Social Science Class  - X  
Sample Paper 2000 (Part - IV)
(Solved)

Section A - History

Q . Analyse India's relations with the U.S.A. ? (4)

Ans. The relations between India and USA were not as close as they should be expected to be till a few years back. India's non-aligned stand and later "special friendship' with erstwhile USSR made Indo-US relations not so cordial.

However, the collapse of Soviet Union and the end of Cold War kindled hopes of closer ties between US and India. The relations which kept on improving through the 90's took a sharp about turn with the Pokhran tests in 1998. Economic sanctions were slapped on India and assistance except humanitarian assistance ended.

The year 1999 saw the short scale limited Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan. India's restrain was appreciated the World over and Pakistan's claim of non-involvement was never believed. The US stand now was more of parity between the two rather than a tilt towards Pakistan.

However, the Clinton visit in March 2000 was highly successful. Signing of vision statement, understanding on CTBT and recognition of India as having the potential of becoming an IT Superpower are major steps forward in established good relations between the two nations . Now a joint working group has been established by US and India to tackle the problem of terrorism in the world.

Q . Why is the Prime Minister called `First among equals'? What are his/her functions? (6)

Ans.  The Prime Minister is the leader of the party which has the support of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha. He, therefore, enjoys a position of pre-eminence. He is called the first among the equals because though all the other candidates are elected just like him, he because of his position as a leader of the party, enjoys an important position. All the important decisions are taken by and him and the members of his council enjoy advisory powers.

The Prime Minister decides about the size of cabinet, distributes portfolios, can reshuffle the ministries and ask any Minister to resign. He can even keep on or more portfolios with himself. After the formation of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister also has the responsibility to co-ordinate its activities - dates for meetings and agenda to be discussed. He also appoints the cabinet committees and presides over them.

The Prime Minister also plays an important part in the process of legislation. No important bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha without his consent. The budget and other important money bills are prepared under his strict scrutiny. Being the Chairman of the Planning Commission he formulates the Five Year Plans and other economic programmes for the country.

Barring this, the Prime Minister represents the country in international conferences, pays official visits to foreign countries, maintains relations with the UN and other international organisations, negotiates with the heads of the states and signs treaties and agreements.

The Indian Prime Minister occupies a position of exceptional and over whelming authority and is for all purposes, the real chief executive. The powers listed are, by far, a modest appreciation of the PM's position.

OR

Q . Explain a Money Bill. How is it passed in the Indian Parliament? (6)

Ans.  The annual budget of the country or that of a state and every bill that envisages levy of taxes and/or some expenditure by the government is called a Money Bill. The decision of the Speaker, whether a particular bill is a Money Bill or not is always taken as final. A Money Bill cannot be initiated in the Rajya Sabha. The following is the procedure for the passage of a Money Bill :-

(1) Prior Presidential Approval :- A money bill can be introduced only when it has been accorded the approval of the President. Constitutionally speaking, it is the President himself who gets a Money Bill introduced through the Government.

(2) Introduction :- A money bill is generally introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister. He makes policy statement regarding finance at that occasion. The opposition is also free to speak on these matters.

(3) Second Reading :- Here an item wise discussion on the Bill takes place. Amendments are proposed and voted in respect of each item. In this way, the whole bill is cleared.

(4) Third Reading :- The third reading is only a formality. Members can recommend or criticise the policy matters and provisions of the Bill, as a whole. A majority vote decides the passage or rejection of the Bill [Rejection of the Money Bill amounts to no-confidence of the government].

(5) Money Bill in the Rajya Sabha :- After its clearance in the Lok Sabha, a Money Bill is sent to the Rajya Sabha which is allowed 14 days. During this period, the Rajya Sabha may pass it, reject it, may propose amend- ments to it and return to the Lok Sabha or may just sit over it.

If amendments are proposed, the Lok Sabha reviews them. But it is not binding upon it to accept them. In case of a difference, there is no provision for a joint session. The opinion of the Lok Sabha prevails in such a situation. After the lapse of 14 days, the Bill is deemed to be passed and sent for the President's assent. The assent of the President is never withheld as a Money Bill has a prior approval of the President.

SECTION `C' - GEOGRAPHY

Q. In the given outline Map of India,locate the following carefully with appropriate symbols and write the name of each item near its location? (5x1=5)
1     Satpura Range.
2     Malabar Coast.
3     One main jute producing area.
4     National Capital of ndia with its name.
5     One area under canal irrigation in delta regions.

