CS (Main) Exam 2021 - General Studies Paper I

Bhakti literature, characterized by its devotional fervor and personal relationship with God, played a significant role in shaping Indian culture. It promoted monotheism, challenged traditional hierarchies, and emphasized social equality. Through its accessible language and diverse forms, Bhakti literature reached all segments of society, fostering a sense of unity and devotion. It also encouraged the development of vernacular languages and fostered a rich tradition of devotional music and art.

Socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India aimed to modernize society by challenging outdated practices and promoting social justice. Young Bengal, a group of intellectuals influenced by European enlightenment ideas, advocated for rationalism, critical thinking, and social change. The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Rammohan Roy, emphasized monotheism, humanism, and the abolition of caste discrimination. These movements played a pivotal role in awakening social consciousness and paving the way for wider social reforms.

The integration of Indian princely states into the Indian Union posed significant administrative and socio-cultural challenges. Administrative issues included reconciling diverse legal systems, establishing uniform governance, and managing economic disparities. Socio-cultural problems included integrating diverse languages, religions, and customs, addressing issues of communalism, and ensuring equal rights for all citizens. The process required a delicate balance of autonomy and integration to foster unity in diversity.

<p>Landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats are caused by distinct factors. In the Himalayas, landslides are primarily triggered by fragile geological formations, intense precipitation, seismic activity, and deforestation. The steep slopes and frequent earthquakes exacerbate the risk. In contrast, landslides in the Western Ghats are more often caused by heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and human activities, such as construction and mining. The region's unique geological features, including lateritic soils, contribute to landslide susceptibility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>While India is a part of the Gondwanaland, a geological region rich in mineral resources, its mining sector contributes significantly less to the GDP compared to other Gondwanan countries. This can be attributed to factors such as outdated technologies, a lack of investment, environmental concerns, and regulatory complexities. Furthermore, the mining industry faces challenges in terms of skilled labor shortages and inefficient extraction processes, impacting its overall productivity and contribution to the economy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reclamation of water bodies for urban development poses significant environmental challenges, impacting ecosystems and human health. Wetlands, for instance, act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and mitigating flooding. Their conversion to built-up areas disrupts these vital functions, resulting in water pollution, increased flood risk, and habitat loss. For example, the reclamation of wetlands in Mumbai for housing has caused flooding during monsoon seasons, illustrating the unintended consequences of such development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In 2021, volcanic eruptions occurred across the globe, with notable events in countries like Iceland, St. Vincent, and the United States. These eruptions, while spectacular, can have significant impacts on regional environments. Volcanic ash and gases can contaminate air quality, disrupt transportation, and damage crops. Melting glaciers and ice caps can trigger floods and landslides, while volcanic ash can enrich soils in the long term, fostering agricultural growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>India is considered a subcontinent due to its unique geographical features and distinct cultural and historical identity. It is a large landmass with diverse topography, including towering mountain ranges, fertile plains, and vast coastal areas. Furthermore, India has a rich and ancient culture, encompassing numerous religions, languages, and traditions, making it a distinct entity within the Asian continent. Its political and economic independence further solidify its position as a self-contained subcontinent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tribal knowledge systems, rooted in indigenous cultures, are distinct from mainstream knowledge in their emphasis on practical wisdom, ecological understanding, and close connection with nature. They possess a deep understanding of local flora and fauna, sustainable resource management, and traditional healing practices. Unlike mainstream systems, which often prioritize abstract concepts and intellectual pursuits, tribal knowledge is deeply intertwined with the natural world and emphasizes practical skills and collective wisdom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Gig Economy, characterized by flexible, short-term work arrangements, has emerged as a potential avenue for empowering women in India. It provides women with greater autonomy and flexibility, allowing them to choose work opportunities that fit their schedules and skills. By enabling them to work from home or remotely, the Gig Economy also offers women opportunities who face childcare responsibilities or geographical constraints. However, it is important to address concerns regarding job security, social safety nets, and fair wages for those in the Gig Economy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Moderates, advocating for gradual reforms within the British framework, played a significant role in preparing the ground for the wider freedom movement. Through their efforts in raising political consciousness, promoting education and public awareness, and building a platform for nationalist discourse, they laid the groundwork for more radical and assertive movements. While their approach was initially successful in pushing the British towards concessions, their limitations in challenging British