FIRST MID TERM TEST - 2023
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Standard: 10th
Time: 1.30 Hrs
Marks: 50
I. Choose the correct answer.
Marks: 7 x 1 = 7
1. Which country emerged as the strongest in Asia towards the close of the nineteenth century?
2. Autobiography written by Hitler...
3. Where did the US drop its first atomic bomb?
4. Seshachalam hills, a Biosphere reserve, is situated in...
5. The longest dam in the world is...
6. The council of Ministers is collectively responsible to...
7. India signed the Dunkel proposal in...
II. Answer any five questions.
Question 14 is compulsory. Marks: 5 x 2 = 10
8. How did the Great Depression impact Indian agriculture?
The Great Depression severely impacted Indian agriculture in the following ways:
- Price Crash: The prices of Indian agricultural products and raw materials fell sharply by about 50%.
- Debt Burden: Farmers, unable to get good prices for their produce, fell deep into debt as they couldn't pay land revenue and other loans.
- Stagnant Exports: The international demand for Indian goods declined, causing a sharp fall in exports and further worsening the economic condition of farmers.
9. Give a short note on the Munich Pact.
The Munich Pact was an agreement concluded in Munich on 30 September 1938. Key points are:
- Participants: It was signed by Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
- Terms: The agreement permitted Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland, a region of western Czechoslovakia with a significant German-speaking population.
- Significance: It is widely regarded as a failed act of appeasement toward Germany, as Hitler broke the pact a few months later by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia.
10. Name the areas which receive heavy rainfall in India.
Areas that receive heavy rainfall (over 200 cm annually) in India are:
- The western coast along the Western Ghats (especially in Kerala and Karnataka).
- The sub-Himalayan regions in Northeast India, including the states of Meghalaya (Mawsynram and Cherrapunji), Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
11. Name the types of soil found in India.
The major types of soil found in India are:
- Alluvial Soil
- Black Soil (Regur Soil)
- Red and Yellow Soil
- Laterite Soil
- Forest and Mountain Soil
- Arid and Desert Soil
12. How is the President of India elected?
The President of India is elected not directly by the people but by the members of an electoral college. This electoral college consists of:
- The elected members of both the Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
- The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
- The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
13. Write any two positive impacts of Globalisation.
Two positive impacts of Globalisation are:
- Increased Foreign Investment: Globalisation has led to a significant increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which brings capital, technology, and management skills, boosting economic growth.
- Greater Consumer Choice and Lower Prices: It has provided consumers with a wider variety of goods and services from around the world, often at lower prices due to increased competition.
14. (Compulsory) Name the countries of the Triple Entente.
The Triple Entente was a military alliance formed before World War I. The member countries were:
- France
- Britain (United Kingdom)
- Russia
III. Answer any 5 of the following in detail.
Question 21 is compulsory. Marks: 5 x 5 = 25
15. Analyse the effects of World War II.
World War II had profound and lasting effects on the world:
- Unprecedented Destruction: The war caused an immense loss of human life, estimated at over 60 million people, and widespread destruction of cities, industries, and infrastructure across Europe and Asia.
- End of European Dominance & Rise of Superpowers: The war shattered the economies of European colonial powers like Britain and France. The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two dominant global superpowers, leading to a bipolar world order.
- The Cold War: Ideological differences between the capitalist USA and the communist USSR led to the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension, proxy wars, and an arms race that lasted for over four decades.
- Formation of the United Nations (UN): To prevent future global conflicts, the United Nations was established in 1945. Its primary mission is to maintain international peace and security and promote cooperation among nations.
- Decolonisation: The weakened state of European powers and the rise of nationalist movements led to the rapid decolonisation of Asia and Africa in the decades following the war.
16. Write about the South-West Monsoon.
The South-West Monsoon is the primary rainy season for most of India. It typically lasts from June to September.
- Origin: During summer, intense heating of the Indian subcontinent creates a low-pressure area. At the same time, the surrounding Indian Ocean remains cooler, creating a high-pressure zone. Moisture-laden winds blow from the high-pressure area over the sea to the low-pressure area over the land.
