SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
JUNIOR COURT ASSISTANT EXAMINATION 2024
DESCRIPTIVE TEST - QUESTION PAPER 4
Exam Duration: 2 Hours
Total Marks: 100
Note: Please read the instruction carefully given on the cover of the Answer Booklet which is
provided separately
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All questions are to be attempted.
The maximum marks assigned to a question part indicate against it.
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1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Social Issues and Reform Movements in Modern India
1. Contemporary India grapples with numerous social issues that have deep historical roots
while simultaneously facing new challenges brought about by rapid modernization and
globalization. These social problems span across various dimensions including caste
discrimination, gender inequality, poverty, communalism, and environmental degradation.
Despite significant progress since independence, these issues continue to affect millions of
Indians and require sustained efforts for their resolution.
2. The caste system remains one of the most persistent social challenges in India, despite legal
prohibitions and affirmative action policies. Discrimination based on caste continues to
manifest in various forms, from untouchability practices in rural areas to subtle biases in
urban employment and social interactions. The government has implemented reservation
policies and enacted laws like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act to address these inequities, yet social transformation has been gradual and
uneven.
3. Gender inequality represents another critical social issue that cuts across all sections of
Indian society. Women face discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and
participation in public life. Issues such as domestic violence, dowry-related crimes, and
female infanticide highlight the urgent need for comprehensive gender reforms. While
legislative measures like the Domestic Violence Act and initiatives promoting women's
education have shown positive results, changing deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes
remains a formidable challenge.
4. The rise of communalism and religious intolerance poses significant threats to India's secular
fabric and social harmony. Periodic incidents of communal violence and the politicization of
religious identities have strained inter-community relationships. This trend undermines the
constitutional principles of secularism and equality, requiring concerted efforts to promote
interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding among different religious communities.
5. Civil society organizations, social reform movements, and judicial interventions have played
crucial roles in addressing these social issues. Non-governmental organizations work at the
grassroots level to create awareness and provide support to marginalized communities. The
judiciary, through public interest litigation and progressive judgments, has often pushed for
social reform when legislative action has been inadequate. However, sustainable solutions
require not only policy interventions but also fundamental changes in social attitudes and
cultural practices.
(468 words)
Questions:
(1.1) What are the major social issues facing contemporary India? (5 marks)
(1.2) How does the caste system continue to manifest in modern Indian society? (5 marks)
(1.3) Discuss the various dimensions of gender inequality in India. (5 marks)
(1.4) What threats does communalism pose to Indian society? (5 marks)
(1.5) How have civil society and judiciary contributed to social reform? (5 marks)
(1.6) Identify from the passage the word which means the same as the following words: (1×5
marks)
(a) struggles (select the answer from para 1)
(b) continuous (select the answer from para 2)
(c) deeply rooted (select the answer from para 3)
(d) weakens (select the answer from para 4)
(e) long-lasting (select the answer from para 5)
2. Make a précis of the following passage. (Answer should not exceed 140
words). (30 Marks)
Sustainable development has emerged as a critical framework for addressing India's
development challenges while preserving environmental resources for future generations. The
concept recognizes that economic growth must be balanced with social equity and
environmental protection to ensure long-term prosperity and well-being. India's commitment to
sustainable development is reflected in its adoption of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) and various national initiatives.
The country faces the complex challenge of lifting millions out of poverty while transitioning to a
low-carbon economy. India's energy needs are growing rapidly due to industrialization and
urbanization, yet the country has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
This transition requires massive investments in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar
and wind power projects, along with improvements in energy efficiency across all sectors.
Water scarcity and pollution represent another dimension of sustainability challenges. India is
home to 18% of the world's population but has access to only 4% of global freshwater
resources. Industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and inadequate waste management have
contaminated many water bodies. Initiatives like the Namami Gange program aim to restore river
ecosystems while meeting water needs for agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption.
The agricultural sector, which employs nearly half of India's workforce, faces sustainability
challenges including soil degradation, water depletion, and climate change impacts. Promoting
sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming, and climate-resilient crops is essential for
food security and rural livelihoods. The government has launched several programs to support
sustainable agriculture and improve farmers' incomes.
Urban sustainability presents another set of challenges as India's urban population is expected
to double by 2050. Smart city initiatives focus on developing sustainable urban infrastructure,
improving public transportation, managing waste efficiently, and reducing pollution levels.
However, implementing sustainable development requires coordination across multiple levels of
government, private sector participation, and active citizen engagement.
3. Write an essay on any one of the following topics in about 600 words: (40
marks)
(a) The Future of Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
(b) Community Policing and Public Safety in Urban Areas
(c) Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Modern Science
(d) Financial Inclusion and Economic Development
(e) Youth Engagement in Democratic Processes
JCA-DT (F1) - Paper 4