Social studies

Most repeated
questions ☺
Q.1 Why had the Indian Government put a barrier to foreign
trade

and foreign investment after independence? State any one

reason.[2016,2015,2011]

Ans 1. The Indian Government put a barrier to trade and

foreign investment
after independence to protect the producers within the country
from foreign

competition.

Q.2 Why did Mahatma Gandhi Ji decide to launch a nationwide

satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act? Explain any

three reasons.

[2014, 2015]

Ans 2. Mahatma Gandhi Ji decided to launch a nationwide

satyagraha against

the proposed Rowlatt Act: to trade, Rowlatt Act had been

hurriedly passed

through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united

opposition of the

Indian members.

▪ It gave the government enormous power to repress political

activities.

▪ Allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two

years.
▪ It was the unjust law

Q.3 "The struggle of the Nepali people is a source of inspiration

to

Democrats all over the world." support the statement.

[2015,2013]

Ans 3. The struggles of the Nepali people is a source of

inspiration to

Democrats all over the world: - The autocratic decision of King

Gyanendra in

February 2015 resulted in a protest by the political parties and

people of Nepal.

Political Parties having diverse ideology joined together and

defied the curfew.

The leaders rejected the half-hearted concessions by the king,

ultimately the

king was compelled to concede all the three demands made by

the protesters.
Hence, this struggle of Nepali’s known as the Second
Movement for

Democracy became a source of inspiration to Democrats all

over the world.

Q.4 Describe the conditions in which markets do not work in a

fair

manner.

[2015, 2012]

Ans 4. Conditions in which markets do not work in a fair

manner:

▪ When producers are few and powerful.

▪ When consumers purchase in small amounts.

▪ When consumers are scattered.

▪ When large companies have a monopoly in production of

goods as they

have huge wealth and can manipulate the market in various

ways.
▪ Passing on false information through media and other sources
to attract

Consumers.

Q.5 In recent years how our markets have been transformed?

Explain with examples.

[2014, 2013,

2015]

Ans 5. Transformation of our markets:

▪ There is a wide choice of goods and services before us in the

market. The

latest models of digital cameras, mobile phones, and televisions

made by

the leading manufacturers of the world are within our reach.

▪ Every season new model of automobiles can be seen on

Indian roads

and the Indians are buying vehicles produced by the top

companies of
the world.

▪ A similar explosion of brands can be seen for many other

goods from

shirts to televisions to processed fruit juices.

Q.6 why is conservation of mineral resources essential? Explain

any three methods to conserve them.

[2012, 2014,

2016, 2015]

Ans 6. Reasons for conservation:

▪ The strong dependence of industry and agriculture upon

minerals.

▪ The process of mineral formation is slow.

▪ They are non-renewable. Any two points to be explained.

Methods to conserve: -

▪ Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.

▪ Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow
the use of

low-grade ore at low cost.

▪ Recycling of metals using scrap metals.

▪ Wastage in the mining and processing should be miminimize.

Q.7 Describe any five major functions of political parties.

[2015,2018,2016,2017]

Ans 7. Functions of political parties:

▪ Parties contest elections.

▪ They put forward policies and programmes.

▪ Parties play a decisive role in making laws.

▪ Parties form and run the government.

▪ Defeated parties in the election play its role of opposition to

the parties in

power.

▪ Parties shape public opinion.

▪ Parties provide people access to government machinery and
welfare

schemes.

Q.8 How do pressure groups and movements exert influence on

politics? Explain with examples.

[2017, 2012,

2015]

Ans 8. Pressure groups and movements exert influence on

politics in various

ways:

▪ Pressure groups and movements try to gain public support

and sympathy

for their goals and activities.

▪ They often organize protest activities.

▪ Business groups often employ professional lobbyists.

▪ The pressure groups are either formed or led by the leaders
and political

parties.

▪ Sometimes political parties grow out of movements.

