Page 16

Q1. Development of a country can generally be determined by

(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above
Answer:
(iv) all the above

Q2. Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in

terms of human development than India?
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan
Answer:
(ii) Sri Lanka

Q3. Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita
income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000,
Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000
Answer:
(iii) Rs 6000

Q4. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different
countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?

(1)

• In the World Development Report, 2006, the World Bank has used the criterion
of average income or per capita income in classifying different countries.
• The average income or the per capita income is the total income of the country
divided by its population.

(2) According to the WDR 2006, countries are classified as mentioned below :

• Rich countries : Countries with per capital income of? 4,53,000 per annum
and above in 2004 are called rich countries
• Low-income countries : Countries with per capital income of? 37,000 or less
are called low-income countries.
• India comes in the category of low-income countries because its per capital
income in 2004 was just ? 28,000 per annum.
• Rich countries, excluding countries of Middle East and certain other small
countries are generally called developed countries.
(3) Limitations of the criterion are as mentioned below :

1. It does not tell us how this income is distributed among people. A country may
have more equitable distribution. People may be neither very rich nor
extremely poor.
2. In another country with same average income, one person may be extremely
rich while others may be very poor. So, the method of average income does
not give correct picture of a country.
3. This system hides disparities among people.

Q5. In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring
development different from the one used by the World Bank?

1. The criterion used by World Bank: The average income, i.e. per capita income
is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries.
According to the World Development Report 2006, published by the World
Bank, countries with per capita income of $10066 per annum and above in
2004 are called rich or developed countries. On the other hand, countries
with per capita income of $825 or less are called low-income countries.
2. The UNDP compares countries based on HDI e., on the educational levels of
the people, their health status and per capital income or average income.
3. Human Development Index used by UNDP is better because it is a wider
indicator in which besides per capital income, health and education are also
included.

Q6. Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate
with your own examples related to the development.

(1) We use averages for comparison between two countries, two persons or any two
or more things.
(2) There are the following limitations to the use of averages :

• Averages do not tell us about similarities or differences between two countries

or persons or things.
• By averages only one aspect income, size etc. in case of country, marks or
participation in sports activities etc. in case of student, can be compared. All
aspects or achievements are not compared.
• As only one aspect is compared, it does not give true picture of different
countries, persons or things. For example, students differ in height, health,
talents and interests. The healthiest student may not be the most intelligent or
topper in studies. Similar is the case in respect of countries or states. A country
may be ahead than the other country in one field but may lag behind in the
other field. So averages do not give the correct picture.

Q7. Kerala, with lower per capita income, has a better human development
ranking than Punjab. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all
and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
It is correct to say that per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and
should not be used to compare states due to reasons as mentioned below :

• Money cannot buy all the goods and services that you need to live well. Income
by itself is not a completely adequate indicator of material goods and services
that citizens are able to use.
• There cannot be a pollution-free environment in a colony of rich people unless
the whole community takes preventive steps.
• Sometimes, it is better to have collective services like security for the whole
locality than to have individual security for one’s own house. Again a school
may be opened for the children of the whole community than for one or two
children of a rich person.
• Kerala has a better human development ranking than Punjab.
• In Kerala, Infant Mortality Rate is 11 in comparison to 49 in Punjab, where the
per capita income is much more than Kerala. It is ? 26000 whereas in Kerala it
is ? 22800. It is because Kerala has adequate basic health and educational
facilities.
• Similarly in some states, the Public Distribution System (PDS) functions well
and people get ration regularly whereas in some states ration shops do not
function properly. At such places, people face a shortage of grains that affect
their health. Thus it is clear that the states should not be compared on the
basis of per capita income – alone.

Q8. Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in
India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now?
The present sources of energy that are used by the people of India are electricity,
coal, crude oil, cowdung and solar energy. Other possibilities fifty years from now,
could include ethanol, bio-diesel, nuclear energy and better utilization of wind
energy, especially with the imminent danger of oil resources running out.

Q9. Why is the issue of sustainability is important for development?

Sustainable development means that development should meet the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
However, since the second half of the twentieth century, a number of scientists have
been warning that the present type and levels of development are not sustainable.
The issue of sustainable development has emerged from rapid industrialization of
the world in the past century. It is felt that economic growth and industrialization have
led to the reckless exploitation of natural resources. On the other hand, the stock of
natural resources are limited. So, the growth of all countries in the future is likely to
be endangered if the limited resources are completely exhausted.

Under these circumstances, the issue of sustainability has become important for
development. A number of resources are being overused. For example, groundwater
is under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country i.e., Punjab, Haryana
and western U.P. The water level has declined over 4 meters. As a result of it if we
go on overusing there will be a water crisis in future. Similarly, if non-renewable
resources are used recklessly these will also be exhausted.
Page 17:
Q10. “The Earth has enough resources to meet the need of all but not enough
to satisfy the greed of even one person.” How is this statement relevant to the
discussion of development? Discuss.
This statement is relevant to the discussion of development since both resources
and development go hand in hand. As the statement claims, our earth has enough
resources – renewable and non-renewable to satisfy everyone’s need if we use them
in an economic manner. For the sustainability of development, the consumption and
maintenance of resources is also crucial. We have to use the resources keeping our
environment protected and clear so that there is a balance between the development
and use of our resources. As otherwise after a certain point of time in future the
development will be stagnated.

Q11. List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have
observed around you.
Some of the examples of environmental degradation in the area are as follows
:

1. Air pollution has increased due to the emission of smoke from factories and
vehicles.
2. There is an increase in water pollution due to shops and small factories in
residential areas.
3. There is noise pollution due to the use of loudspeakers at night and blowing of
horns unnecessarily on the roads by different vehicles.
4. People throw garbage wherever they want. Perhaps there is no provision for
dustbins in the streets or roadsides.
5. Sometimes people urinate in the open on the roadside due to a lack of public
conveniences.

Multiple Choice Questions

Previous Years’ Questions

1. Which one of the following countries has the largest size of the illiterate population
in the age group of 15 + in the world? [CBSE (CCE) 2011]
(a) India
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Myanmar
(d) Bangladesh

2. Development of a country can generally be determined by its: [CBSE (CCE) 2011]

(a) per capita income
(b) [Link] Ieve4
(c) health status of its people
(d) none of these

3. We can obtain per capita income of a country by calculating: [CBSE (CCE) 2010]
(a) the total income of a person
(b) by dividing the national income by the total population of a country
(c) the total value of all goods and services
(d) the total exports of the country

4. Kerala has low infant Mortality Rate because: [CBSE (CCE) 2010]
(a) it has good climatic condition
(b) it has adequate infrastructure
(c) it has adequate provision of basic health and educational facilities
(d) it has poor net attendance ratio

NCERT Questions
5. Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of
human development than India?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Nepal
(d) Pakistan

6. Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of
these families is ₹ 5000. If the income of three families is ₹ 4000, ₹ 7000 and ₹ 3000
respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(a) ₹ 7,500
(b) ₹ 3,000
(c) ₹ 2,000
(d) ₹ 6,000

Additional Questions
7. According to the World Development Report 2004, low-income countries are those
which have per capita income of
(a) $ 900 or less.
(b) $ 1000 or less
(c) $ 825 or less
(d) $ 500 or less

8. Identify which of the following cannot be a development goal for a landless rural
labourer?
(a) More days of work
(b) Better wages
(c) Quality education for children
(d) Foreign tours

9. Besides seeking more income, one way or the other, people also seek things like
(a) equal treatment
(b) freedom
(c) security
(d) all of them
10. Different persons could have different as well as conflicting notions of a country’s
development. A fair and just path for all should be achieved. Interpret the concept
being discussed here.
(a) Social development
(b) Cultural development
(c) National development
(d) Economic development

11. List how many tonnes of liquid toxic wastes a vessel dumped in a city called
Abidjan in Ivory Coast, a country in Africa?
(a) 500 tonnes
(b) 600 tonnes
(c) 900 tonnes
(d) 1000 tonnes

12. Countries with higher income are ………….. than others with less income.
(a) Less developed
(b) More developed
(c) Less stronger
(d) More organised

13. Income of the country divided by its total population is known as

(a) Capital Income
(b) National Income
(c) Per capita income
(d) GDP

14. In the World Development Report 2006, Rich Countries were those which in
2004 had the per capita income of
(a) ₹ 2,53,000 per annum & above
(b) ₹ 14,50,000 per annum & above
(c) ₹ 4,53,000 per annum & above
(d) ₹ 13,53,000 per annum & above

