Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

Unique Characteristics of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution, while incorporating elements from various countries, stands out due to its distinctive features and the context in which it was crafted.

Length and Structure

One of the most notable aspects of the Indian Constitution is its length. Initially consisting of 395 articles and currently expanded to 470, it is the lengthiest written constitution in the world. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution has only seven articles, and the Australian Constitution contains 128 articles. This comprehensive nature reflects India’s diverse socio-political landscape (Source: Indian Constitution).

Constitutional Sovereignty

India’s Constitution embodies the principle of constitutional sovereignty, asserting that the Constitution itself, not Parliament, holds ultimate authority. Unlike the UK, where Parliament is sovereign, the Indian Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot create a new one, especially without upholding its basic structure (Source: Constitution of India, Article 368).

Fundamental Rights

The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution are not absolute; they come with restrictions aimed at balancing individual liberties with social interests. This contrasts with the U.S. Constitution, where rights are typically guaranteed without limitations (Source: Constitution of India, Articles 12-35).

Federalism with Unitary Bias

India’s federal system is influenced by Canada but has a unique unitary bias. While states have defined powers, the Centre can assume greater authority during emergencies, illustrating a balance of power that is distinct from other federal systems (Source: Constitution of India, Article 356).

Integrated Judiciary

The Indian judiciary is characterized by its integrated nature, where both central and state laws are enforced under a single judicial framework, headed by the Supreme Court. This differs from the U.S. system, which separates federal and state jurisdictions (Source: Constitution of India, Articles 124-147).

Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in India encompass a broader scope than in many other countries, addressing economic, social, and administrative rights, thereby reflecting a commitment to socio-economic justice (Source: Constitution of India, Articles 36-51).

In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is not merely a compilation of borrowed elements; it is a unique document crafted with foresight to meet the needs of a diverse nation. Its distinctive features highlight the innovative spirit of its framers, tailored specifically for India’s socio-political context.

Model Answer

Glaciers, slow-moving masses of ice formed by the compaction and recrystallization of snow, shape the landscape through erosion and deposition. Here is a concise overview of the landforms they create.

Erosional Landforms

1. Glacial Valleys/Troughs
   • U-shaped valleys with broad, flat floors and steep sides.
   • Formed by the erosive action of glaciers.
2. Cirques
   • Bowl-shaped depressions at the heads of glacial valleys.
   • Often house lakes called tarns, created from accumulated meltwater.
3. Horns
   • Sharp, pyramidal peaks formed by erosion from multiple cirques.
   • Examples include Matterhorn (Alps) and Everest (Himalayas).
4. Aretes
   • Knife-edged ridges separating two adjacent glacial valleys or cirques.
5. Valley Steps
   • Abrupt changes in the longitudinal slope of a glacial valley.
6. Bergschrunds
   • Crevasses at the glacier’s headwall, often visible in summer.

Depositional Landforms

1. Till Deposits
   • Unsorted debris, ranging from fine particles to angular rock fragments, left by melting glaciers.
2. Outwash Plains
   • Deposits of smaller debris carried by glacial meltwater streams, forming flat plains.
3. Moraines
   • Ridges of glacial till, categorized into terminal, lateral, medial, and ground moraines.
4. Eskers
   • Sinuous ridges formed by meltwater streams beneath glaciers, depositing coarse materials.
5. Drumlins
   • Smooth, oval-shaped ridges made of glacial till and occasionally gravel or sand.

These landforms illustrate the transformative power of glaciers in sculpting landscapes through their slow yet dynamic movements. Facts sourced from provided content.

Model Answer

The sugar industry in India is a significant agro-based sector impacting the livelihood of approximately 50 million farmers and 5 lakh mill workers. India, the second-largest sugar producer globally after Brazil, has 732 sugar factories as of 2017, generating an annual output worth ₹80,000 crores.

• Northern India:
  • Uttar Pradesh: The Ganga-Yamuna doab and Tarai regions dominate sugarcane production.
  • Punjab and Haryana: Sugar mills operate near major agricultural belts.
  • Bihar and Madhya Pradesh: Smaller contributions to sugar output.
• Southern India:
  • Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore, Vellore, and Tiruchchirappalli districts are prominent.
  • Karnataka: Belagavi, Ballari, and Mandya districts lead production.
  • Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Coastal districts such as East and West Godavari and Nizamabad are key producers.
• Western and Other Regions:
  • Maharashtra: A major producer, with sugar factories well-integrated with cane cultivation.
  • Gujarat: A relatively new entrant to the industry.

