Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
Candidates should attempt All questions strictly in accordance with the instruction given under each question.
Q. 1 Answer any one of the following (about 250 words): 30
(a) What was the Butler Committee Report? Discuss the reactions on the Report in India.
Important Points for Answer:
Buttler Committee Report
Main Recommendations
Reactions in India
Answer: The relations between Indian Princes and the Crown were not well defined because the extent of sovereignty of the Paramount power were not yet settled properly. To investigate and clarify the relationship between the paramount power and the Princes, the Government appointed the Indian States Committee in 1927. This committee was popularly known as the Butler Committee as Sir Harcourt Butler was its Chairman.
The Committee reported:
“Paramountcy” was considered as definable and adoptable according to the shifting necessities. It pointed towards usages for interpretation of treaties. Thus, paramountcy was not clearly defined.
States were given immunity and were made bound by treaties with the crown. However, a limitation was imposed that states were not able to hand over power to others without prior consent of the British Indian Government.
The Committee advised that the Viceroy (instead of the Governor-General in Council) should represent the Crown in all dealings with the States. Therefore, the Viceroy was made the Crown’s agent in dealing with states.
The Committee left ‘Paramountcy’ undefined and thus created ambiguity. Rather the committee had made the concept vague and left it to be interpreted by usage and Crown’s prerogative and the implied consent of the Princes. Princes were shocked by this definition of paramountcy in the report. They resorted to Constitution of All India Union to save themselves from such vague concept of paramountcy which was certainly left undefined and favourable to the crown for interpretation. Yet they demanded a clear cut definition of paramountcy. Nationalists were shocked that ‘Paramountcy’ was not automatically transferrable from Princes to the possible government in India. (Total 266 words)
(b) Why did Jinnah reject the C. R. Formula ?
Important Points for Answer:
C.R. Formula
Main provisions
Reasons for Jinnah’s Rejection
Answer: C. Rajagopalachari come up with a formula to solve the Constitutional crisis between Congress and the Muslim League. Gandhi supported the formula and on the base of this formula, popularly known as ‘C. R. formula’, a talk between Gandhi and Jinnah was held in September 1944.
Main provisions of the formula were :
Muslim League to endorse Congress’s demand for independence.
League was required to cooperate with Congress to form an interim government at centre.
Plebiscite was to be held in the North-East and North-West areas with Muslim majority to decide whether they wanted to form a new state, i.e. Pakistan.
Joint agreement was to be made if partition was accepted for safeguarding the areas of defence, commerce, communications, etc.
Only if England transferred full powers to India, the above terms could be operative.
But the talk failed due to objections of M. A. Jinnah. He called this formula a plan to cut organs of Pakistan. He regarded it a proposal to confine muslims in their homes.
Jinnah rejected the formula on the following grounds :
Partition should be adopted even though England does not transfer full powers to India. He had nothing to do with the independence of the Union of India.
He wanted that in plebiscites in North-East and North-West areas, only muslims should vote and not the whole population.
He also not accepted the common centre for India and Pakistan.
Even with regard to the Partition, formula provided it after independence while Jinnah wanted it before independence.
All these were the points why Jinnah rejected the C. R. Formula. (Total 265 words)
Q. 2 Answer any two of the following (about 150 words each): 2 × 15 = 30
(a) Trace the growth of the Indian Home Rule Movement in Britain
Important Points for Answer:
Movement in Britain
Spread and Growth
Purpose
Answer: The Home Rule Movement was inspired by Irish Home Rule Movement. Branches of the Home Rule League were established in India and abroad. To propagate Indian cause to the British people and through them assert pressure upon the British Parliament, a Home Rule League was established on 7 June 1916 in London. The Secretary-General Major D. Graham Pole spread the movement in England.
Its main objectives were accepted to open branches of the League in Britain, to publish materials related to Indian conditions, to organise seminars, meetings and public procession, to make British aware of the Indian situations and thus to bring Home Rule to India.
Mrs. Annie Besant, who played a vital role in Indian Home Rule Movement, was also actively involved in the movement in Britain. The spread of the Indian Home Rule Movement in Britain helped Indian cause to gather support from Britishers. Dadabhai Nairoji had spent most of his life and income in England for the same cause. (Total 163 words)
(b) Evaluate the attitudes of different political parties towards Quit India Movement.
