CBSE Class 10 Economics Important Questions - Chapter 1 Development

1. Which of the following describes iron ore as a resource?

(a) Renewable

(b) Flow

(c) Biotic

(d) Non-renewable

Ans: (d) Non-renewable

2. Provide evidence for the claim that "Human activities are the function of resources."

Ans:

• Recognition and Use: Natural things like water, minerals, and forests only become resources when humans find ways to use them. For example, crude oil was not useful until humans learned how to turn it into fuel.

• Technology: Human inventions and tools help us find and use resources. For instance, new mining techniques make it possible to extract minerals that were hard to reach before.

• Economic Value: Resources gain value based on human needs and economic activities. For example, the demand for coal and iron grew with the Industrial Revolution, making them important resources.

• Sustainable Management: How humans use and manage resources affects their availability. Responsible use can ensure resources last longer, while misuse can lead to shortages and environmental harm.

3. Describe the exhaustibility-based resource classification and provide two examples for each.

Ans:

• Renewable Resources: Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over short periods. These resources are sustainable as they can be used repeatedly and will not run out as long as they are managed properly. 

Examples:

• Solar Energy: Energy from the sun that can be captured and converted into electricity or heat.

• Wind Energy: Energy generated from wind using wind turbines to produce electricity.

• Non-renewable Resources: Non-renewable resources are those that do not replenish quickly enough to be considered sustainable. Once these resources are used up, they cannot be replaced within a human timescale.

Examples:

• Coal: A fossil fuel used for electricity generation and industrial processes, which takes millions of years to form.

• Iron Ore: A mineral used in the production of steel, which is finite and depletes with extraction.

4. In what kind of soil is cotton soil defined?

Ans: Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is commonly referred to as cotton soil. It is called cotton soil because it is highly suitable for growing cotton due to its moisture-retentive properties and rich mineral content, particularly in regions like the Deccan Plateau in India.

5. Which of the following best describes Punjab's primary cause of land degradation?

(a) Intensive cultivation

(c) Over irrigation

(b) Deforestation

(d) Overgrazing

Ans: (c) Over irrigation

6. Give two instances of resources that are renewable.

Ans:

Solar Energy: Energy harnessed from the sun, which can be converted into electricity or heat and is replenished daily.

Wind Energy: Energy generated from wind using wind turbines, which is continuously replenished by atmospheric conditions.

7. List the three states with black soil together with the primary crop that is grown there.

Ans:

• Maharashtra: The main crop grown in black soil here is cotton.

• Gujarat: Cotton is also the primary crop grown in Gujarat's black soil.

• Madhya Pradesh: Like the other states, cotton is the major crop cultivated in the black soil of Madhya Pradesh.

8. How can soil erosion in the hilly regions be controlled?

Ans:

• Terracing: Creating stepped levels on slopes reduces the speed of water runoff and helps in retaining soil.

• Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines of the hills slows down water flow and prevents soil erosion.

• Afforestation: Planting trees and vegetation helps to stabilise the soil with their root systems and reduces the impact of rainwater.

• Building Check Dams: Small dams constructed across water channels slow down water flow and capture soil and silt carried by runoff.

• Maintaining Vegetative Cover: Preserving natural vegetation or planting cover crops helps protect the soil from erosion by wind and water.

9. What role do natural resources play in human society?

Ans:

• Natural resources like minerals, fossil fuels, and timber are essential for industrial activities and economic growth. They provide raw materials for manufacturing, energy production, and construction, driving economic development.

• Natural resources such as water, soil, and forests are vital for agriculture, which is a primary source of food and livelihood for a large portion of the global population. They support farming, fishing, and other activities that sustain human life.

• Resources like coal, oil, natural gas, wind, and solar energy are important for generating power. They fuel homes, industries, and transportation, making daily life and economic activities possible.

10. What does the term "sustainable economic development" mean to you?

Ans:

• Utilising natural resources in a way that minimises waste and conserves them for future use. This includes adopting practices that enhance energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

• Ensuring that economic activities do not harm the environment. This involves reducing pollution, protecting ecosystems, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change.

• Promoting fair distribution of the benefits of economic growth. This includes improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, and ensuring that all segments of society, including marginalised groups, can participate in and benefit from economic progress.

• Maintaining economic growth and stability while ensuring that development initiatives are financially sustainable. This involves investing in innovation, infrastructure, and industries that can thrive over the long term without depleting natural resources.

