Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Case Based Questions - Contemporary India - II

Q1: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Transport plays a crucial role in the development of a country. The movement of goods and services from supply locations to demand locations is necessary for economic activities. A well-developed transportation system helps in trade, business, and industrialization. India has a vast transport network, including roadways, railways, waterways, airways, and pipelines, which connect different parts of the country and facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people.

i. Why is transport essential for economic development? (1 mark)
ii. Name two major means of transport in India. (1 mark)
iii. How does a well-developed transport network benefit trade and industry? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Transport is essential as it helps in moving goods and services efficiently, boosting trade and industrial growth.
ii. Roadways and Railways are two major means of transport in India.
iii. A well-developed transport network offers several significant benefits for trade and industry:

• Reduces transportation costs, making it more economical for businesses to move goods.
• Connects markets, allowing producers to reach a wider customer base and consumers to access a variety of products.
• Increases industrial output by facilitating the efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods.
• Promotes trade by enhancing the ease of importing and exporting goods, leading to greater economic growth.

Q2: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

India has the second-largest road network in the world. Roads are preferred over railways due to their low construction cost, ability to connect remote areas, and door-to-door service. However, railways are more suitable for long-distance travel and transporting bulk goods. The Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways and National Highways play a crucial role in India's road transport system, whereas railways serve as the principal mode of freight and passenger transport.

i. Why are roadways preferred over railways for short distances? (1 mark)
ii. Name the project that connects India’s major metropolitan cities with highways. (1 mark)
iii. How do roadways and railways complement each other in transportation? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Roadways are preferred for short distances because they are cheaper, offer door-to-door service, and can be built in difficult terrain.
ii. The Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways project connects major cities across India. 
iii. Roadways serve as essential feeders to railways, connecting rural areas to railway stations. This connection facilitates access to public transport and enhances mobility for residents in less accessible regions. On the other hand, railways are particularly efficient for transporting heavy goods and covering long distances. They can move large quantities of cargo quicker and with lower fuel consumption compared to road transport. 

Q3: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Pipelines are an efficient and cost-effective mode of transporting liquids, gases, and even solids in slurry form. India has a well-developed pipeline network for transporting crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Important pipelines include:

• Assam to Kanpur Pipeline
• Salaya (Gujarat) to Jalandhar (Punjab) Pipeline
• Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) Gas Pipeline

These pipelines reduce transportation costs, prevent transshipment losses, and minimize environmental pollution.

i. What materials are transported through pipelines? (1 mark)
ii. Name one major natural gas pipeline in India. (1 mark)
iii. What are the advantages of using pipelines for transportation? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Pipelines transport crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and slurry.
ii. The Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) Gas Pipeline is a major natural gas pipeline in India.
iii. Pipelines offer several advantages for transportation, including:

• Cost Reduction: Pipelines significantly lower transportation costs compared to other methods.
• Elimination of Delays: They provide a more reliable means of transport, reducing waiting times.
• Leakage and Theft Prevention: Pipelines are designed to minimise the risk of leakage and theft.
• Environmental Benefits: They are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than other transportation options.

Q4: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Air transport is the fastest and most efficient mode of transportation, especially in areas with difficult terrain like the Himalayas, deserts, and remote islands. India has a well-developed air transport network, with major airports in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was launched to promote affordable regional air travel and improve connectivity to remote areas.

i. Why is air transport important in India? (1 mark)
ii. Name one government scheme launched to promote air connectivity in remote areas. (1 mark)
ii. How does air transport help in emergency situations? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Air transport is important in India because it connects remote and inaccessible areas, facilitates trade, and saves time.
ii. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme promotes regional air connectivity.
iii. Air transport plays a crucial role in emergencies by:

• Delivering medical aid swiftly to those in need.
• Providing disaster relief supplies to affected areas.
• Transporting troops quickly to support operations.

Q5: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

International trade plays a key role in India's economic growth. Exports bring foreign exchange, while imports fulfill domestic demands. India's major exports include gems and jewelry, agricultural products, and software, whereas its imports include petroleum, machinery, and electronic goods. The balance of trade is calculated by comparing exports and imports. If exports exceed imports, it is a favorable balance of trade, otherwise, it is unfavorable.

i. What is international trade? (1 mark)
ii. Name one major commodity that India exports. (1 mark)
iii. Why is a favorable balance of trade important for a country? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries.
ii. India exports gems and jewelry, which are significant commodities in its international trade.
iii. A favourable balance of trade is important for a country as it:

• Helps a country earn foreign exchange, which is essential for international trade.
• Strengthens its economy by promoting local industries and creating jobs.
• Reduces dependency on imports, enhancing national security and economic stability.

