Resources and Development
1.Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which one of the following type of resource is iron ore?
(a) Renewable
(b) Biotic
(c) Flow
(d) Non-renewable
Ans: Non-renewable
(ii) Under which of the following type of resource tidal energy cannot be put?
(a) Replenishable
(b) Human-made
(c) Abiotic
(d) Non-recyclable
Ans:Replenishable
(iii) Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
(a) Intensive cultivation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Over irrigation
(d) Overgrazing
Ans:Over irrigation
(iv) In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practiced?
(a) Punjab
(b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh
(c) Haryana
(d) Uttarakhand
Ans: Uttarakhand
(v) In which of the following states black soil is predominantly found?
(a) Jammu and Kashmir
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Jharkhand
Ans: Maharashtra
2.Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
i. Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.
The Three States are
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Madhya Pradesh
The crop grown is cotton.
ii. What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main features of the type of soil
The type of soil found in river deltas is Alluvial Soil, characterized by the following:
Very fertile, making it suitable for cultivation of crops.
Consists of various proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
Contains a good quantity of potash, lime, and phosphoric acid, which is beneficial for the growth of paddy and sugarcane.
iii. What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
The main techniques that can be used are as follows:
Contour plowing: Plowing along the contour lines of the slope instead of up and down helps to reduce water runoff and prevent soil erosion.
Terrace farming: Constructing terraces along the slopes helps to break the flow of water, reducing its erosive force and allowing it to soak into the soil gradually.
Strip cropping: Allowing strips of grass to grow between the crops helps to reduce water runoff, trap sediment, and prevent soil erosion.
3.Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
i.Explain the land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
The utilization of land is influenced by both natural factors like topography, climate, and soil types, as well as human factors such as population density, technological advancements, and cultural practices. The distribution of cultivated land varies significantly across states. For instance, it constitutes over 80 percent of the total area in Punjab and Haryana, whereas it is less than 10 percent in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The forest area in the country falls far short of the target of 33 percent outlined in the National Forest Policy of 1952, which was deemed crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Some land is classified as wasteland, comprising rocky, arid, and desert regions, while land allocated for non-agricultural purposes includes areas used for settlements, roads, railways, and industrial activities.
However, prolonged and unregulated exploitation of land has led to its degradation over time, highlighting the urgent need for conservation and sustainable land management practices.
ii.How has technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
There are several reasons for this phenomenon:
Large-scale production has resulted in the overutilization of resources.
Technological advancements have facilitated greater exploitation of resources.
Improved medical and health resources have led to a substantial increase in resource consumption.
Technical and economic development has increased resource consumption due to large-scale production, technological advancements enabling efficient resource exploitation, and improved health resources driving higher living standards, all contributing to greater demand for resources and emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.
2. Forest and Wildlife Resources
1. Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the depletion of flora and fauna?
(a) Agricultural expansion.
(b) Large scale developmental projects.
(c) Grazing and fuelwood collection.
(d) Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
Ans: Grazing and fuelwood collection
(ii) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint forest management
(b) Beej Bachao Andolan
(c) Chipko Movement
(d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: Demarcation of wildlife santuaries.
2.Match the following animals with their category of existence
| Animals/Plants | Cate of existence |
|---|---|
| Black Buck | Extinct |
| Asiatic Elephant | Rare |
| Andaman wild pig | Endangered |
| Himalayan Brown Bear | Vulnerable |
| Pink Head Duck | Endemic |
Ans:
| Animals/Plants | Cate of existence |
|---|---|
| Black Buck | Endangered |
| Asiatic Elephant | Vulnerable |
| Andaman wild pig | Endemic |
| Himalayan Brown Bear | Rare |
| Pink Head Duck | Extinct |
2.Match the following
| Forests | |
|---|---|
| Reserved Forests | Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities |
| Protected Forests | Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources |
| Unclassed Forests | Forest lands are protected from any further depletion |
Ans:
| Forests | |
|---|---|
| Reserved Forests | Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources |
| Protected Forests | Forest lands are protected from any further depletion |
| Unclassed Forests | Other forests and wastelands belonging to both Government and private individuals and communities |
4. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
i.What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
Biodiversity encompasses various life forms found on Earth, representing variation at the ecosystem, species, and genetic levels. It is particularly abundant in tropical areas, which cover only 10 percent of the Earth’s surface but host approximately 90 percent of the world’s species.