Ans.
1     Satpura range lies in Madha Pradesh between Narmada and Tapi rivers.
2     The Western coast in the Southern part, i.e. in Karnataka and Kerala, is called Malabar coast.
3     West Bengal is the leading producer of jute.
4     New Delhi is the national capital of India.
5     Canals are the main source of irrigation in deltaic regions.

Q. Study the data given below carefully and answer the following questions : (2x1-2)
Temperature : Mean monthly in Celsius Degrees

Rainfall : Average Rain in Millimetres

Q Name the rainiest and driest months

Ans. Rainiest month is September with 164 mm rainfall driest month is January with 7 mm rainfall.

Q. Find out the annual range of temperatures. Show calculations also.

Ans.  Annual range of temp. = Maximum - Minimum temperature = 27.1 °C - 18.9 °C = 8.2 °C.

For blind students - Name these places

Q. Why do flood and drought occur? Write one reason for each?

Ans.  Floods occur due to heavy rains, especially in the catchment areas of the rivers, when the rivers are unable to accommodate excessive water. This water overflows the banks and results in floods. Drought occurs when the rain fails to occur or is very scarce.

Q.  Mention one common measure to control flood and drought. Write one worst effect of famine on human life.

Ans. One common measure to control flood and drought is to develop multipurpose river valley projects to regulate the flow of water.

One worst effect of famine on human life is crop failure which in turn creates food shortages and high mortality rate.

Q.  Name the hottest month. Write its temperature also?

Ans.  The hottest month in Nagpur is May with 36.5 °C of temperature.

Q.  Name the rainiest month. Write the amounts of rainfall for the month of December?

Ans. The rainiest month is July. December receives 10mm of rainfall.

For blind students :

Q.  Name two states where `Mango showers' are a common phenomena.

Ans.  `Mango showers' are commonly experienced in the states of Kerala and Karnataka.

Q.  Why are `Mango showers' locally known by this name?

Ans. They are locally known by this name, i.e. Mango showers, because they help in early ripening of mangoes.

Q . Name the major vegetation regions to which ebony and sundari trees belong. Name 2 states where elephants are found? Give two characteristics of old alluvium (bangar) (1+1+1=3)

Ans.  Ebony tree belongs to tropical rain - forest region like the windward side of Western Ghats.

Sundari is a tree of tidal forests, which are found in sundarbans.
The two states where elephants are found are Assam and Kerala.

Two characteristics of old alluvium (bangar) are :

(a) It has kankar nodules with calcium carbonate in its subsoil.
(b) It is coarser and less fertile as compared to new alluvium.

Q  Write briefly two merits of `Water as a source of water power' Name two main factors which effect distribution of population .(2+1 = 3)

Ans.  Two merits of water power :

(a) It is an inexhaustible source of energy.
(b) It is a pollution - free and cheaper source of energy.

Two main factors which affect the distribution of population :

(a) Well watered parts of India, i.e. regions with heavy rainfall coupled with level nature of land are the places where population tends to be dense, e.g. Gangetic plain.

(b) Regions with fertile soils also attract population.

Q  Explain three measures to increase marine fish catch in India ? (3 x 1 =3)

Ans.  To increase the marine fish catch :-

(a) It is necessary to use big mechanised fishing boats and vessels.
(b) Increase the landing and berthing facilities in big and small fishing harbours.
(c) Cold storage and processing facilities of marine products should be increased.

Q  Name the two major physiographic divisions of India. Write one feature each of all the three Himalayan ranges ? (1 + 3 = 4)

Ans.  The two major physiographic divisions of India are : (i) The North Indian Plains (ii)The Peninsular Plateau

The Himalayas have 3 main ranges :-

(a) The Great Himalayas :- This is the northern most and loftiest range of Himalayas. These ranges contain several high peaks which exceed 8,000 metres above the sea level. They always remain coerced with snow.

(b) The Lesser Himalayas :- These ranges lie below the Great Himalayas. There are alternating ridges and valleys among these ranges. All the important hill stations lie in Lesser Himalayas, e.g. : Simla, Nainital, Mussoorie, etc.

(c) Shiwalik or the outer Himalayas :- This Southern most range is made of unconsolidated river deposits and are prone to earthquakes, land slides and soil erosion.

