1. Multiple-Choice Questions-
(i) Who among the following is considered the father of the Green Revolution?
(a) M.S. Swaminathan
(ii) Agriculture is called ………. economic activity.
(a) Primary
(iii) What percentage of the country’s workforce is employed in the agriculture sector?
(d) 45%
(iv) Which type of agriculture is said to be ancient?
(b) Shifting agriculture
(v) What is meant by HYV seeds?
(a) High Yielding Variety
(vi) Operation Flood is related to what?
(b) Milk production
(vii) What kind of crops are tea, coffee, and tobacco?
(d) Both a and b
(viii) Which is the largest jute producing region in the world?
(d) Sundarbans
(ix) The Terai region is associated with the production of which crop?
(c) Sugarcane production
(x) Match the following:-
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(i) Paddy, Arhar, Mash/Urad dal – (c) Sawan crops
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(ii) V. Kurien – (Related to Operation Flood/Milk Production – No direct option)
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(iii) M.S. Randhawa – (d) Punjab Agricultural University
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(iv) Bajra, Mustard, Wheat – (b) Hadi crops
2. Answer the following questions in 30 words:-
(i) Which state of India is the ‘spice garden’ and why?
Answer: Kerala is known as the ‘spice garden’ of India. Its warm and humid climate, along with fertile alluvial soil, is ideal for the cultivation of various spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, etc.
(ii) Write a brief note on the role of the Agricultural University in the development of agriculture in Punjab.
Answer: The Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, played a pivotal role in increasing grain production and the success of the Green Revolution in Punjab. It promoted agricultural development through advanced seeds, modern farming techniques, and education.
(iii) What is meant by the Global Hunger Index?
Answer: The Global Hunger Index is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at global, regional, and national levels. It is based on four indicators: undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality.
(iv) What is the importance of agriculture for us?
Answer: Agriculture is vital for us as it ensures food security, is a major source of livelihood (especially in rural areas), and forms the backbone of the national economy. It also provides raw materials for industries and employment to millions.
(v) Write a note on commercial agriculture.
Answer: In commercial agriculture, crops are primarily grown for sale in the market to earn profit. It often involves modern techniques, large farm sizes, and higher capital investment.
(vi) Write a note regarding Sawan crops.
Answer: Sawan (Kharif) crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon in June-July and harvested in September-October. Paddy, millets, maize, cotton, and groundnut are major Sawan crops, requiring high moisture and temperature for growth.
(vii) Write any basis for fixing the Minimum Support Price.
Answer: The main bases for fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) include the cost of production, demand and supply, domestic and international market prices, and ensuring a remunerative price to farmers.
3. Answer the following questions in up to 250 words:-
(i) Explain the non-conventional energy resources in India.
Answer: India, with its rapidly growing economy and large population, is a major consumer of energy. Over-reliance on conventional energy sources like coal and petroleum not only puts pressure on limited reserves but also causes significant environmental problems. In this context, the development and utilization of non-conventional energy resources have become extremely important for India. These sources are renewable, naturally abundant, and generally environmentally friendly.
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Solar Energy: India receives an average of more than 300 sunny days a year, making it an ideal location for solar energy. The government has extensively promoted solar energy production through ambitious schemes like the ‘Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission’. It is used for water heating in homes, lighting, running irrigation pumps in agriculture, and large-scale grid-connected power plants. Rooftop solar panel schemes are also gaining popularity.
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Wind Energy: India has a vast coastline and several land areas with high wind speeds, suitable for wind energy generation. Large wind farms have been established in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. Electricity generated through wind turbines is fed directly into the grid.
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Tidal Energy: Energy generated from oceanic tides can be used to run turbines and produce electricity. India has significant tidal energy potential in areas like the Gulf of Khambhat, the Gulf of Kutch, and the Sundarbans delta, although its commercial exploitation is still in its nascent stages.
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Geothermal Energy: Heat stored within the Earth’s interior can be used for electricity generation or direct heating. The Puga Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, and some areas in Gujarat show potential for geothermal energy.
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Bio-energy (Biomass and Biogas): Agricultural waste, animal dung, municipal solid waste, and other organic materials are used for biomass energy production or to make biogas. Biogas provides a clean fuel alternative for cooking and lighting in rural areas.
