Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Fundamentals

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system designed to analyze and display geographically referenced information. It utilizes data that is intrinsically linked to a unique location.

Most of the information we have about our world contains a location reference. For instance, where are USGS streamgages located? Where was a rock sample collected? Exactly where are all of a city's fire hydrants?

Consider an example: if a rare plant is observed in three different places, GIS analysis might reveal that these plants are all on north-facing slopes, above an elevation of 1,000 feet, and receive more than ten inches of rain per year. GIS maps can then display all locations in the area that... Continue reading "Essential Concepts: GIS, Smart Cities, and E-Governance" »

भारत छोडो आंदोलन (1942): पार्श्वभूमी आणि परिणाम

सन १९४२ साली सुरू झालेले 'भारत छोडो' आंदोलन हा भारतीय राष्ट्रीय चळवळीचा परमोच्च बिंदू ठरला. या आंदोलनाची पार्श्वभूमी दुसऱ्या महायुद्धाची भीषणता, जपानी आक्रमणाची वाढती भीती आणि भारतातील राजकीय पेचप्रसंग सोडवण्यात क्रिप्स शिष्टाईस आलेले अपयश... Continue reading "भारतीय इतिहासातील महत्त्वाचे टप्पे: ब्रिटिश राजवट आणि स्वातंत्र्यसंग्राम" »

United Nations (UN)

The UN facilitates international cooperation in law, security, development, human rights, and peace.

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Focuses on education, science, and culture.

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization: Leads efforts to combat hunger and improve nutrition.

ILO

International Labour Organization: Addresses labor issues and work relations.

UNICEF

United Nations International Children's Fund: Provides aid to children globally.

WHO

World Health Organization: Coordinates international public health initiatives.

IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency: Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization: A military alliance for collective defense.

OPEC

Organization

Rajputs: Origins, Governance, and Legacy

Theories of Rajput Origin

1. Foreign Origin Theory: This theory suggests that the Rajputs were of foreign origin, specifically from Central Asia or Scythia.
2. Indigenous Origin Theory: This theory proposes that the Rajputs were of indigenous origin, emerging from the local population of India.
3. Mixed Origin Theory: This theory suggests that the Rajputs were of mixed origin, with both foreign and indigenous elements.

Rajput Administration System

1. Monarchical System: The Rajputs followed a monarchical system, with the king holding supreme power.
2. Feudal System: The Rajputs also followed a feudal system, with the king granting land and titles to his nobles and vassals.
3. Council of Ministers: The king was advised by a council

The Victorian Age

Social and Historical Context

The Victorian age covers a wide period and was very productive, literarily speaking. We find the so-called professional writing: writers devoted their lives to writing. Literature became a profession. It constituted an outstanding moment for the development of non-fictional works. Poetry was cultivated, but the novel was the preferred genre.

Queen Victoria ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901. She brought important political and economic development to her country. It was the age of Colonialism, and a new philosophy was introduced. We are speaking about expansion and development. Queen Victoria was very young when she became queen. She was born in 1819 and died in 1901. She was in her teens when she became... Continue reading "Victorian Era: Society, Politics, and Poetry" »

Globalization and Globalism

Globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of people across countries, while globalism refers to the fluctuating level and extent of these connections. Globalism, therefore, is a key component of globalization, constantly evolving based on the specific type of linkage. The authors identify four distinct forms of globalism:

Economic Globalism

This involves international trade, the flow of jobs across borders (e.g., scientists conducting research abroad or relocated customer service centers), and international investment.

Military Globalism

Countries with limited military capabilities form alliances with stronger military powers. This often involves establishing military bases or defense agreements.

Environmental

The Rainbow Nation

Nelson Mandela often referred to South Africa as the "Rainbow Nation" to capture the diversity of the country's population and to emphasize the vision of unity in the post-apartheid era. The term "Rainbow Nation" reflects Mandela's commitment to building a nation where people of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds could coexist harmoniously.

The Madiba Clan

Nelson Mandela belonged to the Thembu royal family, and his clan within the Thembu people is called the Madiba clan. "Madiba" was also a term of respect and endearment that many South Africans used to refer to Mandela.

Flags in 'Invictus'

In the movie "Invictus," during the first rugby match, you would see the national flags of South Africa and Australia. The scene... Continue reading "Nelson Mandela, South Africa's Rainbow Nation, and 'Invictus'" »

Technological Advancements

Another important impact the Industrial Revolution had was the improvements and developments it brought to the printing press. The development of more efficient and productive printing machines helped publish newspapers and made them more available to the masses. The telegraph is a great example that reflects the improvements seen in communication. Also, developing the steam engine as well as the iron and coal industry helped improve the transportation systems of society. Coal was used to power the steam engines, and iron was used to construct bridges and railroads, representing the huge progress made in transportation.

Social Issues and Worker Reforms

Eventually, with all of the mentioned social impacts that were produced... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution: Technology, Society, and Reform" »

Red Flag Laws

• According to Joseph Blocher and Jacob D. Charles, legal professors at Duke University and Pepperdine Caruso Law School, respectively, “extreme risk laws provide a way for guns to be quickly and temporarily taken away from a person who does not necessarily fit into a prohibited class but is at risk of harming themselves or others.” Thus, this solution does not profile specific groups but collects information to ascertain individuals' ability to bear arms.

Implications

• Combining a national ERPO and a gun safety course can help reduce teen mortality rates and improve gun reform.

• The implementation of our solution will subsequently elicit a more knowledgeable understanding of gun violence, causing a decrease in school shootings.

• According