Biodiversity contributes significantly to human lives in the following ways:
Agriculture.
Economic Contributions.
Leisure Activities.
Ecological Services.
ii.How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain
Several river valley projects have had adverse effects on the flora and fauna.
Illegal mining activities have caused significant depletion of flora and fauna.
Excessive development projects aimed at leisure activities in forested areas have had detrimental impacts.
Human encroachment into forest areas, driven by population growth and limited space, has intensified human-animal conflicts.
5.Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
i.Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India?
The renowned Chipko movement in the Himalayas has not only effectively opposed deforestation in numerous areas but has also demonstrated the success of community afforestation using native species.
Certain societies hold reverence for specific trees that they have preserved for generations. For instance, the Mundas and Santhal communities of the Chota Nagpur region worship mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba (Anthocaphalus cadamba) trees, while tribes in Odisha and Bihar venerate the tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees during wedding ceremonies. Additionally, peepal and banyan trees are considered sacred by many.
In the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers have resisted mining activities by invoking the Wildlife Protection Act. In various regions, villagers themselves are safeguarding habitats and rejecting government intervention. For instance, residents of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, establishing their own regulations prohibiting hunting and protecting wildlife from external encroachments.
ii.Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
In India, the Joint Forest Management (JFM) program serves as a prime example of involving local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The program formally began in 1988 when Odisha became the first state to pass a resolution for joint forest management. JFM relies on the establishment of local village institutions responsible for protection activities, primarily in degraded forest areas managed by the forest department. In return for their efforts, community members receive benefits such as non-timber forest products and a share in the timber harvested through successful protection efforts.
The overarching lesson learned from India’s experiences with both environmental degradation and restoration is the necessity of involving local communities in natural resource management. However, there remains a significant distance to travel before local communities are given central roles in decision-making processes. It is essential to prioritize economic and developmental activities that are community-focused, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.
3. Water Resources
1.Multiple choice questions.
1.Multiple choice questions.
(i) Based on the information given below classify each of the situations as ‘suffering from water scarcity’ or ‘not suffering from water scarcity’.
(a) A region with high annual rainfall.
(b) A region having high annual rainfall and large population.
(c) A region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted.
(d) A region having low rainfall and low population.
Ans:
(a) A region with high annual rainfall. – Not suffering from water scarcity
(b) A region having high annual rainfall and large population. – Suffering from water scarcity
(c) A region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted. – Suffering from water scarcity
(d) A region having low rainfall and low population.- Not suffering from water scarcity
(ii) Which one of the following statements is not an argument in favour of multipurpose river projects?
(a) Multi-purpose projects bring water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity.
(b) Multi-purpose projects by regulating water flow help to control floods.
(c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.
(d) Multi-purpose projects generate electricity for our industries and our homes.
Ans:
(c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood
(iii) Here are some false statements. Identify the mistakes and rewrite them correctly.
(a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources.
(b) Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.
(c) In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were not agitated when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.
(d) Today in Rajasthan, the practise of rooftop rainwater water harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Ans:
(a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have resulted in improper utilisation of water resources
(b) Regulating and damming of rivers does affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.
(c) In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were agitated when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.
(d) Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting popularity has declined due to high water availability from Indira Gandhi Canal.
Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.
Water can be considered a renewable resource due to the continuous replenishment of surface water and groundwater through the hydrological cycle, which involves three main processes:
Evaporation
Condensation.
Precipitation.
ii. What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?
Many of our cities exemplify this situation. Water scarcity often arises due to a combination of factors, including a large and growing population with increasing demands for water, as well as unequal access to this vital resource. A burgeoning population requires more water not only for domestic purposes but also to meet the needs of agricultural production. Consequently, water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture, which exacerbates the problem. Irrigated agriculture stands as the largest consumer of water, with many farmers relying on their own wells and tube-wells for irrigation to boost their yields. Unfortunately, this excessive extraction has had detrimental effects on water availability, thereby posing challenges to food security for the populace.
iii.Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects
Advantages:
Irrigation.
