GS1 Weekly (19th – 24th Jan 2015)

[The Undercover Group]

General Studies – 1

Topic: geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features

(including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. Discuss the mechanism by means of which the atmosphere is able to maintain its heat-

balance. Is the atmosphere getting progressively hotter, and if so, why? (200 Words)

NCERT

Ans: The source of heat for our planet is Sun. Energy from the sun is transferred through the

space and through the earth's atmosphere to the earth's surface. There are three ways heat is

transferred into and through the atmosphere:- conduction, convection and advection.

The atmosphere is largely transparent to the incoming solar radiation before reaching

the earth, whereas it is opaque to outgoing radiations which reflects part of it back to

the earth.

Some amount of insolation received at the top of the atmosphere is reflected back to

the space and the remaining part are absorbed by the atmosphere and the earth

surface.

The earth after being heated up, often transmits the heat to the atmospheric layers.

The air in contact with the earth's surface gets heated slowly and also heats the upper

layers in contact with the lower layers. This process is called conduction. This process

is important in heating the lower layer of atmosphere.

The air on heating rises vertically in the form of currents and transmits heat to the upper

layers. This process of vertical heating is called convection and is confined only to the

troposphere.

The transfer of heat through horizontal movement of air is called advection. It is a very

important phenomenon which is responsible for the day-night duration of everyday

weather in middle latitudes.

The long wave radiation from earth is absorbed by the atmospheric gases such as CO2

and other green house gases which heats up the atmosphere. The atmosphere in turn

re-radiates and transmits heat in all directions towards the space and earth.

Thus the amount of heat received from the sun is returned to space, thereby maintaining

constant temperature at the earth's surface and in the atmosphere. But trapping of long wave

radiation by the increased concentration of green house gases leads to gradual heating of

earth's atmosphere and surface, a process known as green house warming. The beginning of

industrial revolution, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation etc contributes greatly for adding

billions of tonnes of heat trapping green house gases in the atmosphere.

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora

and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. “The chemistry of the Antarctic polar vortex has created severe ozone depletion “. What is

Polar Vortex? How does it explain the absence of An Arctic Hole as compared to a more

prominent Antarctic Hole? (200 Words)

Reference

Reference

Reference

Ans: A polar vertex is a continuous and massive (about 1000km in diameter) cyclone about the

Earth’s geographical poles. The centres of these cyclones are low-pressure zones and are

surrounded by the polar high-pressure zones. Their cores strengthen in the winter and weaken

in summer, primarily due to the presence of high temperature systems in the Eastern or West

Pacific during the summers which displaces the cold air from the poles, thereby weakening

them.

The Arctic polar vortex is weaker than the one in the Antarctic as the distribution of land masses

in the Arctic region gives rise to Rossby waves which cause a breakdown of the vortex, while in

the Antarctic region, the vortex remains less disturbed. Now, this breaking up of the vortex in

the Arctic results in exchange of winds between the poles and the high pressure regions of the

mid-latitude.

Meanwhile in the South Pole, the low temperatures during winters caused the formation of

extremely small icy particles which in turn form polar stratospheric clouds(PSCs). The numerous

chlorine-bonded molecules now start binding with the icy particles and in the process chlorine is

released. During the summer months the UV rays of the sunlight breakup the chlorine molecules

into radicals, resulting in massive ozone destruction.

Although this phenomenon is also observed in the Arctic, its impact is much less pronounced

due to the greater air exchange in the North Pole. However, the shifts in the northern vortex

have often caused other problems such as immense lowering of the winter temperatures in

countries like the USA and Canada.

Topic: geographical features

Q. Write short notes on the following in 100 words each:-

Inversion of Temperature

Mountain & Valley Breezes

NCERT

Ans:

Inversion of temperature:

Under normal situations, in troposphere, the temperature of atmosphere decreases with

increase in the altitude at a rate of 1degree for every 165 metres. This is called normal lapse

rate but on some occasions temperature increases with altitude rather than decreasing. This is

called temperature inversion. This phenomenon occurs in mountainous areas during winters.

