MODEL ANSWERS for GS PAPER - I - Vajiram and Ravi · another, but their one common aim was freedom from the British rule. In order to suppress popular movements and counter widespread

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MODEL ANSWERS for GS PAPER - I

1. Examine the contributions of India to the growth of science and technology

in ancient times.

(10 marks, 200 words)

Indians in ancient times made significant contributions to the knowledge of

medicine, mathematics and astronomy, metallurgy, boat-building etc. It is evident from a

number of books written on these subjects and their translations in Arabic, Persian and

other languages. In medicine, the most authoritative text is Charak’s Charaksamhita

which gives scientific explanations to the cause of and remedies for different diseases.

The manuscript found in western china contains a part of it. Another text is Sushruta’s

Sushruta-samhita which refers to different types of surgical instruments and surgeons

including plastic surgeries. It was translated as kitab-i-susrud in Arabic in the 9th

century.In the fields of maths and astronomy, two most important names are Aryabhatta

and Bhaskaracharya. Aryabhatt’s Aryabhattiyam covers algebra, arithmetic,

trigonometry, fractions, equations and a table of sine. It also refers to pie (Π). Aryabhatt’s

work was greatly used in Arabic world and is cited by Al-khwarizmi and Al-beruni. His

discovery of zero and decimal system revolutionised the system of mathematical

calculations all over the medieval world. He is also credited with the discovery of the

concept that Earth moves on its axis and this explains the cause of eclipses.

Bhaskaracharya is regarded as a pioneer in differential calculus which was later adopted

by Leibniz and Newton. His treatise Lilavati, a part of Siddhanta Shiromani, refers to

simple methods of solving mathematical calculations and was translated into Persian by

Faizi during Akbar’s reign. In metallurgy, the iron pillar at Delhi is a standing example of

ancient India’s iron making technology. The Arab scholar, Al-idrisi says that Indian

swords were known for their sharpness and were in great demand in the west. Bhoja’s

Yuktikalptaru deals with the construction of different types of boats meant for inland

water ways as well as high seas. The compass, known as Matsya yantra is also believed

to have been an Indian invention and its role in the growth and navigation all over the

world is well known.

2. How far is it correct to describe Shahjehan’s reign as the golden age of

Mughal architecture?


The Mughal architecture represents an amalgam of India as well as Persian and

Turkish traditions and is remarkably symmetrical and ornamental in nature. It first

developed under Akbar and reached the highest level of perfection during the reign of

Shahjehan. Akbar made extensive use of red sandstone for his buildings whereas

Shahjehan considered white marbles as better building material. As against the sturdy

and plain constructions of Akbar, Shahjehan’s buildings are highly delicate and

ornamental. Shahjehan’s buildings are full of pietra dura and beautiful carvings in

marble. The archs became more foliated, the domes became bulbous. Shahjehan even

demolished some of Akbar’s simple brick sandstone structures in Agra fort and replaced

them with magnificent marble buildings. But the most fabulous building of his period is

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the Taj Mahal. It is a logical culmination of the Persian Charbagh style of garden tomb

with pathways, water channels and garden on four sides. The earliest example of it in

India is the Humayun’s tomb in Delhi. It’s soaring dome, black inscriptions against the

white marble background and jaali, the marble lattice work are the chief features. Among

other monuments of Shahjehan is the city of Shahjehanabad which is one of the most

systematically planned towns in the medieval period with proper laid out fort, markets,

roads, sarais and hydraulic water pumping system.

3. Communalism and Nationalism in India were the outcome of British

Imperialism. - Discuss.


The policy of divide and rule was inaugurated right in the days of East India

Company when the British were establishing themselves as rulers of India. Due to the

economic backwardness of India and rampant unemployment, there was ample scope

for the colonial government to use concessions, favors and reservations to fuel

communal and separatist tendencies. Later on this became responsible for the division

of the country into India and Pakistan.

The sense of being oppressed under colonial rule provided a shared bond that

tied different groups together. Each class and group felt the effects of colonialism

differently. Their experiences were varied, and their notions of freedom were not always

the same. Several other causes also contributed towards the rise and growth of

Nationalism. One set of laws of British Government across several regions led to political

and administrative unity. This strengthened the concept of citizenship and one nation

among Indians.

