Social Science II - Study Guide
Interactive Questions & Answers for Key Chapters
1. What is the main difference between weather and climate?
Answer
Weather is the atmospheric condition for a short period, while climate is the average weather over a long period (35-40 years).
Weather refers to daily atmospheric variables like temperature and rainfall at a specific place. Climate is the statistical synthesis of these conditions over decades for a larger region, defining its ecosystems and human life patterns.
2. How does the atmosphere get heated?
Answer
The sun's energy (insolation) heats the Earth's surface, which then transfers heat to the atmosphere through conduction, convection, and terrestrial radiation.
The atmosphere is largely transparent to incoming short-wave solar radiation. It is primarily heated from below when the Earth re-radiates absorbed energy as long-wave terrestrial radiation, which is then trapped by greenhouse gases like CO₂.
3. Name four key factors that influence atmospheric temperature.
Answer
Latitude (distance from equator), altitude (height), distance from the sea, and ocean currents.
Temperature generally decreases from the equator to the poles (latitude), with increasing height at a normal lapse rate of 6.4°C/km (altitude), is moderated near coasts (distance from sea), and is raised or lowered by warm or cold ocean currents.
4. What is the Coriolis Force and what does it do?
Answer
Caused by the Earth's rotation, it deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Coriolis Force is an apparent force that acts on moving objects (like wind) in a rotating frame of reference. Its effect is zero at the equator and maximum at the poles, and it is crucial for the formation of large-scale weather systems like cyclones.
5. List the three main types of rainfall and briefly explain one.
Answer
Orographic, Convectional, and Cyclonic (Frontal). Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over mountains, causing rain on the windward side.
Orographic (Relief) rain is common in mountainous areas. As moist wind ascends the slope, it cools, condenses, and precipitates. The leeward side, where the air descends and warms, becomes a dry "rain shadow region."
6. Differentiate between permanent and periodic winds.
Answer
Permanent winds (e.g., Trade Winds) blow constantly throughout the year, while periodic winds (e.g., Monsoon Winds) reverse their direction seasonally.
Permanent (Planetary) winds are driven by global pressure belts, like the Westerlies and Polar Winds. Periodic winds are caused by seasonal or daily temperature differences, such as land/sea breezes (diurnal) and monsoons (seasonal).
7. What are isotherms and isobars?
Answer
Isotherms are imaginary lines on a map connecting places of equal temperature. Isobars connect places of equal atmospheric pressure.
These lines are essential tools in meteorology. Isotherms help analyze temperature distribution, while the spacing of isobars indicates the pressure gradient—closely spaced isobars mean a steep gradient and strong winds.
8. Explain the difference between absolute and relative humidity.
Answer
Absolute humidity is the actual amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity is the ratio of actual water vapor to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.
For instance, air at 20°C might contain 10g/m³ of water vapor (absolute), but if its capacity at that temperature is 20g/m³, its relative humidity is 50%. Condensation occurs when relative humidity reaches 100% (saturation).
9. What is a cyclone versus an anticyclone?
Answer
A cyclone is a low-pressure system with inward-spiraling winds, often bringing stormy weather. An anticyclone is a high-pressure system with outward-spiraling winds and generally clear, calm conditions.
Cyclones are associated with convergence and rising air, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. Tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons) are particularly destructive. Anticyclones feature divergence and sinking air, which suppresses cloud formation.
10. Define Earth's "heat budget."
Answer
It is the natural balancing system where the amount of solar energy Earth receives is almost equal to the amount it radiates back into space.
The heat budget ensures that Earth's overall temperature remains relatively stable over long periods. While there are regional surpluses (tropics) and deficits (poles) of energy, atmospheric and oceanic circulation redistributes this heat globally.
1. Describe the key characteristics of the Equatorial Climatic Region.
Answer
Located 10° N/S of the equator, it has high temperatures and heavy convectional rain throughout the year, supporting dense evergreen forests.
This region experiences minimal temperature variation and daily "4 o'clock" rains due to intense solar heating. The lack of seasons and consistent moisture results in luxuriant tropical rainforests like the Amazon and Congo basins.
2. What defines the Mediterranean climate and what is it famous for?
Answer
It has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is famous for producing fruits, vegetables, and wine.
Found between 30-45° latitudes, its unique climate is influenced by the seasonal shift of pressure belts, bringing dry trade winds in summer and rain-bearing Westerlies in winter. This makes it ideal for viticulture and horticulture.
3. Contrast the Taiga and Tundra regions.
Answer
Taiga is a cold region in the Northern Hemisphere with vast coniferous forests. Tundra is an even colder, treeless zone north of the Taiga with permanently frozen subsoil (permafrost).
The Taiga ("boreal forest") has short summers and very cold winters, supporting trees like pine and spruce. The Tundra, found in the high Arctic, has an extremely harsh climate where only mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs can survive the brief summer thaw.