15. In the World Development Report 2006, low-income countries were those which
in 2004 had the per capita income of
(a) ₹ 37,000 or less
(b) ₹ 47,000 or less
(c) ₹ 50,000 or less
(d) ₹ 39,000 or less

16. In 2004, India came in the category of

(a) Rich countries
(b) Low-income countries
(c) Developed countries
(d) Medium income countries
17. Comparing all states, identify the state which had the highest per capita income
in 2002 – 2003.
(a) Kerala
(b) Punjab
(c) Delhi
(d) Bihar

18. Which state had the least per capita income in 2002-03?
(a) Bihar
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Kerala
(d) Delhi

19. Number of children that die before the age of one year as a proportion of 1000
live children born in that particular year is known as
(a) Death rate
(b) Survival rate
(c) Infant mortality rate
(d) Life death rate

20. Proportion of literate population in the 7 and above age group is called as
(a) Knowledge rate
(b) Literacy rate
(c) Attendance rate
(d) Excellence Rate

21. Which age group of children is included for calculating Net Attendance Ratio?
(a) 6 – 10
(b) 7 – 11
(c) 5 – 9
(d) 10 – 15

22. In 2003, Infant Mortality Rate in Kerala was

(a) 49
(b) 11
(c) 60
(d) 22

23. For the year 1995 – 96, the Net Attendance Ratio for class I to V in Bihar was
(a) 81
(b) 51
(c) 41
(d) 31

24. Literacy rate for the rural male population of Uttar Pradesh is
(a) 62 %
(b) 59 %
(c) 52 %
(d) 42 %

25. For calculating Body Mass Index (BMI), the weight of the person is divided by the
(a) Square of the weight
(b) Square of the height
(c) Square root of the height
(d) Square of the sum of height and weight

26. If BMI is less than 18.5 then the person would be considered
(a) overweight
(b) long height
(c) under nourished
(d) short height

27. Report published by UNDP which compares countries based on the educational
levels of the people, their health status and per capita income is
(a) Human Education Report
(b) Human Development Report
(c) Human Population Report
(d) Human Quality Report

28. HDI Rank of India in the world out of 177 countries in 2004 was
(a) 93
(b) 126
(c) 130
(d) 125

29. India’s per capita income in US $ is …………… Sri Lanka (in 2004)
(a) less than
(b) more than
(c) equal to
(d) less than or equal to

30. Nepal has nearly ……………. the per capita income of India (in 2004)
(a) one – fourth
(b) three – fourth
(c) equal
(d) half

31. What proportion of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves?

(a) One – Fourth
(b) One-Tenth
(c) One – Third
(d) half
32. Resources which will get exhausted after years of use is called ……………
(a) Renewable resources
(b) Non – durable resources
(c) Non – renewable resources
(d) Competing resources

ANSWERS

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Questions (VSA) 1 Mark

Question 1.
Define the term National Income?
Answer:
National income is defined as the total value of all final goods and services produced
with a country plus net income from transactions like (export and import) with other
countries.

Question 2.
Define GDP. (2012)
Answer:
GDP or Gross Domestic Product is the total value of all final goods and services
produced during a particular year in a country.

Question 3.
What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries?
(2012)
Answer:
The World Bank uses average income or per capita income as a criterion for
classifying different countries.

Question 4.
Why is the total income of countries not used to make comparisons between them?
(2012)
Answer:
The total income of countries is not used to make comparisons between them,
because the population of different countries is different and does not give a clear
picture if comparisons are made on this basis.

Question 5.
Literacy rate measures the proportion of literate population in which age group?
(2012)
Answer:
The age group of 7 years and above.

Question 6.
Which state of India has the lowest infant mortality rate? (2013)
Answer:
Kerala

Question 7.
What is Human Development Index? (2013)
Answer:
Human Development Index is a composite index of achievements of a nation in
terms of three important variables, namely—longevity, knowledge and standard of
living, that determine the quality of life.

Question 8.
Name the report published by UNDP which compares countries based on the
educational levels of the people, their health status and per capita income. (2013)
Answer:
Human Development Report

Question 9.
What term is used to describe the ‘average number of years a person is expected to
live at birth’? (2013)
Answer:
Life Expectancy

Question 10.
What is the advantage of per capita income? Mention any one. (2014)
Answer:
It helps to compare the development of countries as per capita income tells us
whether people in one country are better off than others in a different country.

Question 11.
What do final goods and services mean? (2014)
Answer:
The various production activities in the primary, secondary and tertiary sector
produce large number of goods and services for consumption and investment are
final goods and services.
Question 12.
Why is sustainable development essential? Give one reason. (2015)
Answer:
Sustained development aims at economic development without damaging the
environment and at the same time conserving for the future. Resources are to be
used in such a way that they are not overexploited.

Question 13.
Why is per capita income of different countries calculated in dollars and not in their
own currencies by the World Bank? (Board Question)
Answer:
Per capita income of different countries is calculated in dollars and not in their own
currencies because the dollar has been the strongest and stablest currency since the
end of the 2nd World War and it becomes easy to compare the per capita incomes of
various countries when these are converted into a common currency, i.e., US dollar
($).

Question 14.
“What may be development for one may not be development for the other.” Explain
with a suitable example. (Board Question)
Answer:
Different persons have different notions of development because life situations of
persons are different. For example, Construction of dams leads to generation of
hydroelectricity, thus development. However many people have to be displaced from
their villages, hence it may not be development for them.

Question 15.
What is meant by sustainability of development? (Board Question)
Answer:
This signifies that the level of economic development of a country should be
maintained or sustained in all the years. Development in the present should not
compromise with the needs of the future generations.

Question 16.
Define:

1. Infant mortality rate

2. Literacy rate
3. Net attendance ratio
4. BMI

Answer:

1. Infant mortality rate. It indicates the number of children that die before the age
of 1 year as a proportion of 1000 live children bom in that particular year.
2. Literacy rate. It measures the proportion of literate population in the 7 and
above age group.
 3. Net Attendance ratio. It is the total number of children of age group 6 to 10
attending school as a percentage of total number of children in the same age
group.
4. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is calculated by dividing the weight of a
person in kilograms (kgs) by the square of his/her height in metres. It is an
indicator of the level of nourishment in adults.

Question 17.
Literacy rate measures the proportion of literate population in which age group?
(2017 D)
Answer:
The age group of 7 years and above.

Short Answer Questions (SA) 3 Marks

Question 18.
Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your
own examples related to development. (NCERT Question)
Answer:

1. Total income is not a useful measure for comparison between countries. Since
countries have different populations, comparing total income does not tell what
an average person is likely to earn. Hence, we use average income which is
total income of the country divided by total population.
2. The defect of average as a measure is that it does not show the distribution
(dispersion) of income between the rich and the poor.
3. Two countries may have the same average income but in one country almost
every family may enjoy more or less the same kind of income, whereas in the
other, some may be very rich and others very poor. The disparity between rich
and poor is an important feature that the average measure (per capita income)
does not consider.
Example: In terms of development, we can take the example of India, where
the metro towns are full of high-rise buildings and shopping malls while some
villages have not yet been provided with a basic necessity like electricity.

Question 19.
What is per capita income? Mention any two limitations of per capita income as an
indicator of development. (2012)
Answer:
The total income of a country divided by its total population gives the Per Capita
Income.
Money cannot buy all the goods and services that are needed to live well. So income
by itself is not a completely adequate indicator of material goods and services that
citizens are able to use. For example, money can not buy a pollution-free
environment or ensure that one gets unadulterated medicines, unless one can afford
to shift to a community that already has all these things.
Question 20.
Kerala, with lower per capita income, has a better human development ranking than
Punjab. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be
used to compare States. Do you agree? Discuss. NCERT Question
Answer:
Per capita income is not a useful criterion at all to measure the human development
ranking of a state. High per capita income is not the only attribute to a good quality
life. Money cannot buy all the essential things required for a good life. Pollution-free
atmosphere to ensure good health, protection from infectious diseases, lowering of
mortality rate, promotion of literacy, etc. are essential for a good standard of living. In
order to achieve these, joint efforts have to be made by all members of a community,
be it rich or poor.
Kerala ranks higher compared to Punjab even with a lower per capita income
because—

1. mortality rate is lower

2. literacy rate is higher and
3. total number of children attending school (Classes I-V) is higher.