Important Points for Answer:
Quit India Movement – Origin
Reactions
Opposition
Support
Answer: The failure of the Cripps Mission to solve the Constitutional dead-lock aroused discontent among Indians. Gandhi gave a call for British withdrawal and a non-violent struggle against possible Japanese invasion. This was the last biggest mass movement before independence of India. Though whole country involved in it, many leaders and political parties criticised it.
The Muslim League opposed the movement and cooperated with British against the Quit India Movement calling it a conspiracy for Hindu rule.
Even communist party did not favour Quit India Movement.
Congress liberals believed it was a movement before time and occasion.
Hindu Mahasabha leaders did not support it.
Akali Dal was also against the Quit India Movement.
Thus, almost all political parties were divided in their opinion and response towards the Quit India movement. However, it was also a reality that except the Muslim League, no other party tried to obstruct it. People from all over India participated in the movement. (Total 158 words)
(c) Review the ‘Dickie Bird Plan’.
Important Points for Answer:
Dickie Bird Plan
Main Provisions
Reaction
Answer: ‘Dickie Bird Plan’ is a nick name of “Mountbatten Plan” which was related to partition of and dominion status to India by the British Government. This plan had a favourable feature that it proposed to transfer power immediately on the basis of dominion status. So there was no need to wait till the enforcement of the new Constitution which would involve long time and process of electing Constituent Assembly and preparing a Draft Constitution.
The plan ruled out any possibility of merger of Hyderabad with Pakistan but it provided for voting and plebiscite in the areas with Muslim majority in Western frontier districts. It also accepted that provinces coming under such provisions shall have right to decide their fate.
This plan prepared a base and made pre-arrangement for the freedom and partition of India.
Dickie Bird Plan was not accepted by Indian leaders but it created a hope for and fear of partition. (Total 154 words)
Q. 3 Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
(i) Anandmath
Answer: A famous novel written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1882, written in the background of the Sanyasi uprising of Bengal, inspired national movement creating spirit among masses.
(ii) Bismillah Khan
Answer: A famous ‘Shehnai’ player, was awarded Bharat Ratna Award in 2001 for his contribution to Indian classical music and popularising Shehnai.
(iii) Christ Evert
Answer: A profession woman tennis player from USA, won total eighteen single grand slam and three doubles, considered former World No. 1 woman tennis player, recently announced her retirement from the game.
(iv) Chamber of Princes
Answer: A group of Indian Princes formed in 1920 under the Montford reforms in India to act as as an advisory body in India and voice their opinions to and express concerns against British rule.
(v) Dharma Sabha
Answer: Dharma Sabha, established in 1830 by Radha Kant Dev, was aimed at the revival of ancient Hindu religion and reaction to the reformist Hindu leaders.
(vi) Divide et Impera
Answer: It means Divide and Rule, the policy first implemented by Lord Dalhousie in India and then continued till India’s independence.
(vii) Dandi March
Answer: It was held by Gandhiji from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi with his 78 companions on12 March 1930. It started the Civil Disobedience Movement by breaking the salt law.
(viii) Garry Kasparov
Answer: World No. 1 Chess Player, many times world champion, the Russian Grand Master who won Chess Oscars, is also writer, poet and activist.
(ix) Keshab Chandra Sen
Answer: A social and religious reformer who joined Brahmo Samaj and later established ‘Bhartiya Brahmo Samaj’ in 1866. He wrote ‘Young Bengal, This is for You’.
(x) Nivedita
Answer: A Scots-Irish social worker, author, teacher, disciple of Swami Vivekananda who joined Ramkrishna Mission, also known as “Bhagini Nivedita”.
(xi) Pele
Answer: A world famous professional football player of Brazil who is considered all time best football player of the world, voted in 1999 as the World Player of the Century by IFFHS.
(xii) Raidasa
Answer: Born in 1414 near Banaras, he was a lower caste Saint of medieval age of Bhakti Movement who popularised ‘Bhakti’ among lower untouchable castes.
(xiii) Satyagraha
Answer: It was a method adopted by Gandhi to get justice, first used in South Africa. Satyagraha was the main weapon through which he brought freedom to India.
(xiv) Steffi Graf
Answer: A world famous German woman professional tennis player who won 22 Grand Slams in singles and ranked No. 1 during her career.
(xv) Theodore Beck
Answer: He was a British educationist who became Principal of Islamic Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh, supported and promoted Islamic Communalism in India.
Q. 4 Answer any two of the following (about 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(a) Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and state the economic significance of these plantations.