4. Answer the following:

(a) Gandhi – Irwin pact was an unconditional surrender by Gandhi.

Evaluate.


The pact was signed between the Viceroy representing the British Indian

Government and Gandhi representing Indian people in Delhi in February 1931. Terms

agreed to by Irwin were

1) Immediate release of all political prisoners not convicted of violence

2) Lenient treatment of all government servants who had resigned

3) Right to make salt for personal consumption

4) Right to peaceful picketing

5) Withdrawal of emergency ordinances

Gandhi on his behalf agreed to suspend civil disobedience movement and

participate in next round table conference.

The pact was criticized by many as surrender by Gandhi on the grounds of

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a) refusal for public inquiry into police excesses, and

b) refusal to commute Bhagat Singh and his comrades death to life sentence.

However the pact cannot be viewed as unconditional surrender by Gandhi

because

1) He agreed to suspend Civil disobedience movement because mass movements

are necessarily short lived and capacity of masses to make sacrifices is limited.

2) Signs of exhaustion were seen especially among merchants and shopkeepers

who were enthusiastic participants.

Gandhijis decision was based on logic and should not be viewed as surrender

and most of demands were met by Irwin excluding some.

(b) Round Table conferences were basically stage shows in London by

supporters of British rule. Comment.


Round table conferences were the first high level talks arranged between the

British and Indians as equals to decide future course of Constitutional reforms in India.

First round table conference was boycotted by Congress and attended only by

Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha and the princes. Every delegate reiterated

that a constitutional discussion without the Congress was meaningless.

Second round table conference: Congress agreed to attend it after Gandhi-Irwin

Pact. Right wing led by Churchill opposed British Government negotiating with Congress

on an equal basis. The Government failed to concede basic Indian demand of freedom

and this led to Gandhiji’s return and revival of Civil Disobedience movement.

Third round table conference was just a nominal conference Congress refused to

attend it (in fact it was not invited) and the Labor party also refused to attend it. The

outcome was a white paper issued by Government and on the basis of this paper

Government of India Act 1935 was to be passed.

Hence the purpose of discussing constitutional reforms with Indians on equal

basis was never fulfilled and Congress being main representative of India was never

taken into consensus. Indian demands were barely met. Hence Round Table

conferences were basically stage shows in London by supporters of British rule.

5. Suppression of mass movements gave provocation to Revolutionary

Terrorism in Indian freedom struggle. -Discuss.


The revolutionary terrorist movement was largely the outcome of the same set of

causes which gave rise to the extremist wing in the national politics. The only difference

was that the revolutionaries wanted quicker results and discounted the value of

moderates and applying low grade pressure on the British. The revolutionaries believed

that the British rule was destructive of all that is worthwhile in national life- political

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liberties, religious freedom, morality and Indian culture. Though the political philosophy

of the revolutionary terrorists in different parts of India might have differed from one

another, but their one common aim was freedom from the British rule. In order to

suppress popular movements and counter widespread discontent among the masses

the British used several measures like gagging the press and banning public assembly.

This attitude flared the already existing extremist tendencies of the youth.

The political measures of the government during Curzon’s rule and subsequent

repression directed against the nationalist movement were also greatly responsible for

the terrorist activities. One was the education policy illustrated by the Universities Act,

1904. Curzon`s education reforms were obviously interpreted by the nationalists as an

attempt to keep the educational institutions under tight imperial control. The second and

most controversial reform measure was the Partition of Bengal in the name of improving

the efficiency of the traditionally neglected Bengal province.

Activities of the Terrorists

The activities mainly comprised of political assassination, generally of unpopular

officials, hoping thereby to strike terror in the bureaucracy and break its will. They also

thought that a campaign of political assassination when carried out on a large scale

would even create a favorable atmosphere for armed insurrection.

Another method was to organize armed dacoities with a view to securing money

from wealthy Indians and the government, which they could use for their work such as

the establishment and operation of the secret groups, laboratories to make bombs,

factories to forge arms. There also sprang up revolutionary groups which had a more

extensive program such as the fomenting of mutinies in the army and agrarian riots.


(a) Sardar Patel played a great role as a maker of modern India. -

Comment.


Sardar Patel was a visionary and played a major role in shaping modern India.

Some of his major contributions are:

Role in Independence Movement: Played an active role in Kheda Satyagraha,

Dandi Salt march, Quit India movement.