Reasons for the Shift from Northern to Southern India

The sugar industry has gradually shifted southward due to the following factors:

1. Tropical Climate:
   • Southern India’s tropical conditions allow for higher yield and better-quality sugarcane with higher sucrose content compared to the subtropical north.
2. Longer Crushing Seasons:
   • The south benefits from a 7-8 month crushing season (October–May), unlike the north, which has a shorter 4-month period (November–February).
3. Crop Quality and Efficiency:
   • Southern sugar mills are newer, better equipped with modern machinery, and managed more efficiently under cooperative models.

These advantages, coupled with surplus production and government initiatives, have positioned Southern India as the emerging hub of sugar production.

Model Answer

Why the Industrial Revolution Began in England

The Industrial Revolution (IR), which began in England around the 1760s, marked a significant shift from manual cottage industries to mass production in factories, particularly in the textile sector. Several key factors contributed to England being the birthplace of this transformative period.

1. Technological Advancements

Innovative inventions were pivotal to the IR. Key figures included:

• James Hargreaves, who invented the spinning jenny.
• Edmund Cartwright, known for the power loom.
• James Watt, who improved the steam engine.
  These advancements increased production efficiency and reduced labor costs.
  Source: Historical accounts of industrial innovations.

2. Agricultural Revolution and Urban Migration

The Enclosure Movement resulted in more productive farming, leading to greater crop yields. However, it displaced many small farmers, who migrated to urban areas seeking work in factories, thus providing a steady labor supply for industrial development.
Source: Agricultural history studies.

3. Availability of Resources

England was rich in essential resources for industrialization, such as coal and iron. This abundance of the factors of production—land, labor, and capital—was crucial for the IR’s initiation.
Source: Economic analyses of resource distribution.

4. Demand for Industrial Products

The rise of urban living increased domestic demand for industrial goods. Additionally, England’s colonies provided ready markets for surplus products, further driving industrial growth.
Source: Market studies of the colonial economy.

5. Stable Government and Economy

A conducive environment for trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation was fostered by a stable government and a straightforward legal system, which protected property rights and patents.
Source: Political economy research.

Impacts of the Industrial Revolution

The IR had profound and lasting effects on society and the economy:

1. Modern Capitalist Economy

The industrial sector dominated the economy, leading to exponential GDP growth. England became a major exporter of finished goods and an importer of raw materials.
Source: Economic growth reports.

2. Social Changes

Rapid urbanization resulted in the emergence of a middle class, while the working class often lived in poor conditions, leading to social stratification.
Source: Social studies of urbanization.

3. Rise of Imperialism

The demand for raw materials and markets spurred imperialism, as colonial powers sought to expand their control over overseas territories.
Source: Historical analyses of imperialism.

4. Environmental Impact

Increased population and industrial activity led to resource depletion and significant environmental pollution due to factory emissions and chemical usage.
Source: Environmental impact reports.

In summary, the combination of technological, economic, and social factors made England the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, which in turn reshaped the global landscape in various profound ways.

Model Answer

The drainage system of the Himalayas has been significantly shaped by the natural process of river piracy, also known as stream capture or stream diversion. This occurs when one river captures the flow of another by headward erosion or lateral erosion.

The Role of River Piracy in the Himalayas

River piracy has been a driving force in developing the Himalayan drainage system, especially in its youthful stages. During this time, rivers engage in headward erosion, lengthening their valleys and shifting water divides. More powerful rivers, with higher gradients and greater kinetic energy, can capture weaker rivers.

Notable Examples of River Capture

1. Yarlung Tsangpo and the Brahmaputra: The Yarlung Tsangpo River was captured sequentially by the paleo-Red, Irrawaddy, and Lohit Rivers before it was finally captured by the Brahmaputra. This process showcases how river piracy has redirected the flow of major rivers in the region.
2. Arun Kosi and Phung Cho: The Arun Kosi, a tributary of the Kosi River, captured Phung Cho, a tributary of the Tsangpo (upper Brahmaputra). This is another example of headward erosion leading to river capture.
3. Bhagirathi and Vishnuganga: The Bhagirathi and Vishnuganga rivers, head tributaries of the Ganga, captured tributaries of the Sutlej River, further altering the drainage network.
4. Saraswati River Deviation: It is believed that the deviation in the course of the Saraswati River was caused by river piracy, with the Yamuna River capturing its flow through headward erosion.

Current Examples and Future Possibilities

The Song River, a tributary of the Ganga, may eventually capture the Asan River, redirecting the upper Yamuna’s course into the Ganga. This illustrates how river piracy is still active in the region today.

Thus, river piracy has played a crucial role in forming the Himalayan drainage system, shaping the course of rivers over time.