Very Short Answer Questions (VSA) 1 Mark

Question 1.
Why is there the need for transport system? Mention any one reason.
Answer:
The movement of goods and products from the supply locations to demand locations (markets) necessitates the need for transport.

Question 2.
Which are the different types of transport?
Answer:
The transport can be classified into land, water and, air transport.

Question 3.
Mention two types of airways.
Answer:
Domestic Airways and International Airways.

Question 4.
What are the factors for growing importance of the roadways? State two factors.
Answer:

1.     Construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.

2.     It provides door-to-door service.

Question 5.
How are roads classified in India?
Answer:
In India roads are classified into six classes as mentioned below :

1.     Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways

2.     National Highways

3.     State Highways

4.     District Roads

5.     Other roads that link rural areas with towns

6.     Border Roads.

Question 6.
What is road density?
Answer:
The length of road per 100 sq. km of area is known as density of roads.

Question 7.
What was national average density of roads in 1996-97?
Answer:
The national average density of roads in India in 1996-97 was 75 km per 100 sq. km.

Question 8.
Mention one drawback of roads in India.
Answer:
Most of the bridges and culverts are old and narrow.

Question 9.
When and where the first train steamed off in India?
Answer:
In India, the first train steamed off from Mumbai to Thane in 1853, covering a distance of 34 km.

Question 10.
The northern plains provide favourable conditions for the growth of the railways. Mention any two.
Answer:

1.     Vast level land.

2.     High population density.

Question 11.
Why railway track are laid with difficulty in Rajasthan?
Answer:
It is difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plain of Rajasthan.

Question 12.
In recent times which railway has been developed along the west coast?
Answer:
Konkan Railway.

Question 13.
The railways is facing many problems. Mention any two problems.
Answer:

1.     Many passengers travel without ticket.

2.     People pull the chain unnecessarily.

Question 14.
What is the use of pipelines transport?
Answer:
Pipelines are used for transporting crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to refineries, fertilizer factories and big thermal power plants.

Question 15.
There are three important networks of pipeline transportation in the country. Mention any one.
Answer:
Gas pipeline from Hazira in Gujarat connects Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh via Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh. It has branches to Kota in Rajasthan, Shahjahanpur, Babrala and other places in Uttar Pradesh.

Question 16.
Why are the waterways useful? State any two advantages.
Answer:

1.     Waterways are the cheapest means of transport.

2.     It is a fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transport.

Question 17.
Which waterways have been declared as National Waterways by the government?
Answer:

1.     The Ganga River between Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km) NW No. 1.

2.     The Brahmaputra River between Sadiya and Dhubri (891 km) NW No. 2.

3.     The West-Coast Canal in Kerala (205 km) NW No. 3.

Question 18.
What is the length of India’s coastline?
Answer:
7516.6 km.

Question 19.
Which port was the first port developed after independence and why?
Answer:
Kandla in Kuchchh was the first port developed after independence to ease the volume of trade on Mumbai port in the wake of loss of Karachi port of Pakistan after the Partition.

Question 20.
Which is the biggest port? State its one feature.
Answer:

1.     Mumbai is the biggest port.

2.     It has a spacious, natural and well-sheltered harbour.

Question 21.
Which is the premier iron ore exporting port of the country?
Answer:
Marmagao (Goa) is the premier iron ore exporting port of the country.

Question 22.
Which is one of the oldest artificial port in the country?
Answer:
Chennai is one of the oldest artificial ports of the country.

Question 23.
What type of port is Kolkata?
Answer:
Kolkata is an inland riverine port.

Question 24.
State one feature of Airways.
Answer:
Airways is the fastest, most comfortable and prestigious mode of transport.

Question 25.
Which is the extreme south-western port located at the entrance of a lagoon with a natural harbour?
Answer:
Kochchi.

Question 26.
When was air transport nationalised?
Answer:
In 1953.

Question 27.
Which company provides helicopter services to ONGC and where?
Answer:
Pawanhans Helicopters Ltd. provides helicopter services to Oil and Natural Gas Commission in its far off-shore operations.

Question 28.
In which states special provisions have been made to provide air services to the common people?
Answer:
It is only in the north-eastern states that special provisions are made to extend the air services to the common people.

Question 29.
How many telephone exchanges are there in India?
Answer:
About 37565.

Question 30.
How many villages are covered with STD telephone facility in India?
Answer:
More than two-thirds villages in India have already been covered with Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) telephone facility.

Question 31.
What is trade?
Answer:
The exchange of goods among people, states and countries is referred to as trade.

Question 32.
Which states are important destinations of foreign tourists in India?
Answer:
Rajasthan, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and Temple towns of south India.

Question 33.
Why is transportation necessary?
Answer:
Transportation is necessary:

1.    for the movement of goods and services from their supply location to demand location, i.e. to link production centers with consumption centers.

2.    for the movement of people from one region to the other.

3.    for carrying out trade at all levels.

4.    to supply goods, resources, etc. from the surplus regions to deficient regions.

5.    for supplying relief measures to the regions where some natural calamities strike.

6.    for transporting raw materials from mining regions and farms to the industries, etc.
Efficient means of transport are the prerequisites for economic development of a nation.

Question 34.
What do you understand by means of transport? Write three important domains of the earth which are covered by them.
Answer:
Means of transport include all kinds of vehicles, trains, aero planes and ships. Means of transport are used for the movement of people, goods and services from one place to another. These are developed on three important domains of the earth, i.e., land, water and air. Based on these, transport can also be classified into land, water and air transport.

Question 35.
Today the world has become a “global village”. Justify this statement.
Answer:
Today the world has become a “large village” because of:

1.    efficient and fast means of transport and

2.    Development of telecommunication and satellite communication systems.

These two functions, i.e. various means of transport and communication have reduced time and distance, have brought the world closer and the physical distances have become meaningless. For example, now trading from local levels has been extended to the international level and even financial transactions can take place round the world in no time. All this has been made possible because of efficient and quick means of transport and communication.

Question 36.
“Modern means of transport and communication serve as lifelines of our nation.” Justify this statement by giving supportive arguments.
Or
“Efficient means of transport are prerequisites for the fast development of the country.” Express your views in favour of this statement.
Answer:
India is well linked with the rest of the world despite its vast size and diversities because of efficient means of transport and communication. They are rightly called the lifelines or arteries of a nation because:

1.    Economic development of a country depends on the well-developed and efficient means of transport and communication.

