Learner's spot

Q.4. What are the causes of land use change and explain land degradation. Ans. Introduction: Land is a very important resource needed for food production, poultry farming, housing construction of dams and for the ever growing industrial sector. The opportunity cost of using land is loss of forest land, grassland or aquatic ecosystems. It is therefore of grave importance for the Government to frame a fair land use policy. Causes for change in land use: (i) Intensive Agriculture: Due to growing population, land utilization for producing food has increased drastically, taking away opportunities for land to be used for other purposes. Land-hunger' is the greed of having to use land for agricultural purposes which is ever increasing. (ii) Industrialization: Industries have polluted the quality of land and soil which is essential in ensuring productivity of growth of forests and other ecosystems, Natural wetlands are being used for purposes of building industries, urban settlements

Q.3. Write a short note on: (a) Soil erosion (b) Desertification Ans. (a) Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is defined as the wearing away of topsoil. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials. The most common forms of soil erosion are by wind and water. A few causes for soil erosion are: (i) Deforestation: Deforestation refers to the cutting down of trees to use the land for alternative purposes Such acts lead the top layer of soil being exposed to agents like water and wind. (ii) Floods: Heavy flow of water leads to soil erosion and thus results in reduced productivity of the land. (iii) Steep Slopes: Slopes results in erosion as water flows easily and makes it simple to erode soil. For example, there is heavy soil erosion in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. (iv) Idle Land: If the land isn't used for any purpose, it leads to soil erosion.  Ans. (b) Desertification: The process by which fertile land becom

Q.2. What is deforestation? Explain the impact of mining/dam building on the environment, forests, biodiversity and tribal populations. Ans. Introduction: Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for several purposes like building dams, mining, timber extraction etc. Deforestation has several environmental impacts on different stakeholders. It also affects the biochemical cycles in the environment. 1. Environment (a) Degradation of soil quality: Deforestation results in reduced soil quality as the top most layer of soil with all nutrients is eroded. It leads to productivity losses and change in the quality/nature of soil.  (b) Pollution: In case of mining, the nearby water and soil is contaminated due to the acidic properties of debris which is left after mining.  (c) Health problems: Health problems can occur in the nearby areas as the water, air and soil get polluted. Water borne diseases like cholera and typhoid are common in polluted areas. (d) Loss of water: Due to deforest

Q.1. Explain the effects of overutilization of water resources with reference to floods and droughts. Ans. Introduction: Water is the most important resource for the existence of life on Earth. 70% of our planet is covered with water but only 1% of this water is of drinking standards. Today, water management has become the most important issue. States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been fighting over water problems.  Causes for Overexploitation/Water Pollution: (i) Growing Population: With the number of people increasing each day, the daily requirement of water has increased, thus causing over utilization of water resources. (ii) Use of excessive fertilizers: Use of excessive fertilizers and pesticides makes the ground water toxic and unsuitable for drinking. (iii) Pollutants from industries: Industries try to reduce their costs by inducing toxic substances into water bodies without treating them. Effects of overutilization:   (i) Global climate change: Due to overutilization o

Q.5. Briefly explain the provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1986. Ans. Introduction: The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country. The act was enacted in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Salient features of Environment Protection Act:  (a) Conferring Powers on the Central Government to: -Take all necessary measures for protecting quality of environment, -Co-ordinate actions of States, officers and other authorities under this Act, -Plan and execute a nationwide programme for prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution, -Lay down standards for discharge of environmental pollutants, -Empower any person to enter, inspect, take samples and test, Esta

Q.8. Write short notes on (a) Forest Conservation Act  (b) Natural Reserves Ans. (a) Forest Conservation Act The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 consolidated all the previous laws regarding forests that were passed before the 1920s. The Act gave the Government and Forest Department the power to create Reserved Forests, and the right to use Reserved Forests for Government use alone.  Objectives of Forest Conservation Act: -Protection and conservation of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife. -Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas and  -Protection of environment in order to promote sustainable development. Features of Forest conservation Act:   (i) That any forest land or any portion may not be used for any non-forest purpose (ii) That any forest land or any portion may not be assigned by way of lease of otherwise to any private person or non-Government body.  (iii) That any forest or any portion may not be cleared of trees which have grown naturally in that land for the purpose of

Q.7. Write a short note on Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Ans. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Introduction: It was enacted in the year 1981. The Government passed this Act in 1981 to clean up our air by controlling pollution. It states that sources of air pollution such as industry, vehicles, power plants, etc., are not permitted to release particulate matter, lead, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds or other toxic substances beyond a prescribed level. To ensure this, Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) have been set up by Government to measure pollution levels in the atmosphere and at certain sources by testing the air. 1. Objectives of the Act: (i) To provide for the prevention, control and reduction of air pollution.  (ii) To provide for the establishment of Central and State Boards with a view to implement the Act. (iii) To confer on the Boards the powers to imp

