SS 2 Revision Simple Terms & Questions with Answers
Chapter 1: Weather and Climate
Key Concept Notes
- Introduction to Weather Elements and Insolation
- Weather: The atmospheric conditions like temperature, pressure, and humidity in a specific place for a short time.
- Climate: The average weather condition of a large area recorded over a long period (35-40 years).
- IMD: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Delhi is the main agency for weather forecasting in India.
- Sun's Energy: The sun is the main source of Earth's energy, produced by nuclear fusion (hydrogen to helium).
- Insolation: Solar radiation reaches Earth as short waves. The amount that reaches the surface is called Insolation.
- Heating Process: Incoming short waves do not heat the atmosphere much. Instead, the Earth's surface heats up first.
- Heat Transfer and Heat Budget
- Heat Transfer: Heat is transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere through conduction, convection, advection, and radiation.
- Conduction: Heat transfer to the lower atmosphere which is in direct contact with the Earth's surface.
- Convection: Heated air expands, rises, and carries heat upwards.
- Advection: Horizontal transfer of heat by winds.
- Terrestrial Radiation: The Earth re-radiates energy as long waves, which the atmosphere absorbs (Greenhouse Effect).
- Heat Budget: The natural balance where the total energy received (Insolation) equals the energy sent back to space.
- Temperature Recording and Distribution
- Max/Min Temperature: Meteorologists consider the temperature at 2 pm as the maximum and just before sunrise as the minimum for a day.
- Diurnal Range: Calculated by subtracting the minimum temperature from the maximum temperature of the day.
- Isotherms: Imaginary lines on maps connecting places with equal temperature.
- Thermal Equator: An imaginary line connecting places with the highest average annual temperature.
- Temperature Variation: Temperature generally decreases from the equator towards the poles as sun rays become more inclined.
- Heat Zones: The Earth is divided into heat zones: Torrid Zone (hot), Temperate Zones (moderate), and Frigid Zones (cold).
- Factors Affecting Temperature and Pressure
- Altitude: Temperature decreases by 6.4°C for every kilometre of height (Normal Lapse Rate).
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have moderate temperatures compared to continental interiors.
- Ocean Currents: Warm currents raise temperatures while cold currents lower them.
- Atmospheric Pressure: The weight of air on the Earth's surface, measured with a Barometer.
- Pressure Factors: Pressure is influenced by temperature (inversely), altitude (decreases with height), and humidity (humid air is lighter).
- Global Pressure Belts: Formed due to temperature variations and the Earth's rotation (e.g., Equatorial Low, Polar High).
- Winds and Their Types
- Winds: Horizontal movement of air from high-pressure to low-pressure areas.
- Coriolis Force: Caused by Earth's rotation, it deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Permanent Winds: Winds like Trade winds, Westerlies, and Polar winds that blow constantly in specific directions.
- Periodic Winds: Winds like Monsoons and land/sea breezes that reverse their direction periodically.
- Local Winds: Winds like the Loo (India) and Chinook (USA) formed by local temperature and pressure differences.
- Variable Winds: Include Cyclones (low-pressure centers) and Anticyclones (high-pressure centers).
- Humidity and Precipitation
- Humidity: The invisible water vapour in the atmosphere, measured with a Hygrometer.
- Condensation: Begins when the atmosphere is fully saturated, leading to dew, fog, and clouds.
- Cloud Types: Classified by height and form into Cirrus (high/feather-like), Stratus (layers), Cumulus (cotton-like), and Nimbus (rain-bearing).
- Precipitation: Occurs as rainfall, snowfall, or hailstones when water droplets in clouds become too heavy.
- Types of Rainfall: Orographic (relief), Convectional (afternoon rains), and Cyclonic (frontal).
- Extreme Events: Torrential rain and cloud bursts can lead to flash floods.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 1
1 Mark Questions
- Name the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
Answer: Barometer. - What is the unit used to measure heat?
Answer: Joules (or calories). - What term is used for the average weather condition of a place for 35-40 years?
Answer: Climate. - Identify the local hot wind blowing in the North Indian Plains.
Answer: Loo. - Define 'Insolation'.
Answer: Insolation is the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.
2 Mark Questions
- Differentiate between Weather and Climate.
Answer: Weather is the atmospheric condition of a specific place for a short period, while Climate is the average weather condition of a large area over a long period (35-40 years). - Explain the 'Normal Lapse Rate'.
Answer: The Normal Lapse Rate is the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. On average, the temperature drops by 6.4°C for every one-kilometre increase in height. - What is the 'Green House Effect'?
Answer: The Greenhouse Effect is the process where long-wave terrestrial radiation from the Earth's surface is absorbed by atmospheric gases like carbon dioxide, which heats the atmosphere. - Define 'Diurnal Range of Temperature' and provide its formula.
Answer: The diurnal range of temperature is the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures recorded in a day. Formula: Diurnal Range = Maximum Temperature - Minimum Temperature. - What are Isotherms?
Answer: Isotherms are imaginary lines drawn on a map that connect places having the same atmospheric temperature.
3 Mark Questions
- Explain the three factors affecting atmospheric pressure.
Answer:- Temperature: Pressure is inversely proportional to temperature. When temperature rises, air expands, becomes lighter, and results in low pressure.
- Altitude: Pressure decreases as altitude increases because the weight of the air column above decreases.