2.    They are indispensable for movement of people, goods and services from one place to another.

3.    They have contributed to socio-economic progress in many ways by connecting far flung areas of the country.

4.    They have enriched all aspects of our lives — social, cultural, individual and economic.

5.    They promote trade, tourism and business thus adding value to the economy.

6.    Transport and communication have made possible international trade which is essential for every economy as no country is self-sufficient in all resources.

7.    They link areas of production with consumption, i.e. agricultural farms are linked to the markets and industries.

8.    They help in the balanced regional development of a country.

9.    They play a very important role at the time of natural calamities, i.e., for providing relief measures.

10.  Deficient areas can obtain resources from the regions of surplus, thereby making the interdependence among the regions possible.

11.  They have added substantially to growing amenities and facilities for the comforts of life.

Question 37.
Why do the movement of goods and services form one place to another require fast and efficient means of transport? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Transport plays an important role in the economy. Because of transport raw materials reach the factory and finished products reach to the consumer. The pace of development of a country depends upon the production of goods and services as well as their movement over space. Today the world has converted into a large village with the help of efficient and fast moving transport:

1.    Good transport helps in quick carrying of raw materials from remote areas to the production centre and allows distribution of goods efficiently.

2.    Transport helps in the development of communication. Various means of communication help us in interacting with other people in all the parts of the world. It has brought the world closer.

3.    Transport like railways helps us in conducting various activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimages, etc.

4.    Pipelines are used for transporting crude oil and natural gas to refineries and factories.

5.    Water provides the cheapest means of transport and is useful for international trade.

6.    Air transport provides the fastest, most comfortable mode of transport.

7.    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 rightly called the lifelines of a nation and its economy.

Question 38.
How are means of transport and communication complementary to each other? Explain with three examples.
Answer:

1.    Transport and communication establish links between producing centres and consuming centres. Trade or the exchange of such commodities relies on transportation and communication. Transport provides the network of links and carriers through which trade takes place.

2.    Dense network of roads, railways and airways connect the remote areas of the country hence help in production and distribution of goods and services.

3.    Advancement in communication system has accelerated trade by carrying information all over the world quickly.

4.    Good transport helps in quick carrying of raw material from remote areas to the production centre and allows distribution of goods efficiently.

5.    With expansion of rail, ocean and air transport, better means of refrigeration and preservation, trade has experienced spatial expansion.

Question 39.
Examine with examples the role of means of transport and communication in making our life prosperous and comfortable.
Answer:
Transport and communication have a major role to play in making our lives prosperous and comfortable:

1.    Means of transport provide seamless movement of goods and people and thus facilitate various economic activities.

2.    Means of communication help in flow of information which is necessary for proper management of supply chain and financial transactions. Today, we are living in the age of communication, using telephone, television, films and Internet. Even books, magazines and newspapers are important means of communication.

3.    Various means of transport and communication have reduced distances, bringing the world closer. Modern life is so complex that one has to depend on others. The same is true of the countries as well. No country today can prosper without the co-operation and assistance of others. This requires movement of goods and materials between countries. Trade provides us with our necessities and also adds to the amenities and comfort of our life.

4.    Transport like railways help us in conducting various activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimage and transportation of goods over longer distances.

5.    Water provide the cheapest means of transport and is useful for international trade. Air transport provides the fastest, most comfortable mode of transport. Pipelines are used for transporting crude oil and natural gas to refineries and factories.
Thus, means of transport and communication put life into a nation and its economy. Hence, they are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy.

Question 40.
Name three means of land transport and write one advantage of each.
Answer:
Three means of land transport:

1.    Roadways. They can be laid in any type of terrain and provide door to door service.

2.    Railways. They can carry huge loads to long distances, therefore they are of great significance in the national economy.

3.    Pipelines. These can be used for transporting liquid, gaseous and solid material to great distances at low cost.

Roadways

Question 41.
Why is road transport more useful than rail transport in India? Give reasons.
Or, “Roadways still have an edge over railways in India”. Give reasons.
Answer:
Roadways score over railways:

1.    Construction of roads is easier and cheaper as compared to railways.

2.    Roads provide door to door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower as compared to railways which generally leave the people and goods at the destined railway stations.

3.    Roads can negotiate higher gradients of slope and, as such, can traverse through mountainous terrain. But railways cannot negotiate steep gradients.

4.    Road transport is economical in transportation of few persons and relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances.

5.    Road transport is also used as a feeder to other modes of transport. They provide links between railway stations, airports and sea ports.

6.    They link agricultural farms with markets and industries, thus linking rural and urban areas.

Question 42.
Name six types of roads according to their capacity.
Answer:
Six types of roads:

1.    Super Highways —Golden Quadrilateral, North-South Corridor and East-West Corridor.

2.    National Highways

3.    State Highways

4.    District Roads

5.    Other Rural Roads

6.    Border Roads.

Question 43.
Write the characteristics of Super Highways, National Highways and State Highways.
Answer:
Super Highways:

1.    These are 6-lane roads built by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) under the Road Development Project launched by the government.

2.    The major objective of these roads is to reduce time and distance between the mega cities of India, especially the Golden Quadrilateral, which links Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai.

3.    Other important roads developed by NHAI are:

1. North-South Corridor linking Srinagar in the North and Kanyakumari in the South and
2. East-West Corridor linking Porbander in Gujarat to Silcher in Assam.

National Highways:

1.    These are the primary’ road systems which run in the North-South and East-West directions connecting all the states and link extreme parts of the country.

2.    These roads are laid and maintained by the Central Government, i.e., Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as they are of national importance.

3.    The historical Shershah Suri Marg, now called National Highway No. 1, links Delhi and Amritsar and the longest highway in the country is National Highway No. 7 which links Varanasi and Kanyakumari.

State Highways:

1.    Roads linking state capitals with different district headquarters are known as State Highways.

2.    These roads are constructed and maintained by State Public Works Department (PWD) in states and union territories.

3.    The expenditure or cost and maintenance of these roads is the responsibility of the respective state governments.

Question 44.
Differentiate between District Roads and Other Rural Roads?
Answer:
District Roads:

1. District Roads connect the district headquarters with other places of the district.


2. These roads are maintained by the Zila Parishad.

Other Rural Roads:

1. Rural roads which link rural areas and villages with towns come under this category.


2. These roads received special impetus under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojna’. Under this scheme, special provisions are made so that every village is linked to a major town in the country by an all season motorable road.

Question 45.
What are ‘Border Roads’? What is their significance?
Answer:

1.    Border roads run along the land frontiers of our country in the northern and north-eastern border areas.

2.    The Border Road Organisation (BRO) — a department of the Central Government was established in 1960 for the development of border roads.