▪ In most cases, the relationship between parties and pressure

groups is not so direct.

Q.9 The place where held the Indian National congress session

was in 1920.

[2013, 2015,

2014, 2014,

2011, 2016,

2012]

Ans 9. Kolkata/Calcutta.
Q.10 Why is the supervision of the functioning of formal
sources of

loans necessary?

[2016, 2012]

Ans 10. Supervision of formal sources of loans is necessary for

the following

reasons:

▪ So that the targeted groups for whom specific loans have

been designed

can avail of such loans.

▪ In order to check the creditworthiness of prospective clients

to minimize

defaults.

▪ So that the appropriate rates of interest are charged.

▪ In order that the targeted economic activity gets a boost.

▪ So that the Banks and other lending institutions have

adequate resources
to meet their lending objectives.

Q.11 ” The Ho Chi Minh Trail became advantageous to

Vietnamese

in the war against the U.S.” Support the statement with

arguments.

[2017, 2016]
Ans 11. Ho Chi Minh’s Trail was a network of roads and
footpaths. Most of the
trail was in Laos and Cambodia. It was used by the Vietnamese
in their war
against the U.S forces.
▪ It was used to transport goods and people from North
Vietnam to South
Vietnam.
▪ It was used for the quick movement of forces from one war
front to the
other.
▪ It was used to supply food, arms and ammunition to the
soldiers.
▪ It had support bases and hospitals along the way.
Vietnamese made use of their limited resources in an effective
way in the
struggle against imperialist forces. Ho Chi Minh’s Trail is an
example for that.

Q.12 Suggest any three steps to minimize the environmental

degradation caused by the industrial development in India.
[2014, 2016]
Ans 12. Three steps to minimise the environmental degradation
caused by
Industrial development in India are:
▪ Minimising use of water for procuring by reusing and recycling
it in
two or more successive stages.
▪ Harvesting of rain water can be dense to meet water
requirement.
▪ Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them in
rivers and
ponds.

Q.13 Which three challenges do you feel are being faced by

political parties in India? Give your opinion.
[2011, 2016]
Ans 13.
▪ Lack of internal democracy
▪ All over the world, there is a tendency of political parties
towards the
concentration of power in one or few leaders at the top.
▪ Parties do not keep membership register.
▪ They do not conduct internal elections regularly.
▪ Ordinary members of the party do not have sufficient
information as
to what happens inside the party.
▪ No Transparency
▪ Since most political parties do not practice open and
transparent procedures for their functioning, these are very
few
ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top in a party.
▪ Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair
advantage to famous people close to them or even their family
member.
▪ In many parties, the top positions are always controlled by
members of one family.
▪ Money and Muscle Power
▪ Since parties are focussebd only on winning elections, they
tend
to use short cuts to win elections.
▪ They tend to nominate those candidates who have or can
raise
a lot of money.
▪ Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend
to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party.

Q.14 Why had the Indian government put barriers to foreign

trade
and foreign investment after independence? Analyze the
reasons.
[2015, 2016,
2011]
Ans 14. Removal of barriers to foreign trade and foreign
investment:
▪ Barriers to foreign trade and foreign investment were partially
removed.
▪ Goods could be improved and exported easily.
▪ Foreign companies could set up factories and offices here.
▪ Opportunities for Indian producers to compete with
producers around the
globe.

Q.15 Explain the importance of conservation of minerals.

Highlight
any three measures to conserve them.
[2014, 2012,
2016]
Ans 15. Importance of conservation of Minerals:
▪ Mineral resources are being rapidly consumed which takes
millions of
years to be created and concentrated.
▪ Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable.
▪ Continued extraction of ores leads to increasing costs as
mineral
extraction comes from greater depths along with decreasing
quality.
The three measures to conserve minerals are:
▪ It should be used in a planned a sustainable manner.
▪ Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow
use
of low grade ores at low costs.
▪ Some of the metals are recyclables.
▪ Scrap of metal can be used and sore other substitute can be
found.

