Assignment

Assignment No. 2 Course Code: ECHE110 Q1. How does the rise of average global temperature increase the frequency of adverse weather events? Explain taking the example of cyclone. Rising global average temperature is associated with widespread changes in weather patterns. Scientific studies indicate that extreme weather events such as heat waves and large storms are likely to become more frequent or more intense with human-induced climate change. Long-term changes in climate can directly or indirectly affect many aspects of society in potentially disruptive ways. For example,   warmer average temperatures could increase air conditioning costs and affect the spread of diseases like Lyme disease, but could also improve conditions for growing some crops. More extreme variations in weather are also a threat to society. More frequent and intense extreme heat events can increase illnesses and deaths, especially among vulnerable populations, and damage some crops. While   increased precipitation can replenish water supplies and support agriculture, intense storms can damage property, cause loss of life and population displacement, and temporarily disrupt essential services such as transportation, telecommunications, energy, and water supplies. As Earth’s climate has warmed, a new pattern of more frequent and more intense weather events has unfolded around the world. Scientists identify these   extreme weather events   based on the historical record of weather in a particular region. They consider extreme weather events to be those that produce unusually high or low levels of rain or snow, temperature, wind, or other effects. Typically, these events are considered extreme if they are unlike 90% or 95% of similar weather events that happened before in that same area. Global warming can contribute to the intensity of heat waves by increasing the chances of very hot days and nights. Warming air also boosts evaporation, which can worsen drought. More drought creates dry fields and forests that are prone to catching fire, and increasing temperatures mean a   longer wildfire season . Global warming also increases water vapor in the atmosphere, which can lead to more frequent   heavy rain   and snowstorms. EXAMPLE OF CYCLONE The year 2015 is notable for the coincidence of several strong climate indicators that having bearing on the occurrence and intensity of tropical cyclones worldwide. This year, 2015, is clearly on track to become the warmest on record in terms of global temperatures. During the latter half of 2015, a very strong El Niño has formed and is predicted to build impressively, perhaps rivaling the memorable El Niño of 1997/1998. Warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, coupled with a strengthening El Niño, have supported the proliferation of Western North Pacific basin typhoons and Eastern/Central North Pacific Hurricanes. Most notable among these, Hurricane Patricia formed on October 20, 2015 and experienced extremely rapid intensification to become the strongest hurricane in the history of the Western Hemisphere and then weakened just as abruptly before dissipating on October 24, 2015. Tropical storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico has increased during the past 20 years. Storm intensity, a measure of strength, duration, and frequency,   is closely related to variations in sea surface temperature in the tropical Atlantic and has risen noticeably during that time. However, changes in observation methods over time make it difficult to know for sure whether a longer-term increase in storm activity has occurred. Records collected since the late 1800s suggest that the actual number of hurricanes per year has not increased.

Q2. Identify the parts of speech from the following sentences. Write ‘V.’ for verbs, ‘N’ for nouns, ‘A’ for articles, ‘Adj.’ for adjectives, ‘P’ for prepositions after identification of respective parts of speech. a) Alas! (V) We(N) lost(V) the(A) match(V). b) My(N) sister(N) is(V) not(V) content(Adj) with(P) her (N) performance(V) c) Are(V) you (N) afraid (Adj) to(P) see(V) your (Adj) test(V) results (N)? d) I (N) do not (V) like (V) her (N) because (Conj) she (N) is (N) fastidious (Adj). e) May(V) I(N) come(V) in (P)? f) Life is (V) not (V) a (A) bed (N) of (P) roses (N). g) One (N) should(V) be (V) wary (Adj) of (P) strangers (N). h) I (N) would (V) like (V) to (P) eat (V) an (A) apple (N). i) I (N) bought (V) a (A) red (Adj) dress (N). j) What (V) is (V) the (A) time (V) in(P) your(Adj) watch (N)?