Electricity generation.
Flood control.
Water supply for industrial and domestic purposes.
Tourist attraction.
Disadvantages:
Disruption of natural water flow.
Impact on aquatic life.
Submergence of land.
Ecological consequences.
Displacement of local communities.
Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.
In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi, and Barmer, most traditional houses were equipped with underground tanks or tankas for storing drinking water. These tanks could be quite large, with some households in Phalodi having tanks measuring 6.1 meters deep, 4.27 meters long, and 2.44 meters wide. The tankas were an integral part of a well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were typically built inside the main house or courtyard.
They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses via pipes. When rain fell on the rooftops, it would flow down the pipes and be stored in these underground tankas. Initially, the first rainwater was not collected to clean the roofs and pipes, but subsequent showers were collected and stored. This stored rainwater could then be used until the next rainfall, serving as a dependable source of drinking water, especially during the dry summer months.
In these regions, rainwater, known as “palar pani,” is considered the purest form of natural water.
ii.Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water.
Water harvesting systems present a viable alternative both socio-economically and environmentally. In ancient India, alongside sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water harvesting systems. People possessed deep knowledge of rainfall patterns, soil types, and developed various techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water, and floodwater according to local ecological conditions and water needs.
In hilly and mountainous regions, diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ were constructed for agriculture, particularly in the Western Himalayas. ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was widely practiced, especially in Rajasthan, for storing drinking water. In the flood plains of Bengal, inundation channels were developed to irrigate fields. Arid and semi-arid regions saw the conversion of agricultural fields into rain-fed storage structures such as ‘khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in Rajasthan.
In Gendathur, a remote village in Mysuru, Karnataka, villagers installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to meet their water needs. Around 200 households adopted this system, making the village rich in rainwater. Similarly, rooftop rainwater harvesting is prevalent in Shillong, Meghalaya, despite the region receiving the highest rainfall in the world. In Tamil Nadu, rooftop rainwater harvesting structures have been made compulsory for all houses across the state, making it the first state in India to do so.
4. Agriculture
1.Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture where a single crop is grown on a large area?
(a) Shifting Agriculture
(b) Plantation Agriculture
(c) Horticulture
(d) Intensive Agriculture
Ans: Plantation agriculture
(ii) Which one of the following is a rabi crop?
(a)Rice
(b)Gram
(c)Millets.
(d)Cotton
Ansr: Gram
(iii) Which one of the following is a leguminous crop?
(a) Pulses
(b) Jawar
(b) Millets
(d) Sesamum
Ans:Pulses
Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
i. Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth.
Ans:
One significant beverage crop is tea. The tea plant thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates with deep, fertile, well-drained soil rich in humus and organic matter. Tea bushes prefer a warm, moist, frost-free climate year-round. Regular showers evenly spread throughout the year support continuous growth of tender leaves. The tea industry is labor-intensive, demanding abundant, affordable, and skilled labor. Tea processing is typically conducted within the tea garden to maintain its freshness.
ii.Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced.
Ans:
Rice is a major staple crop of India, cultivated in various regions including:
Plains of North
North East India
Coastal Areas
Deltaic Regions
iii.Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.
Ans:
Various institutional reform programs introduced by the Government include:
MSP (Minimum Support Price)
Subsidy on Fertilisers
Crop insurance
Establishment of Grameen banks to provide low-interest loans.
The land under cultivation has got reduced day by day. Can you imagine its consequences?
Ans:
Shortage of food
Increase in food prices
Increased dependence on imports, straining the economy
Rise in unemployment
Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Suggest the initiative taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production.
The Government of India initiated agricultural reforms in the 1960s and 1970s to enhance Indian agriculture. The Green Revolution, which relied on package technology, and the White Revolution (Operation Flood) were key strategies implemented during this period. However, these efforts led to development being concentrated in a few selected areas. To address this issue, comprehensive land development programs were introduced in the 1980s and 1990s, encompassing institutional and technical reforms.