Role in political integration of India: A fragmented land mass of 565 princely

states. This arduous task of swiftly uniting all the princely states would not have

been possible if not for Patel who personally met each prince for negotiations and

convinced them to accede to India.

Military Policies: During his tenure of being the home minister, Patel envisioned

some policies to keep India secure and develop it overall.

Role in Constitution: Patel had played a dominant and decisive role in the

Constituent Assembly from day one and was the motivator for the team.

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His role in white revolution: The idea of co-operatives for milk industry was the

brainchild of Patel which led to white revolution (headed by Dr. Kurien of Amul).

Patel was instrumental in motivating farmers to join the movement so as to break

the monopoly enjoyed by private players and place the power among hands of

the farmers/producers.

Hence Sardar Patel is considered as one of the architects of modern India.

(b) J. P. movement was an unconstitutional movement. - Discuss.


Post 1971 war the nation faced many problems like steep price rise and rise in

discontent among people. Law and order deteriorated further in 1974-75 strikes and

popular demonstrations often turned violent. Jayaprakash Narayan gave a call for “Total

Revolution”. The main justification of the JP movement was that it arose to end

corruption in Indian politics. Indira Gandhi justified her action of imposing emergency on

the grounds of India’s stability, need to implement rapid economic development

programme for the poor and warned against intervention and subversion from abroad to

weaken India.

JP was considered ideologically vague as his Total Revolution concepts were

unclear. JP movement came to include communal Jansangh and Jamaat-i-Islami, the

RSS and the extremist left Naxalite groups. This resulted in political character of the

movement also undergoing a change.

The agitational methods adopted and propagated by the JP Movement were

extra constitutional and undemocratic. Going beyond demonstrations in Bihar and

Gujarat the tactic was to force the governments to resign and dissolve legislatures. Thus

paralyzing individual government and forcing legislators to resign. There were attempts

to incite army police and civil services to rebel.

Thus it can be said that JP movement was an unconstitutional movement for the

sheer reason of the means they adopted.

7. Napoleon was the son of revolution. – Comment.


Napoleon’s rise owed everything to the French Revolution, to its ideals of liberty

and equality, the meritocracy that lay at its roots, and the huge institutional changes that

it wrought. For Napoleon the changes that were being made in the name of the French

people opened the door to brilliant careers and rapid social advancement. In the early

period of his career, Napoleon found the desire of the revolutionary authorities to pass

sweeping measures to renew the fabric of the nation refreshing and energising. He was

a convinced believer in the benefits of meritocracy and applauded the boldness of the

revolutionaries in abolishing nobility, selling church lands and reforming a society rooted

in privilege. In print, he mocked the corruption of the old order and lambasted the

privileged idleness of many members of the nobility. He did not emigrate; he continued

to serve in the army; he took the oath of loyalty to the constitution of 1791.

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Root-and-branch reform in the army led in 1799 to full-blown conscription and the

professional background and social configuration of the troops changed dramatically,

and the army, for a few short years, became predominantly French as the government

relied on its own people where, previously, it had bought soldiers from other states.

Because of the high turnover of officers – both through heavy casualty rates in battle and

as a result of resignations and emigration – promotion could come rapidly and at a very

young age. Recognition was there to be won for those with flair and talent, and a new

generation of officers, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, sieged the initiative.

The Revolution demanded not only talent from its officers, but also political

loyalty. The political leadership had had too many painful experiences with officers who

proved untrustworthy, socially conservative, or whose loyalty was to the king or to the

Catholic Church before it was to the French people. Napoleon who was trustworthy, loyal

to the nationalistic cause, socially moderate and firm believer in meritocracy can thus be

said to be the child of revolution.

8. Cold war after 1945 was basically the outcome of fear and provocative

steps of U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. - Discuss.


In 1945, the United States and Soviet Union were allies but within just a few

years, wartime allies became mortal enemies, locked in a struggle—military, political,

economic, ideological—to prevail in a new "Cold War."