During long winter nights, cold air on the mountains seeps down due to high pressure and

occupies valley floors pushing warm air upwards. This leads to temperature inversion.

Mountain and valley breezes:

Mountain and valley breezes occur alternatively in a day in hilly areas. During day time valley

region receives more insolation and radiates more terrestrial radiation heating up the air

present on the valley surface. Air on heating loses its density and moves up the mountain

surface causing valley breeze. During night, air on the mountain surface cools, gains density and

seeps down to the valley floor causing mountain breeze.

Topic: geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features

(including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. What is polar front? How does cyclone develop along this front? Describe the weather

condition associated with it. (150 Words)

NCERT

Ans: A polar front is the boundary between the polar cell and the ferrel cell in each hemisphere

i.e. North and South. According to the polar front theory the development of cyclone along this

front occurs in the mid latitudes boundaries between warm tropical and cold air.

The collision of the two air masses results in the uplift of the warm air into the upper

atmosphere creating a cyclonic spin around a low pressure centre. This cyclone is usually known

as mid- latitude cyclones because of its usual occurrence in the mid latitude. The life cycle of the

storm is known as cyclogenesis. The weather condition associated with it are:

-It causes stormy weather in winter mostly in East Green land ,Canada and United States.

-It also causes chill biting blizzards at minus degree Celsius.

-It is also responsible in creating different types of precipitation which include rain, freezing rain,

hail ,sleet, snow pellets and snow.

- When the storm is near its end stage which usually occurs in east green land the cold front

catches up with the warm front causing a condition called occlusion.

-The movement of the weather system is controlled by the polar jet stream in the troposphere.

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

activity, cyclone etc.

Q. Discuss critically the characteristics of tropical cyclones and analyse the extent to which they

differ from the temperate cyclones. (150 Words)

NCERT

Ans: Tropical cyclone develops between tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. Their size varies

considerably and they advance with varying velocities. They move with vigorous speed and high

velocity over the oceans but become weak and feeble while moving over land. The centre of

cyclone is characterized by extremely low pressure. There is no temperature variation in their

different parts. Mostly, rainfall cells are same. The tracks of tropical cyclones vary considerably

in different parts. Normally they move from east to west under the influence of trade winds.

They mainly occur in summer.

Temperate Cyclones differs from tropical cyclones in following ways:

1. They are found on land and sea.

2. They have a low pressure gradient. Their wind speed is low and never strong.

3. They occupy areas measuring thousands of square kms. They travel from west to east. Rainfall

is slow, but sometimes heavy showers takes place and continues for days.

4. There are two fronts in energy Cyclones. More cyclones are produced in winter than in

summer.

5. The directions of wind are rapidly changed at the front. Veering and backing of winds take

place.

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

activity, cyclone etc.,

Q. Why there are fewer cyclones over the Arabian Sea as compared to the Bay of Bengal? Why

there are very few Tropical Cyclones during southwest monsoon season? (150 Words)

IMD

Ans: Cyclones are fed by availability of water vapour in the atmosphere. The amount of water

vapour in the atmosphere depends on the difference in temperature between the water surface

and the air.

The Bay of Bengal has a lot of fresh water due to the major rivers in the region. Since freshwater

is lighter than the salty waters in the Bay, it forms a thin layer on the surface. This thin layer of

fresh water is heated more easily than the extremely salty waters in the Arabian Sea.

The tropical easterly jet stream extends far to the north of Tibet and the air flow is roughly along

the Kolkata-Bangalore axis. These upper air easterlies descend into the permanent high pressure

area formed over the southern Indian Ocean. The Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) shifts its position

with the position of the ITCZ. By the end of September it is firmly establishes along an east to

west direction and begin to flow towards the west, i.e. eastern coast on India

Therefore, the Bay is more conducive to cyclone formation than the Arabian Sea.

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

activity, cyclone etc.,

Q.Why is Coriolis Force zero at the Equator? Also explain why cyclones rotate clockwise in

Northern Hemisphere? (150 Words)

NCERT

Ans: The Coriolis effect is a deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating

reference frame. The Coriolis effect is the one that makes low pressures rotate anti-clockwise in

the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern. At the equator, the forces cancel each

other out. That's why the direction of rotation changes between the two hemispheres.