- Humidity: Humid air is lighter than dry air, so higher humidity leads to lower atmospheric pressure.
- Describe the formation of land and sea breezes.
Answer: During the day, land heats up faster than the sea, creating low pressure over land and high pressure over the sea, so wind blows from sea to land (sea breeze). At night, land cools faster, creating high pressure over land and low pressure over the sea, so wind blows from land to sea (land breeze). - Differentiate between absolute humidity and relative humidity.
Answer: Absolute humidity is the actual amount of water vapour present in a given volume of air, measured in grams per cubic meter. Relative humidity is the ratio of the water vapour present to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage. - Briefly explain the three types of clouds based on their characteristics.
Answer:- Cirrus clouds: High-altitude, feather-like clouds made of ice crystals.
- Stratus clouds: Appear in thick layers at lower altitudes, often gray and associated with drizzling rain.
- Cumulus clouds: Puffy, cotton-like clouds with a flat base, usually indicating fair weather.
- What is the Coriolis Force and how does it affect wind direction?
Answer: The Coriolis Force is an apparent force caused by the Earth's rotation. It deflects moving objects, including winds, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, preventing winds from moving directly from high to low pressure.
5 Mark Questions
- Explain the major processes of heat transfer in the atmosphere.
Answer:- Conduction: Heat is transferred from the warm Earth's surface to the layer of air in direct contact with it.
- Convection: The heated air at the bottom expands, becomes lighter, and rises, carrying heat to the upper layers of the atmosphere.
- Advection: The horizontal movement of winds transfers heat from warmer regions to cooler regions.
- Terrestrial Radiation: The Earth re-radiates absorbed solar energy as long-wave radiation, which is trapped by greenhouse gases, heating the atmosphere.
- Illustrate the Heat Budget of the Earth with a detailed description.
Answer: The Heat Budget is the balance between incoming solar radiation (Insolation) and outgoing terrestrial radiation. Assuming 100 units of insolation reach the atmosphere, about 35 units are reflected back to space. The remaining 65 units are absorbed (14 by the atmosphere, 51 by the Earth). The Earth then re-radiates these 51 units. This radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere, which then radiates heat back to space. Ultimately, the total energy received (65 units) is balanced by the total energy radiated back, maintaining Earth's average temperature. - List and explain the factors influencing the global distribution of temperature.
Answer:- Latitude: Temperature decreases from the equator towards the poles as the sun's rays become more inclined.
- Altitude: Temperature decreases with height (Normal Lapse Rate).
- Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas have moderate temperatures due to the effect of land and sea breezes, while interiors have extreme temperatures.
- Ocean Currents: Warm currents increase the temperature of adjacent coastal areas, while cold currents lower them.
- Winds: Winds transfer heat, with onshore winds moderating temperatures.
- Describe the Global Pressure Belts and explain how they are formed.
Answer:- Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt: Formed due to intense heating at the equator, causing air to rise.
- Subtropical High-Pressure Belts (30° N/S): Formed as the risen equatorial air cools and sinks.
- Subpolar Low-Pressure Belts (60° N/S): Formed due to the Earth's rotation, which throws air upward.
- Polar High-Pressure Belts: Formed due to extreme cold at the poles, causing air to be dense and sink.
These belts are formed by a combination of thermal factors (heating/cooling) and dynamic factors (Earth's rotation).
- Discuss the various forms of precipitation and the three main types of rainfall.
Answer: Forms of Precipitation: Include rainfall, snowfall, and hailstones. They occur when condensed water droplets in clouds become too heavy.
Types of Rainfall:- Orographic (Relief) Rainfall: Occurs when moisture-laden wind is forced to rise over a mountain. The windward side receives heavy rain, while the leeward side (rain shadow region) receives little.
- Convectional Rainfall: Common in equatorial regions, it is caused by intense ground heating, which causes air to rise, cool, and condense, leading to afternoon thunderstorms.
- Cyclonic (Frontal) Rainfall: Occurs when a warm air mass and a cold air mass meet. The lighter warm air rises over the denser cold air, leading to condensation and rainfall.
Chapter 2: Climatic Regions and Climate Change
Key Concept Notes
- Tropical Climatic Regions
- Climatic Region: An extensive area sharing similar climatic characteristics.
- Equatorial Region: Features high temperature and heavy convectional rainfall throughout the year.
- Monsoon Regions: Experience seasonal reversal of winds, with long humid summers and short dry winters.
- Deciduous Forests: Common in monsoon regions, where trees shed leaves in the dry season.
- Savanna: Tropical grasslands with tall grass and scattered trees.
- Savanna Life: Agriculture often involves 'dry farming' and animal husbandry (e.g., Maasai tribe).
- Deserts and Temperate Regions
- Hot Deserts: Mostly located on the western margins of continents because trade winds lose moisture there.
- Desert Life: Plants like cactus are adapted to low rainfall; oases support settlements.
- Mediterranean Climate: Unique for having dry summers and humid winters with rainfall.
- Temperate Grasslands: Known as Prairies or Steppes, now widely used for commercial grain farming.
- Prairies: Called the "Granary of the World" due to massive wheat production.
- Human Impact: Natural features in these regions are increasingly changed for industrial-scale agriculture.
- Cold Regions and Climate Change
- Taiga Region: Dominated by coniferous evergreen trees like pine and fir.
