Then, prepare a report stating how inclusive the workplace is. If not adequately
inclusive, suggest ways to make it more inclusive.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. Nepal is a diverse country. Justify the statement in a sentence.
b. What do you mean by a just society?
c. What is inclusiveness?
2. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. How can a state be inclusive? What are the main ways of making it
inclusive?
b. How can inclusiveness promote nationality? Give your views.
c. What can be done to make people feel that they have access to
opportunity and justice?
d. Offer suggestions to increase participation from all walks of life in
the development process.
3. Sing the national anthem …;ofF} yu+' f km" nsf xfdL, Pp6} dfnf g]kfnLÚ. Discuss what
message the anthem gives us about inclusiveness.
Community Project Work
The practice of inclusiveness also starts at home. Do you think your home is inclusive
enough? Do your parents include you in the decision making process? Do parents
treat sons and daughters equally? What do you think? Write a personal note on
“Inclusiveness at My Home.” Use examples to support your views.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 101
4.5
Provisions for Inclusiveness
in Nepal
Pre-reading Activities
Look at the photograph printed in Republica. What does this picture tell us about the
condition of women living in rural areas? What does it tell us about inclusiveness in
Nepali society? Discuss.
Plight of Rural Women
Source: Republica (Nov. 29, 2014)
Reading
As you can see in the picture, there is wide-spread poverty, gender discrimination,
and extreme social disparity in Nepal. However, we are striving to build an inclusive
society where every individual feels included and has opportunities for education,
health facilities, employment, and to lead a good life. Towards that goal, the
Constitution of Nepal has made enough provision for inclusive social structure. The
following are the main provisions incorporated in the Constitution.
Preamble : Embracing multi-caste, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and diverse
geographical specificities, by ending discrimination relating to class, caste,
region, language, religion and gender discrimination including all forms of social
untouchability, in order to protect and promote unity in diversity, social and cultural
solidarity, tolerance and harmonious attitudes, we also express our determination to
create an egalitarian society on the basis of the principles of proportional inclusion
102 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
and participation, to ensure equitable economy, prosperity, and social justice.
Article 38(IV) : Women shall have the right to access and participate in all state
structures and bodies on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion.
Article 40 (I) : Dalit shall have the right to participate in all agencies of the state based
on the principle of proportional inclusion. There shall be special legal provision of
empowerment, representation, and participation of Dalit community for employment
in other area also including the public service.
Article 42(I) : Socially backward women, Dalits, Adibasi, Janajati, Madhesi, Tharu,
minorities, persons with disability, marginalized, Muslim, backward classes, gender
and sexual minorities, youths, peasants, workers, oppressed or citizens from backward
regions, and economically poor Khas Arya shall have the right to participation in the
state bodies on the basis of principle of inclusion.
Article 50(I) : It shall be the political objective of the state to strengthen a federal
democratic republican system to ensure an atmosphere where democratic rights are
exercised by acknowledging sovereignty, independence and integrity of the country
to be of utmost importance; by protecting freedom, equality, property and all citizens
through rule of law;by embracing the norms and values of fundamental rights and
human rights, gender equality, proportional inclusion, participation and social
justice; and by maintaining a just system in all spheres of national life in order to
establish a government system aimed at public welfare, while maintaining relations
between federal units on the basis of cooperation between them, and internalizing the
principle of inclusion in the governance system on the basis of local autonomy and
decentralization.
Article 76(IX) : The president shall, on the recommendation of the prime minister,
from a council of ministers consisting of members not exceeding 25 in number from
among the members of the federal parliament on the basis of the principle of inclusion.
Article 84: There shall be the provision of inclusive electoral system where there is the
proportional representation of women, Dalit, Adibasi, Janajati, Khas Arya, Madhesi,
Tharu, Muslim, and backward regions.
Article (84) (VII): Women should account for at least one third of total members
elected from each party in federal parliament.
Article 258 (I) : There shall be a National Inclusion Commission in Nepal.
Article 259 (I): The National Inclusion Commission is to carry out research and studies
for protecting rights and welfare of Khas Arya, backward community, persons with
disability, elderly citizens, workers, peasants, marginalized and minority communities
people of Karnali region and economically disadvantaged people.
Article (282) (I): The President shall appoint ambassadors of Nepal and other
emissaries for specified purposes based on the principle of inclusion.
Article 283: Appointment to the constitutional organ and bodies shall be made based
on the principles of inclusion.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 103
Article 285 (II) Positions of all Federal governmental services shall be fulfilled through
competitive examinations on the basis of the principle of open and proportional
inclusion according to federal law.
Free the Words
preamble : introductory
egalitarian : aiming for equal for all people
sovereignty : a country's independent authority
emissaries : persons sent on a mission to represent
electroal : election
In-class Activities
Discuss each provision for inclusiveness enshrined in the constitution.
Find out which aspects or factors have been included in the provisions for
inclusiveness. Do you think there are other areas which also need to be
addressed? If students were to be included within the special provision, what
aspect should be addressed?
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What does the article 38 of the present constitution say?
b. How does the constitution of Nepal address the problem of
untouchability?
c. Which article of the present constitution speaks about the National
Inclusion Commission?
2. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. What is proportionate representation? Explain.
b. Discuss the provisions made in the present constitution to ensure
inclusiveness in every organ of the state.
c. How can we protect the rights of children, elderly, and differntly able
people? Give your opinions.
d. Write a letter to a member of the Legislature Parliament urging him or her
to protect the rights of students. Make sure to mention what special rights
students need.
Community Project Work
Do you think that the present constitution of Nepal is an inclusive constitution ? or,
Are there enough provisions for inclusiveness ? Discuss with the teacher and write
down in your copy.
104 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
4.6
Features of Our Constitution
Pre-reading Activities
When you are admitted to the school, what rules did you agree to abide by? Make
a list of rules such as dress code, exam schedule, fee payment, personal conduct,
and rules related to discipline. What happens if you don’t follow the rules?
Reading gk] fnsf] ;+ljwfg
Just as your school has formulated rules and
regulations to ensure quality of education, a nation
also needs rules to run every activity, including
what form of government the country will have. The
main law of the country is called constitution. As per
the need and other changes, countries amend their
constitution periodically. At times, they even change
the entire constitution. A constitution ensures the rule
of law. Currently, we have the new constitution named ;l+ jwfg;ef ;lrjfno
as the Constitution of Nepal.
The Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on Ashwin l;+xb/af/, sf7df8f+}
3, 2072 (September 20, 2015). This constitution is
historic and unique within itself in the sense that it is the first time written constitution
by Nepalese themselves through Constituent Assembly. The present constitution has
the provision of 35 parts, 308 articles and 9 annexes’ and preamble.
Salient Features of the Constitution of Nepal
Nepal is an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive democratic,
socialism-oriented federal democratic republican state.
Article 2 states that the sovereignty and state authority of Nepal are vested in
Nepali people.
Many fundamental rights including economic, social and cultural rights have
been mentioned in part 3. There is a provision for affirmative action for historically
prejudiced or disadvantaged communities (article 18).
T he right of the women, Dalits, indigenous people and minorities have been
enlisted through several provisions (article 42).
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 105
M any specific independent constitutional commissions like National Natural
Resources and Fiscal Commission ( article 250,251), National Women Commission
(article 252, 253, 254), National Dalit Commission (article 255, 256, 257), National
Inclusion Commission (article 258, 259, 260), Adibasi Janajati Commission (
article 261), Madhesi Commission (article 262), Tharu Commission (article 263)
and Muslim Commission (article 264) have been introduced for the first time.
It expresses the determination of the state to build an equitable society on the
basis of the principle of proportional inclusion and participation, by ensuring
economic equality, prosperity and social justice.
N epali language remains as the official language of Nepal. All other mother
tongues spoken in Nepal shall be the national language (article 6).
N epal is a federal country with three main levels of federalism : the Central,
Provincial and Local ( part - 5).
The parliamentary system has been adopted at federal and provincial levels.
The form of governance of Nepal shall be a multiparty, competitive,
federal democratic republican parliamentary system based on plurality
(article 74).
