What is meant by the 'age structure' of population? (2 Marks)
What were the major women's issues taken up by various reformers in Indian History?
(4 Marks) OR
Describe the social phenomenon of untouchability and explain its various dimensions.(4 Marks)
What are Panchayats? What are some of their powers and responsibilities?(4 Marks) OR
In a democratic form of government, political parties are key actors. Explain.
Write a note on the beginnings of the modern mass media. What were its Effects? (6 Marks) OR
In what ways has globalization affected Indian television?
Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
Peddolla Napidi Bhumana hanged himself at home in Dockhand village of Morthad Mandal late on Friday night. It's learnt that the 55-year old farmer, faced with crop failure, was driven to desperation because he was unable to clear his mounting debts. Most suicides in Andhra Pradesh have been reported from the arid regions of Telangana and Rayalaseema where farmers are heavily dependent on rain.
As in Vidarbha last year, most of the suicides have been farmers who had borrowed heavily from private money-lenders at exorbitant interest rates. The loans were taken to dig bore wells to tap ground water for cotton and other vegetable crops in the absence of rain. The situation has been exacerbated by the falling water table in these districts.
(Taken From a report in the times of India of 16/08/09)
(a) Which are the regions where most farmers' suicides have taken Place? Why have these these regions been affected?
(2 Marks)
(b) What are some of the changes in rural society and the agrarian Economy that are responsible for farmers' suicides?
(4 Marks)