Extra 20 long questions and answers from Chapter: Development of Class 10 CBSE Economics:
1-10: Development & Economic Indicators
1. What is development? Explain its different aspects.
Ans: Development is the process of improving the standard of living, economic growth, and social well-being.
Aspects of Development:
Economic Growth
– Increase in income and employment opportunities.
Quality of Life
– Better healthcare, education, and living standards.
Sustainability
– Using resources wisely for future generations.
Social Equality
– Reduction in income and gender inequality.
Freedom and Security
– Protection of human rights and democratic values.
Infrastructure Development
– Better roads, electricity, and transportation.
2. Why do different people have different development goals? Explain with examples.
Ans: People have different needs, so their development goals vary.
Farmers
– Want better irrigation, high crop prices, and subsidies.
Workers
– Need job security, better wages, and working conditions.
Students
– Want better education and employment opportunities.
Industrialists
– Look for higher profits, tax benefits, and infrastructure.
Women
– Desire equality, safety, and education opportunities.
Environmentalist
– Prefer sustainable development and pollution control.
3. What is per capita income? Why is it an important indicator of development?
Ans: Per capita income is the total income of a country divided by its population. It helps compare the economic status of nations.
Importance:
Standard of Living
– Higher income generally means better living conditions.
International Comparison
– Used by World Bank to classify countries.
Economic Growth
– Shows a nation’s progress over time.
Income Distribution
– Helps understand wealth inequality.
Investment Decisions
– Guides government policies and planning.
HDI Calculation
– Used along with health and education for Human Development Index.
4. What is the Human Development Index (HDI)? Explain its components.
Ans: HDI is a measure of human well-being based on three factors.
Components of HDI:
Per Capita Income
– Measures economic prosperity.
Literacy Rate
– Indicates education levels and knowledge.
Life Expectancy
– Shows healthcare quality and living conditions.
Standard of Living
– Reflects access to basic facilities.
Equality
– Represents gender and social equity.
International Comparison
– Helps rank countries based on human development.
5. Why is HDI considered a better measure of development than per capita income?
Ans: HDI is a more comprehensive measure than just income.
Considers Quality of Life
– Includes education and health.
Accounts for Inequality
– Shows disparities in living standards.
Focuses on Well-being
– Not just economic growth but overall happiness.
International Comparisons
– Helps in global ranking of countries.
Sustainability
– Encourages long-term development.
Multi-Dimensional
– Measures social progress, not just wealth.
6. Explain the classification of countries by the World Bank based on per capita income.
Ans: The World Bank classifies countries into three categories.
Low-Income Countries
– Per capita income less than
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Middle-Income Countries
– Income between
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High-Income Countries
– Income above ,845 (e.g., USA, Germany).
GDP vs. Per Capita Income
– GDP measures total income, while per capita income shows individual earnings.
Limitations
– Per capita income ignores wealth distribution and quality of life.
Other Measures
– HDI and sustainability indicators are also used.
7. What are the limitations of using per capita income as an indicator of development?
Ans: Per capita income does not reflect true development.
Income Inequality
– Does not show how wealth is distributed.
Non-Economic Factors Ignored
– Health, education, and environment are not considered.
Regional Disparities
– Some areas may be richer than others.
Does Not Measure Happiness
– Social well-being is not included.
Environmental Concerns
– Ignores pollution and sustainability.
Cost of Living Differences
– A high-income country may still have a high cost of living.
11-20: Sustainable Development & Government Policies
8. What is sustainable development? Why is it necessary?
Ans: Sustainable development means using resources wisely without harming future generations.
Need for Sustainable Development:
Resource Conservation
– Prevents depletion of natural resources.
Environmental Protection
– Reduces pollution and climate change.
Long-Term Economic Growth
– Ensures stable economic progress.
Future Generations
– Preserves resources for future needs.
Biodiversity Conservation
– Protects plant and animal species.
Improved Quality of Life
– Ensures clean air, water, and healthy living conditions.
9. What are the causes of environmental degradation?
Ans: Environmental degradation occurs due to human activities.
Deforestation
– Cutting trees for industries and housing.
Overuse of Resources
– Excessive use of water, coal, and petroleum.
Industrial Pollution
– Factories release harmful gases and waste.
Urbanization
– Expanding cities create waste and pollution.
Agricultural Practices
– Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Climate Change
– Global warming due to greenhouse gases.
10. What are the steps to achieve sustainable development?
Ans: Governments and individuals can take action for sustainability.
Use Renewable Energy
– Solar and wind power instead of fossil fuels.
Water Conservation
– Rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
Afforestation
– Planting trees to reduce deforestation effects.
Reduce Waste
– Recycling and waste management.
Pollution Control
– Reducing emissions from factories and vehicles.
