign market at very lower prices. When production of a specified goods increases to a level where a threat is posed to the domestic market of falling prices even to the level below than the stipulated prices, the country opts to sell those goods in abroad even at a thrown away prices to save loss to its producers. But such dumping causes loss to the country where the goods are exported to. So it also takes some remedial measures to protect its domestic producers. Generally every country opted to put some quantitative restrictions upon the dumping and also charged high income tax. But according to changed guidelines of the WTO, such restrictions are prohibited now and so no country can impose quantitative restrictions upon imports. Due to these prohibitions, now India adopts some preventive measures which are allowed under the WTO rules. So, India gives subsidy to its farmers so that their production costs can be brought down and they can compete with imported goods. Also as second remedial measure, India imposes countervailing duties and additional charges on the goods thus imported. These charges brings the prices of the goods up and so to make them dearer. These measures help in making the domestic industries more competitive and due to competition and enhanced technological upgradation, consumers also get cheaper goods and with good qualities. Indian Commerce Ministry has established an organisation called ‘Directorate of Anti- Dumping’ to tackle with the issues of dumping. Main threats of dumping to India is in the spheres of agricultural produces and manufactures that are alloted to the small sector industries.
(b) Comment on the relationship between credit availability and agricultural growth in India. Important Points for Answer: - Agriculture in India - Requirement of Credit - Relationship between credit and growth.
Answer: In India, more than 60% of population still depends upon agriculture, directly or indirectly. Most of the cultivators are landless farmers or marginal farmers. They are not able to invest enough to get more production and use technological developments for their cultivation. This is one of the main reasons why Indian agriculture has less production per hectare and why facilities of technology and irrigation cannot be utilised properly. Credit would transform the labour intensive agriculture into capital intensive venture. It will also lead to land reforms and increase management process. Credit will also prevent post-harvest loss, it is a known fact that the Green Revolution could give result due to investment in agriculture and related technologies. The states like Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra which emphasise on agriculture credit are showing growth in agriculture. They have made available credit to their farmers. On the other hand, Orissa, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand etc. have not taken proper steps to avail credit to farmers and so cannot achieve success. In India, many sources of credits like personal credits and non-governmental credits by money lenders have clutched farmers in the net of interest that has negative impacts of agricultural growth and proper steps are required to be taken. Suicide by farmers are consequences of it. Kisan Credit Card scheme is one of the best government scheme in this direction. Commercial and scheduled banks can be given guidelines to credit loans to farmers on softer terms, lower rate of interest and no requirements of securities etc. Proportion of credit to farmers should be increased to the total loans.
Q.5 Answer any tivo of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 × 2 = 30
(a) What is the meaning and aim of Social Forestry ? What are the main weaknesses noticed in Social Forestry Programme ? Important Points for Answer: - Meaning - Aims/Objectives - Weaknesses
Answer: The term ‘Social Forestry’ first used in 1976 by The National Commission on Agriculture, Government of India. It was then that India embarked upon a social forestry project with the aim of taking the pressure off the forests and making use of all unused and fallow land. Government forest areas that are close to human settlement and have been degraded over the years due to human activities needed to be afforested. Trees were to be planted in and around agricultural fields. Plantation of trees along railway lines and roadsides, and river and canal banks were carried out. They were planted in village common land, Government wasteland and Panchayat land Objectives of Social Forestry & Environment Wing : Social forestry, schemes that have been started all over the country have made a considerable difference in overall forest cover in a short time. Afforestation outside the conventional forest area for the benefit of rural and urban communities. The main objective is to: 1. Improve the environment for protecting agriculture from adverse climatic factors, 2. Increase the supply of fuel wood for domestic use, small timber for rural housing, fodder for livestock, and minor forest produce for local industries, 3. Increase the natural beauty of the landscape; create recreational forests for the benefit of rural and urban population, 4. Provide jobs for unskilled workers and 5. Reclaim wastelands. 6. Finally, its object is to raise the standard of living and quality of life of the rural and urban people 4 Social forestry scheme can be categorized into groups : 4.1 Farm forestry - 4.2 Community forestry 4.3 Extension forestry - 4.4 Agro- forestry Weakness : Lack of awareness about the programme among people. Illegal use and cutting of forest trees and products. Unsatisfactory implementation by state administration. Corruption and misuse of funds. Ignorance and avoidance of responsibility by people.