Question 21.
On the basis of which three indicators of HDI 2004 Sri Lanka has better rank than
India? (2014)
Answer:
Three indicators of HDI 2004 in which Sri Lanka has better rank than India:

1. Per capita income—The per capita income of Sri Lanka in US dollars was
4,390 US dollars while that of India was 3,139 US dollars.
2. Life expectancy at birth—The life expectancy at birth for Sri Lanka was 74,
higher than that of India at 64.
3. Gross enrolment ratio for three levels—Sri Lanka had Gross Enrolment ratio of
69 while that of India was 60.

Question 22.
‘Conflicting goals can also be developmental goals’. Elaborate with examples. (2014)
Answer:
All persons do not have the same notion of development or progress. Each one of
them seeks different things. The seek things that are most important for them, i.e.,
that which can fulfil their aspirations or desires. In fact at times two persons or
groups of persons may seek things which are conflicting.

A girl expects as much freedom and opportunity as her brother and that he also
shares in the household work. Her brother may not like this.

To get more electricity, industrialists may want more dams. But this may submerge
the land and disrupt the lives of people who are displaced, such as tribals. They
might resent this and may prefer small check dams or tanks to irrigate their land.
Question 23.
What are common developmental goals? Give any two suitable examples of
common developmental goals. (2015)
Answer:
There are certain goals which are the same or common for all. These are common
developmental goals. The developmental goals that people have are not only about
better income but also about other important things in life. More income or more
material goods do not always give us a good quality life.

There are other aspects such as equal treatment, freedom, security, opportunity to
learn, good working conditions, pollution-free atmosphere, job security and good
social life which are very important for a good quality life. Money or material things
that one can buy with it, is one factor on which our life depends. But quality of our life
also depends on non-material things, for example, the role of our friends in our life
which cannot be measured but mean a lot to us.

Question 24.
“Money cannot buy all the goods and services that one needs to live well” Do you
agree with this statement? Justify your answer with any three suitable arguments.
(2015)
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement because money income and material goods alone
are not an adequate indicator of a good quality of life. Money cannot buy all the
goods and services one needs to live well.

• Money cannot buy a pollution free and dean environment with fresh air.
• It cannot protect us from infectious diseases and guarantee good health for us.
• Money cannot assure that medicines available in the market are not
adulterated.
To live well one needs non-material factors such as equal treatment, freedom,
security, equal opportunity to learn, a pollution free environment, good and safe
working conditions etc.

Question 25.
Apart from income, which other six things people look for as important aspects of our
lives? (2014, 2012)
Answer:
High per capita income is not the only attribute to a good quality life. Money cannot
buy all the essential things required for a good life. Pollution-free atmosphere to
ensure good health, protection from infectious diseases, lowering of mortality rate,
promotion of literacy, job security, good working conditions, etc. are essential for a
good standard of living.

Question 26.
One what basis the rich and low income countries have been categorized in the
world? What are the limitations of this approach? According to the World
Development Report, 2006, India comes in which category? Give reason for the
same. (2015, 2014)
Answer:
The World Bank uses average income or per capita income as a criterion for
classifying different countries. Countries with per capita income of ?4,53,000 per
annum and above (in the year 2004) are called rich countries and those with per
capita income of ?37,000 or less are called low income countries (India comes under
low income countries; the per capita income in India is ?28,000 per annum). Those
falling in between ₹37,000 – ₹4,53,000 are placed in the middle category.

Limitations of this criterion.

1. While averages are useful for comparison, they also hide disparities. Two
countries may have identical average income, but one country may have
equitable distribution where people are neither very rich nor very poor, while in
the other country most citizens are very poor and very few are extremely rich,
2. Better income cannot ensure a good quality life. Criterion set by the World
Bank has ignored certain attributes of a good life which do not depend on
income or cannot be . bought with money.
Example, freedom, equal treatment, equal opportunities, free atmosphere,
provision of unadulterated medicines, etc.

Question 27.
Why do people look at a mix of goals for development? Explain.
Answer:
Though income is one of the most important components of development, but there
are other important goals which people look at for development—

1. People also seek things like equal treatment, freedom, security and respect.
2. Women need a safe and secure environment to take up a variety of jobs or to
run businesses as entrepreneurs.
3. People seek a pollution free environment.
4. Students seek better education and equal opportunities to learn.

Long Answer Questions (LA) 5 Marks

Question 28.
Why do different persons have different notions of development? Which of the
following explanations is more important and why?
(a) Because people are different.
(b) Because life situations of persons are different.
Answer:
The correct explanation is ‘Because life situations of persons are different.’
Developmental goals are different for different categories of people because of their
different aspirations. Aspirations are based on their needs. At times people may
have conflicting developmental goals also. What may be development for one may
not be development for another. It may even be destructive for the other.
Example, Industrialists may want construction of more dams for more electricity, but
this may lead to displacement of tribals who live in those areas and thereby disrupt
their lives.

Example, The inhabitants of Nandigram in West Bengal are mainly agriculturists and
their aspirations are to see development in the field of agriculture, whereas to some
it may appear that industrial advancement is more necessary for national
development.

Question 29.
What does HDI stand for? Explain the main criteria of measuring HDI according to
UNDP Report of 1990. (2015)
Answer:
HDI Stand for Human Development Index.
Main criteria of measuring HDI:

1. HDI published by UNDP compares countries based on the educational levels

of the people, their health status and per capita income.
2. HDI determines the rank of a country by its overall achievement in three areas,
i.e., life expectancy, educational level and per capita income.
3. Many improvements have been suggested in calculating HDI and many new
components have been added to Human Development Report.
4. Pre-fixing Human to Development, it has made it clear that what is important in
development is what is happening to citizens of a country, i.e., the health and
well being of the people is most important.

Question 30.
Explain with examples that there are other important development goals also
besides income. (2014)
Answer:
More income or more material goods do not always give us a good quality life. There
are other aspects such as equal treatment, freedom, security, opportunity to learn,
good working conditions, pollution-free atmosphere, job security and good social life
which are very important for a good quality life.

Money or material things that one can buy with it, is one factor on which our life
depends. But quality of our life also depends on non-material things, for example, the
role of our friends in our life which cannot be measured but mean a lot to us. Another
example, if we get a job in a far off place, before accepting it we would try consider
many factors apart from income such as facilities for our family, working atmosphere,
or opportunity to learn. Similarly, for development, people look at a mix of goals. It is
true that if women are engaged in paid work, their dignity increases. However, it is
also the case that if there is respect for women there would be more sharing of
house work and greater acceptance of women.

The developmental goals that people have are not only about better income but also
about other important things in life.
Question 31.
Explain any five fields other than income where development is needed. (2012)
Answer:
Fields other than income where development is needed:

1. Education. The government must provide adequate education facilities in all

rural and urban areas. The government must necessarily focus on education
for girls so that all girls are able to acquire atleast secondary level schooling.
Running proper schools and providing quality education, particularly
elementary education, is the duty of the Government.
2. Health. Basic health care facilities are a must for all. Establishment of
government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, especially in rural areas, to
provide subsidized and unadulterated medicines to the poorer sections of
society.
3. Nutrition. An effective Public Distribution System—proper functioning of ration
shops and equitable distribution of foodgrains is very essential.
4. Transportation. A well developed public transport system to make it easy for
general public to commute.
5. Electricity. It is the duty of the government to provide electricity and water at
reasonable rates to the common man and prevent him from exploitation by
private companies.

Question 32.
Explain with reasons why state of Punjab with a very high per capita income has a
low literacy rate. (2016, 2017 D)
Answer:
Per capita income is not a useful criterion at all to measure the human development
ranking of a state. High per capita income is not the only attribute to a good quality
life. Money cannot buy all the essential things required for a good life.

This can be seen in the case of Punjab which has a very high per capita income but
a low literacy rate. Having money in one’s pocket cannot buy all the goods and
services that we need to live well. Money cannot ensure education and literacy.
Another reason for low literacy rate in Punjab could be the lack of free and
compulsory educational facilities. The government needs to open more schools and
provide other facilities so that all children have a chance to study.

Pollution-free atmosphere to ensure good health, protection from infectious

diseases, lowering of mortality rate, promotion of literacy, etc. are essential for a
good standard of living. In order to achieve these, joint efforts have to be made by all
members of a community, be it rich or poor.
1. What is development?

Answer: It is a comprehensive term which includes increase in real per

capita income, improvement in living standard of people, reduction in
poverty etc.