Q.16 Describe the popular struggle of Bolivia.[ 2014, 2017,

2016, 2014]
Ans 16. The democratic governments are better than other
forms of
governments:
▪ Democratic governments have formal constitution, while not
in another
form of governments.
▪ They hold regular elections, while not in other forms of
governments.
▪ They have political parties, while not in other forms of
governments.
▪ They guarantee the rights of citizens, while not in the other
form of
governments.
▪ Such governments allow room to correct mistakes, while not
in the other
form of government.
▪ Such government accommodates social diversities, while not
in other
forms of government.

Q.17 “Political parties are a necessary condition for a

democracy “.
Analyze the statement with examples.
[2018, 2016]
Ans 17. Political parties are necessary condition for a
democracy.
▪ Without political parties democracies cannot exist.
▪ If we do not have political parties - in such a situation every
candidate in
elections will be independent.
▪ No one will be able to make any promises to the people about
any major
policy changes.
▪ The government may be formed but its utility will remain
uncertain.
▪ Elected representatives will be accountable to their
constituency for what
they do in their locality.
▪ But no one will be responsible for how the country will run.
▪ The role of opposition party in a democracy necessiates the
existence of
political parties,
▪ As societies become large and complex they also needed
some
agencies to gather different
▪ views on various issues and to present these to the
government, that is
why political parties are needed.
▪ The problem of bad politics can be solved by more and better
politics.

Q.18 Describe the impact of Globalization on Indian economy

with
examples.
[2018, 2014,
2016, 2017]
Ans 18. The Globalisation has impacted Indian economy in the
following ways:
▪ Increase in foreign investment, Over the past twenty years,
the foreign
investment has increased.
▪ Emergence of Indian companies as multinational Several of
the top
Indian companies like Tata Motors, Infosys, Ranbaxy have been
able to
get benefit from the increased competition created as a result
of
Globalisation.
▪ Creation of new opportunities Globalisation has created new
opportunities for Indian companies, particularly providing
services like
IT.
▪ Creation of new jobs For those which are Globalisation has
created new
jobs and has helped in reducing unemployment rate to an
extent.
▪ A host of services such as data entry, accounting,
administrative tasks,
engineering are now being done cheaply in India.

Q.19 Describe the process of Unification of Italy. [2012, 2013,

2017]
Ans 19. Economic hardships faced by Europe in the 1830s:
▪ The enormous increase in population was seen all over
Europe.
▪ In most countries, there were more seekers of jobs than
employment.
▪ Population from rural areas migrated to the cities to live in
overcrowded
slums.
▪ Small producers in towns were often faced with stiff
competition from
imports of cheap machine-made goods from England.
▪ In Europe where the aristocracy still enjoyed power, peasants
struggled
under the burden of feudal dues and obligations.
▪ The rise of food prices as a result of a bad harvest led to
widespread
pauperism in town and country.

Q.20 Describe the role of different religious groups in the

development of anti-colonial feelings in Vietnam.
[2018, 2014]
Ans 20. Role of religious groups in the development of anti-
colonial feelings in
Vietnam Religion played an important role in strengthening
colonial control; it
also provided ways of resistance in Vietnam.
▪ Vietnam’s religious beliefs were a mixture of Buddhism,
Confucianism,
and local practices.
▪ Christianity introduced by French missionaries.
▪ Many religious movements were hostile to the Western
presence.
▪ The revolt was led by officials at the Imperial Court angered
by the spread
of Catholic Church and French power.
▪ French crushed the movement, but uprising served to inspire
others.
▪ Scholars Revolt
▪ Hao Hoa Movement (1939)

Q.21 How has foreign trade been integrating markets of

different
countries? Explain with examples.
[2012, 2018]
Ans 21. Foreign Trade is Integrating markets of different
countries-
▪ Foreign trade creates an opportunity for producers to reach
beyond the
domestic markets.
▪ Producers can sell their products in the markets located in
other
countries.
▪ It helps for expanding the choice of goods beyond domestic
market.
▪ It is a main channel connecting countries.
▪ Highly helpful for extensive trade.
▪ The trading interest attracts various trading companies.

