Class 10 Economics Chapter 4 Previous Year Questions - Globalisation and the Indian Economy

Ans: Indian markets have been transformed since 1991 in the following ways:

• Wider choice: Consumers now enjoy a greater variety of goods and services.
• Access to global brands: The latest models of digital cameras, mobile phones, and televisions from leading manufacturers are readily available. For example, new automobile models are frequently seen on Indian roads.
• Explosion of brands: There is a significant increase in brands across various products, including shirts, televisions, and processed fruit juices.
• Global trade: Producers from any country can sell their products globally, linking markets through trade. Examples include online shopping platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
• Liberalisation: Enterprises now have the freedom to choose what goods to import or export, with the government imposing far fewer restrictions than before.

Ans: The factors that have enabled globalisation in India include:

• Information Technology (IT): IT has significantly boosted service production.
• Technological Improvements: Over the past 50 years, advancements in technology, such as the use of containers for transportation, have reduced costs and increased market reach.
• Transportation Advances: Rapid improvements in transportation have made long-distance shipping cheaper and faster.
• Government Policies: The Indian government has removed previous trade barriers, facilitating easier import and export of goods and services.

Ans: (a)
When a multinational corporation (MNC) works on joint production with a local company, a major benefit is that the MNC shares its latest technology with the local company. This helps improve the local company’s production processes and quality, making it more competitive. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer, while the other options do not highlight the key advantage of technology transfer.

Ans: Steps to Attract Foreign Investment:

• The government has established Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that provide excellent facilities such as electricity, water, and transport.
• Companies operating in SEZs benefit from tax exemptions for the first five years.
• Labour laws have been made more flexible, allowing companies to hire workers without long-term job security during busy periods.
• Various legal concessions are offered to encourage foreign companies to invest.
• Efforts are made to improve infrastructure and services to create a more attractive investment environment.

Ans: (c)

The Indian government liberalized trade regulations in 1991 to help Indian producers compete in the global market. By reducing restrictions on imports and exports, it aimed to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian industries, enabling them to thrive in international trade. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer, while the other options do not directly address the main goal of liberalization.

Ans: Information technology has significantly accelerated the process of globalisation. It has transformed how people interact and communicate worldwide. 
Key points include:

• People can connect instantly with anyone, anywhere in the world.
• Most transactions, except for the physical movement of goods, can be conducted online.
• Without information technology, globalisation would have progressed much more slowly.
• Communication of essential information would have taken longer, delaying integration among countries.

Ans: Liberalisation of foreign trade refers to the removal of government restrictions on trade. This process involves a policy framework at both national and international levels. 
Key points include:

• Policy Changes in India: In 1991, India made significant policy changes to enhance competition among domestic producers, aiming to improve quality.
• Removal of Barriers: Restrictions on foreign trade and investment were largely lifted, supported by influential international organisations.
• Ease of Trade: This liberalisation allowed for easier import and export of goods, enabling foreign companies to establish factories and offices in India.
• Reduced Restrictions: The government now imposes fewer restrictions compared to the past, indicating a more liberal trade environment.

Ans: In recent times, technology in the telecommunications, computer, and internet fields has been changing rapidly. Telecommunication facilities such as telegraph, telephone (including mobile phones), etc., are used to contact one another around the world, access information instantly, and communicate from remote areas. Information and communication technology has played a major role in spreading out the production of services across countries. For example, a news magazine published for London readers can be designed and printed in Delhi, with the text of the magazine sent through the internet to the Delhi office.

Ans: The Central and State governments have taken several measures to attract foreign companies to invest in India. Some of these steps include:

• Simplification of rules and regulations: The government has simplified the procedures and regulations related to foreign direct investment (FDI) in order to create a more business-friendly environment. This includes streamlining the approval process and reducing bureaucratic red tape.
• Incentives and benefits: The government offers various incentives and benefits to foreign companies, such as tax exemptions, subsidies, and financial assistance. These incentives are aimed at attracting investment and promoting economic growth.
• Infrastructure development: The government has focused on developing world-class infrastructure, including transportation, communication, and industrial facilities. This infrastructure development provides a conducive environment for foreign companies to set up their operations.
• Skill development and training: The government has prioritized skill development and training programs to enhance the employability of the workforce. This ensures that foreign companies have access to a skilled and qualified pool of talent.
• Sector-specific policies: The government has formulated sector-specific policies to attract foreign investment in key industries such as manufacturing, services, and technology. These policies provide clarity and guidance to foreign companies interested in investing in these sectors.

