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LIFELINES OF NATIONAL ECONOMY - Q&A

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Which two of the following extreme locations are connected by the east-west corridor?
(a) Mumbai and Nagpur
(b) Silchar and Porbandar
(c) Mumbai and Kolkata
(d) Nagpur and Siligudi

Answer: (b) Silchar and Porbandar
[cite_start]Explanation: The East-West Corridor connects Silchar (Assam) and Porbander (Gujarat)[cite: 3805].

(ii) Which mode of transportation reduces trans-shipment losses and delays?
(a) Railways
(b) Roadways
(c) Pipeline
(d) Waterways

Answer: (c) Pipeline
Explanation: Initial cost of laying pipelines is high but subsequent running costs are minimal. [cite_start]It rules out trans-shipment losses or delays[cite: 4036].

(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
[cite_start]Explanation: The Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline connects Gujarat (Hazira), Madhya Pradesh (Vijaipur), and Uttar Pradesh (Jagdishpur)[cite: 4042]. Therefore, Maharashtra is the state not connected by this specific pipeline network.

(iv) Which one of the following ports is the deepest land-locked and well-protected port along the east coast?
(a) Chennai
(b) Paradwip
(c) V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin)
(d) Vishakhapatnam

Answer: (d) Vishakhapatnam
[cite_start]Explanation: Vishakhapatnam is the deepest landlocked and well-protected port[cite: 4207].

(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
[cite_start]Explanation: Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India[cite: 4001]. [cite_start]They have become more important in our national economy than all other means of transport put together[cite: 4025].

(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
[cite_start]Explanation: Trade between two countries is called international trade[cite: 4333].


2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) State any three merits of roadways.

Answer:
Three merits of roadways are:
1. [cite_start]The construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines[cite: 3800].
2. [cite_start]Roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography and negotiate higher gradients of slopes[cite: 3800].
3. [cite_start]Road transport provides door-to-door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower[cite: 3800].

(ii) Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?

Answer:
[cite_start]Rail transport is most convenient in the northern plains[cite: 4011]. [cite_start]This is because their vast level land, high population density, and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for the growth of railways[cite: 4011].

(iii) What is the significance of the border roads?

Answer:
[cite_start]Border roads are of strategic importance in the northern and north-eastern border areas[cite: 3820]. [cite_start]These roads have improved accessibility in areas of difficult terrain and have helped in the economic development of these areas[cite: 3821].

(iv) What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?

Answer:
[cite_start]The exchange of goods among people, states, and countries is referred to as trade[cite: 4332].
[cite_start]Difference: Local trade is carried in cities, towns, and villages [cite: 4335][cite_start], whereas international trade is trade between two countries[cite: 4333].


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 lifelines of a nation and its economy for the following reasons:
1. [cite_start]Movement of Goods: Goods and services do not move from supply locales to demand locales on their own; their movement necessitates efficient transport[cite: 3762, 3763].
2. [cite_start]Economic Development: The pace of development of a country depends upon the production of goods and services as well as their movement over space[cite: 3765].
3. [cite_start]Global Linkage: Today, the world has been converted into a large village with the help of efficient transport and equally developed communication systems[cite: 3792, 3793].
4. [cite_start]Trade Support: Transport, communication, and trade are complementary to each other, adding vitality to the economy[cite: 3770, 3773].
5. [cite_start]National Integration: They enrich our lives and facilitate administration and unity across the vast size and diversity of the country[cite: 3771, 3774].

(ii) Write a note on the changing nature of the international trade in the last fifteen years.

Answer:
The nature of international trade in India has undergone significant changes in the last fifteen years:
1. [cite_start]Software Giant: India has emerged as a software giant at the international level and is earning large foreign exchange through the export of information technology[cite: 4347].
2. [cite_start]Export Composition: The commodities exported from India to other countries now include gems and jewellery, chemicals and related products, and agriculture and allied products[cite: 4343].
3. [cite_start]Import Composition: Major imports include petroleum crude and products, gems and jewellery, chemicals, base metals, electronic items, and machinery[cite: 4346].
4. [cite_start]Balance of Trade: The trade dynamics are defined by the balance of trade, where a favourable balance occurs when exports exceed imports[cite: 4339, 4340].
5. [cite_start]Tourism: Tourism has also developed as a form of trade, promoting national integration and supporting local handicrafts[cite: 4351].


QUIZ DRIVE

1. Northern terminal of the North-south corridor.

Answer: Srinagar
(The North-South corridors link Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) [cite_start]and Kanniyakumari[cite: 3805].)

2. The headquarter of the southern railway zone.

Answer: Chennai
[cite_start](Located on the map as a major railway hub in the south[cite: 4138].)

3. The rail gauge with a track width of 1.676 m.

Answer: Broad Gauge
[cite_start](Table 7.1 shows Broad Gauge as 1.676 metres[cite: 4020].)

4. A Riverine Port.

Answer: Kolkata
[cite_start](Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, Kolkata is an inland riverine port[cite: 4209].)

5. Busiest railway junction in Northern India.

Answer: New Delhi
[cite_start](As a major hub shown on the National Highways and Railways maps[cite: 4075].)