A t the federal level, it will have a bi-cameral parliamentary form of government
with a president elected through the legislative-parliament and the National
Assembly, as well as the provincial legislative body. The Prime Minister will be
elected by the legislative-parliament based on a majority.
T he president remains as the constitutional head of the nation and prime minister
as the head of the government.
Judiciary constitutes three different courts-one Supreme Court, High Court in
each province and district courts as per the requirement.
Mixed electoral system has been adopted-FPTP (First past the post) and PR
(Proportional Representation)
The House of Representatives in the federal parliament will consist of 275
members: 165 elected through FPTP and 110 elected through PR. The National
Assembly will consist of 59 members. 56 elected through federal provinces
and 3 nominations made by the President on the recommendation of Nepal
government.
In the federal provinces, the legislature will be unicameral. There will be a total
of 550 members in the legislatures of the 7 states. The Chief Minister of the state
will be elected by the provincial legislature whereas the head of the province will
be appointed by the President on the recommendation of Nepal government.
There is a provision of single federal citizenship with provincial identity in Nepal.
Special provision for the protection and empowerment of the women lagging
behind socially and culturally, Dalits, Adibasi, Janajati, Madhesi, Tharus,
Muslims, oppressed class, backward communities, minorities, marginalized
groups, peasants, workers, youths, children, elderly citizens, gender and sexual
minorities, persons with disabilities, persons in a state of pregnancy, helpless
persons, downtrodden, and of the citizens who belong to backward regions and
financially deprived citizens including the Khas Arya.
Right against any sort of discriminations has been ensured.
106 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Right to social justice and social security to socially backward women,
economically poor, physically incapacitated and helpless people, children,
persons with physical impairment, downtrodden, backward, marginalized,
disadvantaged group, etc. have been prioritized.
Free the Words
constitution : the main law of a country
promulgate : formulate; make it effective
affirmative : positive
FPTP : first past the post (Using a voting system in which the candidate
with more votes gets victory)
empowerment : the act of giving official authority or legal power
In-class Activities
Write each feature of the constitution in a separate leaflet, fold the leaflets separately
and put all the papers in a bin. Each student picks one leaflet and reads out the feature.
After everyone reads out at least one feature, collect all the pieces of paper and paste
them on a display board and hang the “feature board” in your class room.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is constitution?
b. If you were appointed to amend the constitution, what additional provisions
would you include in the constitution?
c. Why is there provision of secular state in Nepal ?
d. Why is Nepal called the federal democratic republic state?
e. "The Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 was the document of political
consensus." Justify the statement.
2. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. Write eight features of the present constitution that you like most.
b. Did you find any features related to children and women in the present
constitution? What are they? Explain.
Community Project Work
Make a list of the constitutions that Nepal has practised till now.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 107
4.7
Civic Duty
Pre-reading Activities
Parents often feel proud that their sons and daughters are very “dutiful.” So, when
your parents express pride about you saying you are dutiful, what exactly they mean?
What does it mean to be dutiful? Think about these questions and write what you
have to do to be dutiful at home.
Reading
You are right. You enjoy a lot of
rights and privileges at home, school
and public places. For example, you
have right to eat, entertain, and get
an education. But, remember, with
your rights come responsibilities
as well. You have to respect your
elders, follow rules at home and
school. These responsibilities are
your duty towards family and the
school.
In a similar way, citizens of a nation
enjoy a lot of rights but they also
have duty towards the nation
and other citizens. Specially in a
democratic nation, people who are lawfully living in the country enjoy the rights of
citizens such as electing their representatives to rule the country. When it is the duty
of the state to protect people’s rights and provide peace, security, and justice, state
also expects citizens to fulfill their duties. The responsible citizens of a state have the
following duties:
1. Abide by the law: Law is equal to everyone. It is the duty of the citizens to
follow the law of the state.
2. Duty to vote: In a democratic nation, the elected representatives make laws and run
108 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
the government. Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen to select the representatives
wisely. For this, every citizen must utilize the right to vote and participate in the election.
3. Support the government: As the government in a democracy is formed by the
elected representatives of the people, we must help the government run its
programs.
4. Paying tax: To implement
development projects
and run the daily
administration, state
needs money. The main
source of income for the
country is the tax paid by
the people. Therefore, we
must fulfill our duty of
paying tax.
5. Participating in the
development process:
People are responsible
for identifying the local
development needs such
as roads, educational and
health facilities. People
must participate in the
development process by
letting the state know of
the local needs through
their representatives.
6. Respecting the rights of others: Citizens must be aware that using their own rights
does not hamper others’rights. So, it is the duty of every citizen to respect others’rights.
7. Keeping vigilance over issues of national interest: Any national or international
organization should not do anything to encroach upon the nation’s sovereignty.
As responsible citizens, we have the duty to keep vigilance over such an act and
make the government aware about it.
8. Being aware of current affairs: It is the duty of every citizen to be aware of every
work the government and its agencies do. If required, citizens must respond
and raise their voice about any thing that concerns their well-being.
9. Protecting public property: Public property is the property of the people.
Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen to protect and preserve public property
such as schools, hospitals, parks, roads, etc.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 109
Free the Words
representative : one who represents certain group
vigilance : watchfulness
In-class Activities
Imagine that a national election is taking place in the near future. You met a person in
your neighborhood who refuses to vote because the person has reasonable complaints
against the political leaders. The person argues that no matter whom he votes for, the
elected representatives are not going to fulfill their promise and eventually indulge in
corruption. Now, as a responsible citizen, write a plea asking the person to participate
in the election and explaining how it is his duty to vote.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. How would you define the duty of a citizen?
b. What do you think is the duty of the state towards its citizens?
c. What does the state expect from its citizens?
d. What do you understand by national issue?
e. Why is it necessary for every citizen to abide by the law?
f. Why is it necessary for us to take part in the election?
g. 'It is the duty of every individual to pay tax.' Justify the statement.
h. Why is it a duty of every citizen to protect and preserve public property?
2. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. Explain why one has to fulfill the duty towards the state and the fellow
citizens?
b. Why is democracy considered the best form of government? Explain
c. How are rights and duties interrelated? Explain.
d. As a person, how would you respect others' rights? Give an example of
how you respected someone's rights in the past.
e. Draft a dialogue highlighting the duties of the responsible citizens of a
state.
Community Project Work
Divide the class into different groups and discuss the current affairs of the nation. List
out the major points of the issues and demonstrate in the class.
110 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
4.8
Legislature
Pre-reading Activities
Take a few minutes and make a list of implicit family rules practised at your home. Then
mention who formulates each rule. And, how each rule helps create an environment
of love, respect, and sharing in the family?
Reading
Just as you have rules at your home
and school that you’re expected
to follow, a state needs rules and
law to protect its citizens, ensure
development, and provide social
security. In democracy, the state
has a separate body composed of
the representatives elected by the
people to formulate the laws of the
state. It is called the legislature.
The legislature is the law making
body of the country. The most
important function of this body is to formulate laws. The court functions under the
laws made by the legislature. In most of the countries, the members of the legislature
are elected by the people. It is the crucial task of the legislature to make law for the
progress, welfare and interest of all regions, class, caste, sex, gender, race and colour.
That is why the law made by the legislature should be inclusive, progressive and as
per the wish of the people. In Nepal, the second Constituent Assembly was converted
into legislative parliament of Nepal after the promulgation of the constitution on
September 20,2015. The present constitution has made the provision of legislature at
two different levels called the federal parliament and provincial legislature.
The constitution has made the provision for the speaker and the deputy speaker to
manage the session of the parliament. The proposed draft presented in the legislative
parliament to form the law is called bill. The assembly of the members of parliament is
called the House. The legislative members introduce bill in the parliament. Discussions
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 111
are held on those presented bills. After necessary modifications and revisions when
those bills are passed by the simple majority and approved by the president, they
become law.
Qualifications required to become the member of parliament
S/he must be a Nepali citizen.
S/he must have completed 25 years of age.
S/he must not have been convicted in any criminal case.
S/he must not have been disqualified by law.
S/he must not have held an office of profit.