The reason is that the earth's rotation sets up the Coriolis force that pulls the winds to the right

in the Northern Hemisphere. So when a low pressure starts to form north of the equator, the

surface winds will flow inward trying to fill in the low and will be deflected to the right and a

counter-clockwise rotation will be initiated. The opposite (a deflection to the left and a

clockwise rotation) will occur south of the equator.

Thus, tropical cyclone in northern hemisphere rotates clockwise.

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora

and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. “Contemporary global climate change is an anthropogenic phenomenon. ”Discuss with

suitable illustrations.(200 Words)

NCERT

Ans: When humans distort the natural balance of the ecosystem due to agricultural and

technological advancement there is bound to be some change. A few of these changes have

been recent due to green house gas emissions which is the biggest player in climate change.

-> 1930's severe drought occurred in the South West Great Plains in the United States and it was

described as dust bowl because the farmers enthusiastically uprooted every shrub and tree for

cultivation which resulted in this.

-> Emission of aerosols causes negative radiating property in clouds. Eg,. Acid rain and the

damage to Taj Mahal in Agra

->Runoff's from coastal development and discharges from boats are a source of pollution and

also oil spills like in the sunderbans mangroove forest recently has caused much damage to the

ecosystem and the marine life.

-> The green house gases have also modified the reflective properties of snow and ice it is more

likely to be known that more solar radiation is being reflected from the Earth's surface as a

result of human activities. This has led to ozone depletion in the Antartic.

-> Aircrafts produce linear trails of condensation (Contrails) in regions with suitable high

humidity and low temperature. Contrails are form of cirrus clouds which radiate and absorb

solar radiation. Such contrails as result of global aircraft operation has led to increase cloudiness

and may be estimated to cause a small positive radiating force.

-> Due to global warming there is a increase in sea level rise because of this many islands

inhabited by minor population are getting submerged . This results in climate refugees and more

influx migration to mainland for survival.

Thus, All these above anthropogenic activities are leading to an unbalance in the natural system

of cooling of planet earth. There has to be much measures and stringent usage of fossil fuels so

that the future generations don't suffer the consequence for our mistakes.

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora

and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on agriculture and food security, and on the

Coastal Zones of the world. (200 Words)

NCERT

Ans: Temperate grasslands of the world are the major exporters (around 47%) of the cereals-

wheat, barley, oats etc to the European countries as well as throughout the world, thus known

as “Granaries of the world.”

Reasons

1. It is located between 30 dg to 60 dg latitude in the inner part of the continents at both

hemisphere and has moderate rainfall and short growing season, thus supports the growth of

grass type plants with long root system.

2. Temperate grasslands have soils that are nutrient-rich from the growth and decay of deep,

many-branched grass roots. The rotted roots hold the soil together and provide a food source

for living plants. The world's most fertile soils underlie the eastern prairies of the U.S., the

pampas of South America, and the steppes of Ukraine and Russia.

3. Nomadic and pastoral people have been living there since ancient times, and support

flourishing animal husbandry.

4. Due to sparsely populated area and high fertile soil, agriculture has been highly mechanized

for greater production.

5. Practice of scientific methods to retain the soil fertility throughout the year for enriched

production.

6. Development of communication system paves the way for the international market where

throughout the year demand remains high.

Topic: Salient features of World’s Physical Geography

Q. Why are Temperate Grasslands known as “Granaries of the world”? (100 words)

General

Ans: Climate change which occurs worldwide due to various natural and anthropogenic reasons

has various long term effects on agriculture, food security and coastal zones which can be

summarized as:

Agriculture: Due to increase in green house gases, general temperature is on the rise which

effects the growth and maturity season of crops. Irregular rainfalls, falling depth of

groundwater, lessening water regimes of mountainous as well as perennial rivers all contribute

towards stressed agriculture. It gets difficult to go for multi cropping on various fields. Increase

of atmospheric pollutants also resulting in acid

rains, hail storms effect the agriculture.

