2008 General Studies Solved Paper I, Paper II

2008 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 two of the following (in about 150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30

(a) “The emergence of new social classes in British India was the direct consequence of the establishment of new social economy, new state system, administrative machinery and Western education.” Discuss.
Important Points for Answer:
New social classes
How emerged

Answer: After coming of British, India witnessed a new social order.
A new, middle class, english educated social group came into existence. They were not loyal to British. They used the English education to create awareness among Indians. They prepared a platform for national movement.
A high-class, english educated group, which was loyal to British, was a small number of people. They joined either British services or were directly related to the ruling system. Similarly, Zamindars and Princes were loyal to British.
And the remained Indians were illiterate farmers and other small entrepreneurs. They get exploited either by the British or by Indians.
These classes were dominating the old caste-based division of Indian Society.
Reasons behind these new classes were : British social policies like abolition of Sati, widow remarriage act etc. Economical changes also dragged people from their old-traditional village professions to urban industrial labouring. Equality before law of the new judicial system wiped out earlier differences of Indian Society. Concepts of western education not only awakened Indians but also prepared them to research in their ancient history. Concluding, it can be said that all new classes were direct result of British policies.

(b) “British vision of India had no single coherent set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were shot through with contradictions and inconsistencies.” Discuss.
Important Points for Answer: British Policy
Opportunistic Indian situational reflection
Different ideologies

Answer: British crown assumed all responsibility of ruling India in its own hand after 1857 revolt. Uptil now, the Britishers interfere in social and religious matters of India but after 1857 revolt, they stopped such interference and assumed the policy of non-interference.
Various Governor-Generals also had their different sets of ideas regarding India, e.g. Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Wellesley’s Subsidiary
Alliance System etc. Sometimes Britishers supported Hindus and another time Muslims. Towards Princely States, they first assumed suspicious policies but after revolt, they started to take interest in them.
During the time of national movement, their reactions were more opportunistic than based on policy. The Round Table Conferences were examples of it.
They reacted according to the Indian situations. Their soft or hard attitude towards Congress or Muslim League was just based on incidents that took place.
Various ideologies of British rulers have effected Indian administration and government. Partition of India was also passed from mutually controversial stages and policies of the Britishers.

(c) Non-Cooperation Movement gave new direction and energy to the National Movement.” Explain.
Important Points for Answer:
Non-Cooperation Movement
More people join national movement
Wide area covered

Answer: Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by the Indian National Congress which brought Gandhi as the most influential leader of Indian politics.
This movement expanded goal of Congress to ‘Swaraj’ from ‘dominion status’. This movement brought out rural-common people in the national movement.
Henceforth, all classes of Indian Society started to take part in national movement. Its united goals with the Khilafat Movement gave a hopeful scene of Hindu-Muslim unity in Indian politics.
New national symbols like Flag, Slogan, Dress and Language were accepted.
Now the working method of Congress changed.
Vastness of objectives and simplicity of movement gave chance to all classes to participate. Even rural illiterate and farmers started to participate in National movement.
This was stopped by Gandhi after Chauri-Chaura incident. But this incident itself is an evident that people were fired by the national spirit.
Thus, a new energy and direction was given to the Indian freedom struggle by this Non- Cooperation Movement.

Q. 2 Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each): 2 × 15
= 30

(a) Lakshmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi

Answer: Her kingdom Jhansi was captured by Lord Dalhousie by ‘Doctrine of Lapse’. She assumed leadership at Jhansi and fought in the revolt of 1857.

(b) Ilbert Bill

Answer: It was passed to give the Indian District and Sessions Judges, the same jurisdiction as the European judges. But due to British opposition, it was changed.

(c) Lala Hara Dayal

Answer: He set up the Ghadar Party at San Francisco in November 1913. He was also allegedly involved in bombing of Lord Hardinge II in 1906 in Delhi.

(d) Vaikom Satyagraha

Answer: Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) was a satyagraha in Travancore, Kerala against untouchability in Hindu society. The movement was centered at the Shiva temple at Vaikom, near Kottayam.The Satyagraha aimed at securing freedom of movement for all sections of society through the public roads leading to the Sri Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom.

(e) Indian States Commission

Answer: It was also known as State Reorganisation Commission. It was set up under the chairmanship of Fazal Ali after independence. It recommended formation of states on the basis of language.

(f) Bodhisattva

Answer: A person who attains nirvana by working for the welfare of the world and voluntarily postpones release from rebirth; also regarded as an incarnation of the Buddha, prior to his own birth in the world.

(g) Megasthenes

Answer: Megasthenes was the Greek Ambassador in the Court of Chandragupta Maurya from the Court of Selecus. He wrote “Indica”, an account of contemporary India.

(h) Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjore

Answer: The Brihadishwara Temple, also known as Rajarajeswaram, at Thanjavur is a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas in temple architecture. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Living Chola Temples”.

(i) Perini Shivatandavam

Answer: The Perini dance tradition was widely prevalent in die courts of the kings belonging to the Kakatiya dynasty. Perini Sivatandavam, a dynamic male-oriented dance was presented by the Vijayawada Cultural Academy at Sri Sivaramakrishna Kshetram.

(j) Allasani Peddana

Answer: Allasani Peddana (15th and 16th centuries CE) was a famous
Telugu’ poet and was ranked as the foremost of the Astadiggajalu the title for the group of eight poets in the court of King Krishnadevaraya, a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.

(k) Golkonda Fort

Answer: Golkonda a ruined city of south-central India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda (1364-1512), is situated west of Hyderabad. Golkonda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km long outer wall.

(l) Chishti Silsila

Answer: The Chishti Silsila was of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz Ajmeri. He was a Sufi of Great Stature and is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. In sufi terminology, silsila means one’s spiritual genealogy from one’s spiritual guide (sheikh/murshid) to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam).

(m) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi

Answer: Chauth means claim to one-fourth of the government’s share of revenue.Sardeshmukhi means claim to one-tenth of the government’s share of revenue, based on status.

(n) Poona Sarvajanik Sabha

Answer: It was established by Mahadev Govind Rande in 1870, with the object of promoting the political welfare and advancing the interest of the people of this and other parts of the country.

(o) ‘Rama Sethu’

Answer: Rama’s Bridge or Ram Setu also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals, between the islands of Mannar, near northwestern Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Geological evidence indicates that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.

Q. 3 Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30

(a) The winter rains in North India are largely related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances. Bring out the relationship.
Important Points for Answer:
Winter Rains
Jet Streams
Westerly Disturbances
Relationship

Answer: North India receives rainfall during the winter season. The rainfall is due to modification created by the Jet Stream.
Jet Stream is the high-speed winds which blow from the west in the upper atmosphere over mid-latitude areas. They are three dimensional movement of air mass. Sub-tropical Easterly Jet Stream blows to the Indian sub-continent from the
Mediterranean region.
The disturbances caused by the Mediterranean region in the North India is called Western Disturbance in the Northern part of India.
This disturbance is a short term condition of North India and is caused by the sub tropical easterly jet stream.
During winter, landmass experience high pressure in North-Western Part and low pressure is maintained in the regions occupied by Tropical Easterly Jet Stream.
This is the main reason why North India receive rainfall in winter.