Overall, the Central and State governments have been proactive in creating a favorable investment climate to attract foreign companies to invest in India.

Ans: Globalisation and technology are closely linked. The movement of people, goods, and ideas is accelerated by advancements in transport and communication. In turn, technological development benefits from the diversity of ideas and the larger scale that globalisation provides.
Key points about the role of technology in globalisation include:

• Revolutionised economy: Technology has transformed the global economy and is now a critical competitive strategy.
• New markets: Globalisation has opened up new markets, while information technologies support these emerging opportunities.
• Overcoming barriers: Technology helps address major challenges in globalisation, such as trade barriers, ethical standards, transportation costs, and delays in information exchange.
• Collaboration: It enables software experts to collaborate over networks with companies worldwide.
• Transport advancements: Improvements in transportation technology allow for faster and cheaper delivery of goods over long distances.

For example, the use of containers has significantly reduced port handling costs and increased the speed of exports. Additionally, the falling costs of air transport have enabled greater volumes of goods to be shipped by airlines.

Ans: Globalisation refers to the integration of a country's economy with those of other nations, allowing for the free flow of trade, capital, and movement of people across borders. Historically, foreign trade has been a key channel connecting countries. This integration occurs when goods from one country are traded in another, thereby linking their markets. 
Key points include:

• Trade routes, established in ancient times, connected regions like Asia to the rest of the world.
• These routes facilitated not just the movement of goods, but also the exchange of ideas and cultures.
• Trading companies, such as the East India Company, were drawn to regions like India due to trading interests.
• Foreign trade allows producers to expand beyond domestic markets, increasing competition.
• Consumers benefit from a wider variety of goods, leading to more choices.

As trade opens up, the prices of similar goods in different markets tend to equalise. Producers in different countries compete with each other, regardless of the distance between them. Thus, foreign trade leads to:

• Market integration across countries.
• Increased competition among producers.
• A greater selection of goods for consumers.

In summary, foreign trade plays a crucial role in connecting and integrating markets globally.

Ans: All WTO agreements include special provisions for developing countries, such as:

• Extended timeframes to implement agreements and commitments.
• Measures to enhance their trading opportunities.
• Support for building infrastructure related to WTO activities.
• Assistance in handling disputes and implementing technical standards.

These provisions aim to ensure that developing countries can participate effectively in global trade.

Ans: The impact of globalisation has varied significantly across different groups. 
Here are some key points:

• Beneficiaries: Wealthy consumers and skilled producers have gained from globalisation, enjoying greater choice, improved quality, and lower prices.
• Challenges for Small Producers: Many small producers and workers have faced difficulties due to increased competition.
• Job Security: Globalisation has led to less job security for workers, as employers prefer flexible hiring practices.
• Resource Exploitation: Developed countries often source cheap materials from underdeveloped nations, then sell expensive finished goods back to them.
• MNC Investments: Multinational corporations (MNCs) have invested heavily in India, particularly in sectors like electronics and services, creating new jobs.

In summary, while globalisation has created opportunities for some, it has also resulted in significant challenges for others, highlighting the uneven nature of its impact.

Ans: (a)
The correct answer is (a) I and II only. Factors contributing to globalization in India include improvements in transportation technology, which make it easier to move goods, and the liberalization of foreign trade and investment, which allows more foreign businesses to operate in India. However, the rules of the WTO do not necessarily favor India over developed countries, so option III is not correct.

