Worksheet Solutions: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours - 2 | Economics Class 12 - Commerce PDF Download

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

Q1: China's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policy has been a significant inducer of _________.
Ans: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
China's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policy, initiated in the late 1970s, aimed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by creating designated areas with preferential economic policies and incentives. These zones offered favorable conditions for foreign businesses, such as tax breaks, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure development. As a result, numerous multinational corporations invested in these zones, driving significant foreign direct investment into China.

Q2: One common parameter of human development is life expectancy, where a higher value indicates __________.
Ans: Better living conditions and healthcare.
Life expectancy is a fundamental indicator of human development and reflects the average number of years a person is expected to live, typically at birth. A higher life expectancy indicates better living conditions, improved healthcare, access to nutritious food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare facilities, education, and overall well-being within a society. Countries with higher life expectancies often have effective healthcare systems, good living standards, and a focus on public health and wellness.

Q3: The primary goal of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is to increase _________.
Ans: Foreign investment
The primary goal of establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is to attract and increase foreign investment in a country. SEZs are designated geographic areas with special economic regulations and incentives designed to promote economic growth and development by attracting both domestic and foreign investment. These incentives encourage businesses to set up operations within the zones, boosting economic activity, creating employment opportunities, and driving technological advancements.

Q4: The economic model adopted by China was a "Command Economy," while India and Pakistan adopted a ________ model.
Ans: Mixed economy
China initially adopted a "Command Economy" or a centrally planned economy, characterized by government control and regulation of the means of production, distribution, and pricing. In contrast, India and Pakistan adopted a "Mixed Economy" model. A mixed economy combines elements of both a market economy (private ownership and market-driven decisions) and a planned or government-regulated economy. In a mixed economy, the government plays a role in economic planning, regulation, and provision of essential services, while private enterprise also operates within the framework of market forces.

Q5: India announced its first Five-Year Plan in _______.
Ans: 1951
India announced its first Five-Year Plan in 1951. The First Five-Year Plan was a significant step in India's economic development, outlining the country's goals and strategies for economic growth and development over a five-year period. The plan focused on various sectors, including agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and social services, with the aim of accelerating economic progress and improving the living standards of the population.

Q6: The "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution" in China took place from _______ to ________.
Ans: 1966-1976
The "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution" in China occurred from 1966 to 1976. It was a socio-political movement initiated by Mao Zedong, the Chairman of the Communist Party of China, aiming to preserve the communist ideology and eliminate perceived capitalist and traditional influences within the society. The Cultural Revolution had profound social and economic impacts, with widespread ideological purges, societal upheaval, and economic disruptions during this period.

Q7: Pakistan implemented economic reforms in ________.
Ans: 1988
Pakistan implemented significant economic reforms in 1988, following the democratic transition that year. Benazir Bhutto became the Prime Minister and initiated economic policy changes to address various economic challenges faced by Pakistan at the time. These reforms aimed to promote economic stability, liberalize trade, improve governance, and address issues related to fiscal management and public finance.

Q8: Rural poverty in China declined by ________ during the period from 1978 to 1989.
Ans: 85%
Rural poverty in China experienced a substantial decline of approximately 85% during the period from 1978 to 1989. This remarkable reduction in rural poverty was attributed to China's economic reforms and the implementation of the Open Door Policy, which encouraged economic liberalization, foreign trade, and investment. These policies significantly improved living standards and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

Q9: The Green Revolution in India led to an increase in the production of _______.
Ans: Food grains
The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the mid-1960s, resulted in a significant increase in the production of food grains, particularly wheat and rice. The Green Revolution involved the introduction of high-yield varieties of seeds, modern agricultural techniques, irrigation improvements, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. These advancements led to a substantial boost in agricultural productivity, helping India achieve self-sufficiency in food production and alleviating food shortages.

Q10: In terms of the use of modern technology, both India and Pakistan are ________.
Ans: Improving.
Both India and Pakistan are steadily improving in terms of the use of modern technology. Both countries have made advancements in various sectors, including information technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, and research and development. Investments in technology infrastructure, education, and innovation have contributed to technological progress, enabling the adoption of modern technologies and fostering growth in related industries and services in both nations.

