UP Board Class 12 Nagrik Shastra Question Paper 2024 with Answer Key (Code 323 EU)

The disintegration of the Soviet Union directly led to (1) the end of the ideological Cold War, (2) the formation of the CIS, and (3) a change in the global balance of power. The crisis in the Middle East is not a direct consequence of this event.
Quick Tip: Map each option to direct, immediate outcomes of the 1991 breakup; avoid attributing unrelated regional crises to it.

The IAEA is mandated to promote safe, secure, and peaceful nuclear technologies and to implement safeguards.
Quick Tip: Link “nuclear safety + peaceful use” \(\rightarrow\) IAEA; disarmament bodies focus more on arms control, not civilian safeguards.

The five permanent members are the USA, Russia, China, France, and the UK. India is not a permanent member.
Quick Tip: Remember the acronym “P5”: USA, UK, France, Russia, China.

The NPT opened for signature in 1968 with the objective of preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation.
Quick Tip: “NPT \(\rightarrow\) 1968” is a standard GK pairing; also recall it entered into force in 1970.

Methane (CH\(_4\)), carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are greenhouse gases that trap infrared radiation, warming the atmosphere.
Quick Tip: If multiple well-known greenhouse gases are listed, “All of these” is often the correct choice.

Globalisation encompasses flows of goods, services, capital, people, ideas, and culture, creating deep worldwide interconnections and value conflicts.
Quick Tip: Spot the broad, inclusive definition—globalisation spans goods, services, finance, people, and ideas.

The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 reorganised Indian states primarily on linguistic lines following the Fazl Ali Commission’s recommendations.
Quick Tip: Tie “Reorganisation on linguistic basis” to the year 1956.

Lal Bahadur Shastri served as Prime Minister during the 1965 Indo-Pak war; he popularised the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
Quick Tip: 1965 War \(\rightarrow\) Shastri; 1971 War \(\rightarrow\) Indira Gandhi.

The 1975 National Emergency was proclaimed under Article 352, which provides for emergency in case of threats to national security.
Quick Tip: Remember: Article 352—National Emergency; 356—President’s Rule; 360—Financial Emergency.

V. P. Singh implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990, introducing OBC reservations in government jobs and education.
Quick Tip: “Mandal \(\rightarrow\) 1990 \(\rightarrow\) V. P. Singh” is the key memory chain.

Security means protection from harm, threats, or risks, ensuring safety and stability in personal, national, or environmental contexts.
Quick Tip: Security refers to protection from threats, ensuring safety, and maintaining stability in various contexts (e.g., national, personal, or environmental).

1. Industrial waste and emissions.

2. Deforestation and excessive use of fossil fuels.
Quick Tip: Environmental pollution is caused by human activities like industrial waste, deforestation, and excessive use of fossil fuels.

Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs, balancing economy, environment, and society.
Quick Tip: Sustainable development balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being for present and future generations.

Social security cover offers financial and medical assistance during unemployment, illness, or retirement to ensure individuals' well-being.
Quick Tip: Social security cover provides financial and medical support to individuals during unemployment, illness, or retirement.

The book 'Limits to Growth' was published in 1972 by Donella Meadows and the Club of Rome.
Quick Tip: The book 'Limits to Growth' highlights the consequences of unchecked economic and population growth on Earth's resources.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist.
Quick Tip: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948 by Nathuram Godse due to ideological differences.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emphasized the idea of 'one country, one culture, and one nation.'
Quick Tip: The idea of 'one country, one culture, one nation' was emphasized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The opposition fought the 1977 elections on the slogan of restoring democracy and opposing the Emergency.
Quick Tip: The 1977 elections were fought on the slogan of restoring democracy and opposing the Emergency.

Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal chaired the Mandal Commission, which recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India.
Quick Tip: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal chaired the Mandal Commission, which recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star.
Quick Tip: Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by her bodyguards in response to Operation Blue Star.

The opposition fought the 1977 elections on the slogan of "Save Democracy," opposing the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, emphasized restoring civil liberties, democratic values, and ending authoritarian rule. Their campaign resonated with voters, leading to a historic defeat of the Congress Party and the formation of the first non-Congress government in independent India.
Quick Tip: The 1977 elections were a turning point in Indian politics, marking the end of the Emergency and the rise of the Janata Party.

The 1977 elections were significant as they marked the end of the Emergency and the defeat of the Congress Party for the first time since independence. The Janata Party's victory reflected public anger against authoritarianism and the suspension of civil liberties. It restored democracy and led to the formation of a non-Congress government, signaling a shift in India's political landscape.
Quick Tip: The Janata Party's victory in 1977 was a significant moment in Indian politics, reflecting public discontent with the Emergency.

Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was an Indian politician and social reformer who chaired the Mandal Commission. The commission, established in 1979, recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions to address social and educational backwardness. His work significantly impacted India's affirmative action policies, promoting social justice and equality for marginalized communities.
Quick Tip: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was a social reformer and politician who chaired the Mandal Commission, advocating for OBC reservations.

The Mandal Commission report, implemented in 1990, recommended 27 percent reservations for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. It aimed to address social and economic inequalities faced by backward classes. The implementation sparked widespread debates and protests but also empowered marginalized communities, leading to greater representation and opportunities for OBCs in India's public sector.
Quick Tip: The Mandal Commission report, implemented in 1990, aimed to provide opportunities for OBCs in education and employment.