(b) Agricultural Productivity in India remain low. Explain the reasons for this situation.
Important Points for Answer: Low Productivity
Reasons

Answer: Productivity in Indian agriculture remain low in comparison to other developed countries. We may cite following reasons :
Dependency upon rainfall. Irregular rainfall (in time). Irregular distribution of rain (in amount of water). Less availability of fertilizer.
No use of modern scientific techniques.
No improved seeds, pesticides, tools, etc. Lack of basic infrastructure. Per head smaller pieces of farm. Less investment.
No availability of easy and cheap credit.
No proper irrigation facility. Lack of proper food processing and storage facility.
Natural calamities like droughts, floods, etc.
All these are factors responsible for low productivity in Indian agriculture.
Today India produces nearly 210 million tonnes of food grains. This must increase with requirement of Indian Population.
Therefore, Green Revolution was launched in 1969. Presently, Second Green
Revolution is being planned to increase agricultural productivity.

(c) Bring out the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones.

Answer: Pros : SEZs are termed as growth engines. Because, they can help to grow other industries also.
They bring investment.
They help in developing infrastructural capacity of the region. SEZs enrich FOREX reserve of the country.
They bring latest technologies to the area. Export increases.
More employments are generated in the country. Cons : SEZs are given tax holidays. So, government revenue suffers losses.
Agricultural land is also allocated, sometimes, for industrial purposes. It reduces availability of land for agriculture. So, food security is endangered.
Relocation of domestic industries from other areas to SEZs is a big issue. It does not involve any new investment.
Mostly employment is generated for educated youth. Farmers and labourers unemployed, by sale of land, are hardly getting new employment.
Disputes related to allocation and acquisition of land have arisen.

Q. 4 Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10

(a) Buckingham Canal

Answer: The Buckingham Canal is a 420 km long salt water navigation canal, running parallel to the Coromandel Coast of South India from the
Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh to Villupuram District in Tamil Nadu.

(b) Terai Region

Answer: The Terai (“moist land”) is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests at the base of the Himalaya range in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, from the Yamuna River in the west to tite Brahmaputra River in the east.

(c) Organic Farming

Answer: Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity and control pests, excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides, plant growth regulators, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms.

(d) Demographic Dividend

Answer: A rising share of working age people in a population resulting in the rate of economic growth. This usually occurs late in the demographic transition when the fertility rate falls and the youth dependency rate declines.

(e) Nor’westers

Answer: They originated over the Chotanagpur Plateaus and blow in the north-east direction. They bring rainfall in Assam, West Bengal, Orissa and nearby regions. Useful for tea crops. Also known as Kalbaisakhis of West Bengal.

Q. 5 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) What is meant by ‘Judicial Activism’ ? Evaluate its role in the context of the functioning of Indian polity.
Important Points for Answer: El Meaning
Role of Judicial Activism Indian Political System

Answer: Judicial Activism means active role of judiciary in upholding rights of citizens and preserving the constitutional and legal system of the country. In the case of Keshavanda Bharti or known as the fundamental rights case, judicial activism was given, due consideration. It is a water-mark case. For the first time a court held that a constitutional amendment duly passed by the legislature was invalid as damaging or destroying its basic structure. This was a gigantic innovative judicial leap unknown to any legal system.
Judicial activism earned a human face in India by liberalising access to justice and giving relief to disadvantaged groups and the have-nots under the leadership of justices V.R. Krishna Iyyer and P.N. Bhagwati.
The Supreme Court gained in stature and legitimacy. Later, when the independence of the judiciary was threatened by punitive transfers, the court entered the arena of judicial appointments and transfers.
With the increasing criminalisation and mis-govemance and the complete apathy of the executive, the court took up the case of terrorist funding linked to political corruption through the ‘Hawala’ root in the Vineet Narain case

(Jain Hawala case).
The Courts on several occasions have issued directions in public interest litigation (PIL) covering a wide spectrum such as road safety, pollution, illegal structures in VIP zones, monkey menace, dog menace, unpaid dues by former and serving legislators, nursery admissions and admissions in institutions of higher learning.
There is no doubt that sometimes these orders are triggered by righteous indignation and emotional responses.
The common citizens have discovered that the administration has become so apathetic and non-performing and corruption and criminality so wide spread that they have no recourse except to move the courts through PIL, enlarging the field for judicial intervention. The great contribution of judicial activism in India has been to provide a safety valve in a democracy and a hope that justice is not beyond reach.

(b) Discuss the major extra-constitutional factors influencing the federal polity in India.
Important Points for Answer: Federalism in India Extra-constitutional factors Planning Commission
Regional Parties Population
Resources

Answer: India has opted for Federal Structure in Indian Political System.
Division of powers between the Centre and States is fundamental to the federalism.
The Constitution has made some provisions for maintaining federal policy. Some constitutional and extra-constitutional factors are affecting the working of Indian polity. Major extra-constitutional (not mentioned in the Constitution) factors may be mentioned as below : Planning Commission is an extra-constitutional body. Formation of Five
Year Plan is a work of the Planning Commission. Allocation of Financial
Resources to states for their development is influenced by the decisions of the Planning Commission. Principle of State Autonomy is somehow violated in this way.
Regional political parties have gained importance in the phase of coalition governments at Centre. Their bargaining powers have increased. The Centre inclines towards the region which supports the Central Government. It affects fair decisions of Centre. Principle of equality and autonomy is thus violated.
Regions having more population, have more seats in Parliament. Their voice at the Centre is more clear than any State having less number of MPs.
Decisions are taken according to the interest of more powerful states,

(numerically strong) in Parliament.
Demographic division of states is one of the factors which affect Indian Polity.
Resources of any state are important source for the development of the State itself and the country as a whole. Many a times, the Centre acquires resources from region of a State and allocates financial grants in that proportion to it.
Distribution of natural resources should not be the criteria for distributing grants. But, somehow it impacts financial strength of a State.
All these extra constitutional factors have affected Indian federal system.

Q. 6 Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30

(a) Enumerate the Fundamental Duties incorporated in the Constitution after the 42nd Amendment.