- Tundra Region: An extreme cold zone where the ground is often permanently frozen (permafrost).
- Climate Change: A long-term shift in weather patterns caused by human activity or natural variability.
- Global Warming: The increase in atmospheric temperature caused by an enhanced Greenhouse Effect from gases like CO₂.
- Evidence: Includes rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and shifting monsoon patterns.
- Threat to Islands: Nations like Maldives face the threat of being submerged if sea levels continue to rise.
- Causes and International Initiatives
- Causes: Categorized as natural (volcanic eruptions) and anthropogenic (deforestation, industrialization).
- Greenhouse Gas Sources: Fossil fuel burning and solid waste are major sources.
- International Initiatives: Include the Stockholm Conference (1972), Earth Summit (1992), and Kyoto Protocol (1997).
- Kyoto Protocol: Specifically targeted the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Climate Refugees: People displaced by disasters like droughts, floods, and sea-level rise.
- Mitigation: Sustainable resource use and promotion of non-conventional energy (wind/solar) are essential.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 2
1 Mark Questions
- In which climatic region is the Maasai tribe found?
Answer: Savanna climatic region. - Which region is known as the "Granary of the World"?
Answer: The Prairies (temperate grasslands of North America). - Define 'Climate Change' as per the UN.
Answer: A long-term shift in weather patterns caused by human activity or natural variability. - What is the main vegetation type in the Taiga region?
Answer: Coniferous evergreen trees (like pine and fir). - Name one greenhouse gas.
Answer: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
2 Mark Questions
- Why are hot deserts found on the western margins of continents?
Answer: They are located in the trade wind belt, and by the time these winds travel from east to west across the continent, they lose most of their moisture, resulting in dry conditions on the western margins. - What are 'Climate Refugees'?
Answer: Climate refugees are people who are forced to leave their homes due to climate change-related disasters like droughts, floods, or sea-level rise. - Distinguish between natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change.
Answer: Natural causes occur naturally (e.g., volcanic eruptions). Anthropogenic causes result from human activities (e.g., deforestation, burning fossil fuels). - List two features of the Mediterranean climate.
Answer: Dry, hot summers and mild, humid winters with rainfall. - What is the significance of the Kyoto Protocol?
Answer: The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was a significant international agreement that legally bound developed countries to reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases.
3 Mark Questions
- Compare the vegetation of the Savanna and the Monsoon climatic regions.
Answer: Savanna regions have tall grasslands with scattered, drought-resistant trees. Monsoon regions have dense tropical deciduous forests where trees are more numerous and shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve moisture. - Explain how global warming leads to the melting of glaciers and sea-level rise.
Answer: Global warming increases the Earth's average temperature, causing mountain glaciers and polar ice caps to melt at an accelerated rate. The meltwater flows into the oceans, and the thermal expansion of seawater also contributes, leading to a significant rise in global sea levels. - Describe the lifestyle of people living in the Tundra region.
Answer: People in the Tundra, like the Inuit, traditionally lead a nomadic life based on hunting (seals, whales) and fishing. They use sledges pulled by dogs for transport and live in temporary shelters like igloos, with a culture adapted to survive the extreme cold. - Briefly explain the 'Greenhouse Effect' and how it leads to global warming.
Answer: The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process where gases like CO₂ in the atmosphere trap heat radiated from the Earth. Global warming occurs when human activities release excess greenhouse gases, enhancing this trapping of heat and leading to an unnatural increase in Earth's temperature. - List any three international initiatives for environmental protection and their years.
Answer:- Stockholm Conference (1972)
- Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro, 1992)
- Kyoto Protocol (1997)
5 Mark Questions
- Detailed description of the Equatorial Climatic Region, covering location, climate, and vegetation.
Answer:- Location: Found between 10° N and 10° S latitude, covering the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia.
- Climate: Characterized by uniformly high temperatures (around 27°C) and heavy rainfall throughout the year, with no distinct winter. Daily convectional rainfall in the afternoons is a key feature.
- Vegetation: Dense, evergreen tropical rainforests, known as 'Selvas' in the Amazon. Trees form distinct canopy layers and do not shed leaves seasonally.
- Explain the various climatic regions in the temperate zone and their characteristics.
Answer:- Mediterranean Climate: Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, famous for fruit cultivation.
- Temperate Grasslands (Prairies/Steppes): Hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall, ideal for commercial grain farming.
- Temperate Deserts: Found in the rain shadow of mountains, with very low rainfall and extreme temperatures.
- East Coast Temperate Climate: Warm, wet summers and cool, dry winters, influenced by monsoon-like winds.
- Discuss the impact of climate change on human life and the Earth's ecosystem.
Answer: Climate change has severe impacts. On human life, it causes more frequent and intense extreme weather events (floods, droughts), threatening agriculture, water supply, and human health, and creating climate refugees. On ecosystems, rising temperatures disrupt habitats, leading to biodiversity loss. Coral reefs are bleaching, forests are at higher risk of fires, and melting permafrost releases more greenhouse gases, creating a dangerous feedback loop. - "Human interventions aggravate climate change." Substantiate this statement with examples.
Answer: This statement is accurate. While natural factors exist, human activities are the primary drivers of recent climate change. Examples include:- Burning Fossil Fuels: Industrialization and transportation release massive amounts of CO₂.
- Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb CO₂.
- Industrial Agriculture: Use of chemical fertilizers releases nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas.