3.    Their construction and maintenance is the responsibility of the Central Government.

Importance of Border Roads:

1.    These roads are of strategic importance.

2.    They have increased the accessibility in areas of difficult terrain and have helped in the economic development of these areas.

3.    They are the supply lines for our jawans (soldiers) who guard our land frontiers.

Question 46.
Classify roads on the basis of the type of material used for their construction.
Answer:
Roads can be classified into two categories on the basis of material used:
Metalled roads may be made of cement, concrete or bitumen. These are all-weather roads.
Unmetalled roads are dusty and muddy tracks which go out of use in the rainy season.

Question 47.
Define ‘road density’. What is the average road density in India? Name the states having the highest and lowest densities respectively. What is the main reason for this difference in their densities?
Answer:
Road density is defined as the length of road per 100 sq km, of area.
Average road density of India is 75 kms / 100 sq kms of area (1996-97).
Highest road density is in Kerala — It is 375 km / 100 sq kms.
Least road density is in Jammu & Kashmir—It is 10 km / 100 sq kms.
In Jammu & Kashmir, road density is less because of mountainous terrain, whereas Kerala has levelled nature of land coupled with agricultural development which supports a lot of population, therefore road density is higher.

Question 48.
What are the problems faced by road transportation in India?
Answer:
Problems faced by road transportation:

1.    The road network is inadequate in proportion to the volume of traffic and passengers.

2.    About half of the roads are unmetalled which makes them useless during rainy season.

3.    The National Highways are inadequate and lack roadside amenities.

4.    The roadways are highly congested in cities.

5.    Most of the bridges and culverts are old and narrow.

Question 49.
Why is the distribution of roads not uniform in India? Explain with examples.
Answer:

1.    Distribution of roads is not uniform in India due to different types of geographical features.

2.    Moreover, the volume of traffic as well as passengers also affects road networking in India. Roads are highly congested in cities. Most of the bridges and culverts have become narrow, old and broken.

3.    Some roads are metalled, that is well built with brick and cement and about half of the roads are unmetalled especially in rural areas which makes them unaccessible during rainy seasons.

4.    The regions with rugged terrain have steep roads with lots of hairpin bends.

Railways

Question 50.
Railways play an important role in Indian economy. Give supportive arguments.
Or
Explain the importance of railways as the principle mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India.
Answer:

1.    Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India, as they link different parts of the country.

2.    They carry huge loads and bulky goods to long distances.

3.    Railways make it possible to conduct multiple activities like business, tourism, pilgrimage along with goods transportation over longer distances.

4.    Railways have been a great integrating force for the nation, for more than 150 years now.

5.    They have been helpful in binding the economic life of the country and also promoted cultural fusion.

6.    They have accelerated the development of the industry and agriculture.

Question 51.
Describe the distribution of railway network in India.
Answer:

1.    The Indian railways have a network of 7,031 stations spread over the country.

2.    The route length is 63,221 kms.

3.    It has a fleet of 7,817 locomotives.

4.    There are 5,321 passenger service vehicles.

5.    The number of coach vehicles is 4904.

6.    We have 2,28,170 wagons which run on the total rail track of 1,08,486 kms.

Question 52.
Which factors affect the distribution pattern of the railway network in the country?
Answer:
Factors that affect the distribution pattern of railway network in India:

1.    Physical factors: The nature of terrain and the number of rivers running through the region will determine the density of railway network in that region.
For example, mountains, marshy, sandy and forested areas have sparse network whereas plain areas have dense network of the railways.

2.    Economic factors: Regions which have rich resources and are economically more developed have denser network of railways in comparison to the regions with low economic development.

3.    Administrative factors: The administrative and political decisions also affect the distribution of railway network in a region.

Question 53.
Analyse the physiographic and economic factors that have influenced the distribution pattern of the railway network in our country.
Or,

‘The distribution pattern of Indian Railway network is influenced by the physiographic factors. Examine the statement.
Answer:
Factors that affect the distribution pattern of railway network in India:
(i) Physiographic factors. The Northern plains with vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provide most favourable conditions for railway network. The nature of terrain and the number of rivers running through the region determine the density of railway network in that region. Mountains, marshy, sandy and forested areas have sparse network whereas plain areas have dense network of the railways. It was difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plains of Western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat and forested tracks of Madhya Pradesh.

(ii) Economic factors. Regions which have rich resources and are economically more developed have denser network of railways in comparison to the regions with low economic development.

(iii) Administrative factors. The administrative and political decisions also affect the distribution of railway network in a region.

Question 54.
List four factors which favoured the development of dense network of railways in the northern plains.
Answer:
Four reasons for dense network of railways in northern plains are:

1.    The vast level land provided the most favourable conditions for their growth. It is cheaper and easier to construct railway tracks here.

2.    The agricultural and industrial development in this region necessitated the development of railway lines.

3.    High population density in this region further required the development of railway lines.

4.    Resources such as iron and steel, fuels, etc., required for the development of railways are available in abundance in the northern plains.

Question 55.
State reasons for the sparse railway network in Himalayan region.
Answer:
Reasons for sparse railway network in Himalayas:

1.    High relief and rugged terrain pose difficulty in construction.

2.    Sparse population.

3.    Lack of economic opportunities because of low economic development.

4.    These are also thickly forested areas.

Question 56.
Where is Konkan Railway Line developed in India and what problems are faced by it?
Answer:
Konkan Railway Line is developed along the western coast of India through the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. This railway line has facilitated the movement of passengers and goods in this most important economic region of India.
Problems faced during its construction:

1. Sinking of track in some stretches.


2. Landslides were another hinderance.

Question 57.
What are the problems faced by Indian Railways?
Answer:
Problems faced by the Indian Railways:

1. Many passengers travel without tickets.


2. Thefts and damaging of railway property by miscreants.


3. People stop the trains and pull chains unnecessarily that cause’s heavy damage to the railways and also causes delays.

Question 58.
Explain the improvements made by the Indian Railways in its functioning.
Answer:

1.    Railways make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like business, sight-seeing, pilgrimage, transportation of goods and passengers.

2.    It accelerated the deployment of industrial and agricultural sector.

3.    Konkan Railways along the west coast has facilitated the movement of passengers and goods.

4.    Metro Rail, Mono Rail and Rapid metro systems are helping lakhs of people to commute every day. These have helped in easing the traffic situation in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Gurgaon.

5.    The railways provide effective container service.

Pipelines

Question 59.
What are the advantages of pipeline transportation?
Answer:
Advantages of pipeline transportation:

1.    Pipelines can transport liquids, gases and solids (in slurry form) to any distance.

2.    Pipelines are used for transporting crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to refineries, fertilizer factories and big thermal power plants.

