Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

This section includes 7 InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Current Affairs knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

As a result of 150 years of British rule, there were Changes in the Indian-ness and Indian culture. M.N. Srinivas called these changes ………

Answer»

As a result of 150 years of British rule, there were Changes in the Indian-ness and Indian culture. M.N. Srinivas called these changes Westernization.

2.

Describe the Social Reform Movements of the 19th and 20th century India.

Answer»

Colonialism brought many changes to the Indian society. The 19th and 20th century Reform Movements came up to find solutions to the problems faced by the society. There were many useless and harmful social customs and rituals in the society. The worst things were Sati, child marriage, and Jati- discriminations. There were also female infanticide and untouchability. Fights against social ills had started in India even before the colonial period. Buddhism and Bhakti-Su Movements had tried to eradicate many evils.

There are two special features about the Reformists of the 19th century.

First, they were brought up in the modern background. Secondly, they were inuenced by the Western concepts of liberalism and a new reading and interpretation of the traditional literature of India and Indian concepts. In objecting Sati, Rajaram Mohan Roy made use of Western concepts like humanity and natural rights and also the Hindu Sastras. Ranade, the leader of the Prarthana Samaj also made use of Western concepts and Hindu Sastras in justifying widow- remarriage. In his books “The Text of the Hindu Law on the Lawfulness of the Remarriage of Widows” and “Vedic Authorities for Widow Remarriage”, he has shown that Hindu Sastra had approved widow re-marriages.

Modern education was liberal. Its contents included European Renaissance, Religious Reform Movements and Philosophical Thoughts. Their theme was humane, secular and liberal.

Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan was the leader of Aligarh Movement. His interpretation of the Koran stressed free research. He pointed out the similarities between the revelations of the Koran and the natural laws discovered by modem science.

Viresalingam was the leader of the Reform Movement in Andhra Pradesh. His book ‘Sources of Knowledge’ shows his scholarship about modern jurisprudence and oratory. He also translated Julius Huxley’s book.

3.

The modem social reform movement ………. was founded in Punjab.

Answer»

The modem social reform movement Arya Samaj was founded in Punjab.

4.

Explain the contributions of women social reformists.

Answer»

In the middle decades the 19th century, the idea of woman education was discussed widely and intensively. Social reformer Jyotiba Phule opened the first school for girls in 1848 in Pune. All social reformers advocate women education. They argued that for the progress of the society, women had to be educated. Many of them believed that many women of the pre-modern India were educated.

But some did not agree with this view. They pointed out that, only a few privileged women had such education in the premodem India. However, reformers wanted to give priority to woman education. They started discussing the meanings of tradition and modernity. People like Jyotiba Phule showed that India was a great country before the coming of the Aryans. But people like Bal Gangadhar Tilak stressed the glory India had during the Aryan era. In short, the reformers of the 19th century questioned meaningless rituals and traditions prevalent in the society. At the same time, they pointed out the good traditions.

Thus they started an era of social revolution. There were some questions that reform movements raised. Some movements gave importance to the problems faced by women in the upper castes. But some concentrated on the inequalities of jati system. Some people felt that jati system was against essential Hindu principles. Some argued jati and gender-related persecutions were part of religious dogma.

Muslim reformists raised their voices against polygamy and purdah system. In an All-India Muslim Women Conference, Jahanara Shanavas got ah anti-polygamy resolution passed. Jahanara argued that polygamy was against the teachings of the Koran. She asked educated women to end this injustice. This resolution against polygamy became an issue of great debate and discussion, especially in the Muslim papers. A women-oriented paper – Tahzib-i-Niswan – supported the resolution. But some papers opposed it. Debates were common among communities.

For example, Brahma Samaj strongly opposed ‘Sati’. But some conservative Hindus in Bengal formed an organization called ‘Dharma Sabha’ and demanded that Sati should be continued. They said that reformers have no right to interpret holy books. They complained to the British government against the reformers. Many Dalits turned against the inequalities preached by upper caste’ Hindus. A13-year old girl named Muktabar, a student in Jyotiba Phule’s school . in Pune wrote very strongly against a religion that upheld the rights of a few upper castes and rejected the rest.

5.

Explain the role of forests in conserving the environment. How do the forests get depleted? What are its consequences?