Answer: Fundamental duties were inserted by the 42nd amendment.
Article 51 A. It shall be the duty of every citizen of India—

(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the
National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement;
*[(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.]
*Ins. by the Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002

(b) Examine the demand for greater state autonomy and its impact on the smooth functioning of Indian polity.
Important Points for Answer: Centre-State relations Central control over States Centralisation
Regional parties & Politics Sarkaria Commission
M.M. Punchhi Commission

Answer: The Constitution of India has framed the Centre-State relations primarily on federal pattern. However due to some historical and political reasons and regional diversities among states, the Centre is given some control over states. Some areas where the Centre can control States are : appointment of Governors power to make laws with respect to state lists residuary power with Centre dependence of the States on the Centre for financial assistance apart from these direct constitutional controls.
The Centre has constituted the Planning Commission which makes five year plans, both for the Centre and the States, and thus the pace of development is decided by the Centre. All these factors have resulted into centralisation of the federal system adding a point to the unitary character of our Constitution. But with the rise of regional political parties in different states the situation has changed. They have demanded more and more autonomy for States. Some provisions like a separate list for State subjects and hard procedure to amend federal character of the Constitution are in their favour. But the demands of more and more autonomy has resulted into conflicts and frictions between the Centre and States. Sarkaria Commission has suggested some measures to normalise Centre-State relations. Recently appointed M.M. Punchi Commission is also to report on this question. It is concluded that genuine autonomy to States with necessary centralisation factor is the way for political progress.

(c) Discuss the composition and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.
Important Points for Answer: Composition Functions

Answer: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body in India authorised to conduct examinations for appointment to the various civil services of the Union. The Indian Constitution (Part XIV - Services Under the Union and the states - article no. 315 to 323) provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for each state.
The President appoints its chairman and members. Functions Functions of the UPSC are to conduct examinations for appointment to the services of the Union.
Recruitment to services & posts under the Union through conduct of competitive examinations;
Recruitment to services & posts under the Central Government by selection through Interviews;
Advising on the suitability of officers for appointment on promotion as well as transfer-on-deputation;
Advising the Government on all matters relating to methods of
Recruitment to various services and posts;
Disciplinary cases relating to different civil services; and
Miscellaneous matters relating to grant of extra ordinary pensions, reimbursement of legal expenses, etc.

Q. 7 Answer the following (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10

(a) What is a Censure Motion ?

Answer: It is passed to ensure a policy of the government or a minister. It means showing lack of confidence in the government. If it is passed successfully, the government will fall.

(b) Distinguish between the auditing and accounting functions of the CAG of India.

Answer: The CAG audits accounts at both the Union and State level but his accounting function is related only to states.

(c) Distinguish between a starred question and an unstarred one asked in the Parliament.

Answer: Starred questions are to be answered orally and supplementary questions can be asked, but unstarred questions are tq be answered in written and no supplementary question is allowed.

(d) What is contempt of Parliament ?

Answer: Parliament is a court and any violation of its order results in its contempt. For that Parliament can inflict punishment.

(e) What were the two major considerations to have the Governor appointed and not elected?

Answer: 1) Governor to be the agent of Centre to maintain federal structure.
2) There cannot be two elected heads in a State, i.e. Chief Minister and Governor.

Q. 8 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) What, in your opinion, are the causes of terrorism ? Suggest suitable measures to deal with the threat of terrorism in India.
Important Points for Answer: Causes of Terrorism : Political, Social, Economical, Religious Indian scenario
How to curb it ?

Answer: Terrorism has increased to alert a responsible person about the safety and security of person and property.
Main causes of terrorism may vary among : Political, Social, Economical,
Religious etc.
Among main political causes, we may cite lack of equality, freedom etc. as the most important. Suppressing a community, political exploitation, rule without representation etc. may give rise to armed struggle, resulting into terrorist movements. But terrorists do not have always genuine demands. Social differences, racial unrest or ethnical divisions have sometimes lead to violent movements. A group may turn to arms for their social justice and causes terror in an area. Economic disadvantage, exploitation or suppression can be a reason for terrorism.
Religious fundamentalism has been found to be the most important reason for terrorism. Some groups of terrorists are being trained and prepared for religious causes. In India, terrorism is spread due to economical and religious causes. To tackle with such violent activities India needs to restructure its political and economical structure.
Terrorists have a wide spread network throughout the world. The latest developed technologies have helped them to be more dangerous.
Use of latest vigilance techniques is necessary. Government has to win confidence of all people for their security. Religious tolerance should be spread among people. Education can play a role in this regard. Laws must be stringent and enforcement machinery should be effective.

(b) Do you think there is a need for a review of the Indian Constitution ?
Justify your view.
Important Points for Answer: Constitutional Review Indian Constitution
Amendments Conclusion

Answer: Constitutional Review means reconsideration of the provisions of Constitution, in the light of new demands and requirements of the time. Indian Constitution was framed in 1946-47 when condition of India was different one. Today, after 60 years of its working, Indian political system has changed much far. Influence of outer world, changes ushered by globalisation and other influences have made it necessary to review our Constitution.
The Constitution forms the base of whole system. So, it must be with the pace of time. Situations that may come in time, must be handled by the provisions of Constitution. Some major changes that may demand constitutional review are :
More than one hundred amendments have been done so far. It suggests requirement of changes.
The Constitution was framed at the time of British rule. Some British influences have crept in the Constitution. Some provisions related to federal structure of India are very tough to amend. So, review will help to rethink them. Provisions regarding the post of Governor and imposition of the Presidential rule in State have been very controversial. Changes made by globalisation have also bring new situations which may be tough to handle by the present constitution.
Demand for greater autonomy to states is an issue demanding early attention. Special status to Jammu and Kashmir and other States like Sikkim etc. are some provision which should be changed.
Not on these, but some recent political issues like coalition government, hung parliament, emergence of many regional parties etc. are requiring review of Indian Constitution.
Also, the Supreme Court has pronounced that Constitutional Review is inherent in the provisions of our Constitution.

Q. 9 Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2
= 30

(a) Examine the role of caste in Indian politics.
Important Points for Answer:
- Castes - Devisive, Cohesive
- Role
- Theories

Answer: Caste is a social section of Indian Society. It has gained influential position in Indian Politics. It plays on both sides - Devisive and Cohesive roles. It becomes devisive when question comes of national unity. But regarding a localitepr group matter, it gives a cohesive force by uniting people of a caste. Even politicians attach their slogans and manifestoes to particular castes. Caste groups utilise their numerical strength to bargain political cause. Lower castes7 upliftment has remained a central issue. Leaders are choosen from a dominant caste of the region. Many politicians use caste theories, e.g. Jinabhai in Gujarat gave KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan,
Aahir, Muslim) theory. Policy of reservation emanate from caste factor of Indian society. Government’s policies are also inspired by casteism. Indian Political System is largely dependent upon factors like caste, religion, etc., which can be termed as unhappy situation.