3.    Initial cost of laying pipelines is high but subsequent running costs are minimal.

4.    It reduces trans-shipment losses and delays.

5.    They can be laid in any terrain and even through the water-bodies.

Question 60.
What made the location of inland oil refineries possible? Name any two inland oil refineries.
Answer:
Location of inland oil refineries was made possible because of pipeline transportation which links them with oilfields.
Inland oil refineries are:

1.    Barauni

2.    Mathura

3.    Panipat.

Question 60.a.
Write about three most important networks of pipeline transportation.
Answer:
Important networks are:

1.    From oilfield in Upper Assam to Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) via Guwahati, Barauni and Allahabad.

2.    From Salaya (Gujarat) to Jalandhar (Punjab) via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi and Sonepat.

3.    Gas pipeline from Hazira (Gujarat) via Bijaipur (Madhya Pradesh) to Jagdishpur (Uttar Pradesh), called HBJ gas pipeline.

Waterways

Question 61.
Write four merits of waterways in India.
Answer:

1.    Waterways are the cheapest means of transport.

2.    Waterways are a fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transport.

3.    They are most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods.

4.    India’s trade with foreign countries is carried from the ports located along the coast, and more than 95% of the country’s trade volume is moved by the sea.

Question 62.
Mention any two inland waterways of India. Write three characteristics of each.
Answer:
Two inland water ways are:
(A) The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia:
Characteristics:

1. The Inland Waterways Authority has declared this waterway as National Waterway No. 1.


2. Its total length is 1620 km.


3. It is one of the most important waterway of India which is navigable by mechanical boats upto Patna.

(B) The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri:
Characteristics:

1. The total length is 891 km.


2. It is declared as National Waterway No. 2.


3. It is navigable by steamers upto Dibrugarh.

Major Seaports

Question 63.
What are major seaports?
Answer:
Seaports which handle our foreign trade are called major seaports. These ports handle 95 per cent of India’s foreign trade.

Question 64.
Name the northernmost and southernmost ports of eastern and western coast respectively.
Answer:
The northernmost port: of eastern coast — Kolkata
of western coast — Kandla
The southernmost port: of eastern coast — Tuticorin
of western coast — Kochi

Question 65.
Give an account of the major sea ports of India and their importance.
Answer:

1.    Kandla port in Kuchchh.

1. It was developed after independence to reduce the load on the Mumbai port as the Karachi port had gone to Pakistan after partition.


2. It is a tidal port and caters to exports and imports of the granary and industrial belts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.


3. Kandla port is located in Kuchchh in Gujarat.


4. It caters to the convenient handling of exports and imports for northern and western states of India.

2.    Mumbai port. It is the biggest port with a spacious natural and well-sheltered harbour.

3.    Jawahar Lai Nehru port. Planned as a subordinate and hub-port of the Mumbai port.

4.    Marmagao port (Goa).

1. It is a premium iron ore exporting port.


2. It accounts for about fifty per cent of India’s iron ore exports.

5.    New Mangalore port (Karnataka). Caters to the export of iron-ore from Kudremukh mines.

6.    Kochchi. Extreme south-western port located at the entrance of a lagoon with a natural harbour.

7.    Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu).

1. It has a natural harbour and rich hinterland.


2. It engages in flourishing trade with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives etc.

8.    Chennai port.

1. Oldest artificial port in the country.


2. It is second only to Mumbai in terms of volume of trade and cargo.

9.    Vishakhapatnam port. Deepest land locked and well protected port catering mainly to iron ore exports.

10.  Paradip (Orissa) specialises in iron ore export.

11.  Kolkata port.

1. It is an inland riverine port.


2. It serves as a large and rich hinterland of Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.


3. It is a tidal port which requires constant dredging of the Hugli River.

12.  Haldia port. It was developed to reduce pressure on Kolkata port.

Airways

Question 66.
Write four merits of air travel. Also mention any two demerits of air transport.
Answer:
Merits of air travel.

1.    Air travel is the fastest, most comfortable and prestigious mode of transport.

2.    India is a vast country with wide variation in relief. Air transport can cover difficult terrains like high mountains of the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, dreary deserts of Rajasthan, dense forests and long coastlines with great ease.

3.    Air travel has made access easier in the north-eastern part of the country, which is marked with the presence of big rivers like Brahmaputra, dissected relief, dense forests, frequent floods and international frontiers.

4.    At the time of natural calamities, relief measure and relief operations can be carried out quickly with the help of air transport.

5.    High value perishable goods can easily be exported or imported by airways.

Demerits of air transport.

1. Air travel is very expensive and not within the reach of the common people. Air travel is very luxurious.


2. It is adversely affected by bad weather conditions.

Question 67.
Why is air travel preferred in the north-eastern states? Give reasons.
Answer:
The north-eastern part of the country is marked with:

1.    Dissected relief,

2.    dense forests,

3.    Frequent floods

4.    Big rivers.

Under these difficult conditions, the road and rail transport is not well developed. Journey through land transport is very tiresome and time-consuming. So, for all these reasons, air travel is preferred in this part of the country, where special provisions are made to extend the services to common people at cheaper rates.

Question 68.
Name four airline services which cater to the domestic air traffic.
Answer:
Domestic air services are:

1. Indian Airlines which extends its services to neighbouring countries also.


2. Alliance Air (Subsidiary of Indian Airlines).


3. Private scheduled airlines, e.g., Jet, Sahara, Kingfisher, Indigo, Go Air etc.


4. Private non-scheduled operators provide air-taxi service.

Question 69.
What are ‘Pawan Hans’ services? Write two purposes for which these services are used.
Answer:
The Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd., a public sector undertaking, provides helicopter services to:

1. Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) in its offshore operations.


2. Inaccessible areas and difficult terrains like the north-eastern states, the interior parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand.


3. They are also pressed into service at the time of emergencies and for providing relief measures at the time of natural calamities.

Question 70.
Which is the ‘International Airline’ of India?
Answer:
‘Air India’ handles our international traffic. It is a public sector undertaking. Jet and Kingfisher are examples of private airlines that fly to other countries as well.

Question 71.
Name four cities where international airports are located and name these airports.
Answer:
Cities where international airports are located:

1.    Delhi — Indira Gandhi International Airport

2.    Mumbai — Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport

3.    Chennai — Meenambakkam Airport

4.    Kolkata — Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport

Question 72.
Name the northernmost and southernmost international airport of India.
Answer:
Northern most international airport is Raja Sansi at Amritsar. Southern most international airport of India is situated in Tiruvanantapuram and is called Nedimbacherry Airport.