Q.22 How do we feel the impact of globalization on our daily

life?
Explain with examples.
[2018, 2014,
2016, 2017]
Ans 22. Impact of Globalization-
▪ Globalization and greater competition among
producers have been of
advantage to consumers.
▪ The greater choice before consumers.
▪ Availability of standard quality products at lower price.
▪ Improvement in living standard.
▪ Foreign investments have increased in many areas like
cell phones,
automobiles, electronics, soft drinks etc.
▪ The new job has been created.
▪ Several of the units have shut down rendering many
workers jobless.
▪ Globalization has also created insecurity of job.

Q.23 Name the state where Narora Nuclear Power Plant is

located. [2012, 2014,
2018]
Ans 23. Uttar Pradesh(U.P)

Q.24 Why is the iron and steel industry called the basic
industry?
Explain any three reasons.
[2012, 2011]
Ans 24. Iron and steel industry are called the basic
industry due to the
following reasons: -
▪ Iron and steel industry are the key industry as all heavy,
light, small
scale, as well as large scale industries, are dependent on
it for raw
materials.
▪ Iron and steel are used to manufacture variety of goods
like surgical
instruments, defense appliances, electric devices, wires,
utensils,
electronic goods etc.
▪ It is backbone of industrial development of our country.

Q.25 Explain the improvements made by the Indian railways in

its
functioning.
[2017, 2013,
2014, 2012]
Ans 25. Improvements made by Indian Railways in its
functioning are listed
below:
▪ Earlier sleepers were made of wood but now cemented
sleepers have
taken their place which lasts longer.
▪ Steam engines have been replaced by electrical and
diesel engines.
▪ Special compartments and bloggers have been added
for disabled
people and women etc.

Q.26 How do pressure groups and movement exert pressure on

politics? Explain with an example.
[2012, 2017]
Ans 26. Pressure groups and movements strengthen
democracy:
▪ They try to gain public support and sympathy for their
goals and
their activities by carry out information campaigns,
organizing
meetings, filing petitions etc.
▪ They often organize protest activities like strike etc.
▪ Sometimes the pressure groups are either formed or
led by the
leaders of political parties or act as extended arms of
political
parties.
▪ Sometimes political parties grow out of movements.

Q.27 Compare the popular struggles of Nepal and

Bolivia.[2014,2015,2016]

Ans 27. In Bolivia’s popular struggle, the struggle was against a

aspect of a

democratic government. I get inspiration from Bolivia’s struggle

when reading

about the democratic conflict through mass mobilization. I am

inspired by the

popular participation and democratic conflict through political

organization.

When the rights of people are underkept, people can force the
government
through popular participation. The political organizations which
helped in

Bolivia’s water war came to power in next elections. Thus,

Bolivia’s water war

reflects mass mobilization, helping mentality of political

organization and

concerned individuality of people as a citizen.

Q.28 “Globalisation has been advantageous to consumers as

well

as to producers”. Support with suitable examples.

[2014, 2018,

2016, 2017]

Ans 28. Impact of Globalization-

▪ Globalization and greater competition among producers have

a greater advantage to consumers.

▪ The greater choice before consumers.

▪ Availability of standard quality products at lower price.

▪ Improvement in living standard.

▪ Foreign investments have increased in many areas like cell

phones, automobiles, electronics, soft drinks etc.

▪ A new job has been created.

▪ Several of the units have shut down rendering many workers

jobless.

▪ Globalization has also created insecurity of job.

Q.29 Why are the rules and regulations required in the market-

place? Explain.

[2013, 2014]

Ans 29. We participate in the market both as producers and

consumers.