However at times change of climatic conditions allows growing certain crops in areas where

they were not possible earlier. Technological progress has allowed cross breeding and

hybridization to cater to climate change

Food Security: The latest IPCC report has raised an alarm that if the global air pollution and

green house emission is not controlled, the food security will suffer. Uncontrolled deforestation,

irregular rainfalls, increase soil salinity, desertification are some of the causes which act a severe

blow towards food security. Lack of marine habitats, fresh water lakes and uncontrolled

poaching are leading towards reduced sea food hence effecting food availability.

Coastal Zones: Increase of green house gases causes increased temp which is turn is responsible

for melting of glaciers, raising seal level and hence coastal submergence. Climatic disturbances

also cause frequent cyclones, typhoons, sea winds which affect the coastal zones directly.

However as a disguised opportunity this has also led to the possibility of using the Arctic belt for

navigation and extraction of mineral resources.

Thus global climate change has opened up few possibilities along with raising an alarm too. The

efforts must be towards sustainable development and mitigation efforts using technology to

better utilize the opportunities without causing irreparable depletion.

Topic: Salient features of World’s Physical Geography

Q. Examine economic significance of the resources of the Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean.

(200 Words)

NCERT

Ans: Of all the resources that developing countries in Indian Sub-Continent or Indian ocean Rim

are endowed with the continental shelf is the most important role in providing those necessities

like:

Economic wealth of the Indian Ocean's continental wealth includes:

1) Oil Fields - This fuel treasure is plenty in the western part that includes red sea, gulf area and

coasts of Indonesia. India can also boast of its Aliabet, Bombay High and KG basin for its oil and

Gas reserves.

2) Placer Deposits – Vitally important, thorium resources in placer sands of Malabar coast are a

promise to Nuclear Energy security. Similarly Placers of Thailand, Indo-China and Australia are

source of precious heavy metals critically important for Electronics and semi conductors

industry.

3) Tourism - Coral atolls in itself are endowments of nature to tropical shelves

4) Fisheries - Food security of every nation is BIMSTEC is depend on fisheries.

5) Mari-Agriculture- Brackish water Agriculture for Rice is successfully practiced now and thus is

a remedy for land shortages. Other innovations like oyster farming can add supplementary value

to Continental Shelves

6) Cyclone Mitigation - Mangroves and other plantation helps in mitigating the ugly

consequences of storms and storm surges along the heavily populated coastal areas like

Mumbai, Chennai, Kerala coast, Maldives, etc.

No industrial development, no commercial growth, no stable political structure is possible for

her unless her shores are protected. In spite of this India’s economic security demands that all

the sea lanes leading to the Indian Ocean, particularly the Suez Canal and the Straits of Malacca

are peaceful and economically vibrant.

Topic: Salient features of World’s Physical Geography

Q. “Temperature, salinity and density differences in ocean water are the prime causes of ocean

water circulation.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

NCERT

Ans: The deep ocean, devoid of wind, was assumed to be perfectly static by early

oceanographers. However, it has been found with modern instrumentation that movement in

deep water masses is frequent. In contrast to the wind over land, the major driving forces of

ocean currents are differences in density and temperature.

Circumstances of ocean water circulation:

Role of Density: The ocean water is constantly churning underneath, bringing nutrients up to the

top. The difference in density of cold water versus density of warmer water is responsible for

ocean currents and up-welling. Warm seawater floats and cold (4°C ), dense (1 g/cm3), seawater

sinks, so ocean temperatures also vary across the surface and into the depths.

Role of Salinity: Seawater is saturated with salts at 35 ppt and at 4°C the salinity causes the

density to actually be 1.0278 g/cm3. This slightly heavier density is another contributing factor

to up-welling as it causes the water molecules to roll over each other.

Role of Temperature: Temperatures range from -2°C to 28°C in most cases, but are hotter near

hydro-thermal vents or closer to land. Salinity is usually 35 ppt (parts per thousand), but can

range from 28-41 ppt and is highest in the northern Red Sea.