Power and Functions of the Legislature
All the bills are presented in the parliament. They have to be passed by
the majority, only then they become law.
L egislature passes the annual budget prepared by the executive according
to which the government spends money for various tasks.
Legislature can raise question on any work of the government. If the
government does not work properly, it can withdraw its support and the
government can be dissolved. In this way, the legislature has control over
the executive.
legislature approves the new tax (increase or decrease ) introduced by the
government.
legislature is entrusted with the task of amending the constitution.
According to the Constitution of Nepal two–third majority of the
legislative parliament can amend the constitution.
I f the Chief Justice or any judge of the Supreme Court is found involved
in misconduct, two-thirds majority of the parliament can remove such a
judge or Chief Justice.
Many of the nations have their own process of forming the legislature. The electoral
process, the number of the members and different functions of the legislature of the
state are determined on the basis of population,area, geographical condition, cultural
group, ethnicity, economic viability, available resources,etc. In our country there is a
provision of electing the members of the parliament in two ways.
(i) Directly elected from the people (first past the post )
(ii) Nominations by the political party in proportional way.
The present constitution has made the provision of two houses at the national level
- House of Representatives and National Assembly. In the House of Representative,
there are 165 directly elected members and 110 proportionate members. Similarly,
there are 56 members elected from 7 states and 3 members appointed by the President
in the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Nepal government. In
the federal provinces, the legislature is unicameral. There are 550 members in the
112 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
legislatures of the 7 provinces. The Chief Minister of the province is elected by the
provincial legislature whereas the head of the province is appointed by the President
on the recommendation of the Nepal government.
Free the Words
constituency : an area or district, that elects its own representative
proportional : of appropriate size, or representation
amend : to make change
In-class Activities
Imagine that the classroom is the legislature or the parliament of a democratic country.
Elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker first. Then, formulate rules to regulate the class.
Table those rules and approve by voting on each rule. Write a brief reflection on your
experience of enacting rules.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is the legislative body?
b. What is the composition of legislature in our country?
c. What is our legislative body known as?
d. Can the legislature control the chief justice of the country? How?
e. Differentiation between act, law and rule.
f. What is a bill? How does it become a law ?
2. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. How does the legislature control economy and government of the country?
Explain.
b. Write down the qualifications required to become the member of parliament.
c. Write down the power and functions of the legislature.
d. Write a short paragraph on the present legislative parliament of Nepal.
Community Project Work
Prepare a list of political parties and members in the present legislative parliament
representing your district
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 113
4.9
Executive
Pre-reading Activities
Get into small groups of 4-5 students. As a group, select a government office
that you know about. Then, list the main functions of this office. What can be
done to make this office more effective?
Reading
A state or a nation is supported and
sustained by three main bodies:
administrative body, law-making
body and law-enforcing body. These
bodies are collectively known as the
three organs of the state.
In other words, there are three
main organs of the state. They are:
Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
These organs exercise different
powers and perform various functions. These bodies play a vital role in running the
country smoothly. Parliament is the legislative body of the state. Legislature makes
laws. The country functions on the basis of these laws. The Council of Ministers or
the government is the executive body. Executive carries out these laws. Courts and
other judicial institutions make up the judiciary. Judiciary ensures that everyone gets
justice. Judiciary punishes the guilty when the laws are violated.
The Executive
The executive is the law implementing body of the state. The council of ministers or
the government is the executive body of a country. The executive makes programs
and policies and implements the law passed by the legislature. The executive means
the supreme administrator of the country. The executive power of Nepal is exercised
by the council of ministers. The executive works of Nepal are carried out by the
Government of Nepal.
114 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Formation of Executive
The Constitution of Nepal has made the provision of executive at three different levels
which are called federal executive, provincial executive and local executive.
Prime Minister is the head of the executive where as the President is the constitutional
head of the nation. The president appoints the parliamentary party leader of the
political party with the majority in the House of Representatives as the Prime Minister,
and a council of ministers is formed in his/her chairmanship. The Prime Minister can
appoint the deputy prime minister, ministers, state ministers and assistant ministers
from the members of legislature-parliament on the recommendation of the concerned
political party. The Prime Minister and ministers are collectively accountable to the
federal parliament.
Every province has a provincial head as the representative of the federal government.
The President appoints the provincial head for every province. The provincial head
also appoints the leader of the parliamentary party with majority in the provincial
assembly as the Chief Minister and provincial council of ministers is formed under
the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
The local executive constitutes rural municipality or municipality. There is a head
of rural municipality in every village assembly. The rural municipality is formed
under his/her chairmanship. Similarly there is a mayor of the municipal executive in
every municipality. The municipal executive is formed under his/her chairmanship.
The major function of rural municipality or municipality is to carry out different
development activities with in village or municipal respectively.
Power and Functions of the Executive
There is a lot of work that the executive has to perform in the country. It is the duty
of the executive to maintain law and order. It has to fulfill the basic needs of the
people like food, shelter, clothing, education and health care. Major functions of the
executive are listed below:
It runs the administration of the country efficiently and provide basic
services to the people. The executive makes important appointments
and deputes as well as controls and supervises all civil and military
departments and their subordinates.
It maintains law and order and protect the country from foreign invasion
It imposes taxes and runs various development works.
It signs treaties, establishes good diplomatic relations, and deputes
ambassadors to foreign countries.
It presents the budget in the parliament and implements it after the
approval of the parliament.
It summons, adjourns or postpones the session of the parliament.
It tables the bill in the parliament.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 115
Free the Words
sustain : to support
justice : fair treatment of people
implement : carry out
treaty : agreement
diplomatic relation : relation between two or more countries or states
In-class Activities
Get into small groups. As a group make 5 ministries in Nepal. Then, make a list of
functions each ministry performs. Share your report with the class
Exercise
1. Write True or False against these statements.
a. A state is powerless without its three organs.
b. The Prime Minister is the head of the executive.
c. Mostly, the executive has to implement laws.
d. The current system of executive is maintained by the Interim Constitution
of 2063.
2. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What do you mean by executive.
b. Who leads the executive of Nepal?
c. Who are the Prime Minister and other ministers responsible to ?
d. What do you mean by council of ministers? How is the council of ministers
formed?
3. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. Who is the head of the executive now in our country? Name the members
of the Council of Ministers.
b. Write the main functions of the executive.
c. How does the executive or the government implement law? Explain.
d. Explain the structure of the present executive of Nepal.
Community Project Work
Make a list of government offices that you are familiar with and write down their
functions.
116 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
4.10
Judiciary
Pre-reading Activities
This is the traditional image of justice. Carefully
study it and say (i) Why is the woman personified as
justice blindfolded? (ii) What does the balance in her
hand symbolize? (iii) Why do you think that justice is
represented by the image of a woman?
Reading
The judiciary is another important organ of the state. The legislature formulates laws,
the executive executes the laws whereas the judiciary interprets the law and punishes
the law breakers. Judiciary is an authorised organ to interpret the constitution.
Judiciary protects the fundamental rights of people and maintains the rule of law
in the country. If there is a competent legislature and executive in a country but the
judiciary is not independent and impartial, the constitution cannot function.
Democracy can become successful only if the judiciary is powerful and impartial
because judiciary is the protector of rights and interests of common citizens. In fact,
judiciary is the soul of any modern political system. Democracy cannot be materialized
without a strong judicial system.
In the current political system, the judicial power of Nepal is exercised by the courts
and judicial institutions. According to the Constitution of Nepal there exists three
levels of judicial institutions in Nepal.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court is the highest court in the judicial
system of Nepal. All the courts and judicial
institutions, except the military court, are under
the Supreme Court. It is also called the court of
records. Decisions of Supreme Court are recorded
for perpetual memory and testimony. The
Supreme Court has the final power to interpret
the constitution and law. It can inspect, supervise
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 117
and give necessary directives to courts and other judicial institutions falling under its
jurisdiction on matters relating to judicial administration or management. There are
twenty judges including Chief Justice in the Supreme Court. There is a provision of
appointing maximum ten temporary judges if the number of cases is high.
Chief Justice is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional
Council. Other judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by thePpresident on the
recommendation of the Judicial Council.
