CBSE Class 10 Geography HOTs Lifelines of National Economy in Hindi

Short Answer Type Questions :

Question. Explain any four Qualitative improvements made in Indian Railways. 
Answer : (i) Conversion of Meter gauge to Broad gauge.
(ii) Steam engines have been replaced by diesel and electric engines. This has increased the speed and haulage capacity.
(iii) The replacement of Steam engine run by coal has improved the environment of stations and their surroundings.
(iv) Railways routes have been extended to areas where there was no railway line earlier.

Question. Describe any three factors that accord prominence to Airways as a mode of transportation.
Answer : Following are the factors that accord airways prominence as a mode of transportation:
(i) They are the fastest mode of transportation.
(ii) They are the best means of transport for remote, inaccessible and hostile areas.
(iii) Airways play a vital role in the event of natural and human-made calamities like floods, famines, earthquake, epidemics and war by virtue of their swiftness. 

Question. Why are Metalled Roads better than unmetalled Roads? What is the role of Border Roads and National Highways in transportation? 
Answer : (i) Metalled Roads are made of either cement, concrete or even bitumen of coal. Therefore, these are durable over the unmetalled road. Unmetalled roads go out of use in rainy season.
(ii) Border roads play an important role in connecting strategically important difficult areas and help in the economic development of the area. National Highways are the primary road system which links extreme parts of the country.

Question. Examine with example the role of means of transport and communication in making our life prosperous and comfortable.
OR 
‘‘Transport and trade are complementary to each other.’’ Justify in three points.
Answer : Transport and communication for Local, National and Global trade:
(i) Today, the world has been converted into a large village with the help of efficient and fast moving transport.
(ii) Transport has been able to achieve this with the help of equally developed communication system.
(iii) Therefore, transport, communication and trade are complementary to each other.
(iv) Today, India is well-linked with the rest of the world despite its vast size, diversity and linguistic and socio-cultural plurality.
(v) Railways, Airways, Waterways, Newspapers, radio, Television, Cinema and the Internet have been contributing to its socio-economic progress in many ways.
(vi) The Trades from Local to International levels have added to the vitality of its economy.
(vii) It has enriched our life and added substantially to growing amenities and facilities for the comforts of life. 

Question. What is pipeline transportation? Write two merits and demerits of the same.
Answer : Pipeline transport network is the new mode of transport these days. In the past, pipelines were used to transport water to cities and industries. Now, these are used for transporting crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to Refineries, Fertiliser Factories and big Thermal Power Plants. Solids can also be transported through a pipeline when converted into a slurry.
Merits:
(i) Useful in transporting liquids and solid slurry from faraway locations.
(ii) Subsequent running costs after laying down the network are minimal.
Demerits:
(i) Initial cost of laying pipelines is high.
(ii) Pipelines can burst or can have leakage leading to wastage of valuable resources like water, mineral oil, etc. 

Question. Explain the importance of railways as the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India.
Answer : The importance of Railways as the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India is:
(i) Railways make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimage along with transportation of goods.
(ii) It is suitable for long distance travel.
(iii) Plays an important role in national integration.
(iv) Railways bind the economic life of the country.
(v) It accelerates the development of the Industry and Agriculture.
(vi) Today the railways have become more important than all other means of transport put together.

Question. Explain any three major problems faced by Road transport in India.
OR
Describe three major problems faced by the Road transport in India. 
Answer : Major problems faced by Road transport are:
(i) The road network is inadequate.
(ii) About half of the Roads are unmetalled.
(iii) This limits their usage during the Rainy season.
(iv) The roadways are highly congested in cities.
(v) Most of the Bridges and Culverts are old and narrow.
(vi) Most of the Roads are not fit for smooth running.

Question. Describe any three features of Waterways in India. 
Answer : Features of Waterways in India are:
(i) India has been one of the seafaring countries. 
(ii) Seamen sailed far and near; carrying and spreading Indian commerce and culture.
(iii) Waterways are the cheapest means of transport.
(iv) They are most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods over a long distance.
(v) It is fuel-efficient and environment friendly mode of transport.
(vi) 95% of the country’s Trade volume is moved by Sea. 

