Q1: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
People have different aspirations for development based on their needs, environment, and social background. For example, a landless laborer might want more work and better wages, while a rich urban businessman may focus on increasing profits and expanding his business. Similarly, a girl from a wealthy family may desire equal freedom as her brother, while a tribal community might oppose a development project that threatens their land and livelihood.
i. Why do different people have different developmental goals? (1 mark)
ii. Give an example of a development goal that may conflict with another. (1 mark)
iii. Why is it important to consider multiple aspects of development and not just income? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Different people have different developmental goals because their needs, occupations, and life situations vary.
ii. An example of a conflicting development goal is building a dam for industrial growth, which may lead to displacement of local tribal communities.
iii. Development is not just about income because factors like education, healthcare, equality, and environmental protection also affect people’s quality of life. Focusing only on income ignores the broader aspects of well-being, such as social justice, sustainability, and access to basic services, which are essential for holistic progress.
Q2: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
While income is an important factor for development, people also seek equality, freedom, security, and respect. A job that provides regular employment and security may be more desirable than one that offers high wages but no job security. Similarly, women’s participation in paid work increases their status and dignity in society, which is a non-material development goal.
i. Why is income not the only indicator of development? (1 mark)
ii. How does women’s participation in work contribute to development? (1 mark)
iii. Give two non-material factors that influence the quality of life apart from income. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Income is not the only indicator of development because people also seek security, equality, and freedom, which cannot be measured in monetary terms.
ii. Women’s participation in work contributes to development by improving their social status, increasing family income, and promoting gender equality.
iii. Two non-material factors influencing quality of life:
- Respect and dignity in society.
- A safe and secure working environment.
Q3: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Countries are often compared based on per capita income, which is calculated as total national income divided by population. The World Bank classifies countries into rich and poor based on per capita income. However, this method does not show how income is distributed within a country. A country may have high per capita income but extreme income inequality, making life difficult for most citizens.
i. What is per capita income? (1 mark)
ii. Why is per capita income not always a reliable indicator of development? (1 mark)
iii. Besides per capita income, what other factors should be considered when comparing countries? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Per capita income is the total income of a country divided by its total population.
ii. Per capita income is not always reliable because it does not show income inequality—some people may be extremely rich while others remain poor.
iii. Other factors for comparing countries:
- Literacy rate and educational opportunities, which impact the overall development of a population.
- Healthcare facilities and life expectancy, as these are crucial for assessing the quality of life.
Q4: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
The Human Development Index (HDI) ranks countries based on three indicators: income, education, and life expectancy. While India has a higher per capita income than Nepal and Bangladesh, these countries rank better than India in life expectancy and literacy rates. This shows that income alone does not determine human well-being.
i. What three factors are considered in the Human Development Index (HDI)? (1 mark)
ii. Why do some countries with lower per capita income rank higher in HDI than India? (1 mark)
iii. How does HDI provide a better comparison of development than just income levels? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. The three factors in HDI are per capita income, life expectancy, and mean years of schooling.
ii. Some countries with lower per capita income rank higher in HDI because they perform better in health and education indicators.
iii. HDI offers a superior comparison by considering multiple factors, such as education and healthcare, rather than focusing solely on income to measure overall well-being. It provides a more holistic view of development by accounting for quality of life, longevity, and access to knowledge, ensuring a balanced assessment of a country's progress.
Q5: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Sustainable development means using resources wisely so that future generations can also benefit. However, many resources like groundwater and crude oil are being overused. Studies show that one-third of India is overusing its groundwater, and global crude oil reserves may last only 50 years. If development continues without sustainability, it may lead to resource depletion and environmental crises.
i. What is meant by sustainable development? (1 mark)
ii. Why is groundwater overuse a serious problem in India? (1 mark)
iii. Suggest two ways in which we can promote sustainable development. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Sustainable development means using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
ii. Groundwater overuse is a serious problem in India because many regions extract more water than is replenished by rain, leading to water shortages.
iii. Two ways to promote sustainable development:
- Encourage water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting.