The person who has worked as a judge in the Supreme Court for at least three
years is eligible for the appointment of the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice and other
judges of the Supreme Court remain in their posts for six years from the date of their
appointment and retire at the age of 65.
High Court
High Court is second to Supreme Court in power and strength. Every province or
state has one high court. In addition to the chief judge, every high court has judges
in the number as provided in the federal law. The high court is the highest court of
appeal in the province. It has appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. The
Chief Judge and other judges of the high court are appointed by the Chief Justice on
the recommendation of Judicial Council.
The person having the following qualifications is eligible for the appointment of a
judge in the high court:
M ust be a law graduate and has worked as the judge of district court for
at least five years or has practised as a law graduate senior advocate or
advocate for at least ten years.
Must have at least ten-year teaching experience in law, research or works
in any other field of judicial service
M ust be a Nepali citizen
District Court
There is one district court in each district in Nepal. The judges of district court are also
appointed by the Chief Justice on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. To be
appointed as a judge of the district court, the person :
M ust be a Nepali citizen
Must have a graduate degree in law and must have worked at least for
three years as gazetted second class officer in the judicial service, or
M ust have a graduate degree in law and at least eight years’ experience of
working as an advocate
Functions of the Judiciary
To give justice to the people impartially
118 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
To protect people’s fundamental rights
T o punish the guilty and save the innocent
To issue orders to the legislative and executive bodies for any breach of law
T o clarify the laws by interpreting it
To suggest the legislature and executive on different legal and
constitutional matters
Free the Words
formulate : make
execute : to put plan into action
interpret : to explain
impartial : fair, just
jurisdiction : administration
In-class Activities
Look up in the dictionary and find out the meanings of the following
words related to law and justice.
lawyer; attorney; court date; bench; amicus curie; plaintiff; defendant; writ;
appeal; court of appeal; verdict; bail; bailiff
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is judiciary?
b. What provision about judiciary has been made in the present Constitution
of Nepal?
c. How are the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court appointed?
d. How many levels of courts are there in Nepal? Name them.
e. How is the judge of the district court appointed?
2. Write long answers to the following questions.
a. 'Democracy fosters only if the judiciary is powerful and impartial.' Explain
the statement.
b. What are the main functions of judiciary in Nepal?
c. What is high court? Write down the qualification required to be the judge
of the high court.
Community Project Work
There may be different cases in your district court. Ask your guardian or teacher and
present them in the class.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 119
Unit Review
In this unit, we have learnt that :
• We have to follow social rules to regulate our society.
• Most social rules are based on traditional beliefs and customs, norms and values.
• Social rules are not permanent; they tend to change as the society changes.
• Some social rules may be discriminatory and based on superstitious beliefs and
such social rules need to be changed or eliminated.
• Generally, human rights refers to the rights of an individual to develop his or
her personality without discrimination.
• The UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights on December 10, 1948 helped
secure human rights of each individual.
• Women’s rights are part of human rights that aim to eliminate discrimination
against women and ensure them dignified life.
• Elimination of violence against women, provision of maternal health and rights
to reproduction are some of the UN mandated women’s rights.
• Inclusiveness means the provision of non-discrimination among people of
different caste, religion, and ethnicity; the principle of inclusiveness ensures
participation of people from every walk of life in nation building process.
• Just as individuals have rights they also have duty towards themselves, families,
society, and the nation.
• Voting, supporting the government, paying taxes, respecting others’ rights and
participating in the development process are some of the duties of citizens.
• Legislature is a law making body, composed of elected representatives of people.
• Executive is the law implementing body of the state, responsible for devising
programs and implementing them.
• Judiciary interprets laws and makes sure that justice is dispensed to each
individual living in the state
120 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Test Your Knowledge
A. Choose the correct answer.
a. Social rules means :
i. Laws of a country
ii. Traditions and customs of a society
iii. Rules based on traditions and customs
iv. Superstitious beliefs and practices
b. Which one is not a part of UN declaration of universal human rights?
i. Everybody has access to legal protection
ii. Everybody has rights to follow a religion
iii. Everybody has rights to vote
iv. Everybody has rights to get a job
c. Which one is not a part of women’s rights?
i. Right to inherit paternal property
ii. Right against gender-based violence
iii. Right to marriage, family, and education
iv. Right to child marriage
d. Which one is not the way of promoting inclusiveness?
i. Providing justice to all the people
ii. Maintaining religious harmony
iii. Creating social division based on caste and ethnicity
iv. Increasing opportunities for education, health, and employment
e. Which is not the feature of our Constitution?
i. It is given by the King
ii. Declaration of the country as a secular democratic republic
iii. Executive power vested in the Council of Ministers
iv. Provision of a National Human Rights Commission
f. Which one is not a civic duty?
i. Contesting in an election
ii. Voting in an election
iii. Paying tax
iv. Respecting other’s rights
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 121
2. Answer the following questions.
a. How does social rule help the society to be managed?
b. What is human right? Are you aware of the human rights?
c. Women are lagging back in every sector of development. Give reasons.
d. How can we fulfill the duty of citizens?
e. What are the three bodies of a state? Define them.
f. What is the importance of inclusiveness in a diverse society like ours?
Explain.
g. What is your duty as a citizen of Nepal?
h. Briefly write the power and functions of the legislature.
i. What are the main functions of executive?
j. What is the Supreme Court? What are its main functions?
Community Project Work
1. Visit any five houses in your community and find out how far they fulfill
their responsibilities. Present your findings in the class.
S.N Responsibility Condition of performing their
1. Implement the law responsibilities
Always Sometimes Never
2. Poll in the election
3. Pay taxes
4. Participation in
development
5. Protection of public
properly
122 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Unit
5
Our Earth
Learning Objectives
Upon the completion of this unit, students will be able to :
define longitudes, latitudes, antipode, climate, and weather
explain seasonal changes and its effects
explain the factors of climate change
explain the ways to protect ourself and other from earthquake, storms, and
cyclone
explain Nepal’s physical structure, climate and their influence on the life-
style of the people
draw maps
explain the physical, economic, and social conditions of North America,
South America, and Africa
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 123
5.1
Seasonal Changes
Pre-reading Activities
How many seasons do we have in Nepal? What kind of weather do we have
during each season? Think about these questions and make a list of seasons
and weather conditions of each season.
124 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Reading
KATHMANDU, DEC 07 - The chilly weather has started affecting life in several
Terai districts with one death reported in Rautahat on Friday night. Jholamajhi
Musahar, a fifty-year-old man from Laxmaniya VDC (now Fatuwabijaypur Rural
Municipality), died of “hypothermia”.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
As you read this news items, you may be wondering why Rautahat, located in Terai,
suddenly becomes so cold that people even die of cold. The weather of a particular
place keeps changing throughout the year. Have you ever wondered why climate
changes and we have at least four seasons in a year: winter, fall, spring, and summer?
Seasons occur because of two important events: the rotation of the earth that gives us
day and night, and the revolution of the earth around the sun that gives us our year. It
takes the earth about 24 hours to finish one complete rotation around its invisible axis.
Similarly, it takes 365 and 1/4 days or a year for the earth to complete its revolution
around the sun. Because the sun never changes, these two movements of the earth
bring changes in light, darkness, and in temperature.
The earth keeps moving around the sun, following the same path, called the orbit. It
takes approximately 365 days for the earth to complete its revolution around the sun.
The earth remains slightly tilted in its axis, making an angle of 66.5 degree. Because
of this tilt, as the earth moves around the sun, sometimes the Northern hemisphere
of the earth directly faces the sun and at other times the southern hemisphere gets
exposed to it.
On December 22, the sun rays directly fall on the earth’s line called Tropic of Capricorn.
At this time, sun rays that fall on the Northern hemisphere are slant. As a result, we
have winter in this area. On 22 December, we observe the shortest day in the Northern
hemisphere. Gradually, the sun moves towards the equator reaching there on March
21. On this day, the sun rays directly fall in the equator. As a result both the Northern
and Southern hemispheres receive the sun rays equally. In the next three months, the
sun reaches the Tropic of Cancer on June 21. This period is known as summer. During
this period, the temperature in the Northern hemisphere increases. As the sun rays
directly fall on the Tropic of Cancer, we have summer in the Northern hemisphere.