Important Points for Answer:
Tea plantation – climatic requirements
Assam & West Bengal
Economic significance
Answer: Assam is the largest producer state of tea in India. Tea is produced in areas of mountains with slope where water does not get stagnated. Frequent rainfall is another requirement. Assam and West Bengal hills have such topographical features.
Around 80% of areas in the triangle formed by mountain areas of these two states is under tea plantation. Dibrugarh, Shivsagar, Lakhimpur, Kamrup and Darang districts are mainly under tea plantation in Assam. In West Bengal, Darjeeling, Jalpaigudi, Kuch Bihar etc. are main tea producing areas.
Economically tea plantation is very important in both these states as their economy, especially of Assam, largely depend upon tea crop. It provides employment to rural poor labourers. It earns India foreign currency by export of tea. Darjeeling Tea sells at very high price. (Total 129 words)
(b) Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall over India in the summer monsoon season.
Important Points for Answer:
Summer Monsoon
Wind Origin
Distribution
Answer: During summer, difference of pressure and temperature created over the Indian landmass and the waterbody of Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean plays a role in deciding the distribution of wind and rainfall.
South-West monsoon wind brings rain to Indian sub continent. Winds from the South-West, dividing at the southern tip of India, blow over landmass in May and June. This wind carry moisture and when obstructed by the Western Ghats, it give rainfall ranging from 200 to 400 cm. While going towards Rajasthan and Kutch, they hardly give 40 to 60 cm rainfall.
In North-East and Eastern plateau about 150-300 cm and in the Himalayan about 100-200 cm rainfall come in this season. A branch of South-Western monsoon wind from East towards North bring rainfall in Tamil Nadu. (Total 135 words)
(c) Define the concept of ‘growth centres’ and evaluate its relevance in regional planning in India.
Important Points for Answer:
Growth Centre
Provisions
Relevance
Answer: Growth Centres are created in backward areas selected for industrialisation. Determinants to locate these growth centres are – population, area and industrial backwardness. They are provided with an assistance of Rs. 25-30 crore for their development.
Government had decided to establish such Growth centres in backward areas in 1988. The plan to develop 70 growth centres was included in and implemented through the Eighth Five Year Plan. These were to be located at Tehsil headquarters. They were aimed to attract various industries in such centres. They were, therefore, equipped with infrastructural facilities like power, water, transportation, banking, communication and so on.
In regional planning, they can be used to promote growth and development, based on the nature of the locality, geographical and climatic conditions. At regional level, they can generate employments, produce goods and develop markets. (Total 136 words)
Q. 5 Write short notes on the following (about 20 words each): 5 × 2 = 10
(i) Name the main petroleum producing areas in India
Answer: Digboi and Surma Valley of Assam, Ankleshwar, Nawagam and Kalol of Gujarat. Barauni of Bihar and Bombay High in the Coast of Maharashtra.
(ii) Jhum cultivation – process and consequences
Answer: It is practised for agricultural purpose over the land till it gets exhausted. Consequences are loss of fertility and environmental degradation.
(iii) Kaziranga National Park
Answer: Home to world’s two thirds of one horned rhinoceros, situated in Golaghat and Nagoan districts of Assam, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(iv) Census definition of urban places
Answer: Every place which is either a Municipality or Corporation or Cantonment Board or an area with population above 5000, density above 400 persons per square km and above 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural activities.
(v) Khetri Copper Project
Answer: Hindustan Copper Ltd. operates Khetri Copper Project, a mining-cum-metallurgical integrated project in Khetri region of Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan.
Q. 6 Answer any one of the following (about 250 words): 30
(a) “The issue of a hung Parliament adversely affects the stability of Indian Government.” Discuss the statement and point out how far changing over to the Presidential form of government will be a solution to this problem.
Important Points for Answer:
Hung Parliament – meaning, causes
Effect on stability
Presidential system – suitability to India
Assessment
Answer: For last one and a half decade, in India, no party gains enough majority in Parliament to form the Government. Parties have to form alliances to form government in the situations of hung Parliament. Small parties, in alliances, demand their interests to be satisfied.
In some cases, the Government falls and the country has to bear a huge burden of election expenses again. Then too, the country did not get a government of single party with absolute majority. This is the result of selfish and bargain politics and again it leads to the same in terms of alliances.
One option to Hung Parliament problem in India is the Presidential form of Government instead of Parliamentary form.