Q.6. What are human wildlife conflicts? State a few ways to avoid such conflicts. Ans. Introduction: Human wildlife conflict refers to the interaction between wild animals and people and the resultant negative impact on people or their resources, or wild animals and their habitat.  Causes of Human Wildlife Conflicts: (i) Population Explosion: Due to the ever increasing population, humans are acquiring more forest lands thus reducing the available land which serves as habitats of animals. Animals have started entering human settlements for food and other resources, thus causing human wildlife conflicts.  (ii) Competition for food: With changing food cycles, the competition for food increases, forcing humans and animals to enter each other's habitats.  Outcomes of the conflict: - Injury and loss of life of humans and wildlife - Crop damage, livestock depredation, predation of managed wildlife stock - Damage to human property - Trophic cascades - Destruction of habitat - Collapse of

Q.4. Elucidate on the legal rights of tribal population.  Ans. Introduction: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is a forest legislation passed in India on 18 December 2006. It has also been called the Forest Rights Act, the Tribal Rights Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, which was earlier denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India. Legal Rights: (i) Right to hold and live in the forest land for habitation or for self-cultivation or for livelihood by traditional forest dwellers. (ii) Community rights such as nistar, including those used in erstwhile Princely states, Zamindari or such intermediary regimes  (iii) Right of ownership , access to collect, use, and dispose of minor forest produce tincludes all non-timber forest produce of plant origin which has been traditional

Q.3. Write briefly about the constitutional provisions of Wildlife   Protection Act.  Ans. Introduction: The Wildlife Act was passed in 1972 to protect the wildlife and their habitats. The habitat destruction due to agriculture, industries, urbanisation and other human activities had led to the erosion of the country's wildlife. 1. Objectives of WPA: (i) Prohibition of hunting  (ii) Protection and management of wildlife habitats (iii) Establishment of protected areas  (iv) Regulation and control of trade in parts and products derived from wildlife (v) Management of zoos 2. Salient features/provisions of the Act:  (i) Prohibition: Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (WI.PA) prohibits the injuring destroying and removing any part of a wild animals body (ii) Forbids: In the case of wild birds and reptiles, the act also forbids disturbing or damaging their eggs. (iii) Taxidermy: Wildlife Protection Act is also against taxidermy, which is the preservation of a dead wild animal as a trophy,

Q.2. Write a short note on (a) Climate Change  (b) Global Warming (c) Ozone Depletion (d) Acid Rain Ans. (a) Climate Change Introduction: Climate change is a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. Causes of Climate Change: (i) Human Activities: Humans have been influencing the climate since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Since then, the average world temperature has risen by approximately 0.8 degrees Celsius. The sea level has risen by around twenty centimetres and most of the glaciers have shrunk dramatically. (ii) Carbon dioxide emissions: The most well-known and the most important. greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is subject to variation even without human intervention. Vast amounts of carbon dioxide are also released by the

Q.1. Write a short note on Sustainable Development.  Ans. Introduction: According to Brundtland Commission in its 1987 report, "Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. " Three Pillars of Sustainable Development: (a) Social Development: Social development is about improving the well-being of every individual in society so they can reach their full potential. The success of society is linked to the well-being of each and every citizen. Development should lead to equitable distribution of wealth along with having low effects on the environment. It includes the welfare of all stakeholders like employees. citizens, investors, customers and the society as a whole should be benefitted. (b) Environmental Development: Development is necessary in all economies. but not at the cost of environmental degradation. Environmental Development means developmental act

Q.4. Explain the following Ecosystems with case studies:  (a) Forest (b) Grassland (c) Desert (d) Aquatic Ans.(a) Forest Ecosystem: Forests are formed by a group of plants which is predominantly and structurally defined by its trees, shrubs, climbers and ground cover A few examples of forest écosystems are protected forest lands, national reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Forests types in India include coniferous forests, evergreen forests, broadlea forests, deciduous forests, thorn and mangrove forests. Forest products can be classified on the basis of:  (i) Direct Use:  Products like fruits, medicinal plants, fuel, bamboo, grass are different products. (ii) Indirect Use: Products like construction material, paper, gum are indime products. Case Study: Chipko Movement of 1970s In the 1970s, an organized resistance to the destruction of forests spread throughout India and came to be known as the Chipko movement. The name of the movement comes from the word 'embrace, as the villa

Q.3. Write a short note on Ecological Succession.  Ans. Introduction: Ecological succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. Nothing remains the same and habitats are constantly changing. There are two main types of succession, primary and secondary. (a) Primary Succession: Primary Succession occurs on a new piece of land. such as sand or rocks. (i) Sequence: Primary succession happens before as a new layer of soil has to be formed for growth. (ii) Dominance: No species are dominant as the first set of species decompose in order to build a layer of soil (iii) Example: A forest when it grows on a barren piece of land. (b) Secondary succession: Secondary succession occurs on existing layer of soil. (i) Sequence: Secondary succession happens after primary succession.  (ii) Dominance: Dominant species create their own ecosystems (iii) Example: A forest ecosystem turning into an aquatic ecosystem due to deforestation.