Ans: (i) Countries like India exports raw material, food stuff and finished products through multinational companies to the other countries. Hence, MNCs a major force in connecting the countries of the world.
(ii) Foreign trade creates an opportunity for the producers to reach beyond the domestic markets, i.e., foreign countries.
(iii) For consumers there is a greater choice than before who enjoy improved quality and lower priced for several product

Ans: Tax on imports is a common example of a trade barrier.

• It raises the price of imported goods.
• This can protect local industries from foreign competition.
• Governments use such barriers to control the amount and type of goods entering the country.

Ans: Globalisation refers to the increasing interaction between people and companies worldwide, driven by advancements in transportation and communication technology. 
To ensure that globalisation is fair, it is essential to focus on the following factors:

• Proper implementation of labour laws to protect workers' rights.
• Support for small businesses to help them compete against larger corporations.
• Application of trade barriers when necessary to protect emerging sectors.
• Collaboration with other countries to challenge the dominance of developed nations and negotiate fair rules with the WTO.

Ans: Globalisation has had a significant positive impact on Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) in India.
The benefits include:

• Proximity to Markets: MNCs can establish production facilities near their target markets, utilising both skilled and unskilled labour at lower costs.
• Favourable Government Policies: MNCs often choose locations based on supportive government policies that align with their interests.
• Joint Ventures: Globalisation allows MNCs to collaborate with local companies, providing them access to capital and advanced technology.
• Improved Products: MNCs have introduced better and safer products to consumers at competitive prices due to globalisation.

Ans: Technology has significantly stimulated the globalisation process through various advancements:

• Transport technology: Improvements have enabled faster and cheaper delivery of goods over long distances.
• Containerisation: Goods are transported in containers, reducing port handling costs and speeding up exports.
• Air transport: The cost of air freight has decreased, allowing for larger volumes of goods to be transported quickly.
• Information and communication technology: Innovations in this area, such as the Internet and mobile communication, facilitate instant contact and transactions.

Ans: Our markets have undergone significant transformations in recent years, leading to a remarkable shift in consumer choices.

• Wider selection: Consumers now enjoy a broader range of goods and services.
• Access to latest technology: The newest models of digital cameras, mobile phones, and cars from leading global manufacturers are readily available.
• Brand explosion: There is a vast increase in the number of brands across various products, from shirts to televisions.

These changes reflect a recent phenomenon, enhancing the shopping experience in our markets.

Ans: Foreign trade integrates the markets in different countries:

• Opportunities for Producers: Producers can expand their reach beyond domestic markets.
• Global Sales: They can sell products not only in their own country but also in various international markets.
• Competition: Producers face competition from other countries, enhancing their efficiency.
• Consumer Choice: Buyers gain access to a wider variety of goods from around the world, allowing them to choose according to their needs.
• Increased Collaboration: Producers from different countries may form joint ventures, such as AIG's partnership in India's insurance sector.
• Market Integration: Producers in different countries compete closely, even if separated by vast distances.

Thus, foreign trade effectively connects and integrates markets across nations.

Ans: (a) Positive impact: 
(i) It has resulted in more choices for consumers to get various products of better quality and at lower prices.
(ii) It has improved the standard of living.
(iii) With the investments by the MNCs new jobs have been created in the developing countries.
(iv) New technology has been introduced.
(v) Large companies have become multi-national companies such as Infosys.
(b) Negative impact: 
(i) Creation of special economic zones has disrupted the lives of the people who have been displaced.
(ii) Flexibility in labour laws has worsened the condition of workers who may be appointed temporarily.
(iii) Small producers are unable to compete with MNCs. Thus, several units have been shut down rendering many workers jobless.

Ans: Multinational companies (MNCs) often establish their offices and factories in regions where they can access resources at lower costs. 
This strategy helps them to:

• Acquire land, labour, and raw materials at cheaper rates.
• Enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
• Increase their profitability by minimising production costs.

Ans: Investment by any person or entity is the money spent for buying building, land or other assets with a motive to earn a profit in future by selling it or in any other fashion. Foreign investment is any investment made by a foreign business entity such as a MNC, or an individual or a foreign government in India for buying assets with the motive to earn a profit from it.