Section 2: Assertion and Reason

Q1: Assertion: Both India and Pakistan adopted a mixed economy model.
Reason: India and Pakistan wanted to emulate China's command economy.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: False
India and Pakistan both adopted mixed economy models, but it was not with the intention of emulating China's command economy. They chose mixed economies to balance public and private sectors.

Q2: Assertion: China's success in rural poverty reduction was due to its comprehensive reforms in the 1980s.
Reason: India was already experiencing high growth during the 1980s.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: True
China's rural poverty reduction success came after comprehensive reforms in the 1980s, while India was experiencing slower growth.

Q3: Assertion: India has a higher proportion of its population engaged in agriculture compared to China. Reason: India's shift from agriculture to the service sector has been more gradual.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: True
India has a higher proportion of its population engaged in agriculture, and its shift from agriculture to the service sector has been gradual compared to China.

Q4: Assertion: India's success in providing health services is better than Pakistan.
Reason: Pakistan has a lower infant mortality rate.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: False
The assertion is false. While Pakistan has a lower infant mortality rate, it does not necessarily reflect the overall success of providing health services.

Q5: Assertion: Pakistan's dependence on remittances has contributed to its economic slowdown.
Reason: Remittances from emigrants have a positive impact on economic growth.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: True
The assertion is true. Pakistan's over-dependence on remittances has contributed to economic slowdown, even though remittances can have a positive impact on economic growth.

Section 3: Very Short Answers

Q1: What is the primary driver of growth in China?
Ans: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Q2: Name one parameter of human development.
Ans: Life expectancy

Q3: What is the main goal of Special Economic Zones (SEZs)?
Ans: To increase foreign investment

Q4: In what year did China initiate its economic reforms?
Ans: 1978

Q5: What is the common economic model adopted by India and Pakistan?
Ans: Mixed economy

Q6: Name one parameter for measuring success in structural reforms in China.
Ans: Infrastructure in education and health

Q7: What is the common goal of structural reforms in India and Pakistan?
Ans: Reducing poverty

Q8: What was the main reason for China's low population growth?
Ans: One child policy

Q9: In which sector does India have a high proportion of its population engaged?
Ans: Agriculture

Q10: What is the common reason for India's and Pakistan's economic slowdown in the 1990s?
Ans: Falling GDP growth rate

Section 4: Short Answers

Q1: Describe the economic strategy adopted by India to accelerate growth.
Ans: India implemented a sound trade system, poverty reduction measures, rural development initiatives, and employment generation programs to accelerate growth. These strategies aimed to open up the economy, reduce poverty, develop lagging rural areas, and create job opportunities.

Q2: Explain the key features of China's economic strategy, including the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution.
Ans: China's economic strategy involved the Great Leap Forward (GLF), a massive industrialization campaign initiated in 1958, encouraging backyard industries. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) sent professionals to rural areas, promoting collective land cultivation. These efforts aimed to industrialize and strengthen rural areas.

Q3: Describe Pakistan's economic strategy, including the Green Revolution and structural reforms.
Ans: Pakistan's strategy included the Green Revolution, capital goods industry nationalization in the 1970s, and structural reforms in 1988, emphasizing denationalization and private sector encouragement. They also received foreign support and remittances.

Q4: Explain the common successes in structural reforms for India and Pakistan.
Ans: India and Pakistan both succeeded in doubling per capita incomes, reducing poverty, achieving self-sufficiency in food production, developing service and industry sectors, and improving technology adoption.

Q5: Describe areas where Pakistan has an edge over India in economic development.
Ans: Pakistan outperforms India in the migration of the workforce from agriculture to industry, migration from rural to urban areas, access to improved water sources, and reducing the below-poverty-line population.

Q6: Explain areas where India has an edge over Pakistan in economic development.
Ans: India excels in skilled manpower and research and development institutions, particularly in areas like defense technology, space research, genetics, and telecommunications. It also addresses health facilities and infant mortality more effectively.