Various measures were undertaken, including crop insurance against natural disasters, the establishment of Grameen banks and cooperative societies to provide low-interest loans to farmers, and the introduction of schemes like the Kissan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) for farmers’ welfare. Additionally, special weather bulletins and agricultural programs were broadcasted on radio and television for farmers’ benefit.
The government also ensures minimum support prices, remunerative prices, and procurement prices for key crops to prevent farmers from being exploited by speculators and middlemen.
5. Minerals and Energy Resources
1.Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which one of the following minerals is formed by the decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?
(a) Coal
(b) Bauxite
(c ) Gold
(d) Zinc
Ans: (b) Bauxite
(ii) Koderma, in Jharkhand, is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?
(a) Bauxite
(b) Mica
(c) Iron Ore
(d) Copper
Ans: (b) Mica
(iii) Minerals are deposited and accumulated in the strata of which of the following rocks?
(a) Sedimentary Rocks
(b) Metamorphic Rocks
(c ) Igneous Rocks
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a) Sedimentary Rocks
(iv) Which one of the following minerals is contained in the Monazite sand?
(a) Oil
(b) Uranium
(c ) Thorium
(d) Coal
Ans: (c ) Thorium
Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.
Ferrous and non-ferrous minerals
Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy
Ferrous minerals are metallic minerals that contain iron, such as iron ore, manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
Non-ferrous minerals are also metallic minerals, but they do not contain iron. Examples include manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
Conventional sources of energy include firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity (both hydel and thermal).
Non-conventional sources of energy include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy.
ii.What is a mineral?
Ans:
Minerals are homogeneous, naturally occurring substances with a definable internal structure. They exist in various forms in nature, ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest talc.
iii. How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Ans:
In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals can occur in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints. Smaller deposits are called veins, while larger ones are called lodes.
4.Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Ans
Mineral deposits account for only one percent of the earth’s crust. It is essential to conserve mineral resources because the geological processes responsible for mineral formation occur at a very slow pace. The rate of replenishment of minerals is significantly smaller compared to the current rate of consumption. Therefore, conserving mineral resources is crucial to ensure their sustainable utilization for future generations.
3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India
Ans:
In India, coal can be found in rock series of two main geological ages:
Gondwana (200 million years old)
Tertiary deposits (55 million years old)
The major resources of Gondwana coal are located in:
Damodar Valley (West Bengal – Jharkhand) – Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro are important coalfields.
Godavari valley
Mahanadi valley
Son valley
Wardha valley
Tertiary coal occurs in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Ans:
Solar energy has a promising future in India due to our tropical climate, offering abundant opportunities for harnessing solar power. The adoption of solar energy is rapidly increasing, especially in rural and remote areas. India’s largest solar power plant, located at Madhapur near Bhuj, utilizes solar energy for sterilizing milk cans. This shift towards solar energy usage is expected to decrease the reliance of rural households on firewood and dung cakes, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and ensuring an ample supply of manure for agriculture.
Solar energy is classified as a non-conventional and renewable source of energy. Its utilization not only benefits the environment but also reduces our dependence on oil and gas
6. Manufacturing Industries
1.Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which one of the following industries uses limestone as a raw material.
(a) Aluminium
(b) Cement
(c ) Sugar
(d) Jute
Ans: (b) Cement
(ii) Which one of the following agencies markets steel for the public sector plants?
(a) HAIL
(b) SAIL
(c ) TATA Steel
(d) MNCC
Ans: (b) SAIL
(iii) Which one of the following industries uses bauxite as a raw material?
(a)Aluminium
(b) Cement
(c ) Jute
(d) Steel
Ans: (a) Aluminium
(iv) Which one of the following industries manufactures telephones, computer, etc.
(a)Steel
(b) Electronic
(c ) Aluminium
(d) Information Technology
Ans: (b) Electronic
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is manufacturing?
Ans:
Manufacturing involves the production of goods in large quantities through the processing of raw materials into more valuable products. For example, paper is manufactured from wood pulp, sugar is extracted from sugarcane, iron and steel are produced from iron ore, and aluminum is refined from bauxite ore.
(ii) Name any three physical factors for the location of the industry.