(b) Bring out the main objectives of Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana. The scheme is being implemented by which agency ? Important Points for Answer: - Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana - Objectives - Implementing agency
Answer: On June 22, 1999 The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee dedicated to the nation a new Agriculture Insurance Scheme known as Bashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana. Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana is a national level insurance scheme for agriculture. It provides insurance cover protection to farmers against crop failing and reimburse loss to them. Main objectives : To provide insurance protection to farmers against natural calamities like drought, flood, fire or attack by pest which may result in crop failing or harm to crop. The insurance is also aimed to encourage and motivate farmers to invest in agriculture without undue fear of such failure or harm to crop. It is the main aim to cover even landless and marginal farmers under this scheme even though they may be indebted. To guarantee good standard of living to farmers and prevent incidents of suicides in case of loss in agriculture. To encourage farmers to cultivate food and cash crops apart from regularly cultivated crops. This scheme is implemented by the agencies like New India Insurance, Oriental Insurance, NABARD and the United India Insurance Company Limited according to Indian Insurance Act-1956.
(c) Explain Mega Food Park Scheme of Government of India. Important Points for Answer: - Mega Food Park Scheme - What is it ? - Explanation
Answer: Mega Food Park Scheme is a government scheme to develop retail market in food. To solve problems of food conservation and distribution, storage and transportation, this scheme is being promoted from April, 2007. The Government has decided to establish 30 Mega Food Parks. These MFPs are places where farmers can sell their produce to retailers or to big companies or to customers directly. This is a consolidated form of mandis in villages. This will help farmers to save their efforts of storing and conserving food after harvest. So, it will also help in preventing post-harvest loss. Because the food shall directly go either to consumers or to such sellers who have enough facilities to store them. This will in turn, encourage retail marketing in food sector. Many big companies are showing interest in opening retail stores. Transportation and delivery system will be easier due to a specified location for a whole region for buying and selling of food products at Mega Food Parks. The Commerce and Industry Ministry and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture are implementing this MFP scheme.
Q. 6 Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 15 = 30
(a) Explain the term Merit Goods.
Answer: Merit goods are products generally not distributed by means of the price system, but based on merit or need, because people although having perfect knowledge would buy the wrong amount of them. Merit goods are, for example, education and to some extent the health-care. They are provided by state as “good for you”.
(b) What is Cheap Money ?
Answer: Cheap Money is that money that is available at lower interest rates and easy conditions and also on softer terms.
(c) What is Countervailing Duty ?
Answer: It is a duty against dumping. This is aimed to raise the prices of the goods dumped and that is imposed to protect producers and farmers against evil effects of dumping.
(d) Wat is Hot Money ?
Answer: Funds which flow into a country to take advantage of favourable rates of interest in that country. These funds are highly volatile and subject to frequent shifts.
(e) Explain the Concept Trickle Down Theory.
Answer: It is a policy where emphasise is on the heavy industries and it is expected that it will trickle its benefits to the basic level, i.e. consumer goods industries.
(f) What is Stagflation ?
Answer: It is a state of the economy in which economic activity is slowing down, but wages and prices continue to rise. The term is a blend of the words stagnation and inflation. Stagflation occurs when inflation rises while output is either falling or at least not rising.
(g) What is Engel’s Law ?
Answer: This law signifies that groups with lower income spends a larger part of their income on food and other similar items and with increase in income proportion of expenditure over such items decreases.
(h) Meaning of CCIL.
Answer: CCIL is Clearing Corporation of India Limited. It is an organisation related to trade and commerce.
(i) What is Administered Price ?
Answer: Administered Price are fixed by government to keep control on rise or fall of prices of particular commodities so that vulnerable groups have not to suffer.
(j) What is Venture Capital ?
Answer: It is a capital invested in such business, company or project where risk of loss is high. Therefore such capital carries higher rate of interest.
(k) Explain the term Balance on Current Account.
Answer: It is net balance of export and import of goods and services - both visible and invisible during the period of a year. It may be positive or negative, i.e. surplus or deficit.
(l) What is Consolidated Fund ?
Answer: The funds where all receipts of the government is deposited except those deposited in Contingency Fund and the Public Accounts. This fund is put under the head of the state i.e. the President or the Governor, as the case may be.
(m) What is Budget Deficit ?
Answer: Budget Deficit indicates surplus of total expenditure over total income of an economy during a financial year.
(n) Explain the term Most Favoured Nations.
Answer: It is a status in International commercial relations. Where one state confers on another MFN status. It means henceforth that state shall be treated specially and exclusively in rules and policies related to trade and commerce.