- Waste Management: Landfills release methane. These interventions enhance the natural greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
- Compare the characteristics of the three tropical climatic regions: Equatorial, Monsoon, and Savanna.
Answer:- Equatorial (0-10°): Features high temperature and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Vegetation is dense evergreen rainforest.
- Monsoon: Features a distinct seasonal reversal of winds, leading to a long wet summer and a short dry winter. Vegetation is tropical deciduous forest.
- Savanna (10-30°): A transitional climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The rainfall is less than in monsoon regions. Vegetation is primarily tall grassland with scattered trees.
Chapter 3: From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost
Key Concept Notes
- Equatorial Climate Details
- Location: Spreads across Asia (Indonesia), Africa (Congo), and South America (Brazil).
- Temperature: Consistently around 27°C. No distinct winter season due to vertical solar rays.
- Rainfall: Daily afternoon convectional rainfall is common. Orographic rainfall occurs in mountainous areas.
- Doldrums: A low-pressure windless zone near the equator where trade winds converge.
- Rainforests and Indigenous Life
- Evergreen Forests: Tropical rainforests are evergreen as there is no specific season for leaf shedding.
- Selvas: The Amazon rainforest is locally known as 'Selvas'.
- Canopy Layers: Trees form distinct layers (upper, intermediate, lower) to compete for sunlight.
- "Lungs of the World": These forests are called so for their massive oxygen production.
- Wildlife: Dominated by arboreal (tree-dwelling) animals like monkeys and reptiles.
- Indigenous Tribes: Pygmies (Congo) and Orang Asli (Malaysia) traditionally live by hunting and gathering.
- Economic Activities and Challenges
- Shifting Cultivation: The traditional agricultural method used by tribes (slash-and-burn).
- Plantations: European arrival led to large plantations for rubber, cocoa, and coffee.
- Urbanization: Modern cities like Singapore exist alongside primitive settlements.
- Health Challenges: Include moisture-borne diseases and fatal illnesses like sleeping sickness (spread by Tse Tse flies).
- Lumbering Difficulties: Commercial lumbering is difficult because hardwoods are heavy and transport through dense growth is expensive.
- Global Threat: Human-induced forest deterioration and fires pose a global threat to climate sustainability.
- Tundra Location and Climate
- Location: Found in the northernmost parts of North America, Greenland, and Eurasia.
- Climate: Characterized by long, severe winters and very short, cool summers.
- Polar Nights: The sun does not rise for weeks in winter.
- Temperature: Average winter temperatures drop to between -25°C and -35°C.
- Precipitation: Mostly as snowfall; 'blizzards' (strong snowstorms) are common.
- Vegetation: Scanty, consisting of mosses, lichens, and hardy grasses.
- Tundra Life and Adaptation
- Animals: Polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes have adapted to the extreme cold.
- Tribes: Inhabited by nomadic tribes like Eskimos (Inuit) and Samoyeds.
- Eskimo Lifestyle: Traditionally hunt seals and whales and use sledges pulled by dogs.
- Igloos: Temporary winter shelters made of snow blocks.
- Modernization: In recent years, speedboats, permanent houses, and schools have been introduced.
- Climate Change Impact: The permafrost is melting, destabilizing the Tundra ecosystem.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 3
1 Mark Questions
- What are the rainforests of the Amazon Basin called?
Answer: Selvas. - Name the low-pressure zone where horizontal air movement is minimal.
Answer: Doldrums. - Which tribe is found in the Congo Basin?
Answer: Pygmies. - What is the name of the Eskimo winter house?
Answer: Igloo. - What are 'blizzards'?
Answer: Blizzards are strong, violent snowstorms common in the Tundra region.
2 Mark Questions
- Why are equatorial rainforests called the "Lungs of the World"?
Answer: They absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide and release large quantities of oxygen through photosynthesis, playing a vital role in regulating the global climate. - What is 'shifting cultivation'?
Answer: Shifting cultivation is a farming method where a patch of forest is cleared and burned. Crops are grown for a few years until the soil is depleted, and then the farmers move to a new patch. - Explain why the Tundra is sparsely populated.
Answer: The Tundra is sparsely populated due to its extremely harsh climate, which includes long, severe winters, permanently frozen ground (permafrost), and limited vegetation, making permanent settlement very difficult. - What are 'arboreal animals'? Give two examples.
Answer: Arboreal animals are animals that are adapted to living in trees. Examples include monkeys and lemurs. - Why doesn't the equatorial region experience a winter season?
Answer: The equatorial region receives direct or near-vertical solar rays throughout the year, which prevents the significant temperature drop that characterizes a winter season.
3 Mark Questions
- Explain the canopy layers in a tropical rainforest.
Answer: The rainforest canopy has distinct layers to compete for sunlight:- Upper Layer (Emergent): The tallest trees that rise above the main canopy.
- Intermediate Layer (Canopy): A dense, continuous layer of treetops that blocks most sunlight.
- Lower Layer (Understory): Composed of smaller trees and shrubs that survive in low light.
- Describe the features of the Tundra climate.
Answer: The Tundra climate has long, severe winters with temperatures dropping well below freezing (-25°C to -35°C) and very short, cool summers. Precipitation is low and mostly snow. The ground is often permanently frozen (permafrost), and the region experiences weeks of continuous darkness ('Polar Nights') in winter. - What are the challenges faced by commercial lumbering in equatorial regions?