Reasons in favour of Presidential Form of Government:
Once the President is elected, he remains on the post for a fixed period, and the party politics does not affect stability of his government.
The President is vested with wide executive powers to take decisions and so differences of opinion in alliance does not prevent any effective step.
The country need not bear the expenses of election frequently.
An intelligent person on this key post can make many reforms to lead the country to growing development.
However, in Indian condition, it should also be taken into consideration that illiterate voters may not be able to choose one appropriate leader and such mistake may lead to persistent danger to the national interest for a quite long period. While in Parliamentary form, change is possible. Indian democracy is not as much developed as to run Presidential form of Government. (Total 262 words)
(b) Why does the Constitution of India provide different forms of Oaths for the President, the Ministers, the legislators and the members of the judiciary ? Discuss their significance.
Important Points for Answer:
Oath – provisions
Different Forms
Reasons
Answer: Functions and responsibilities of the President, the Ministers, the Legislators and the members of the Judiciary are specific and different from each other. Our Constitution requires a person to take an oath or affirmations before entering into office or taking over the responsibility.
Different authorities need to perform different functions or responsibilities and so the forms of oath are also different accordingly.
The President is the head of the state and all functions of the country are performed in his name. Moreover, being a part of Parliament and having ordinance making powers he also plays the role of a Legislator. Pardoning power in the field of Judiciary and Supreme command of the Armed forces in his hands, requires him to be faithful to the Constitution.
Article – 60 provides the form of oath or affirmation of the President. It requires him to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law at his best ability. Also, he is required to devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of India.
On the other hand, a minister belongs to political parties. Therefore, he is required, on an oath or affirmation, to discharge his duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
The Legislators make laws of national or local importance. They need to discharge this duty faithfully on oath.
Functions of the judicial members are to uphold the Constitution and law of the country. They are expected, by oath to discharge these duties without any fear or favour, affection or ill-will. (Total 253 words)
Q. 7 Answer any one of the following (about 250 words): 30
(a) What is the position of the Supreme Court under the Constitution of India? How far does it play its role as the guardian of the Constitution ?
Important Points for Answer:
Supreme Court – Constitutional position
Powers
A guardian
Answer: The Supreme Court of India is the highest Judicial body in the country. It is vested with the sole power of Constitutional interpretation. In the Indian Government system, it performs the function of federal court. It is vested with the original jurisdiction over the disputes arising between
(i) The Union of India and State/s.
(ii) The Union of India and State/s on one side and one or more states on the other side.
(iii) State/s and State/s.
It keeps legislature in control by declaring acts ultra vires if they violate any Constitutional provisions or interfere in the field of others. Powers of Judicial review is an important arm in its hand to check the legislature encroachments.
Judicial Activism is a concept by which the Supreme Court has started to act constructively, rather than exercising mere passive and preventive control.
To fulfil the Constitutional obligation, it has now declared many directives as the Fundamental Rights and has made it mandatory for the state to protect and enforce them. It interpreted Article 19 and 21 very constructively and derived many other Fundamental Rights from them.
In case of an attempt by the legislature to curtail the scope of the Fundamental Rights, the Supreme Court, has taken a moderate stand and upheld the legislature’s powers to amend the Fundamental Rights, but has not allowed it to destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court of India is vested with a great responsibility to protect, interpret and upheld the Constitution and it has performed it very effectively. (Total 259 words)
(b) How is the Constitution of India amended? Do you think that the procedure for amendment makes the Constitution a play-thing in the hands of the Centre ?
Important Points for Answer:
Amendment procedure
Flexibility
Rigidity
Assessment
Answer: Article 368 of the Constitution contains power as well as procedure of amendment, which is of three types as:
(i) Simple majority: Both Houses pass a bill by simple majority and then it is sent to the President, for his assent.
(ii) Special majority : Both Houses need to pass the bill by two-third majority of the members present and voting and by majority of the total number of members of that House.
(iii) Special majority plus ratification of states : After passing the bill by both Houses by special majority, it is also required to amend some provisions of the Constitution, that the bill must be ratified by not less than one half of the states.
The bill to amend Constitution may be introduced in any House of Parliament. There is no provision for joint sitting of both Houses for Constitutional amendment. The President after 24th Amendment cannot withhold his assent nor can he return it for reconsideration. By the 24th Amendment 1971 the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution has been extended. It can amend any provision of the Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal. In the case of Keshvanand Bharti 1973, the Supreme Court upheld validity of this amendment, but introduced “Basic Structure” theory and held that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution as to destroy its basic structure.