Answer»

Role of forests in conservation of environment:
(i) Prevent soil erosion and help in maintaining fertility of soil.
(ii) They provide shelter to wild animals and are areas that sustain biodiversity.
(iii) They reduce atmospheric pollution.
(iv) They increase humidity and frequency of rainfall.
The forests get depleted due to forest fires, urbanization, industrialization, overgrazing by animals, etc.
The consequences of deforestation will be:
(i) Change in climate and global warming.
(ii) Soil erosion and floods.
(iii) Extinction of wildlife, etc.

6.

Soldiers marching in a parade is A) Straight line B) Curved line C) Oscillatory D) Rotatory

Answer»

Correct option is A) Straight line

7.

Name the only resource which is not obtained from the Earth.

Answer»

Sunlight is the only resource which is not obtained from Earth. Sun energy is found in all things, including fossil fuels. Plants depend on the sun to make food, animals eat the plants, and both ended up becoming the key ingredients for fossil fuels. Without the sun, nothing on this planet would exist. Ethanol, unlike petroleum, produces no net carbon dioxide emissions. That's because ethanol is made from plants that remove carbon dioxide from the air while growing.

8.

A logo is appeared on a booklet. It describes sustainable development.1. What does it represent ?a. Difference between not sustainable and sustainable developmentb. The Earth is divided into two parts as shownc. Both A and Bd. None of the above2. What are sustainable resources?a. Waterb. Windc. Sund. All of the above3. What are the factors of sustainability?a. Humanb. Socialc. Economicd. All of the above4. What is an example of sustainable development?a. Stopping the use of plasticsb. Conserve waterc. Finding creative ways of reusing everythingd. All of the above5. Is being sustainable costly?a. YESb. NO

Answer»

1. a. Difference between not sustainable and sustainable development

2. d. All of the above

3. d. All of the above

4. d. All of the above

5. a. YES

9.

The concept of sustainable development has been adopted to limit the damage being incurred to the environment. Justify.

Answer»

● The idea of ‘sustainable development’ became popular with the publication of a paper by the World Commission on Environment and Development, in 1987. 

● Sustainable development is defined as development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. 

● The sustainable development can be done by reducing pollution by using eco-friendly technology. 

● Use of natural resources in such a way to ensure availability for the future generations, social equality in accessing resources. 

● Therefore, sustainable development is a need of an hour

10.

What is silviculture ? What are its advantages ?

Answer»

Silviculture is a major program started to replenish depleting forests. Its advantages are:

1. It produces a large quantity of raw materials for industry (like timber and paper industry).

2. It increases the area of earth under forests (which is good for the conservation of wildlife).

3. It maintains a perfect water cycle in nature.

4. It prevents soil erosion.

5. It prevents floods

11.

Describe the 3 levels of social change in India during the colonial rule as suggested by the sociologist Sathish Sabarval.

Answer»

a) Communication system 

b) organizational forms 

c) Nature of ideas

During the colonial period, there were a lot of changes in the communication system. Different technological advances increased the speed of communication. Printing Press, telegraph, microphone, steamships and railway helped people to communicate fast. Using the latest means of communication, reformists in different areas exchanged their views.

They could travel to different parts of the country and propagate their ideas. For example, in 1864, Keshav Chandra Sen from Bengal visited Madras. Pandita Ramabai traveled to different parts of the country. Some reformists even went abroad to visit different places and see things. Christian missionaries reached even the remotest villages in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.

Organizational forms: During this period many modem cultural organizations were formed. In Bengal, there was Brahma Samaj and in Punjab, there was Arya Samaj. In 1914 all India Muslim Women Conference . was established, Indian reformists conducted public, meetings to spread their ideas. They also made use of media like newspapers, bulletins, and journals. Some of the books of the reformists were translated into different Indian languages. For example, the 1868 book “Indu Prakash” by Vidyasagar was translated by Vishnu Sastri into Marathi.

Nature of ideas: The ideas propagated at this time were revolutionary and drastic. The new ideas of liberalism and freedom spread among the people. There were new concepts with regard to marriage and family. Mothers and daughters were assigned

12.

What is meant by “sustainable development” ?

Answer»

Sustainable development is the development which meets the current basic human needs and also preserves the resources for the needs of future generations.

13.

Name a clean gaseous fuel other than LPG and natural gas.

Answer» Biogas LPG and natural gas. .
14.

Match the following:ABRanadeBrahma samajViresalingamPrarthana samajSir sayed Ahmed khanSource of KnowledgeRaja Ram mohan royAligrah Movement

Answer»
AB
RanadePrarthana samaj
ViresalingamSource of knowledge
Sir sayed Ahmed khanAligarh movement
Raja Ram mohan royBrahma samaj
15.

Name two fossil fuels.