Indira Gandhi, India's first female Prime Minister, was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. The operation, aimed at removing Sikh militants from the Golden Temple, had deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. Her assassination led to nationwide riots, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs and significant political turmoil.
Quick Tip: Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984 was a tragic event that led to widespread violence and political upheaval in India.

Operation Blue Star was a military operation in June 1984 ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation caused significant damage to the temple and led to widespread anger among Sikhs. It ultimately resulted in Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards and triggered anti-Sikh riots across India, leaving a lasting impact on the country's political and social fabric.
Quick Tip: Operation Blue Star was a military operation in 1984 to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The Soviet system refers to the political, economic, and social structure of the USSR (1922–1991), based on Marxism-Leninism, aiming for a classless society and abolishing private property. The state controlled almost every sphere of life, including economy, media, and education.


Main characteristics:

Single-party rule: The Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) dominated politics.
Centralized economy: Five-year plans directed production and allocation of resources.
State ownership: No private property; industries, farms, and services belonged to the state.
Suppression of dissent: Opposition was repressed; freedom of expression was curtailed.
Social welfare: Free healthcare, education, and social security were provided.

Quick Tip: The Soviet system was a socialist model marked by state control, central planning, and single-party dominance.

The Green Revolution refers to reforms in Indian agriculture (1960s) that boosted food production through technology, seeds, and irrigation.


Key features:

HYV seeds: Introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
Chemical inputs: Extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Mechanization: Use of tractors, harvesters, and modern machinery.
Irrigation: Expansion of canals and tube wells.


Impacts:

Increased productivity: Yields rose significantly, especially in wheat and rice.
Food self-sufficiency: Reduced dependence on imports.
Regional disparities: Benefits concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP.
Environmental issues: Overuse of chemicals led to soil degradation and pollution.

Quick Tip: The Green Revolution transformed Indian agriculture through HYV seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation, but also created regional imbalances.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was known as the "Iron Man of India".


Role in merger of princely states:

At independence, India had more than 500 princely states.
Patel persuaded rulers through diplomacy and, when needed, firmness to accede to India.
Except Jammu & Kashmir, almost all states integrated peacefully under his leadership.
His efforts consolidated India politically, ensuring territorial unity.

Quick Tip: Patel was the chief architect of India’s integration, uniting over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.

The Privy Purse was a financial allowance granted to rulers of princely states after their merger with India, to compensate for loss of power and privileges.


Abolition:

In 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi abolished the Privy Purse.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment withdrew official recognition of royal titles and privileges.
The step was aimed at removing feudal remnants in independent India.

Quick Tip: Privy Purse = allowances to princes; it was abolished in 1971 through the 26th Amendment under Indira Gandhi.

The European Union (EU) is a powerful and influential organization due to several key factors:



Economic strength: The EU is one of the largest economic blocs, with a combined GDP comparable to the USA and China.
Political cohesion: Institutions like the European Commission, Parliament, and Council ensure coordinated decision-making.
Commitment to human rights: The EU promotes democracy and human rights both internally and globally.
Unified international role: Acting collectively, the EU wields influence in climate talks, trade, and conflict resolution.


In conclusion, the EU’s economic power, political cooperation, commitment to democratic values, and global voice make it strong.
Quick Tip: Focus on EU’s economic strength, political institutions, human rights commitment, and global influence.

ASEAN (founded 1967) had the following key objectives:



Promote regional peace and stability.
Accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural cooperation.
Provide a platform for peaceful dispute resolution.
Foster collaboration on issues of common interest.


Successes:
Maintained peace in the region, boosted trade (ASEAN Free Trade Area), and promoted socio-cultural initiatives.

Challenges:
Principle of non-interference limits addressing human rights, and economic disparities persist.


In conclusion, ASEAN has achieved stability and growth but still faces internal challenges.
Quick Tip: Remember ASEAN’s goals: peace, stability, growth. Achievements: AFTA, regional peace. Challenges: disparities, non-interference.

India–Pakistan relations have remained tense since 1947, mainly due to the Kashmir issue, wars, and terrorism.



Conflicts: Multiple wars (1947, 1965, 1971, 1999) and cross-border terrorism.
Diplomacy: Shimla Agreement (1972), Lahore Declaration (1999) attempted peace.
Economy & people: Limited trade, cultural exchanges hindered by strict visa rules.
External influence: USA, China, and other global powers impact bilateral ties.


In conclusion, despite peace initiatives, relations remain adversarial with limited cooperation.
Quick Tip: Link relations to partition (1947), Kashmir conflict, peace attempts (Shimla, Lahore), and terrorism.

Definition: Non-alignment means not formally joining any power bloc during global rivalries. India, led by Nehru, co-founded the NAM in 1961.

Relevance today:

Cold War ended, but India still values strategic autonomy.
India partners with multiple powers (US, Russia, EU) without exclusive alignment.
NAM’s principles—peace, independence, multilateralism—remain embedded in India’s diplomacy.
Modern challenges (security, climate, economy) require pragmatic policies (e.g., India in Quad).


In conclusion, though non-alignment has evolved, strategic autonomy and multilateral engagement keep it relevant.
Quick Tip: Non-alignment = strategic autonomy. India adapts it today via flexible partnerships (e.g., Quad).