By 42nd Amendment 1976, Parliament amended Article 368 to negate Judicial review of the amendment. But in Minerva Mill Ltd Case 1980 it was held void and power of Judicial review is restored to the Supreme Court.
Due to tough procedure
– no provision for joint sitting
– Judicial review, and
– basic structure theory
the Constitution has not become a plaything in the hands of the Centre. (Total 288 words)
Q. 8 Answer any two of the following (about 150 words each): 2 × 15 = 30
(a) Discuss the constitutional provisions relating to the non-justiciable directives binding upon the states.
Important Points for Answer:
Directive Principles
Non-Justiciable
Implementation
DPSPs as Fundamental Rights
Answer: The Directives laid down in the Part IV of the Constitution are not-justiciable in court of law and are not binding upon the state. The state may, and have, made some Directives binding by amendment under Article 368, provided it does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
By 25th Amendment Act 1971, Parliament, by inserting Article-31C in Part III provided that laws enacted to give effect to Articles-39 (b) and (c) can override the fundamental rights under Article 14 and 19. The Supreme Court has upheld this amendment.
The Supreme Court has uplifted some directives to the status of the fundamental rights and they are binding upon the State. These are ‘Right to Free Legal Aid’, ‘Free and Compulsory Education’, Protection of Children from Exploitation’, ‘Abolition of Child Labour’, ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’, ‘Protection of Ecology and Environmental Pollution’ etc. All these Directives are binding upon the State. (Total 154 words)
(b) Describe the methods of delimiting constituencies for parliamentary elections in India.
Important Points for Answer:
Constitutional provisions
Methods of delimitation
Formation of Commission
Power to delimit
Answer: Under Article 327, the Parliament has power to make provision with respect to all matters relating to elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls, the delimitation of Constituencies etc.
The Election Commission delimits the electoral constituencies in accordance with the law made by Parliament. The Indian Delimitation Commission Act 1952 makes provision for revision of the limitations of the electoral constituencies every ten years after the census. Every electoral constituency is a single electoral constituency.
The delimitation is made by the Commission consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner as its Chairman, and retired judges of the Supreme Court and the High courts as members of the Commission. It includes two to seven members from every state to assist in that state for delimitation.
People can present their views and suggestions. After considering them, the Commission declares the limitations of the constituencies and this is the final declaration without any appeal. (Total 150 words)
(Note: Parliament had decided to follow the 1971 Census for the matters of electoral constituencies in elections until the Census of 2001 is published. But after 2001 Census, it decided to continue to follow the 1971 Census, in this regard, till 2006.)
(c) Explain the role of the Public Accounts Committee.
Important Points for Answer:
Constitution of Committee
Functions of Committee
Method
Importance
Answer: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is the oldest of the three financial committees. It consists of 22 members of which 15 are from the Lok Sabha and 7 are from the Rajya Sabha. It has become convention that a member of opposition is appointed as its Chairman, since 1967.
This committee examines the accounts showing the expenditure of the Government from the sum granted by the Parliament. It examines whether the money appropriated was used for the purpose for which it was granted or not. If it finds out any administrative or policy misuse in the account, it will draw attention of Parliament towards it. It will also bring out any waste, corruption or inefficiency in the expenditure.
It examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India who assists the committee and participates in the meetings.
However, its findings are ex post facto, so, it can reveal only what has happened, but is investigations are taken very seriously by officials. (Total 164 words)
Q. 9 Answer the following (about 20 words each) : 5 × 2 = 10
(i) What is the import of the 84th Amendment of the Indian Constitution ?
Answer: The 84th Amendment 2001 is related to the delimitation of Constituencies and of Parliamentary seats. It provides Census of 1971 as the basis, instead of 2001.
(ii) Under what Article of the Constitution can the Union Government play its role in inter-state water disputes ?
Answer: Under Article-252 Parliament can adjudicate any dispute relating to any matter of, or in, any inter-state river or river-valley.
(iii) What is the role of the protem speaker ?
Answer: The role the protem speaker is to preside over the Lok Sabha for the oath and election of the new speaker. He holds the seat till the speaker is elected.
(iv) What is meant by the ‘lame-duck session’ of the legislature ?
Answer: Lame-duck session is the last session of existing body of legislature, when election is to be held in a short period, already announced, before dissolution of Parliament.
