Social Studies revision 2

What three non-physical conditions must an environmental material satisfy to be classified as a 'resource'?

It must be technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.

How do human beings interact with nature to transform environmental materials into resources?

Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to accelerate economic development.

In the general classification of resources, into what two main subcategories are Natural Resources divided based on exhaustibility?

Renewable resources and Non-Renewable resources.

According to the classification of resources, how are Non-Renewable resources sub-divided?

They are divided into Recyclable resources (e.g., metals) and Non-Recyclable resources (e.g., fossil fuels).

What are the four primary bases used to classify resources?

1. Origin (biotic and abiotic) | 2. Exhaustibility (renewable and non-renewable) | 3. Ownership (individual, community, national, international) | 4. Status of development (potential, developed stock, reserves)

What three major global ecological problems have resulted from the indiscriminate exploitation of resources?

Global warming, ozone layer depletion, and environmental pollution / land degradation.

What is the core definition of 'Sustainable economic development'?

Development that takes place without damaging the environment, where present development does not compromise the needs of future generations.

Where and when did the first International Earth Summit take place, and what was its major adopted outcome for the 21st century?

It took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 1992; leaders adopted Agenda 21 to achieve global sustainable development.

What major operational mandate does Agenda 21 place upon local governments worldwide?

Every local government should draw up its own local Agenda 21.

What are the three essential process steps of resource planning in India?

1. Identification and inventory of resources (surveying, mapping, qualitative/quantitative measurement). | 2. Evolving a planning structure endowed with technology, skills, and institutions. | 3. Matching resource plans with overall national development plans.

Which Indian states possess vast mineral and coal deposits but lack balanced development overall?

Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

In terms of resource availability, how do Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan contrast with one another?

Arunachal Pradesh has abundant water resources but lacks infrastructure, whereas Rajasthan is rich in solar and wind energy but lacks water resources.

What resource characteristics define the cold desert region of Ladakh?

It has a very rich cultural heritage, but is deficient in water, infrastructure, and vital minerals.

Why was the mere presence of natural resources insufficient to prevent colonization in historical regions?

Because exploitation required higher levels of technological development and institutional capability, which colonizing powers possessed and used to establish supremacy.

What was Mahatma Gandhi's famous statement regarding the root cause of global resource depletion?

"There is enough for everybody's need and not for any body's greed." He blamed greedy individuals and the exploitative nature of modern technology.

Which international body first advocated resource conservation systematically in 1968, and in what 1974 book was Gandhian philosophy presented on this topic?

The Club of Rome advocated it in 1968; E.F. Schumacher presented Gandhian philosophy in his 1974 book Small is Beautiful.

Which landmark 1987 report introduced the concept of 'Sustainable Development', and in what published publication did it appear?

The Brundtland Commission Report (1987), published in the book Our Common Future.

What percentage breakups define India's land under major relief features (plains, mountains, and plateaus)?

Plains: 43% | Mountains: 30% | Plateaus: 27%

In land utilisation classification, what defines 'Culturable waste land'?

Land left uncultivated for more than 5 agricultural years.

How are 'Current fallow' and 'Other than current fallow' lands distinguished by time duration?

Current fallow is left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year; Other than current fallow is left uncultivated for 1 to 5 agricultural years.

What is the mathematical definition of 'Gross cropped area'?

Gross Cropped Area = Area sown more than once in an agricultural year + Net Sown Area.

What is the total geographical area of India, and for what percentage is land use reporting data available?

Total area is 3.28 million sq km; data is available for only 93% of the total area.

Why is land use reporting data incomplete for 7% of India's total geographical area?

Reporting for most north-eastern states except Assam has not been done fully, and some areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China have not been surveyed.

Which Indian states have a Net Sown Area (NSA) exceeding 80%, and which have less than 10%?

Over 80%: Punjab and Haryana. | Less than 10%: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

What target percentage for forest cover was outlined in the National Forest Policy (1952) to maintain ecological balance?

33% of the total geographical area.

What primary human activity drives severe land degradation in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha?

Deforestation due to mining and abandoned excavation sites.

In Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, what is the main human cause of land degradation?

Overgrazing.

How does over-irrigation cause soil degradation in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh?

It causes waterlogging, leading to an increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil.

How does mineral processing (e.g., grinding limestone for cement) physically retard water infiltration into soil?

It generates huge quantities of mineral dust in the atmosphere that settles on the land and forms a layer, retarding water infiltration.

Given the soil profile layers shown below, identify the four soil profile layers from top to bottom.

1. Top soil (the upper soil layer) | 2. Subsoil weathered rocks, sand, silt, and clay | 3. Substratum weathered parent rock material | 4. Unweathered parent bed rock

Which three river systems formed the extensive alluvial soils of the northern plains in India?

The Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra.

In which coastal deltas of eastern India is alluvial soil predominantly found?

The deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.

What piedmont plains are known for coarse alluvial soil near the break of river slopes?

Duars, Chos, and Terai.

How do Bangar and Khadar alluvial soils differ in age, texture, concentration of Kankar nodules, and fertility?

Bangar is old alluvial with a higher concentration of Kankar nodules. Khadar is new alluvial, composed of finer particles, and is more fertile than Bangar.

What chemical nutrients are abundant in alluvial soils, making them ideal for growing sugarcane, paddy, and wheat?

Potash, phosphoric acid, and lime.

What alternative name is given to Black Soil, and for growing which crop is it ideal?

It is called Regur soil or Black Cotton soil; it is ideal for growing cotton.

Over what geological region and parent rock material is Black Soil predominantly formed?

The Deccan Trap (Basalt) region spread over basaltic lava flows.