The development of these non-conventional energy sources will not only strengthen India’s energy security but also play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, reducing pollution, and achieving sustainable development goals. The government is encouraging investment in these sectors through various policies, incentives, and subsidies.
(ii) What is meant by conservation of mineral resources? What steps are being taken for this?
Answer: Conservation of mineral resources refers to the wise, judicious, and sustainable use of minerals to ensure their availability for both present and future generations. Minerals are non-renewable gifts of nature, formed over millions of years, and their indiscriminate exploitation can lead to their rapid depletion. Therefore, their conservation and prudent use are of utmost importance.
The following significant steps are being taken for the conservation of mineral resources:
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Planned and Controlled Mining: Regulating and planning mining activities scientifically to minimize wastage and extract only the required quantities. Curbing illegal mining is also a crucial aspect of this.
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Recycling and Reuse: Recycling scrap of metallic minerals like iron, aluminum, copper, etc., and reusing them. This reduces the need for mining new ores, saves energy, and also lessens pollution.
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Development and Use of Alternatives: Using cheaper, easily available, and environmentally friendly substitutes for minerals where possible. For example, using advanced plastics, fibers, or ceramics in place of some metals.
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Use of Advanced Technologies: Employing modern technologies in mining, processing, and refining that allow for the beneficial use of low-grade ores and minimize mineral loss during the process.
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Mineral Conservation Policies and Laws: Formulation of policies by the government that promote mineral conservation and ensuring their strict implementation.
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Public Awareness and Education: Making the general public, industries, and policymakers aware of the importance of minerals, their limited availability, and the need for conservation.
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Increasing Product Durability: Manufacturing products that are more durable, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements, which indirectly reduces mineral consumption.
Through these concerted efforts, we can conserve our valuable mineral resources and move towards sustainable development.
(iii) Compare conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Answer: Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy are vital for our modern lifestyle and economic development, but they differ significantly in their nature, availability, and environmental impacts.
| Basis of Comparison | Conventional Energy Sources | Non-Conventional Energy Sources |
| Nature & Availability | These are mainly non-renewable, meaning their reserves are finite and take millions of years to form again. Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) are prime examples. | These are generally renewable, meaning they are naturally replenished continuously and their reserves are considered inexhaustible (e.g., solar energy, wind energy). |
| Environmental Impact | Their combustion releases greenhouse gases (like CO2), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, etc., which are major causes of air pollution, acid rain, and global warming. | These are generally considered clean energy sources, and their environmental impact is very low or negligible. They are pollution-free or less polluting. |
| Cost | In addition to the initial cost of extraction and processing plants, the cost of fuel is continuous and is affected by international prices. | The initial setup cost (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines) can be high, but their operational and fuel costs are almost zero or very low. |
| Dependence & Security | Over-reliance on these can increase import dependency (especially for petroleum) and affect energy security. | These are based on locally available resources, which increases energy self-sufficiency and strengthens energy security. |
| Technology | Their technology is well-developed and has been in use for a long time. | Their technology is relatively new and is undergoing continuous research and development, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs. |
| Examples | Coal, petroleum (diesel, petrol), natural gas, nuclear energy (to some extent). | Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower (excluding large dams), geothermal energy, tidal energy, biomass, biogas. |
In conclusion, for energy security and environmental sustainability, reducing dependence on conventional sources and moving towards non-conventional, clean, and renewable energy sources is the need of the hour. The Indian government is taking significant steps in this direction.
(iv) Write a note on the following:
(a) Makrana (Rajasthan) stone mining
Answer: Makrana, a historic town in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, is world-renowned for its exquisite quality white marble. The marble quarried here is celebrated for its milky white appearance, fine-grained texture, high luster, and exceptional durability. The International Union of Geological Sciences has recognized Makrana marble as a “Global Heritage Stone Resource,” underscoring its unique significance.
The most iconic use of Makrana marble is in the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra, whose unparalleled beauty continues to mesmerize the world. Additionally, it has been used in the construction of Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial and numerous other historical and modern buildings, temples, and sculptures.
Marble quarrying in Makrana has been an age-old practice. There are several quarries here, such as Dungri, Devi, Ulodi, and Sabavali, from which different types and qualities of marble are extracted. The mining process is quite laborious and challenging, involving cutting large blocks of rock which are then sent to processing units.