Question. Explain four advantages of Road transport in India. 
Answer : Advantages of Roadways are:
(i) Construction cost of Roads is economical .
(ii) Roads can be constructed easily in hilly terrains and undulating topography.
(iii) Roadways act as a feeder to other modes of transport, as they provide a link between railway Stations, Airports and Seaports.

Question. Examine with the example the role of means of transport and communication in making our life prosperous and comfortable.
Answer : The role of means of transport and communication in making our life prosperous and comfortable are:
(i) The economic development of a region or a country very largely depends upon the dense network of transport and communication
(ii) They link areas of production with consumption, agriculture with industry and village with towns and cities.
(iii) They help the industry by providing raw materials and distribution of finished goods.
(iv) They help in the development of all the three sectors: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.
(v) They help in balanced regional development.

Question. Explain any four advantages of Pipeline transportation. 
Answer : The four advantages of pipeline transportation are:
(i) Both solid (when converted into a slurry) liquid and gases can be transported through pipelines.
(ii) Initial cost of laying pipelines is high but subsequent running costs are minimal.
(iii) Transshipment losses and delays are minimal. 
(iv) It is economical to transport petroleum, natural gas, fertiliser to interior places.

Question. Describe the significance of Tourism as a Trade in India. 
Answer : Significance of tourism as a trade in India are:
(i) Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades.
(ii) Foreign tourist’s arrival has witnessed an increase, thus contributing to foreign exchange.
(iii) More than 15 million people are directly engaged in the tourism industry.
(iv) It provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.
(v) Tourism also promotes national integration.
(vi) It helps in the development of International understanding about our culture and heritage.
(vii) Foreign tourists visit India for heritage Tourism, Eco-tourism, Adventure tourism, Cultural Tourism, Medical and Business Tourism.

Question. Describe the Rural Roads in India.
Answer : Rural roads in India:
(i) Rural roads link Rural areas and villages with towns.
(ii) These roads received special impetus under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana.
(iii) Special provisions are made so that every village in the country is linked to a major town in the country by an all season motorable road.

Question. The pace of change in the communication sector has been rapid in modern times.” Support the statement with examples. 
Answer : Communication is the act of conveying intended meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of mutually understood signs and semiotic rules. From the earliest times, human beings have felt the need to communicate with each other. “The pace of change in the communication sector has been rapid in modern times.” The latest advances in communication are about enabling communication over long distances without the need for change in location of the sender or receiver. India’s postal service is the largest of its kind in the world where the services are provided by the department of Posts of Government of India. Similarly, the telecom network in India is the largest in Asia, with about 37,565 telephone exchanges spread all over the country. Radio, television, cinema, books, newspapers, magazines and the Internet serve the dual purpose of providing entertainment and information to the masses.

Question. Elaborate any three advantages of Railways in India. 
Answer : Advantages of Railways in India are as follows:
(i) It is both convenient and safer to travel long distances by Railways.
(ii) They give employment to a large number of people.
(iii) Railways also make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like Business, Sightseeing and Pilgrimage along with Transportation of goods over longer distances.

Question. Why is air travel preferred in the north-eastern states of India? Explain. 
Answer : Air transport is more popular in north-eastern India because:
(i) Big and wide rivers are present there, due to which Rail or Road Bridges over them are difficult and costly to construct. These rivers also get flooded frequently, due to which surface communication links are damaged.
(ii) This area has dissected relief features, preventing durable construction of Rail and Road links.
(iii) Dense forests in this region create many difficulties in the construction of Railway lines and Roads.