Assignment No. 1 Course Code: EHIS110 Q1. Jainism and Buddhism are considered non-conformist movements. What makes them non-conformist; discuss. Buddhism and Jainism promoted giving up the world and living an austere life. These religions arose in eastern India, which had succeeded in retaining certain aspects of pre- Aryan civilization. This helps to explain why they have a common origin and are well- known. Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the same region of India roughly around the same time. Both proposed answers to the same problem: how to stop what may be an infinite number of rebirths. Both of them, it appears, bury the bones of their founders in stupas. Both have similar tales to tell. Both Mahavira and Buddha were Kshatriya princes who gained support for their causes from the ruling elite of the time, including several Kshatriya monarchs and wealthy Vaishvas. Both were founded by Kshatriya caste members and appealed to the socially oppressed, the Vaishvas, who were not granted social status commensurate with their growing economic power, and the Sudras, who were unquestionably oppressed. Both questioned the Vedas’ legitimacy as a source of knowledge. Both had an Aryan cultural basis and were motivated by the Upanishads’ austere ideals and philosophy, notably that of Sankhya-Yoga. Both stressed the importance of living a pure and moral life over ritualism or even devotion to the worship of God as a method of salvation. Both were products of their era’s intellectual, spiritual, and social forces and acted as counter- revolutions against the dominant Brahmanical religion. Both were critical of Brahmanism’s rituals and sacrifices and the Brahmanas’ supremacy. Both thought that a person’s redemption, or Nirvana, meant being free of the everlasting cycle of birth and death. The difference between Buddhism and Jainism is that the emphasis in Buddhism is primarily on the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. In contrast, Jainism focuses on the life and teachings of Mahavira. In addition, Buddhism is a polytheistic religion with enlightenment as its main goal. Jainism is a polytheistic religion with a focus on soul liberation and non- violence. The fact that Mahavira and Buddha lived at the same time and shared a commitment to a simple lifestyle makes Buddhism and Jainism fundamentally similar. Some academics believe that Buddhism and Jainism are related or are the source of Jainism due to their normal similarities. Jainism has always been a small minority dharma and never achieved the prominence achieved by Buddhism. So one cannot say that Jainism has declined. The Buddhist case is different. Hindus did not destroy Buddhism. Buddhism collapsed due to internal weakness and timely Hindu reforms. Buddhism lost out in a free trade of ideas a long time ago. I do not accept the claim that the Buddhism was the majority religion in India. It is true that Buddhism was a major challenge to Hinduism in the period 500 BCE to 500 CE. There are many reasons for the collapse of the Buddhist challenge or the Hindu refusal to accept Buddhism. This answer may seem strange since most people are now influenced by western scholarly claims that Buddhism tried to reform the Hindu system. Actually the truth is that there were 2 reform movements in Indian society at about the same time (around 500 bce) directed against the ancient Vedic ritualists (those who follow the Vedic Karma kanda). The Buddhist reform movement is well known. It downgrades the Vedas and theism, links Varna to conduct and emphasizes self-effort. 

Q2. Write in details about Kushana rule in India. Discuss contribution of Kanishka in economic and religious domains. Kushan dynasty, ruling line descended from the Yuezhi, a people that ruled over most of the northern Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia during the first three centuries of the Common Era. Kushan Empire – Ruler   Kujula Kadphises   or Kadphises I [AD 30-AD 80) Kujula Kadphises was the first Yuezhi chief to lay the foundation of the Kushana Empire in India. He established his supremacy over Kabul, Kandahar and Afghanistan. Kanishka   was the most famous ruler of the Kushanas. The Kushan rule was brought to an end by the   Hindu Shahi Dynasty. After the fall of the Kushan dynasty in the third century, it established it's reign and ruled till 9th Century. Economic Contribution During the reign of Kaniska trade and commerce flourished encouragingly. The boundary of this vast empire was extended in the north-west up to the Roman empire, Chinese empire and Parthian empire. On the south it touched the Andhra State. As the boundary was touching the foreign land gate-ways were opened for brisk trade with the foreign countries. This extensive foreign trade helped India to earn foreign exchange. Precious stones, pearls, Silk, ivory, perfumes and spices we’re the main articles of export. Gold, Silver, Wine and luxury goods were generally imported from the outside countries. Principal items of export were silk, muslin, finer sorts of cloth, cutlery, armour, brooches, embroideries, rugs, perfumes, drugs, ivory, finished ivory works and jewellery of gold and silver. The system of barter had not disappeared altogether but the use of coins as the medium of exchange was becoming familiar and general. The standard unit of value for exchange was the copper coin called Karshapana. It was weighing a little more than 146 grains. Silver Karshapana was called Purana or Dharana and was little more than 58 grains. The weight and relative value of coins probably varied in different parts. Moreover coins were not much in use except in very big towns. Money was lent for business and interest was paid on loans. The economic prosperity of the country was at a high level and many arts, crafts and occupations developed well due to the growth of commercial facilities with foreign countries owing to the development of communication facilities. Thus along with the extension of the empire the extension of the commercial activities were very much attached to the growth of the Kingdom. Religion: As it is customary for the Buddhist writers to depict a person wicked before conversion and turned into saint after conversion to Buddhism. Kanishka has been described by them to be devoid of the sense of right or wrong before his conversion. This view of the Buddhist writers has not been accepted by most of the scholars who think that it is an attempt on the part of the Buddhist writers to glorify Buddhism. Before conversion to Buddhism Kanishka was a believer in many gods, Persian, Greek, Hindu, etc. This is proved by the figures imprinted on his coins. The exact date of conversion of Kanishka is, however, not known. The conversion is supposed to have taken place after some years he had been on the throne. It is supposed that after his association with the Buddhist philosopher and Saint Asvaghosha, he must have come under his influence. Asvaghosha must have won the heart of Kanishka so completely that the latter gave up his alle giance to his previous gods and got converted to Buddhism. Here is a second instance of a great conqueror and emperor being converted to Buddhism and taken to the policy of peace and brotherliness in place of the policy of military conquests. Kanishka was a close copy of Asoka. What is specially noteworthy about Kanishka is that he was the only foreigner who became a con vert to an Indian religion and turned into zealous missionary. In his missionary activities we find him to an emulator of Asoka whose foot steps he tried to follow closely.

