CHAPTER 1

DEVELOPMENT
3/5 MARKS
Q1. 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]
Ans: It is true that development for one may not be development for the other.

(i) More wages mean development for a worker, but it can go against the entrepreneur.
(ii) A rich farmer or trader wants to sell food grains at a higher price but a poor worker
wants to purchase it for low prices.
(iii) To get more electricity, the industrialists may want more dams. But this may submerge
the agricultural land, and disrupt the lives of the people who are displaced – such as tribals.
They might resent this and may prefer small check dams or tanks to irrigate their land.
(iv) 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

(v) The construction of a flyover to reduce the congestion and traffic jams may be a
development goal especially for the daily commuters. But for the construction of the
flyover, surrounding houses, shops, etc. need to be demolished which may not be like by the
occupants of these shops and houses. This may not be a development goal for them
Q2. ‘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 cannot provide us a type of government which
take decisions for the welfare of the common people.
(v)Money may also not be able to protect us from infectious diseases, unless the whole of
community takes preventive steps
Q3. Differentiate between Human Development Report and World Development Report?
Answer: The following are the differences between Human Development Report and World
Development Report.
World Development Report Human Development Report
i. In World Development report brought out i. Human Development Report published by
by the World Bank, per capita income is UNDP compares countries based on
used for measuring development educational level of people, their health
status and per capita income
ii.It focuses only on quantitative aspect of ii.It focuses on quantitative and qualitative
development aspect of development
iii.It is narrow in scope iii.It is wider in scope

Q4.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.
Q5. “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)For example-Addition of greenhouse gases in atmosphere is responsible for increase in
temperature. It affects every part of the world whether it is developed or developing
country
(iii) Our future is linked together. Sustainability of development is essential for all the
mankind and it is our common responsibility to save the environment.
(iv) These days it is a matter of discussion among different countries of the world.

(v) Global warming, acid rain, etc., are not to be controlled by one nation. It is a global
matter of thinking and finding the solutions.
Q6. 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.

Q7.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. What is India’s position in this respect?
Ans: In World Development Reports, brought out by the World Bank, per capita income
criterion is used in classifying countries.

• Countries with per capita income of US$ 63,400 per annum and above in 2023, are
called high income or rich countries
• Those with per capita income of about US$ 2400 or less are called low-income
countries less are called low-income countries.
• India comes in the category of low middle-income countries because its per capita
income in 2023 was just about US$ 10030 per annum
Limitations of this criterion.
• 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,
• 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.

Q8.Why are the countries of the Middle East not called ‘developed’ inspite of high per
capita income ?[CBSE Sept. 2010]
Answer: (i) Though per capita income in Middle East countries is very high but there is
unequal distribution of wealth. The gap between rich and poor is very high.
(ii) These countries have high per capita income due to oil production. So they have only
one major source of income.
(iii)Apart from income, there are other aspects too like education, individual freedom,
democracy, gender equality which are not available in those countries.
Q9.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.
Q10. 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 become
affordable only if they are provided collectively.

(iv)Health facilities: Government provides hospitals,vaccine programmes to maintain basic

quality of life
Q11. 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.
Q12. How is BMI used to determine the undernourishment of a person ? Explain. [CBSE
2013]
OR

What is the criterion to determine if adults are undernourished? [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.
(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.
Q13. 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.
Q14. How do the women engaged in paid jobs fulfill mix of goals? Explain. [CBSE 2014]

Answer:

• It is true that if women are engaged in paid work, their dignity in the household and
society increases.
• However, it is also the case that if there is respect for women there would be more
sharing of housework and a greater acceptance of women working outside.
• A safe and secure environment may allow more women to take up a variety of jobs
or run a business
Q15. Besides income, what can be the other attributes to compare economic development?
[CBSE 2013, 14]
OR
‘’Though the level of income is important, it is an inadequate measure of the level of
development.” Justify the statement.
Answer: (1) t is true that income is an important way to measure the level of development
but it is also true that it is not the only way to measure the level of development. It is an
inadequate method of measuring development since it is only the materialistic measure of
development based on money.
(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 14 and 15 years
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.
(3) For example, even though the per capita of income of Haryana is more than that of
Kerala, Kerala has a higher HDI because it has better health and educational facilities.
Q16. Why Kerala has a low Infant Mortality Rate ? [CBSE 2008, 2013 (F)]
Answer:(i) It has very high literacy rate and literate people take care of their children better
as compared to illiterate.

(ii) It has adequate provision of basic health facilities.

