All questions of Geography for Humanities/Arts Exam

Explanation:

Statement I: Work participation rate tends to be higher in the areas of lower levels of economic development.

This statement is correct. In areas with lower levels of economic development, there are often limited job opportunities and a lack of alternative sources of income. As a result, a higher proportion of the population needs to participate in the workforce to sustain their livelihoods. This can be due to factors such as limited access to education and skill development, limited availability of industries or businesses, and a reliance on traditional or subsistence economic activities.

Statement II: Number of manual workers are needed to perform the subsistence or near subsistence economic activities.

This statement is also correct. Subsistence or near subsistence economic activities refer to activities where individuals produce goods or services primarily for their own consumption or for meeting their basic needs. These activities often require manual labor, as they are typically labor-intensive and involve tasks such as farming, fishing, and handicraft production. Since these activities are usually small-scale and lack mechanization, a greater number of manual workers are needed to carry out the necessary tasks.

Explanation of the relationship between the two statements:

Both statements are correct and statement II correctly explains statement I. The higher work participation rate in areas with lower levels of economic development can be attributed to the need for a larger number of manual workers to perform subsistence or near subsistence economic activities. The lack of alternative employment opportunities and the reliance on traditional labor-intensive activities lead to a higher proportion of the population engaging in work to sustain their livelihoods.

In areas with higher levels of economic development, there is often a greater availability of non-manual or white-collar jobs, technological advancements, and more diversified economic activities. This can result in a lower work participation rate as individuals have more options for employment and may not need to rely solely on manual labor for their livelihoods.

Therefore, both statements I and II are correct, and statement II provides a valid explanation for statement I.

The river basin which makes the maximum utilization of groundwater is the Brahmaputra river basin. The Brahmaputra river is one of the major rivers in Asia, flowing through China, India, and Bangladesh. It is known for its vast basin area and high water discharge.

Here is a detailed explanation of why the Brahmaputra river basin makes the maximum utilization of groundwater:

1. Geographical Factors:
- The Brahmaputra river basin covers a large area in Northeast India, including parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. These regions have favorable geological conditions for groundwater storage and recharge.
- The basin is surrounded by the Eastern Himalayas, which receive significant rainfall. This abundant rainfall contributes to the recharge of groundwater reservoirs.

2. Alluvial Soil:
- The Brahmaputra river carries a huge amount of sediment from the Himalayas, depositing it in the basin. This sediment consists of alluvial soil, which is highly permeable and ideal for groundwater storage.
- Alluvial soil has high porosity, allowing water to percolate easily and replenish the underground aquifers.

3. Groundwater Extraction:
- The agricultural activities in the Brahmaputra river basin heavily rely on groundwater irrigation. Farmers extract groundwater through wells and tube wells to meet their water requirements for irrigation.
- The fertile alluvial soil and availability of groundwater make the basin suitable for extensive agriculture, leading to high groundwater utilization.

4. River Water Availability:
- The Brahmaputra river has a substantial water discharge, especially during the monsoon season. This abundant river water supply allows for significant recharge of groundwater reservoirs.
- The river water also helps maintain a favorable water table, ensuring the availability of groundwater throughout the year.

5. Economic Importance:
- The Brahmaputra river basin is economically significant, supporting various industries and hydropower projects. The availability of groundwater plays a crucial role in sustaining these economic activities.

In conclusion, the Brahmaputra river basin makes the maximum utilization of groundwater due to its favorable geographical factors, alluvial soil, extensive agriculture, abundant river water availability, and economic importance. The combination of these factors makes it a prime region for groundwater utilization in comparison to other river basins like Ganga, Satluj, and Indus.

Colonial Super Power with Monopoly over Sugarcane Plantation in Indonesia: Dutch

Indonesia was a colony of the Dutch East India Company, which later became the Dutch colonial empire. The Dutch had a significant impact on the economy of Indonesia, particularly in the sugar industry. Here's why the Dutch had a monopoly over sugarcane plantation in Indonesia:

Historical Background:
- The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was instrumental in establishing sugarcane plantations in Indonesia during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The Dutch introduced advanced agricultural techniques and technology, including irrigation systems, to maximize sugarcane production.

Monopoly Control:
- The Dutch implemented a system of forced cultivation, known as the "Cultuurstelsel," which required farmers to allocate a portion of their land to grow cash crops like sugarcane for export.
- The Dutch government granted concessions to European planters, giving them exclusive rights to cultivate sugarcane in certain regions of Indonesia.
- The Dutch also controlled the transportation and export of sugarcane, ensuring that they maintained a monopoly over the industry.

Impact on Indonesia:
- The Dutch monopoly over sugarcane production in Indonesia led to the exploitation of local farmers and the concentration of wealth in the hands of European planters.
- The cultivation of sugarcane for export deprived local communities of food crops and led to widespread poverty and hunger.
- The Dutch colonial administration profited immensely from the sugarcane industry, using the revenue to fund further expansion and development in Indonesia.

In conclusion, the Dutch colonial empire had a monopoly over sugarcane plantation in Indonesia, which had far-reaching economic and social consequences for the local population.