• Recognising the responsibility to future generations by making decisions that preserve the planet’s resources and environmental health. This involves long-term planning and policies that aim to create a sustainable legacy.

11. What is the 21st agenda?

Ans:

• Global Framework: Agenda 21 provides a blueprint for action to achieve sustainable development worldwide, involving international cooperation among countries, regions, and local communities.

• Environmental Protection: It emphasises the importance of protecting the environment by addressing issues such as deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, and pollution control.

• Social and Economic Dimensions: Agenda 21 promotes sustainable economic growth and social equity, aiming to improve living standards, reduce poverty, and ensure access to basic services like education, healthcare, and clean water.

• Participation and Collaboration: The agenda encourages the active participation of all sectors of society, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the general public, in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.

• Implementation at All Levels: Agenda 21 calls for implementation at global, national, and local levels, with each country developing its strategies and policies to achieve the objectives outlined in the document.

12. What kind of soil is present in the eastern coast's river deltas? Name three key characteristics of this kind of soil.

Ans:

• Alluvial soil is highly fertile due to the rich mineral content and nutrients deposited by river waters. This makes it ideal for agriculture, supporting the cultivation of a variety of crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses.

• The soil has a fine texture and is composed of silt, clay, and sand. The proportions of these components can vary, but the soil generally has good water-retentive capacity, which is beneficial for crop growth.

• Alluvial soil shows distinct layers or strata, often visible in the riverbanks and deltas where it is deposited. These layers are formed by successive deposition of sediments over time, with older layers found in deeper and newer layers near the surface.

13. Describe the biotic and abiotic materials. Provide a few instances.

Ans:

• Biotic resources are natural resources derived from living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. These resources are renewable and essential for ecosystems and human livelihoods. Examples of biotic resources include forests, which provide timber, fruits, and medicinal plants. 

• Abiotic resources are non-living natural resources that are not derived from living organisms. These resources include minerals, metals, water, air, and sunlight, and they can be either renewable or non-renewable. Examples of abiotic resources include minerals like iron ore, gold, and bauxite.

14. How has increased economic and technological advancement resulted in increased resource consumption?

Ans:

• Modern technologies make it easier to extract and use natural resources more efficiently. For example, better mining techniques allow for more minerals to be taken from the earth, and advanced farming methods increase the use of water and fertilisers.

• As economies grow, industries expand and require more raw materials like energy, metals, and minerals. This results in higher consumption to produce goods such as cars, electronics, and building materials.

• Economic growth often leads to the building of more cities and infrastructure. Construction of roads, buildings, and utilities needs a lot of materials like cement, steel, and other resources, leading to increased use.

• With higher standards of living, people buy more goods and services. This demand for products like electronics, appliances, and vehicles increases the consumption of materials like metals, plastics, and energy.

• Economic development has boosted global trade, allowing countries to access resources from around the world. This has led to more extraction and use of resources to meet the global demand for various products.

15. Describe the three phases of resource planning.

Ans:

1. Identification and Inventory of Resources: This stage involves the systematic identification and detailed survey of available resources. It includes mapping and measuring the quantity, quality, and distribution of resources such as minerals, water, forests, and land. Various methods, such as field surveys, satellite imagery, and geographical information systems (GIS), are used to collect accurate data. This information forms the basis for further planning and decision-making, ensuring that all resources are accounted for and understood in terms of their potential and limitations.

2. Planning and Allocation: In this stage, the gathered data is analysed to understand the resource potential and constraints. This helps in evaluating how resources can be best utilised to meet current and future needs. Based on the evaluation, strategies, and plans are formulated for the optimal use and conservation of resources. This involves prioritising areas for development, considering environmental sustainability, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The goal is to create a balanced approach that maximises benefits while minimising negative impacts on the environment and society.

3. Implementation and Monitoring: The final stage involves putting the resource plans into action. This includes developing infrastructure, initiating projects, and applying management practices to use resources efficiently and sustainably. Continuous monitoring is essential to track the progress and effectiveness of resource utilisation. This involves regularly reviewing the outcomes, identifying any issues or deviations, and making necessary adjustments to the plans to ensure sustainable management. Monitoring and review processes help in adapting to changing conditions and improving resource management strategies over time.