Ans: Globalisation has made the latest models of various items easily accessible to consumers. Key reasons include:

• Improved technology: Advances in technology allow for quicker production and distribution.
• Liberalisation: Relaxation of trade restrictions has increased the variety of products available.
• Global markets: Consumers can now access goods from around the world.

As a result, we now enjoy a wider selection of products than ever before.

Ans: (A) (i) The government had put restrictions on the import of goods to protect domestic producers from foreign competition.
(ii) The government allowed imports of only essential items such as machinery, fertilisers and petroleum. These restrictions helped to attain technological capability within the country.
(B) (i) Starting around 1991, the government wished to remove the barriers because India had attained technological capability.
(ii) The government decided that the time had come for Indian producers to compete with producers around the globe.
(iii) It felt that competition would improve the performance of producers within the country.
(iv) There would be an unrestricted exchange of capital, technology and experience between India and other countries of the world.

Ans: (i) Telecommunication facilities - telegraph, mobile phones, fax - are used to contact one another around the world and to communicate from remote areas.
(ii) This has been facilitated by satellite communication devices.
(iii) Computers have now entered almost every field of activity.
(iv) Internet allows us to send instant electronic mail (e-mail) and talk (voice mail) across the world at negligible costs.
(v) IT has played a major role in spreading out the production of services across countries. For example, for a magazine published for London readers different work is done as follows:
(a) Designing in Delhi.
(b) Orders how to design from London.
(c) Designing done on the computer.
(d) After printing sent to London by air.
(e) Payment through e-banking.

Ans: (i) MNCs set up production jointly with local companies.
(ii) MNCs buy up local companies to expand production.
(iii) MNCs in developed countries place orders for production with small producers of developing countries for various products such as garments, footwear etc. The MNCs sell these products under their brand name. MNCs determine price, quality, delivery and other conditions for these producers.

Ans: Technology plays a crucial role in stimulating the globalisation process:

• Transport advancements: Recent improvements in transport technology have enabled faster and cheaper delivery of goods worldwide.
• Containerisation: The use of containers has significantly reduced port handling costs and increased the speed of exports.
• Air transport: Lower costs in air transport have allowed for larger volumes of goods to be transported quickly.
• Information technology: Developments in IT, especially in telecommunications like the internet, have transformed global connectivity.
• Access to information: Tools such as telegraphs, mobile phones, and faxes have made information accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Cost reduction: These technological advancements have lowered operational costs, benefiting consumers globally.
• Research and development: Technology has opened new avenues for further advancements and innovation.

Ans: The Indian government removed barriers on foreign trade and investment after 1991 to:

• Encourage competition among local industries.
• Improve the quality of domestic products.
• Facilitate easier imports and exports.
• Attract foreign investment by allowing companies to establish operations in India.

This process, known as liberalisation, aimed to create a more open market, enabling businesses to make their own decisions regarding trade.

Ans: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) control production in several ways:

• Factory Location: They establish factories near markets to access skilled and unskilled labour at lower costs, along with other necessary resources.
• Local Partnerships: MNCs collaborate with local companies to enhance production capabilities.
• Acquisition: They often buy local firms, allowing them to expand and modernise production using advanced technology and capital.
• Outsourcing: Large MNCs place orders with small producers, selling these products under their own brand names globally.

Ans: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are expanding their production across countries in several ways:

• By buying local companies and, then expanding production. For example, Cargill Foods, a very large American MNC, purchased small Indian company, Parakh foods. Cargill Foods is, now, the largest producer of edible oil in India with a capacity making 5 million pouches daily.
•  By placing orders for production with small producers. Garments, footwears, sports items are examples where production is carried out by small producers for large MNCs around the world.
•  By producing jointly with some of the local companies. It benefits the local company in two ways.

1. A MNC can provide money for additional investments.
2. A MNC can bring latest technology for production.

For example, Ford Motors set up a large plant near Chennai, in collaboration with Mahindra and Mahindra, a major Indian manufacturer of jeeps and trucks.