Scheduled Areas — Meaning and Powers of the President

Meaning: Scheduled Areas are areas with significant tribal population that are declared as such under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.

Constitutional Basis: The administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than those covered by the Sixth Schedule are governed by the Fifth Schedule (Article 244).

Declaration: Under Paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule, the President can declare an area as a Scheduled Area or alter its boundaries.

Alteration of Areas: The President may increase, decrease, merge or rescind the designation of Scheduled Areas through an order.

Consultation with Governor: Before making an order regarding Scheduled Areas, the President is required to consult the Governor of the concerned State.

Reports from Governor: Under Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule, the Governor submits an annual report, or whenever required, to the President regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.

Special Protection: The Fifth Schedule provides special safeguards for tribal communities. The Governor can make regulations regarding peace and good governance in Scheduled Areas, subject to the President’s assent.

With reference to Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

1. The President can declare an area as a Scheduled Area under Paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule.
2. The President is required to consult the Governor of the concerned State before making an order regarding Scheduled Areas.
3. The Governor submits reports to the President regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.
4. The Sixth Schedule, and not the Fifth Schedule, governs the administration of Scheduled Areas in all States.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Aravalli Mountain Range 

Ancient Mountain System: The Aravallis are among the oldest surviving fold mountain systems in the world, with geological origins dating back nearly 1.5 billion years.

Geographical Extent: The range extends for about 690 km, running from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi, forming an important geographical feature of north-western India.

Desertification Control: The Aravallis act as a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert, helping control desertification in adjoining regions.

Climate and Water Regulation: The range influences regional climate and rainfall and plays an important role in groundwater recharge and maintenance of local water resources.

Ecological Importance: The Aravallis support tropical dry deciduous forests, diverse flora and fauna, and provide important ecosystem services to surrounding populations.

Delhi-NCR Protection: The hills function as a green buffer against air pollution, particularly benefiting the Delhi-NCR region, while also supporting rural livelihoods.

Major Threats and Conservation: Mining, urbanisation and infrastructure expansion have severely degraded the range. Ambiguities in its legal definition have complicated conservation, leading to interventions by courts and expert committees.

With reference to the Aravalli Mountain Range, consider the following statements:

1. The Aravallis are among the oldest surviving fold mountain systems in the world.
2. The Aravallis help check the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
3. The Aravallis play a role in groundwater recharge and regional climate regulation.
4. Mining and urbanisation are among the major threats to the Aravalli ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (b)

Communication Satellites 

Meaning: Communication satellites are man-made satellites that provide communication links between different locations on Earth and form an important part of modern communication systems.

Major Components: They generally consist of solar cells, batteries, antennas, transponders, orientation and propulsion systems.

INSAT System: India’s Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is one of the major domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region and supports multiple communication-related services.

Applications of INSAT: INSAT supports telecommunications, television broadcasting, satellite news gathering, weather forecasting, disaster warning, search and rescue, and other societal applications.

GSAT Satellites: ISRO developed GSAT satellites to augment INSAT capacity and provide advanced telecommunications services such as broadband connectivity and mobile communication.

INSAT vs GSAT: INSAT satellites are multipurpose, whereas GSAT satellites are primarily designed for telecommunication services.

Orbit: Both INSAT and GSAT communication satellites are primarily placed in geosynchronous orbit, enabling continuous and reliable communication coverage over large areas.

With reference to Communication Satellites in India, consider the following statements:

1. INSAT satellites are generally multipurpose satellites serving communication and other societal applications.
2. GSAT satellites were developed by ISRO to augment communication capacity and provide advanced telecommunication services.
3. Both INSAT and GSAT satellites are primarily placed in geosynchronous orbit.
4. GSAT satellites are exclusively used for weather forecasting and disaster warning.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Northeast Monsoon in India 

Season: The Northeast Monsoon generally occurs from October to December and is also known as the retreating/post-monsoon monsoon.

Withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon: It begins after the southwest monsoon withdraws from the Indian subcontinent, with the monsoon trough shifting southwards.

Pressure and Wind Pattern: Cooling of northern India creates a high-pressure system, causing relatively cold and dry continental winds to move towards Indian ocean

Moisture Gain: As these winds cross the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture and bring rainfall to parts of southeastern India.

Major Rainfall Region: Tamil Nadu receives a major share of its annual rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon, while parts of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining southeastern areas also receive significant rainfall.

Agricultural Importance: The monsoon is crucial for paddy cultivation and other crops in Tamil Nadu and adjoining regions, where Southwest Monsoon rainfall is relatively limited.

Overall Contribution: The Northeast Monsoon contributes around 10–15% of India’s annual rainfall, but its regional importance is much greater, particularly for Tamil Nadu’s water resources and agriculture.

MCQ9B. With reference to the Northeast Monsoon in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Northeast Monsoon generally occurs from October to December.
2. Tamil Nadu receives a significant share of its annual rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon.
3. The Northeast Monsoon winds gain moisture while crossing the Bay of Bengal.
4. The Northeast Monsoon contributes nearly 80% of India’s annual rainfall.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)