1. What are the uses of mineral resources?
(2019,2021,2022(A))
1. Construction (cement, steel)
2. Energy production (coal, uranium)
3. Manufacturing (metals, aluminum)
4. Electronics (silicon)
5. Jewelry (gold, diamonds)
6. Agriculture (fertilizers)
7. Water treatment (activated carbon)
8. Medical equipment (titanium)
9. Renewable energy (solar panels)
10. Infrastructure development (roads, bridges)
2. What do you mean by exploitation of mineral resources?
(2022,2023(A))
Exploitation of minerals refers to the extraction and utilization of mineral
resources, often in a manner that is harmful or unsustainable. This can
include:
1. Over-mining: Extracting minerals beyond sustainable levels, depleting
resources.
2. Environmental degradation: Mining causing deforestation, pollution,
and habitat destruction.
3. Labor exploitation: Poor working conditions, low wages, and child
labour.
4. Economic exploitation: Unequal distribution of profits, corrupt
practices.
5. Social exploitation: Displacement of communities, cultural heritage
destruction.
3. What do you mean by food resources? (2019(A))
Food resources refer to the availability and accessibility of nutritious and
safe food, including crops, livestock, fisheries, and other edible products,
necessary to meet the dietary needs of individuals and communities.
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fishing are the main sources of food.
4. What is a balanced diet? (2021(A))
A balanced diet is a nutritious eating plan that includes a variety of foods
from all food groups, providing the body with essential nutrients,
vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal health and well-being. A
balanced diet typically consists of whole grains, lean proteins, healthy
fats, fruits, vegetables, dairy or alternatives, and limited amounts of
processed and sugary foods.
5. What do you mean by alternative energy? (2021,2022(A))
Alternative energy refers to renewable energy sources that replace
traditional fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and
biomass. These clean energy sources reduce dependence on non-
renewable resources, mitigating climate change, air pollution, and
environmental degradation.
6. What is acid rain?
Acid rain is a type of precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric and
nitric acid, formed when pollutants from fossil fuel combustion,
industrial processes, and vehicle emissions combine with water and
oxygen in the atmosphere. This acidic rain can harm ecosystems,
infrastructure, and human health, causing damage to lakes, forests,
buildings, and respiratory issues, while also altering soil chemistry and
affecting aquatic life.
7. What are the problems of excessive use of ground water?
(2022,2023(B))
1. Depletion of aquifers: Reduced water tables, decreased water
pressure.
2. Soil salinization: Increased salt concentrations, reduced fertility.
3. Loss of aquatic ecosystems: Impacts on rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
4. Water scarcity: Reduced availability for drinking, agriculture, industry.
5. Decreased water quality: Contamination from nearby pollutants.
6. Food insecurity: Impacts on agriculture, crop yields.
7. Waterborne diseases: Increased risk from contaminated water.
Long-term Consequences:
8. Irreversible aquifer damage
9. Permanent loss of groundwater storage
10. Climate change
8. Describe the universality of human rights? What are the challenges
against this?
The declaration of human rights has been described as – “common
standard of achievement for all people and all nations”. It emphasizes
alert of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights to the whole
mankind. It asserted that, “all human rights are universal, indivisible,
interdependent and inter-related”. According to the charter, every
human being are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The challenges include:
political repression
economic disparities
social discrimination
cultural relativism
9. What is the role of human rights committee in the maintenance of
human rights?
Monitoring implementation
Investigating violations
Providing guidance and educating
Conducting inquiries
Reporting
10. Describe the value dimensions of human rights?
Intrinsic values – Equality, freedom, justice, dignity
Universal values – Universality, indivisability, interdependence,
inter-relativity
Social values – Solidarity, compassion, cultural diversity
Instrument values – Empowerment, protection, development
11. Write some examples for violation of economic, social or cultural
rights?
Economic Rights:
1. Forced labour and exploitation in sweatshops.
2. Denial of fair wages and decent working conditions.
Social Rights:
1. Discrimination in access to healthcare, education, or housing.
2. Segregation and exclusion of marginalized groups
Cultural Rights:
1. Suppression of indigenous languages and cultural practices.
2. Destruction of cultural heritage sites and historical monuments.
12. What are the initiatives taken by the government of India towards
creating the protective environment for children?
National Policy for Children (2013)
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006)
Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (2012)
13. What is CERD? Describe how it functions.
CERD – Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Functions:
Reviewing country reports and investigating complaints on racial
discrimination.
Issuing general recommendations on thematic issues.
Conducting early warning and urgent action procedures.