Q . Explain the role of handloom, powerloom, composite textile mills and spinning mills in Indian cotton Textile Industry. (4 x 1=4) Write one point each of the above.

Ans.  Handlooms provide large scale employment in rural areas. Traditionally, the fabric is woven on handlooms.

Powerloom :- The yarn produced in spinning mills is woven into cloth by powerlooms at a faster rate as compared to handlooms.

Composite textile mills :- They take care of both i.e. spinning the yarn and weaving of cloth in the same unit.

Spinning mills :- In these mills only yarn is produced from cotton. Spinning mills provide yarn to both the sectors, i.e. organised and decentralised sectors.

Q  Explain four measures to reduce growing pressure on Indian railways? (4 x 1= 4)

Ans.  The following methods should be adopted to reduce the pressure on railways.

(a) Electrification of railways will relieve railways from carrying coal to distant parts for its own steam engines.
(b) Setting up of thermal power plants near coal mines to reduce the transportation of coal to distant areas.
(c) Increased use of hydro-electricity.
(d) laying of pipelines for carrying mineral oil and natural gas will further reduce the burden on railways

Q.  Describe in detail `Coal' under the following heads: (3+1+1= 5)

Q.    (a) Distribution of coal (excluding lignite) in India.

Ans. (a) Coal in India is mainly concentrated in Damodar Valley Region. The main coal belt runs in Bihar - West Bengal Region.

Major coal producing states :

(1) Bihar :- Jharia, Bokaro , Karanpua, Giridh
(2) West Bengal :- Raniganj
(3) Madhya Pradesh :- Tawa Valley, Panch - Kanhan, singrauli and Korba Coalfields
(4) Andhra Pradesh :- Godavari Valley
(5) Maharashtra : - Chanda and Wardha
(6) Orissa :- Talcher

Q  (b) Demerits of Indian Coal (any two) :

Ans.  (b) 1. Quality of Indian coal is generally low.
2. It is poor in terms of its capacity to give heat.

Q (c) Need of conservation of coal (two points) :

Ans. (c) We need to conserve coal since :

(i) It is an exhaustible resource, i.e. once used it is lost for all times to come.
(ii) It takes a very long geological period of time for its formation. It can not be replenished by man.

Section 'D' - Economics

Q. The problem of fragmentation of holdings remains serious in India's rural economy. Briefly write two disadvantages of it and one measure to solve this problem.(2+1=3)

Ans.  Disadvantages of fragmentation are :-

(i) Fragmentation and sub-division of holdings lead to a wastage of land in the form of boundaries, hedgings, etc. Moreover, it results in the wastage of human and cattle energy, involved in moving from one small piece of land to another.

(ii) Small size of the holding prevents the farmer from adopting better inputs or improved agricultural elements, etc. Likewise, the cultivator can not pay adequate attention to his fields when they re scattered .

One way to overcome such problems is co-operative farming wherein the land is pooled into a single unit, management
of land is carried on jointly and members are paid for their work.

Q .Explain how important are `non-factory manufacturing units', `FERA Companies' , `MRTP Companies', and `Private Enterprises' in India's present industrial structure. Give four points ? (4 x 1 =4)

Ans.  Non - factory manufacturing units : These include small industrial units or cottage industry units employing a handful of workers each. These can remove some part of disguised and seasonal unemployment. They provide part time work to the farmers and supplement their income. They also lead to balanced regional development and encourage equality in the distribution of income and wealth.

FERA Companies : FERA companies are those which are covered under the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act. They are the principal source of our earning foreign exchange through exports.

MRTP Companies : They are so called because they come under the jurisdiction of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission. They are very important business houses where there is little competition.

Private Enterprise : All business activities (industrial, commercial or trading) constitute private enterprise. Excepting a few crucial areas like defence production and the building of long-term infrastructure like highways and townships, private enterprise has proved to be superior to public enterprise in most cases.

Q. Scarcity of essential goods, so far as market supply is concerned, arises from three sources in our economy. Write about these three sources briefly. (3 x 1 =3)

Ans.  Scarcity of essential goods, so far as market supply is concerned, arises from three sources in our economy. These are :

(i) Shortage of production, particularly production of food and other important crops like jute, cotton, etc. causing shortage of both agricultural and industrial inputs.

(ii) Hoarding of goods for blackmarketing is a major source which creates artificial scarcity.

(iii) Absence of regular and efficient transport facilities for the transportation of goods can also cause scarcity