Ans:
Three physical factors influencing the location of industries are:
Availability of raw materials
Proximity to markets
Access to power supply
For example, the jute textile industry is concentrated in West Bengal due to the availability of jute-producing areas in the Hugli basin. Additionally, the presence of cheap water transport facilitates the transportation and processing of jute in this region.
(iii) Name any three human factors for the location of an industry
Ans:
Three human factors influencing the location of industries are:
Availability of labor
Access to capital
Proximity to urban centers
For example, the jute textile industry in West Bengal benefits from the availability of cheap labor from adjoining states. Additionally, Kolkata serves as a significant urban center, providing access to banking, insurance, and port facilities, further supporting the industry’s location in the region.
(iv) What are the basic industries? Give an example.
Ans:
Basic or key industries are those industries that provide essential raw materials or products used in the manufacturing of other goods.
For example, the iron and steel industry produces iron and steel, which are essential raw materials used in various other industries for manufacturing finished products.
(v) Name the important raw materials used in the manufacturing of cement?
Ans:
Important raw materials used in the manufacture of cement are:
Limestone
Silica
Alumina
Gypsum
3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) How are integrated steel plants different from mini steel plants? What problems does the industry face? What recent developments have led to a rise in the production capacity?
Ans:
Integrated steel plants are large complexes that handle all stages of steel production, from raw material processing to steelmaking, rolling, and shaping.
Mini steel plants, on the other hand, are smaller facilities equipped with electric furnaces. They primarily use steel scrap and sponge iron as raw materials and have re-rollers that work with steel ingots. These plants produce mild and alloy steel according to specific requirements.
The steel industry faces several challenges, including:
High cost and limited availability of coking coal.
Lower productivity of labor.
Irregular supply of energy.
Poor infrastructure.
Recent developments, such as liberalization and foreign direct investment (FDI), have contributed to the industry’s growth, with increased efforts from private entrepreneurs.
(ii) How do industries pollute the environment?
Ans:
Industries are responsible for four types of pollution:
Air pollution: This occurs due to the presence of undesirable gases such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well as airborne particulate matter emitted by industries.
Water pollution: Industrial activities release organic and inorganic wastes and effluents into water bodies, leading to contamination. Industries such as paper mills, refineries, and tanneries are major contributors to water pollution.
Land pollution: Dumping of industrial waste on land renders it unsuitable for agricultural activities. Pollutants from the soil can also leach into groundwater, further contaminating it.
Noise pollution: Industrial machinery and construction activities generate noise pollution, which can have adverse effects on human health and well-being.
(iii) Discuss the steps to be taken to minimise environmental degradation by industry?
Ans:
Steps that can be taken to minimize environmental degradation by industries include:
Adopting the latest techniques and upgrading existing equipment to improve energy efficiency.
Establishing green belts to nurture ecological balance.
Installing smokestacks equipped with electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, scrubbers, and inertial separators to reduce particulate matter emissions.
Using silencers for noise-generating equipment to mitigate noise pollution.
Minimizing water usage by implementing water reuse and recycling in multiple stages.
Implementing rainwater harvesting systems to meet water requirements.
Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them into rivers and ponds. Effluent treatment can involve:
Primary treatment using mechanical means such as screening, grinding, flocculation, and sedimentation.
Secondary treatment through biological processes.
Tertiary treatment using biological, chemical, and physical processes, including wastewater recycling.
7. Lifelines of National Economy
1.Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which two of the
following extreme locations are connected by the east-west corridor?
a. Mumbai and Nagpur
(b ) Silcher and Purbandar
(c) Mumbai and Kolkata
(d)Nagpur and Siligudi
Ans: (b) Silcher and Purbander
(ii) Which mode of
transportation reduces trans-shipment losses and delays?
(a) Railways
(b ) Roadways
(c) Pipelines
(d) Waterways
Ans:(c ) Pipelines
(iii) Which one of the
following states is not connected with the H.V.J. pipeline?
(a). Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar
Pradesh
Ans:(b) Maharashtra
(iv) Which one of the following ports is the deepest land-locked and well protected port along the
east coast?