Thus, density, temperature and salinity provides for shuffling of layers which tries to balance

into their most stable positions provides a driving force for ocean water circulation.

Topic: Salient features of World’s Physical Geography

Q. Describe and account for the surface currents of the Indian Ocean and explain how and why

they differ from those of the Atlantic. (200 Words)

NCERT

Ans: The current systems of the Indian Ocean are largely controlled and modified by landmasses

and monsoon winds. Normally moving counter-clockwise, in the winter the Indian Ocean

current reverses direction due to the seasonal winds of the South Asian Monsoon.

The currents in the northern Indian Ocean change their flow of direction twice a year due to

north- east and south – west monsoon winds both are warm currents.

Another two warms counter currents flows is easterly direction from Zanzibar to Sumatra. It

disappears due to South West Monsoon Current.

Mozambique Current moves southward, it joins the Aughals current near 30 degree South

latitude and moves up to tip of Africa.

Indian oceans currents flowing along the coasts modify their weather conditions in a number of

ways. The warm currents, when they reach colder areas, do not allow their temperatures to fall

rather they keep them relatively warmer in winter months.

Thus, there is a difference between The North Atlantic powerful Warm Ocean current that

continues the Gulf Stream northeast. West of Continental Europe it splits into two major

branches. But the Gulf Stream raises the temperature of Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains of the

USA during summer months and causes intensive heat waves (not in case of Indian Ocean

currents).

While, Cold currents lower down the temperature of the affected areas considerably and thus

cause snowfall, dense fog, etc.

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora

and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. Future climate change will likely negatively affect crop production in low latitude countries,

while effects in northern latitudes may be positive or negative.” Explain how does this have an

impact on global poverty? (200 Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/an-india-exception-for-climate-

talks/article6813340.ece

Ans: A hot and hungry world is expected as a consequence of changing climate which is already

jeopardizing gains in eliminating global poverty.

-Oxfam predicted that due to climate change crop production would be affected which would

rise the number of poor people by 10% to 20% by 2050 also with decline in global daily per

capita calorie intake. However, these impacts will not be felt equally across the world.

-Depending on the local rates of warming and crop type, the cereal crop yields are projected to

increase slightly in mid to high latitude countries like North America.

-But, in lower latitudes, cereal crop yields are projected to decrease while the greatest hit on

agriculture is expected on dry and tropical regions.

-Since the countries in these regions (especially Africa) depend mostly on rainfall for agriculture,

crop failures are likely to impact the people extremely. This is because, over 70% of the people's

occupation (in Africa) rely on agriculture. Thus, the very basis of its economic subsistence is

becoming vulnerable.

-In South and South-East Asia, where one-third of the global population live and half of world's

poor and malnourished are seen, the impacts of climate change pose serious threat particularly

in the equatorial regions. Crop productivity is said to decline by 50% (in rain-fed areas)

increasing poverty and hunger.

Price increase for agricultural crops will lead to higher feed prices for meat production which in

turn affect meat prices also. Food consumption (both cereals and meat) is likely to fall which will

increase child malnutrition and hunger. The world is thus going to experience food scarcity and

food security according to its geographic location as a result of climate change.

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora

and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. ‘Man must realize the importance of maximizing agricultural production without destroying

the ecological basis on which our entire food production systems rests.’ Explain with examples.

(200 Words)

General

Ans: Agricultural expansion has enabled a linkage in technology and agrarian output, providing a

strong base from which many developing countries have launched themselves onto the global

economy. The issue however, this initial revolution as seen in the Soviet and American context,

has led to skewed development. Experiments in HYV seeds, and dwarf wheat types, have quickly

transformed into unsustainable practices of agriculture.

An analysis of its effects on ecology, and possible counter-measures follows:

There has been a sustained ecological impact on the environment based on modern agricultural

practices. An over utilization of water resources has led to unsustainable government subsidies,

for example with India. Increase soil salinization has occurred in states like Punjab. Furthermore,

monoculture practices by state support like the U.S. has led to an increased risk in disease

susceptibility.