Awareness & Education
– Teaching people about sustainability.
11. What is the role of education in economic development?
Ans: Education plays a vital role in national growth.
Increases Employment
– Educated people get better jobs.
Improves Productivity
– Skilled workers contribute more to the economy.
Reduces Poverty
– Higher income leads to a better quality of life.
Encourages Innovation
– Leads to technological advancements.
Promotes Gender Equality
– More opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
Creates Awareness
– Educated people make informed decisions.
12. What are public facilities? Why are they important?
Ans: Public facilities are government-provided services for the common good.
Education
– Schools and colleges for literacy.
Healthcare
– Hospitals and vaccination programs.
Water Supply
– Clean drinking water for all.
Transport
– Railways and buses for connectivity.
Electricity
– Power supply for industries and homes.
Sanitation
– Toilets and waste disposal for hygiene
13. Why do we need public facilities? Give examples.
Ans: Public facilities are essential for ensuring a good quality of life for all citizens.
Basic Needs
Fulfillment
– Facilities like water, sanitation, and electricity improve living standards.
Health and Hygiene
– Hospitals and healthcare services prevent diseases.
Education and Employment
– Schools and colleges promote literacy and skill development.
Equality and Social Justice
– Helps reduce the gap between rich and poor.
Economic Development
– Transport and communication systems boost trade and businesses.
Government Responsibility
– Ensuring public welfare is a key role of the government.
14. What are the key factors affecting development?
Ans: Development is influenced by various economic and social factors.
Per Capita Income
– Higher income levels lead to better living conditions.
Education and Literacy
– Increases employment opportunities and innovation.
Health and Life Expectancy
– Ensures a productive workforce.
Infrastructure
– Roads, electricity, and transport support industrial growth.
Natural Resources
– Availability of land, water, and minerals affects progress.
Political Stability
– A good government promotes economic and social development.
15. What are the problems associated with high income inequality in a country?
Ans: Unequal income distribution leads to several economic and social problems.
Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor
– Poor struggle to afford basic needs.
Poor Access to Education and Healthcare
– Low-income families suffer the most.
Increase in Crime Rates
– Economic disparities lead to social unrest.
Slow Economic Growth
– High inequality slows down overall development.
Political Instability
– Leads to dissatisfaction and protests.
Limited Opportunities
– The rich get richer, while the poor remain poor.
16. How does economic growth contribute to development?
Ans: Economic growth is essential for improving the living standards of people.
Increase in National Income
– More production leads to a higher GDP.
Better Job Opportunities
– Expanding industries create employment.
Higher Government Revenue
– More tax collection for welfare schemes.
Improvement in Public Facilities
– More schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
Poverty Reduction
– Higher income levels help uplift the poor.
Better Living Standards
– People have access to better goods and services.
17. Why is life expectancy an important indicator of development?
Ans: Life expectancy measures the average lifespan of a country’s population.
Reflects Healthcare Quality
– Better medical facilities increase lifespan.
Indicates Living Standards
– Good food, sanitation, and hygiene improve life.
Measures Economic Progress
– Higher life expectancy means better development.
Links to Education and Awareness
– Educated societies adopt healthier lifestyles.
Shows Government Effectiveness
– Public health policies impact lifespan.
Represents Human Well-being
– A longer life means better social conditions.
18. How can renewable resources help in sustainable development?
Ans: Renewable resources ensure long-term economic and environmental balance.
Reduce Dependence on Fossil Fuels
– Solar, wind, and hydro energy are alternatives.
Lower Pollution Levels
– Green energy sources cause less environmental damage.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
– Sustainable sources provide continuous energy.
Preserve Non-Renewable Resources
– Limits excessive coal and petroleum usage.
Encourage Innovation and Employment
– Green technology leads to new job opportunities.
Improve Health Conditions
– Less pollution means fewer respiratory diseases.
19. What steps can the government take to promote development?
Ans: The government plays a crucial role in economic and social development.
Invest in Education
– Improve literacy and skill development programs.
Enhance Healthcare Services
– Provide hospitals, medicines, and sanitation.
Create Employment Opportunities
– Support industries and small businesses.
Improve Infrastructure
– Build roads, railways, and electricity supply.
Ensure Gender Equality
– Empower women through education and employment.
Environmental Protection
– Implement policies for pollution control and sustainability.
20. How is the Human Development Report (HDR) useful for comparing countries?
Ans: The Human Development Report (HDR) provides insights into a country’s progress.
HDI Ranking
– Helps compare global development levels.
Income-Based Comparisons
– Shows economic disparities.
Education Index
– Reflects literacy rates and schooling years.
Health Indicators
– Includes life expectancy and healthcare quality.
Poverty and Inequality Data
– Measures income gaps within nations.
Policy Suggestions
– Guides governments to improve human welfare