Class 10 Social Science Chapter 19 Development (Economics)

Q1. Which of the following is the most appropriate measure of development of a country? [CBSE 2023] [1] (a) Total income (b) Per capita income (c) Population growth (d) Area of the country

Ans: (b) Per capita income. It is the average income of a person, calculated by dividing total national income by total population. World Bank uses it to classify countries.

Q2. In which state of India is the infant mortality rate the lowest? [CBSE 2022] [1] (a) Bihar (b) Jharkhand (c) Kerala (d) Punjab

Ans: (c) Kerala. Kerala has the lowest infant mortality rate due to high literacy, better healthcare facilities, and greater awareness about nutrition.

Q3. Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India? [CBSE 2021] [1] (a) Bangladesh (b) Sri Lanka (c) Nepal (d) Pakistan

Ans: (b) Sri Lanka. It has higher HDI than India due to better education and health indicators despite lower per capita income.

Q4. The Human Development Index (HDI) is published by: [CBSE 2020] [1] (a) World Bank (b) NITI Aayog (c) UNDP (d) IMF

Ans: (c) UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). HDI ranks countries based on per capita income, education, and health status.

Q5. Assertion (A): Per capita income is not a useful measure of development. Reason (R): It hides inequalities in distribution of income. [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) Both true and (R) correctly explains (A) (b) Both true but (R) does not explain (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) is false but (R) is true

Ans: (d) (A) is false but (R) is true. Per capita income IS a useful measure but it has limitations - it hides inequalities.

Q6. What is the full form of BMI? [CBSE 2022] [1] (a) Body Mass Index (b) Basic Monetary Income (c) Balanced Market Indicator (d) None

Ans: (a) Body Mass Index. It is calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m). Used to assess nutritional status of adults.

Q7. Which country is considered a "developed country" by the World Bank (2019)? [CBSE 2021] [1] (a) India (b) Sri Lanka (c) USA (d) Myanmar

Ans: (c) USA. Countries with per capita income of Rs. 4,53,000 (US $12,056) or more per annum are called rich/developed countries.

Q8. Which of the following is NOT a criterion for measuring HDI? [CBSE 2023] [1] (a) Per capita income (b) Literacy rate (c) Net attendance ratio (d) Industrial output

Ans: (d) Industrial output. HDI is measured using per capita income, education (literacy + enrolment), and health (life expectancy at birth).

Q9. What does sustainable development mean? [CBSE 2020] [1] (a) Rapid industrial growth (b) Development without damaging the environment for future generations (c) Development of only urban areas (d) Maximum use of natural resources UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU | Amitesh Nagar, Indore (M.P.) | www.uniquestudyonline.com Page 1 UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU Class X | Social Science | Economics Ch.1

Ans: (b) Development without damaging the environment for future generations. It means using resources wisely so they last for coming generations.

Q10. Kerala has a low infant mortality rate. What is the most important reason for this? [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) High per capita income (b) Adequate healthcare and education facilities (c) Large industrial base (d) High urbanisation

Ans: (b) Adequate healthcare and education facilities. Kerala invested heavily in health and education leading to better human development indicators.

Q17. "Average income is an important criterion for development but it has limitations." Elaborate. [CBSE 2023]

Ans: Average income (per capita income) as a development criterion: • Usefulness: It gives a quick comparison between countries. World Bank uses it to classify countries as rich (above Rs 4,53,000) or low-income. • Hides Inequality: Two countries may have same average income but different distribution. One may have huge gap between rich and poor. • Ignores Health: A country with high income but poor healthcare means citizens die younger. Life expectancy is not captured by income alone. • Ignores Education: Income doesn't show literacy or school enrolment. An educated population is more productive and has better quality of life. • Ignores Public Facilities: Access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and transport are crucial for well-being but not reflected in average income.

Q18. "Different persons can have different developmental goals." Justify with suitable examples. [CBSE 2022]

Ans: Development goals vary based on people's circumstances: • Landless Labourer: Seeks more wages, better working conditions, and land ownership. Development for them means economic security and dignity of labour. • Prosperous Farmer: Wants higher support prices for crops, assured irrigation, and lower input costs. Development means agricultural prosperity. • Urban Professional: Desires better job opportunities, work-life balance, and pollution-free environment. Development means career growth and quality of life. • Girl Student: Wants equal opportunity in education, freedom to choose career, and safety. Development means breaking gender barriers. • Adivasi Farmer: Needs guarantee of traditional land rights, protection of forests, and fair prices. Development means preserving livelihood and culture.

Q19. How can we measure the development of a country? Explain various indicators used for comparison. [CBSE 2021]

Ans: Multiple indicators are used to measure development: • Per Capita Income: Total national income / total population. World Bank uses this as primary criterion. India is classified as a low middle-income country. • Life Expectancy: Average expected years a person will live. Higher life expectancy indicates better healthcare. Japan has highest (~84 years). • Literacy Rate: Percentage of literate population. Indicates access to education and awareness. Kerala (94%) vs Bihar (64%) shows huge gaps within India. • Infant Mortality Rate: Number of deaths of children under 1 year per 1000 live births. Lower IMR means better maternal and child healthcare. • HDI (Human Development Index): Published by UNDP, combines income, education, and health into a single composite index for holistic comparison.

Q20. What is the importance of groundwater? Why is it necessary to use resources judiciously? [CBSE 2020]

Ans: Groundwater and sustainable resource use: • Vital Resource: Groundwater is the main source of drinking water and irrigation in India. Over 50% of irrigated agriculture depends on it. • Overexploitation: In many states (Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu), groundwater levels have fallen drastically due to overuse for farming and industry. • Non-Renewable Nature: Though groundwater is renewable, its recharge rate is very slow. Excessive pumping makes it practically non-renewable. • Environmental Impact: Falling water tables lead to dry wells, crop failure, and desertification. Fluoride and arsenic contamination increases. • Judicious Use: We must use drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and reduce waste. Sustainable development requires balancing current needs with future availability.