This industry not only contributes significantly to Rajasthan’s economy but also provides direct and indirect employment to thousands of people. However, mining activities have also raised environmental concerns, such as dust pollution, pressure on water resources, and land degradation. Adopting sustainable mining practices and environmental protection measures is essential to conserve this precious natural heritage.
(b) Kolar and Hutti gold mines
Answer: Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and Hutti Gold Mines are two of India’s most famous and historic gold mines, located in the state of Karnataka. These mines are situated in the “Schist Belts” of the Dharwar Craton, formed of Precambrian volcanic-sedimentary rocks, known for being rich in precious minerals like gold.
Kolar Gold Fields (KGF): Kolar was once one of the deepest and most productive gold mines in the world. Large-scale mining began here in the late 19th century during the British era, and it played a major role in India’s gold production for decades. KGF mines were known for their extreme depths (exceeding 3 kilometers in some places). The gold here was considered to be of high purity. However, due to declining ore quality, increasing mining costs, and technical challenges associated with depth, the Government of India officially closed mining operations at KGF in 2001. Despite this, the historical and geological significance of the area remains.
Hutti Gold Mines: Hutti, located in the Raichur district, is currently one of India’s major operational gold mines. Gold mining has been carried out here since ancient times, evidence of which has been found. Modern mining operations recommenced in the early 20th century. Hutti Gold Mines Company Limited (HGML), a Karnataka government undertaking, carries out mining and gold production here. This mine continues to contribute significantly to India’s domestic gold production.
Both these mining areas have not only impacted India’s economy but have also played a significant role in the study of mining technology, geology, and socio-economic development.
(c) Black salt mining in Himachal Pradesh
Answer: The Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its unique pinkish rock salt, often locally referred to as “Kala Namak” or “Gumma Namak” (after the Gumma and Drang mines). This salt is found in the inner Himalayan mountain ranges and is believed to have been formed millions of years ago through the evaporation of seawater and subsequent geological changes.
Historic rock salt mines are located at Gumma and Drang in Mandi district. Salt has been mined from these sites using traditional methods for centuries. This salt is known for its natural purity and distinct mineral composition, containing other trace minerals besides sodium chloride, which give it a special taste and purported health benefits.
In Himachal Pradesh, this salt is not only used in food but is also considered to have medicinal value, especially for digestive issues and for animal health. Traditionally, this salt has also been a source of income for local people.
Currently, production from these mines is limited, and the mining process is largely traditional. However, given the increasing demand for this salt and its health benefits, the Himachal Pradesh government and related agencies are considering prospects for the scientific development of these mines and increasing production. Efforts are being made to use modern techniques like solution mining to enhance production and better manage this natural resource, ensuring its availability and boosting the local economy.
(d) Geothermal energy resources/sources
Answer: Geothermal energy is a renewable and clean energy derived from the heat stored within the Earth’s interior. The Earth’s core is extremely hot, and this heat gradually radiates towards the surface. In areas with high geothermal activity, this heat manifests as hot water springs (geysers), steam vents (fumaroles), or volcanoes.
Geothermal energy can be utilized in various ways:
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Electricity Generation: Steam or hot water from high-temperature geothermal reservoirs (above 150°C) is used to drive turbines and generate electricity. Geothermal power plants are established for this purpose. This can involve using steam directly, converting hot water to steam by reducing pressure (flash steam plants), or using hot water to heat another fluid with a lower boiling point to drive turbines (binary cycle plants).
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Direct Use: Medium to low-temperature geothermal resources (20°C to 150°C) can be used directly for heating. This includes space heating for buildings (district heating), greenhouses, drying agricultural products, fish farming (aquaculture), and spas.
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Geothermal Heat Pumps: These pumps use the stable temperature near the Earth’s surface to heat and cool buildings. They are considered highly energy efficient.
India has significant geothermal energy potential, particularly in the Himalayan regions (like Puga Valley in Jammu & Kashmir, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh), the Western Ghats, the Son-Narmada-Tapti basin, and the Cambay basin. Tattapani in Chhattisgarh is also known for this. The government is promoting research and pilot projects for the development of geothermal energy in these areas. This energy source can play a crucial role in reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and strengthening the country’s energy security.
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