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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
What movement necessitates the requirement for transport in an economy?
Answer
The movement of goods and services from supply locations to demand locations.
Question
How are people who facilitate the movement of products to consumers through transportation known?
Answer
Traders.
Question
What two factors determine the pace of development of a country?
Answer
The production of goods and services and their movement over space.
Question
Name the three important domains of the earth over which transport is classified.
Answer
Land, water and air.
Question
Which two systems are considered complementary to trade in the modern world?
Answer
Transport and communication.
Question
What was the total length of the Indian road network in 2020–21?
Answer
About 62.16 lakh km.
Question
Give one reason why road transport is more economical than railways for short distances.
Answer
It involves lower costs for loading and unloading and provides door-to-door service.
Question
Which major road project links Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai?
Answer
The Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways.
Question
Which two locations are connected by the North-South corridor?
Answer
Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) and Kanniyakumari (Tamil Nadu).
Question
Which two locations are connected by the East-West corridor?
Answer
Silchar (Assam) and Porbandar (Gujarat).
Question
Which organisation is responsible for implementing Super Highway projects in India?
Answer
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
Question
What is the primary role of National Highways in India?
Answer
To link extreme parts of the country as the primary road systems.
Question
Roads linking a state capital with different district headquarters are classified as _____.
Answer
State Highways
Question
Under which scheme did rural roads receive special impetus to link villages to major towns?
Answer
Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana.
Question
Which organisation was established in 1960 to develop roads of strategic importance in border areas?
Answer
Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Question
Why are metalled roads referred to as 'all weather' roads?
Answer
They are made of cement, concrete, or bitumen of coal, making them durable in all seasons.
Question
What is the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India?
Answer
Railways.
Question
When and where did the first train in India steam off?
Answer
In 1853, from Mumbai to Thane.
Question
What was the distance covered by the first train in India in 1853?
Answer
$34\text{ km}$.
Question
How many zones is the Indian Railway currently organised into?
Answer
17 zones.
Question
Which physiographic region provided the most favourable conditions for railway growth in India?
Answer
The Northern plains.
Question
Why is construction of railway lines difficult in the Himalayan mountainous regions?
Answer
Due to high relief, sparse population, and lack of economic opportunities.
Question
What is the track width of a 'Broad Gauge' railway in metres?
Answer
$1.676\text{ m}$.
Question
What is the name of the world's longest highway tunnel built by the BRO?
Answer
Atal Tunnel.
Question
What is the total length of the Atal Tunnel?
Answer
$9.02\text{ km}$.
Question
Which two regions are connected year-round by the Atal Tunnel?
Answer
Manali and the Lahul-Spiti valley.
Question
At what altitude is the Atal Tunnel built in the Pir Panjal range?
Answer
$3000\text{ metres}$ above Mean Sea Level.
Question
Identify the mode of transport used for crude oil and natural gas to refineries and fertilizer plants.
Answer
Pipelines.
Question
How can solids be transported through a pipeline?
Answer
By converting them into slurry.
Question
What is the primary advantage of pipelines after the high initial cost of laying them?
Answer
Subsequent running costs are minimal and trans-shipment losses are ruled out.
Question
Which 1,700 km long cross-country gas pipeline linked Mumbai High with fertilizer and power complexes?
Answer
Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline.
Question
Which mode of transport is the cheapest and most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods?
Answer
Waterways.
Question
What is the total length of India's inland navigation waterways?
Answer
$14,500\text{ km}$.
Question
Which river stretch is designated as National Waterway No. 1?
Answer
The Ganga river between Prayagraj and Haldia.
Question
Which river stretch is designated as National Waterway No. 2?
Answer
The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri.
Question
What percentage of India's trade volume is moved by sea?
Answer
95 per cent.
Question
What is the total length of India's coastline?
Answer
$7,516.6\text{ km}$.
Question
Which port was the first developed after Independence to ease the volume of trade on Mumbai port?
Answer
Deendayal Port (formerly Kandla).
Question
Which port is the biggest in India with a spacious natural harbour?
Answer
Mumbai port.
Question
Which port in Goa is the premier iron ore exporting port of India?
Answer
Mormugao port.
Question
Which port in Karnataka caters specifically to the export of iron ore from Kudremukh mines?
Answer
New Mangalore port.
Question
Identify the deepest landlocked and well-protected port on the east coast of India.
Answer
Vishakhapatnam.
Question
What is the characteristic type of the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata?
Answer
Inland riverine port.
Question
Why was the Haldia port developed?
Answer
To relieve the growing pressure on the Kolkata port.
Question
Which mode of transport is the fastest and most prestigious?
Answer
Air transport.
Question
Which company provides helicopter services to ONGC for its off-shore operations?
Answer
Pawanhans Helicopters Ltd.
Question
What is the objective of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme?
Answer
To promote regional connectivity by making flying affordable for the common citizen.
Question
Which network in India is the largest of its kind in the world?
Answer
The Indian postal network.
Question
In the Indian postal system, which items are considered 'first-class mail'?
Answer
Cards and envelopes.
Question
Name any three of the six mail channels introduced for quick delivery in large towns.
Answer
Rajdhani Channel, Metro Channel, and Green Channel (or Business, Bulk Mail, Periodical).
Question
What facility has the Indian government extended to every village to strengthen the flow of information?
Answer
Twenty-four hours Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) facility.
Question
What is the name of India's national television channel?
Answer
Doordarshan.
Question
In which language are the largest number of newspapers published in India?
Answer
Hindi.
Question
Which authority is responsible for certifying both Indian and foreign films?
Answer
The Central Board of Film Certification.
Question
What is the definition of 'international trade'?
Answer
Trade between two countries.
Question
Why is international trade considered the 'economic barometer' of a country?
Answer
Its advancement is an index to the country's economic prosperity.
Question
What is 'balance of trade'?
Answer
The difference between a country's exports and imports.
Question
Under what condition is the balance of trade considered 'favourable'?
Answer
When the value of exports exceeds the value of imports.
Question
India has emerged as a software giant by earning foreign exchange through the export of _____.
Answer
Information Technology
Question
Name one government scheme started to boost tourism in India.
Answer
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (or PRASHAD, Vibrant Village Programme).