Genetic variation decreases due to emphasis on limited crops, leaving the crop more at risk to

disease outbreaks. This also degrades diversity in agricultural land ecosystems, which are

essential to promoting equilibrium.

Possible solutions are present, but require a coordinated effort from governments all around

the world.

a). To reduce effect on the ecological front, an emphasis on ecological economics has to be

involved in policies, i.e. that resources are not infinite, a factor not considered in traditional

economics.

b). Better irrigation practices such as drip-irrigation management, and less water reliant crops

need to be encouraged.

c). The spectrum for agricultural production has to be widened, to what is termed as the

Rainbow Revolution in India, which involves other forms of food production. Time bound fishing

practices respecting spawning cycles must be adhered to. Such practices exist in community

managed fisheries in the eastern seaboard of the U.S.

d). Meat production should emphasize less reliance on mixing antibiotic and maize fed methods,

and emphasize grass fed practices.

e). A sustainable selling program that removes middle-men from farm good procurement should

exist to reduce the distance in the producer (farmer) and consumer.

Such practices would empower these producer groups and make them more responsible

towards attaining sustainable practices.

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora

and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q. The Sunderbans have been massively impacted due to habitat fragmentation both due to

natural geological cause as well anthropogenic factors severely interfering into the life cycle of

local flora and fauna. What is Habitat Fragmentation? Why is it happening? What are its

consequences? (200 Words)

http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/153225/

Ans: Habitat fragmentation involves alteration of habitat resulting in spatial separation of

habitat units from a previous state of greater continuity. It is the process by which habitat loss

results in the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, more isolated remnants.

The major reasons for habitat fragmentation are:

Natural/Geological Factors:

1.. Glacial advances

2. Volcanic activities

3. Geologic faulting, tectonic movements

4. Mass land slumping

5. Major sea level rise and climate oscillation

Anthropogenic factors:

1. Agricultural land conversion

2. Urbanization

3. Pollution, deforestation and introduction of exotic species

4. Human caused wildfires as well as the systematic practice of fire suppression

Consequences of habitat fragmentation are:

1. It characteristically reduces species richness and taxon diversity, and may reduce the efficacy

of ecosystem functioning.

2. Small fragments of habitat can only support small populations of plants and animals and small

populations are more vulnerable to extinction.

3. Mobile animals (especially birds and mammals) retreat into remnant patches of habitat. This

can lead to crowding effects and increased competition.

4. It leads to edge effects (i.e. the changes in population or community structures that occur at

the boundary of two habitat)

5.In some cases already dominant or keystone species grows rapidly usually at the expense of

reducing populations of (if not elimination of) other species.

6. Due to restricted gene flow species may suffer from genetic drift or inbreeding and have

difficulty in re-colonizing.

Habitat fragmentation on large scale to due human activities has induced worldwide reduction

in biodiversity and interruption of sustainable yields of natural resources. This issue needs to be

actively resolved by taking steps like preserving or planting corridors of native vegetation and

enlargement of small remnants.

Topic: political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.- their forms and effect

on the society

Q. “After the World War 2, the strategy of the West towards Soviet block crystallised as a ‘Policy

of Containment”. Critically analyse. (200 Words)

http://www.epw.in/editorials/significant-steps.html

Ans: Policy of Containment was a United States policy to prevent the spread of communism

abroad.

After reaching an agreement at Yalta, USSR, established governments which owe allegiance to

Russian in Poland, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Czechoslovakia. The USA countered these

moves by Truman Doctrine, and Marshall Plan.

Congress helped Truman with $400 million for aid to Greece and Turkey. With this aid, both

Greece and Turkey successfully resisted Communism.

Tensions that produced the Cold War were the result of a set of misconceptions on both sides.

USA, had persuaded by wartime government propaganda to admire the Russians as stalwarts

anti-fascists, were naively disillusioned when they discovered that their erstwhile allies were in

face not democrats. They feared Russians were hatching on weakness of Western Europe.

However, scholars were convinced that soviets were not willing to undertake any such

campaign, primarily because they were economically and military incapable of doing so.