4. What are temperate grasslands called in different continents, and what are they used for today?
Answer
Prairies (N. America), Pampas (S. America), Steppes (Eurasia), Veld (Africa), Downs (Australia). They are now primarily used for large-scale commercial grain farming and animal husbandry.
Located in continental interiors, these regions have been transformed from natural grazing lands into highly productive agricultural zones. The Prairies, for instance, are known as the 'Granary of the World' for their immense wheat production.
5. Where are hot deserts typically located and why?
Answer
They are mostly found on the western margins of continents in tropical regions because of dry, descending trade winds.
These regions, like the Sahara and Atacama, lie under the influence of subtropical high-pressure belts. The air here is stable and sinking, which prevents cloud formation and rainfall. Offshore cold ocean currents can also enhance aridity.
6. Define climate change and list its main causes.
Answer
A long-term shift in global weather patterns and temperatures. Causes can be natural (e.g., ice ages) or anthropogenic (human-caused), such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels.
Climate change refers to significant, lasting changes in the statistical distribution of weather patterns. While natural variability exists, the current rapid warming is primarily driven by human activities (anthropogenic) that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
7. What is the greenhouse effect and how does it lead to global warming?
Answer
The greenhouse effect is the natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere. Global warming occurs when an excess of these gases, from human activity, traps too much heat.
Gases like CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide act like a blanket, absorbing outgoing terrestrial radiation and keeping the planet warm enough for life. However, burning fossil fuels and industrial processes have drastically increased their concentration, enhancing this effect and causing the average global temperature to rise.
8. Name two major international agreements aimed at combating climate change.
Answer
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015).
The Kyoto Protocol was an early attempt that set binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. The Paris Agreement is a more comprehensive and universal accord, with the central aim of keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
9. Who are "climate refugees"?
Answer
People who are forced to leave their homes due to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, drought, or extreme weather events.
Climate refugees are displaced by slow-onset disasters like desertification and sea-level rise (e.g., in the Maldives) or sudden events like catastrophic floods and storms. This is a growing humanitarian challenge with complex legal and social implications.
10. List three ways to control or mitigate climate change.
Answer
1. Use non-conventional energy sources (solar, wind). 2. Protect and expand forests. 3. Improve energy efficiency in industries and homes.
Mitigation strategies focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key actions include a large-scale transition to renewable energy, implementing carbon capture technologies, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting vital ecosystems like rainforests, and fostering a global circular economy to reduce waste and consumption.
1. What is the key difference between consumer goods and capital goods?
Answer
Consumer goods (e.g., food) directly satisfy human wants, while capital goods (e.g., machinery) are used to produce other goods.
Consumer goods are the final products in the production chain meant for direct use by the end-user. Capital goods are a factor of production; they are durable assets that a business uses to create consumer goods or services.
2. What are the major improvements in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 over the 1986 Act?
Answer
The 2019 Act covers e-commerce, introduces product liability, has stricter penalties for misleading ads, and simplifies the dispute resolution process.
Key enhancements include the establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to proactively protect rights, the inclusion of "unfair contracts" as a ground for complaint, and allowing consumers to file complaints from where they reside, rather than where the seller is located.
3. Describe the three-tier system of Consumer Courts in India.
Answer
It consists of District Commissions (claims up to ₹1 crore), State Commissions (₹1 crore to ₹10 crore), and the National Commission (over ₹10 crore).
This quasi-judicial machinery was set up to provide simple, speedy, and inexpensive redressal to consumer grievances. A consumer can appeal a decision from a lower commission to the next higher one, and finally to the Supreme Court from the National Commission.
4. Explain the 'Right to Safety' with an example.
Answer
It is the right to be protected from goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. For example, buying an electrical appliance with an ISI mark ensures it meets safety standards.
This right extends beyond just products to services as well, such as ensuring safety in transportation or healthcare. It mandates that products should not pose an undue risk to consumers during normal use and empowers consumers to demand quality and safety assurances.
5. Where can a person complain about online shopping fraud?
Answer
Complaints can be filed with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the local Cyber Crime Cell.
For issues related to defective products or services bought online, a consumer can also file a complaint in the appropriate Consumer Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, as e-commerce is explicitly covered.
6. What is the role of consumer education?
Answer
It aims to make consumers aware of their rights and responsibilities, helping them make informed choices and protecting them from fraud.
Consumer education, often integrated into school curricula and public campaigns, is crucial because legislation alone is insufficient. An educated consumer is an empowered consumer who can identify unethical market practices, demand quality, and seek justice, thereby promoting a healthier market environment.
7. What is "utility" in economics?
Answer
Utility is the want-satisfying power of a commodity or service.
It is a subjective concept, as the satisfaction derived from a good varies from person to person. Economists like Alfred Marshall attempted to measure it using a cardinal approach (in units called 'utils') to analyze consumer behavior, such as the law of diminishing marginal utility.