Assignment No. 2 Course Code: EPOL110 Q1. Write a note on civil society in strengthening the democratic process in India. Civil society is pivotal in   democratic states, fostering societal well- being   and   institutional effectiveness.   Through   advocacy, accountability, and community engagement,   civil society organizations play a vital role in shaping policies, protecting rights, and maintaining the health of democratic systems.  Policy Advocacy:   Civil society organizations engage in   policy dialogues with the government   on various important issues, such as poverty alleviation and empowerment of disadvantaged sections of the society. These organizations don’t just influence policy formulation but also   actively participate in policy execution, monitoring, and review.  Protection Role:   CSOs like the   “Association for Protection of Democratic Rights” play   a vital role in   providing legal aid to individuals   who lack access to the judicial system. They act as a safeguard against repressive actions by authorities, protecting the rights of citizens.  Promotion of Transparency:   Civil society organizations have been instrumental in   promoting transparency and accountability in governance . They have been key players in the enactment of important laws such as the   Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005   and the   Lokpal and Lokayukta Act of 2013 . These laws empower citizens to access government information and provide mechanisms to combat corruption.  Mobilization of the Citizens and Resources:   CSOs actively   involve communities   in various development initiatives by engaging them   in the planning and design of projects . This not only fosters a   sense of ownership and participation   among citizens but also allows the government to reconsider policies that may not be people-friendly.  Active Partners in Development:   Numerous   NGOs , such as   “Asha” and “Pratham,”   are deeply committed to   providing education to children   in rural areas and slums. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that underprivileged children have access to quality education, thus contributing to social and economic development.  Advocating for Human Rights:   Civil society groups often champion human rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. They work to protect the rights of minorities, vulnerable populations, and individuals, ensuring that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.  Providing Social Services:   Some civil society organizations   fill gaps in government services   by providing essential social services, such as healthcare, education, and disaster relief. They often serve marginalized and underserved populations, helping to improve their quality of life.  Conflict Resolution : Civil society organizations can   mediate and facilitate dialogue   during times of political or social unrest. They work to reduce tensions, promote reconciliation, and find peaceful solutions to conflicts, contributing to the stability of the democratic system.  Monitoring Elections:   Many civil society groups monitor elections to   ensure they are free and fair.   This helps build trust in the democratic process and ensures that the results reflect the will of the people.  Advocating for Environmental Conservation:   Environmental NGOs and civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating   for environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate action.   They push for policies and practices that safeguard the environment for future generations.  Fostering Social Inclusivity:   Civil society organizations work to ensure that the voices of marginalized groups, such as women, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged, are heard in the political process. They promote inclusivity and social justice.