Answer: Challenges include the immense density of the forest, which makes transportation difficult. The trees are heavy hardwoods, and a single area contains many different species, making it inefficient to log a specific type. - How has the lifestyle of Eskimos changed in recent years?
Answer: Contact with modern society has significantly changed their lifestyle. Traditional hunting with harpoons is often replaced with rifles, and dog sledges with motorized snowmobiles. Many now live in permanent wooden houses instead of igloos and their children attend modern schools. - Briefly explain the role of equatorial forests in maintaining global ecological balance.
Answer: Equatorial forests are crucial for global ecological balance. They act as the "Lungs of the World" by absorbing vast amounts of CO₂ and producing oxygen. They are home to immense biodiversity and influence global weather patterns.
5 Mark Questions
- Compare and contrast the climate, flora, and fauna of the Equatorial and Tundra regions.
Answer:- Climate: The Equatorial region has a hot and wet climate year-round, with no winter. The Tundra has an extremely cold climate with long winters and short, cool summers; precipitation is low and mostly snow.
- Flora (Vegetation): The Equatorial region has dense, evergreen rainforests. The Tundra has scanty vegetation, consisting only of mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs.
- Fauna (Animals): Equatorial fauna is dominated by tree-dwelling animals like monkeys. Tundra fauna is adapted to cold, including animals like polar bears and reindeer with thick fur.
- Discuss the human life and economic activities in the Equatorial climatic region.
Answer:- Human Life: The region is sparsely populated by indigenous tribes (e.g., Pygmies) who traditionally practice hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation. Modern cities also exist. Health is a major challenge due to diseases like malaria.
- Economic Activities: Traditional activities include shifting cultivation. European colonization introduced large-scale plantation agriculture for cash crops like rubber and coffee. Mining and lumbering also occur but face challenges.
- Explain the different tribes of the Tundra region and their traditional ways of life.
Answer: The Tundra is inhabited by nomadic tribes. The Eskimos (Inuit) of North America traditionally hunt marine animals like seals and whales for food, oil, and clothing. They use dog sledges for transport and lived in igloos. The Samoyeds of Siberia are primarily reindeer herders, using the reindeer for meat, milk, and transportation. Both groups have a lifestyle dictated by the seasons. - "The equatorial region is blessed with resources but faces many challenges." Elaborate.
Answer: The statement is true. The equatorial region is blessed with resources like dense forests (timber) and ideal conditions for cash crops like rubber. However, it faces many challenges. The dense forest makes transportation and resource extraction expensive. The hot, humid climate fosters numerous diseases like malaria. Moreover, deforestation for agriculture poses a severe threat to its fragile ecosystem. - Explain how climate change is affecting both the Equatorial and Tundra regions.
Answer:- Equatorial Region: Climate change is leading to more erratic rainfall, increasing the frequency of both droughts and floods. This disrupts agriculture and increases the risk of massive forest fires.
- Tundra Region: The impact is more dramatic. Rising temperatures are causing the permafrost to melt, destabilizing infrastructure, releasing trapped methane (a potent greenhouse gas), and disrupting the entire ecosystem.
Chapter 4: Consumer: Rights and Protection
Key Concept Notes
- Consumption and Utility
- Consumer: Anyone who buys and uses goods or services for a price.
- Consumer Satisfaction: The primary objective of all economic activities.
- Utility: The want-satisfying power of a commodity, measured in 'utils'.
- Total Utility (TU): The sum of satisfaction from all units consumed.
- Marginal Utility (MU): The change in satisfaction from consuming one extra unit.
- Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility: As consumption increases, the satisfaction from each additional unit decreases.
- Utility vs. Usefulness: A cigarette has utility for a smoker but is not useful for health.
- Types of Goods and GST
- Goods Classification: Free goods, economic goods, and consumer/capital goods.
- Durable vs. Non-durable: Durable goods last a long time (e.g., furniture), while non-durable goods are for short-term use (e.g., milk).
- Consumer Awareness: Consumers must check quality, expiry dates, and weights before purchasing.
- Consumer Right: It is a consumer's right to receive a bill with a GST number.
- GST: Implemented on 1 July 2017 to unify taxes under "One Nation, One Tax".
- GST Rates: Typically 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, divided between State (SGST) and Central (CGST) governments.
- Consumer Protection Acts and Rights
- Consumer Movement: Began in Mumbai in 1966 to empower consumers against frauds.
- Consumer Protection Act, 1986: Established a judicial system for consumer disputes.
- National Consumer Day: Observed on 24th December.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Replaced the 1986 version to include e-commerce and stricter penalties.
- Consumer Rights: Include the Right to Safety, Right to Choose, Right to Know, and Right to Redressal.
- Right to Consumer Education: Ensures individuals gain the skills to be informed buyers.
- Redressal Mechanisms and Quality Symbols
- Consumer Courts: A three-tier system: District, State, and National, based on claim value.
- Filing Complaints: Consumers can file complaints on plain paper with supporting evidence like bills.
- Specialist Institutions: Handle specific frauds (e.g., RBI for banking, Cyber Cell for online scams).
- Quality Symbols: Help consumers identify standard products: ISI mark (industrial), AGMARK (agricultural), FSSAI (food).