(b) Discuss the problems in achieving National Integration in India.
Important Points for Answer:
- National Integration
- Various factors as obstacles

Answer: National Integration is a basic need to make a nation strong and developed. India has faced many problems on this front. India is a country of diversity. Many factors such as : Geographical,
Historical, Political, Social, Religious and Economical, influence integration of India. Geographically all parts of India have not similar evolution. Also, structurally India is divided in many parts.
Historically, people have different inspiration from history. Diverse groups remain in Indian Society. Politically, multi-party loyalty has divided nation. Emergence of small parties have preached different ideologies. Socially, Indian society is divided into many castes and ethnicities. People are attached to social stratas more cohesively.
Religions like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity etc. co-exist in India. They also, though sometimes, play a devisive role. Religious riots have played destructive role. Economical gap is seen in the society from time of ancient history. Kings and
Zamindars had exploited their subjects. Even today, wealth distribution is not equal in India.
All these are main factors that impede national integration in India.

(c) Examine the impact of Regional Political Parties in Indian politics.
Important Points for Answer:
- Single party politics-till 1967
- Emergence of Regional Parties
- Coalition Government
- Impact

Answer: Till 1967, India had a single party political system, dominated by Congress. Even States were ruled by Congress Governments.
After 1967, regional parties came into picture. They gain some powers in their regions. But it was only 1980s when regional parties participated in the Centre’s coalition government also. Sometimes central government and state governments have different parties.
This impact development due to political causes. Similarly coalition governments have many a times proved short-lived. Elections before five-year terms have resulted in instability. But on the contrary, regional parties have raised causes of particular regions at national level and demanded for more share in developmental grants. Parties like TDP, AIADMK,, DMK, Akali Dal, BSP, SP, CPI (M), etc. have played influential role in Indian Politics.
To sum up, regional parties have increased importance of their regions on the one hand and have increased instability on the other. But overall, Indian politics has become more democratic.

Q. 10 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) Globalisation has brought about a distinct class divide in India instead of ushering in a classless society/’ Critically examine this argument.
Important Points for Answer: Earlier Classes Globalisation - Impact LPG in 1991
New employed/Unemployed class Entrepreneurs, Industrialists etc.
Widening gap and result

Answer: Indian Society was divided in many classes since time immemorial. Based on religions, castes, Kula, Gotra etc. many groups dissected Indian society. Globalisation has many fold impacts on Indian society. Since 1991 LPG Policy, India started to witness them. Liberalization and Privatisation came as necessary requirements of globalisation.
More foreign companies and investment came in India. Private players got bigger role in Indian economy. Globalised market opened many horizons in India. Educated youth get many opportunities, English speaking and skilled class started to earn attractive salaries. Unexpected hike in earning capacity of this class gave way to consumerism in India. Small and medium size entrepreneurial and industrialist class come into existence. Their expenditure capacity increased. But on the other hand, uneducated and unskilled class, got no benefit of the globalisation. They remained in their low wages earning society. Gap between two classes widened. Now, old classes based on caste, religion, etc. started to dilute. But economical gap divided the society into classes.
The class of educated youth who get opportunities in BPOs and MNCs came among high’ earning employed class.
While, educated but employed in traditional work remained middle class youth. To contrast with both of them, unemployed youth is yet a dark reality of Indian booming economy.
New rich industrialists and entrepreneurs is a small but wealthy class in India.
Thus, globalisation just reshaped Indian classes of society but not wiped them off at all.

(b) The conditions of the urban poor are more deplorable than that of their rural counterparts.” Give your views.
Important Points for Answer: Comparison Sanitation
Habitation Environment
Health, mental health Social matters

Answer: More and more people are migrating to urban areas either for employment or for education. Number of poor in urban areas are increasing fast. But only skilled persons in urban areas are having good living standard.
Unskilled labourers are in worst condition. They may not have regular job or work. Casually employed persons have to change work or find new work after sometime. In urban areas, poor have to live in outskirts or slum areas. They are not having good houses to live in. The areas in which they live are not having well sanitation facilities.’ In rural areas, the sanitation is not well-maintained but then too, vast space help to dispose waste properly. In matters of houses - habitation, the rural poor have large space to live in, while the urban poors have to live only in small houses. In urban areas, no proper light and air is available in houses. Density is more in urban areas in comparison to rural areas. So, urban poor have to face problems of unhealthy house-facilities.
Rural poors are having access to clean atmosphere in their natural environment. But their urban counterparts have to face pollution problems.
Air, water and soil are polluted in urban areas. The noise pollution is another problem for urban poor.
Health of urban poor are always at risk. While rural poor, though not having more money to spend, but they are not facing much health problems. Urban poors are more prone to epidemics like dangue, malaria, cholera etc. Social problems in rural poor are less grave than their urban counterpart.
Urban poors are not having as good social cohesion as that of the rural poors.
They are more exposed to ill-habits like drinking, drugs, gambling, etc. Other social evils also easily crept in the lives of urban poors.
Mental health is always at risk for urban poors as their life is more tense than that of the rural poors. More work and less rest, no social atmosphere, feeling of being backward etc. can make them mentally disturbed, in most cases.
Thus, it seems that rural poors are having better life than urban poors.

Q. 11 Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2
= 30

(a) Examine whether rural women in India have been empowered by their active participation in Panchayat Raj System.
Important Points for Answer:
- Panchayati Raj System
- Empowerment
- Rural Women

Answer: By 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of 1992, Panchayati Raj System was established in India. This system gave grass-root level democracy.
Rural women were not getting their due share in development process. Social and political backwardness prevented them from taking part in decision making. But these amendments made provision for one-third, reservation for women.
Hence, women get due share in policy making. Illiteracy among women could be reduced. Their leadership skill developed.
They came out of four walls of houses. Played decisive role in development. Gender bias is reduced. They became more aware about their rights. They have started to demand reservation in Parliament also.
All these are ideally expected results. They have materialised to some extent. But in somer cases, women have been used as rubber-stamps. Actual decisions are being taken by male partners. But, signs are there to show that Panchayati Raj System has empowered rural women.

(b) Decline in the sex ratio in India is an alarming sign for India’s future social development.” Discuss.
Important Points for Answer: Sex Ratio - Indian situation
Decline - Impact on social Development

Answer: Sex ratio indicates number of female per thousand male. It is indicator of social status of women. Generally lower sex ratio represents suppressed level of women. India has 933 female per 1000 males according to the 2001 Census. Comparing to 1991 Census, it has increased from 927. But juvenile sex ratio (0-6 years) has been dropped from 945 of 1991 Census to 896 in 2001 Census. This will show future decline. It causes imbalance in social structure. Declining number of female means less number of marriages. It will also be responsible for crimes like rape, etc.
Many reasons play role for declining sex ratio. Prominent of them are : Class and caste traditions, dowry, economic and social burden, etc. Government is taking measures to reduce the gender-gap of population. Education to girl child and prevention of female foeticide is necessary.
Declining sex ratio has socio-cultural effects of long consequences. To prevent them, awareness is required to be spread among people.