Question. What are Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways?
Mention any two objectives of this project. The North-South and East-West Corridors join which terminal cities? 
Answer : (i) The Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways is a major road development project linking Delhi – Kolkata – Chennai – Mumbai and Delhi by six-lane Super Highways.
(ii) The two major objectives of this project are to (a) reduce the time and (b) distance between the mega cities of India.
(iii) The North-South Corridor linking Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) and Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) and East-West Corridor connecting Silchar (Assam) and Porbandar (Gujarat).

Question. What is the difference between Personal communication and Mass communication? State any two points of importance of Mass communication.
Answer : Personal communication means a communication between two persons either through an oral, letter or through telephone etc., while Mass communication includes the use of radio, television, press, films, etc., for a wider public audience.
The importance of mass communication is:
(i) It provides entertainment.
(ii) It creates awareness among people about various national programmes and policies. 

Question. “Efficient means of Transport are pre-requisites for fast development of the country.” Support the statement with examples. 
OR
"Dense and efficient network of transport is a prerequisite for Local and National development." Analyse the statement.
Answer : Efficient means of transport are pre-requisites for fast development of the country in various ways:
(i) They not only help to move the raw material to the factories faster but also help in distribution of the finished goods far and wide to their demand locations.
(ii) Transportation of Crude oil and Natural gas too is facilitated through Pipelines from Factories and Refineries.
(iii) Mobility of labour force also increases. 

Question. Explain the ways in which Tourism promotes the related Industries and services of the destinationcountry.
Answer : Tourism promotes various Industries like Handicraft industry, Sculpture, Sea-shell, Regional Handloom among others. Indian Handicraft and Handloom in particular hold a special attraction for the Western Tourists. Hospitality in the service sectors is benefited immensely by tourism. Also, transportation services reap the benefits of tourism. Over 2.6 million foreign tourists visit India every year. For example, tourism contributed 14,000 crore rupees to the Indian exchequer in the year 2000 and generated employment for 15 million people
directly engaged in the Tourism Industry. 

Question. Explain any three major problems faced by Indian Railways. 
Answer : Problems faced by Indian Railways are:
(i) It lacks repair and maintenance of tracks and bridges.
(ii) Shifting from one gauge to another is a problem.
(iii) Rail traffic has increased and the old tracks are not able to carry the increased load and thus, accidents are frequent.
(iv) Many Passengers travel without tickets, causing loss to the Railways.
(v) Thefts and damaging of railway property may lead to severe accidents. 

Question. ‘‘Tourism Industry in India has grown substantially over the last three decades.’’ Support the statement.
Answer : Tourism Industry in India has grown substantially over the last three decades:
(i) Foreign tourism arrival in the country had seen an increase contributing Rs. 21,828 crore of foreign exchange.
(ii) More than 15 million people are directly engaged in tourism industry.
(iii) Over 2.6 million Foreign Tourists visit India every year.
(iv) Tourism also promotes national integration and provides support to Local Handicrafts.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Question. “Pipeline transport network is a new arrival on the transportation map of India.” Explain.
Answer : (i) Previously these were used to transport water to Cities and Industries.
(ii) Presently these are used to transport crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas.
(iii) Initial cost of laying pipelines is high but running costs are minimal.
(iv) It rules out delays and losses. Some networks are from an oil field in upper Assam to Kanpur.

Question. Highlight any five features of Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur gas pipeline.
Answer : (i) This pipeline is about 1700 km long.
(ii) Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur cross country gas pipeline links Mumbai High and Bassein with the fertilizer, power and industrial complexes in western and northern India.
(iii) This artery has provided an impetus to India‘s gas production.
(iv) The power and fertilizer industries are the key users of natural gas.
(v) Use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles to replace liquid fuels is gaining wide popularity in the country. 

Question. Explain any five characteristics of Kandla Port.
Answer : Characteristics of Kandla Port:
(i) First port developed soon after India got Independence.
(ii) Reduced the volume of traffic on Mumbai port.
(iii) Tidal port.
(iv) Caters exports and imports of highly productive granary and industrialised states.
(v) Free trade zone.