Similarly, the sun reaches the equator. This period is known as fall season. During this
period, rain and heat gradually decrease and cold weather begins. On September 23,
the sun rays directly fall on the equator. As the rays fall equally on both hemispheres,
the night and day remain equal in duration on this day.
Free the Words
hypothermia : a condition in which the temperature of a body is very low
season : the period characterised by a particular kind of weather
climate : the average weather condition of a place
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 125
In-class Activities
You can figure out how weather changes by doing a simple experiment. Make the
room dark. Light a candle and place it in the middle of a table. Move the globe titling
it in one direction around the candle. Make note of which part of the globe receives
the light. Then, discuss how seasons change.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. How many seasons are there?
b. Which one is your favourite season and why?
c. What is an orbit?
d. What is revolution?
e. What are the reasons for seasonal changes?
f. The sun reaches at the equator twice a year. During these days, we
experience same length of day and night. Why?
g. What would happen if the earth were flat and not round? Discuss.
h. What would happen if the earth was not tilted at 66.6 degree on its axis?
Community Project Work
Divide the class into four groups and fill up the following table.
S.N. Season Climate Natural Economic
vegetation Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
126 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
5.2
Weather and Climate
Pre-reading Activities
Look at the weather record below and state (i) What do we mean by “maximum” and
“minimum”? (ii) What factors could be responsible for the fluctuation in weather?
Temperatue Dhankuta Kathmandu Pokhara Dang Kailali Kalikot
Maximum 15° 18° 22° 25° 29° 15°
Minimum 7° 6° 12° 14° 15° 3°
Reading
Temperature, pressure, wind, humidity and
precipitation interact with each other. They influence
the atmospheric conditions like the direction and
velocity of wind, amount of insulation, cloud-cover
and the amount of precipitation. These are known
as the elements of both weather and climate. The
influence of these elements differs from place to place
and time to time. It may be restricted to a small area
and for a short duration of time. We very often describe
this influence in the name of weather as sunny, hot, warm, cold, fine, etc. depending
upon the dominant element of weather at a place and at a point of time. Therefore,
weather is the atmospheric condition of a place for a short duration with respect to
its one or more elements. Two places even a short distance apart may have different
kinds of weather at one and the same time.
Weather Forecast: It is important to know by some means the coming weather in
advance. You may be planning to go on a hike without knowing that the particular
day may be rainy. Farmers, sailors, aviators, tourists and many others are interested
to know the weather conditions in advance for their own benefits. That is why
newspapers publish weather reports and weather forecasts along with a map
showing this information. Now, better weather forecasts are available with the use
of weather satellites. Weather conditions are televised every day. When a cyclone or
dangerous weather is expected, warnings are issued over the radio, television and
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 127
newspapers so that people can prepare to save themselves and their property from its
hazard. The weather office collects data on temperature, wind, cloud cover, rainfall
and other atmospheric phenomena through its numerous observation centres.
These centres are scattered all over the country. Similar information is also received
from the ships sailing in the high seas. The analysis of these data thus collected helps
in forecasting weather conditions for the next 48 hours or even for a week.
Climate: The average weather conditions, prevalent from one season to another in the
course of a year, over a large area is known as climate. The average of these weather
conditions is calculated from the data collected for several years (about 35 years) for
a larger area.
Note :
Weather is the atmospheric condition of any place for a short period of time
with respect to its one or more elements such as temperature, pressure, wind,
humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloud cover, etc.
The periods of the year which are characterized by a particular set of weather
conditions mainly caused by the inclination of the earth’s axis and the revolution
of the earth around the sun are known as seasons.
The average weather conditions of a large area for the past several years is
known as its climate persisting more or less permanent.
Free the Words
pressure : force produced by a particular amount of air or gas
humidity : amount of water in the air
precipitation : rain or snow that falls
velocity : speed
insulation : preventing heat/sound from passing through
inclination : degree of sloping
In-class Activities
Divide the class into two groups. One group measures the room temperature and another group
measures the rainfall. The first group puts a thermometer on the wall and records temperature
after every period for a week. The second group prepares a rain gauze by cutting a plastic
bottle in two halves. Turn the upper half upside down so that it becomes a funnel. Put it in the
ground during a rainy day. After the rain stops, measure it to see how many cm the rain fall
has occurred.
128 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Exercise
1. Fill in the blanks selecting the most appropriate word from the brackets.
a. Weather depends upon predominance of........................... of its elements.
[one/ two/ three/ one or more]
b. The average weather conditions for........................... duration represent
climate. [one year/ long/ short/ many years]
c. The exposed skin of our body starts getting dry in winter mainly due
to............................ [rainy season/ high humidity/ summer season/ low
humidity]
2. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is climate?
b. What is weather?
c. How is climate different from weather?
d. How does the weather department forecast weather?
e. What factors affect the weather conditions?
f. Why is there less rainfall in the Arabian nations?
g. Which climate do you prefer to live in?
h. 'Our lifestyle is determined by the climate of the place we live in." Justify
the statement.
Community Project Work
Measure the rainfall of your area yourself
Take a transparent plastic bottle. Cut it into two halves so
that the upper part acts as a cone. Turn the upper part upside
down and put it into the lower part as shown in the figure.
Attach a ruler at one side of the bottle with water tape. Now,
when it rains,keep it outside in an open place one metre above
the ground. Measure the level of water (in cm or mm) after it
stops raining.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 129
5.3
Factors Affecting the Earth
Temperature
Pre-reading Activities
Have you ever thought why climate and weather differ from one place to another?
Why people living in Biratnagar feel hot at the same time when people living in Jumla
might experience cold?
Reading
Different regions of the world have differences in temperature, humidity and precipitation.
You know that these differences influence the lifestyle of the people living in different
climatic conditions. To understand different climatic conditions, let us discuss the factors
which cause variations in the climate of a place or a region.
1. Latitude or Distance from the Equator: The
places near the equator are warmer than the
places which are far away from them. This is
because the rays of the sun fall vertical on the
equator As the vertical rays are concentrated
over a small area and pass through a shorter
distance, more heat energy is reserved.
The region between equator (0°) and
30°N/S latitude is called the Tropical Zone.
The temperature decreases as we go to north
or south of the equator. The region between
30° and 60°latitude in both the hemisphere
is called Temperate Zone. This region has hot summer and cold winter. The
region above 60° in both the hemisphere is called Polar Zone. As this region
receives slanted or inclined rays, it has cold climate throughout the year. The
temperature here falls below 0°c. Therefore, the lower the latitude the higher is
the temperature and vice versa. Malaysia which is near the equator is warmer
than England which is far away from the equator.
2. Altitude or the Height from the Mean Sea Level: The atmosphere present
above the earth has different layers. The thickest layer of the atmosphere is
present just above the earth. As it contains large number of air molecules and
130 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
receives direct sun rays, the intensity of heat
increase and hence we feel hot. Whereas in
the higher altitude, the air molecules are less
and scattered. As a result, those molecules
cool very fast. Thus, the temperature
decreases with increase in height. For a
vertical rise of 165 metres there is an average
fall in temperature at a rate of 1°C. Jumla
situated at a higher altitude is cooler than
Dhanagadi, although both are almost on the
same latitude.
3. Distance from the Sea: The water is a bad
conductor of heat i.e. it takes longer time to
heat and longer time to cool. During day, the
land gets heated faster than the sea. Hence, the
moist air from the sea moves towards the land
which is called sea breeze. It is just opposite at
night. The land cools faster than the sea. Hence,
air moves from land to sea. This is called land
breeze. This regular exchange of sea breeze and
land breeze takes place in the coastal areas. Due
to this places near the coast have low range of
temperature and high humidity. The places in
the interior of the continent do not experience
moderating effect of the sea. These places have
extreme temperatures. The places far from the sea have higher range of daily
and annual temperatures.
