Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 4 Practice Question Answers - Industries

Q1: Which sector of the economy is involved in the extraction of raw materials?
(a) Primary sector
(b) Secondary sector
(c) Tertiary sector
(d) Quaternary sector
Ans: (a)
The primary sector is involved in the extraction of raw materials from nature, such as agriculture, mining, and fishing.

Q2: Which of the following is a cottage industry?
(a) Automobile manufacturing
(b) Handloom weaving
(c) Steel production
(d) Electronics assembly
Ans: (b)
Cottage industries are small-scale, home-based industries that typically involve traditional craftsmanship, like handloom weaving.

Q3: What is the main objective of the Make in India campaign?
(a) Promoting foreign goods in India
(b) Encouraging Indian industries to manufacture locally
(c) Reducing the export of Indian goods
(d) Promoting tourism in India
Ans: (b)
The Make in India campaign was launched to promote manufacturing and encourage Indian industries to produce goods locally, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation.

Q4: Which raw material is primarily used in the production of cement?
(a) Iron ore
(b) Bauxite
(c) Limestone
(d) Copper
Ans: (c)
Limestone is the primary raw material used in the production of cement.

Q5: Which type of industry is involved in the manufacturing of consumer goods for immediate consumption?
(a) Basic industry
(b) Capital goods industry
(c) Consumer goods industry
(d) Heavy industry
Ans: (c)
The consumer goods industry is involved in the production of goods intended for immediate consumption by end-users.

Q6: Explain the concept of agro-based industries and provide an example.
Ans: Agro-based industries are those that use agricultural raw materials to produce goods. An example is the sugar industry, which processes sugarcane to produce sugar and other by-products like molasses and ethanol.

Q7: Describe the role of small-scale industries in the Indian economy.
Ans: Small-scale industries play a crucial role in the Indian economy by generating employment, promoting regional development, and contributing to economic growth. They are often labor-intensive and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Q8: What are the advantages of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India?
Ans: Advantages of SEZs in India include tax incentives, simplified customs and export procedures, infrastructure development, and foreign investment promotion. SEZs are designated areas where businesses can enjoy these benefits to boost export-oriented manufacturing and economic growth.

Q9: Explain the term "industrialization" and its impact on society and the environment.
Ans: Industrialization refers to the process of developing industries and manufacturing in a region or country. While it leads to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement, it can also have negative impacts on society (e.g., urbanization, changing labor patterns) and the environment (e.g., pollution, resource depletion). Balancing industrialization with sustainable practices is essential.

Q10: Discuss the significance of the information technology (IT) industry in India.
Ans: The IT industry in India is significant for several reasons:

• It has contributed to economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
• India has become a global IT outsourcing hub, providing software and services to companies worldwide.
• It has driven technological advancement and innovation in the country.
• The IT industry has promoted education and human resource development.
  
  

Q11: Explain the role of industries in the economic development of a country. Discuss how industrialization impacts employment, income generation, and standard of living.
Ans: Industries play a crucial role in economic development by contributing to GDP growth and job creation. Industrialization leads to increased employment opportunities as it requires skilled and unskilled labor. This generates income for individuals and families, improving their standard of living. Additionally, industries foster innovation, technological advancements, and infrastructure development. Countries with a well-developed industrial sector tend to have a more robust economy. For instance, the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century transformed economies by mechanizing production processes and stimulating economic growth.

Q12: Describe the different types of industries based on their source of raw materials. Provide examples of each type and explain why their location is influenced by the proximity to raw materials.
Ans: Industries can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors based on their source of raw materials. Primary industries, like agriculture and mining, extract raw materials directly from nature. Secondary industries, such as manufacturing and construction, process these raw materials to produce goods. Tertiary industries, including services like education and healthcare, provide support and services to both primary and secondary sectors. The location of industries is often influenced by proximity to raw materials to reduce transportation costs. For instance, steel plants are usually situated near iron ore deposits.

Q13: Discuss the impact of industrial pollution on the environment and human health. Provide examples of pollution control measures and their significance in mitigating these issues.
Ans: Industrial pollution can have severe environmental and health consequences. It releases harmful chemicals, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases into the air and water, leading to air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. For instance, chemical factories can release toxic substances into nearby water bodies, endangering aquatic life and affecting human health. Pollution control measures include the installation of pollution control devices, such as scrubbers in factories to reduce emissions, and the enforcement of environmental regulations. These measures are essential to protect the environment and public health.

Q14: Explain the concept of agro-based industries. Discuss the significance of agro-based industries in rural development and the economy of a country.
Ans: Agro-based industries are those that process agricultural raw materials into finished products. Examples include sugar mills, cotton textile mills, and food processing units. These industries play a vital role in rural development by providing employment opportunities in rural areas, reducing seasonal unemployment in agriculture, and adding value to agricultural produce. Agro-based industries contribute to economic growth by increasing the income of farmers and supporting the export sector. For instance, the sugar industry processes sugarcane into sugar, generating income for sugarcane farmers and factory workers.

Q15: Examine the factors influencing the location of industries. Discuss the role of factors such as raw materials, labor, transportation, and market proximity in determining industrial locations.
Ans: Several factors influence the location of industries. Proximity to raw materials is crucial to reduce transportation costs and ensure a steady supply. Availability of skilled and unskilled labor is another determining factor as industries require a workforce. Efficient transportation and communication networks are essential for the movement of raw materials and finished goods. Lastly, proximity to markets is important to minimize distribution costs. For example, the textile industry is often located near cotton-producing regions to reduce raw material costs and near markets for easy access to consumers. Understanding these factors helps in strategic industrial planning.