2. Mention any two developmental goals of a landless rural labourer.

Answer: (i) More days of work and better wages.

(ii) Quality education for his children.

3. Mention any two developmental goals of a girl.

Answer: (i) Gender equality

(ii) Girls empowerment

4. What may be development for one may not be development for the
other. It may even be destructive for other. Give one example.

Answer: Construction of a dam may be good for an industrialist as he will

get more electricity but construction of dam submerge the land and disrupt
the lives of people who are displaced.

5. Mention any two developmental goals of people other than income.

Answer: (i) Equal treatment (ii) Respect of others

6. Mention any two developmental goals of a rural women.

Answer: (i) Dignity in the household.

(ii) A safe and secure environment.

7. What is national development? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: National development is a comprehensive term which includes

improvement in living standard. of the people, increase in per capita
income, providing social amenities like education, medical care, social
services, etc. to the citizens of the country.

8. Mention any two national development goals of India.

Answer: (i) Corruption free society.
(ii) High per capita income.

9. Which is the most important attribute for national development?

Answer: National income or per capita income of the nation.

10. ‘For comparing countries, total income or national income is not a

useful measure. Give reason.

Answer: Since countries have different population, comparing total income

will not tell us what an average person is likely to earn.

11. What is average income or per capita income? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: When the total national income is divided by the total population,
it is called the per capita income.
Per Capita Income = National Income / Population

12. What is the most important component for comparing different

countries? [CBSE 2010, 12]
Answer: Per capita income.

13. Which criteria is used by the World Bank to classify different

countries?
Answer: Per capita income.

Q.14. Which countries have been categorised as rich countries

according to the World Development Report? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Countries with per capita income of US $ 12276 per annum and
above in 2010 are called rich countries.

15. Which countries have been categorised as low income countries

according to World Development Report?
Answer: Countries with per capita income of US $ 1005 or less are called
low income countries.

16. Under which category India has been placed by the World Bank
Development Report?

Answer: Low middle income countries as India’s per capita income is less
than JUS $ 1005. or less.

17. What are developed countries according to World Development

Report ?

Answer: All the countries excluding countries of Middle East and certain
other small countries which have per capita income of US $ 12276 per
annum or above have been termed as developed countries.

18. What is Infant Mortality Rate? [CBSE 2009, 2013 (D)]

Answer: It indicates the number of children that die before the age of one
year as a proportion of 1000 live children born in that particular year.

19. What is Literacy Rate? [CBSE 2009 (D)]

Answer: It measures the proportion of literate population in the seven and

above age group.

20. What is Net Attendance ratio? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: It is the total number of children of the age group 6-10, attending
school as a percentage of total number of children in the same age group.

21. What is Gross Enrolment Ratio?

Answer: It is the enrolment ratio for primary, secondary and higher

education.
22. Which Indian state has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate ?
Answer: Kerala.

23. Why Kerala has a low Infant Mortality Rate ? [CBSE 2008, 2013 (F)]

Answer: Kerala has low IMR because :

(i) It has very high literacy rate and literate people take care of their children
better as compared to illiterate.
(ii) Literate people also have high earning capacity so they can afford basic
necessities for their children.

24. Mention any two things which money cannot buy.

Answer: (i) Peace (ii) Freedom

25. What is Public Distribution System?

Answer: It is a food security programme under which government provide

foodgrains and other essential items to the poor at an affordable price.

26. What is Human Development Index?

Answer: It is an index prepared by the World Bank Under which all the
nations of the world are indexed or ranked according to their performance
in various parameters like per ‘—’capita income, life expectancy, literacy
rate etc.

27. What are the three components of human Development Index?

Answer: (i) Per Capita Income
(ii) Life Expectancy
(iii) Literacy Rate

28. What is India’s rank according to 2013 HDI ?

Answer: 136

29. Mention any two parameters where Sri Lanka has scored over India
in HDI.
Answer: (i) Per capita income
(ii) Literacy rate
30. Define life expectancy. [CBSE 2013]
Answer: Average expected length of life of a person at the time of birth.

31. What is life expectancy in India?

Answer: 65.8 years

32. What is Sustainable Development?

Answer: Sustainable development is that process of economic

development which aims at maintaining the quality of life of both the
present and the future generations without harming the natural resources
and environment.

33. What are non-renewable resources? Give one example.

Answer: “Non-renewable resources are the natural resources that cannot

be replaced at all or within a reasonable time.” Fossil fuels such as oil, gas
and coal are examples of non-renewable resources. These resources
accumulated over millions of years.

34. Name the region of world which has large crude oil reserves.
Answer: Middle East.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

1. (i) What is development? Mention any two features of development.

(ii) What is national income? [CBSE 2009 (D)]
(iii) What is per capita income? [CBSE Sept. 2011]
Or
Define the term, ‘average income.’ [CBSE 2008, 2009 (D)]

Answer: (i) Development is a comprehensive term which include increase in

real per capita income, improvement in living standard of people, reduction
in poverty, illiteracy, crime rate, etc.
Features
(a) Different persons have different developmental goals.
(b) Income is a major component of development.
(ii) National income is defined as the total value of all the goods and
services produced within a country plus net income coming from abroad.
(iii) When the total national income is divided by the total population, it is
called the per capita income.
Per Capita Income = National Income / Population

2. (f) State the criteria used to compare the different countries by the
Human Development Report published by the United National
Development Programme (UNDP).
(ii) Which is the new area of knowledge in which scientists,
economists, philosophers and other social scientists are working
together?
(iii) What is meant by Human Development? [CBSE Sept. 2011, 2012]
(iv) What is Sustainable Development? [CBSE Comp. (D) 2008, 2009 (F),
Sept. 2011]
(v) Which organisation measures HDR? Mention any three major
indicators of / HDR. [CBSE Sept. 2012]

Answer: (i) Per capita income, life expectancy at birth, literacy rate and
other basic necessities like clean drinking water, sanitation etc.
(ii) Sustainability of development.

(iii) It is the process of enlarging people’s choices as well as raising the level
of wellbeing so that they can lead a purposeful and a creative life. Though
the national income and the per capita income are the indicators of human
development, but it includes many other elements like consumption,
health, environment, education, freedom, security, non-violent atmosphere,
etc.

(iv) Sustainable Development is that process of economic development

which aims at maintaining the quality of life of both the present and the
future generations without harming the natural resources and environment.

(v) UNDP :
(a) Educational level
(b) Health status
(c) Per capita income
3. (i) Mention any two important aspects of our lives other than
income. [CBSE 2008 (D)]
(ii) How can we achieve our hopes and possibilities in the present
world ? [CBSE Comp. (D) 2008]
(iii) What is ‘Public Distribution System ’ (PDS) ? [CBSE Sept.
2011] [CBSE2009 (F) Sept. 2010]
(iv) Mention two developmental goals of landless rural
labourers. [CBSE Comp. (O) 2008]
(iv) Why has Kerala a higher Human Development Index than Punjab
in spite of low per capita income? [CBSE 2009 (F) Sept. 2011]

Answer: (i) Health and Education.

(ii) Through Democratic political process.
(iii) It is a system through which the Government distributes ration to the
poor at a reasonable rate through the ration shops.
(iv) (a) More days of work and better wages.
(b) Quality education for the children.
(v) (a) Because it has low infant mortality rate, (b) It has higher literacy rate.

4. Mention any four characteristics of development. [CBSE Sept. 2010,

2011]

Answer: (i) Different people have different developmental goals.

(ii) What may be development for one may not be development for the
other. It may be destructive for the other.
(iii) Income is the most important component of development, but along
with income, people also seek equal treatment, good health, peace, literacy,
etc.
(iu) For development, people look at mixed goals.

5. Describe any three features of developed country. [CBSE 2013, 14]

Answer: (i) As per the World Bank Report 2012 any country with per capita
income of US$ 12,276 per annum and above is termed as rich or developed
country. ‘
(ii) Such countries have high literacy rate.
(iii) Most of the people of these countries are engaged in service sector.
6. What is PCI? Where it is used?

Answer: PCI is Per Capita Income. It is calculated by dividing the National

Income of the country by population.
Uses:
(i) It is used to compare different countries.
(ii) The World Bank has divided the countries into rich or low income
countries on the basis of per Capita income.