16. Who did Gandhiji hold accountable for the worldwide depletion of resources?

Ans:

• Gandhiji held industrialised countries and their model of development responsible for the depletion of resources at the global level. 

• He believed that the excessive consumption and exploitation of natural resources by industrialised nations, driven by their focus on economic growth and materialism, led to significant environmental degradation and resource depletion. 

• Gandhiji advocated for a more sustainable and equitable approach to development that emphasised simple living, self-sufficiency, and the responsible use of resources to ensure the well-being of both people and the planet.

17. Describe soil erosion and outline the actions that need to be done to keep it under control.

Ans: Soil erosion is the process where the top layer of soil is worn away by wind, water, or human activities. This reduces the soil's fertility and can lead to problems like loss of farmland productivity and pollution of waterways. Causes include deforestation, overgrazing, poor farming practices, and construction.

Steps to Control Soil Erosion:

1. Planting Trees (Afforestation):

• Trees and plants hold the soil together with their roots, reducing erosion by wind and water.

2. Terracing:

• Creating step-like terraces on slopes slows down water flow, preventing soil from being washed away.

3. Contour Ploughing:

• Ploughing along the natural contours of the land, rather than up and down slopes, reduces water runoff and erosion.

4. Cover Crops:

• Growing plants like grasses and legumes between main crops helps protect the soil from erosion and improves soil health.

5. Mulching:

• Adding a layer of organic or inorganic material on the soil surface protects it from rain impact, retains moisture, and reduces erosion.

6. Building Check Dams:

• Small dams across water channels slow down water flow, reduce its erosive power, and trap sediment.

7. Crop Rotation:

• Alternating different crops in the same field helps maintain soil structure and fertility, reducing erosion.

18. What is soil that is laterite?

Ans:

• Laterite soil is a type of soil rich in iron and aluminium, formed in tropical and subtropical regions with heavy rainfall. It undergoes intense leaching, which removes most soluble minerals, leaving behind oxides of iron and aluminium, giving it a distinct reddish colour. 

• This soil is generally low in fertility due to heavy leaching, making it less suitable for agriculture without proper management and fertilisation. When dry, laterite soil becomes very hard and compact, making cultivation challenging, but it softens when wet. 

• Despite its low fertility, laterite soil is valuable for construction due to its hardening properties, often used to make bricks and roads. With suitable soil management practices, it can also support crops like tea, coffee, cashew nuts, and various fruits and vegetables. 

• Laterite soil is commonly found in regions such as the Western Ghats and the eastern and southern parts of India, as well as in other tropical areas worldwide.

19. Why did the area covered by woods in 1960–1961 not grow significantly?

Ans:

• Deforestation: Ongoing deforestation for agricultural expansion, urbanisation, and industrial development has continued to reduce forest cover. Forests are often cleared to make way for farmland, housing, infrastructure projects, and mining activities.

• Population Pressure: Growing populations require more land for housing, agriculture, and other uses, leading to continuous encroachment on forest areas. The demand for resources such as timber, fuelwood, and land has increased with population growth.

• Economic Development: Economic activities such as logging, mining, and infrastructure development have led to significant forest loss. Economic priorities often favour short-term gains from exploiting forest resources over long-term conservation.

• Inadequate Reforestation Efforts: Reforestation and afforestation efforts have not been sufficient to offset the loss of forest cover. Despite some initiatives to plant trees and restore degraded forests, these efforts have not kept pace with the rate of deforestation.

• Policy and Governance Issues: Weak enforcement of forest protection laws, inadequate implementation of conservation policies, and insufficient funding for forest management have hindered efforts to increase forest cover. Corruption and illegal logging also undermine conservation efforts.

20. List the geographic elements that have contributed to the development of black soil. Why is it thought to be the best for growing cotton?

Ans:

• Black soil, also known as Regur soil, forms in areas with moderate to low rainfall and high temperatures, which help break down basalt rocks slowly. 

• This soil, rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and aluminium, comes from volcanic rocks and is found on flat or gently sloping land. 

• Black soil is excellent for growing cotton because it retains moisture well, which is vital for cotton plants. It is also rich in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potash, and lime, promoting healthy growth. 

• The soil's natural tendency to crack during dry periods helps with aeration and reduces the need for ploughing. 

• Additionally, black soil has good drainage, preventing waterlogging and creating the perfect conditions for cotton farming.