- Two Branches: The monsoon winds split into two branches upon reaching the Indian peninsula:
- The Arabian Sea Branch: It strikes the Western Ghats, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side (e.g., Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Mumbai).
- The Bay of Bengal Branch: It moves towards Northeast India, bringing heavy rain to the region. It is then deflected westward by the Himalayas, bringing rain to the vast Indo-Gangetic plains.
- Significance: The South-West Monsoon is crucial for India's economy as it provides about 75% of the country's annual rainfall. It is vital for the cultivation of Kharif crops like rice, cotton, and soybean.
17. Distinguish between the following: a) Rabi and Kharif Seasons, b) Alluvial soils and Black soils. Give Reason: Agriculture is the backbone of India.
a) Distinction between Rabi and Kharif Seasons
| Basis | Rabi Season | Kharif Season |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing Time | Beginning of winter (October-November) | Beginning of monsoon (June-July) |
| Harvesting Time | Beginning of summer (March-April) | End of monsoon (September-October) |
| Water Source | Depends on sub-soil moisture, irrigation. | Heavily dependent on South-West Monsoon rains. |
| Major Crops | Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard | Rice, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Cotton, Soybean |
b) Distinction between Alluvial and Black Soils
| Basis | Alluvial Soil | Black Soil (Regur) |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Formed by the deposition of silt by rivers. | Formed from the weathering of volcanic rocks (lava). |
| Location | Indo-Gangetic plains, coastal plains. | Deccan Plateau region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP). |
| Texture & Colour | Light grey to ash grey; Loamy and porous. | Black in colour; Clayey and fine-textured. |
| Key Property | Highly fertile, rich in potash and lime. | High moisture retention capacity; sticky when wet. |
| Major Crops | Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Jute | Cotton, Sugarcane, Jowar |
Reason: Agriculture is the backbone of India
Agriculture is considered the backbone of the Indian economy for the following reasons:
- Livelihood: It is the primary source of livelihood for over 50% of India's population.
- Contribution to GDP: While its share has decreased, agriculture still contributes significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Food Security: It ensures food security for the country's vast population of over 1.3 billion people.
- Raw Materials: It provides essential raw materials for major industries such as cotton textiles, sugar, and food processing.
- Market for Industrial Goods: The rural sector, which is dependent on agriculture, is a large market for industrial products like tractors, fertilizers, and consumer goods.
18. What are the duties and functions of the Prime Minister of India?
The Prime Minister of India is the real executive head of the government. The key duties and functions are:
- Head of the Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister selects, allocates portfolios to, and can ask for the resignation of any minister. He/she presides over the meetings of the cabinet.
- Principal Advisor to the President: The PM is the main channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers. The President makes all major appointments (like Governors, Ambassadors, Judges) on the advice of the PM.
- Leader of the Nation and Parliament: As the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, the PM is the leader of the House. He/she is also the chief spokesperson for the government on all matters of national and international importance.
- Shapes Foreign Policy: The Prime Minister plays a decisive role in shaping the country's foreign policy and represents India at international forums.
- Head of Various Organisations: The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairman of important bodies like NITI Aayog, the National Development Council, and the National Integration Council.
19. Briefly explain various terms associated with measuring National Income.
Several terms are used to measure the national income of a country:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): This is the total market value of all final goods and services produced within the geographical boundaries of a country during a specific period, usually a year.
- Gross National Product (GNP): This is the GDP plus the net factor income from abroad. Net factor income from abroad is the income earned by a country's residents from foreign countries minus the income paid to foreign residents working in the country. (GNP = GDP + NFIA).
- Net National Product (NNP): This is derived by subtracting the value of depreciation (wear and tear of capital goods) from the GNP. NNP is considered a truer measure of national income. (NNP = GNP - Depreciation).
- Personal Income (PI): This is the total income received by the individuals and households of a country from all sources before the payment of direct taxes in a year.
- Disposable Income (DI): This is the income that remains with individuals after paying personal direct taxes like income tax. It is the actual income available for spending and saving. (DI = Personal Income - Direct Taxes).