(iii)The Public Distribution System functions properly in Kerala and essential goods are
supplied at a lower price than the market prices. Therefore the health and nutritional status
of the people is very high.
Q17. List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around
you.
Answer: Few examples of environmental degradation:
1. Deforestation
2. Soil erosion

3. Falling levels of ground water

4. Depletion of the ozone layer and combustion from automobiles causing extreme air
pollution
5. Water Pollution

6. Throwing waste in river

7. Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
8. Burning of coal and mineral oil
Q18. ‘For development people look at a mix of goals’. Support the statement with suitable
examples. [CBSE Sept. 2011]
Answer:

• The developmental goals that people have are not only about better income but also
important things in life like respect from others, equal treatment, freedom, security,
affectionate behaviour etc
 • Example-i. If you get a job in a far off place, before accepting it you would try to
consider many factors, apart from income,such as facilities for your family, working
atmosphere, or opportunity to learn.
ii. A job may give you less pay but may offer regular employment that enhances your
sense of security. Another job, however, may offer high pay but no job security and
also leave no time for your family. This will reduce your sense of security and
freedom.
iii. A safe and secure environment may allow more women to take up a variety of
jobs or run a business.
1/2 MARKS
Q1. Why is Per Capita Income calculated in the US dollars?

Answer: The Per Capita Income is calculated in the US dollars because US dollar is
considered as the medium of international exchange. It is accepted as method of payment
across the world. It can be compared easily
Q2. Describe any three possible development goals of landless rural labourers.

Answer: The following can be the developmental goals of landless rural labourers.

• More days of work with better wages.

• Social and economic equality.
• Low price food grains.
• Better education facilities for their children

Q3. Suggest any two ways in which resources can be used judiciously.
Answer: i. Using bicycle or walking for short distances rather than using a two-wheeler or
four-wheeler can help in saving fuel and also will help in reducing air pollution.

ii. By using CNG in place of petrol, can help in reducing air pollution.
Q4. What is national development? [CBSE 2014]
Answer: National development refers to the overall progress and improvement of a country
in various aspects, including economic, social, and political domains. It 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.
Q5. ‘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.
Q6. What is average income or per capita income? [CBSE 2014]
Answer: When the total income of the country is divided by the total population, it is called
the per capita income. Per Capita Income = Total Income of the country /Total Population
Q7. What is the most important component for comparing different countries? [CBSE 2010,
12]
Answer: Per capita income.

Q8. Which criteria is used by the World Bank to classify different countries?
Answer: Per capita income.
Q9. Which countries have been categorised as rich countries according to the World
Development Report? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Countries with per capita income of US $ 63,400 per annum and above in 2023 are
called rich countries.
Q10. Which countries have been categorised as low income countries according to World
Development Report?

Answer: Countries with per capita income of US $ 2400 or less are called low income
countries.
Q11. Under which category India has been placed by the World Bank Development Report?
Answer: Low middle income countries as India’s per capita income in 2023 was just US $
10030 per annum

Q12. 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 $ 63,400 per annum or above have been
termed as developed countries.

Q13. 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.
Q14. What is Literacy Rate? [CBSE 2009 (D)]

Answer: It measures the proportion of literate population in the seven and above age group.
Q15. What is Net Attendance ratio? [CBSE 2014]
Answer: It is the total number of children of the age group 15-17 years, attending school as
a percentage of total number of children in the same age group.

Q16. Which Indian state has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate ?
Answer: Kerala.
Q17. What is India’s rank according to 2021-22 HDI ?
Answer: 134
Q18. Define life expectancy. [CBSE 2013]
Answer: Average expected length of life of a person at the time of birth.
Q19. What is life expectancy in India?
Answer: 67.7 years

Q20.Name the region of world which has large crude oil reserves.
Answer: Middle East.
Q21. Which is the new area of knowledge in which scientists, economists, philosophers and
other social scientists are working together?

Answer: Sustainability of development

Q22. Which organisation measures HDR? Mention any three major indicators of HDR. [CBSE
Sept. 2012]
Answer: UNDP

Three major indicators of HDR:

(a) Educational level
(b) Health status
(c) Per capita income
Q23. What is ‘Public Distribution System ’ (PDS) ? [CBSE Sept. 2011] [CBSE2009 (F) Sept.
2010]
Answer: It is a system through which the Government distributes ration to the poor at a
reasonable rate through the ration shops.
Q24. What is national income? [CBSE 2009 (D)]

Answer: National income is the sum total of the value of all the goods and services
manufactured by the residents of the country, in a year., within its domestic boundaries or
outside
Q25. 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
Q26. What term is used to describe the ‘average number of years a person is expected to
live at birth’? (2013)

Answer: Life Expectancy

Q27. 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.
Q28. In which states of India groundwater is overused ?
Answer: Groundwater overuse is found in agriculturally prosperous regions of Punjab,
Haryana and western U.P., hard rock plateau areas of central and south India, some coastal
areas and the rapidly growing urban settlements.
Q29. Explain the two aspects of development?
Answer: i. Different persons can have different developmental goals
ii. What may be development for one may not be development for the other. It may even be
destructive for the other
Q30. Out of India and its neighbours which country has the highest and lowest life
expectancy at birth?
Answer:1. Highest life expectancy rate at birth – 76.6 — Sri Lanka.

2. Lowest life expectancy rate at birth – 66.4 -Pakistan.