- Utilise renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy, instead of relying on fossil fuels.
Q6: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Public facilities such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and transport play a crucial role in improving the quality of life. Even if a person has a high income, they may not live a good life if clean drinking water, proper medical care, and quality education are not available. Governments invest in public welfare programs to ensure that even the poor have access to essential services.
i. Why are public facilities important for development? (1 mark)
ii. Name two essential public facilities provided by the government. (1 mark)
iii. How does the availability of public facilities reduce economic inequality? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Public facilities are important because they improve health, education, and living standards, benefiting all citizens, especially the poor.
ii. Two essential public facilities are healthcare (hospitals) and education (schools and colleges).
iii. The availability of public facilities reduces economic inequality by ensuring that even low-income groups can access essential services like education and healthcare, which helps improve their living conditions. By providing equal opportunities for development, these facilities empower marginalized communities to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to societal progress.
Q7: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is an important indicator of development, as it reflects healthcare quality, nutrition, and maternal care. Countries with low IMR usually have better medical facilities and higher living standards. However, in many developing countries, IMR is still high due to malnutrition, lack of medical services, and poor sanitation.
i. What is Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)? (1 mark)
ii. Why do countries with low IMR have higher development levels? (1 mark)
iii. Suggest two ways to reduce IMR in developing countries. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births in a year.
ii. Countries with low IMR have higher development levels because they have better healthcare systems, proper nutrition, and improved maternal care.
iii. Two ways to reduce IMR:
- Providing free vaccination and medical care for newborns and mothers.
- Ensuring better nutrition and hygiene during pregnancy.
Q8: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Natural resources are classified into renewable (like solar and wind energy) and non-renewable (like coal and petroleum). Overuse of non-renewable resources leads to environmental damage and resource depletion. Sustainable development encourages using renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect the environment.
i. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources? (1 mark)
ii. Why is it important to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources? (1 mark)
iii. Suggest two ways to promote the use of renewable energy. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Renewable resources can be replenished naturally (e.g., solar energy), while non-renewable resources are limited and take millions of years to form (e.g., coal, petroleum).
ii. It is important to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources because they are limited, cause pollution, and contribute to climate change.
iii. Two ways to promote renewable energy:
- Encouraging solar panel installations and wind energy projects.
- Providing government subsidies for renewable energy technologies.
Q9: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Employment plays a key role in development. However, some jobs, such as those in polluting industries or illegal mining, harm the environment. Sustainable development requires creating employment opportunities in eco-friendly industries like solar energy, organic farming, and waste recycling.
i. Why is employment an important factor in development? (1 mark)
ii. How do some industries negatively impact sustainable development? (1 mark)
iii. Suggest two employment opportunities that promote sustainability. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Employment is important for development because it provides income, improves living standards, and supports economic growth.
ii. Some industries harm sustainable development by causing pollution, deforestation, and overexploitation of natural resources.
iii. Two employment opportunities that promote sustainability:
- Jobs in renewable energy sectors, such as solar and wind power.
- Positions in organic farming and eco-friendly manufacturing industries.
Q10: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Education is a key factor in human development. A literate and skilled population helps in economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life. Countries with high literacy rates often have better job opportunities, higher income levels, and lower poverty rates. Governments invest in free schooling and scholarship programs to ensure that all children get an education.
i. Why is education an essential part of human development? (1 mark)
ii. How does literacy impact employment opportunities? (1 mark)
iii. What measures can governments take to improve education access? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Education is essential for human development because it improves skills, increases awareness, and helps people make informed decisions.
ii. Literacy impacts employment opportunities by providing better job prospects, higher wages, and access to skilled professions.
iii. Measures to improve education access:
- Provide free and compulsory education for all children.
- Offer scholarships and mid-day meal programmes to encourage school attendance.