Causes of the Cold War after 1945:

American fear of communist attack

Truman’s dislike of Stalin

USSR’s fear of the American's atomic bomb

USSR’s dislike of capitalism

USSR’s actions in the Soviet zone of Germany

America’s refusal to share nuclear secrets

USSR’s expansion west into Eastern Europe + broken election promises

USSR’s fear of American attack

USSR’s need for a secure western border

USSR’s aim of spreading world communism

This feeling of suspicion lead to mutual distrust and this did a great deal to

deepen the Cold War

9. Fear of communism was the most important cause of aggressive

nationalism in Europe.

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The answer should clearly bring about the causes for World War II that rode on

the fear of spread of communism in Italy, Germany and Spain.

The capitalist nations of Britain and France wanted to contain the spread of

communism and thus they showed a policy of appeasement towards Germany

and Italy. They did not want another Russia in the making.

Communist ideology was considered as a threat to the existing life and it was

treated as an evil by the businessman, feudal lords in these countries and

moreover all these countries that harboured an anti-communist feeling had their

entire economy controlled by the state. The emphasis was on self sufficiency as

it was important for the growth of the nation.

How this policy complemented the expansionist policy of Hitler leading to rise of a

nationalistic feeling. He also envisaged a living space for all Germans across

Europe and called it Lebensraum.

His idea of pan-Germanism and elements of social welfare were already present

in his policies to avoid any future clash with the community.

Use some of the pacts signed by Germany to support the above arguments -

1933 - Anglo German Treaty to allow Germany to maintain its Navy - A mark of

appeasement policy by Britain towards Germany.

1936 - Anti Commintern Pact between Germany and Japan.

10. Indira Gandhi’s era was one of turmoil as well as glory. - Critically analyse.


Indira Gandhi, the third Prime Minister of India was a central figure of the Indian

National Congress. Gandhi served from 1966 to 1977 and then again from 1980 until her

assassination in 1984.

Turmoil

Killing of democracy- Unnecessary declaration of emergency

Election irregularities

Reduced role of cabinet- Authoritarian head

Politicization of Judicial appointments

Breaking up of Congress party and weakening of the organization

Corruption

Politicization of bureaucracy

Economic losses of war

Price rise

Public unrest leading to movements like JP

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Glory

1971 war victory over Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh.

Agreement with Soviet Union promising mutual assistance in the case of war

Khalisthan movement problem solved.

Brought poverty to focus - Garibi Hatao

Nationalization of Banks

Environmental Legislations

Abolition of Privy Purse

Green revolution

11. Nehru’s liberalism and faith towards China became the cause for the

disaster of 1962. - Comment.


Nehru as a Prime Minister had a towering personality and earned the status of an

international statesman. Nehru's idealistic mind conjured a situation where might

was not right and war had to been banished. He decided that India with its history

of non-violence could play a leading role in international affairs.

Nehru introduced the mantra of ‘Peaceful Co-existence’. With the signing of the

Panchsheel Pact in 1954, Nehru believed that he had set a personal example in

how international problems could be resolved in a peaceful manner. Through

intensive diplomacy he sought to cement the friendly relations between India and

China.

Nehru anticipated an Indo-Chinese conflict much earlier than 1962 but decided to

follow the policy of appeasement. Nehru was under the illusion that China would

never go to war with India. China's intrusion into Ladakh in 1957 or its aggressive

tone post Dalai Lama's asylum in India could not shake India out of its

complacency. The tragedy was that Nehru, a man of peace, disliked war.

It is argued that putting faith in personal diplomacy and rejecting war as an

instrument of foreign policy became the cause of war in 1962. Foreign policy was

Nehru's forte as well as obsession. He had staked his all on it and found it hard

to recover after the Chinese humiliation knocked out the bottom of his policy.

12. How does mining of sand damage the ecosystem of rivers in India?


Sand, is the soil of the river, providing and sustaining virtually all life that exists in

the river itself. Along with gravels, it forms an intermediate zone between the surface

water of the river and the ground water beneath. This intermediate zone is called

hyporheic zone and performs critical functions:

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1. Recharging the groundwater table far beyond the river basin by slowing down the

flow of water in the river and allowing for percolation, not just downwards but

laterally across large areas.

2. Sand being porous serves the function of buffering agricultural lands and towns

from rising water levels during floods.

3. Harbouring unique fauna and micro – organisms that filter the water due to its

physical, chemical and biological conditions.

The removal of sand – and – gravel layer of the river ecosystem is inhibiting the

self- cleansing mechanism of the river, even as India’s rivers receive increasing loads of

toxic and sewage wastes from the urban and rural areas.