8. What was the significance of the Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI)?
Answer
Founded in 1966, it was the first organization in India that started the consumer protection movement.
The CGSI played a pioneering role in advocating for consumer rights, conducting product testing, publishing awareness magazines, and lobbying for legislation, which laid the groundwork for the eventual enactment of the Consumer Protection Act in 1986.
9. What is the purpose of Consumer Protection Councils?
Answer
They are advisory bodies at the district, state, and national levels that advise the government on the promotion and protection of consumer rights.
Unlike the Consumer Commissions (courts), these Councils do not hear individual complaints. Instead, they serve as think tanks, reviewing consumer-related policies, identifying systemic issues, and recommending legislative or administrative measures to strengthen consumer welfare.
10. List three responsibilities of a consumer.
Answer
1. Be aware of the quality and price of goods. 2. Insist on a cash memo or bill. 3. Do not fall for misleading advertisements.
A responsible consumer is critically aware, engaged, and environmentally conscious. This includes reading labels and terms carefully, filing complaints against genuine grievances, practicing sustainable consumption, and being wary of fraudulent schemes, thereby contributing to a fair marketplace.
1. What are the two primary functions of money?
Answer
To act as a medium of exchange (for buying/selling) and as a store of value (for saving).
Beyond these, money also serves as a unit of account (a common measure of value) and a standard for deferred payments (for loans and future transactions), which are crucial for a complex economy to function.
2. What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
Answer
The RBI is India's central bank. It issues currency, regulates other banks, manages monetary policy to control inflation, and acts as the government's banker.
Established in 1935, the RBI's core functions include maintaining price stability, ensuring credit flow to productive sectors, managing foreign exchange reserves, and overseeing the country's payment and settlement systems to maintain public confidence in the financial system.
3. How does the RBI use the Repo Rate to control money supply?
Answer
The Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. By increasing the Repo Rate, the RBI makes borrowing more expensive for banks, which reduces the money supply and helps control inflation.
Conversely, lowering the Repo Rate makes credit cheaper, encouraging banks to borrow more and lend to the public, thereby increasing the money supply to stimulate economic growth. It is a key tool of quantitative credit control.
4. Differentiate between a bank and a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI).
Answer
Banks can accept all types of deposits (including demand deposits) and are part of the payment system (e.g., issue cheques). NBFIs cannot accept demand deposits and typically do not issue cheques.
NBFIs, such as insurance companies (LIC) or mutual funds (UTI), provide various financial services but lack a full banking license. They play a vital role in mobilizing savings and providing credit, often to niche sectors, but are regulated differently than commercial banks.
5. What is financial inclusion and why is it important?
Answer
It is the effort to make formal banking and financial services accessible and affordable to all segments of society. It is important for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.
Financial inclusion empowers marginalized populations by providing them with tools for saving, credit, insurance, and payments. This helps them manage financial risks, invest in education or business, and move away from exploitative informal credit sources, fostering overall economic stability.
6. Name a major government scheme for financial inclusion in India.
Answer
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which aims to provide every unbanked citizen with a zero-balance bank account.
Launched in 2014, PMJDY went beyond just opening accounts. It linked them with RuPay debit cards, accident insurance cover, and access to overdraft facilities, creating a platform for direct benefit transfers (DBT) and integrating millions into the formal financial system.
7. Explain the difference between formal and informal sources of credit.
Answer
Formal sources are regulated institutions like banks and NBFIs with transparent terms. Informal sources are unorganized, such as local moneylenders or friends, often with high interest rates and no regulation.
While formal credit is safer and cheaper, it often requires collateral and extensive paperwork, making it inaccessible to some. Informal credit is easily available but can be exploitative and lead to debt traps, which is why expanding formal credit access is a key policy goal.
8. What is UPI and how has it changed payments in India?
Answer
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is an instant, real-time mobile payment system. It has revolutionized digital payments by making them extremely simple, fast, and interoperable between different banks.
Developed by NPCI, UPI allows users to transfer money 24/7 using a virtual payment address (VPA), eliminating the need to enter bank account details for every transaction. Its widespread adoption has been a major driver of India's transition towards a less-cash economy.
9. Who issues currency notes and coins in India?
Answer
The RBI issues all currency notes except the one-rupee note. Coins and one-rupee notes are issued by the Government of India's Ministry of Finance.
Although the Government issues coins, their distribution and circulation are managed by the RBI. The RBI has the sole authority for the design, printing, and management of currency notes to maintain uniformity and security.
10. What is a Self-Help Group (SHG)?
Answer
An SHG is a small, informal group of people (usually women) from similar backgrounds who pool their savings and provide loans to members, promoting financial discipline and empowerment.
SHGs act as a bridge to formal banking. Once they demonstrate regular savings and repayments, they can become eligible for larger bank loans (a model known as SHG-Bank Linkage). They are powerful tools for poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and building social capital in rural areas.