- Consumer Education: Helps build a society that resists exploitation.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 4
1 Mark Questions
- Who was the first economist to quantify utility?
Answer: Alfred Marshall. - When did GST come into effect in India?
Answer: 1 July 2017. - What is the unit used to measure utility?
Answer: Utils. - When is National Consumer Day observed?
Answer: 24th December. - Name the symbol used for agricultural product quality.
Answer: AGMARK.
2 Mark Questions
- Define 'Utility'.
Answer: Utility is the want-satisfying power or capacity of a commodity or service. - What is the difference between durable and non-durable goods?
Answer: Durable goods can be used for a long time (e.g., furniture), while non-durable goods are consumed in a single use or for a short term (e.g., milk). - What are the two components of GST?
Answer: State GST (SGST) collected by the state government and Central GST (CGST) collected by the central government. - List two objectives of the Consumer Protection Movement.
Answer: To empower consumers against fraudulent practices and to ensure they receive quality goods and services for the price they pay. - What is the 'Right to Redressal'?
Answer: It is the consumer's right to seek compensation for any loss or damage suffered due to unfair trade practices or defective goods.
3 Mark Questions
- Explain the 'Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility'.
Answer: This law states that as a consumer consumes more units of a specific commodity, the additional satisfaction (marginal utility) derived from each successive unit decreases. - Describe the three-tier system of consumer courts in India.
Answer:- District Forum: Handles complaints where the value is up to ₹1 crore.
- State Commission: Handles complaints valued between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore.
- National Commission: Handles complaints valued above ₹10 crore.
- What should a consumer check on a bill at the time of purchase?
Answer: A consumer should check if the bill includes the date, item details, quantity, price, and the seller's GST identification number to ensure it can be used as proof of purchase. - Differentiate between consumer goods and capital goods with examples.
Answer: Consumer goods directly satisfy human wants (e.g., food, clothes). Capital goods are man-made goods used in the production of other goods (e.g., machinery, tools). - Briefly explain the 'Right to Safety' and 'Right to Information'.
Answer: The Right to Safety protects consumers against goods and services that are hazardous to life. The Right to Information ensures that consumers have access to complete information about a product's quality, quantity, and price.
5 Mark Questions
- Detailed explanation of the consumer rights guaranteed by the Consumer Protection Act.
Answer:- Right to Safety: Protection from hazardous goods.
- Right to be Informed: Access to complete information about a product.
- Right to Choose: Freedom to select from a variety of goods at competitive prices.
- Right to be Heard: The right to have consumer interests heard in relevant forums.
- Right to Redressal: The right to seek compensation for unfair trade practices.
- Right to Consumer Education: The right to acquire the knowledge to be an informed consumer.
- Discuss the importance of consumer education and the various symbols used to ensure product quality.
Answer: Consumer education is vital as it empowers individuals to make informed choices and resist exploitation.
Quality Symbols help consumers identify standard products:- ISI Mark: For industrial products, ensures safety and quality.
- AGMARK: For agricultural products, ensures quality and purity.
- FSSAI: For all processed food products, ensures food safety standards.
- Hallmark: For gold and silver jewellery, certifies purity.
- Compare the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 with the Act of 2019. What were the new additions?
Answer: The 1986 Act established the consumer court system. The 2019 Act made significant additions to address the modern marketplace. Key additions include:- Inclusion of E-commerce: It brought online transactions under its purview.
- Stricter Penalties: It introduced heavy fines and imprisonment for misleading advertisements.
- Product Liability: It allows consumers to sue for harm caused by a defective product.
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): A new regulatory body was established to protect consumer rights.
- Explain the relationship between Total Utility and Marginal Utility with the help of a table or graph.
Answer: Total Utility (TU) is the total satisfaction from consuming all units, while Marginal Utility (MU) is the satisfaction from one additional unit.- Initially, as MU is positive, TU increases.
- When MU becomes zero, TU reaches its maximum point.
- When MU becomes negative, TU starts to fall.
This can be illustrated with a table showing units consumed vs. MU and TU, or a graph with TU as an inverted U-shaped curve and MU as a downward-sloping line.
- Describe the various institutions and methods a consumer can approach for resolving frauds in different sectors like banking, healthcare, and online trade.
Answer:- Banking: For issues like unauthorized transactions, a consumer should first approach the bank's grievance cell, then the Banking Ombudsman appointed by the RBI.
- Healthcare: For medical negligence, a consumer can approach the Medical Council of India or the consumer courts.
- Online Trade: For fraud or defective products, consumers can file a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline portal or approach the Cyber Cell of the police for online financial frauds.
Chapter 5: Money and Economy
Key Concept Notes
- Functions and Characteristics of Money
- Money: Anything generally accepted as a medium for the exchange of goods and services.
- Medium of Exchange: Money's primary function, allowing countless transactions.
- Measure of Value: Allows the price of all goods to be expressed in monetary terms.
- Store of Value: Enables people to save wealth for the future.
- Means of Deferred Payments: Facilitates borrowing and lending.
- Characteristics: General acceptability, durability, and portability.
- RBI and Its Functions
- RBI: Established in 1935, it is the central bank of India.
- Currency Issuer: RBI has the sole power to print and issue currency notes (except one-rupee notes).
- Demonetization: The government withdraws specific currency notes from circulation to curb black money.
- Bankers' Bank: Provides loans to banks and maintains their reserves.