13. Discuss the various surface application methods of irrigation used in India.


In this method, water is applied to the crop by flooding it on the soil surface. This

method requires proper land grading for the flow of water over the land surface. It is

simple in layout and operation. The overall irrigation efficiency is low. The worldwide

average irrigation in canal command areas shows overall efficiency of as low as 28%. It

may result in water – logging, soil salinization besides the huge amount of water losses.

More than 95% of the irrigated area in India is under surface irrigation. Surface Irrigation

method may be broadly classified as: (a) Border Method; (b) Furrow Method; (c) Check

Basin.

Border Method: Borders are formed by dividing the field into number of strips

which are separated by ridges. The strips are generally levelled along the width but may

or may not have slope along the length. An irrigation channel runs along the upper end

of the borders.

Furrow Method: The furrow irrigation is adaptable to a great variation in slope,

crops and topography. Close growing crops, on slopes and soils that develop crust after

being wet, may be irrigated with small furrows which are called corrugations or rills. The

main design parameters of Furrow are: longitudinal slope, inflow stream design, furrow

spacing and furrow length. The longer furrows result in more percolation losses and less

run – off, and result in greater economy in handling of farm equipment, turning of farm

machinery and labour requirement and vice versa. Furrow spacing should be such that

the lateral water movement of the moisture wets the ridges by the time irrigation is

complete. The lateral movement from the furrows depends on the soil type. The furrow

spacing for row crops is determined by agronomic requirements of row to row spacing

and machinery to be used for planting and cultivation.

Check Basin: It consists of running water into relatively level plots surrounded by

small ridges. The length of plot is generally less than 3 times the width. The main and

lateral channels irrigate the plots. The main channel is aligned along the upper end of

the field and checks are made on either side of the lateral channels. The check basins

are especially suitable for heavy soils with low infiltration rate or highly permeable sandy

soils. The key to attain high irrigation efficiency in the design of check basin is to spread

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water over the entire basin as rapidly as possible. Therefore, the use of large inflow

stream reduces water spread time over the basin.

14. Taking the illustration of any one of the recent disasters in India, critically

discuss - institutional failures, increasing human interventions and climate

change footprint.


The recent widespread devastation unleashed by cloudbursts and sudden

torrential rains in the hills of Uttarakhand was tragic Natural phenomena unleash

disasters all the time. But natural disasters transform into national calamities only

because of human action and inaction. Gross commercialization, burgeoning building

and structures, and uncontrolled tourism have robbed the hills of their beauty and

tranquil calm. Mindless and unplanned development, rampant mining, blasting of hills to

make way for roads, uprooting of trees, change in the soil structure, unabated expansion

of hydro-power projects and an overall insensitive attitude towards the highly ecologically

sensitive region has led to widespread ecological degradation of the hills. This in turn

has severely compromised the carrying capacity of the hills, robbing them of their natural

strength and resilience.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts the increased

frequency of extreme weather events as a result of global warming. There is a dire need

for some sense and sensitivity to prevail when it comes to drawing development plans

for hilly regions with fragile ecologies. There is a need for sensitizing the political and the

bureaucratic class that development at any cost and that phenomena like global

warming and extreme weather are no more in the realm of fiction. Nature gives its own

warnings. Heed them and only then will the drama of death and misery not play out,

every time there is a natural disaster.

15. What is a shield in Geology? Discuss the major features of the shield

region of India.


The continental shields are large, stable, relatively flat expanses of very old

rocks. They perhaps constitute the earliest “slabs” of solidification of the molten crust.

The Peninsular plateau region of India is an ancient tabular block composed

mostly of the Archaean gneisses and schists. It has been a stable shield which has gone

through little structural changes since its formation. Ever since the dawn of geological

history, the peninsula has been a land area and has never been submerged beneath the

sea except in a few places where marine transgressions have been made. The entire

peninsular plateau is an aggregation of several smaller plateaus and hill ranges

interspersed with river basins and valleys. The important plateaus are: 1. The Marwar

upland 2. The Central highlands 3. The Bundelkhand uplands 4. The Malwa plateaus 5.

The Baghelkhand plateau 6. The Chhotanagpur plateau 8. The Deccan plateau.