Answer»

Coal and Petroleum.

16.

Fill in the following blanks with suitable words:(a) LPG is a ……………fuel but biogas is not a…………. fuel. (b) Glaciers are a source of………………….. (c) One of the main aim of management of forests and wildlife is to conserve the……………….which we haveinherited. (d) Khadin is a traditional………………………..harvesting system in Rajasthan. (e) When a fuel burns in an insufficient supply of air, then some poisonous gas called ……………………….. is also produced.

Answer»

(a) Fossil; Fossil.

(b) Water.

(c) Bio diversity.

(d) Water.

(e) Carbon monoxide

17.

 Name any two inexhaustible resources.

Answer»

Air and Water.

18.

Arabari forest of Bengal is dominated by:A. teakB. salC. bambooD. mangrove

Answer»

Sal forests were mainly found in the Arabari forests of Bengal.

19.

Give an example to show that the prejudice against the traditional use of forest areas has no basis.

Answer»

The Great Himalayan National park contains Alpine meadows within its reserved areas which were once grazed by Nomadic shepherds but this practice has been stopped now. So grasses have become very tall now which then fall over and prevent fresh growth in alpine meadows. This is an example which shows that the prejudice against the traditional use of forest areas has no basis.

20.

Prejudice against traditional use of forest areas has no basis. Explain giving an example...

Answer»

In many forests, the local population may not be allowed to use forests in the manner they have been using them for generations.
This may sometimes be harmful for the sustainability of forests.
When the nomadic shepherds were not allowed in the alpine meadows of the great Himalayan National Park to graze their sheep, it had an adverse affect on the growth of grass. Without regular grazing by sheep, the grass grew very tall and then fell over preventing fresh growth.

21.

 Name a clean fuel other than LPG and Natural Gas.

Answer»

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

22.

Name any two forest products, each of which is the basis for some industry.

Answer»

(i) Pinewood for match box industry. 

(ii) Bamboo for paper industry.

23.

List four benefits that could be provided to the local people in Arabari forest range

Answer»

Four benefits provided to local people were employment in silviculture and harvesting operation, collection of firewood, collection of fodder at nominal price, use of forest products etc.

24.

What are biodiversity hotspots?

Answer» Biodiversity hotspots are regions rich in biodiversity.
25.

A person lives near a forest. Make a list of four items which he can get from the forest to meet his daily needs.

Answer»

Firewood, small timber, thatch, bamboo, fruits. nuts and medicines. (Any two)

26.

List any two industries based on forest produce..

Answer» Paper, timber, lac, sports equipment. (Any two)
27.

Explain how social customs in Rajasthan hamper economic development.

Answer»

Maximum population of Rajasthan resides in rural areas where many orthodox traditions are still prevalent-such as child marriage, dowry, gender inequality, untouchability and black magic. Such a society proves to be a hindrance in the economic development.

28.

Name two industries based on forest produce.

Answer»

Paper industries, bamboo, bidi and tendu leaves industries.

29.

Why industrialists don’t wish invest in Rajasthan?

Answer»

Rajasthan has been the birth place of industrialists and industrial houses, but those houses never showed any enthusiasm towards investing in the state. The state has never been able to attract these houses or foreign investors. In view of the geographical status and lack of power, investors do not wish to invest in the state. Due to this, the industrial development here is dependent on the public sector. This is the prime reason for this state being industrially backward.

30.

Why is there lack of rainfall in the western districts of Rajasthan?

Answer»

The Aravalli mountain range runs parallel in the western part of Rajasthan, causing lack of rainfall.

31.

What is water harvesting? What is the main purpose of water harvesting?

Answer»

Rain water harvesting is collecting the rain water, allowing it to percolate, discharge down the earth and increase the ground water level. It is done to manage water.

32.

Why is it necessary to conserve forest and wildlife?

Answer»

To preserve forest, maintain balance in the eco-system, prevent floods, droughts.

33.

Why is there lack of rainfall in western districts of the state?

Answer»

Due to the status of Aravalli mountain range, the amount of rainfall in the eastern districts of the state remains high. But in the western districts, the level of rainfall is very low because here, the Aravalli mountain range lies parallel to the monsoon, therefore it remains unable in stopping the monsoon here and so the monsoon proceeds ahead, without causing rainfall here. In the western part of Rajasthan, about 61 per cent of the total surface area is deserted.

34.

When was the first five year plan adopted for the economic development of Rajasthan? (a) 1951 (b) 1952 (c) 1956

Answer»

Answer is: (a) 1951

35.