President Truman's by his "Containment Speech," he influenced the American government to

break free from Isolationism and stop the threat of spreading communism in Europe.

Korean War of 1952 and H-bomb fear made both US and USSR forming political and strategic

pacts, viz NATO, SEATO and Warsaw Pact. Cold War in 1952-62s reached its peak resulting

Cuban missile crisis.

Even though there was no physical fighting between America and Russia there was always a fear

of either Russia or America shall launch their nuclear war heads on each other.

Thus, the policy of Containment influenced the Cold War in a negative way by increasing the

tensions primarily between the US and Russia.

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

Q. “The story of “Bhopal” – of the 30 years of disaster – is not that of corporate crime alone but

also that of the nexus between national governments and transnational corporations; of state

and capital.” Discuss (200 Words)

http://www.epw.in/commentary/parent.html

Ans: Thirty Years on, the struggle for justice and remedy of World's Worst Industrial Disaster

had not been concerned by the National Governments which are about to renew their

relationship on 'Republic Day'.

-The special relationship of the Govt of India with US didn't start newly, it had dawned before

Liberalization itself. As a "Partner in progress" in Green Revolution, UCC was allowed to hold

majority stakes in UCIL departing from legislation meant to curb monopolistic growth.

-The corporation was licensed and permitted storage and production of MIC in the midst of

populated communities and worker's repeated demands for relocation of the factory and

implementation of occupational safety laws were consciously ignored.

-Such favors were duly returned through contributions to US Congressional candidates and

Indian party men unofficially. As additional favors, kin of senior bureaucrats and politicians were

given employment in the company.

-Immediately after the disaster, the govt promised to punish those guilty of causing the disaster.

But, it neglected collection of evidence against the accused, made no moves for the trial of the

accused and finally it even conspired with UC in sale of its shares in UCIL and made the

prosecution more difficult.

-While the central actor, the US corporation is an absconder from justice. UCC had repeatedly

refused to face criminal charges of culpable homicide in India.

-The Dow chemical company, which bought UCC in 2001, has shown a similar arrogant disregard

for the Indian legal system. US govt had acted as a safe haven for UCC and Dow, ignoring its

responsibility.

As the renewal of Indo-US relationship is going to bloom, the long wait must end now starting

from the remedial measures of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Topic: political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.- their forms and effect

on the society

Q. “The end of the political blockade by the United States allows Cuba a rare opportunity to

renew socialism.” What had led to the Cuban Missile crisis? How will the recent developments

towards thawing of mutual animosity impact the Geo-political and Economic interests of both

the nations. (200 Words)

http://www.epw.in/editorials/significant-steps.html

Ans: Circumstances which led to Cuban missile crisis-

The second part of the 20th century was period of cold war with the whole world divided in two

parts led by USA and USSR. Cuba a small island in Atlantic was headed by Fidel Castro who was

against the anti imperialistic nature of USA. The tensed situation began to surface in early 1960s

when Castro asked for help from USSR who agreed for plotting its missiles in Cuba which was its

nearest station to USA. USA also strengthened its stations nearby USSR.

In 1962, the situation came to the brink with the possibility of nuclear attack when both the

blocs signed treaty and Cuba remained out of influence of USA.

Impact of the recent developments towards thawing of mutual animosity on geo political

interests are-

1.end of decades long policy of political meddling, running of naval blockades and attempts to

assassinate Cuban leaders by USA.

2. Increase in the strategic tie ups which will help Cuba which suffered after the fall of USSR in

1991.

3. The isolation of Cuba had only strengthened its position as the anti imperialistic country and

not helped USA. Now, both can work together.

4. It is not Cuba but USA which isolated in the Latin America and the different regional

association had decreased its influence. Now, the isolation can gradually be reduced.

Impact on economic interests-

1. There will be increase in remittances by the Cuban émigrés.

2. The citizen can travel easily now to other country which will be helpful in tourism industry.

3. The economic sanctions will be removed by USA and will help Cuba to go further deep in the

market.

4. The capitalist class of USA can find a good market in Cuba