The Chhattisgarh plain is the only plain worth the name in the vast stretch of

plateaus and hill ranges of the peninsular plateau.

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The entire plateau region is representing senile topography with lower elevations,

rounded peaks, broad u – shaped valleys and rivers without much energy. The important

hill ranges are:

1. The Aravalli range 2. The Vindhyan range 3. The Satpura range 4. The

Western Ghats 5. The Eastern ghats.

The Deccan trap region represents one of the LIPs (Large Igneous Provinces) of

the world and is the result of fissure type eruption.

16. Write brief notes on the following:

(a) Characteristics of tsunami

(2½ marks, 50 words)

Tsunami (Tsu=harbour and Namis=waves) are seismic waves with following

characteristics:

1. have huge wavelength of more than 200 km

2. have periods of 1.6 to 33 minutes

3. have huge energy with them

4. can travel very long distances

5. have a very low crest height (less than 1 meter)

(b) Antecedent drainage in Himalayas


Many of the Himalayan rivers existed even before the Himalayan ranges were

uplifted. These rivers originate in the Tibetan side beyond the mountain ranges of the

Himalayas. The gorges of the Indus, the Satluj, the Alaknanda, the Gandak, the Kosi

and the Brahmaputra clearly indicate that these rivers are older than the mountain

themselves. These rivers make transverse valleys across the width of the Himalayas.

Thus the Himalayan rivers are typical examples of antecedent drainage.

(c) Near Earth objects


Near Earth Objects are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the

gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth's

neighborhood. Their orbits bring them into proximity with Earth. They are composed

mostly of water ice with embedded dust particles. NEOs have become of increased

interest since the 1980s because of increased awareness of the potential danger some

of the asteroids or comets pose to Earth, and active mitigations are being researched.

(d) Earth Overshoot day

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Earth overshoot day is an estimate of the moment in a 12-month period when

humans have consumed more natural resources than the biosphere can replace and

created more waste than it can absorb. August 19 was Earth Overshoot Day i.e. in less

than eight months of 2014, the annual supply of land, water and trees and the planets

ability to deal with waste products have been used up. This means that humanity is

already living off next year’s supplies, which in turn means that next year’s supplies will

end even sooner than this year’s.

17. Explain the following:

(a) Hot Spot volcanoes


A hot spot is a centre of volcanic and plutonic activity, generally not associated

with plate – boundary. Most hot spots are 100-200 across and are located in plate

interiors. Approximately 200 hot spots are known, at present. The famous examples are

1. Hawaiian Hot Spot

2. Iceland Hot Spot

3. Yellowstone Hot Spot

Hot Sports are thought to be the surface expression of mantle plumes that rise

from deep in the Earth’s mantle.

(b) Isostasy


Isostasy is the principle of hydrostatic equilibrium applied to the earth, referring to

the position of the lithosphere essentially floating on the asthenosphere, similar to how

low-density ice floats at a certain level on water, depending on the relative densities of

the water and ice. Isostatic forces are of major importance in controlling the topography

of the earth’s surface.

1. Sinking of landmasses and uplift of coastal areas.

2. Continental drift

3. Uplift of European masses

(c) Asthenosphere


Asthenosphere: Below the earth’s surface, from about 70 km down to about 300

km is the plastic layer, called as asthenosphere (“weak sphere”). It is also known as the

low-velocity zone. It contains pockets of increased heat from radioactive decay. The

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average temperature of asthenosphere is 1300c. It is thought to accommodate much of

the movement of the plates and vertical isostatic motions.

(d) Seismic waves


An earthquake generates pulses of energy called seismic waves. Broadly there

are two types of seismic waves – surface and body waves. Surface waves travel along

the ground surface or just below it. Body waves travel through the solid body of earth.

The sub types are as follows:

(a) Body waves: These are somewhat like sound waves and are of two sub-types

i) P-waves (Primary waves): These are the fastest and can travel through solid,

liquid and gases. These are compressional or push-pull waves. These move the material

forward and backward in the same direction that the waves themselves are moving

ii) S-waves (Secondary waves): These are slower than P-waves and can travel

only through solids as they cause shear stress in the material

(b) Surface waves: These are analogous to undulations or waves on water

surface. Two sub types are

i) R-waves (Rayleigh waves): These behave like water waves.

ii) L-waves (Love waves): The L- waves move the particles of the material back

and forth in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. L waves are

most damaging to building foundations.

