Extra 30 short answer questions "Lifelines of National Economy" chapter of Class 10 CBSE Geography:
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1. Why are transport and communication called lifelines of the economy?
Answer: Transport and communication help in the movement of goods, services, and people, facilitating trade and connectivity. They are essential for economic growth, industrial development, and social integration.
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2. What are National Highways? Who maintains them?
Answer: National Highways are the major roads connecting different states and important cities of India. They are maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the central government.
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3. What is the Golden Quadrilateral? Name the cities it connects.
Answer: The Golden Quadrilateral is a network of highways connecting India’s four major metropolitan cities:
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
It enhances road connectivity and boosts trade and industry.
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4. Mention two advantages of roadways over railways.
Answer:
1. Flexibility: Roads provide door-to-door service, whereas railways require additional transport.
2. Suitable for short distances: Roads are ideal for transporting goods and passengers over short distances.
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5. What are Border Roads? Who maintains them?
Answer:
Border Roads are strategically important roads built along India's international borders.
They are maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure connectivity in remote and defense-sensitive areas.
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6. What are expressways? Give two examples.
Answer:
Expressways are high-speed roads with limited access, designed for fast and smooth transportation.
Examples: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Yamuna Expressway (Delhi to Agra).
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7. Why is rail transport more suitable for carrying heavy goods over long distances?
Answer:
Rail transport is cost-effective and can carry bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, and petroleum efficiently.
Trains cover long distances quickly compared to road transport.
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8. Name the three types of railway gauges in India.
Answer:
1. Broad Gauge: 1.676 meters wide (most common).
2. Meter Gauge: 1.0 meter wide (being phased out).
3. Narrow Gauge: 0.762 meters or 0.610 meters wide (used in hilly areas).
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9. Why is the Indian railway network dense in the Northern Plains?
Answer:
1. Flat land makes railway construction easy.
2. High population density leads to more passengers and goods transport.
3. Rich agricultural regions require better connectivity for trade.
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10. What are the major problems faced by the Indian Railways?
Answer:
1. Overcrowding and excessive burden on rail infrastructure.
2. Delays due to outdated technology and maintenance issues.
3. Accidents caused by unmanned railway crossings and old tracks.
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11. What is the importance of waterways in India?
Answer:
1. Cheapest mode of transport for bulky goods.
2. Environmentally friendly, as it causes less pollution.
3. Reduces traffic congestion on roads and railways.
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12. Name two inland waterways in India.
Answer:
1. National Waterway 1: On the Ganga River (Haldia to Prayagraj).
2. National Waterway 2: On the Brahmaputra River (Dhubri to Sadiya).
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13. What is the difference between major and minor ports?
Answer:
Major Ports: Handle large-scale international trade and are controlled by the central government.
Minor Ports: Deal with domestic trade and are managed by state governments.
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14. Name two major ports on the eastern and western coasts of India.
Answer:
Eastern Coast: Chennai Port, Kolkata Port.
Western Coast: Mumbai Port, Kandla Port.
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15. What are pipelines? Mention their uses.
Answer:
Pipelines transport liquids and gases over long distances.
Uses: Transporting petroleum, crude oil, and natural gas from refineries to industries.
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16. What is an international airport? Give an example.
Answer:
An international airport handles flights connecting different countries.
Example: Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi).
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17. Why is air transport more popular in the northeastern states of India?
Answer:
1. Difficult terrain (hills and rivers) makes road and rail transport challenging.
2. Faster connectivity to remote areas.
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18. What is communication? Why is it important?
Answer:
Communication refers to the exchange of information using telephones, internet, radio, TV, and newspapers.
It helps in spreading knowledge, conducting business, and national development.
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19. What is mass communication? Give two examples.
Answer:
Mass communication reaches large audiences through various media.
Examples: Television, Newspapers.
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20. What are Special Economic Zones (SEZs)?
Answer:
SEZs are industrial zones with tax benefits to promote trade and investment.
They attract foreign companies and boost exports.
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21. Why is trade important for a country’s economy?
Answer:
1. Brings foreign exchange through exports.
2. Creates employment by boosting industries.
3. Strengthens international relations through economic partnerships.
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22. What are India’s major exports and imports?
Answer:
Exports: Petroleum products, textiles, jewelry, software.
Imports: Crude oil, machinery, electronic goods, gold.
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23. Name any two major trading partners of India.
Answer:
1. USA
2. China
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24. How does tourism contribute to India’s economy?
Answer:
1. Generates employment in hotels, transport, and handicrafts.
2. Brings foreign exchange from international tourists.
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25. Which states attract the most tourists in India?
Answer:
1. Domestic Tourism: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan.
2. Foreign Tourism: Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
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26. What is inland trade?
Answer:
Trade that occurs within the country's boundaries, involving goods transported by roads, railways, and waterways.
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27. What is the significance of Mumbai Port?
Answer:
1. Largest port in India, handling international trade.
2. Well-connected by road, rail, and air transport.
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28. What is meant by balance of trade?
Answer:
The difference between a country’s export earnings and import expenditure.
Favorable Balance: Exports > Imports.
Unfavorable Balance: Imports > Exports.
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29. Why is trade called the economic barometer of a country?
Answer:
Trade reflects a country’s economic health by showing growth in industries, production, and foreign relations.
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30. What are India’s main items of import?
Answer:
1. Crude oil and petroleum.
2. Electronic goods.
3. Machinery and chemicals.