4. Nature of the Prevailing Winds: The on-shore winds bring the moisture from
the sea and cause rainfall on the area along which they pass. The off-shore winds
coming from the land are dry and help in evaporation. In India, the on-shore
summer monsoon winds bring rains while off-shore winter monsoon winds are
generally dry.
5. Cloud Cover: In areas generally of cloudless sky as in deserts, temperature
even under shade are very high because of the hot day time sunshine. At night
this heat radiates back from the ground very rapidly. It results in a large diurnal
range in temperature. On the other hand under cloudy sky and heavy rainfall
the range of temperature is very small.
6. Ocean Currents: Ocean waters move from one place to another partly as an
attempt to equalize temperature and density of water. Ocean currents are large
movements of water usually from a place of warm temperature to one of cooler
temperature or vice-versa. The warm ocean currents raise the temperature of the coast
and sometimes bring rainfall, while the cold currents lower the temperature and create
fog near the coast.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 131
Free the Words
variation : change, especially in the amount or range
concentrate : gather in a place
latitude : distance of a place north or south of the equator
currents : the movement of water in sea or a river
In-class Activities
Do the following activities and figure out what causes the
difference in temperature.
Take a football or a volleyball. Stick 3 thermometers as
shown in the picture. Place the ball in the sun or in front
of a heater for some time. Then, record the temperature
of each thermometer. Which one has recorded the highest
temperature? Why?
Exercise
1. State True or False with reasons against the following statements.
a. The higher the latitude the lower the temperature.
b. The higher the altitude the lower the temperature.
c. The nearer the sea coast the lower the range of temperature.
d. Interiors of the continents have lower range of temperature.
e. Cold ocean currents lower the temperature of the coast.
2. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What are the main factors affecting the temperature?
b. How does latitude affect the climate?
c. Show the relationship between altitude and climate.
d. Mt. Kilimanjaro of Africa lies in the equatorial region but it is covered with
snow. Give reason.
e. Why is the climate of England cooler than that of Malaysia?
f. Why is the climate of Jumla cooler than that of Dhangadi?
Community Project Work
Draw a picture of the globe and show climatic zones.
132 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
5.4
Climate Change
Pre-reading Activities
Look at the picture below and answer the questions that
follow:
What is this picture about?
What do you see is happening?
Where would the polar bear go?
Why do you think the arctic snow is melting?
Reading
The picture you observed is a famous image that indicates the effects of climate
change. The image of the polar bear barely holding onto life standing on a piece of ice
suggests how life in this planet is at risk due to climate change, popularly known as
“global warming.”
What is Climate Change?
Climate change generally refers to a change in global
or regional climate pattern. In particular, an increase
in atmospheric temperature mostly owing to
increased human activities is called global warming.
It also refers to changes in a regions overall weather
patterns, including precipitation, temperatures,
cloud cover, etc.
Reasons of Climate Change
Earth’s temperature depends on the balance between energy entering and leaving the
planet’s system. When incoming energy from the sun is absorbed by the earth, it gets
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 133
warm. When the sun’s energy is reflected back into space, the earth loses heat. Many
factors, both natural and human, can act on earth’s energy balance, including :
Changes in the greenhouse effect, which determines the amount of heat
retained by the earth’s atmosphere
Variation in the sun’s energy reaching the earth
Changes in the reflectivity of earth’s atmosphere and surface
The historical record shows that the climate system varies naturally over a wide
range of time scales. In general, climate changes prior to the Industrial Revolution
in the 1700s can be explained by natural causes, such as changes in solar energy,
volcanic eruptions, and natural changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. In
1830,per 10 lakh air particles, 281 ppm(parts per million)of carbon dioxide particles
was present. It increased to 390 ppm in 2010. In comparison to 1901, the temperature
of the earth has gone up by 0.74 degree celsius. If it continues to grow at the same
rate, in 2030,the temperature of Nepal is expected to increase by 1.4°C and in 2090,it
is expected to increase by 3 to 6.3°C. If that happens, many settlements in the river
banks and sea sides will submerge under the sea. The snowcapped mountains will be
bare and rocky.
Recent climate changes, however, cannot be explained by natural causes alone.
Research indicates that natural causes are very unlikely to explain most observed
warming, especially warming since the mid-20th century. Rather, human activities
can very likely to explain most of that warming. It gist, the following are the impacts
of climate change :
Rise in the sea levels
Melting of glaciers
Expansion of subtropical deserts
Decrease in agricultural production
Change in precipitation
Extinction and loss of biodiversity
Increase in global temperature
Submerge of islands, etc.
What can we do?
Making a few small changes at your home reduces greenhouse gas emission and
saves money.
Use less energy consuming lighting systems such as CFL bulbs
Avoid using air conditioners unnecessarily. If you do use, make sure to
insulate your homes
Reduce, reuse, and recycle newspapers, beverage containers, plastics, and
other goods
Tell others about climate change and raise awareness in the neighborhood
134 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Free the Words : an increase in the earth's temperature
: to keep in possession
global warming : a covering cap of snow
retain : a drinkable liquid
snowcap
beverage
In-class Activities
Divide the class into five to six groups. Organize a poster competition among the
groups. Each group designs a poster to raise awareness about global warming and
also provides suggestions to control global warming. Ask your teachers to evaluate
the posters. Make a provision for token prize for the best poster and display it on the
board or in the premises of your school.
Exercise
1. Write True or False against the following statements.
a. The earth’s atmospheric temperature has remained static for over a century.
b. Climate change refers to the fluctuation of temperature on a daily basis.
c. Climate change is solely caused by humans.
d. Climate change is caused by both natural and human activities.
e. We can help control climate change.
2. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is climate change?
b. What are some of the main reasons for climate change?
c. Make a list of human activities that might lead to global warming.
d. What is greenhouse effect? Explain.
e. How is the earth’s temperature balanced? What causes the imbalance?
3. Write a letter to the editor of a daily urging people to adopt ways of
controlling global warming.
Community Project Work
Discuss with your elder members of your community and find out how the
seasons have changed in comparison to the past.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 135
5.5
The Impact of Latitude and
Longitude
Pre-reading Activities
Draw the globe on a chart paper and mark the lines of latitudes and longitudes on it.
Display the globe in the class.
Reading
Latitude
There is an imaginary circular line which is equidistant from the North and South
Pole of the earth. This imaginary line is called equator. Latitude is the angular distance
(in degrees, minutes and seconds) of a point north or south of the equator. Lines of
latitudes run parallel to the equator, and hence are often called parallels of latitudes.
The latitude to the north of the equator is called north latitude and to the south is
136 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
called south latitude. Degrees latitude are numbered from 0° to 90° north and south.
Thus, the whole earth consists of 180° of latitudes. 0° is called the equator. Because
of the rotation of the earth and the inclination of its axis, we get standard parallels as
23½°N or S latitude, 66 ½°N or S latitude. These lines are called Tropic of Cancer and
Capricorn and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles respectively. Each degree of latitude is
approximately 111 km apart. Latitudes affect different areas, such as:
i) Effect in the world climate
The temperature increases with increase in latitude or vice versa.
ii) Effect in days and nights.
In the equatorial region, days and nights are equal. With the increase in latitude
there is variation in days and nights.
iii) Effect in study and sketching map
Latitude is used to find the location of a place.
Longitude
Longitude is the angular distance ( in degrees,
minutes and seconds) which converge on the
poles ( north and south) and are bisected by
the equator. The vertical longitude lines are
also known as meridians. The meridians of
0° longitude which run through Greenwich
of England is called prime meridian. Lines of
longitudes to the east of the prime meridian
are called east longitudes and to the west
are called west longitude. There are 180°
longitude in the eastern half and another
180° of longitudes in the western half. Just
opposite to prime meridian there exists the
line of 180°. It is called International Date
line ( IDL). It is bent in some places to create the uniformity in time or to avoid land
masses. Longitudes affect in the following ways:
i) For every 15° longitude there varies a time of 1 hour ( 60 minutes). To the east
of longitude time moves ahead where as to the west time is behind. Time is
determined on the basis of longitude.
ii) Date and day change once the International Date Line is crossed. To the left and
right of this line, there is a difference of 24 hours. i.e. we advance a day while
going west and we go back a day while going east.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 137
Antipode
Any point on the Earth’s surface which is diametrically
opposite to it is called antipode. Two points that are antipodal
to each other are connected by a straight line running through
the centre of the earth. Antipodes are counted on latitudes,
time and longitudes. For example, the antipode of Kathmandu
is somewhere in South Pacific Ocean, near Chili.
