India Transformed – Part I
Exercise
Q.1 Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the statement.
A legal agreement was signed in Geneva which is known as GATT
Rewritten Statement: A legal agreement was signed in Geneva which is known as GATT.
2. An act similar to ‘Right to Information’ was first applied in Sweden in 1776.
Rewritten Statement: An act similar to ‘Right to Information’ was first applied in Sweden in 1776.
3. The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand is observed as National Youth Day
Rewritten Statement: The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand is observed as National Youth Day.
Q.2 (A) Write names of historical places/persons/events.
1. In 2004, this became the biggest firm in Asia providing software services –
Answer: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
2. In 2002, the …. Metro railway was flagged off –
Answer: Delhi Metro
(B) Choose the correct reason from those given below and complete the sentence.
1. India became the member of World Trade Organisation. Because –
Answer: (c) India adopted the policy of liberalisation.
Completed Sentence: India became the member of World Trade Organisation because India adopted the policy of liberalisation.
Q.3 Complete the concept map.
Answer:
Q.4 Write short notes.
1. The Youth Policy of the Government of India
The Government of India recognizes the potential of its youth (aged 15-29) as a key driver of national development. To harness this potential, various initiatives have been implemented. The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, established in 1972, provides skill training and promotes awareness on issues like literacy, health, hygiene, family welfare, environmental conservation, and self-employment. These programs were later integrated into the National Youth Empowerment Programme. The National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12, marking Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, and the National Youth Festival showcases young talents. The Youth Hostels Association of India, with 83 hostels, encourages adventure and provides affordable accommodation. Organizations like Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Service Scheme, and National Cadet Corps further support youth development through training programs.
2. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Launched in 2000, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aims to improve rural connectivity by constructing all-weather roads to villages, particularly those with populations up to 1,000. The program seeks to integrate rural areas into the country’s economic growth by enhancing access to health, education, drinking water, and electricity. By 2005, approximately 75,000 km of roads were completed. In 2001, PMGSY was merged with the Pradhan Mantri Gramoday Yojana to further rural development. This initiative has significantly transformed rural infrastructure, improving livelihoods and connectivity.
3. Speed Post
Introduced in 1986, Speed Post revolutionized the Indian Postal Service by offering fast and reliable delivery of letters and parcels. Handling over three crore items monthly, it provides features like SMS notifications for successful deliveries, enhancing customer trust. The postal department has expanded Speed Post to include services like passport delivery, business parcels, cash-on-delivery, logistics post, and air freight. Additional conveniences, such as packaging services for bulk mail and gift items, have boosted its business. Speed Post is available across 1.55 lakh post offices, which also offer bill payments and festive greeting services.
Q.5 State your opinion.
1. India is a leading country in the field of space research.
I strongly agree that India is a leading country in space research. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved remarkable milestones, such as the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, which confirmed water on the moon, and Chandrayaan-2, showcasing advanced lunar exploration capabilities. The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars’ orbit. ISRO’s cost-effective approach, exemplified by launching foreign satellites like Italy’s at competitive rates, has earned global recognition. Additionally, India’s ability to launch satellites for countries like Argentina, Belgium, and Germany highlights its technological prowess and growing influence in the global space industry.
Q.6 Answer the following question in detail.
1. Which programmes were launched in India for making the opportunities of wage earning?
The Government of India has implemented several programs to create wage-earning opportunities, particularly for rural and economically disadvantaged populations. Key initiatives include:
- Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana (1993): Launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this scheme aimed to generate job opportunities and promote private enterprises for educated youth. It was initiated on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary to support self-employment.
- Rojgar Hami Yojana: This program provided daily wages to unemployed agricultural laborers during periods of low work availability. Initially launched in 257 districts, it targeted two young laborers per family below the poverty line. In 2001, it was merged into the Gramin Rojgar Yojana.
- Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana (2001): This scheme combined Rojgar Aashwasan Yojana and Jawahar Gram-Samruddhi Yojana. It focused on creating wage-earning opportunities in rural areas through provisions like food grains in exchange for work. In 2004, it was expanded to 150 economically backward districts, emphasizing water conservation and agricultural land development.
- Rashtriya Gramin Rojgar Hami Yojana: Introduced to eradicate rural poverty, starvation, and unemployment, this scheme guaranteed at least 100 days of work per rural family. By 2008, it was implemented in approximately 350 districts, significantly enhancing rural livelihoods.
- Jawahar Gram-Samruddhi Yojana (1999): Aimed at providing adequate employment for unemployed rural men and women, this program was later merged into Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana in 2001.
These programs collectively addressed unemployment, promoted economic stability, and supported rural development by ensuring wage-earning opportunities for diverse groups.
Q.7 Write detailed answer with the help of following points.
Give information about the ‘Right to Information Act’.
(a) Background of the act and the beginning of this movement in India.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted in India on October 12, 2005, has its roots in global and national movements for transparency. The concept originated in Sweden in 1776, and in 1946, the United Nations declared it a fundamental human right. In India, the movement gained momentum in 1982 when L.K. Kulwal, a Jaipur-based social activist, demanded information on the Jaipur Municipal Corporation’s sanitation work. The High Court’s ruling in this case affirmed RTI as a fundamental right. In 1990, Aruna Roy’s Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatan intensified the demand for transparency. Harsh Mander, a bureaucrat, supported this by disclosing official information on food grain distribution programs. Anna Hazare’s activism in 2001 was pivotal in Maharashtra, culminating in the nationwide implementation of the RTI Act in 2005.
(b) Definition of ‘Information’.
Under the RTI Act, ‘information’ encompasses a broad range of official records, including documents, memoranda, emails, comments, consultations, press notes, circulars, orders, logbooks, tenders, reports, correspondence, formats, models, and electronic data. It also includes information about private institutions or individuals held by public authorities. The Act allows citizens to access these records, take notes, obtain copies, extract passages, and acquire samples of authorized material stored in formats like CDs, floppy disks, tapes, video cassettes, or computers.
(c) The rights of citizens under this act.
The RTI Act empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability. Citizens can submit applications to the designated ‘Information Officer’ of a public authority to obtain official documents, records, or their copies. They have the right to take notes, extract passages, and access data stored in various formats, including electronic media. The Act ensures citizens can verify government actions, monitor public spending, and hold authorities accountable, fostering a democratic and participatory governance system.
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