Unit 1:
1. Question: What is the study of social science?
Answer:
Social science is the field of study that focuses on human society and social relationships. It includes disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, political science, and anthropology, among others.
2. Question: Why is social science important to engineering?
Answer:
Social science provides valuable insights into human behavior, social interactions, and societal structures, which are essential for engineers to understand when designing and developing technological solutions. Engineers need to consider the social, cultural, and economic implications of their work to create products and systems that align with the needs and values of society.
3. Question: What are the salient features of the Indian constitution?
Answer:
The salient features of the Indian constitution include:
- Lengthy and detailed document: The Indian constitution is one of the longest and most comprehensive constitutions in the world.
- Written constitution: It is a written constitution, providing a framework for the organization and functioning of the Indian government.
- Federal system with unitary bias: India has a federal structure where power is divided between the central government and the states, but with a tilt towards the central government.
- Parliamentary form of government: India follows a parliamentary system with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
- Fundamental rights and fundamental duties: The constitution guarantees fundamental rights to citizens and emphasizes fundamental duties for the welfare of society.
- Independent judiciary: The constitution establishes an independent judiciary to protect the rights of citizens and ensure the rule of law.
4. Question: What are fundamental rights and duties?
Answer:
Fundamental rights are the basic rights granted to individuals by the Indian constitution, ensuring equality, freedom, and protection from discrimination. They include rights such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to life and personal liberty, and right to constitutional remedies.
Fundamental duties, on the other hand, are the moral obligations of citizens towards the nation. They were added to the constitution as a reminder that rights and duties go hand in hand. Some of the fundamental duties include respecting the national flag and the constitution, promoting harmony, and safeguarding public property.
5. Question: What are the directive principles of state policy?
Answer:
Directive principles of state policy are guidelines or principles given in the Indian constitution to the government to be used as a moral compass for governance. They provide directions for the establishment of an egalitarian society and the welfare of the people. While not legally enforceable, they are fundamental in shaping government policies and legislative decisions. Directive principles cover a wide range of areas, including social justice, economic welfare, environmental protection, and promotion of education and culture.
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Unit 2:
1. Question: What is the Indian Parliament?
Answer:
The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. It consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Parliament is responsible for making laws, debating issues of national importance, and overseeing the functioning of the government.
2. Question: What is the composition and powers of the Indian Parliament?
Answer:
The composition of the Indian Parliament includes the President and the two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha has members directly elected by the people, while the Rajya Sabha members are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies.
The Parliament has powers to enact laws on subjects specified in the Union List, Concurrent List, and matters related to the functioning of the central government. It also exercises control over the executive branch by scrutinizing government policies, debating important issues, and approving the budget.
3. Question: Who is the President of India?
Answer:
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the President of India is Ram Nath Kovind. However, please note that this information might have changed since then. It's always a good idea to refer to the latest sources for the most up-to-date information.
4. Question: What are the elections and powers of the President of India?
Answer:
The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both houses of Parliament and the elected members of the state legislative assemblies. The President's powers include appointing the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and other key officials. The President also plays a significant role in the legislative process by giving assent to bills passed by Parliament and promulgating ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
5. Question: What is the Council of Ministers and who is the Prime Minister?
Answer:
The Council of Ministers is a group of senior ministers who assist the Prime Minister in the governance and decision-making process. The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the ruling political party or coalition. The Prime Minister holds significant executive powers and is responsible for forming and leading the government. As of my knowledge cutoff, Narendra Modi was the Prime Minister of India, but please verify with the latest sources for the most accurate information.
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Unit 3:
1. Question: What is the impact of science and technology on culture and civilization?
Answer:
Science and technology have a profound impact on culture and civilization. They shape the way people live, communicate, work, and interact with each other. Advancements in science and technology have revolutionized various aspects of society, such as communication, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. They have influenced cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions, and have contributed to the globalization of ideas and the sharing of knowledge across different societies.
2. Question: What are community groups in human society?
Answer:
Community groups are social units within human society that are formed based on common interests, objectives, or identities. They provide individuals with a sense of belonging, support, and collective identity. Community groups can be based on various factors such as geography, ethnicity, religion, profession, or hobbies. Examples of community groups include neighborhoods, religious organizations, professional associations, and sports clubs.
3. Question: What are the functions of marriage and family?
Answer:
The functions of marriage and family in society are multi-faceted. Some of the key functions include:
- Reproduction and continuity of the human race.
- Socialization and education of children.
- Emotional support and companionship.
- Economic cooperation and division of labor.
- Transmission of cultural values and norms.
- Providing a sense of identity, belonging, and social stability.
4. Question: What are the types and problems of marriage and family?
Answer:
There are various types of marriages and families across different cultures and societies, including:
- Monogamy: One spouse at a time.
- Polygamy: Multiple spouses (polygyny: multiple wives, polyandry: multiple husbands).
- Polygynandry: Group marriage with multiple husbands and wives.
- Same-sex marriage: Marriage between individuals of the same gender.
Problems in marriages and families can vary widely, ranging from interpersonal conflicts, financial difficulties, domestic violence, infidelity, and issues related to parenting and child-rearing.
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Unit 4:
1. Question: What are the factors of production in the context of production?
Answer:
The factors of production are the resources or inputs required for the production of goods and services. They include:
- Land: Natural resources, such as forests, minerals, water, and agricultural land.
- Labor: Human effort, skills, and knowledge employed in the production process.
- Capital: Physical capital, such as machinery, buildings, tools, and financial capital, including money and investment.