Communication

Question 73.
What is the main difference between means of transport and means of communication?
Answer:
Means of transport: These are used for the movement of people, goods and services from one place to another, e.g. roadways, airways, etc.
Means of communication: These are used for interchanging messages and ideas between people without physical movement of the communicator or receiver, e.g. letters, telephone, television, etc.

Question 74.
Write two types of means of communication and give two examples of each.
Answer:
Two types of means of communication are:
(i) Personal communication
(ii) Mass communication.
(i) Personal communication includes sending and receiving of messages between two individuals at a personal level. The important means in this category are telephone, post & telegraph services, fax, etc.
(ii) Mass communication means communicating with several people (masses) at the same time. These are of two types:

1. Print media. It includes printed material, e.g. newspapers and magazines.


2. Electronic media, e.g. Radio and T.V. This is an important media, especially for illiterate masses of the country.

Question 75.
What are the functions performed by means of mass communication?
Answer:
Functions performed by means of mass communication:

1.    It provides entertainment to masses.

2.    It creates awareness among people about various national programmes and policies.

3.    We come to know the world happenings, weather bulletins and important international phenomena, developments and researches, etc. through the means of mass communication.

4.    They help in creating public opinion.

Question 76.
Explain the importance of ‘Radio’ and ‘Television’ as an effective means of mass communication in India.
Answer:
Because a large part of the population of our country is illiterate, the electronic media of mass communication i.e., Radio and T.V. play a very crucial role in:

1. providing entertainment


2. increasing awareness among people about various national programmes and policies.

Radio. It broadcasts —

1. a variety of programmes in national, regional and local languages.


2. varied programmes for various categories of people in rural, urban and remote areas through a number of radio

stations and transmitters.
T.V. It telecasts —

1. a variety of entertainment, educational and informative programmes.


2. T.V. is a better means of mass communication as it gives a visual report of world happenings; live telecast of sports and literacy programmes etc., which become more entertaining and meaningful.

Question 77.
Name the mail channels which were introduced by the Indian postal network to facilitate quick delivery of mails. What was the main purpose of this decision?
Answer:
Mail channels introduced by the Indian postal network are:

1.    Rajdhani Channel

2.    Business Channel

3.    Metro Channel

4.    Bulk Mail Channel

5.    Green Channel

6.    Periodical Channel

The main purpose is to facilitate quick delivery of mail to large towns and cities.

Question 78.
“India has one of the largest telecom networks in Asia.” Justify this statement.
Answer:

1.    Most of the urban centres are connected by STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling) telephone facility.

2.    More than 2/3rd of the villages in India have already been covered with STD telephone facility, through many telephone exchanges.

3.    In order to strengthen the flow of information from the grass-root level to the higher level, the government has made special provision to extend 24 hours STD service facility to every village in the country.

4.    There have been uniform rates of STD facilities all over India. Even ISD services are available in most of the cities of the country.

All this has been made possible by integrating the developments in space technology with communication technology and development of computers and internet. Recently a number of private companies have also entered into telecommunication area.

Question 79.
Distinguish between first class mail and second class mail.
Answer:
Difference between Class mail and Second Class mail

Class mail	Second Class mail
1. Cards and envelopes make first class mail.	1. This includes book packets, registered newspapers and periodicals.
2. They are airlifted between stations covering both land and air.	2. They are carried by surface mail, covering land and water transport.

Question 80.
Write in brief about A.I.R. and Doordarshan.
Answer:
All India Radio (A.I.R. or Akashwani):

1.    It broadcasts a variety of programmes in national, regional and local languages.

2.    It broadcasts programmes for various categories of people in rural, urban and remote areas.

3.    It is spread over different parts of the country through a number of radio stations and transmitters.

Doordarshan:

1.    It is the national television channel of India.

2.    It is one of the largest terrestrial networks in the world.

3.    It telecasts a variety of programmes ranging from educational, entertainment to sports, etc. for people of different age groups.

Question 81.
Approximately in how many languages are newspapers published in India?
Answer:
Newspapers are published in about 100 languages and dialects. Largest number of newspapers published in India are in Hindi followed by English and Urdu.

Question 82.
What is the status of feature film production in India?
Answer:

1.    India is the largest producer of feature films in the world.

2.    It produces short, video feature films and video short films.

3.    The Central Board of Film Certification is the authority to certify both Indian and foreign films.

International Trade

Question 83.
What is meant by trade? What is the difference between Local and State level trade?
Answer:
The exchange of goods and services among people, states and countries, through market channels, is referred to as trade.
Local trade is carried in cities, towns and villages.
State level trade is carried between two or more states.

Question 84.
What is ‘international trade’?
Answer:
Exchange of goods (buying and selling of goods) between two countries is called international trade. It may take place through sea, air or land routes.
Two components of international trade are — export and import.

Question 85.
Why is international trade considered as an ‘economic barometer’ for a country?
Or
“Advancement of international trade of a country is an index to its prosperity.” Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer:
Exchange of goods (buying and selling of goods) between two countries is called international trade. It may take place through sea, air or land routes. It has two components—export and import.

1.    Advancement of international trade of a country is an index to its economic prosperity.

2.    As no country is self-sufficient in all resources, it cannot survive without international trade.

3.    If the balance of international trade is favourable that is value of export is more than the value of import, a country will be able to earn more foreign exchange.

4.    International trade encourages a country to develop secondary and tertiary sectors for exporting goods which can fetch more foreign exchange. In this day and age of globalization exchange of goods and commodities has also been overtaken by the exchange of information and knowledge as well.

5.    A country’s economic prosperity can be gauged by the health of its international trade.

Question 86.
What is ‘balance of trade’? Explain its two types.
Answer:
The balance of trade of a country is the difference between its export and import value. Balance of trade is of two types:

1.    Favourable balance of trade. When the value of export exceeds the value of imports, it is called favourable balance of trade.

2.    Unfavourable balance of trade. If the value of imports exceeds the value of exports, it is called unfavourable balance of trade.

Question 87.
Write a note on the changing nature of international trade in India.
Answer:
International trade in India has undergone a substantial change in the last fifteen years. Liberalisation policies of government and lifting of barriers on trade has made it truly global in nature. India has trading relations with all major trading blocks and geographical regions of the world. In this day and age of globalisation, exchange of goods and commodities has been overtaken by the exchange of information and knowledge. India has proved to be a world leader in software technology and is earning large amounts of foreign exchange through the export of software technology.