(o) Meaning of Capital-Output Ratio.
Answer: Capital Output Ratio indicates how much capital shall be required to increase one unit of output of the product.
Q.7 Write about any two of the following (in about 150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(a) Impact of globalisation on state system and its institutions. Important Points for Answer: - Globalisation - Its impact on - State System - its institutions
Answer: Globalisation is a process of removing boundaries among states for the purpose of economic and cultural interaction. Countries are coming closer to each other due to globalisation and new concept of global human and global governance are emerging due to globalisation process. State system is being greatly influenced by globalisation. States have to open their economies for this process. To develop the country, to get benefit of barrierless trade co-operative government systems are adopted. Number of trade groups and blocks are increasing. Bilateral and multilateral agreements are entered into to enhance trade. Multinational companies are coming into existence and they are getting larger and larger. WHO and IMF are organisations which are helping in the process of globalisation. Even states have to limit their sovereign decisions to such multi-lateral forums. Also state institutions have to change their structures and organisation to get themselves accomodate with the process. Insurance, education, banks and finance, agriculture and PSUs have to make themselves more competitive, more qualitative to sustain competition given by the globalisation process.
(b) SAARC Summit 2007.
Answer: SAARC Summit - 2007 14th SAARC - South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation, was held in New Delhi, India on 3rd and 4th April-07. It approved jointly the Delhi Declaration. Summit decided in favour of establishment of a regional food bank, South Asian University and tele-medicine mechanism and early operationalisation of SAARC Development Fund (SDF). Afghanistan was formally accepted as its eighth member. A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty at regional level was agreed upon with all members’ committing not to allow even fund raising by terror groups. They emphasised need for connectivity among member nations, particularly physical, economic and people-to-people. Also they agreed to harmonise customs procedures. India allowed zero duty access to Least Developed Countries (LDC) of South Asia by the end of the year. It was also decided to increase co-operation on national and regional telecom infrastructure and to utilize the potential of the IT and Communications sector. Members welcomed decision of Bangladesh to host first SAARC Youth Camp in 2007. Further, SAARC nations decided to earmark one rural community as SAARC village in each member state as innovative models of development. India described this summit as “smoothest and least contentious.” The summit thus covered security, terrorism, trade, energy, connectivity and food security related themes for co-operation.
(c) The UN conference on Environment and Development (The Earth Summit) Important Points for Answer: - The Earth Summit - Issues - Main achievements
Answer: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Earth Summit (or, in Portuguese, Eco ‘92) was a major conference held in Rio de Janeiro from June 3 to June 14, 1992. 178 governments participated, with 118 sending their heads of state or government. Some 2,400 representatives of non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) attended, with 17,000 people at the parallel NGO Forum, who had so-called Consultative Status. The issues addressed included : systematic scrutiny of patterns of production—particularly the production of toxic components, such as lead in gasoline, or poisonous waste alternative sources of energy to replace the use of fossil fuels which are linked to global climate change new reliance on public transportation systems in order to reduce vehicle emissions, congestion in cities and the health problems caused by polluted air and smog the growing scarcity of water An important achievement was an agreement on the Climate Change Convention which in turn led to the Kyoto Protocol. Another was agreement to “not carry out any activities on the lands of indigenous peoples that would cause environmental degradation or that would be culturally inappropriate”. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature at the Earth Summit, and made a start towards redefinition of money supply measures that did not inherently encourage destruction of natural ecoregions and so-called uneconomic growth. The Earth Summit resulted in the following documents: Rio Declaration on Environment and Development Agenda 21 Convention on Biological Diversity Forest Principles Framework Convention on Climate Change
Q. 8 Write about the following (in about 20 words each) : 2 × 5 = 10
(a) G-8 Summit 2007
Answer: 33rd G-8 Summit was held in June, 2007 in Germany. This Summit had main themes on its agenda like : poverty in Africa, Climate change, environmental conservation, regional security etc.
(b) Hyde Act of 2006
Answer: Hyde Act is an enabling act that will be passed by the US Congress to allow co-operation between the USA and India on nuclear deal of July- 2005.
(c) Global Governance
Answer: It is a concept of administering global issues like social, economic, environment and legal, political at international level through global governance.
(d) Operation Silence
Answer: To vacate Lai Masjid, Pakistani army implemented Operation Silence. It was targeted against fundamentalist terrorists.
(e) SAARC Human Rights Report 2006
Answer: India has topped the list in SAARC Human Rights Report-2007 regarding Least violating nation of HRs. Due to its huge population, it could top even after having Godhra incident. All over HR conditions are not good in the region according to the report.
