History: India and the Contemporary World – II
1. Question (VSA): What was the Rowlatt Act? (1 mark)
Answer: The Rowlatt Act (1919) was a law passed by the British colonial government in India that allowed indefinite detention of individuals without trial, curbing political activities and press freedom, leading to widespread protests.
2. Question (SA): Explain the impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement on India’s freedom struggle. (3 marks)
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), led by Mahatma Gandhi, significantly impacted India’s freedom struggle. It mobilized millions across urban and rural areas to boycott British goods, institutions, and services, promoting swadeshi products like khadi. The movement fostered national unity, awakened political consciousness, and weakened British economic control. However, it was called off after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 due to violence.
3. Question (LA): Describe the causes and consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. (5 marks)
Answer: Causes: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919) was triggered by the British imposition of the Rowlatt Act, which sparked widespread protests. In Amritsar, Punjab, the arrest of leaders like Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew led to public unrest. A large crowd gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh to protest, unaware of a ban on public meetings.
Consequences: General Dyer ordered troops to fire on the unarmed crowd, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. The massacre outraged Indians, intensifying anti-British sentiment and boosting the freedom struggle. It led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement and exposed British brutality, gaining international attention.
Geography: Contemporary India – II
4. Question (VSA): Define sustainable development. (1 mark)
Answer: Sustainable development refers to meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.
5. Question (SA): Why is water conservation important in India? (3 marks)
Answer: Water conservation is crucial in India due to its growing population, increasing demand for water in agriculture and industries, and uneven distribution of water resources. Overexploitation of groundwater and pollution of rivers threaten water availability. Conservation ensures sustainable use, prevents water scarcity, and supports agriculture, which employs a large portion of the population.
6. Question (LA): Discuss the major types of soil found in India and their significance in agriculture. (5 marks)
Answer: India has diverse soil types, each vital for agriculture:
- Alluvial Soil: Found in northern plains, highly fertile, supports crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
- Black Soil: Found in Deccan Plateau, rich in clay, ideal for cotton and pulses.
- Red and Yellow Soil: Found in eastern and southern India, less fertile but supports crops like millets with proper irrigation.
- Laterite Soil: Found in high-rainfall areas, suitable for tea, coffee, and cashew with fertilizers.
- Arid Soil: Found in deserts, low fertility but supports crops with irrigation.
These soils determine crop patterns, influence agricultural productivity, and require specific conservation techniques like contour plowing to prevent erosion.
Political Science: Democratic Politics – II
7. Question (VSA): What is meant by power-sharing in a democracy? (1 mark)
Answer: Power-sharing in a democracy refers to the distribution of political power among different organs of government, social groups, or levels of administration to ensure stability, inclusivity, and participation in governance.
8. Question (SA): Explain the difference between horizontal and vertical power-sharing. (3 marks)
Answer: Horizontal Power-Sharing: Power is shared among different organs of government, like the legislature, executive, and judiciary, at the same level. Each organ checks the others, ensuring a balance of power (e.g., separation of powers in India).
Vertical Power-Sharing: Power is shared among different levels of government, such as central, state, and local governments, as seen in federalism. In India, this is evident in the division of powers between the Union and State governments.
Economics: Understanding Economic Development
9. Question (VSA): What is the Human Development Index (HDI)? (1 mark)
Answer: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measure of a country’s development based on life expectancy, education (literacy and schooling), and per capita income, reflecting the quality of life.
10. Question (SA): How do the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors contribute to India’s economy? (3 marks)
Answer: The primary sector (agriculture, mining) provides raw materials and food security, employing a large workforce. The secondary sector (manufacturing, construction) adds value by processing raw materials, boosting industrial growth and GDP. The tertiary sector (services like banking, IT) drives economic growth through skilled labor and modern services, contributing significantly to India’s GDP and global trade.
Notes:
- These questions cover key chapters from the CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus for the first term, focusing on frequently asked topics in board exams.
- For further practice, refer to NCERT textbooks, CBSE sample papers, and resources like Vedantu, LearnCBSE, or BYJU’S for additional questions and solutions.
- Practice map-based questions (History and Geography) and case-based questions, as they carry significant weight in the exam.
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