Q7: Describe the demographic indicators for India, China, and Pakistan.
Ans: Pakistan has the smallest population among the three, with China being the largest geographically but having the lowest density. Population growth is highest in Pakistan, followed by India and China. All three countries have a low sex ratio, with strong son preference. Fertility rates vary, with China having a low rate. Urbanization is high in China and Pakistan.

Q8: Explain the contributions of the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors to GDP in India, China, and Pakistan.
Ans: In India, the agricultural sector contributes about 19% of GDP, with manufacturing and the service sector each contributing around 50%. In China, agriculture contributes about 9% of GDP, with manufacturing contributing 47% and the service sector also growing. In Pakistan, the agricultural sector contributes about 21% of GDP, with manufacturing and the service sector playing significant roles.

Section 5: Long Answers

Q1: Compare and contrast the economic development paths of India, Pakistan, and China from their independence to the present day.
Ans:

• India: India started with a mixed economy model, emphasizing a large public sector and social development spending. Economic reforms in 1991 opened up the economy, focusing on liberalization, privatization, and globalization. India's growth trajectory was relatively slow until the 1980s but picked up post-reforms, with a strong emphasis on the service sector.

• Pakistan: Pakistan followed a mixed economy model, protecting the manufacturing of consumer goods and implementing the Green Revolution. Structural reforms in 1988 focused on denationalization and encouraging the private sector. Pakistan's growth faced challenges due to political instability, dependence on remittances, and over-reliance on foreign loans.

• China: China started with a command economy, later transitioning to a more market-oriented approach in the late 1970s. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution aimed at rapid industrialization. China's reforms in 1978 led to rapid growth, with a significant focus on attracting foreign investment and developing the manufacturing sector.

Q2: Discuss the demographic indicators and their implications for the development of India, China, and Pakistan.
Ans:

• Population Size and Growth: China faces challenges due to its massive population size, necessitating measures like the one-child policy. Pakistan's high population growth rate impacts resource allocation and development planning. India's large population presents both a potential workforce and a challenge in providing basic necessities.

• Sex Ratio and Fertility Rate: The skewed sex ratio in all three countries indicates a preference for males, impacting social dynamics. China's one-child policy resulted in a skewed sex ratio. Variations in fertility rates highlight different demographic challenges.

• Urbanization: Higher urbanization rates in China and Pakistan indicate shifts from rural to urban areas, posing challenges and opportunities for infrastructure, employment, and social services. India faces a gradual but significant urbanization process.

Q3: Analyze the economic contributions of the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors in India, China, and Pakistan.

Ans:

• India: The agricultural sector remains a significant contributor to employment and GDP, while the service sector is the largest contributor to GDP. Manufacturing also plays a vital role, especially in labor-intensive industries. India's growth trajectory involves a shift from agriculture to services.

• China: China's manufacturing sector is the backbone of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP. The agricultural sector's contribution has decreased over the years. The service sector is growing rapidly and playing an increasingly important role in the economy.

• Pakistan: The agricultural sector is a major contributor to employment and GDP, with a focus on crops like cotton, wheat, and rice. Manufacturing, particularly textiles and consumer goods, is another significant contributor. The service sector is also growing, contributing to the economy.

Q4: Compare the human development indicators of India, China, and Pakistan, and discuss their implications for the respective countries.

Ans:

• India: India performs moderately in human development indicators. Challenges include a significant portion of the population engaged in agriculture and inadequate infrastructure. The focus needs to shift towards improving education and healthcare, especially in rural areas, to enhance overall development.

• China: China has performed well in human development indicators, indicating better living conditions and healthcare. Its success in providing social infrastructure and alleviating poverty showcases the effectiveness of public intervention. The focus should now be on maintaining these achievements and addressing emerging challenges.

• Pakistan: Pakistan's progress in human development indicators is slower than China's but better than India's in certain aspects. However, political instability and an over-dependence on remittances pose challenges. Pakistan should prioritize stability, economic diversification, and reducing poverty for sustainable development.