Q. 9 Write about the following by expanding and explaining the objectives (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10
(a) ICT4D
Answer: Information and Communication Technologies for Development. It is a technology that is to be used for socio-economical development. It is a novel use of communication and information technology)’.
(b) BEMs
Answer: The purpose of a Building Energy Management System is to automate and take control of these operations in the most efficient way possible. It is therefore a vital tool in the University’s drive to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel use and costs.
(c) IAEA
Answer: International Atomic Energy Agency. It is situated in Vienna. It is a watchdog institute of the UN over nuclear weapons and non-proliferation apart from assisting in peaceful civil use of atomic energy.
(d) BIMSTEC
Answer: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sector Technical and Economical Co-operation. It is an organisation of seven member nations situated on the Bay of Bengal for economical and technical co-operation.
(e) ECJ
Answer: European Court of Justice. It is the apex court in European Union to take care of human rights and legal issues in member states that are of regional importance.
Q. 10 Answer any one of the following in about 250 words : 30
(a) Explain the phenomenon of ozone depletion, its causes and effects. What effects are needed to reduce it ? Important Points for Answer: - Ozone depletion - Causes - Effects - Efforts to reduce
Answer: Ozone Depletion : Atmosphere of the earth consists of a layer of Ozone (03) gas at the height of 30 to 60 km above the earth. This ozone layer is essential for living beings. As this layer prevents the ultraviolet (OV) rays of the sunlight coming to the earth, it protects animals and vegetation from the dangerous effect of UV rays. But due to some causes, the depletion of 03 is noticed which pose a danger to mankind as well as other forms of life. Causes : Human activities like industrialisation and others have polluted the environment. These pollutant contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as an ingredient. These CFCs are the main elements causing depletion of Ozone layer. Chlorine, Bromine, Florine etc. halone gases are the main destroyers of 03. Due to refrigerator, plastic, paints and aerosol industries such compounds are produced. Electronics and optical industries also produce ozone destroying chemicals. UV rays separate chlorine from the CFC and this chlorine reacts with Ozone (03) and turns it into simple oxygen (02). At present USA, Europe, Chile, Australia etc. are at danger due to 03 depletion. Effects :The Ozone depletion has various consequences dangerous to lives on the earth. The UV can cause skin cancer and other diseases of skin. It increases temperature of the earth and therefore ice melts. This in turn raises level of the sea and may submerge the islands and the coastal areas causing damage to lives and property. Efforts : To cope with this phenomena, international community has started efforts of reducing ozone depleting chemicals. For this, many agreements and conventions are signed. Vienna Conference of 1983, and the Montreal Protocol of 1987 are among these efforts. They prohibit production of CFCs. London Conference is also one of the important landmark in this direction. Kyoto Protocol 1997 is also related to that. But for this, international consensus is required on technological measures. They require to develop ozone friendly technologies and to share it with other nations also.
(b) What do you understand by the term ‘biodiversity’ ? Examine the causes and consequences of degeneration of biodiversity. Important Points for Answer: - Biodiversity - Causes - Consequences
Answer: Biodiversity means existence of various types of species of animals, vegetation and micro- organisms in a habitat. These diversity of living creatures make the habit, biologically diverse in resources. It contains various species, sub-species, and types. Different species and sub-species have different types of nature and qualities. These nature and qualities are exploited by mankind for his benefit and progress. For example, we use some types of vegetation for food purpose and some types of animals for transport at others for food also. But this bio-diversity gets degenerating due to some or the other reason as narrated below : Over exploitation of a particular type of specie gets them reduced to such a lower number to sustain. Some species of birds are in danger due to hunting and/or loss of their natural habitats Some animals are also on the verge of extinction because of hunting, loss of their natural home in forests, etc. Some species of animals and birds are used for medicinal and experimental purposes. Some vegetations have lost their existence due to clearing of forests for mining, setting up of industries, agricultural or human dwelling purposes. Some forests are being destroyed for urbanisation and with them gets destroyed habitation of many species of living beings. Climate change also destroys species because some species cannot changes adapt to such changes. Sometimes some natural calamity or sudden change in geographical set up may destroy species. Consequences: Such degeneration of biodiversity creates imbalance in the food-chain. This does not only affect the nature but also human being and their daily activities. Such changes also destroys other species dependant upon the diversity. For example, oceanic activities change chemistry of oceanic climate that destroy corals and some other organisms dependant upon them. India is one of the 12 countries with most bio-diverse area. So, naturally its economical, cultural and social activities are closely related to them. Extinction of any of them can destroy such practice. For example, the Royal Bengal Tiger, our national animal itself is at the verge of its extinction. Similarly destroying forests causes flood, reduction in precipitation and other consequences. So, to sum up, we can say that biodiversity is a natural gift. That is getting degenerated due to mostly human activities. Such destruction must be stopped or evil consequences will follow.