Question. Define the term ‘Tourism‘. Why is tourism known as a Trade? Explain. 
Answer : (i) Tourism: "The cultural, recreational and commercial visit to internal places is known as Tourism.”
(ii) (a) Foreign tourist‘s arrival in the country contributing ` 21,828 crore of Foreign Exchange.
(b) More than 15 million people are directly engaged in the Tourism Industry.
(c) Tourism provides support to local handicrafts.
(d) Foreign tourists visit India for medical tourism and Business Tourism.
(e) Helps in the growth of National Income and integrity. 

Question. Describe the benefits of Roadways.
OR
Explain any five merits of Road Transport.
Answer : (i) Roads need less capital than the Railways.
(ii) Road transport provides door-to-door Service.
(iii) The road transport provides flexible service to men and materials.
(iv) Road transport is useful in small distances.
(v) Road transport is helpful in production of perishable goods as it facilitates the distribution of perishable goods from point of production to point of consumption .
(vi) Roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can traverse mountains such as the Himalayas. 

Question. “Road transport and Rail transport in India are not competitive but complementary to each other.” Justify the statement.
Answer : The statement ‘Road Transport’ and ‘Rail Transport’ in India are not competitive, but complementary to each other is justified in the following ways:
(i) Road transport is more suitable for short distances, whereas rail transport is more suitable for long distances.
(ii) Road transport is economical in the transportation of a few persons and a relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances, whereas rail transport is more suitable for large number of people and heavy goods.
(iii) It is beneficial for perishable goods to be carried by roads in short period of time, whereas nonperishable and bulky are transported by railways for a longer distance.
(iv) Road transport increases the efficiency of Railways.
(vi) The deficiency of Railways is compensated by Road transport. 

Question. Name the longest National Waterway of India. Write any three points of importance of Waterways. 
Answer : The longest National Waterway of India is the Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia.
Importance of waterways:
(i) It is most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods.
(ii) It is fuel efficient and environment friendly.
(iii) More than 95% of the country’s trade volume is moved by the sea.
(iv) It is the cheapest means of transport.
(v) They are the natural routes which do not involve cost of construction. 

Question. Classify communication services into two categories. Explain main features of each.
Answer : Classification of communication services in two categories:
(i) Personal communication.
(ii) Mass Communication. 
Features:
(i) Personal communication
(a) Communication between two or more persons at personal level.
(b) The Indian Postal Network handles parcels as well as Personal Written Communication.
(c) Cards and Envelopes, Posts and Telegraphs, Emails.
(d) Telephone services like STD, ISD provide an easy and comfortable network to a large number of people.
(ii) Mass communication:
(a) It is the communication through which one can communicate with several people at the same time.
(b) It provides entertainment and creates awareness among people about various national programmes and policies.
(c) It includes print media like newspapers, magazines, books, etc. and electronic media like Radio, Television, etc.

Question. Analyse the physiographic and economic factors that have influenced the distribution pattern of the railway network in our country.
Answer : Rail transport is the most convenient mode of transportation. Though the railway network is not evenly distributed across the country. The distribution pattern of the railway network in the country has been largely influenced by physiographic, economic and administrative factors.
Physiographic Factors: 
(i) The Northern Plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provide the most favourable condition for the growth of railway networks.
(ii) The uneven terrain like hills, mountains, rivers with wide beds have posed a severe obstacle in the infrastructural development of Railways like Laying Tracks, Construction of Bridges and so on.
(iii) In the hilly terrain of the peninsular region, railway tracks are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels. 
(iv) The Himalayan mountainous regions too are unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and lack of economic opportunities.
(v) It is equally difficult on the sandy plain of western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat, forested tracks of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Economic Factors: 
(i) There are several economic factors that affect the distribution of railways e.g., state funding plays a vital role in the development of Railways across the nations.
(ii) The state with flexible laws supports the growth of railways. Along with this, the places that are highly industrialised attract the development of railways. Since, the growth of both is
complementary to each other. e.g., recently Railways network is enhancing along the Industrial Corridors.