20. Draw a time line for the following. Write any five important events between 1930 and 1950.
Here is a timeline of five significant events in Indian history between 1930 and 1950:
- 1930: The Salt March (Dandi March) - Mahatma Gandhi led a non-violent protest against the British salt tax, marking the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- 1931: Gandhi-Irwin Pact - An agreement signed between Mahatma Gandhi and the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, which led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
- 1935: Government of India Act - The British Parliament passed this act, which provided for the establishment of provincial autonomy and a framework for a federal structure in India.
- 1942: Quit India Movement - Launched by Mahatma Gandhi, this was a mass civil disobedience movement demanding an end to British rule in India.
- 1947: Indian Independence Act - The British Parliament passed this act, which partitioned British India into the two new independent dominions of India and Pakistan.
- 1950: The Constitution of India comes into effect - India officially became a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic with the adoption of its constitution.
21. (Compulsory) Mark the following places on the map of the World. 1) England 2) France 3) Hiroshima 4) Moscow 5) San Francisco
To mark these places on a world map, locate them as follows:
- 1) England: The largest and most populous country of the United Kingdom, located on the island of Great Britain in Western Europe.
- 2) France: A large country in Western Europe, located to the south of England, across the English Channel.
- 3) Hiroshima: A major city on Japan's Honshu Island, located in the western part of the country.
- 4) Moscow: The capital and largest city of Russia, located in the western, European part of the country.
- 5) San Francisco: A major city in the state of California, located on the west coast of the United States.
IV. Answer the following questions.
Marks: 1 x 8 = 8
22. Trace the circumstances that led to the rise of Hitler in Germany. (OR) Mark the following places on the map of India.
Circumstances that led to the rise of Hitler in Germany
The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany was the result of a combination of political, economic, and social factors following World War I:
- Humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including accepting full blame for the war (the "War Guilt Clause"), paying massive reparations, losing territory, and severely limiting its military. This created deep resentment and a desire for national revenge among Germans.
- Economic Crisis:
- Hyperinflation (1923): To pay reparations, the government printed vast amounts of money, leading to hyperinflation that wiped out the savings of the middle class.
- The Great Depression (1929): The global economic crash hit Germany hard. American loans were withdrawn, factories closed, and unemployment soared to over 6 million by 1932. This widespread misery made people desperate for radical solutions.
- Weakness of the Weimar Republic: The democratic government established after WWI was politically unstable. It was blamed for signing the Treaty of Versailles and was unable to effectively manage the economic crises. Frequent changes in government created a sense of chaos.
- Hitler's Charisma and Propaganda: Hitler was a powerful and charismatic speaker who exploited the public's fears and frustrations. The Nazi Party used sophisticated propaganda—through rallies, posters, and radio—to spread its message, promising to restore German pride, create jobs, and defy the Treaty of Versailles.
- Appeal of Nazi Ideology: The Nazis promoted an ideology of extreme nationalism, racial purity (anti-Semitism), and anti-communism. They provided scapegoats for Germany's problems, primarily blaming Jews and Communists, which appealed to many fearful and angry Germans.
- Fear of Communism: Many wealthy industrialists and middle-class Germans feared a communist revolution, similar to what had happened in Russia. They saw the Nazis as a strong force that could suppress communism, and thus they supported Hitler financially and politically.
Mark the following places on the map of India.
To mark these places on a map of India, locate them as follows:
- 1) Aravalli Range: A mountain range running approximately from Delhi, through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world.
- 2) Deccan Plateau: A large, triangular plateau covering most of southern and central India. It is located between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
- 3) Direction of South-West Monsoon: Draw arrows originating from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, moving onto the Indian mainland from the southwest direction. The Arabian Sea branch moves northeast, and the Bay of Bengal branch moves northwest up the Gangetic plains.
- 4) Panna Biosphere Reserve: Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in the northern part of the state.
- 5) Mountain Forest: Mark the Himalayan region in the north and northeast of India (e.g., in states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh).
- 6) Region of Alluvial Soil: Shade the vast Indo-Gangetic plains, which cover most of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- 7) Tea Growing Area: Mark the region of Assam and the Darjeeling district in West Bengal in Northeast India. The Nilgiri hills in South India can also be marked.
- 8) Godavari Delta: Locate the area on the eastern coast of India in Andhra Pradesh where the Godavari River splits into several distributaries before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.