Antipode of latitude
The antipode of northern latitude is southern latitude and the antipode of southern
latitude is northern latitude. For example, the antipode of 50° north latitude is 50°
south latitude.
Free the Words
equidistant : of equal distance
In - class Activities
Take an oval shape pumpkin. Cut ¼ of its from the top. Draw angles at difference of
30° in a semi circular paper and paste it on the cut portion of a pumpkin. Insert the
pins at the edge of different chords. Tie them with rubber band. Now the lines of
latitudes are formed.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What are latitudes?
b. Write down the effects of latitudes.
c. What do you mean by Tropic of cancer?
d. Write down the impacts of longitudes.
e. What is an equator?
f. What is International Date Line (IDL)?
g. Why is IDL bent in some places?
h. Define antipode with examples.
2. Community Project Work
As mentioned in (in class activity), cut half to the similar oval shape object. In a
circular sheet of paper, sketch 180° to the right and 180° to the left at a difference of
30°. Paste it on the cut portion. Now, it is longitude. From every longitude, sketch its
lines with the help of thread.
138 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
5.6
Use of Scale in the Study of Map
Pre-reading Activities
Draw a map of your village/town. Show school, health centre, public park, public tap,
main road, etc. in it.
Reading
A map is a graphic representation of features on the earth’s surface. The information
provided by a map are based on stored and analysed data. It helps us understand in a
visual way. Maps are used in various fields like navigation, survey, geology, etc.
Scale
We may draw different maps such as continent, countries, rivers, etc. on a sheet of a
paper. But, we cannot give the map exact size to the object. Hence, we need to reduce
the size of the object. For this, we use a scale in the relationship between a distance
measured on the map and the corresponding real distance on the ground. It tells you
how much distance is to be shown in a small area. Various scales are used in a map.
The commonly used scales are discussed below:
1. Statement Scale
This is the easiest method on way of describing a map scale. In this scale, the
map distance is normally expressed as a unit length to the corresponding
ground distance.
For example, 1cm = 10km, this means 1cm map distance is equal to 10km on the
ground. For easy understanding, let us see the given example.
Teacher asked Alisha to find distance between Dunai and Kathmandu. She
turned the atlas and measured the distance. She found it 7cm. Below the map of
Nepal the scale was 1 cm = 100km. Then, she calculated the distance as,
Map distance = 7cm
Given scale = 1cm = 100km.
So, 7cm = 7 × 100 = 700km.
\ The distance between Dunai and Kathmandu = 700km.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 139
2. Graphical Scale or Linear Scale or Bar Scales
Map scales that are often represented by means of a line or linear graphs of
various kinds are called graphical scales. Maps on such scales are printed on the
map, and the proportions stay the same even if the map is enlarged or reduced.
Normally a straight line is divided into a number of equal parts which are
marked to show what these divisions actually represent on actual ground.
To use this sort of scale,
• Measure the distance on the map that you are supposed to convert.
• Place the measuring stick on the linear scale.
• Use the provided information to convert the map distance to a new world
distance.
3. Representative Fraction Scale or Numeric Ratio
In this, the map scale is expressed as a numeric ratio. Such scale of a map indicates
the relationship of distance measured on a map and the corresponding distance
on the ground. Hence, the numerator of fraction depicts the map distance
(expressed as a unit) and the denominator depicts the corresponding ground
distance. One of the advantages of this scale is that it can be universally used.
Example : The map scale is 1: 50,000
RF = 1
50000
The map distance from point P to Point Q is 6 units.
Now, 6 × 50,000 = 3,00,000cm
\ The real distance between point A and B = 300km.
Free the Words
navigation : connected to ship, aeroplane, etc.
survey : inspection
geology : a science that deals with earth
corresponding : directly related to something
140 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
In - class Activities
Make different groups in class and find out the distance between different places
using scale given in a map of your atlas.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is a map?
b. Write one importance of map.
c. What is a scale? Write down its use.
d. Differentiate between statement scale and linear scale.
e. Write one difference between graphical scale and numeric ratio.
f. Write one advantage of representative fraction scale.
g. The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is 190 km. Represent it in a
statement scale.
2. Find out the distance between the given places with the help of an atlas.
Kathmandu - Pokhara Dharan - Damak
Dhangadi - Birtamod Lumbini - Palpa
Community Project Work
Draw the map of your home and school. Use different types of scale on the map.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 141
5.7
Map Study and the Map of Nepal
Pre-reading Activities
Take a few minutes. In a white piece of paper, write names of a couple of places that
come along the way from your home to school. Then link them with a line. The line
should follow the direction you take to reach the school. Now, you have prepared a
direction map from your home to school.
Reading
Map is the proportional representation
of the earth’s surface on paper. It is
helpful to identify different landforms
and manmade structures. It also helps us
gain information about earth. Different
conventional symbols are used to indicate
different objects. North line, boundary
line, border line, scale, legend or index
and titles are very important while
drawing a map. There are different methods of drawing a map. They are graphic
method, carboning method, tracing method, pantographic method, etc. Among them,
graphic method is very useful to draw the map of Nepal.
How to draw a map of Nepal?
1. You should draw a rectangle of 20 × 12 sq. cm. in your exercise book (twice as
big as the rectangle above).
2. You should draw numbers from 1 to 8 to represent the places: 1-Mt Api, 2
Changa, 3-Mt. Mustang, 4-Mt. Ganesh, 5-Mt. Langtang, 6-Mt. Gaurishankar,
7-Mt. Everest, 8-Mt. Kanchanjunga respectively.
3. Now, use numbers 9 to 16 to represent the following places respectively:
9-Bhimduttanagar, 10-Nepalgunj, 11-Lumbini, 12-Chitwan, 13-Birgunj,
14-Janakpur, 15-Koshi Barrage, 16-Jhapa.
4. You should practice repeatedly to remember and indicate the places properly.
5. After you indicate the location of each area, do not forget to indicate north line,
142 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
scale, border line, boundary line and index in the map as shown below.
Some of the conventional symbols used in a map
Subject Index Subject Index
1. Mountain Range Airport
2. Mountain Peak Pass
3. Rivers Ropeway
4. Cities Protected
5. Lakes Areas
6. Railway line Roadway
Grasslands
Free the Words
pantographic : an instrument for copying something on predetermined scale
In - class Activities
Divide the class into two groups. Ask one group to make the physical map of Nepal
and the other group to make the political map. Now make comparison between those
maps.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 143
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is a map?
b. How are different objects indicated in a map?
c. Give the symbols used to show ropeway and railway.
2. Match the following: Group B
Group A
a. Mountain Peak
b. Pass
c. Protected areas
d. Lakes
e. Mountains Range
3. Write long answers to the following questions.
Draw a map of Nepal and show north line, boundary line, border line, scale and
index on it and also indicate the following information.
a. Mt. Api f. Mahendranagar
b. Mt. Ganesh g. Lumbini
c. Mt. Gaurishankar h. Koshi Barrage
d. Mt. Kanchanjungha i. Birgunj
e. Pokhara j. Janakpur
Community Project Work
Draw the map of Nepal and mark the following information on it with the help
of your Atlas.
i. National parks ii. major highways
iii. major religious places iv. major hydropower centers
144 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
5.8
Earthquake
Pre-reading Activities
Have you ever experienced earthquake? How did you feel at the moment you
experienced the tremor? What did you and your family do when the earthquake hit?
Make a list of things we should do to protect ourselves from earthquake.
Reading
Vertical or horizontal vibration of the earth
surface is called earthquake. It occurs
frequently on the earth surface but no one
can predict the date of earthquake. Up and
down vibration is called vertical quake and to
and fro vibration is called horizontal quake.
Generally, in same magnitude of earthquake
horizontal is more harmful than vertical.