21. List the three human and three physical variables that affect how land is used.

Ans:

Physical Factors:

1. Topography:

• The shape and features of the land, such as mountains, valleys, and plains, significantly influence land use. Flat and gently sloping areas are generally more suitable for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure, while steep and rugged terrains are often used for forestry, grazing, or left as natural landscapes.

2. Climate:

• Climate conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations, determine the types of crops that can be grown, the suitability of land for agriculture, and the potential for other land uses such as tourism or forestry. For example, areas with sufficient rainfall and moderate temperatures are ideal for intensive farming.

3. Soil Quality:

• The fertility, texture, and composition of soil affect its suitability for different types of agriculture and vegetation. Rich, fertile soils are preferred for crop production, while poor soils might be used for grazing or left as natural habitats. Soil quality influences agricultural productivity and land management practices.

Human Factors:

1. Population Density:

• Areas with high population density often have more land dedicated to residential, commercial, and industrial uses to accommodate housing, businesses, and infrastructure needs. Conversely, sparsely populated areas might have more land used for agriculture, forestry, or natural reserves.

2. Economic Activities:

• The dominant economic activities in a region, such as agriculture, industry, tourism, or services, influence land use patterns. For example, regions with a strong agricultural economy will have extensive farmland, while industrial areas will have land allocated for factories, warehouses, and transport networks.

3. Government Policies:

• Land use is also shaped by government policies and regulations, including zoning laws, land reform initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts. These policies can designate land for specific uses, such as protected areas, urban development zones, or agricultural reserves, and influence land management practices to promote sustainable development.

22. List four international institutional initiatives for "resource conservation."

Ans:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• The Paris Agreement

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

23. Differentiate between the Potential and Developed Resources.

Ans:

Potential Resources:

• Definition: Potential resources are those that exist in a region and could be used in the future but have not yet been exploited or utilised. These resources are identified based on their availability and potential utility.

• Example: Solar and wind energy in certain regions where the technology or infrastructure to harness them has not yet been developed.

Developed Resources:

• Definition: Developed resources are those that have been surveyed, measured, and are currently being utilised. The necessary technology and infrastructure to exploit these resources are in place.

• Example: Coal mines, oil fields, and irrigated agricultural lands that are actively being used for energy production or farming.

24. Differentiate between the Stock and Reserves

Ans:

Stock:

• Definition: Stock refers to the total quantity of resources available, including both the portion that is currently being used and the portion that is not being used due to lack of technology, economic feasibility, or other constraints.

• Example: All the water in a river system, including the water that flows freely and the water that could be harnessed in the future with appropriate technology.

Reserves:

• Definition: Reserves are a subset of the stock that can be economically and technologically exploited with the current resources and technology. These are the portions of stock that are readily available for use.

• Example: Proven oil reserves that are currently being extracted and used, as opposed to oil deposits that are known to exist but are not yet technologically or economically feasible to extract.

Important Topics of Class 10 Economics Chapter 1 Development Questions and Answers 

Important Questions of Economics Class 10 Chapter 1 include the varied definitions and goals of development, the indicators of development such as GDP, literacy rates, and life expectancy, and the concept of sustainable development, which balances economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.

Benefits of Learning with Important Questions of Development

Studying the important questions from Development Class 10 offers students several benefits.

• Important questions help students concentrate on the most critical topics and concepts in the chapter, ensuring a thorough understanding of essential ideas such as economic growth, development indicators, and sustainable development.

• Practising important questions familiarises students with the types of questions likely to appear in exams, builds their confidence, and improves their ability to perform well in assessments.

• Important questions provide a structured approach to revision, helping students review and reinforce key points quickly and effectively, making their study sessions more productive.

• Understanding the fundamental concepts of development through important questions equips students with knowledge that applies to real-world situations, fostering a better grasp of global economic and social issues.

Conclusion 

Development Class 10 Important Questions provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of development. Important Questions of Economics Class 10 Chapter 1 highlights the importance of economic growth, social progress, and sustainable practices in improving quality of life. By exploring various indicators and goals of development, as well as the disparities between countries, students gain valuable insights into the factors that influence a nation's progress.

Important Study Materials for Class 10 Economics Chapter 1

CBSE Class 10 Economics Chapter-wise Important Questions

Additional Study Materials for Class 10 Economics