Tourism As A Trade

Question 88.
Why is ‘tourism’ considered as a trade and industry in India? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Answer:

1.    With increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting India, we earned foreign exchange worth Rs. 21,828 crore in 2004 which is further increasing year by year making tourism an important trade.

2.    Over 2.6 million foreign tourists visit India every year for appreciating our heritage, our culture for medical purposes or for business purposes, etc.

3.    Over 15 million people are directly engaged in the tourism industry.

4.    Tourism promotes national integration, provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.

5.    Tourism also helps in the development of international understanding about our culture and heritage.

6.    Rajasthan, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir and temple towns of south India are the most popular tourist destinations. These states earn huge sums of money from tourism trade.

Question 90.
Give reasons for which foreign tourists visit India.
Answer:
Foreigners visit India for various purposes. These are:

1.    Heritage tourism

2.    Eco-tourism

3.    Adventure tourism

4.    Cultural tourism

5.    Medical tourism

6.    Business tourism

1. Broadened cultural awareness of each other’s tradition.


2. It is economically viable. India is a great value destination as tourists can travel cheaply and lavishly.


3. Indian hospitality is famous worldwide — ‘Atithi devo bhava’.


4. India is an avenue to explore spirituality through yoga, meditation.


5. Indian cuisine predominantly, North Indian is world famous.

India has several historical and architectural attractions. Regional handicrafts and ethnic designs of traditional products attract tourists

Question 91.
“Efficient means of transport are pre-requisites for the fast development.” Express your views in favour of this statement. 
Answer:
I agree with the above statement. Without efficient means of transport, no development can be made in a country. The arguments in favour of the statement are as mentioned below:

1. The goods and services do not move from supply locales to demand locales on their
   own.


2. The movement of goods and services from supply locations to demand locations necessitates the need for transport.


3. A large number of workers are engaged in doing this work so that the needs of people may be fulfilled.


4. Traders too use transport facilities for sending and receiving goods for selling to the consumers.


5. If no transport facility is available, they may not be able to send their goods and products to different places. Their trade will, thus, be concentrated to one place only. The pace of development of a country, thus, depends upon the production and movement of goods and services to all the parts.

Question 92.
Do you agree with the view that transport, communication and trade are complementary to each other? Explain you views.
Answer:
Yes, means of transport, communication and trade are complementary to each other as mentioned below :

1. Transport and communication provide the infrastructural basis for conducting trade.


2. The growth in trade also leads to creation of more infrastructure to match the volume of trade because increase in the volume of trade may need more means of transport.


3. More trade creates avenue for investment in infrastructure through the revenue generated by trade.


4. The growth in trade means more transport like roads, railways, air, water and pipelines to be developed to keep the wheels of economy moving.


5. Communication helps in commercial transactions to be completed across different places all over the world. It helps to cross the geographical barriers and keeps the traders informed about their business instantly. The modern means of communication such as e-mail, mobile etc. are of great help for the traders all over the world. The world has become a village.
   Thus it can be said that progress in science, technology, means of transport and communication are responsible for increase in trade and commerce.

Question 93.
“Roadways still have an edge over railways in India.” Support the statement with arguments.

Answer:
See Textbook Question 2(1) and (2).

Question 94.
Describe different kinds of roads according to their capacity.
Answer:
The roads are classified into six classes according to their capacity as mentioned below :
(1) Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways :

1. It is a major road development project linking Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai and Delhi by six-lane Super Highways.


2. The object of these Super Highways is to meet the requirements of fast movement of traffic in the country and to reduce the time and distance between the mega cities of India.


3. North-South corridor connects Srinagar (JK) to Kanniyakumari (Tamil Nadu).


4. East-West corridor connects Silchsr, (Assam) to Porbandar (Gujarat).


5. These highway projects are being implemented by the National Highway Authority of
   India (NHAI). ”

(2) National Highways:

1. National Highways link extreme parts of the country including one state with another.


2. These are primary road systems of national importance. Therefore, these are con¬structed and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) of the central government.
   The historical Sher Shah Suri Marg is called National Highway No. 1 between Delhi and Amritsar.


3. A number of major National Highways run in North-South and East-West directions.

(3) State Highways:

1. These roads link a state capital with different district headquarters.


2. These roads are constructed and maintained by the State Public Works Department in State and Union Territories.

(4) District Roads:

1. These roads connect the district headquarters with other places of the district.


2. These roads are maintained by the Zila Parishad.

(5) Rural Roads:

1. Rural roads or village roads link rural areas and villages with towns.


2. Under Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana provisions have been made to link every village in the country to a major town by an all season motorable road. Thus, it is hoped that the condition of rural roads will improve in future.

(6) Border Roads:

1. These roads are in the border areas of the country.


2. Border Roads Organisation which is a Government of India undertaking constructs and maintains these roads.


3. These roads are of strategic importance in the northern and north-eastern border areas.


4. These roads have improved accessibility in areas of difficult terrain.


5. These roads have also helped in the economic development of these areas.

Question 95.
How roads are classified on the basis of the type of material used for their construction?
Answer:
On the basis of type of material use for their construction, roads are classified into two types as mentioned below :
(1) Metalled roads :

1. These roads are made of cement concrete or even bitumen or coal tar.


2. One can go fast on metalled roads.


3. These are all weather roads.


4. These are maintained by the government.

(2) Unmetalled roads:

1. These are not all weather roads.


2. These are made of mud and gravel which are generally found in the rural areas.


3. These are sometimes made even of sand and laid as extended roads.


4. These may not be fit for use in rainy season.


5. The unmetalled roads are maintained by common people.


6. One cannot go fast on these roads.

Question 96.
Describe the problems that are being faced in road transportation in India.
Answer:
The problems that are being faced in road transportation in India are as given below :

1. Inadequate network in view of the volume of traffic and passengers.


2. Half of the roads are unmetalled that cannot be used during rainy season.


3. National highways are inadequate to meet the rush of traffic.


4. Roads in the cities are highly congested.


5. Most of the bridges and culverts are old and narrow.


6. Roadside amenities like emergency health services, police protection on the highways are not adequate.
   The above problems need immediate attention of the government to make road transport more popular and useful in the country.

Question 97.
“Railways are the principal mode of transportation in India.” Explain.
Answer:
The railways are the main artery of inland transport in India. It is the lifeline of the country as mentioned below:

1. Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers.


2. The Indian Railways have a network of 7,031 stations, 7,817 locomotives, 5,321 passenger service vehicles, 4,904 other coach vehicles and 228,170 wagons as on 31st March, 2004.