- Entrepreneurship: The ability to organize and combine the other factors of production to create new products or services and bear the risks involved.
2. Question: What is the law of returns in economics?
Answer:
The law of returns, also known as the law of diminishing returns, states that as additional units of one factor of production are added while keeping other factors constant, the marginal output or productivity of that factor will eventually decrease. In other words, after a certain point, each additional unit of input will yield diminishing marginal returns.
3. Question: What are the forms of business organizations?
Answer:
There are several forms of business organizations, including:
- Sole proprietorship: A business owned and operated by a single individual.
- Partnership: A business owned by two or more individuals who share the profits and liabilities.
- Corporation: A legal entity separate from its owners, offering limited liability to shareholders.
- Cooperative: A business owned and operated by its members to meet their common needs and goals.
- Limited liability company (LLC): A hybrid form combining elements of a corporation and a partnership, offering limited liability and flexible management.
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Unit 5:
1. Question: What are the functions of central and commercial banks in banking?
Answer:
The central bank, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), performs crucial functions, including:
- Issuing and managing currency.
- Regulating and supervising the banking system.
- Controlling the money supply and interest rates.
- Acting as a banker to the government and other banks.
- Conducting monetary policy to maintain price stability and promote economic growth.
Commercial banks, on the other hand, provide various banking services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. They accept deposits, offer loans, facilitate payments, provide credit facilities, and offer other financial services to promote economic activities and facilitate the flow of funds in the economy.
2. Question: What is GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Answer:
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive indirect tax system implemented in India in 2017. It replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by the central and state governments and introduced a unified tax structure. GST is levied on the supply of goods and services at each stage of the supply chain, from manufacturing to consumption. It aims to simplify the taxation system, reduce tax cascading, enhance transparency, and promote ease of doing business.
3. Question: What are the forms of market in economics?
Answer:
In economics, markets can be classified into different forms based on the degree of competition and the number of buyers and sellers. The main forms of markets include:
- Perfect competition: A market structure with numerous buyers and sellers, homogeneous products, perfect information, and ease of entry and exit.
- Imperfect competition: Market structures with some degree of market power, including monopolistic competition and oligopoly.
- Monopoly: A market structure with a single seller or a dominant firm that has control over the supply of a unique product or service.
4. Question: What are the characteristics of perfect competition?
Answer:
Perfect competition is characterized by the following features:
- Large number of buyers and sellers.
- Homogeneous or identical products.
- Perfect information and transparency.
- Ease of entry and exit into the market.
- No individual buyer or seller has control over the market price.
- Firms are price takers, meaning they have to accept the prevailing market price.
- Zero barriers to entry and exit in the long run.
5. Question: What is imperfect competition and monopoly?
Answer:
Imperfect competition refers to market structures where there is some degree of market power or control exerted by firms. It includes various forms such as monopolistic competition, where many firms sell similar but differentiated products, and oligopoly, where a few large firms dominate the market.
Monopoly, on the other hand, is a market structure characterized by a single seller or a dominant firm that has exclusive control over the supply of a product or service, with no close substitutes. In a monopoly, the firm has the power to set prices and restrict output, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced consumer welfare compared to competitive markets.
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Unit 6:
1. Question: What is the nature and scope of Economics?
Answer:
Economics is the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It analyzes how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices to allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs. The scope of economics encompasses various areas, including microeconomics (individual economic behavior) and macroeconomics (aggregate economic phenomena), as well as different economic systems, policy analysis, and international economics.
2. Question: What is the special significance of economics to engineers?
Answer:
Economics holds special significance to engineers as it helps them understand the economic implications and constraints related to their work. Engineers need to consider the cost-benefit analysis, resource allocation, and financial viability of projects, technologies, and infrastructure development. Economics provides engineers with tools to assess the economic feasibility, efficiency, and sustainability of their designs and decisions, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and maximizing societal benefits.
3. Question: What is the economics of development?
Answer:
The economics of development refers to the branch of economics that focuses on understanding the process and challenges of economic development in developing countries. It analyzes the factors that influence economic growth, poverty alleviation, income distribution, industrialization, trade, and the role of institutions and policies in promoting sustainable development. The economics of development seeks to identify strategies and policies that can help accelerate economic progress and improve the well-being of people in less-developed regions.
4. Question: What is the meaning of underdevelopment, and what are its characteristics?
Answer:
Underdevelopment refers to a state of socio-economic conditions in which a country or region experiences low levels of economic productivity, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to resources, and a low standard of living. Characteristics of underdevelopment may include:
- Low per capita income and high poverty rates.
- Limited access to education, healthcare, and basic services.
- High levels of unemployment and underemployment.
- Weak infrastructure and limited technological advancements.
- Economic dependence on primary sectors, such as agriculture or raw material exports.
- Social inequality and disparities in income distribution.
- Political instability and weak governance.
5. Question: What are the obstacles to economic growth and the vicious circle of poverty?
Answer:
Obstacles to economic growth can vary but often include factors such as:
- Limited access to capital and financial resources.
- Insufficient infrastructure and inadequate transportation networks.
- Lack of skilled labor and human capital development.
- Poor governance, corruption, and political instability.
- Inadequate technology and low levels of innovation.
- Barriers to trade and investment.
- Social and cultural factors impeding progress.
The vicious circle of poverty refers to a self-reinforcing cycle where poverty begets poverty. It occurs when low income and limited opportunities lead to inadequate access to education, healthcare, and productive assets, which further perpetuates poverty over generations. Breaking the vicious circle of poverty requires targeted interventions, such as investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and inclusive economic policies to stimulate growth and improve living conditions.
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