7. What are the development goals of the following :

(i) Labourer (ii) Rich farmer (iii) Trader

Answer:

• more days of work better wages

• low price food grains
• cheap labour
• less taxes
• cheap labour
8. ‘What may be development for one may not be development for the
other.’ Explain by giving examples. [CBSE Sept. 2012]
Or
With the help of an example show two groups who may have different
notions of development. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Answer: It is true that development for one may not be development for
the other.
(i) More wages means development for a worker, but it can go against the
entrepreneur.
(ii) A rich farmer or trader wants to sell foodgrains at a higher price but a
poor worker wants to purchase it for low prices.
(iii) Construction of a dam means more and cheap power, but people, who
will lose their habitat will demonstrate.
(iu) To get more electricity, the industrialists may want more dams. But this
may submerge the agricultural land, and disrupt the lives of the people.

9. What is national development? What are the aspects covered under

the national development? [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Answer: National development is a comprehensive term which includes
improvement in living standard of the people, increase in per capita
income, providing social amenities like education, medical care, social
services, etc. to the citizens of the country.
(i) Under national development, a country uses its resources in a fair and
just way.
(ii) Under this only those programmes and policies are implemented which
would benefit a large number of people.
(iii) Under national development, countries focus more on social
infrastructure which includes education, health and other social services.

10. What contributes to the human development?

Answer: There are many economic as well as non-economic factors which

contribute to the human development.
(i) Living a long and a healthy life.
(ii) To have education, information and knowledge.
(iii) Enjoying a decent standard of living.
(iv) Enjoying basic fundamental rights like freedom, security, education, etc.
(v) To have equality and enjoyment of human rights.

11. What is the significance of Human Development Index? [CBSE

2013]

Answer: (i) HDI is used to measure level of development of a country.

(ii) It has been published by UNDP and according to it countries has been
ranked.
(iii) It is a comprehensive approach which cover all the major aspects of life.
(iv) Apart from income, education, health status, life expectancy, etc., are
considered for measuring economic development of a nation.

12. ‘Human development is the essence of social development.’

Explain.

Answer: (i) Human development focuses on the people.

(ii) It is concerned with the well-being of the people, their needs, choices
and aspirations. All these help in building a right kind of society.
(iii) It is all about the enlarging or widening the choices for the people. It is
the building of human capabilities, such as to lead a long and a healthy life,
to have education, information and knowledge, to have opportunities of
livelihood, etc.
(iv) Human development focuses on the expansion of basic choices.

13. ‘Money cannot buy all the goods and services that one needs to
live well.’ Explain. [CBSE 2010(0), Sept. 2013]

Answer: (i) Money or material things that one can buy with it is one factor
on which our life depends. But the quality of our life also depends upon
non-material things like equal treatment, freedom, security, respect of
others, etc.
(ii) Money cannot buy us a pollution free environment, unadulterated
medicines, peace, etc.
(iii) There are many facilities like schools, colleges, parks, hospitals which an
individual cannot afford. All these are to be provided by the
government/society.
(iv) Money possessed by an individual even can not provide us a type of
government which take decisions for the welfare of the common people.

14. What are the limitations of the per capita income criteria of
development ? [CBSE 2014]
Or
What is Per Capita Income? Can it be regarded as the sole indicator of
economic development of a country? Give four valid arguments to
support your answer. [CBSE 2012]

Answer: (i) Per capita income is the average income of a country.

(ii) Per capita income criteria takes into account only the economic aspect
of life and ignores the social, aspect of life.
(iii) Per capita income criteria ignores education, health, life expectancy,
sanitation etc.
(iv) Per capita income criteria also ignores non material things like peace,
pollution free environment, democracy, etc.
(v) Though Punjab has higher per capita income as compared to Kerala but
it has been ranked lower on Human Development Index because it is far
behind than Kerala in literacy rate and has higher infant mortality rate than
Kerala.
15. “Average income is an important criterion for development.”
Explain.

Answer: (i) Average income gives us an idea what an average person is

likely to get out of the total national income.
(ii) Average income is used to classify the countries into rich, poor or
developing nations.
(iii) Average income is used to make economic policies.

16. Besides income, what can be the other attributes to compare

economic development? [CBSE 2013, 14]

Answer: (1) Of course, for comparing economic development of countries,

their income is considered to be one of the most important attributes. This
is based on the understanding that more income means more of all things
that human beings need. That is why, the World Bank uses Per Capita
Income to compare economic development.

(2) Apart from income, educational levels of the people and their health
status are considered as measures to compare economic development of a
nation.
(i) Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) : This indicates the number of children that
die before the age of one year as a proportion of 1,000 live children born in
that particular year. ‘
(ii) Literacy Rate : This measures the proportion of literate population in the
7 years and above age group.
(iii) Net Attendance Ratio : This is the total number of children of age group
6-10 attending school as a percentage of total number of children in the
same age group.
(iv) Life Expectancy at birth : It denotes average expected length of life of a
person at the time of birth.

17. What is infant mortality rate ? Suggest two measures to keep the
infant mortality rate low. [CBSE 2013, 14]
Or
What is the meaning of ‘Infant Mortality Rate ’ (IMR) ? Give two main
reasons for low IMR in Kerala. [CBSE 2010]
Answer: (1) The number of children that die before the age of one year per
1,000 children born alive in a particular year is called Infant Mortality Rate.
(2) Measures to keep Infant Mortality Rate low :
(i) Provision of basic health.
(ii) Provision of proper educational facility.
(iii) Proper functioning of Public Distribution System.

18. Define the following terms:

(i) IMR (ii) Literacy Rate (iii) NAR [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011]

Answer: (i) Infant Mortality Rate (or IMR) indicates the number of children
that die before the age of one year as a proportion of 1000 live children
born in that particular year.
(ii) Literacy Rate measures the proportion of literate population in the 7
years and above age group.
(iii) Net Attendance Ratio is the total number of children of age group 6-10
years attending school as a percentage of the total number of children in
the same age group.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

1. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying

different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion? [CBSE
Sept. 2010]
Or
Explain the meaning of the term ‘Rich Countries’ and ‘Low Income
Countries’ according to the World Development Report of 2006. What
is India’s position in this respect? [CBSE 2013]

Answer: The World Development Report, 2012, brought out by the World
Bank has given the following criteria in classifying countries :
(i) Rich or High income countries : Countries with the per capita income of
US $12276 per annum and above in 2010, are called rich countries.
(ii) Poor or Low income countries: The countries with the per capita income
of US $ 1005 or less, are called low income countries.
India comes in the category of low middle income countries because its per
capita income in 2010 was just US $1340.4 per annum. The rich countries,
excluding countries of Middle East and certain other small countries, are
generally called the developed countries.

Limitations :
(i) It covers only the economic aspect ignoring peace, health, environment,
education, longevity, etc.
(ii) The method does not provide us the distribution of income.

2. Compare India and Sri Lanka on the basis of any three indicators of
the Human Development Index for 2004. [CBSE 2009 (O), Sept. 2012]

Answer: (1) Per capita income : The per capita income of Sri Lanka is higher
than that of India. The per capita income of India is about $ 3285, whereas
it is around $ 5170 for Sri Lanka.
(2) Life expectancy at birth : Life expectancy at birth in Sri Lanka is also
higher as compared to India. In Sri Lanka, the life expectancy is around 75.1
whereas in India it is about 65.8.
(3) Literacy rate : Literacy rate in Sri Lanka is also higher than India. It is 90.6
in Sri Lanka whereas it is 62.8 in India.

3. Why are the countries of the Middle East not called ‘developed’
inspite of high per capita income ?[CBSE Sept. 2010]

Answer: (i) These are small countries.

(ii) The gap between rich and poor is very high,
(iii) Though per capita income in Middle East countries is very high but
there is unequal distribution of wealth.
(iv) These countries have high per capita income due to oil production. So
they have only one major source of income.
(v) The World Development Report brought out by the World Bank has
excluded these countries from the list of developed countries.

4. Highlight any three advantages of public facilities. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Answer: (i) Public facilities is the cheapest way to

provide basic services collectively.
(ii) Most of the poor people survive only because of public facilities.
(iii) There are many services like police, education, transportation, etc.,
which become affordable only if they are part of public facilities.

5. Why are public facilities needed for the development of the country
? Explain four public facilities. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2012]

Answer: Public facilities play very important role in the development of a

country as these include education, health, transportation, banking which
are the base for any kind of development.
(i) Education : Education is the most important public facility which is
required both by the rich as well as the poor.
(ii) Public Distribution System (PDS) : Public distribution system is another
important facility which plays an important role in providing food security
to the people.
(iii) Transportation : Many transport facilities like railway, airways,
waterways, banking become affordable only if they are provided
collectively.