Producers produce their goods and sell their products in the

market.
Consumers buy those goods produced and they buy the final
finished goods.

Rules and regulations have been made to protect workers in

the unorganized

sector. Similarly, rules and regulations have been made to

protect consumers

in the market place because consumers are often exploited in

the market

place. If we complain about a product, the shopkeeper turns

the responsibility

to the consumers. As they are not bothered when the sale is

over. For ex: the

shopkeeper tells the consumers,” if you don’t like what you

bought. please go

elsewhere”. Consumers are also exploited in the market place

by some false

methods such as reducing the weight of the products, the

black-marketing,
hoarding, rampant food shortages, adulteration, etc. In the
olden day, it was the

responsibility of the consumer to be aware of the products. But

now different

consumers groups have been formed and it gives as serval

rights such as:

1.Right to safety

2.Right to information

3. Right to seek redressed

4. Right to represent.

Q.30 Name the state where Kandla seaport is located.?

Ans 30. Gujarat is the State where Kandla seaport is located.

Q.31 Name the place where the movement of indigo planters

was

started.

[2013, 2014,
2011]

Ans 31. Champaran.

Q.32 Describe any four merits of road transportation. 2013,

2014,

[2012, 2017]

Ans 32. Four merits of air transport are listed below:

▪ It is comfortable and the fastest means of transport.

▪ It provides access to inaccessible places and prestigious made

of

transport.

▪ It is the best means of transport used in the natural calamity.

▪ It has helped to reach the region of difficult, rugged relief

especially

northeastern states of India.

Q.33 Which government body supervises the functioning of

formal
sources of loans in India? Explain.

[2012, 2016]

Ans 33. The Reserve Bank of India supervises the functioning of

formal sources

of loans.

Q.34 Explain any three effects of the Non- Cooperation

Movement

on the economy of India.

[2011, 2017]

Ans 34. Reasons for slowing down of Non-Cooperation

Movement:

▪ The Indians could not boycott for a long time because Khadi
cloth

was more expensive than mass-produced mill cloth and poor

people

could not afford to buy it.

▪ The boycott of British institutions posed a problem as an
alternative

Indian institution had to be set up so that they could be used in

place

of British ones.

▪ Students and teachers began trickling back to government

schools

and lawyers joined back work in government courts in the

absence of

alternate Indian Institutions.

Q.35 What is a Trade Barrier? Why did the Indian Government

put

up trade barriers after Independence? Explain.

[2011, 2015,

2016]

Ans 35. Trade barrier is a kind of restriction imposed by

government so as to
regulate free trade, thereby regulating exchange. The country
decides what

goods would come, how much etc. These are imposed for three
reasons-

▪ supporting indigenous producers.

▪ developing infrastructure.

▪ the progress of the country.

Eg. tax on imports

Reason: After colonization of British for our 200 years, India’s

whole

infrastructure development came to an end. The time between

1950-1960 was

known as a period of development liberalization of that point of

time would not

have allowed small infants industries to the computer with

giant MNC’s and no

infrastructure development would have been possible.

Moreover, all developed
countries at the initial step had imposed trade barriers and
allowed.

Q.36 Explain how dynastic succession is a major challenge for

political parties in India.?

[2011, 2016]

Ans 36. The three challenges faced by political parties in India

are:-

▪ Lack of internal democracy.

▪ Challenge of dynastic succession.

▪ The growing role of Money and Muscle power.

▪ Often parties do not seem to offer a meaningful choice to the

voters.

Q.37 Explain the idea of Satyagraha according to Gandhiji.

[2011, 2014]

Ans 37. Gandhiji when came back to India in Jan 1915 started :

▪ It is a novel method of mass agitation

▪ Its tools are truth and non-violence.

▪ Under this, if the cause was true and struggle was against
injustice, it

did not require force to win battle oppressive i.e. he had to be

persuaded to see the truth, rather using force to accept it.