The sequence of arrival of seismic waves on to a seismograph is P, S, L and R.

18. Discuss in brief, the following:

(a) Triple junction


A triple junction is the point where the boundaries of three tectonic plates meet.

At the triple junction each of the three boundaries will be one of 3 types - a ridge, trench

or transform fault. Triple junctions can be described according to the types of plate

margin that meet at them. Of the many possible types of triple junction only a few

are stable through time. The junction of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the East

African Rift centered in the Afar Triangle (the Afar Triple Junction) is an example of

Ridge-Ridge-Ridge triple junction above sea level.

(b) Monsoon mission


Monsoon Mission is a mission mode project launched by the Earth System

Sciences Organization (ESSO) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences with a vision to develop

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a state of the art dynamical prediction system for monsoon weather and climate on

different time scales from short-range to seasonal.

The Monsoon Mission will work to achieve the following objectives:

To build a working partnership between the Academic R&D Organizations and

the Operational Agency to improve the monsoon forecast skill.

To set up a state of the art dynamical modeling frame work for improving

prediction skill of Seasonal and Extended range prediction system, Short and

Medium range prediction system

To set up the infrastructure and manpower required to improve the prediction skill

at all the time scales.

(c) Sequestration of global heat by oceans


Since the turn of the century, average surface air temperatures on Earth have not

risen, even though the concentration in the atmosphere of heat – trapping carbon-

dioxide has continued to go up.

Dr. Cheng and Dr Tung have shown through their research that a huge amount

of energy has been sequestered in the oceans between 300 meters and 1500 meters

down, if it had not been so sequestered, they think, there would have been no pause in

warming at the surface.

(d) Indian ocean dipole


Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): It is an irregular oscillation of sea – surface

temperatures in which the western Indian ocean becomes alternately warmer and then

colder than the eastern part of the ocean. A positive phase sees greater than average

sea – surface temperatures and greater precipitation in the western Indian ocean region,

with a corresponding cooling of waters in the eastern Indian ocean- which tends to

cause droughts in adjacent land areas of Indonesia and Australia. The negative phase of

the IOD brings about the opposite conditions, with warmer water and greater

precipitation in the eastern Indian ocean, and cooler and drier conditions in the west.


(a) With an illustration, discuss the importance of cumulative Environment

Impact Assessment.


An effective EIA should include cumulative impacts that accrue over time and

space over a number of projects of the area.

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In Konkan region of Maharashtra a large number of projects (esp. power plants)

have been given permission. Though these projects have carried out Environmental

Impact Assessments, but on an individual basis. In normal circumstances this would

have been acceptable but the proximity of these projects to each other has to a great

extent nullified the individual EIAs. As far as the natural environment is concerned, the

effect that will be a cumulative one.

(b) What are Sun spots? How does Sun spot activity correlate with Earth’s

climate change?


Sun spots are dark spots on the surface of the Sun, representing disturbances of

the Sun’s magnetic field. Their numbers and recurrence fluctuate according to the solar

cycle but have an average periodicity of some 11 years. Sunspots are the areas on the

photosphere where temperatures drop some 1400C lower than surrounding areas. The

number of sunspots occurring at any one time varies from as few as 5 or 6 to more than

100. Each period of weak sunspot activity has been found to correlate with periods of

cold on Earth.


(a) List the favourable conditions for the origin of a tropical cyclone.


The favourable conditions of the origin of a tropical cyclone-

(a) Sea surface Temperature more than 27c

(b) Large vapour supply

(c) Low pressure condition being 5-8 away from the equator

(d) Differential heating of land and water

(e) Anticyclonic divergence in the upper air

(b) What is Glacial Lake outburst?


A glacial lake is a water mass existing in a sufficient amount and extending with a

free surface in, under, beside, and/or in front of a glacier and originating from glacier

activities and/or retreating processes of a glacier.

Triggering events for an outburst can be moraine failures induced by an

earthquake, by the decrease of permafrost (permanently frozen ground) and increased

water pressure, or a rock or snow avalanche slumping into the lake causing an overflow.

Usually the lakes at risk are situated in remote and often inaccessible areas. To

assess the possible hazards from glacial lakes, it is essential to have a systematic

inventory of such lakes at high altitudes. Remote sensing makes it possible to

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investigate simultaneously a large number of glaciers and glacial lakes in the

inaccessible mountain regions.