- Government's Bank: Manages government accounts and advises on financial policies.
- Custodian of Reserves: Manages the country's foreign exchange reserves and gold.
- Inflation and Credit Control
- Inflation: An increase in the general price level of goods, which decreases the purchasing power of money.
- Inflation Measurement: In India, it is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Credit Control: RBI controls the money supply using measures like Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate.
- Repo Rate: The interest RBI charges on loans to commercial banks; increasing it reduces money in the economy.
- Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): The portion of deposits banks must keep with the RBI; increasing CRR reduces funds available for lending.
- Money Supply Measures: RBI monitors money in the economy through Narrow Money (M1, M2) and Broad Money (M3, M4).
- Commercial Banks and Deposits
- Commercial Banks: Accept deposits and provide loans.
- Savings Deposits: Encourage saving habits with low interest.
- Current Deposits: For business transactions, offering no interest but providing overdraft facilities.
- Fixed Deposits: Offer higher interest rates for money kept for a specific period.
- Recurring Deposits: Involve depositing a fixed amount at regular intervals.
- Spread: The difference between interest charged from borrowers and paid to depositors is the bank's income.
- Technology and Financial Inclusion
- Technology: Introduced 24/7 banking through NEFT, RTGS, and Core Banking.
- UPI: Enables real-time money transfers between bank accounts via apps.
- NBFCs: Provide financial services but cannot accept savings deposits or issue cheques (e.g., KSFE).
- Financial Inclusion: Aims to bring banking services to rural and marginalized populations.
- Kerala Bank: Formed in 2019 by merging district cooperative banks to support state development.
- Microfinance: Provides financial services to low-income groups through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) like Kudumbashree.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 5
1 Mark Questions
- Who is the head of the Reserve Bank of India?
Answer: The Governor. - Which agency prints and issues one-rupee notes in India?
Answer: The Ministry of Finance, Government of India. - Name the system used for real-time money transfer between bank accounts via mobile.
Answer: UPI (Unified Payment Interface). - When was the most recent demonetization implemented in India?
Answer: November 8, 2016. - Define 'Velocity of Circulation of Money'.
Answer: It is the average number of times a unit of money changes hands during a specific period.
2 Mark Questions
- What is the 'Repo Rate'?
Answer: The Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks for short-term needs. - Differentiate between Narrow Money and Broad Money.
Answer: Narrow Money (M1, M2) includes highly liquid assets like currency and demand deposits. Broad Money (M3, M4) includes narrow money plus less liquid assets like time deposits. - What is meant by 'Financial Inclusion'?
Answer: Financial inclusion is the effort to make formal financial services, such as banking and credit, available and affordable to all segments of society. - Explain the 'Spread' in commercial banking.
Answer: The 'spread' is the difference between the interest rate a bank charges its borrowers and the interest rate it pays to its depositors. This is the main source of income for the bank. - List two functions of Cooperative Banks.
Answer: To provide credit at low-interest rates to farmers and small entrepreneurs, and to encourage saving habits among rural populations.
3 Mark Questions
- Describe the three major functions of money.
Answer:- Medium of Exchange: It facilitates the buying and selling of goods and services.
- Measure of Value: It acts as a common unit to express the price of all commodities.
- Store of Value: It allows wealth to be saved for future use.
- Explain how the RBI controls inflation using bank rates.
Answer: To control inflation, the RBI increases policy rates like the Repo Rate. This makes borrowing more expensive for commercial banks, who then increase their lending rates. Higher interest rates discourage borrowing and spending, which reduces the money supply and helps control rising prices. - What are the differences between Savings Deposits and Current Deposits?
Answer: Savings Deposits are for individuals to encourage saving, offer low interest, and have withdrawal limits. Current Deposits are for businesses with frequent transactions, offer no interest, but provide an overdraft facility. - Briefly explain the role of Kudumbashree in microfinance in Kerala.
Answer: Kudumbashree is a women empowerment program in Kerala that operates through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). It acts as a microfinance institution by encouraging savings and providing small loans at low-interest rates, promoting entrepreneurship among women. - What are the objectives of bank nationalization in India?
Answer: The main objectives were to extend banking services to rural areas (financial inclusion), ensure credit was available to priority sectors like agriculture, and reduce the concentration of economic power.
5 Mark Questions
- Explain the various functions of the Reserve Bank of India.
Answer:- Issuer of Currency: Sole authority to issue currency notes.
- Banker to the Government: Manages government accounts and advises on financial matters.
- Bankers' Bank: Acts as a lender of last resort to commercial banks.
- Controller of Credit: Controls money supply to manage inflation using tools like Repo Rate.
- Custodian of Foreign Exchange: Manages the country's foreign exchange reserves.
- Discuss the different types of deposits offered by commercial banks and their features.
Answer:- Savings Deposits: For promoting saving habits; low interest; limited withdrawals.
- Current Deposits: For businesses with frequent transactions; no interest; overdraft facility available.
- Fixed Deposits: Money deposited for a fixed period; higher interest rate; penalty for premature withdrawal.
- Recurring Deposits: A fixed amount is deposited at regular intervals for a specified period; offers an interest rate similar to fixed deposits.
- Elaborate on how technology has transformed the banking sector in India.