Question. Explain any five merits of Air transport.
Answer : Merits of air transport are:
(i) It is the most comfortable mode of transport.
(ii) It is the fastest mode.
(iii) It is the prestigious mode of transport.
(iv) It can cover very difficult terrains like high mountain and dreary deserts.
(v) Dense forests and oceans are not problems for air transport. It covers them with great ease.

Question. What is Trade? Explain the importance of International Trade.
Answer : Trade: The exchange of goods among people, states and countries is referred to as trade. Importance:
(i) International trade of a country is an Index to its economic prosperity.
(ii) It is considered the economic Barometer for a country.
(iii) As the resources are space-bound, no country can survive without international trade.
(iv) Countries have trade relations with the major trading blocks.
(v) Exchange of commodities and goods have been superseded by the Exchange of information and Knowledge. 

Question. Describe the role of Mass communication in India. 
Answer : (i) Mass communication provides entertainment.
(ii) Creates awareness among people about various national programmes and policies. It includes Radio, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, Books and Films.
(iii) All India Radio (Akashwani) broadcasts a variety of Programmes in National, Regional and Local languages.
(iv) Doordarshan broadcasts programmes of Entertainment, Education, Sports, etc., for people of different age groups.
(v) India publishes a large number of newspapers and Periodicals annually.
(vi) Newspapers are published in about 100 languages and dialects to create awareness among people in different parts of the country.
(vii) India produces short films; video feature films and video short films.
(viii) Mass media creates awareness among people on various socio-economic and political issues.

Question. Why is air travel more popular in the north–eastern states of India? Explain.
Answer : Air Transport is considered as an important means of transport in the north-eastern part of our country because:
(i) Big rivers: Presence of big rivers like Brahmaputra make it difficult to construct roads and railways. Airways are suitable when rivers get flooded.
(ii) Dissected relief: Uneven surface-not suitable for the construction of Roadways and Railways. This can be easily travelled by Airways.
(iii) Dense forests: Dense forests hamper the construction of Roadways and Railways.
(iv) International frontiers: International Borders of Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, etc., can be easily travelled by Airways without much hassles.

Question. Explain with examples the changing nature of International Trade of India in the last fifteen years. 
OR
Write a note on the changing nature of International trade in India in the last fifteen years.
Answer : There has been a change in the nature of our International trade:
(i) Since, the share of agriculture and allied products, ores and minerals, chemicals and related products has been increasing.
(ii) Exchange of commodities and goods have been superseded by the exchange of information and knowledge.
(iii) India has emerged as a Software giant at the International level.
(iv) India is earning large foreign exchange through the Export of Information Technology.
(v) Imports: The commodities imported to India include petroleum crude and products, base metals, electronic items, machinery, etc.

Question. What is the importance of transport? Mention the various means of transport available in India.
Answer : Means of transport:
(i) Roadways
(ii) Railways
(iii) Pipelines
(iv) Waterways
(v) Airways. 
Importance of Transport:
(i) Connects people.
(ii) Sense of belonging in the people living in far places.
(iii) Helpful for business activities.
(iv) Helpful in the period of crisis. 

Question. Elaborate any two important networks of Pipeline transportation in India along with their branches.
Answer : (i) Commodities transported by pipelines: Crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas and even
(ii) Network:
(a) From upper Assam to Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), via Guwahati, Barauni and Allahabad. It has branches from Barauni to Haldia via Rajbandh, Rajbandh to Mourigram and Guwahati to Siliguri.
(b) From Salaya in Gujarat to Jalandhar in Punjab via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi and Sonipat. It has branches to connect Koyali (near Vadodara, Gujarat) Chakshu and other places.
(c) From Hazira in Gujarat to Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh gas pipeline via Vijaypur in Madhya Pradesh. It has branches to Kota in Rajasthan, Shahjahanpur, Babrala and other places in Uttar Pradesh. 

