Development - Class 10 (Economics) Important Q&A

3-Mark Questions
Q: What is per capita income? Why is it used to compare countries?

A: Per capita income is the average income earned by each person in a country, calculated by

dividing the total national income by the population. It is used to compare countries because it gives

an idea of the average standard of living and helps to classify countries into developed or

developing categories.

Q: Besides income, what are the other goals of development?

A: Besides income, people seek goals like equal treatment, freedom, security, and respect from

others. Non-material goals such as good health, clean environment, and education are also

essential for development and improve the quality of life.

Q: What is sustainable development? Why is it important?

A: Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is important because it ensures

long-term environmental balance and resource availability for future generations.

Q: What are the limitations of using per capita income as the sole indicator of development?

A: Per capita income does not account for income distribution. A country may have high per capita

income, but the majority might still be poor. It also ignores non-material aspects like health,

education, and freedom, which are essential for overall development.

Q: Define Human Development Index (HDI). Who publishes it?

A: HDI is a composite index that measures a country's average achievements in three basic

dimensions: health (life expectancy), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and

income (GNI per capita). It is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Q: What do you understand by public facilities? Give examples.

A: Public facilities are services provided by the government for the benefit of all, especially the poor.
These include health care, education, water supply, transport, and sanitation. These facilities are

crucial for improving the quality of life and ensuring equitable development.

Q: Why is money not a complete measure of development?

A: Money can buy goods and services, but it cannot ensure equality, security, or respect.

Development also includes non-material aspects like freedom, dignity, and a clean environment,

which money alone cannot provide.

Q: Explain the concept of national development.

A: National development refers to the ability of a nation to improve the living standards of its citizens.

It includes increasing per capita income, improving health and education, ensuring equality, and

providing infrastructure and basic services.

5-Mark Questions
Q: Explain any five indicators that are used to measure development.

A: 1. Per Capita Income: Average income per person; used for economic comparison.

2. Literacy Rate: Percentage of literate population; indicates education level.

3. Infant Mortality Rate: Number of children who die before age one per 1,000 live births; indicates

healthcare quality.

4. Life Expectancy: Average age a person is expected to live; reflects health standards.

5. Access to Basic Amenities: Availability of clean drinking water, electricity, and sanitation; shows

quality of life.

Q: Why do different people have different goals for development? Explain with examples.

A: People have different goals because their needs and aspirations vary. For example, a landless

laborer may desire more work and better wages, while a rich farmer may want better prices for

crops. A girl from a conservative family may wish for education and freedom, while a businessman

may focus on profit and expansion. Thus, development is subjective and multi-dimensional.

Q: Explain with examples how developmental goals of different people can be conflicting.

A: Different people may have conflicting developmental goals. For example, an industrialist may
want to build a factory to increase production and profit. However, local farmers may oppose it as it

can lead to land loss or pollution. Similarly, construction of a dam may bring electricity and irrigation,

but can displace tribal communities. Thus, what may be beneficial for one group may be harmful to

another, showing a conflict in development goals.

Q: Describe the main features of sustainable development.

A: 1. Environment Protection: Avoid overuse of natural resources.

2. Future-Oriented: Meets present needs without compromising future generations.

3. Balanced Growth: Promotes social, economic, and environmental balance.

4. Use of Renewable Resources: Focus on solar, wind, and water energy.

5. Long-Term Planning: Avoids short-term gains at the cost of long-term damage.

Q: Compare India and Sri Lanka based on the Human Development Report.

A: As per the Human Development Report (sample data):

- Per Capita Income: Sri Lanka's is higher than India's.

- Life Expectancy: Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy.

- Literacy Rate: Sri Lanka again scores better.

- Infant Mortality Rate: Lower in Sri Lanka, indicating better healthcare.

Hence, Sri Lanka performs better on HDI than India, showing that income alone does not ensure

development.

Q: How do public facilities contribute to the development of a country?

A: Public facilities like education, healthcare, water supply, sanitation, and transport are vital for

improving living standards. They ensure equal opportunities, reduce poverty, and improve

productivity. For example, access to clean drinking water prevents diseases; education empowers

people to get better jobs. These facilities help bridge the gap between rich and poor, making

development more inclusive and sustainable.