Lack of modern technology is which type of an obstacle? (a) Natural (b) Economic (c) Social

Answer»

Answer is: (b) Economic

36.

Write an article on the obstacles and solutions in economic development of Rajasthan.

Answer»

Rajasthan is a developing country. In order to speed up economic development of Rajasthan, the idea of planned development process had been adopted since 1951 in the form of first five year plan. The availability of drinking water has always been a problem in desert regions. In such a situation, it is very difficult to develop agriculture, animal husbandry and industrial development. Due to the absence of irrigation facilities and lack of rainfall, the level of agricultural production is low. However, farmers are also deprived of other sources of income such as animal husbandry, poultry farming, cottage industries etc.

Due to the status of Aravalli, the level of rainfall in the eastern districts of the state remains high. But as the western districts come under the rain shadow region, they remain dry. In these districts, the level of rainfall is very low. In the western part of Rajasthan, about 61 per cent of the total land area of the state is deserted which cannot be put to any use. In the state, the only river that flows throughout the year is Chambal. Here, one has to depend upon the monsoon for water supply to fulfill the agricultural and other needs.

Due to lack of irrigation facilities in Rajasthan, there is also a lack of allied activities along with agriculture. As the possibilities of irrigation are extremely limited in the dry regions of the state, there is a need of giving more emphasis to conserve and sensibly utilize the available moisture. The form of crops should be such which is favourable to the availability of moisture, by which it would be possible to increase the production of crops. Under the economic development of the state, the joint sector should be developed, so that a more practical pathway can be carved out of the exploitative nature of uncontrolled capitalism and the lethorgy and incapability of the public sector.

More surveys should be done to identify the future possibilities of industrial and mining development in the state. Appropriate and sensible utilization of minerals should be done. There is need to pay attention on financial management in order to check the extravagence of financial resources and to increase employment. For this, a capable team of analysts and experts can be formed and the entire planning system can be strengthened. Economic development of a state takes place by the strengthening of edurational, healthcare and social structure along with basic infrastructure.

37.

Describe the obstacles in the economic development of Rajasthan.

Answer»

There are three obstacles in the economic development of Rajasthan: 

1. National and Geographical Constraints :

  • Huge desert : In the western part of Rajasthan, about 61 per cent of the total land area of the state is deserted. It is surrounded by sand dunes. Due to being a desert, it is . difficult to develop everything such agricultural activities, industries, etc. 
  • Status of Aravalli range : Aravalli Mountain range is situated from the south-west to the north-east of the state. This divides the state into two parts. Due to the location of the Aravalli, the amount of rainfall in the eastern districts of Rajasthan remains high. But as the western districts come under the rain shadow region, they remain dry. In these districts, the amount of rainfall is very low. 
  • Uncertainty of monsoon : In the state, the only river that flows throughout the year is Chambal. Here, one has to depend upon the monsoon for water supply to fulfill the agricultural and other needs. 
  • Famine and Drought : The state has faced vicious famines many a times. In 1991-92 and 2002-03, the entire state faced the famine. In such condition, the state is forced to employ its resources for development in famine relief and to rescue the people from its ill-effects. 
  • Regional Variation : Rajasthan has many variations. On one hand, there is desert, while on the other hand, there is mountain range. There is plateau in the south and plain in the east. Due to all these variations, the state is unable to develop collectively. 
  • Huge Wasteland : In Rajasthan, desert, dang and beehad areas are lying as waste lands, which have a wide spread of thorny bushes. Such a land cannot contribute to the state’s production.

2. Economic Constraints.

  • Lack of irrigational facilities : Rajasthan is a state with the condition of water scarcity. The drinking water is always a problem in desert regions. In such a situation, it is very difficult to develop agriculture, animal husbandry and industrial development. 
  • lack of agricultural facilities : Due to the absence of irrigation facilities and lack of rainfall, the level of agricultural production is low. Additionally, farmers are also deprived of other sources of income such as animal husbandry, poultry farming, cottage industries etc. 
  • Lack of modern technology : Rajasthan is known as the Museum of Minerals. But, due to absence of proper technology, one cannot make appropriate tapping and usage of the minerals. 
  • Lack of Energy : The major reason behind this is unavailability of high quality coal and lack of water projects. For thermal power plants, good quality coal has to be bought from other states, and for hydroelectricity, alliances are to be made with other states. 
  • Lack of sufficient investment : In view of the geographical status and lack of power, investors do not wish to invest in the state.