Q.2. What are the different types of Energy Flows in an Ecosystem? Ans. Introduction: Energy flows can be defined as the flow of energy from one organism to the other. All the functions of the ecosystem are in some way related to the growth and regeneration of its plant and animal species. These linked processes can be depicted as the various cycles like water cycle, oxygen cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle and energy cycle. a. Water cycle Water cycle is the flow of water from the Earth to the atmosphere and back. When it rains, water is collected in ponds, rivers, sea or some of it percolates into the ground which is then absorbed by the plants. The plants use some of it and transpire the rest as water vapour into the atmosphere. As water vapour is lighter than air, it rises up. Formation of a cloud takes place when water and dust particles combine. Finally, when the cloud becomes dense (condensation), it rains. Precipitation is the end of the water cycle and the same processes rep

Q.1. Define Ecosystem. Explain its structure and function.   Ans. Introduction: The interactions between abiotic components (non-living) like water, soil, air and climate and biotic components (living creatures) like plants, animals and microbes is called as an Ecosystem. Eco means environment and system refers to the interaction between various components.  (a) Abiotic Components: Abiotic components include non-living substances which can again be divided into (1) Climatic and (2) Edaphic: (i) Climatic: Climatic components include rain, light, wind and temperature.  (ii) Edaphic Components: Edaphic components consist of soil, pH value, minerals and topography. This can be further divided into (i) Organic Components and (ii) Inorganic Components. (b) Biotic Components: Biotic components of an ecosystem include: (i) Producers/Autotrophs: Producers are those living organisms which convert solar energy to chemical energy in order to make food. Using sunlight, water, soil and chlorophyl

Q3. Explain the multidisciplinary nature of EVS. Ans. Environmental studies is the study of the interrelationship between different species and their mutual co-existence in the biosphere. Environmental studies includes various subjects this making disciplinary in nature. Environmental studies is therefore an interdisciplinary subject containing geology, biology, physics, chemistry, economics, statistics, politics, law, religion and policy studies to understand the complex environment around us. Physics: it helps in understanding the properties of energy interaction and in developing mathematical models. Biology: It is the study of understanding flora and fauna and interrelationship between them. Chemistry: it helps in understanding the atomic nature of particles and the interaction between molecular particles. Economics: It helps study the scarce resources in the environment and thus help in saving the environment through sustainable use of resources. Law: it helps in framing pol

Q.5. Discuss the need for public awareness of environment along with a few examples. Ans. As the planets natural resources are dwindling or we can gradually diminishing, it is important for us to take steps regard to its conservation. The government, the people, the local bodies and community members are all responsible to save the environment. Need for public awareness: 1. Individual Level Building Awareness: with individual efforts of saving the environment, others can also be influenced. Small initiatives like using the 3Rs principles or using cloth bags instead of plastic bags, educating children at home about environmental protection can go a long way to help the planet. 2. Local Level People can help to save the environment at the community level by: Joining local groups: the role of non governmental organizations in educating people is immense. Joining a local NGO will help to educate others at a higher level. Undertaking campaigns and drives like "Go Green", "Sw

Q1. What is the scope and importance of the environment? Or In the industrial era, we are forgetting about the importance of environment. Explain its scope and importance. Ans. The term environment is defined as the combination of water, air and soil and it's interrelationship with each other and with human beings, animal life and property. Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary approach covering various subjects like geology, biology, physics, chemistry etc. Scope of environmental study Interdependence: Human beings are dependent on natural resources to sustain their lives. For example, cities have been modified to suit human needs, but life still dependent on food that is grown in villages, water to drink, air to breathe etc. Food web: the existence of biodiversity/life is dependent on food web links. Humans also form an important part of the food web. Cultural practices: the emergence of cultural practices like worshipping trees and animals had formed a part of traditi

  Table of Contents 1.1 GST MCQ Introduction 1.2 Supply under GST MCQ 1.3 Levy and Collection (Taxable event) MCQ 1.4 Exemption from GST MCQ 1.5. Taxability of Composite and Mixed Supply MCQ 1.6 Location and place of the supplier of GST   1.6 Location and place of the Supplier of Goods and Services 1.Where a supply of service is made from a place of business for which the registration has been obtained, the location of supplier of service shall be A. The location of such place of business B. The location of the usual place of residence of the supplier C. Either The location of such place of business or the location of the usual place of residence of the supplier D. Any of the above Answer: A) The location of such place of business 2.Where a supply of service is made from a fixed establishment elsewhere i.e. a place other than the place of business for which registration has been obtained, the location of supplier of service shall be