▪ He considered this method of Ahinsa to bring unity In this

battle, the

truth was bound to triumph.

▪ It was a movement of active resistance, it calls for great

courage and

determination to show, love who is appressed i.e. he had to be

persuaded to see the truth, rather using force to accept it.

Q.38 ‘Environmental degradation has been seen everywhere’.

Explain any three values that can help to prevent

environmental degradation.
[2014,2016]

Ans 38. steps to minimize the environmental degradation

caused by industrial

development in India are –

Every liter of wastewater discharged by our industry pollutes

eight times the

quantity of freshwater.

▪ Minimizing use of water for processing by Reusing and

Recycling it in

two or more successive stages.

▪ Harvesting of rainwater to meet water requirements.

▪ Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them in

rivers and

ponds.

▪ Particulate matter in the air can be reduced by fitting

smokestacks to

factories with electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters,

scrubbers, and
inertial separators.

▪ Smoke can be reduced by using oil or gas instead of coal in

factories.

▪ Machinery and equipment can be used, and generators

should be

fitted with silencers.

▪ Almost all machinery can be redesigned to increase energy

efficiency

and reduce noise.

Q.39 How is democratic government known as responsive

government? Explain with an example.

[2014,2016]

Ans 39. Government (democratic) is known as a responsive

government. It is
responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens. Eg.The
right to

information act was passed by the government of India in 2005.

By this act,

almost all the citizens can have the right to be informed about
the goods and services they have bought. This Act was passed
with respect to the need of the

citizen. Thus, democratic government produces a responsive

government

where people can easily access the decisions taken by it. This
phenomenon is

known as transparency.

Q.40 GEOGRAPHY MAPS TOPICS

▪ Iron and Steel Plant (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018)

▪ Seaport (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017)

▪ International Airport (2018, 2014)

▪ Nuclear Power Plant (2012, 2013, 2014, 2017)

▪ Software Technology Park (2012, 2015,2017, 2018)

▪ Iron ore mines (2015) or Iron mica mines (2012)

HISTORY MAPS TOPICS

▪ The place where the Indian National Congress Session

was held. (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)

▪ The Place which is associated with the movement of

Indigo Planters. (2013, 2015, 2017)

▪ Name the place where cotton mill workers organized

Satyagraha. (2014, 2016)

▪ Name the city where Jallianwala Bagh Incident occur.

(2015,2017,2011)

Q.41 Explain any five social and administrative reforms

introduced

by Napoleon in the regions under his control.

[2014, 2017 ]
Napoleon, after coming to power, introduced the following
reforms that were considered efficient and rational.

1. The Civil code of 1804, also known as the Napoleonic code,

established all privileges based on birth, created equality
before law and also secured the right to property. This code
spread to all countries including Switzerland, Italy and Germany

2. Napoleon simplified administrative divisions and abolished

feudal system.

3. He freed the peasants from serfdom and manorial dues.

4. Guild restrictions were removed from the towns.

5. Transport and communication networks improved. Peasants,

artisans, workers and businessmen enjoyed the freedom that
were gained due to the Napoleon Uniform laws; standardised
measures and weights; common national currency system that
facilitated the movement and exchange of goods from one
region to another.

Q.42 How do the means of transport and communication play

an

important role in the economic Development of the country?

Explain

[2013, 2014,

2012, 2017]

Economy is one of the most important sectors for the allover

development of any nation.

And the development of the economy itself, depends on many

other factors.

Transportation is one of the most important factors for the

economial development.
Because, transportation makes possible the shipping different
raw materials for the industrial sectors and different final
products for the consumer market.

Q.43 Explain any three problems faced by Iron and steel

Industry in

India.

[2012, 2011]

Answer:the problems face by iron and steel industry are:

(I)High cost
(II)Limited availability of coking coal
(III)Low productivity of labour
(IV)Erratic power supply and
(V)Poor infrastructure
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