Q6: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Railways are the lifeline of India and play a crucial role in economic development, trade, and connectivity. India has the largest rail network in Asia and the fourth-largest in the world. Railways help in transporting goods and people across long distances at affordable costs. The development of high-speed trains and electrification is improving efficiency. However, challenges such as overcrowding, delays, and maintenance issues affect railway operations.

i. Why are railways considered the lifeline of India? (1 mark)
ii. Which country has the largest rail network in Asia? (1 mark)
iii. What are two challenges faced by Indian Railways? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Railways are considered the lifeline of India because they connect different regions, support trade, and provide affordable transportation.
ii. India has the largest rail network in Asia.
iii. Two challenges faced by Indian Railways:

• Overcrowding and delays in train schedules.
• High maintenance costs and aging infrastructure.

Q7: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

India has inland and coastal waterways that provide an efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport. The Ganga River (NW-1), Brahmaputra River (NW-2), and Godavari-Krishna Rivers (NW-4) are some major inland waterways. Water transport is cheaper than road and rail transport, but it is less developed due to seasonal variations in water levels and slow speed. Ports like Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai handle major shipping operations for international trade.

i. Which is the longest National Waterway in India? (1 mark)
ii. Name two major ports in India. (1 mark)
iii. What are two advantages of using waterways for transportation? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Ganga River (NW-1) is the longest National Waterway in India.
ii. Mumbai and Kolkata are two major ports in India.
iii. Two advantages of using waterways for transportation are:

• Cost-effectiveness: Waterway transport is generally cheaper than road and rail transport.
• Environmental benefits: It is eco-friendly, contributing to less pollution.

Q8: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Communication is the backbone of economic and social development. With the growth of telecommunication networks, mobile phones, and the internet, India has become a global leader in IT services. The postal network, radio, and television continue to play an important role in reaching rural areas. Government initiatives like Digital India have helped improve e-governance, online banking, and digital education.

i. Why is communication important for economic development? (1 mark)
ii. Name two modern means of communication. (1 mark)
iii. How has the Digital India initiative helped in development? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Communication connects businesses, promotes trade, and enhances governance and education.
ii. Internet and mobile phones are two modern means of communication.
iii. The Digital India initiative has significantly enhanced various sectors by improving online services, promoting digital banking, and expanding e-learning opportunities. This transformation has led to a reduction in reliance on traditional paperwork, making processes more efficient and accessible.

Q9: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Tourism is an important industry that generates employment and foreign exchange. India’s diverse culture, heritage, and landscapes attract millions of tourists annually. Popular tourist destinations include Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Kerala’s backwaters, and the Himalayas. The government promotes tourism through campaigns like "Incredible India" and "Atithi Devo Bhava". However, challenges like pollution, overcrowding, and lack of infrastructure affect the tourism sector.

i. How does tourism contribute to India’s economy? (1 mark)
ii. Name one government initiative to promote tourism in India. (1 mark)
iii. What are two challenges faced by the tourism industry? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. Tourism contributes by creating jobs and earning foreign exchange through international visitors.
ii. 'Incredible India' is a significant government initiative aimed at promoting tourism in India.
iii. Two significant challenges faced by the tourism industry are:

• Overcrowding and environmental damage at popular tourist locations.
• Poor infrastructure and a lack of adequate facilities.

Q10: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

International trade involves the exchange of goods and services between countries. India exports agricultural products, textiles, software, and pharmaceuticals, while importing petroleum, machinery, and gold. Ports play a major role in handling international trade, and government policies promote exports to maintain a favorable trade balance.

i. What is international trade? (1 mark)
ii. Name two major export items of India. (1 mark)
iii. Why is a favorable balance of trade important for a country? (2 marks)

Ans:
i. International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries.
ii. Textiles and software are two major export items of India.
iii. A favorable balance of trade is important for a country because it ensures that the value of exports exceeds the value of imports, leading to an inflow of foreign exchange. This strengthens the economy, reduces dependency on imports, and helps maintain financial stability by building reserves for future needs.