3. Social Constraints :

  • Population growth : The rapidly growing population of the state is also serving as an impediment in economic development. The state’s decadal growth is much higher than that of India. Making resources available for an ever growing population is extremely difficult. 
  • Level of education and literacy : In 2011 census, the literacy level of state was 67.1 per cent. This is not an auspicious sign for the economic development of any state. Female literacy rate of the state was merely 52.71 per cent. 
  • Orthodox social structure : Maximum population of Rajasthan resides in rural areas where many orthodox traditions are still prevalent- such as child marriage, dowry, gender inequality, untouchability and black magic. Such a society serves as a hindrance in economic development.
38.

Suggest remedies to overcome the obstacles coming in the way of economic development of Rajasthan.

Answer»

For the economic development of Rajasthan, the joint sector should be developed, so that a better and a more practical pathway can be carved out of the exploitative nature of uncountrolled capitalism and the lethargy and incapability of the public sector.

  • Dry farming should be encouraged : Looking at the lack of rainfall and irrigational facilities in the state, encouragement should be given to the production of such crops which require less water, and along with this, drip-irrigation and sprinkler system should be practiced in large areas. 
  • Development of activities supporting agriculture : To improve the condition of farmers in the state, apart from farming, they should be inspired and assisted for performing animal husbandry, poultry, honeybee farming and establishing small scale industries. 
  • Preventing the spread of desert : Intensive tree plantation drive should be carried out in desert areas to prevent the spread of desert. Such trees should be planted in these areas which are according to the quality of soil and natural conditions. 
  • Small and cottage industries : They should be more developed as there is shortage of capital for the investment of large scale industries in the state. 
  • Drought and Famine Management : Water should be conserved to reduce the dependence on monsoon. Proper arrangement for construction and refilling of wells, ponds and johads should be made. 
  • Development of non-conventional sources of energy : Rajasthan has immense potential of developing non-conventional sources of energy such as solar energy and wind energy. 
  • Attracting the investors : The state government should try to attract investment from both foreign and domestic investors by providing them attractive facilities. 
  • Development of basic Infrastructure : The state government should develop basic infrastructure such as education, health, transport, communication, banking, irrigation and energy in the state.
  • Rate of population should be controlled and rate of literacy should be increased. For effective population control, emphasis should be laid upon schemes such as economic independence of women, family planning, family welfare, etc. 
  • In order to achieve development goals in the context of increasing liberalization, globalization and privatization, there should be proper coordination and cooperation between various agencies, boards etc.
39.

How much of the total land area of Rajasthan is deserted? (a) 61% (b) 65% (c) 70% (d) 60%

Answer»

Answer is: (a) 61%

40.

How many obstacles are there in economic development of Rajasthan?

Answer»

Three obstacles are there in economic development of Rajasthan.

41.

Rapid population growth is which type of an obstacle? (a) Social (b) Economic (c) Natural

Answer»

Answer is: (a) Social

42.

Large desert is which type of an obstacle? (a) Economic (b) Natural (c) Social

Answer»

Answer is: (b) Natural

43.

(a) What is the name of surgical method of birth control (or preventing pregnancy) which is  carried out (i) in  men, and (ii) in women ?  (b) Name the part of a seed which (i) contains stored food (ii) grows into root, and (iii) grows  into shoot.

Answer»

(a)(i) Vasectomy

(ii) Tubectomy.

(b)(i) Cotyledons

(ii) Radicle

(iii) Plumule.

44.

State one example of geographical obstacle.

Answer»

Large desert.

45.

Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in your region...

Answer»

The traditional system of water harvesting/management in our legion are ponds, pits and lakes where rainwater is stored.

46.

List any two traditional systems of water harvesting.

Answer»

Two traditional systems of water harvesting are : 

(i) Collection of water in ponds.

(ii) Construction of small earthen dams.

47.

Name a method which acts as birth control and also protects from STDs.

Answer»

The barriers method is acts as birth control and also protects from STDs.

48.

In what ways, oral contraceptive measure help in birth control.

Answer»

Oral contraceptive is an example of hormonal contraceptive method in which oral medicines containing hormones, which prevent releases of ovum, so that the fertilization cannot occur. These disturb the hormonal balance of the body.

49.

Regional variation is what type of an obstacle?

Answer»

Geographical obstacle.

50.

Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/ management in your region.

Answer»

We must dug small pits and lakes, put in place simple water shed systems, built small earthen dams, constructed dykes, sand and limestone reservoirs, set up root top water collecting units. These are the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in our region.