Q. 11 Answer any two of the following (answer for each question should be in about 150 words): 15 × 2 = 30
(a) What are the alternative fuels available for the transport sector ? Discuss their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in their utilisation. Important Points for Answer: - Alternative fuels - Characteristics - Advantages - Disadvantages
Answer: Due to limited quantity of petroleum fuels, and its pollutant effects, it is necessary to find out alternative fuels for transportation. CNG-Compressed Natural Gas Bio-diesel Gasohal Solar batteries Hydrogen Characteristics : These fuels are not available ready-made, some process is required to derive them. They are generally modern in their use. They have yet not gained much importance in use. They require technological upgradation. Advantages : They produce less pollutant effects. They are generally renewable and non-exhaustible. They are comparatively less expensive. They are available domestically and we will not have to depend on imports. Solar energy is much available in India. Hydrogen has the largest calory value. Bio-diesel will give economical activity to farmers. Disadvantages : In name of disadvantages, we can sum up some limitations in their use. Hydrogen is explosive and problem of storage is also there. Sunlight is available in less degree in monsoon and winter seasons. More cultivation of Jethropa and other species of bio-diesel may occupy land necessary for food cultivation. Technological upgradation is required. Huge investment is required to change today’s petrol and diesel running vehicles to adopt such technologies.
(b) Explain the objectives and the current achievements of human genome project. Important Points for Answer: - Human Genome Project - Objectives - Achievements
Answer: It is a project to get information about gene-sequence and structure in human beings. This was adopted by America in 1988. The human genome project has following objectives : To decode the sequence of genes arrangement. To trace genome structure in human cells. To get information about proteins made and developed by human genes. To keep watch on process taking place of generating and degenerating of proteins in genes and to find out functions and importance of various proteins in human genes. To know how some diseases are caused and how some disorders are developed due to genes defects. Current development in human genome project is : That scientists are able to find out gene structure and some codes. Using some techniques in tracing out and repairing ailing genes will be made possible due to this project. It is now possible to treat some hereditary diseases. By using DNA interference, now many incurable diseases can be cured. This project has also achieved success in finding out roots and cures of many diseases.
(c) Discuss the missile technology initiatives undertaken by India.
Answer: For defence purposes, India started a missile development programme in 1983. DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is main responsible agency for it. India has developed various types of missiles through this initiative. Main among India’s missiles are Prithvi. It is a short range ballistic missile. It is a surface to surface missile with a range up to 250 km. Dhanus is ship launched version of Prithvi. It is also surface to surface missile. This naval missile has striking range up to 150 km. Agni is a re-entry technology demonstrator missile. Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III are part of Agni project. It has capacity to beat 500 to 3500 km far targets. Akash ia medium range surface to air missile while Trishul is also a short range surface to air missile. Nag is anti-tank missile which has fire and forget technology. Ashtra is air to air targeting missile. Brahmos is the latest anti-ship cruise missile developed in collaboration with Russia. It has a target range of about 290 km with 200- 300 kg of payload capacity. Surya is being developed as inter-continental ballistic missile by India.
Q. 12 Answer all the five (in about 20 words each) :2 × 5 = 10
(a) What is firewall ?
Answer: Firewall is a technique for the security of computers. It prevents unwanted programmes and commands and allows only permitted ones.
(b) What is malware ?
Answer: It is a short form of malicious software. It is prepared to damage any computer system. Sometimes, it is considered as a virus but it is different from it in the sense that it does not spread like a virus.
(c) What do the following stand for ?
(i) MPEG (ii) ISP (iii) HTML (iv) ASCII Answer: MPEG : Moving Picture Expert Group ISP : Internet Service Provider HTML : Hyper Text Mark Up Language ASCII : American Standard Code for Information Interchange
(d) What is Root kit?
Answer: It is a key to operate a programme, able to destroy whole system and steal information from it.
(e) What is computer architecture?
Answer: It is a technique that can be used to make designs for various purposes. It is a software that helps using computer system in architectural areas.
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