(v) What is meant by the ‘fringe areas’ in the sphere of local government in India?
Answer: The area included in the local administration of both Panchayat and district is called the Fringe areas in the sphere of local government.
Q. 10 Write on any one of the following (about 250 words): 30
(a) What is the composition of the Electoral College for the election of the President of the Indian Republic? How is the value of votes cast counted ?
Important Points for Answer:
Electoral college
Method of Election
Value of Votes
Answer: The President is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and the Union Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry.
According to Article 55 of the Constitution, as for as practicable, there has to be uniformity in the scale of representation of the different states at the election of the President.
For the purpose of securing such uniformity among the States, the number of votes to which each State is entitled is determined as follows:-
– Every elected member of the legislative assembly of a State shall have as many votes as there are multiples of one thousand in the quotient obtained by dividing the population of the state by the total number of elected members of the Assembly. If after taking the said multiples of one thousand, the remainder is not less than five hundred, then the vote of each member shall be further increased by one.
– Each elected member of either House of Parliament shall have such number of votes as may be obtained by dividing the total number of votes assigned to the members of the State Legislation Assemblies by the total number of elected members of both the House of Parliament fractions exceeding one-half being counted as one and & other fractions being disregarded.
The election of the President shall be held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting shall be by secret ballot. (Total 258 words)
(b) Biotechnology boom may pave a golden path for India.” Discuss.
Important Points for Answer:
Biotechnology – Concept
Applications
Uses in India
Answer: Biotechnology is emerging as very important field of science with massive development opportunities. It is an industrial use of life, i.e. micro-organisms and other living cells of plants and animals to produce substances beneficial to people.
This technology is used in various fields like agriculture, animal husbandry, biosensors production, genetic engineering, genetic mapping, cloning, embryo transfer technology, medicine, food, fuel, fodder, environment, etc.
In India, the main benefit that can be derived from the development of biotechnology is in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry. These areas support maximum of our population. We can have new improved varieties of seeds, drought and insect proof species of plants, more nutritious and productive crops with minimum requirements and short duration of time can lead Indian agriculture to new heights.
Animal husbandry with Biotechnological application can lead to new animals with more milk and meat, more off-springs and wool can be produced by genetic technology. Healthy animals and birds with more eggs and healthy meat can be derived.
Cloning is also a possible field of biotechnology. Cloning of small animals have been made possible and even human cloning research are in progress. Cloning gives new springs with desirable qualities and therapeutic uses.
Medicines can be prepared with the use of biotechnology. For example, antibiotics and vaccines of various diseases are prepared using this technology.
Embryo transfer technology and artificial insemination can be helpful in this direction.
Food qualities can be improved through this technology. Bio pesticides and bio fertilisers, bio fuel and fodders path towards prosperous future. (Total 258 words)
Q. 11 Write on any two of the following (about 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(a) What were the main strategic concerns of the Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri during her recent visit to India ?
Important Points for Answer:
Details of the Visit
Discussion held
Strategic importance
Answer: Recent visit of the Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri in April, 2002 was of great importance for both countries not only for the bilateral relations but also in deciding strategic condition of the South-east Asia.
She held comprehensive talks with Indian leaders on matters of energy, security and combating terrorism. They accepted a dire need to face the threat of terrorism jointly. In matters of energy agreement both countries concerned about the possibilities of laying pipe lines of natural gas from Indonesia to India through the Indian Ocean near the Andaman and Nicobar Island. India supported sovereign integrity of Indonesia and condemned militant activities near Indonesian energy centres and offered all supports to check them.
As both the countries occupy a strategic positions in the Indian Ocean and the South-East Asia, the visit acquires a great importance. (Total 138 words)
(b) What is ‘TRIFED’ ? What are its objectives ?
Important Points for Answer:
TRIFED – details
Objectives
Functions
Answer: TRIFED is a Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation.
TRIFED is run by the Central Government which aims at collecting and purchasing products of tribal people from the country and to sell in the country or to export them. To eradicate poverty in tribal areas, to provide them with economic security by aiding market facility and to uplift their level of life, are the main objectives of this institution apart from leading the country towards food security, social development and help in natural disasters.
It helps them in times of natural disasters like drought, flood, cyclone or others. Volunteer groups are formed from the tribal areas and they are trained for basic help in such emergency times.