Why do Red Soils develop a reddish color, and under what chemical condition do they appear yellow?

Reddish color develops due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks; it appears yellow when iron occurs in a hydrated form.

From what Latin word is 'Laterite' derived, and under what specific climate and process does Laterite soil form?

Derived from Latin later meaning 'brick'. It forms under tropical and subtropical climates with alternate wet and dry seasons via intense leaching due to heavy rain.

What are the pH and nutrient characteristics of Laterite soil?

It is acidic (pH < 6.0) and generally deficient in plant nutrients.

Which plantation crops are successfully grown on conserved Laterite soil in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh?

Tea, coffee, and cashew nut (red laterite).

Why do lower horizons of Arid Soil restrict the infiltration of water?

Because the lower horizons are occupied by Kankar formations due to increasing calcium content downwards.

What process forms 'gullies' in clayey soils, and what are bad lands called specifically in the Chambal basin?

Running water cuts through clayey soil to make deep channels called gullies; bad lands in the Chambal basin are called ravines.

How do sheet erosion and wind erosion differ in their physical mechanism of soil removal?

Sheet erosion occurs when water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope, washing away topsoil; wind erosion occurs when wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land.

How does contour ploughing slow down soil erosion along sloped farmland?

Ploughing along contour lines decelerates the flow of water down slopes.

How does strip cropping mitigate wind erosion in large open agricultural fields?

Strips of grass are left to grow between crops, breaking up the force of the wind.

What are shelter belts, and what environmental role have they played in western India?

Shelter belts are planting lines of trees; they have contributed significantly to the stabilization of sand dunes and the desert in western India.

Why are forests considered primary producers within an ecological system?

Because all other living beings depend directly or indirectly upon forests for their survival.

What three core life support systems are preserved by forest and wildlife conservation?

Water, air, and soil.

When was 'Project Tiger' launched in India, and to what number had the tiger population dwindled at that time?

Project Tiger was launched in 1973; the tiger population had dwindled to 1,827 (from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century).

Which two South Asian countries harbor about two-thirds of the surviving global tiger population?

India and Nepal.

Name four famous tiger reserves in India and their respective states.

1. Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) | 2. Sunderbans National Park (West Bengal) | 3. Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh) | 4. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan) / Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala) / Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam)

Under the Wildlife Acts of 1980 and 1986, which insect categories were added to the list of protected species?

Several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly.

In what year were plants first added to the Indian protected species list under conservation legislation, and how many species were initially listed?

In 1991, starting with six plant species.

How are 'Reserved Forests' defined in India's forest classification, and what proportion of total forest cover do they constitute?

They are regarded as the most valuable forests for conservation of forest and wildlife resources; they constitute more than half of the total forest area.

What proportion of Indian forest land is classified as 'Protected Forests', and what is its legal purpose?

Almost one-third of total forest area; declared by the Forest Department to protect land from any further depletion.

What constitutes 'Unclassed Forests'?

Forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.

Which administrative forest categories constitute 'Permanent forest estates', and which Indian state has the largest percentage of permanent forest area?

Reserved and Protected forests constitute permanent forest estates; Madhya Pradesh has the largest area (75% of its total forest area).

How did villagers in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan resist mining activities?

They fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act.

What community conservation initiative was created by inhabitants of five villages in Alwar district, Rajasthan?

They declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri', setting rules banning hunting and external encroachments.

What dual achievements marked the Chipko movement in the Himalayas?

It successfully resisted deforestation in several areas and demonstrated that community afforestation with indigenous species can be effective.

What do citizen groups like Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya demonstrate?

They demonstrate that adequate levels of diversified crop production without synthetic chemicals are possible and economically viable.

Which tree species are worshipped by the Mundas and Santhals of Chota Nagpur, and which by the tribals of Odisha and Bihar during weddings?

Mundas and Santhals: mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba (Anthocaphalus cadamba). | Tribals of Odisha/Bihar: tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica).

Which wild animal species are protected from harm around Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan?

Herds of blackbuck (chinkara), nilgai, and peacocks.

In what year and state was the formal resolution for Joint Forest Management (JFM) first passed in India?

In 1988 by the state of Odisha.

How does Joint Forest Management (JFM) structure incentives for participating local communities?

Local village institutions undertake forest protection on degraded forest land; in return, members get intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produce and a share in harvested timber.

What are the three primary physical domains over which goods and services move in transport systems?

Land, water, and air.

Why are transport, communication, and trade described as complementary to each other?

Because efficient transport expands the reach of trade, while space and communication technologies coordinate transport networks and market linkages.

What four metropolitan cities are linked by the 6-lane Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways?

Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.

What terminal points are connected by the North-South and East-West corridors of the Super Highway project?

North-South Corridor: Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) to Kanniyakumari (Tamil Nadu). | East-West Corridor: Silchar (Assam) to Porbandar (Gujarat).

Which authority is responsible for implementing the Golden Quadrilateral Super Highway projects?

National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

How do State Highways differ from District Roads in terms of the centers they connect?

State Highways link a state capital with different district headquarters, whereas District Roads connect district headquarters with other places within that district.

Under which scheme do rural roads in India receive special impetus to link every village to a major town with an all-season motorable road?

Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana.

When was the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) established, and what is its main mandate?

Established in 1960; its mandate is to construct and maintain roads of strategic importance in the northern and north-eastern border areas.

What length and altitude parameters specify the Atal Tunnel built by BRO in the Himalayas?

Length: 9.02 km; Altitude: 3,000 meters above Mean Sea Level (MSL) in the Pir Panjal range.

Which two locations are connected year-round by the Atal Tunnel?

Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley.

Into how many operational zones is Indian Railways organized?

17 zones.