(c) What should be the role of the media to project ‘mass reality’ in place of ‘illusion of reality?
Important Points for Answer:
- Role of Media
- Exposure of Reality

Answer: Media is a tool to bring out reality to surface. It is media’s duty to expose truth and wipe out dust over it. It can help people in creating awareness. In the time of national movement, Indian media played a praiseworthy role. But today, instead of bringing out mass reality, media is just involved in spreading illusion. Media has made it a business to weave stories on a point and increase their viewership or readership. The news are off the reality.
More importantly, the problems of people like poverty, hunger, suicide by farmers, migration of people etc. are not given due consideration. On the other hand, today media is more concentrated on the issues like personalities in news, politicians in their personal life, film and other related stories. Some issues of corruption have been exposed by media but sometimes it tends to stretch a small issue for a long time, more than necessity.
More than 70% mass who are either rural people or lower middle class, have no place in media. Their problems or reality is never exposed.
To sum up, it is bitter truth that media has diverted its path from its duty towards people, nation and democracy.

Q. 12 Write about the following (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10

(a) MTP Act

Answer: It is an Act to provide for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered Medical Practitioners and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It came into existence in 1971 and was amended in 2002.

(b) Supreme Court on Ragging

Answer: The supreme court warned senior students that if they harass freshers physically or mentally, they would be booked by the police, expelled from college and denied future admissions. It declared ragging as an illegal act.

(c) New Seven Wonders of the World

Answer: Chechen Itza, Christ the Redeemer, Colosseum, Great Wall of China, Machu Pichhu, Petra, Taj Mahal

(d) M. M. Punchi Commission

Answer: The Commission on Centre-State relations is headed by the former Chief Justice of India, M. M. Punchi. The commission will review the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and the States as per the Constitution.

(e) Lakshmi Mittal

Answer: Lakshmi Narayan Mittal is a British Indian industrialist. He was born in Sadulpur village, in the Churu district of Rajasthan, India, and he resides in Kensington, London. He is the chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal (founder of Mittal before merger with Arcelor) and also serves as a nonexecutive director of Goldman Sachs, EADS and ICICI Bank.

 

2008 SOLVED PAPER II
Time Allowed : Three Hours Maximum Marks : 300

Candidates should attempt All questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question.

 

Q. 1 Write notes on any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 2 × 30 = 60

(a) India and the New World Order
Important Points for Answer:
New World : Political and Economical India

Answer: After the end of the Second World War, two blocs - Capitalist led by the USA and Socialist led by the USSR emerged. But India wisely opted to remain neutral and joined Non-Alignment
Movement. Later on, the world became unipolar after the break up of the USSR. The
USA remained sole super power. Globalisation captured the world economic condition. Almost all nations, even including Russia and China opened their economies. India too adopted new economic policies to match steps with the new trend.
Today, India, Russia, China, Japan and European Union have emerged as blocs of Balance of Power. India has restructured its foreign policy by Look East Policy, Confidence Building Measures with Pakistan, etc.
New bilateral and regional agreements are increasing.
Though India not aligned militarily with any bloc, but it co-operates on the economical fronts. India has expressed full faith in the UN System. WTO has not succeeded up to expectations. In such situations, India has also bargained political decisions on the basis of market and economic sides.
Recent Indo-US nuclear deal indicates increasing importance of India. India has always co-operated, even taken lead, in solving problems of the new world, order, like Global Warming, Poverty, Human Rights, Terrorism, etc.

(b) Indo-Bhutan Relations
Important Points for Answer: Indo-Bhutan relations from British rule period Buffer State Friendship Treaty
Transportation, Power, Security

Answer: India and Bhutan are neighbouring countries. Bhutan remains a buffer state between India and China. India has relations with Bhutan from time of British rule. Both countries had a friendship treaty in 1949. Recently it was reviewed and Bhutan was allowed to adopt an independent foreign policy, to acquire defensive arms. Both have also new extradition provisions.
Recently Bhutan was transformed to democracy from Monarchy. India welcomed the decision.
On transportation sector, Indian Border Road Organisation assists Bhutan to construct roads, especially on border. India started first railway link between Hastimara (in North Bengal, India) and P | hunt Shoeling (in Bhutan) in memory of former Prime Minister
Jawahar Lai Nehru’s first visit to Bhutan. India has acquired rights to use hydro-power capacities of Bhutan and constructed power project like Chulka, Tata Power Project and others.
On the front of terrorism and security, army of Bhutan conducted ‘Operation All Clear’ to demolish insergent camps of ULFA, KLO, NDFB, etc. . India has accepted geo-political importance of Bhutan and given due consideration to this neighbouring state in its foreign policy.

(c) India and China : Strategy to Boost Ties
Important Points for Answer: Indo-China relations
Disputes Strategy to solve
Attempts

Answer: India and China are neighbouring countries but have hostile relations for almost past sixty years.
Nehru and Mao Zedong tie up was a happy phase but Chinese attack on India wiped out the effect.
Other issues like border disputes, Dalai Lama of Tibet issue etc. are other hurdles in Indo-China relations. Indian Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and A. B. Vajpayee visited China in 1988 and 2003 respectively. In 2005, during the visit of Chinese Premier
Jiang Zemin, a strategic agreement was signed. It included guiding principles on border settlement. In 2008, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister, visited Beijing Both countries have fixed target of $ 60 Billion of bilateral trade to be achieved by the year 2010. China also got observer status in SAARC. Importance of geoeconomics has increased than geo-politics. People to people contact, cultural exchange programmes, student exchange programme etc. are other strategies to boost up ties. In various regional and world forums, both countries have attempted to come closer. Leaving the disputes and problems to be solved in their process, both countries have started to find out areas of co-operation. Thus, conflicts should not come in the way of co-operation, is the main strategy to boost up ties.

Q. 2 Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10

(a) India’s Ocean Development Policy

Answer: India’s Ocean Development Policy’s aim is to utilise living resources, exploit non-living resources and to harness renewable ocean energy resources.

(b) Major hurdles in Indo-Pak ties

Answer: Main hurdles include - Spread of terrorism, issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Siachin and Sir Creek disputes.

(c) India-Nigeria: Abuja Declaration

Answer: India signed “Abuja Declaration” with Nigeria, setting the stage for a strategic partnership with the world’s fifth largest producer of oil on
October 15, 2007 in Abuja, the declaration was signed by PM Manmohan Singh & President of Nigeria, Umaru musa yar’adua.

(d) India-Bangladesh Border Road cum fencing

Answer: India has problem of Chakma Refugees in-filtering into Indian boundary. Problems of crimes like terrorism, drug traffic, insurgency etc. are the reasons for Border Road cum Fencing.

(e) India’s L.C.A. (Tejas)

Answer: Third Generation Light Combat Aircraft, Wing Fly-by-wire system
Tejas will be loaded with ‘Astra’, air-to-air missile. It will use indigenously built ‘Karer’ engine.

Q. 3 Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10

(a) Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Answer: The Government of India recognizes the 9th of January as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The occasion is marked by special programs to recognize the contributions of NRI/PIO individuals of exceptional merit, felicitate NRI/PIO individuals who have made exceptional contribution in their chosen field/profession Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and provide a forum to discuss issues and concerns that people of the diaspora.

(b) Council for Promotion of Overseas Employment (CPOE)

Answer: The Union Cabinet gave approval for constitution of CPOE. Functions:

(i) Study, monitor, research and analyze employment potential in the world manpower market

(ii) Initiate, Institute and monitor skill development programmes and standardize skill certification, by coordinating with concerned agencies/ organisations in Government & Private Sector.

(c) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme

Answer: The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2003 provides for overseas citizenship of India to the PIOs in 16 countries who have acquired citizenship in those countries under the Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme.

(d) Indian Diaspora in Singapore

Answer: Indians constitute second largest diaspora, next to Chinese. They are mainly Tamils, so Tamil is one of the official language of Singapore.

(e) Indian Diaspora and Bollywood

Answer: Bollywood films are released outside India also. Many films are funded by NRls. This shows connection between Indian Diaspora and Bollywood.

Q. 4 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) Discuss India’s stand on agricultural issues in WTO’s Ministerial Conferences since Doha Round.
Important Points for Answer:
WTO Ministerial Conferences
Next Rounds
Doha Round India’s Stand

Answer: Ministerial Conference is the highest decision making 6ody of the
WTO. It meets at least every two years. First Ministerial Conference was held in Singapore from 9-13 December,

1996.
Doha Round of Ministerial Conference was held from 9 to 14 November,
2001 in Doha, Qatar. It was fourth Conference. Fifth Ministerial Conference was held in Cancun (Mexico) in 2003. Sixth Round was held in December 2005 at Hong Kong. Geneva Round on 21st July to 25th July 2008 was the latest Ministerial Conference held on the issue.
On the matters of agriculture, India has taken leadership of the poor and developing countries.
Main issues raised on the agricultural matter were to remove export subsidies to farmers given by the developed nations. India argued that export is only a trade for developed countries but agriculture is a matter of livelihood for fanners of developing and poor natiohs.
The lives of crores of people can not be put at stake for free trade. Food Security for the third world countries is a bigger issue.
Reduction of domestic support and elimination of export subsidies to farmers, provided by the US and EU is main demand of third world countries under the leadership of India.
However, repeatedly the talk has failed to achieve consensus on the issue. Even recently in Geneva, the talk could not result into final draft. This was due to stand of EU and US on their demands regarding agriculture. Their demand is that developing and poor countries should allow free market access to agricultural products of the developed nations. But on the other hand, the later argue that such import will destruct lives of their farmers. Because, agricultural products of the developed nations are supported by domestic subsidies and export subsidies, they are very cheap. If they enter into markets of developing nation, their farmers will not be able to compete with them. So their livelihood will be at stake. India, a leading member of G-20 (formed in WTO especially to fight for such issues) is always at raising the issue of lives against trade.

(b) Assess the performance of India in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Important Points for Answer: FDI in India Performance of various sectors
All over performance

Answer: India opened its market in 1991 by accepting the policy of LPG. Big market in India gives a bright opportunity to Global companies. So, many companies come in India and started their business. MNCs started their subsidiaries or centres in Indian economy. We have been performing well in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from across the world.
According to the report of UN agency, India performed well in inward FDI Performance Index and reached to 113 position in 2006 among 141 countries. In outward FDI also, India reached to 56 position in 2006 from its earlier position of 65 in 2005.
Thus, India is performing well in overall FDI attraction terms.
Various sectors in India have been opened for FDI. Except in a few, FDI is allowed in almost all sectors of economy.
According to latest data, electrical equipments including computer softwares and electronics are performing best in attracting FDI, amounting to 17.4% of total. Next comes Telecommunications, transport sector and services sector. In 1990-91, net FDI was only US $ 96 million which increased to US $ 3240 million in 2004-05.
Taking region wise, New Delhi has attracted largest amount of FDI so far.
Next come Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Ahmedabad. While in terms of FDI approvals by states, Maharashtra tops in the list followed by Delhi,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat.
The list of countries from which FDI comes into India is topped by Mauritius amounting for nearly 37% of total inflow. USA is next to it with about 15% share.

Q. 5 Discuss any two of the following topics (answer each question in about 150 words): 2 × 15 = 30

(a) Assistance to the States for Development of Export Infrastructure and other Activities (ASIDE).
Important Points for Answer: Scheme Purposes

Answer: The scheme is to provide an outlay for development of export infrastructure which will be distributed to the States according to a predefined criteria. The existing EPIP, EPZ and CIB schemes are merged with the new scheme.
The specific purposes for which the funds allocated under the Scheme can be sanctioned and utilised are as follows : Creation of new Export Promotion Industrial Parks/Zones (including Special Economic Zones (SEZs)/Agri-Business Zones) and augmenting facilities in the existing ones. Setting up of electronic and other related infrastructure in export conclave. Equity participation in infrastructure projects including the setting up of SEZs.
Development of complementary infrastructure such as roads connecting the production centres with the ports, setting up of Inland Container
Depots and Container Freight Stations, Stabilising power supply through additional transformers and islanding of export production centres etc.
Development of minor ports and jetties of a particular specification to serve export purpose.
Assistance for setting up common effluent treatment facilities for which guidelines are placed. Projects of national and regional importance. Please Note
The Export Promotion Industrial Parks Scheme (EPIP), Export Promotion
Zones scheme (EPZ), and the Critical Infrastructure Balancing Scheme (CIB) are also implemented to help create infrastructure for exports in specific locations and to meet specific objectives.

(b) Convertibility of Indian Rupee.
Important Points for Answer:
Meaning of Convertibility Convertibility of Indian Rupee : Capital Account, Current Account

Answer: After opening Indian market in 1991 by the LPG policy, it was necessary to made Indian rupee convertible. Convertibility of a currency implies free exchange of a currency into any foreign currency and vice-versa.
Tarapore Committee was appointed in 1997 on Capital Account Convertibility, by the Reserve Bank of India. Lastly, in 2006, for Current
Account Convertibility, Tarapore Committee was appointed by the Reserve Bank of India. Since, August, 19,1994, Indian rupee has been made fully convertible in current account transactions related to goods and services.
The Committee also had suggested full convertibility but yet Indian rupee has not been made fully convertible in capital account.
Today, the final position is that Indian rupee is partially convertible. The Finance Ministry has relaxed norms but ruled out full convertibility on Capital Account in near future.
Though full convertibility may help India attract more FDI but it will also expose the economy to more risk.

(c) India on Global Competitiveness Index - 2007.
Important Points for Answer: Global Competitive Index Indian Position

Answer: The Global Competitive Index is released by the World Economic Forum. In its 2007 report, it covers 131 economies. They are measured on twelve parameters. India is placed at 48th rank, five notches down than previous index position

(43rd place). India is ranked second among emerging markets after China. The Index parameters include : Institution
Macro-economic stability
Higher Education and Training Labour Market Efficiency
Technological Readiness Business Sophistication Infrastructure
Health and Primary Education Goods Market Efficiency Financial Market Sophistication
Market size Innovation

There are three sub-indices :

1. Efficiency Enhancers

2. Basic requirements

3. Innovation factors India ranks 31, 74 and 26 respectively on the above three indices.
This index is designed to capture a range of factors affecting an economy’s business climate. The report says “The quality of the business environment in India has improved tangibly in recent years”.

Q. 6 Write about the following (answer to each question in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10

(a) Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

Answer: The term is related to IMF. They are used to manage liquidity. They are not real money but just credit entries in the account of a nation.

(b) NAMA

Answer: Non-Agricultural Market Access. This term is related to WTO.
NAMA is used to enhance trade in Non-Agricultural Sector, i.e.
Manufacturing and Service Sector.

(c) Non-tariff trade barriers

Answer: Additional trade barriers to restrict imports. They are : Phytosanitary measures, Prohibition of Child Labour in manufacturing etc.

(b) Current Account Balance

Answer: Difference between a country’s savings and investment. It shows position of a country in international trade. Positive CAB means more export and negative CAB means more import.

(c) Free Trade Area

Answer: Free Trade Area refers to economic arrangement between two or more countries, removing all import tariffs among themselves. There is also no quota or export subsidies.

Q. 7 Write on any one of the following (answer in about 150 words): 15

(a) South-South Cooperation
Important Points for Answer:
Meaning
Aims
Necessity

Answer: South-South Cooperation suggests economic co-operation among developing countries of the world. They bring third world economies together for their common development.
The all over aim of South-South Co-operation is to jointly promote development. The collective strength can be utilised to bring faster growth in their economies. Their voice can be heard because of their numerical strength.
There are many common challenges like poverty, hunger, disease, unemployment, pollution, global warming, corruption, terrorism etc. which need to fight together. Therefore, south- south cooperation has brought the members together. As the result, many organisations like SAARC, IBSA,
NAM, G-77, Mercosur, etc. have come into existence. Common grievances have been raised by them in WTO, UN and other world forums. It was necessary to revoke the myth that co-operation can be only among developed and developing countries. It was a demand of the hour, because developed countries had only concentrated on their personal interest and not taken into consideration demands of the developing and poor economies. So, to increase bargaining power, collaboration was necessary.

(b) Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Important Points for Answer:
Why came into existence ? Important Provisions
Main objectives

Answer: The Second World War opened eyes of the whole world that any violative action will result only in destruction of human being. So, world leaders expressed importance of Human Rights. As a result, International Bill of Human Rights was prepared. First expression of Human Rights came into existence by the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. Its main objective is to recognise the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of human family. It also aims to protect human rights by rule of law. Granting to women the same political rights as to men is an important objective enshrined in its preamble.
The declaration contains 30 Articles. They are universal in nature. They have been elaborated in subsequent conventions, Protocols etc. Article-1 says all human beings are born free and equal in dignity. Article-7 provides for equality before the law and equal protection of the law. Article-9 is a right against arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. Article-20 provides for right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Article-17 enumerates the right to own property. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is provided in Article-18.

Q. 8 Briefly write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10

(a) Look East Policy and North-East India

Answer: Look East Policy was launched in 1992. It helped to connect North- Eastern States with other countries and to improve their economic condition.

(b) India at the Beijing Olympics

Answer: In Beijing Olympics 2008, India won one gold for 10 m Air Rifle
Men’s Event by Abhinav Bindra, two Bronze, one in Free Style Wrestling by Sushil Kumar and the second in Boxing by Vijendra Kumar.

(c) India’s role in Afghanistan Today

Answer: India has taken a leading role in Afghanistan’s development by undertaking partnership in hydro-electricity, road, agriculture, industrial development and telecommunications related projects.

(b) IPCC Report on Global Warming

Answer: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that most of the temperature increase since the mid-twentieth century is “very likely” due to the increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations. Climate model projections indicate that global surface temperature will likely rise a further 1.1 to 6.4 °C (2.0 to 11.5 °F) during the twenty-first century.

(c) Indo-EU Economic Ties

Answer: India’s bilateral trade with the European Union (EU) is of the order of approximately US $ 20 billion annually. Nearly 26 per cent of India’s exports are to die EU, while India’s imports from the EU constitute 28 per cent of her total imports.

Q. 9 Briefly write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10

(a) G.CC

Answer: It stands for Gulf Co-operation Council, created in May, 1981. It consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It works as a trade bloc.

(b) G-77

Answer: Constituted under the UN banner in 1964, now consists of 130 member countries of the Third World. Aims at protecting economic interest of the member countries.

(c) I.CR.C

Answer: It stands for International Committee on Red Cross. It is a neutral organisation. It works for humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence.

(d) MERCOSUR

Answer: A common market among four South American countries - Brazil,
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. It was started in January, 1995.

(e) INTERPOL

Answer: Stands for International (Criminal) Police Organisation. Facilitates co-operation among international police. Its headquarters is in Lyon, France.

Q. 10 Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) In what way ‘Medical Biotechnology’ and ‘Bioengineering’ are useful for technological development of India ?
Important Points for Answer: Biotechnology
Medical Biotechnology Bio-engineering
Useful to India

Answer: Biotechnology is a science that uses living plants or animals as their products and technically develops useful products from them. Simply, it is a technology related to bio-life. It has emerged as a developing science branch. Bio-engineering and Medical bio-technology are specialised branches of biotechnology.
Medical bio-technology is use of techniques in medical field.
Diagnostic system, clinical research, drug production, delivery and discovery are important areas. Medical biotechnology can be useful to India in .the following ways : India can become a medical tourism place. India can earn foreign revenue. Pharmaceutical companies can grow. Improved technology will help promote health standard. Bio-engineering is a branch which applies engineering principles to living system. Various branches of life science like - molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, micro-biology, cytology, etc. are used in bioengineering.
They help to develop and design devices and components, useful in various fields. Genetic science is also related to it. New discoveries in human genome have expanded horizons of bio-engineering and medical biotechnology. These can be useful in India for development of medical facilities. Export of services and BPOs have also started to use these knowledge. This gives more employment opportunities to Indians.
The efficiency and efficacy of molecular medicines can be enhanced. Quick and effective result can be obtained by using them. New researches can remove pain of mankind by discovering medicines. GDP growth can be boost up by the scientific development and their commercialisation. The Department of Bio-technology has emphasised genomes and bioinformatics as the areas of special focus.
Thus, India can get advantages from the Medical Bio-technology and Bioengineering.