The centre from where the vibration starts
inside the earth surface called hypocentre. It is the initiation point of the earthquake.
The centre right above the hypocentre is called epicenter. The waves of quake spread
from this point and we feel the vibration of surface. Seismograh is a measuring
instrument that measures the intensity, epicenter, distribution and speed of the
earthquake. It is measured in Richter scale.
Causes of Earthquake
There are two major causes of earthquake.
a. Tectonic disturbances: Most of the quake occurs from tectonic disturbances.
Continental places of the earth surface are floating on the molten magma inside.
When the plate moves (like floating objects on water surface) then it strikes
another plate and produces vibration with a great force and intensity. Sometimes
such a plate or subplate bends, breaks or shrinks and the earthquake occurs.
From the bottom of the sea or ocean, water goes inside the surface of the earth and
reaches hot area below the crust of the earth. It changes into vapour due to heat.
Such vapour gives pressure and moves the land part resulting in vibration.
Sometimes it causes volcanic eruption. Tectonic disturbance is more harmful
than volcanic earthquake.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 145
b. Volcano eruption: Magma comes out with a great force during volcanic eruption.
From the force of magma the land around it vibrates and earthquake occurs.
When the magma comes out, vacuum is formed inside the earth surface. To fill
the space surface part falls down and produces vibration again. Its catchment
area is smaller than other types of earthquake.
Seismograph
It is a meter that measures the nature of earthquake and collects information
about it. A heavy ball is attached to a string or rod with writing needle. To
measure horizontal earthquake, the ball is hanged on a string. A drum with
graph paper is fitted just below the ball touching the writing needle. To measure
vertical earth quake, the ball is adjusted with spring as shown in figure ‘B’. The
needle vibrates according to the magnitude of the earthquake. Figure A is used
to measure horizontal vibration.
Fig: A Fig: B
Effects of Earthquake
Broadly the effects of earthquake are of two types:
1. Destructive effects: Earthquake destroys man made structures like houses,
buildings, roads, bridges and more than that takes human and animal lives. It
makes people homeless, propertyless and disable. For example, the great earth
quake of Nepal in 1990 B.S. destroyed large number of human life and other
constructions. Similarly, another destructive earthquake of 7.8 Richter scale,
that struck in Nepal on Baisakh 12 and 26, 2072 caused extensive damage to
buildings and thousands of deaths and injuries.
2. Effects on the earth surface: New landforms may develop from earthquake
like hills, ditches, valleys, etc. Landslides, floods, formation of new lakes or
destrcution of old one, etc. are other effects on the earth surface.
Safety measures of earthquake
Earthquake is that action or event which occurs without any symptom. So we should
be careful about the possible accident of earthquake. We cannot avoid it but we can
reduce the effect of earthquake. Following safety measures can help:
146 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
Before an Earthquake
i) Make earthquake security plan with the combined effort of teacher, guardians,
students and management committee. Identify fragile and weak objects and
places and reform them. Make groups according to plan and make division of
responsibilities. Sketch a map representing safe areas and paste them on the
walls of classrooms and display board of the school.
ii) Make sure you have first aid kit with dry non - perishable food, water bottle,
torch light and first aid materials.
iii) Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards and other appliances to the walls or floor.
iv) Practise earthquake drill after each terminal exam.
v) Keep emergency materials and attendance register in the reach of all.
During an Earthquake
• All the students along with the teacher should sit under the desk, benches or
tables or hold their legs tightly. In absence of those, sit down in a safe place and
cover your head with your bags or books. Make your body as small as possible.
If absence of all those things, follow duck, cover, hold process as shown in the
figure.
• If you are cooking, turn off heating elements immediately.
• If you are at outdoors, stay in open areas away from buildings, power lines,
trees and other hazards.
• stay calm and wait until the quake stops.
After an Earthquake
• Be prepared for aftershocks, which may be dangerous than the initial jolt.
• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who
needs it.
• Check for structural damage, but do not enter a building that shows damage or
has visible cracks in the walls.
• Be cautious while opening cabinets, cupboards and other items which may be
poised to fall.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 147
• Turn on the radio. Listen to the information given from the radio.
Free the Words
magma : hot liquid rock below the surface of the earth
tectonic : of or relating to changes in the structure of the earth's surface
anchor : fix
In-class Activities
Divide the class into 4 to 5 groups. Organize a poster completion on “Protecting
Ourselves from Earthquake.” Each group prepares a poster in which you publicize
the measures that should be taken to prevent the destruction of lives and properties
from earthquake. Use images to make it interesting. Have your teacher evaluate the
posters and display the best poster in class or in your school premises.
Exercise
1. Write very short answers to the following questions.
a. What is earthquake? Have you experienced any earthquake? What did you
do at that time?
b. What is a seismograph?
c. How does it work?
d. What are the causes of earthquake?
e. Differentiate between
• Epicenter and hypocenter
• Earthquake and volcano
• Horizontal and vertical earthquake
2. Write a long answer to the following question.
What are the safety measures of earthquake? Discuss in class and make some points.
Community Project Work
There may be risky houses in your locality, or your own house and school from
the point of view of earthquake. Conduct a observation program and organize a
earthquake awareness program around your locality. Tell the people about precaution
and safety measures of earthquake.
148 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
5.9
Storms
Pre-reading Activities
A day after the deadly Cyclone Hudhud ravaged parts of India's eastern coast and
killed 24 people, residents are furiously scrambling to find supplies to stay alive,
according to the Associated Press.
Damaged stores in the busy port city of Visakhapatnam have remained open to
sell gas, milk and other groceries at prices far higher than normal, according to the
Times of India. Basic necessities are being sold at twice or thrice the normal price
as local store owners attempt to cash in on desperate citizens in a country where as
many as 50,000 mud hut residences were destroyed by the storm, the Associated
Press reports.
What is this news item about?
What do you think is a cyclone?
How come a cyclone has a name as “Hudhud”?
Reading
As you can read in the news above,
extreme weather conditions can be
deadly, often leading to fatalities
and destruction of property. Even
if destructive and most powerful
storms—cyclones, tornados, and
hurricane—are rare in Nepal, we
often experience strong wind, known
as hawahuri or storms. A strong wind
can damage properties, uproot tress,
damage electricity poles, and create a
havoc in our lives.
Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8 149
Reasons for strong wind or hawahuri
Our earth is surrounded by air. When the air in the earth’s atmosphere moves, it creates
wind. If the wind moves at a fast pace, it becomes storm or hawahuri. Naturally, wind
maintains equal pressure it moves from high pressure areas to low pressure area. If
the temperature of a place suddenly rises and the atmospheric pressure decreases,
wind from other high pressure areas moves in at a great speed. This process creates
a range of storms.
Cyclone: Cyclone is a powerful storm that occurs in the coastal areas. During a
cyclone, extreme forms of wind and torrential rain occur. Cyclones can be predicted.
So, people living in the coastal areas can avoid the destruction of lives and properties
by listening to weather news and alerts broadcast by national media such as radio
and television.
Hurricane and Tornado: In the United States, cyclone is also called hurricane and
tornado. In Japan, storms are called typhoon. There have been cases of massive
destruction due to hurricanes and tornado. For example, in 2005, a hurricane named
Katrina hit the coastal area of Louisiana in the United States.
Nepal does not experience extreme forms of weather such as cyclone and tornado
as she does not have coastal areas. However, Nepal occasionally experiences high
wind and small scale tornado. Even in the Himalayan region, we experience high
wind during the evening time. This is often called mountain wind. This is caused by
the movement of air from south to north. During the day time, the air in the lowland
regions of Terai tends to get hot and it moves towards cold areas of north with a
rapid speed. To protect ourselves from storms and high wind, we should extinguish
fire close the doors and wind. We should also avoid going towards the direction of
tornado and high wind.
Free the Words
tornado : a violent and destructive storm
coastal : the land along or near or sea
torrential : coming in a large, fast stream
In-class Activities
Get in small groups of 4-5 students. As a group prepare a pamphlet in which you list
the ways of saving lives and property during high wind and tornado.
150 Oasis Social Studies and Population Education 8
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