6. Explain common, different and conflicting goals by giving

appropriate examples. [CBSE 2012]

Answer: Development goals may be common, different or conflicting.

(i) Common goals : There are some needs which are common to all like
income, freedom, equality, security, respect, friendship, etc.
(ii) Different goals : Development or progress does not mean the same
thing for every individual. Each individual has his own idea of development.
For example, development for a farmer might be better irrigation facilities;
for an unemployed youth it may mean better employment opportunities,
etc.
(ii) Conflicting goals : What may be development for some, may become
destruction for some others. For example, industrialists may want dams for
electricity but such dams would displace the natives of the region.

7. Mention any four aspects of comparison notions of development

between different countries. [CBSE 2010, 14]
Or
Explain three attributes for comparing nations development between
different countries. [CBSE 2010]
Or
What are the two basic criteria used for comparing an underdeveloped
country with developed one ? [CBSE 2010]
Or
Give examples to prove that there are other important developmental
goals than income. [CBSE 2012]

Answer: Development of a country can generally be determined by: per

capita income; average literacy level; and health status of its people.
(i) Per Capita Income means average income
generated by each person in a given group of people. Its limitation is that it
does not show the disparities among the people of the group. ‘
(ii) Amount of literacy achieved is also a measure of development. Literacy
rate measures the proportion of literate population in the 7 and above age
group. The more the people are educated, the more developed the group
is.
(iii) Health indicators are Infant Mortality Rate, Birth Rate, etc. Lower the
amount of Infant Mortality Rate, higher is the rate of people being healthy. ,
(iv) Net Attendance Ratio is also the indicator of economic development of
a nation. It is the total number of children of age group 6-10 attending
school as a percentage of total number of children in the same age group,
(v) Life Expectancy at birth denotes average expected length of life of a
person at the time of birth. Higher the life expectancy at birth, higher is
considered the development of a nation.

8. How is BMI used to determine the undernourishment of a person ?

Explain. [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) One way to find out if adults are undernourished is to calculate
what nutrition scientists call Body Mass Index or BMI.
(ii) In order to calculate, first of all the weight of the person in kg is taken.
Then, the height in metres is measured. The weight is divided by the square
of the height.
(ii) If this figure is less than 18.5, then the person would be considered
undernourished. However, if this BMI is more than 25, then a person is
overweight.
9. What is the criterion to determine if adults are
undernourished? [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) The criterion to determine if adults are undernourished is Body

Mass Index, popularly known as BMI.
(ii) In order to calculate it, first the weight of the person in kg is taken. Then,
we take height in meters. The weight is divided by the square of the height.
(iii) If this figure is less than 18.5, then the person would be considered
undernourished. However, if this BMI is more than 25, then a person is
overweight.

10. What is meant by ‘Overusing a Resource’ ? Explain with

examples. [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) ‘Overusing a Resource’ means more uses of the resource than it
is replenished by the nature.
(ii) Let us consider groundwater. It is an example of renewable resources.
These resources are replenished by nature. However, even these resources
may be overused. In the case of groundwater, if we use more than what is
being replenished by rain then we would be overusing this resource.
(iii) This is what Indian states have done. For example, farmers of Punjab
have overused the groundwater. This has lead to lowering of the water
table.

11. Explain the importance of sustainable development with reference

to groundwater by giving example. [CBSE 2013]
Or
What is meant by sustainable development? Explain it by taking the
case study of water. [CBSE 2011, 14]

Answer: (i) Sustainable development is the development of a country or

world not only at present, but the development which is to be continued
and maintained for future generations.
(ii) For example, groundwater is a natural resource which is replenished by
nature. People of a particular generation must use water in such a way that
people of future generation may also be able to use groundwater. People
should not overuse and degrade the quality of water so that water is
exhausted or if it remains, it is contaminated to such an extent that it
becomes unusable for people of future generations.

12. “Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect

national or state boundaries.” Justify the statement. [CBSE 2012, 14]

Answer: (i) Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect

national or state
boundaries. This issue is no longer a regional or national issue.
(ii) Our future is linked together. Sustainability of development is essential
for all the mankind and it is our common responsibility to save the
environment.
(iii) These days it is a matter of discussion among different countries of the
world.
(iv) Global warming, acid rain, etc., are not to be controlled by one nation. It
is a global matter of thinking and finding the solutions.

13. Explain the term ‘Development’. How is it linked with sustainability

? Explain with example. [CBSE 2012, 14]

Answer: (i) Development is a process which has a notion of going further

up and improving the quality of life.
(ii) It is linked to sustainability since it has to be maintained for future
generations.
(iii) Resources need to be used wisely so that they can be replenished.
(iv) Overuse of resources exhaust them. For example, petroleum.
(v) If development is not sustainable, it will give rise to environmental
degradation and become a global problem.

Value Based Questions

1.‘The development goals that people have me not only about better
Income but also about other Important things in life.’ Explain. Mention
any two goals of a student.
Or ‘
‘For development people look at a mix of goals’. Support the
statement with suitable examples. [CBSE Sept. 2011]
Or
Apart from income, which other six things people look for? [CBSE
2012]
Though income is one of the most important

Answer: components of development but there are

other important things, such as :
(i) People also seek things like equal treatment, freedom, security and
respect.
(ii) Women need safe and secure environment to take up a variety of jobs
or run a business.
(iii) People also need political rights.
(iv) People seek a pollution-free environment.
Students goal :
(i) Better Education.
(ii) Pollution free environment.

2. What do you mean by public facilities ? Why are they important ?

Name two public facilities available in India.

Answer: Public facilities are the essential facilities for the community at
large and are provided by the government.
Important :
They are important because there are many services like education, health,
transportation etc., which have become cheap and affordable if provided,
collectively.
Public facilities : Rail transport and – . government schools.

3. Why is literacy essential for the economic ‘ development ?

Explain. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Answer: (i) Illiterate people are easily cheated and exploited by the traders,
shopkeepers and employers.
(ii) There is shortage of skilled workers in India, this shortage can be
reduced only through literacy.
(iii) Most of the illiterate people are engaged in primary and unorganised
sector so their earning is very low.
4. ‘Money in your pocket cannot buy all the goods and services that
one need’.
With reference to the given statement mention any four things which
money can not buy for an individual.

Answer: (i) Peace

(ii) Pollution free environment
(iii) Good health (iu) Freedom

5. The annual Per Capita Incomes of three countries are given below.
Based on the guidelines set by the World Bank Report (2012), classify
these countries as high income, low income or developing.
• Country A : US $ 5,000
• Country B : US $ 15,580
• Country C : US $ 12,280 [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) Country A with Per Capita Income of US $ 5,000 comes under
Low Income Countries.
(ii) Country B with Per Capita Income of US $ 15,580 lies in the category of
High Income Countries.
(iii) Country C with Per Capita Income of US $ 12,280 falls in the category of
Developing countries.

6. Think of any three developmental goals of a boy from a rich urban

family. Describe them. [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) He may think to get quality education and pursue his studies
abroad.
(ii) He may require the availability of vocational education and training.
(iii) He may require capital to start his own business.

7. Apart from salary, what other goals can you have in mind while
taking up a new job? Explain. [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) Security

(ii) Working Environment
(iii) Opportunity to learn
(iv) Pollution from environment.
8. How do the women engaged in paid jobs fulfill mix of goals?
Explain. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: (i) Economic independence: If a women is working she will get

economic independency.
(ii) Equality: As per the law working women need to be treated equally.
(iii) Respected: A working women will get respect not only in the family but
in the society also.