(a). Chennai
(b ) Paradipicorin
(c) Tuicorin
(d)Vishakhapatnam
Ans:(d) Vishakhapatnam
(v) Which one of the following is the most important modes of transportation in India?
a. Pipeline
(b ) Railways Roadways
b. Roadways
(d) Airways
Ans: (b) Railways
(vi) Which one of the following terms is used to describe tradea between two or more countries?
(a). Internal trade
(b) International Trade
(b) External Trade
(d)Local trade
Ans: (b ) International Trade
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) State any three merits of roadways.
Ans:
Three merits of roadways are:
Cost-effectiveness: The construction cost of roads is significantly lower than that of railway lines, making roadways a more affordable transportation option.
Economic for short distances: Road transport is economical for the transportation of fewer individuals and smaller quantities of goods over short distances, providing a cost-effective solution for local travel needs.
Versatility in terrain: Roads can traverse more dissected and undulating topography compared to other modes of transportation, offering greater accessibility to various regions and facilitating connectivity across diverse landscapes.
(ii) Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?
Ans
Rail transport is the most convenient mode of transportation in the northern plains due to their level terrain, dense population, and abundant agricultural resources. The flat landscape facilitates the construction and operation of railways, offering efficient connectivity across the region. With a high population density, rail transport efficiently serves the transportation needs of a large number of people. Additionally, the presence of rich agricultural resources necessitates an effective transportation system for the movement of goods, making rail transport the preferred choice for bulk transportation of agricultural produce and commodities.
iii.What is the significance of the border roads?
Ans
Border roads hold strategic significance, enhancing accessibility in challenging terrains of bordering areas and fostering economic development therein. These roads play a crucial role in facilitating movement across rugged landscapes, thus bolstering connectivity to remote regions. Moreover, by improving access to these areas, border roads stimulate economic growth by facilitating trade, tourism, and infrastructure development. Their presence not only strengthens national security but also contributes to the socioeconomic upliftment of border communities, underscoring their vital role in advancing both strategic and developmental objectives.
iv.What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?
Ans
The exchange of goods among individuals, regions, and nations is termed trade. When trade occurs between two countries, it is termed international trade. Conversely, trade conducted within cities, towns, and villages is referred to as local trade. This encompasses the exchange of goods and services within smaller geographical areas, contributing to local economies and fostering community interaction and commerce.
3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
i. Why are the means of transportation and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?
Ans:
The transportation and communication infrastructure serve as the lifelines of a nation and its economy, facilitating rapid development. Despite India’s vast size, diversity, and linguistic and socio-cultural plurality, it is well-connected with the rest of the world. Railways, airways, waterways, as well as newspapers, radio, cinema, television, and the internet, play pivotal roles in India’s socio-economic advancement. These modes contribute to enhanced connectivity, trade, and dissemination of information, enriching lives and augmenting amenities and comforts for its citizens. Together with trade, they form a critical foundation for India’s progress and development.
ii. Write a note on the changing nature of international trade in the last fifteen years
Ans:
International trade, the exchange of goods between two countries, has undergone significant transformation in the last fifteen years. While physical exchange of goods and commodities was predominant in the past, it has now been surpassed by the exchange of information and knowledge. For instance, India’s emergence as a global software powerhouse has led to substantial foreign exchange earnings through information technology exports. Moreover, international trade dynamics are influenced by inter-country relationships and external factors such as duties and tariffs on goods transportation. Over the past fifteen years, the emergence of various trade blocs has further reshaped the landscape of international trade, altering conventional trade practices.
iii. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Ans:
The different forms of power sharing include:
Horizontal Division of Power: Power is shared between various branches of government, such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Each branch holds different powers, preventing any single department from wielding unlimited authority.
Vertical Division of Power: Power is distributed across different levels of government, such as central, state, municipality, and gram panchayat in India. The constitution delineates the powers of each level of government to ensure effective governance.
Division of Power among Social Groups: Power is shared among various social groups, transcending religious affiliations. Examples include community government in Belgium and reserved constituencies in India, ensuring equitable representation and participation in decision-making.
Division of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements: Power is shared among competing political parties, pressure groups, and movements in a democratic system. This ensures that power is not concentrated in one entity and is dispersed among different ideologies and social groups, fostering pluralism and representation.