21. Do you consider that regionalism has strengthened democracy in India?


Post-independence regionalism in Indian is manifested in terms of:

(a) demand for more power to State (Sarkaria Commission report).

(b) growth of regional parties, demanding from Centre larger developmental

benefits.

(c) creation of new States and gratification of political aspiration of local/regional

groups.

(d) growth of Developmental councils (Ladakh, Gorkha Hills, Bodo Hills) and

acceleration of development programmes.

(e) coalition politics is becoming stronger and growth of inclusive democracy.

22. How has globalization affected the culture of Indian Society?


(1) Definition of culture: Totality of thinking and practices of person in a social

context.

(2) Globalization: Introduced popular culture.

(a) Valentine day

(b) Expression of feelings of happiness and sorrows through symbols (smiley,

sorry cards, SMS).

(c) Facebook relationship is replacing face to face relationship.

(d) Virtual world relationships are more important than real relationships.

(e) Consumerism is prime source of happiness/unhappiness.

(f) Change in the form and content of food and entertainment (music, dance,

relationship).

(g) Alienation from local culture and stepping forward towards universal culture.

(h) Disintegration of value – leading to crisis in social and cultural life.

23. Do you think that caste in India has just been a source of diversity?


Diversity provides possibility for unity among diversified group.

Caste in India has been a hierarchical system since later Vedic period.

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Brahminic supremacy and exploitation is questioned by Buddhism, Jainism

and Bhakti movement.

During colonial rule in India, nationalist leaders felt that caste was

responsible for

(a) Non usability of absolute productive potentials of all the people.

(b) It was a form of cultural slavery.

(c) A form of institutionalised inequality supported by culture and religion.

Dayanand Saraswati, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar,

Periyar, Dr. Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Gandhiji wanted India to be made free

from caste colonialism.

Constitution and Rule of law speak about abolition of untouchability and

casteless India.

caste based violence and discrimination are still continuing in India.

Political mobilisation is taking place in the country.

Dominant castes are seizing power.

Thus, caste is a source of inequality and conflicts rather than being the source of

diversity.

24. What are the challenges India faces in the light of its changing

demographic profile?

(10 marks, 200 words

Changing demographic profile:

(a) Decline in child mortality and MMR.

(b) Huge increase in population belonging to 25-45 age groups.

(c) Ageing population increasing beyond 6%

(d) Pyramidical structure of population.

Challenges:

(a) Steps to improve pre – natal and post – natal health of mother.

(b) Safe delivery in rural and urban areas

(c) Nutritious mid day meal scheme to improve child health.

(d) Sanitation facility in the schools.

(e) Creation of employment opportunity for youth.

(f) Emphasis on skill education.

(g) Acceleration of space for self-employment.

(h) Special medical facilities for ageing population.

(i) Old age homes.

(j) Rationalisation of old age pension scheme.

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(k) Creation of opportunity for livelihood for ageing population.

(l) Involvement of local community, NGO and State to develop integration

approach to make India population an asset to development.

25. Distinction between capitalism and socialism is declining in contemporary

world order. - Comment.


Capitalism emphasizes on rational mobilization of skill, natural resources to

accumulate wealth.

Socialism gives importance to equal participation in work and equitable

distribution of wealth.

All over the world, modern technology, optimization of skill and control over

global market are becoming useful methods for accumulation of wealth.

In capitalist and socialistic countries, governments are taking steps to facilitate

scope for global trade.

Trade barriers prevalent earlier are eroded (China, Japan, France)

In early capitalist societies, welfare measures are undertaken (For e.g. Health

Insurance scheme, preference for jobs to American citizens etc.)

In Scandinavian countries, socialistic measures like (unemployment, old age

benefits) are extended to the citizens.

Corporates are switching over their interest from profit making to social

responsibility.

Growth oriented approach is now replaced by inclusive growth.

Collective happiness and class well-being is evolving and becoming central to

developmental planning.

[Society related answers are provided as key points due to the vastness of

approaches]

Documents

MODEL ANSWERS for GS PAPER - I - Vajiram and Ravi · another, but their one common aim was freedom from the British rule. In order to suppress popular movements and counter widespread