1. Choose the right option and rewrite the sentence.
(1) Which among the following is an international problem ?
(a) Border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka
(b) Kaveri water sharing question
(c) Problems of refugees
(d) Naxalism in Andhra Pradesh
(2) Which among the following rights are not included in human rights ?
(a) Right to work
(b) Right to information
(c) Children’s rights
(d) Equal pay for equal work
(3) Which among the following days is observed on an international level ?
(a) Teachers’ Day
(b) Children’s Day
(c) Earth Day
(d) Flag Day
2. Explain with reasons whether the following statements are true or false.
(1) It is necessary that all the nations should cooperate in order to find remedies on environmental degradation.
Ans. The above statement is True.
Reasons : (1) The independence among nations has increased after the wave of globalisation has swept the world in 1990’s. (2) The threat to the environment caused by pollution or by leakage of oil or gas does not remain restricted to one nation. Also, its effects are long term. (3) It becomes necessary for all the nations to act with each other’s consent and cooperation to deal with these effects. Therefore, it is necessary that all nations should cooperate to find remedies on environmental degradation.
(2) Many nations are willing to give shelter to the refugees.
Ans. The above statement is False.
Reasons : (1) Rehabilitation of refugees puts strain on the economy of the host country. (2) Shortage of essential commodities may lead to increase in inflation. (3) There may be an increase in crime, leading to law and order problems. (4) Many locals may lose their jobs creating resentment against the government. Therefore, many nations are not willing to give shelter to the refugees.
3. Explain the concept.
(1) Human Rights
Ans. (1) The concept of human rights has emerged from the concept of natural rights. Natural rights are those rights that we are endowed with because we are born as human beings. (2) In the same vein, human rights are those rights that are necessary for living as a human being and as a constituent of society. (3) The state has the responsibility to ensure that these rights are available to every individual.
(2) Degradation of the Environment
Ans. (1) Degradation of the environment causes harm to the eco system created by nature. (2) It takes place due to industrialisation on a large scale and the rapidly increasing need for energy. (3) Chemical fertilisers and pesticides used in agriculture, sound pollution due to vehicles, radiation from nuclear reactors, oil leakages or leakages of chemical gases make the environment unsafe. It creates various problems like global warming, new diseases, acid rain etc.
(3) Terrorism
Ans. (1) Terrorism is spreading fear and terror in a society by using or threatening to use violence against common and innocent people for achieving political goals. (2) Terrorism is an organised and planned violence. (3) It is a global phenomenon now.
4. Prepare the following concept map
Ans.
5. Write your own opinion about :
(1) Explain India’s position in establising human rights.
Ans. (1) Human rights have been included in the Indian Constitution as the Fundamental Rights of the citizens. (2) The constitution has given the responsibility of the protection and welfare of the women and minorities to the government. (3) The constitution has abolished the inhuman practices of untouchability, forced labour and child labour. (4) The Human Rights Protection Act was enacted in 1993. (5) Accordingly, National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commission were established. (6) Human Rights Commission is responsible for taking cognizance of the complaints regarding violation of human rights and taking appropriate action regarding violation. (7) The constitution and legal provisions for the protection of the human rights are adequate.
(2) Narrate the effects of terrorism and suggest remedies to control it.
Ans. (A) Effects of terrorism : (1) Terrorism has made a deep and long-term impact on international politics and has emerged as a central issue for the world community. (2) The world is fear-stricken and people live under the shadow of mutual suspicion. (3) Terrorist acts have caused immense human loss and destruction of private as well as public property. (4) Terrorism has adverse impact on tourism, trade, commerce and industry. It has slowed down the economic development of the terrorism infested areas. (5) It is a big challenge to internal as well as external security of the countries.
(B) Remedies to control terrorism : (1) As terrorism has become an international problem, the security mechanism of different nations should work in a concerted manner. (2) International community should take stringent action against countries that sponsor terrorism. (3) People should become vigilant and always look out for probable terrorist acts. (4) They should help the law enforcement agencies to apprehend the terrorists. (5) Exemplary punishment should be given to the terrorists to defer others from indulging in acts of terrorism.
6. Give your own opinion about :
(1) What remedies would you suggest in order to reduce the tensions in the relations between India and Pakistan ?
Ans. (1) Trust deficit is the most important reason for the tension between India and Pakistan. The bridges of trust can be developed between the people of two countries by increase in trade, cooperation in economic development, cultural and educational exchanges. (2) Leadership will have to display maturity in the issues like sharing river waters. The agreement in this regard should be respected. (3) The rhetoric of ‘enemy’ perception has to stop and the two countries can resolve even Kashmir issue within the framework of Shimla Agreement. (4) Two countries should agree to respect sovereignty of each other and stop intervening in the internal affairs of each other. (5) Terrorism is causing havoc both in India and Pakistan. They should evolve a joint strategy to tackle terrorism and put an end to the terrorist activities.
(2) Do you agree with the statement : ‘Hurdles are created in the way of internal development due to tense relations of India with neighbouring countries.’ Explain with reasons.
Ans. I entirely agree with the view that tense relations with neighbouring countries are hurdles in development within the country. (1) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was a visionary and had given priority to establish cordial relations with the neighbouring countries. He believed that India will be able to focus on economic development in the absence of tense relations with neighbours. (2) In the absence of conflicts, the enormous expenditure on nuclear programme and military preparedness could be reduced. This could be fruitfully used for alleviation of poverty, agricultural and industrial development and thereby bringing economic prosperity. (3) It will enable the country to focus on human security.
(3) Do you think that strong healthy relations of India with America are conducive to India’s economic development?
Ans. I entirely agree with the view that strong and healthy relations with America are conducive to India’s economic development. (1) In 2005, the India-U.S. Civil-Nuclear Agreement was signed by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then Prime Minister of India and George W. Bush Jr., the then American President. (2) In 2008, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gave its approval to the deal. (3) Because of this deal, it became possible for India to get nuclear technology from other countries as well. (4) America is a technically advanced country. It could make available technology as well as capital required for India’s economic development.