3. The total length of railways is 63,221 km.


4. Railways are useful in conducting business, sightseeing, and pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over longer distances.
   1. It is the largest public undertaking in the country. Thus, it is clear that the railways are playing an important role in our economy. It has played an important role in the integration of the country as people can go from one region to another easily.
   
   

Question 98.
Give brief description of the Indian Railway’s gauge operations.
Answer:
A table showing Indian Railway’s Track on multiple gauge operations is given below
(Source : India Year Book, 2006)

Gauge in metres	Route (km)	Running Track (km)	Total Track (km)
(1) Broad Gauge (1.676) (2) Meter Gauge (1.000) (3) Narrow Gauge (0.762 & 0.610)	46,807 13,209 3,124	66,754 13,976 3,129	88,517 16,489 3,450
Total	63,221	83,859	1,08,486

Question 99.
Analyse the physiographic and economic factors that have influenced the distribution pattern of railway network in our country. 
Answer:
Physical and economic factors have influenced the distribution pattern of the Indian Railway network in the following ways :
(1) Northern plains :

1. Level land, high population density and rich agricultural re¬sources has favoured development of railways in these plains,


2. However, a large number of rivers requiring construction of bridges across their wide river beds posed some obstacles

(2) Peninsular region and the Himalayan region:

1. It is a hilly terrain. The railway tracks are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels. So, it is very difficult to lay the railway lines.


2. The Him alayan mountainous regions too are not favourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and. lack of economic opportunities.

(3) Desert of Rajasthan: On the sandy plain of western Rajasthan too, it is very difficult to lay railway lines which has hindered the development of railways.
(4) Swamps of Gujarat, forested tracts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand : These are also not suitable for the development of the railways.
(5) The contiguous stretch of Sahyadri could be crossed only through gaps or passes (ghats). Although the Konkan railway along the west coast has been developed but it has also faced a number of problems such as sinking of track in some stretches and landslides.

Question 100.
Describe the problems being faced by the railways.
Answer:
The problems being faced by the railways are as mentioned below :

1. Old track and poor state rolling stock: The major problem faced by Indian railways is that the tracks are old and outdated. These old tracks cause many serious railway accidents. This has also resulted in speed restrictions.


2. Travel without tickets: A large number of passengers travel without purchasing tickets. Indian railways have to bear extra loss of about? 5 crore every year on account of travelling without tickets.


3. Railway accidents: The incidence of railway accidents in our country is greater as compared to other countries of the world. Accidents occur due to the errors and negligence of the employees.


4. Attack on railways: During disturbances or strikes, people attack railway stations. This leads to loss of railway property. For instance, there was heavy loss of railways in the movements of West Bengal, Telangana and Assam and other places in the past.


5. Lack of modern management: There is lack of modern management as railway failed to attract suitable talent. It also could not make economic analysis for perspective planning tariff.


6. Outmoded technology: The rolling stock technology is outmoded. This has made railways incapable of coping with increasing transport demand and of raising and imporving the traffic volume and flows at lower unit cost of operation.


7. Problem of laying double lines: Most of the railway lines are single lines which create great inconvenience to the railway organisation and passengers.


8. Competition with road transport: The competition with road transport is harming the railways. The lack of coordination between railways and road transport has lowered the earning capacity of the railways.

Question 101.
What is pipeline transportation? Give any two points of importance of pipeline transportation.
 Or
Explain uses and advantages of pipeline transportation.
Answer:

(1) Under pipeline transportation now pipelines are used to transport crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to oil refineries, fertiliser factories and big thermal power plants.
(2) Advantages:

1. Crude oil and other petroleum products can be transported to far away inland locations like Barauni and Panipat.


2. Pipelines have proved beneficial for gas based fertiliser plants.


3. Solids can also be transported through a pipeline when converted into slurry.


4. Running cost of pipelines is minimal but initial cost of laying pipeline is high.


5. There are no trans-shipment losses or delays.

(3) Networks of pipelines: There are three networks of pipeline transportation as given below:

1. From oil field in upper Assam to Kanpur iJJttar Pradesh) via Guwahati, Barauni and Allahabad. It has branches from Barauni to Haldia via Rajbandh, Rajbandh to Maurigram and Guwahati to Siliguri.


2. From Salaya in Gujarat to Jalandhar in Punjab via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi and Sonipat. It has branches to connect Koyali (near Vadodara, Gujarat), Chakshu and other places.


3. Gas pipeline from Hazira in Gujarat connects Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh via Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh. It has branches to Kota in Rajasthan, Shahjahanpur, Babrala and other places in Uttar Pradesh.

Question 102.
Describe the inland navigation waterways in India. What are its advan¬tages?
Answer:
(1)

1.  India has inland navigation waterways of 14,500 km in length. Out of these only 3,700 km are navigable by mechanised boats.
2. National waterways : The following waterways have been declared as the National Waterways by the government:
   1. The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia (1,620 km) — N.W. No. 1.
   2. The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri (891 km) — N.W. No. 2.
   3. The West-Coast Canal in Kerala (Kottapurma-Komman, Udyogamandal and Champakkara canals – 205 km) — N.W. No. 3.
3. The other inland waterways include the Godavari, Krishna, Barak, Sunderbans, Buckingham canal, Brahmani. East-West canal and Damodar Valley Corporation Canal.

(2) The advantages of waterways are as given below:

1. Waterways are the cheapest means of transport.


2. They are most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods.


3. It is a fuel-efficient transport.


4. It is environment friendly mode of transport.

Question 103.
Describe the major sea ports of India.
Answer:
India has a long coastline of 7,516.6 km. There are 12 major and 181 medium and minor ports. These major ports handle 95 per cent of India’s foreign trade.
The major sea ports of India are as given below:

1. Kandla in Kuchchh (Gujarat): Kandla is a tidal port. It caters to the needs of handling of exports and imports of highly productive granary and industrial belt stretching across the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.


2. Mumbai port (Maharashtra) : It is the biggest port with natural and well-sheltered harbdhr. Jawaharlal Nehru port was planned with a view to decongest the Mumbai port and serve as a support for this region.


3. Marmagao port (Goa): It is the premier iron ore exporting port. This port accounts for about 50% of India’s iron ore export.


4. New Mangalore port (Karnataka): It exports iron ore from Kudremukh mines.


5. Kochchi port: It is the extreme south-western port which is located at the entrance of a lagoon with a natural harbour.


6. Tuticorin port (Tamil Nadu): It has a natural harbour and rich hinterland. It handles cargoes to Sri Lanka and Maldives too.