(b) What do you know about Indian National Satellite Systems ?
Describe its important features.
Important Points for Answer: Indian National Satellite Systems Satellites in Service

Answer: INSAT or the Indian National Satellite System is a series of multipurpose Geo-Stationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and “search and rescue” needs of India. Commissioned in 1983, INSAT is the largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific Region. Satellites in Service
There are currently 11 satellites in service out of 21 which have ever been part of INSAT system. INSAT-2E : It is the last of the five satellites in INSAT-2 series. INSAT-3 Series INSAT-3A : The multipurpose satellite, INSAT-3A, was launched by
Ariane in April 2003. It is located at 93.5 degree East longitude. INSAT-3B : Launched in March 2000, INSAT-3B is collocated with INSAT-2E at 83 degree East longitude. INSAT-3C : Launched in January 2002, INSAT-3C is positioned at 74 degree East longitude. INSAT-3E : Launched in September 2003, INSAT-3E is positioned at
55 degree East longitude. KALPANA-1: KALPANA-1 is an exclusive meteorological satellite launched by PSLV in September 2002. GSAT-2 : Launched by the second flight of GSLV in May 2003. EDUSAT: EDUSAT was launched by GSLV in September 2004. Its transponders and their ground coverage are specially configured to cater to the educational requirements INSAT-4 Series INSAT-4A : Launched in December 2005 by the European Ariane launch vehicle. INSAT-4B : It was launched in March 2007 by the European Ariane launch vehicle. INSAT-4C was to be India’s most advanced communications satellite, and was the second satellite in the INSAT 4 series. INSAT-4CR was launched on 2 September 2007 by GSLV-F04. It is a replacement satellite of INSAT-4C which was lost when GSLV-F02 failed and had to be destroyed on its course.

Q. 11 Explain any three of the following (in about 150 words each): 3
× 15 = 45

(a) Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
Important Points for Answer:
Advantages Interactivity
VoD IPTV based conversed services Limitations

Answer: IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection. IPTV is typically supplied by a service provider using a closed network infrastructure. This closed network approach is in competition with the delivery of TV content over the public Internet, called Internet Television. In businesses, IPTV may be used to deliver television content over corporate LANs.
Advantages
The IP-based platform offers significant advantages, including the ability to integrate television with other IP-based services like high speed Internet access and VoIP. Interactivity
An IP-based platform also allows significant opportunities to make the TV viewing experience more interactive and personalised.
VoD
VoD stands for Video on Demand. VoD permits a customer to browse an online programme or film catalogue, to watch trailers and to then select a selected recording for playback. IPTV based Converged Services
Another advantage of an IP-based network is the opportunity for integration and convergence. This opportunity is amplified when using IMS-based solutions. Converged services implies interaction of existing services in a seamless manner to create new value added services. Limitations Because IPTV requires real-time data transmission and uses the Internet Protocol, it is sensitive to packet loss and delays if the streamed data is unreliable. If the IPTV connection is not fast enough, picture break-up or loss may occur.

(b) Spintronics
Important Points for Answer:
What is Spintronics ?
Metals based spintronic devices Semiconductor based spintronic devices

Answer: Spintronics is an emerging technology which exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons and its associated magnetic moment in addition to its fundamental electronic charge, in solid-state devices. It is also known as magneto-electronics.
Metals based spintronics devices
The simplest method of generating a spin-polarised current in a metal is to pass the current through a ferromagnetic material. The most common application of this effect is a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) device. Spintronics-enabled devices like GMR and TMR sensors have increased the sensitivity of the read head which measures the magnetic state of small magnetic domains (bits) on the spinning platter. Semiconductor-based spintronic devices In early efforts, spin-polarized electrons are generated via optical orientation using circularly-polarized photons at the bandgap energy incident on semiconductors with appreciable spin-orbit interaction (like GaAs and ZnSe).
Advantages of semiconductor-based spintronics applications are potentially lower power use and a smaller footprint than electrical devices used for information processing.

(c) Wifi
Important Points for Answer:
What is WiFi? Purpose
Advantages Limitations

Answer: Wi-Fi is the trademark for the popular wireless technology used in home networks, mobile phones, video games and other electronic devices that require some form of wireless networking capability. Purpose
The purpose of Wi-Fi is to provide wireless access to digital content. This content may include applications, audio and visual media, Internet connectivity, or other data.
A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a PC, game console, mobile phone, MP3 player or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet.
The coverage of one or more interconnected access points—called a hotspot
—can comprise an area as small as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as large as many square miles covered by overlapping access points.
Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other.
Advantages
Wi-Fi allows LANs to be deployed without cabling for client devices, typically reducing the costs of network deployment and expansion. Spaces where cables cannot be run, such as outdoor areas and historical buildings, can host wireless LANs

Answer: Limitations . Spectrum assignments and operational limitations are not consistent worldwide.

(d) Components of Robots
Important Points for Answer: Components for various functions:
- Actuation
- Manipulation
- Locomotion Components of robots
Actuation : Actuators are the “muscles” of a robot, the parts which convert stored energy into movement. Actuators include-
Motors: Robots use electric motors, including, brushed and brushless DC motors. Stepper motors: They do not spin freely like DC motors; they rotate in discrete steps, under the command of a controller. Piezo motors: The advantages of these motors are nanometer resolution, speed and available force for their size.
Air muscles: A simple yet powerful device for providing a pulling force.
When inflated with compressed air, it contracts by up to 40% of its original length. Electroactive polymers: A class of plastics which change shape in response to electrical stimulation. Elastic nanotubes: These are a promising, early-stage experimental technology.
Manipulation
The ‘hands’ of a robot are often referred to as end effectors, while the arm is referred to as a manipulator.
Mechanical Grippers
Vacuum Grippers General purpose effectors Locomotion
Rolling Robots
Two-wheeled balancing- Ballbot
Track Robot
Walking Robots
ZMP Technique - Hopping
Dynamic Balancing - Passive Dynamics
Other methods of locomotion Flying - Snaking Skating - Swimming

Q. 12 Write brief notes on all the five (in about 20 words each) below
: 5 × 2 = 10

(a) Copyright and Trade-mark

Answer: Copyright is a form of intellectual property which gives the creator of an original work of authorship exclusive rights to control its distribution for a certain time period.A trademark is a type of intellectual property, and typically a name, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, image, or a combination of these elements.

(b) TIFAC

Answer: TIFAC, an autonomous organisation under Department of Science and Technology chaired by Dr. R. Chidambaram, aims to keep a technology watch on global trends arid formulating preferred technology options for India.

(c) Aspartame

Answer: Aspartame or APM is the name for an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener, aspartyl- phenylalanine-l-methyl ester, that is, a methyl ester of the dipeptide of the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine.

(d) Gene doping

Answer: Gene doping is defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency as “the non-therapeutic use of cells, genes, genetic elements, or of the modulation of gene expression, having the capacity to improve athletic performance”.

(d) Sappan

Answer: SAPPAN WOOD or East Indian red wood is a multipurpose tree. It is botanically known as Caesalpitiia Sappan L.It is a natural dye yielding medicinal plant. In India it is cultivated in parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.