authority directly paved the way for the rise of more radical nationalist movements like the Indian National Congress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>During the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements, Mahatma Gandhi emphasized constructive programs alongside non-violent resistance. These programs aimed at creating a self-reliant and empowered India. They included spinning khadi (homespun cloth) to promote self-sufficiency, educating the masses, improving sanitation, and promoting interfaith harmony. These constructive programs created a parallel system of governance and social order, demonstrating the potential for a self-governing India while simultaneously challenging British rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The period between the two World Wars witnessed a serious challenge to the democratic state system. The rise of authoritarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, threatened traditional democratic values and practices. The Great Depression led to economic and social unrest, creating fertile ground for extremist ideologies. The wars themselves exposed the fragility of democratic institutions and the dangers of unchecked nationalism. This period also highlighted the need for international cooperation and checks against the excesses of power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major mountain ranges like the Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, and Alps generally align along tectonic plate boundaries, where the Earth's crust collides and rises. Their presence creates distinct microclimates with significant impacts on local weather. The Himalayas block cold northerly winds from reaching South Asia, creating a warm and dry climate in the north, while the south receives heavy monsoon rainfall. The Andes, acting as a barrier to moisture-laden winds, create a dry climate to the east but support lush vegetation on the west. The Rockies influence weather patterns, creating arid conditions to the east and a rain shadow effect, resulting in distinct climate zones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The melting of Arctic ice and Antarctic glaciers has distinct impacts on weather patterns and human activities. The melting of Arctic ice, primarily sea ice, affects local weather patterns. However, it has less impact on global sea levels as sea ice is already floating. In contrast, the melting of Antarctic glaciers, primarily ice sheets, contributes significantly to rising global sea levels, posing a threat to coastal communities and ecosystems. Both processes disrupt marine ecosystems and contribute to changes in global ocean currents, potentially impacting weather patterns worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The uneven distribution of mineral oil across the world creates significant geopolitical and economic implications. Countries rich in oil reserves wield considerable economic and political power, influencing global energy prices and diplomacy. This uneven distribution can lead to conflicts over resource control, as witnessed in the Middle East. Furthermore, it can foster dependence on oil-rich countries, creating vulnerabilities for nations that rely heavily on oil imports. Addressing energy security and promoting sustainable energy alternatives are crucial to mitigating the negative consequences of uneven resource distribution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The development of IT industries in major Indian cities has brought about significant socio-economic implications. It has created numerous job opportunities, leading to an influx of skilled professionals and economic growth. However, it has also widened existing income inequalities, as skilled workers in the IT sector earn significantly higher wages than those in other sectors. Furthermore, the rapid urbanization associated with IT growth has created pressure on infrastructure, housing, and social services, leading to challenges in providing adequate facilities for the growing population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Population education aims to empower individuals with knowledge and skills related to population dynamics and its implications for societal well-being. It emphasizes understanding the relationship between population growth, resource availability, and sustainable development. In India, key objectives include promoting family planning, reducing infant mortality, empowering women, improving access to healthcare, and fostering responsible consumption patterns. Measures to achieve these objectives include providing sex education in schools, encouraging family planning services, improving access to healthcare, addressing gender inequality, and promoting awareness about environmental sustainability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, making it difficult to counterfeit. It operates independently of central banks, relying on decentralized networks for its security and transactions. Global society is grappling with the impact of cryptocurrency, which includes potential for financial innovation, increased financial inclusion, and decentralized governance. However, it also raises concerns regarding speculation, fraud, and money laundering. Indian society is also experiencing the impact of cryptocurrency, with growing adoption, investment, and the emergence of regulatory frameworks to address the complexities of this new asset class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Indian society, characterized by its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, is undergoing a complex process of modernization. While some traditional values like respecting elders, family ties, and religious beliefs continue to hold strong, the society is also witnessing significant changes. Exposure to global influences, increased urbanization, and technological advancements have brought about changes in social norms, lifestyles, and values. The traditional joint family structure is evolving into more nuclear families. Education and employment opportunities are playing an increasingly important role in shaping individual aspirations and relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers