Lifelines of National Economy
1 . Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which two of the following extreme locations are connected by the eastwest corridor?
(a) Mumbai and Nagpur
(b) Silchar and Porbandar
(c) Mumbai and Kolkata
(d) Nagpur and Siligudi
Answer: (b) Silchar and Porbandar
(ii) Which mode of transportation reduces trans-shipment losses and delays?
(a) Railways
(b) Roadways
(c) Pipeline
(d) Waterways
Answer: (c) Pipeline
(iii) Which one of the following states is not connected with the H.V.J. pipeline?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
(iv) Which one of the following ports is the deepest land-locked and wellprotected port along the east coast?
(a) Chennai
(b) Paradwip
(c) Tuticorin
(d) Vishakhapatnam
Answer: (d) Vishakhapatnam
(v) Which one of the following is the most important modes of transportation in India?
(a) Pipeline
(b) Railways
(c) Roadways
(d) Airways
Answer: (b) Railways
(vi) Which one of the following terms is used to describe trade between two or more countries?
(a) Internal trade
(b) International trade
(c) External trade
(d) Local trade
Answer: (b) International trade
2 . Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) State any three merits of roadways.
Answer: Road construction cost is lower, roads can traverse dissected terrain and higher slopes, and they provide door-to-door service with economical transport of few persons and small goods over short distances.
(ii) Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?
Answer: Rail transport is most convenient in the northern plains due to vast level land, high population density, and rich agricultural resources providing favorable conditions for railway network development.
(iii) What is the significance of the border roads?
Answer: Border roads are of strategic importance, improve accessibility in difficult terrain, support northern and northeastern border areas, and help in economic development of these remote regions.
(iv) What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?
Answer: Trade is exchange of goods. International trade occurs between two or more countries, while local trade is carried within towns, cities, or villages of the same country.
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 pace of development of a country depends not only on the production of goods and services but also on their movement from supply to demand areas. Efficient means of transport help in the fast movement of goods and people across land, water, and air. Communication systems like radio, television, newspapers, cinema, and the internet link people, enrich lives, and support socio-economic progress. Together, transport and communication connect local, national, and international markets, integrate different regions, and promote trade. They are essential for social interaction, economic growth, and cultural exchange. Hence, they are rightly called the lifelines of a nation and its economy.
(ii) Write a note on the changing nature of the international trade in the last fifteen years.
Answer: Advancement of international trade is considered an index of economic prosperity. No country can survive without it because resources are unevenly distributed. In the last fifteen years, international trade in India has undergone significant changes. Exports include gems, jewellery, chemicals, and agricultural products, while imports include petroleum, machinery, electronic goods, and fertilizers. India has emerged as a major software exporter, earning valuable foreign exchange. Tourism has also become an important trade sector, promoting national integration and cultural exchange. Today, India has trade relations with all major trading blocs and regions of the world. Thus, international trade has diversified, expanded in volume, and become vital for India’s economy.
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