Question. What is Mass communication? What are the different means of Mass communication? What is the significance of mass communication in a country like India? 
Answer : (a) Mass communication: Mass communication provides entertainment as well as information to a large number of people at the same time. As they are the means of communication with the masses, they are known as mass communication. Means (like electronic media) which covers a large number of people at the same time. 
(b) Different means of communication are Radio, Television, Films and the Internet, Newspapers and magazines.
(c) Significance of mass communication is presented in the following points:
(i) Covers more than 95% of India’s total population.
(ii) Source of Education and Entertainment.
(iii) Most instant means of Mass information.
(iv) Brings all classes of people together. 

Question. What is the significance of ‘Border Roads’? Explain.
Answer : (i) Border Roads Organization was established in 1960.
(ii) It constructs and maintains roads in the bordering areas of India.
(iii) It develops the roads of strategic importance in the northern and the north-eastern border areas.
(iv) These roads have improved accessibility in areas of difficult terrain.
(v) These roads have enabled the economy to develop in the Border areas.

Question. Classify roads into six classes according to their capacity. What is the role of National Highway Authority of India?
Answer : (a) Roads are classified as given below:
(i) Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways reduced the time and distance between the Mega cities of India.
(ii) National Highways connect the State Capitals, Big Cities and Important Ports.
(iii) State Highways join the State Capitals with District Headquarters.
(iv) District Roads connect the district centres with the Major Roads.
(v) Other Rural Roads which link rural areas and villages with towns.
(vi) Border Roads have increased accessibility in areas of difficult terrain.
(b) Role of National Highway Authority in India: Projects related to Super Highways are being implemented by the NHAI.

Question. ‘‘Roadways still have an edge over Railways in India.’’ Support the statement with examples.
Answer : Roadways have edge over Railways in India in following ways:
(i) Roads are easy to build and maintain as compared to railways.
(ii) Constructions cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.
(iii) Roads as compared to railways lines can negotiate higher gradients of slopes easily and as such can traverse mountains like Himalayas. 
(iv) Road transport is economical in transportation of people and goods for shorter distances.
(v) Roads provide door-to-door service, which railways cannot do.
(vi) Road transport is also used as a feeder to other modes of transport and provide a link between Airports, Sea ports and Railway Stations.

Question. Describe any two Merits of Railways and any two problems being faced by the railways.
Answer : (i) The Railways are the main artery of inland transport in India:
(a) Railways are the principal mode of transportation for Freight and Passengers.
(b) Railways are useful in conducting Business, Sightseeing and Pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over long distances.
(c) Railways in India bind the economic life of the country as well as accelerate the development of the Industry and Agriculture. 
(ii) The following problems are being faced by the railways:
(a) Travelling without a ticket.
(b) Thefts and damaging Railway property.
(c) Stopping trains without any emergency or necessity.

Question. Explain the importance of Railways as a means of transport. 
Answer : The importance of Railways as a means of transport are:
(i) Railways are the principal mode of transport for passengers and goods.
(ii) They make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like Business Sightseeing and Pilgrimage.
(iii) They are best suited for the transport of heavy and bulky goods over large terrestrial distance.
(iv) Indian railways have been and integrating force since the last hundred years.
(v) The railway system bind the economic lie of people and accurate the development of Industries and Agriculture.
(vi) This promote Nations Unity.

Question. “Advancement of International Trade of a Country is an Index to its economic prosperity”. Elaborate with examples. 
OR
‘‘The advancement of international trade of a country is an index of its economic development.’’ Justify the statement.
OR
“No country can survive without International trade in the present global World.” Explain the statement. 
Answer : Advancement of International Trade:
(i) Trade between two countries through sea, air or land route helps in the development of the country.
(ii) No country can survive without International Trade.
(iii) Export and import are the components of trade.
(iv) Commodities in export include Agriculture and Allied products, Ores and Minerals, Gems and Jewellery, etc.
(v) The commodities imported to India include petroleum and its products, precious stones, chemicals etc.