GEO Life Lines of National Economy - NCERT Solutions

CBSE Class–10 Social Science
NCERT Solutions
Geography Chapter 7

Lifelines of National Economy

Question 1. Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which two of the following extreme locations are connected by the east-west corridor?
  1. Mumbai and Nagpur
  2. Silcher and Porbandar
  3. Mumbai and Kolkata
  4. Nagpur and Siligudi
Answer: (b) Silcher and Porbandar
Explanation: National Highway Development Project (NHDP), and consists of building 7300 kilometers of four/six lane expressways connecting Srinagar, Kanyakumari, Kochi, Porbandar and Silchar.
(ii) Which mode of transportation reduces trans-shipment losses and delays?
  1. Railways
  2. Roadways
  3. Pipeline
  4. Waterways
Answer: (c) Pipeline
Explanation: Initial cost of laying pipelines is high but subsequent running costs are minimal. It rules out trans-shipment losses and delays.
(iii) Which one of the following states is not connected with the H.V.J. pipeline?
  1. Madhya Pradesh
  2. Maharashtra
  3. Gujarat
  4. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
Explanation: Gas pipeline from Hazira in Gujarat connects Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh via Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh.
(iv) Which one of the following ports is the deepest land-locked and well-protected port along the east coast?
  1. Chennai
  2. Paradwip
  3. Tuticorin
  4. Vishakhapatnam
Answer: (d) Vishakhapatnam
Explanation: Landlocked means enclosed in all sides by land. Vishakapatnam is naturally deep and hence, called a natural harbour.
(v) Which one of the following is the most important modes of transportation in India?
  1. Pipeline
  2. Railways
  3. Roadways
  4. Airways
Answer: (b) Railways
Explanation: It is one of the most important, commonly used and very cost effective modes of commuting and goods carriage overlong as well as, short distances.
(vi) Which one of the following terms is used to describe trade between two or more countries?
  1. Internal trade
  2. International trade
  3. External trade
  4. Local trade
Answer: (b) International trade
Explanation: International trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories. In most countries, such trade represents a significant share of gross domestic product 

Question 2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) State any three merits of roadways.

Answer: Merits of roadways:
  • The Construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.
  • Roads can go through dissected and undulating land areas and through steep mountains
  • They are economical as loading costs are low and door-to-door service can be availed of. Road transport is most suited for transporting delicate goods like chinaware and glassware, which are likely to be damaged in the process of loading and unloading.
(ii) Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?
Answer:
 In the northern plains, rail transport is the most convenient means of transportation. This is because this region has vast level lands that are good for laying tracks, huge population and high agricultural productivity, making rail transport a profitable venture.It is used for both long distances as well as short distances.
(iii) What is the significance of the border roads?
Answer:
 Border roads are strategically important as they improve access to areas like the northern and north-eastern border areas which have a difficult terrain. Border roads are constructed and maintained by Border Roads Organization (BRO). The Government of India uundertakes, constructs and maintains roads in the bordering areas of the country. It improves the security because the army and arms can be mobilized easily through these roads.
(iv) What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?
Answer:
 Trade is the movement of goods and services between regions for economic gain. Trade between two or more countries is termed international trade. It may take place through sea, air or land routes. Trade occurring in a region within the same country is called local trade. Local trade is carried in cities, towns and villages.

Question 3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Why are the means of transportation and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?

Answer:
 The means of transportation and communication are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy due to the reasons given below:
  • The means of transportation and communication help in the production and movement of goods and services.
  • Transport helps in the development of communication. Various means of communication help us in interacting with others in all the parts of the world. It has brought the world closer.
  • Transport like railways helps us in conducting various activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimage and transportation of goods over longer distances.
  • Pipelines are used for transporting crude oil and natural gas to refineries and factories.
  • Water provides the cheapest means of transport and is useful for international trade.
  • Air transport provides the fastest, most comfortable mode of transport.
Thus, it is clear that there are many advantages of transportation and communication. These means help in the development of the country. So they are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy.
(ii) Write a note on the changing nature of international trade in the last fifteen years.
Answer:
 The changing nature of the international trade for India, in the last fifteen years, has been impressive. Exchange of information and knowledge has surpassed the exchange of goods and commodities. Through its advanced software knowledge and excellence in the field of information technology, India has emerged as a viable contender at the international level and is earning huge amounts of foreign exchange through the same. Tourism too has added to India's upgraded position in international trade. In 2004, there was a 23.5% increase in foreign tourist arrivals as against the number in 2003. Thus, international trade for India has undergone a cognisable change in the past fifteen years.

QUIZ DRIVE
1. Northern terminal of the North-South corridor.
(i) Srinagar
2. The name of National Highway No.2.
(ii) Grand Trunk Road
3. The headquarter of the southern railway zone.
(iii) Chennai
4. The rail gauge with a track width of 1.676 m.
(iv) Broad gauge
5. The southern terminal of the National Highway No.7.
(v) Kanyakumari
6. A Riverine Port.
(vi) Kolkata Port Trust
7. Busiest railway junction in Northern India.
(vii) Mughalsarai