2023
Q1: Assume there are four families in a locality. If the monthly income
of each family is ₹10,000, ₹ 20,000, ₹ 30,000 and ₹ 40000 then what is
the average income of the locality. Choose the correct option from the
following.
(a) ₹ 25,000
(b) ₹ 30,000
(c) ₹ 20,000
(d) ₹10,000 [2023]
Ans: (a)
₹ 25,000
Q2: Which one of the following is a developmental goal of the factory
workers?
(a) Better wages
(b) Better technology
(c) More hours of work
(d) More labour work [2023]
Ans: (a)
Better wages
Q3: "Different persons can have different developmental
goals." [2023]
Ans: People have different developmental goals because they come from
different backgrounds. For example, a developmental goal for a farmer
might be better irrigation facilities, while for an unemployed youth it may
mean employment opportunities.
Q4: Which of the following countries has the highest 'Life Expectancy’
at the birth’?
(a) Nepal
(b) Bangladesh
(c) India
(d) Pakistan [2023]
Ans: (b)
Bangladesh
Q5: Which of the following countries has better rank it Human
Development Index?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Myanmar
(c) India
(d) Nepal [2023]
Ans: (c)
India
Q6: Read the following data and answer the question that follow:

How much is the Net Absence Ratio of Haryana ? Choose the

appropriate option from the following:
(a) 39
(b) 27
(c) 38
(d) 18 [2023]
Ans: (a)
39
Q7: Read the following statements about Human Development and
choose the correct option:
(I) It is the composite Index prepared by United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP).
(II) Parameters to measure it are Longevity, Literacy and Per Capita
Income.
(III) Countries are ranked according to Developed and Low
Developing countries.
(IV) World Bank also prepares report of Human Development on the
basis of Quality of Life.
(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) I and III
(d) II and IV [2023]
Ans: (a)
I and II
 Q8: The question of sustainability of development raises many
fundamentally new issues about the nature and process of
development’. Explain it with examples. [2023]
Ans: The question of sustainability of development raises many
fundamentally new issues about the nature and process of development.
For example:

• Sustainable development has continued to evolve as the true agenda of

protecting the world's resources while its true agenda is to control the
world's resources.
• Environmentally sustainable economic growth refers to economic
development that meets the needs of all without leaving future
generations with fewer natural resources than those we enjoy today.
• The essence of this form of development is a stable relationship between
human activities and the natural world, which does not diminish the
prospects for future generations to enjoy a quality of life at least as good
as our own.
• Example: Crude oil that we extract from the earth is a non-renewable
resource. Still, its explorations are being done non-judiciously.

2022
Q1: Suppose there are four families in your locality, the average per
capita income of whom is 10,000. If the income of three families is
6,000; 8,000 and 14,000 respectively, what would be the income of the
fourth family?
(a) 5,000
(b) 10,000
(c) 12,000
(d) 15,000 [Term-1, 2021-22]
Ans: (c)
Suppose the income of fourth family is x. According to question.

⇒ x + 28000 = 40000
⇒ x = ₹12000
Q2: Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Read the statements and choose the most appropriate option.
Assertion ( A ) : Kerala has low Infant Mortality Rate.
Reason (R) : Kerala has adequate provision of basic health and
education facilities.
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of the A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of
the A.
(c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Ans: (a)
There is low infant mortality rate in Kerala. Its reason is that, Kerala has
adequate provision of basic health and educational facilities.
2021
Q1: What is development? Why do different people have different
development goals? Explain with four examples. [2021 C]
Ans: Development means continuous progress or i increase in real per-
capita income. In other words, there is i improvement in economic welfare
of the people and their standard of living.
The four characteristics of development are:
(i) Developmental goals are different for different people.
(ii) What may be development for one may not be development for the
other.
(iii) For development people look at a mix of goals.
(iv) Different persons could have different as well as conflicting notions of
country's development.
Q2: In what respect is the criterion used by the UNDP different from
that of the World Bank? What are the limitations of the criterion used
by the World Bank? [2021, 2017]
Ans: The World Bank uses per capita income to measure the
development. But it does not give the clear picture about the condition of
the people in the country.
That is why UNDP has adopted Human Development index. The Human
Development Index (HDI) is based on:
(i) Per capita income : When the total national income of the country is
divided by its population, we get the per capita income.
(ii) Life expectancy : It measures the average age of a person in a
country. It helps us to know the health facilities of the country.
(iii) Literacy rate : Education is also one of the most important criteria for
the development of a country.
(iv) Gross enrollment ratio : It measures the education gained at three
levels—at the primary, secondary and higher education level.
2020
Q1: Choose the correct option from Column A and Column
B. [2020]
Ans: (d)
A girl from a rich urban family - She get as much freedom as her brother.
Q2: Choose the incorrect option from column A and column
B. [2020]
Ans: (c)
Farmers who depending on rain for growing crops - Assured a higher
support prices for their crops.
Q3: What is development? Why do different people have different
development goals? Explain with four examples. [2020 C]
Ans: Development means continuous progress or i increase in real per-
capita income. In other words, there is i improvement in economic welfare
of the people and their standard of living.
The four characteristics of development are:
(i) Developmental goals are different for different people.
(ii) What may be development for one may not be development for the
other.
(iii) For development people look at a mix of goals.
(iv) Different persons could have different as well as conflicting notions of
country's development.
Q4: "Different people have different goals of development". Explain
the statement. [2020]
Ans: Different people have different development goals:
(i) People have different developmental goals because people come from
different background.
(ii) Different people have different dreams and aspirations.
(iii) People set their goals according to the changing circumstances and the
prevailing situation
(iv) People may change the goal with the change in situation which could
be contradictory to previous goal
(v) For example: A person willing to do higher education will change his
goal go for employment because weak economic situation of the family.
Q5: Define the term per capita income. [2020]
Ans: Per capita income measures the average income earned per person
in a given area in a specified year. It is calculated by dividing the area's
total income by its total population.
Q6: Define the term literacy rate. [2020]
Ans: Literacy rate is defined as the percentage of the population of a given
age group (7 and above) that can read and write.
Q7: In comparison to Kerala, which state has the highest infant
mortality rate? (2020)
 Ans: In comparison
to Kerala, Bihar has the highest infant mortality rate.
Q8: "Suppose the average income of a country is not being increased
over time but the records of the National Income show a rise". What
does this situation signify? [2020]
Ans: When the average income of a country is not being increased over
time but the records of the National Income show a rise it is a situation of
unequal distribution of income.
Q9: Fill in the blank: Human Development Index (HDI) level in India
can be improved through _____. [2020]
Ans: (i) Increasing educational level of the people.
(ii) Increasing their health status.
(iii) Increasing people's per capital income.
Q10: Suggest any three ways to maintain Body Mass
Index. [2020]
Ans: The three ways to maintain Body Mass Index (BMI) are:

• It is important to exercise at least 60-90 minutes most days of the week.

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
• Avoid fast food and oily food.

Q11: Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?

Explain. [2020]
Ans: The issue of sustainability is important foi development because of
the passage of time the generation changes and with this change society
wants more and more benefits from the resources which are present in our
nature. Because of the increasing needs ol people of our society, things are
decaying day by day, anc excessive use is making things worse. If the
speed of using resources remains the same then the available resources
will be exhausted soon and our coming generation will stay deprived of all
kind of needs. The issue of sustainability is important for development
because of the following reasons:
(a) The growth and development should be done by keeping in mind future
usage.
(b) If resources are not sustained, then our natural resources will stagnate
after some time and no upcoming generation will be able to take advantage
of these natural resources.
Q12: "Sustainability of development is a crucial aspect in present
times". Support the statement with examples. [2020]
Ans: It is felt that the economic growth and industrialisation have led to
reckless exploitation of natural resources. Sustainability promotes a rational
use of natural resources.
(i) Currently, reckless exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is
going on. Since the stock of natural resources like oil and minerals is
limited, development should not take place at the cost of these scare
natural resources as they are not renewable in the near future.
(ii) Ground water is an example of renewable resource. But if we use more
that what is replinished by nature, then we would be overusing this
resource.
(iii) Once the non-renewable resources would be exhausted, we would not
be able to use them in future. So, using the resources judiciously will help
in maintaining the sustainability of development of our ecosystem.
(iv) Economic development is a continuous process. Resources are to be
used in such a way that they are not exploited. At the same time,
development should not harm the environment.
2019
Q.1. What may be a goal of landless rural labourers regarding their
income? [Delhi 2019]
Ans: A goal of landless rural labourers regarding their income may be to
have more days of work and better wages.
Q.2. What may be a goal of prosperous farmer of Punjab? [Delhi
2019]
Ans: A goal of a prosperous farmer in Punjab may be to have better
irrigation facilities. They may also aspire to send their children to better
schools and look for better yielding crop varieties.
Q.3. What may be a developmental goal of urban unemployed
youth? [2019]
Ans: A developmental goal of urban unemployed youth may be to get
employed with a good salary package. They may also seek job
opportunities that match their qualifications and requirements.
Q.4. "Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect
national or state boundaries". Support the statement with an
example. [2019, 2016]
Ans: Consequences of environment degradation do not respect national or
state boundaries. This issue is no longer a regional or national issue. Our
future is linked together. Sustainability of development Is essential for all
the mankind and it is our common responsibility to save the environment.
 These days, it is a matter of discussion among different countries of world.
Global warming, acid rain etc. are not bound to a country and cannot be
controlled by one nation. It is a global matter for thinking and finding the
solutions
2018 & Rest of Years Questions
Q.1. Why is average income considered as an important criteria for
development? Give one reason. [2017]
Ans: Average income is considered an important criteria for development
because it represents the total income of a country divided by the total
population. If the average income is adequate to meet the basic
requirements and provide other facilities, then the country is considered
developed.
Q.2. Why does Kerala have a low infant mortality rate? [2017, 2016,
2015]
Ans: Kerala has a low infant mortality rate due to the high development of
education and health facilities in the state.
Q.3. On the basis of which three indicators of HDI 2004 Sri Lanka
has a better rank than India? [2017,2016]
Ans: On the basis of the following three indicators of HDI 2004, Sri Lanka
has a better rank than India:

• Life expectancy
• Gross enrollment ratio
• Per capita income

Q.4. What is the meaning of development? Explain the two aspects

of development. [2017,2015]
Ans: Development refers to progress or improvement in lifestyle. Important
aspects of development are:

• Different persons can have different developmental goals.

• What may be development for one may not be development for the other.
It may even be destructive for the other.

Q.5. What is average income? What is its importance? Mention its

limitations related to development. [2017]
Ans: Average income refers to the total income of a nation (GDP) divided
by its population, also known as per capita income. It is an essential
measure for classifying countries as developed, underdeveloped, or
developing.
Importance of average income:

• Average income helps in understanding the economic well-being of a

nation and its citizens. It assists in identifying disparities between
countries and assessing their overall development.
 Limitations of average income as a measure of development:

• Inflation bias: An increase in per capita income can be misleading if it is

due to rising prices rather than an actual increase in physical output.
• Income distribution: Despite rising national income, if the distribution is
unequal, it may lead to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
• Exclusion of non-marketed goods: Average income fails to consider
non-market activities that contribute to human happiness and quality of
life.
• Labor displacement: Technological advancements that lead to labor
displacement and adversely affect the poor may still result in increased
average income.
• Population growth: If the rate of population growth exceeds the rate of
national income growth, per capita availability of goods and services may
decrease, affecting economic welfare.
• Non-monetary contributions: Some commodities, like salt or needle,
may have a higher contribution to economic welfare than their monetary
value included in national income calculations.

Q.6. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying
different countries? Describe its limitations. (2017, 2016)
Ans: The World Bank primarily uses per capita income as the criterion for
classifying different countries.
Limitations of using per capita income for classification:

• Narrow focus: Per capita income only considers the economic aspect of
life and disregards social factors such as education, health, and life
expectancy.
• Inequality: It hides disparities within countries, as a small population in
wealthy Middle Eastern countries may skew the per capita income, while
a significant population remains poor.
• Rich-poor division: Countries are divided into rich and poor based on
per capita income, oversimplifying the complex reality of development.
• Lack of holistic assessment: The World Bank's classification focuses
solely on income, overlooking other crucial aspects of development.
• Arbitrary thresholds: The classification uses specific income
thresholds, such as $49,300 per annum for rich countries and $2,500 or
less for low-income or poor countries, which may not capture the full
range of economic and social conditions.

Q.7. How is it that the average person in Punjab has more income
than the average person in Kerala but it lags behind in many other
crucial areas? Explain. [2017, 2016]
Ans: The average person in Punjab may have a higher income compared
to the average person in Kerala, but this does not necessarily imply a
 higher level of development in other crucial areas. There are several
reasons for this discrepancy.
Firstly, income alone is not a comprehensive measure of development.
Kerala has made significant progress in areas such as education and
healthcare, which contribute to overall development. The state has a higher
literacy rate and better access to healthcare facilities compared to Punjab.
Secondly, Kerala has implemented effective social welfare programs and
initiatives that prioritize human development. For example, the state has
invested in quality education and healthcare, leading to better outcomes in
terms of literacy, life expectancy, and overall well-being.
Lastly, Punjab may face challenges in terms of inadequate investments in
social sectors and a lack of emphasis on human development. While
income may be higher, the overall quality of life and access to essential
services may be lower in Punjab compared to Kerala.
Therefore, it is important to consider multiple indicators of development,
including education, healthcare, and overall well-being, rather than focusing
solely on income, to assess the true level of development in a region.
Q.8. 'For development, people look at a mix of goals". Support the
statement with three suitablee example. [2016]
Ans: For development, people look at a mix of goals, for example:

• People have different developmental goals because people come from

different background.
• Different people have different dreams and aspirations.
• People set their goals according to the changing circumstances and the
prevailing situation
• People may change the goal with the change in situation which could be
contradictory to the previous goal
• For example: A person willing to do higher education will change his goal
to go for employment because of the weak economic situation of the
family.

Q.9. Explain the factors on which the quality of life

depends. [2016,2015]
Ans: The quality of life depends upon the following factors:

• Money and material things

• Presence of family members, friends, and relatives
• Good working atmosphere at the office
• An opportunity to learn and contribute
• A position of self-respect in the family
• A safe and secure environment.
 Q.10. Explain the three components of the Human Development
Index. [2016,2014]
Ans: The three components of the Human Development Index are:

• It includes the level of development of a country.

• It indicates how far a country has traveled and how far it has yet to travel
to achieve high ranks in matters such as the per capita income of the
people.
• It includes important welfare elements such as life expectancy, literacy,
educational level of people, and health status.

Q.11. Which three efforts should be made by any country to

improve its HDI? [2016]
Ans: The three efforts which could be made by any country to improve its
HDI are:

• Improvement in human capacity through education and healthcare that

will result in:
• Providing 100% literacy to the people.
• Improving health facilities.
• Creating a pollution-free environment.

Q.12. What is sustainable development? Why is the issue of

sustainability important for development? Explain. [2016,2015]
Ans: Sustainable development means development should take place
without damaging the environment, and development in the present should
not compromise with the needs of future generations.
The issue of sustainability is important and desirable for development
because:

• Economic development is a continuous process. Hence resources

should not be exploited. At the same time, development should not harm
the environment.
• It is desirable because everyone would certainly like the present level of
development to go further or at least be maintained for future
generations.

Q.13. What is national development? What aspects are covered under

national development? [2016]
Ans: National development refers to a nation's ability to improve the
standard of living and well-being of its population.
Aspects covered under national development include:

• Economic awareness: Increasing the economic knowledge and

awareness of the population.
• Agricultural outputs: Enhancing agricultural production and
productivity.
• Poverty eradication: Focusing on strategies and policies to alleviate
poverty within the nation.
• Rural development: Ensuring the development and progress of rural
areas.
• Urban growth management: Addressing the challenges associated with
urbanization and managing the growth of urban areas.
• Gender parity: Striving for gender equality and equal opportunities for all
genders in society.
• Conflict resolution: Promoting peaceful discussions and negotiations to
resolve conflicts within the nation.

Q.14. Explain the importance of sustainable development by giving

the example of groundwater. [2016, 2014]
Ans: Groundwater is an important natural resource that exemplifies the
importance of sustainable development. Here's how:

• Groundwater is a renewable resource that plays a crucial role in meeting

the water needs of various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and
domestic use. However, excessive extraction and overuse of
groundwater can lead to its depletion and long-term negative
consequences.
• Sustainable development emphasizes the responsible and judicious use
of resources, including groundwater. By adopting sustainable practices,
such as efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and
recharging groundwater sources, we can ensure the long-term availability
of groundwater.
• For example, in areas where groundwater is the primary source of
irrigation for agriculture, sustainable practices like drip irrigation and
precision farming can help reduce water wastage and improve water-use
efficiency. This ensures that the available groundwater resources are
used optimally without depleting them.
• Furthermore, sustainable development promotes the protection of
groundwater quality. Unregulated disposal of industrial waste, improper
sanitation systems, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides can contaminate groundwater, making it unfit for human
consumption and harming ecosystems. Sustainable development
focuses on implementing proper waste management systems, promoting
organic farming practices, and protecting water sources from pollution,
thus safeguarding the quality of groundwater.
• By prioritizing sustainable development practices, we can ensure the
sustainable use and management of groundwater resources, meeting the
present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.