This is a refined solution to NCERT Class 10 Economics, Chapter 1: Development, containing all 13 exercise questions numbered sequentially with explanations.
Q1. What are the general indicators of a country’s development?
orDevelopment of a country can generally be determined by
- Per capita income
- Literacy level
- Health status
- All of these
Answer: (iv) All of these
Explanation: Using these three indicators gives a balanced view, covering economic, educational, and health aspects together.
Q2. Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India?
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Pakistan
Answer: Sri Lanka
Explanation: Through indicators like life expectancy, GNI per capita, and years of schooling, Sri Lanka often outranks India.
Q3. Assume there are four families in a country. Avergare per capita income of these families is ₹5000. If income of three families is ₹4000, ₹7000, and ₹3000. What is the income of fourth family?
- Rs. 7500
- Rs. 3000
- Rs. 2000
- Rs. 6000
Answer: ₹6000
Explanation: Total income = ₹5000 × 4 = ₹20000. The missing income = ₹20000 – ₹14000 = ₹6000.
Q4. On what basis does the World Bank classify countries, and what are the limitations?
orWhat is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?
Answer: It uses per capita income.
Explanation: While easy for ranking, this method ignores income inequality, health, education, and regional disparities.
Q5. How does the UNDP’s HDI differ from the World Bank’s approach?
orIn what respects is the crerion used by UNDP for measuring deveolpment different from the one used by the World Bank?
Answer: HDI includes income, health (life expectancy), and education.
Explanation: This multi-dimensional index offers a better insight into people's overall well-being, aligning with capability-based approaches.
Q6. Why do we use averages, and what are their limitations (drawbacks)? Illustrate with your own example related to development.
Answer: Averages simplify comparison but can hide inequality.
Explanation: A single wealthy person can raise averages while most remain poor—illustrated when states with similar averages still differ in education or healthcare quality.
Q7. Kerala, with lower per capita income, has better human development ranking than Haryana. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
Answer: Income matters but is not sufficient alone.
Explanation: Kerala's higher literacy, better health care, and lower infant mortality outperform Haryana despite lower per capita income—showing why multiple indicators are essential.
Q8. Which energy sources does India currently use, and what might be used 50 years from now?
orFind out the present sources of energy that are used by the people of India. What could be the other possibilities fisty years from now?
Answer: Current: Coal, oil, natural gas, hydroelectric, solar, wind, nuclear. Future possibilities: Solar, wind, hydrogen fuel, tidal energy, biofuels.
Explanation: The shift reflects a move toward sustainable energy and reduced dependence on non-renewables.
Q9. Why is sustainability important in development?
Answer: To prevent depletion of resources needed by future generations.
Explanation: Excessive use of water or fossil fuels can harm ecosystems and undermine long-term development goals.
Q10."Earth has enough resources for needs, but not for greed," How the statement relevant to the disscusion of development? Discuss.
Answer: Development should prioritize needs, not overconsumption.
Explanation: Uneconomic use by a few harms many—equitable and sustainable practices are key.
Q11. List few examples of environmental degradation in and around you (communities).
Explanation: Examples: Deforestation for urban growth, air/water pollution due to industry, groundwater depletion—these harm livelihoods and ecosystems.
Q12. Compare undernourishment in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, and why are approximately 20% of Indians undernourished despite food availability?
Answer: Kerala: ~8.5% males, ~10% females. Madhya Pradesh: ~28% each.
Explanation: Kerala’s stronger healthcare, effective distribution systems, and higher awareness reduce undernourishment. Poverty, unequal access, and low awareness in other states result in malnutrition even where food is available.
Q13. For Table 1.6, identify countries that rank top and bottom in GNI PPP per capita, life expectancy, schooling, and HDI.
Explanation: In many reports, Sri Lanka often ranks highest, while Myanmar or Pakistan appear at the bottom for these indicators.
Key Takeaways
- Development includes income, health, and education assessments.
- HDI is a broader metric that integrates multiple dimensions of human well-being.
- Sustainability ensures resource availability for future generations.
- Equity ensures fair access to development benefits across society.
Tags: #NCERTEconomics #Class10 #Development #HDI #Sustainability #Equity #InclusiveGrowth