Thus, the Institute is working for social security and economic upliftment of tribal people and areas. (Total 132 words)
(c) How has the dwindling of barbed variety of rice affected the Siliguri – Bagdogra belt with respect to man-animal conflict ?
Important Points for Answer:
Rice variety
Man-Animal conflict
New variety
Answer: The conflict of man-animal has been reduced and now animals do get enough fodder. In the area of Siliguri-Bagdogra belt, there was practiced a barbed variety of rice which were less useful as the animal fodder. So animals had to go to jungles or savannas. The barbed verities which had earlier occupied the region had prevented the animals from their coveted fodder, rice husk wheat twigs etc.
But the practice of new variety of bio-technologically developed rice have proven helpful in increasing fodder production for animals. Men can now profess animal husbandry along with agriculture and can have benefits of animals in agriculture, transportation and food production.
Apart from helping man-animal relations, this new genetically modified varieties of rice have reduced burden of animals upon the jungles and grassland making them greener again. (Total 137 words)
Q. 12 Write notes on any two of the following (about 125 words each) : 2 × 10 = 20
(a) What is Integrated Wastelands Development Programme ?
Important Points for Answer:
IWDP
Main Objectives
Assessment
Answer: The IWDP, Integrated Wastelands Development Programme has been under implementation since 1989-90. It was a fully centre funded scheme till 1 April 2000. Now ratio between Centre and State fund is 92 : 8.
It is now implemented on watershed development guidelines basis. It enhances people’s participation at all stages of the programme.
Objectives of this programme :
development based on village or micro-watershed plans.
generate employment in rural areas.
development of wastelands into grasslands for fodder purposes and than for agriculture.
prevent spread of wastelands.
protection of environment, soil etc.
The programme covers 28 states, 297 districts with a total area under various stages of the project of 37.22 lakh hectare.
This programme has created many positive effects on wastelands and increased the area under grassland or agricultural land. Benefit of rural employment and income security for them is created. (Total 141 words)
(b) Write briefly about Desert Development Programme.
Important Points for Answer:
The Programme
Objectives
Assessment
Answer: The Desert Development Programme was started in 1977-78. The basic object of the programme is to minimise the adverse effect of drought and control desertification through rejuvenation of natural resource base of the identified desert areas. It is being implemented in both types of deserts i.e. hot and cold.
It covers hot desert areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana.
Under the cold desert area come Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Its coverage has been increased to cover some districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The programme covers 234 blocks in 90 districts in India in seven states.
– To grow trees to prevent sand spread.
– To prepare grass-plains.
– To develop water resources.
The scheme is fully sponsored by the: Government of India. It covers a total area of about 33.56 lakh hectares. (Total 135 words)
(c) Write briefly about the Programmes for ‘Welfare of the Disabled’.
Important Points for Answer:
The Programme
Objectives
Assessment
Answer: Programme for the Welfare of persons with disabilities are under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. According to an estimate, there are five percent of population, in India, on an average, with some kind of disabilities.
A scheme to promote Voluntary Action for persons with disabilities provide assistance to NGOs working for the welfare of disabled. The Ministry also delivers or facilitates delivery of rehabilitation services, it gives support for vocational activities by disabled, income generating occupations, etc.
The Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) is the scheme, which is fully sponsored by the Centre, to implement organisations or agencies for welfare of disabled.
Reservation for disabled in job opportunities, education, training institutes etc. are provided. Various governmental institutes are established to work in this direction, e.g. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India – in Kanpur. (Total 136 words)
Q. 13 Write about the following (about 20 words each): 5 × 2 = 10
(i) Prof. B. P. Sinha
Answer: He was a historian and archaeologist who played an important role in excavation of the Vikramshila University of the ancient time. He died recently.
(ii) Maj. Gen. S. S. Sharma
Answer: Maj Gen S S Sharma, a recipient of gallantry award Kirti Chakra for leading the first Indian Wintering expedition to Antarctica, was commissioned in the Bombay Sappers, in June 1965.
(iii) Kondapallj, Seetaramaiah
Answer: He is main leader of the People’s War Group of the Naxalites – an organisation that he established in Andhra Pradesh. He died recently of Parkinson’s disease.
(iv) Aung San Suu Kyi
Answer: She is a prominent figure protesting against the military rule in Myanmar for the cause of democracy. She is kept in prison.
(v) Thalassery, Kerala
Answer: It is a town on the Malabar Coast in Kerala. It is referred as the city of 3-C, i.e. cricket, cakes and circuses.