7. Chennai port (Tamil Nadu): It is one of the oldest artificial ports of India. It is next to Mumbai in volume of trade and cargo.


8. Vishakhapatnam port (Andhra Pradesh) : It is the deepest landlocked and well-protected port.


9. Paradip port (Orissa): It specialises in the export of iron ore.


10. Kolkata port (West Bengal): It is ar»-inland riverine port. It is a tidal port and requires constant dredging of Hoogly.


11. Haldia port: It was developed as a subsidiary port in order to relieve growing pressure
    on the Kolkata port.

Question 104.
Describe the air transport in India. What are the advantages of airways?
Answer:
(1)

1. In India, air transport was nationalised in 1953.


2. Domestic air services: These services are provided by Indian Airlines, Alliance Air, private scheduled airlines and non-scheduled air operators.


3. International air services: These are provided by Air India.


4.  Helicopter services: These services are provided by Pawanhans Helicopters Ltd. to Oil and Natural Gas Commission in its off-shore operations, to inaccessible areas and difficult areas like north-eastern states and the interior parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.


5. Neighbouring countries: Indian Airlines provides services to the neighbouring countries of South and south-east Asia and the Middle East.

(2) The advantages of airways are as given below:

1. It is the fastest and most comfortable mode of transport. One can reach his destination at faraway places within a short period.


2. It can cover very difficult areas like high mountains, dreary deserts, dense forests and
   long oceanic stretches easily.


3. It is very useful in hostile areas and natural and human-made calamities like floods, famines and earthquakes.

Question 105.
Explain why is air transport preferred in north-eastern states of India?
Answer:
The north-eastern states are full of big rivers, dissected relief, dense forests, frequent
floods. It has international frontiers with Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. Under these conditions, air transport is preferred in these hilly areas of north-eastern states because air transport can cover very difficult areas like high mountains and dense forests. It is also useful t in hostile areas and natural and human-made calamities like floods. It is only in the north¬ eastern states that special provisions are made to extend the air services to the common people. As such air travel is within their reach and preferred.

Question 106.
Describe the main features of the Indian postal network.
Answer:
Main features of the Indian postal network are as given below :

1. The Indian postal network is the largest network in the world.


2. Types of mail: There are two types of mail :

1. First-class mail: Cards and envelops fall in this category.


2. Second-class mail: It includes book packets, registered newspapers and periodicals.

3. Mail channels: For quick delivery of mails, six channels have been introduced. These are – Rajdhani Channel, Metro Channel, Green Channel, Business Channel, Bulk Mail Channel and Periodical Channel.

Question 107.
Write a short note on the telecom networks in India.
Answer:

1. India’s telecom network is one of the largest networks in Asia.


2. All urban places and two-thirds of the villages have Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) telephone facility. Special provisions have been made to extend twenty-four hours STD facility to all villages. ‘


3. There is a uniform STD rate in the country. It has been made possible by integrating the development in space technology with communication technology.

Question 108.
Which are the main means of mass communication? Explain the importance of ‘Radio’ and ‘Television’ as an effective mere of mass communication in India.
Answer:

1. Radio, television, newspapers, magazines, books and films are the main means of mass communication.


2. The importance of‘ Radio’ and ‘Television’ as an effective means of communication in India is due to the factors as mentioned below :
   1. Radio and television provide entertainment to the people.
   
   
   2. These create awareness among people about various national programmes and policies as debates are conducted on television and radio.
   
   
   3. Programmes are broadcasted in different languages for all types of people.
   
   
   4.  Doordarshan, the national television channel of India and one of the largest terres¬trial networks in the world, broadcasts various types of programmes from entertainment, educational to sports etc., for different age groups.
   
   

Question 109.
What is the position of India in the production of films? What type of Rims are produced and which authority certifies them?
Answer:

1. India is the largest producer of feature films in the world.


2. Various types of films are produced – such as short films, video feature films and video short films.


3. The Central Board of Film Certification certifies both Indian and foreign films.

Question 110.
Why international trade is considered the economic barometer for a country?
Answer:
The progress in international trade leads to economic prosperity. If the value of
exports exceeds the value of imports, the country is considered to have made advancement in international trade. It is called favourable balance of trade. Developed countries come in this category. On the other hand, if the value of imports exceeds the value of exports, it is termed as unfavourable balance of trade. Thus, advancement of international trade is an index to its economic prosperity and considered the economic barometer for a country.

Question 111.
Write a short note on how tourism as a trade has flourished in India.
Answer:
The tourism as a trade has flourished in India as mentioned below :

1. There has been increase of 23.5 per cent during the year 2004 as against the year 2003 and contributed? 21,828 crore of foreign exchange.


2. Over 2.6 million foreign tourists visit India every year.


3. Over 15 million people are directly employed in the tourism industry in the country.


4. It promotes national integration because people from India also go from one place to another place.


5. It helps- in the development of international understanding. Foreign tourists are attracted by Indian culture and traditions.


6. It supports local handicrafts and cultural pursuits because tourists purchase many products during their visits.


7. Foreign tourists visit India for visiting places of heritage or to have adventure in hilly region or to have business with India.


8. Rajasthan, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and temple towns of south India have attracted many tourists from all over the world.

MAP QUESTIONS

Question 1.
On the map of India show the following:
(1) Golden Quadrilateral
(2) North-South corridor
(3) East-West corridor
(4) National Highways with number.
Answer:

1. Golden Quadrilateral will connect Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. Its length will be 5,846 km.


2. North-South corridor: It will connect Srinagar and Kanniyakumari.


3. East-West corridor will connect Silchar and Porbandar.


4. National Highways connect one state with another. They are of national importance. These roads are maintained by the Central Government.

Question 2.
On the outline map of India show the following:

1. Sea ports


2. International Airports.

Answer:
Major sea ports and airports are as given below :

1. Sea ports: Kandla, Mumbai, Marmagao, New Mangalore, Kochchi, Tuticorin, Paradip, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Haldia.


2. International Airports: Amritsar (Raja Sansi), Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata. See map given below :

Question 3.
On the map of India locate headquarters of the railway zones in India.
Answer:

The headquarters of the sixteen zones are as given below :

Question 4.
Six features with serial numbers (1) to (6) are marked in the given political outline map of India. Identify these features with the help of the following informa­tion and write their correct names on the lines marked in the map.
(1) Southern point of North-South corridor.
(2) A point in Golden Quadrilateral.
(3) An International Airport.
(4) A major sea port.
(5) Headquarter of Eastern Railways.
Answer:

1. Kaniyakumari


2. Delhi


3. Mumbai


4. Paradip


5. chinnai


6. Kolkata