1. Abundant limestone reserves Chhattisgarh has some of India’s richest and most consistent limestone belts found in Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur and Balodabazar districts. These deposits ensure a continuous and high-quality supply of the primary raw material required for large-scale cement production. AvailRead more

    • Abundant limestone reserves

    Chhattisgarh has some of India’s richest and most consistent limestone belts found in Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur and Balodabazar districts. These deposits ensure a continuous and high-quality supply of the primary raw material required for large-scale cement production.

    • Availability of coal and power resources

    The state has abundant coal reserves in Korba, Raigarh and Surguja, which provide a steady fuel supply for cement kilns. In addition, Chhattisgarh has several major thermal power plants, ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for uninterrupted industrial operations.

    • Good transportation network

    A well-connected system of highways, railways and nearby industrial corridors makes the movement of raw materials and finished cement efficient and economical. This reduces logistics costs and improves market reach.

    • Proximity to major markets

    Located centrally, Chhattisgarh can easily supply cement to neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand and even eastern Uttar Pradesh, ensuring high demand and wide market access.

    • Industrial-friendly environment

    The presence of mining, steel and power industries provides skilled labour, industrial infrastructure and supportive services, making it a favourable location for cement manufacturing.

    • Low production cost and supportive policies

    Easy raw material availability, low transportation charges, industrial incentives and favourable state policies help reduce overall production costs and encourage investment in the cement sector.

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  2. Solar energy has a bright future in India due to its vast potential, abundant sunshine and growing energy needs. India receives sunlight for over 300 days a year, making it ideal for large-scale solar power generation. Abundant Solar Potential: India receives bright sunlight for more than 300 days eRead more

    Solar energy has a bright future in India due to its vast potential, abundant sunshine and growing energy needs. India receives sunlight for over 300 days a year, making it ideal for large-scale solar power generation.

    Abundant Solar Potential:
    India receives bright sunlight for more than 300 days every year, providing ideal conditions for generating large quantities of solar power across different states and climatic zones.

    Clean and Renewable Source:
    Solar energy is clean, renewable and pollution-free, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing India’s dependence on coal, oil and other non-renewable fuels.

    Government Initiatives:
    Schemes such as the National Solar Mission, PM-KUSUM and Solar Rooftop Programme promote solar installations in homes, farms and industries, encouraging widespread use of renewable energy.

    Rural Electrification:
    Solar power supports remote villages where grid electricity is limited, ensuring reliable lighting, irrigation and better living standards for rural families.

    Falling Costs and Future Targets:
    Falling solar panel costs, growing private investments and India’s renewable energy goal of 500 GW by 2030 ensure a bright solar-powered future.

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  3. (18.1) The Sardar Sarovar Dam is extremely important because it supplies water to drought-prone regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. It provides irrigation to millions of hectares, supports drinking water needs and helps improve agriculture, especially in dry and desert districts. It alsoRead more

    (18.1) The Sardar Sarovar Dam is extremely important because it supplies water to drought-prone regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. It provides irrigation to millions of hectares, supports drinking water needs and helps improve agriculture, especially in dry and desert districts. It also promotes regional development, strengthens water security and benefits tribal and hilly regions through lift irrigation. Overall, it transforms water-scarce areas into productive regions.

    (18.2) The project promotes sustainable development by ensuring long-term water availability in drought-affected areas, improving agricultural productivity and reducing dependence on unpredictable monsoons. It supports efficient water distribution, enhances groundwater recharge and enables greener farming practices. It also encourages renewable energy production through hydropower and improves livelihoods, thereby balancing economic growth, environmental management and social welfare.

    (18.3) Community participation has been crucial for the project’s success. Local farmers, village committees and user groups help manage canal networks, maintain water distribution and prevent wastage. Community involvement ensures fair sharing of water, supports micro-irrigation practices and strengthens local decision-making. Participation in rehabilitation, land development and monitoring improves trust, transparency and long-term sustainability of the project. Their cooperation helps maximize benefits in drought-prone regions.

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  4. The correct answer is (c) I, II and IV. Belgium’s Constitution ensures equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government. Community governments are chosen by people of one language group, while Brussels has a separate government with equal representation. State goRead more

    The correct answer is (c) I, II and IV. Belgium’s Constitution ensures equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government. Community governments are chosen by people of one language group, while Brussels has a separate government with equal representation. State governments in Belgium are independent and not under the Central Government’s authority, ensuring balanced power-sharing.

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  5. The cartoon illustrates the dangers of concentrated power undermining democracy. It portrays leaders tightly holding the reins of “democracy,” implying control rather than freedom. This symbolizes how excessive centralization of power and authoritarian tendencies can restrict democratic values, sileRead more

    The cartoon illustrates the dangers of concentrated power undermining democracy. It portrays leaders tightly holding the reins of “democracy,” implying control rather than freedom. This symbolizes how excessive centralization of power and authoritarian tendencies can restrict democratic values, silence dissent and weaken citizen participation, threatening the essence of democracy and governance based on people’s will. So, the correct option is (c).

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