Answer: Technology has revolutionized banking. Core Banking Solutions (CBS) have interconnected all bank branches. ATMs provide 24/7 access to cash. Electronic fund transfers like NEFT and RTGS have made large transactions fast and secure. Most significantly, mobile banking and UPI have brought banking to the fingertips of millions, enabling instant, real-time payments and drastically reducing the reliance on cash. - Compare formal and informal sources of credit in India with examples.
Answer:- Formal Sources: These are regulated institutions like commercial banks and cooperative societies. They follow RBI guidelines, charge lower, fixed interest rates, and require collateral.
- Informal Sources: These include moneylenders, landlords, and friends/relatives. They are unregulated, often charge exorbitant interest rates, and use coercive methods for recovery. While easily accessible, they can trap borrowers in a debt cycle.
- "Money plays a vital role in enabling economic activities." Substantiate this statement.
Answer: This statement is true. Money acts as the lubricant for the economic engine. As a medium of exchange, it eliminates the inefficiencies of the barter system, allowing for specialization. As a measure of value, it provides a common standard to price goods, services, and labour. As a store of value and means of deferred payments, it enables saving, investment, borrowing, and lending, which are the cornerstones of economic growth. Without money, a complex modern economy would be impossible.
Chapter 6: The Changing Earth
Key Concept Notes
- Hazards, Disasters, and Earth Movements
- Hazard vs. Disaster: A hazard is a threat, while a disaster is a serious disruption that exceeds a community's ability to cope.
- Risk and Vulnerability: Risk measures expected losses, while vulnerability is the likelihood of being damaged.
- Capacity: The strengths and resources within a community that allow it to withstand a disaster.
- Endogenic Movements: Caused by forces within the Earth (e.g., convection currents).
- Exogenic Movements: Caused by external forces on the surface (e.g., gravity, running water).
- Convection Currents: Cyclic movement of magma in the mantle that drives Earth movements.
- Diastrophism and Volcanism
- Diastrophic Movements: Slow endogenic processes that build up the Earth's crust (e.g., mountain building).
- Epeirogenic vs. Orogenic: Epeirogenic processes cause uplift of large areas with minimal deformation, while orogenic processes cause severe deformation.
- Volcanism: The entire process of magma formation and eruption.
- Types of Volcanoes: Classified as shield volcanoes, composite volcanoes, and calderas.
- Distribution: Most volcanoes are located along plate margins, like the Pacific "Ring of Fire".
- Human Impact: Eruptions cause destruction but also provide benefits like fertile soil and geothermal energy.
- Earthquakes and Tsunamis
- Earthquake Causes: Sudden movements at plate boundaries that release energy as seismic waves.
- Focus and Epicentre: The focus is the point inside the Earth where energy is released; the epicentre is the point directly above it on the surface.
- Seismic Waves: Three types: primary, secondary, and surface waves (most destructive).
- Measurement: Magnitude is measured on the Richter scale using a seismograph.
- Tsunami Formation: Giant waves caused by severe earthquakes on the ocean floor.
- Safety Measures: A sudden drop in sea level is a warning sign; moving to higher ground can mitigate disasters.
- Weathering and Mass Wasting
- Weathering Types: Rocks undergo physical, chemical, and biological weathering.
- Benefits of Weathering: Essential for soil formation and mineral enrichment.
- Mass Wasting: The downward movement of rock or soil on a slope under the influence of gravity.
- Debris Flow (Urulpottal): In Kerala, intense rainfall triggers the sudden movement of rock, debris, and soil down steep slopes.
- Soil Piping: Underground erosion where water washes away clay, creating hidden channels.
- KaWaCHam: Kerala's integrated disaster warning system that alerts the public about potential hazards.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 6
1 Mark Questions
- Name the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.
Answer: Epicentre. - What is the unit used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake?
Answer: The Richter scale. - Define 'Urulpottal' in the context of Kerala's geography.
Answer: 'Urulpottal' (debris flow) is the sudden, rapid downward movement of rock, debris, soil, and water on steep slopes, often triggered by intense rainfall. - What are the giant waves caused by undersea earthquakes called?
Answer: Tsunami. - Name the force responsible for mass wasting.
Answer: Gravity.
2 Mark Questions
- Differentiate between Hazard and Disaster.
Answer: A hazard is a potential threat to life or property. A disaster is the actual event where the hazard causes widespread damage that exceeds a community's ability to cope. - Explain the difference between epeirogenic and orogenic movements.
Answer: Epeirogenic movements are large-scale vertical movements (uplift) of the crust with minimal deformation. Orogenic movements are horizontal forces that cause severe folding and faulting, leading to mountain building. - What is the 'Pacific Ring of Fire'?
Answer: The 'Pacific Ring of Fire' is a major zone of intense volcanic and seismic activity that encircles the Pacific Ocean, located along tectonic plate margins. - List two human benefits derived from volcanic regions.
Answer: Volcanic ash and lava create extremely fertile soil, and these regions are sources of geothermal energy. - What is soil piping?
Answer: Soil piping is a form of erosion where water flowing underground washes away fine soil particles, creating hidden tunnels or 'pipes' that can lead to the collapse of the ground above.
3 Mark Questions
- Describe the three types of earthquake waves.
Answer:- Primary (P) Waves: Fastest waves, travel through solids and liquids.
- Secondary (S) Waves: Slower, travel only through solids.
- Surface (L) Waves: Slowest but most destructive waves, travel along the Earth's surface.
- Explain the different types of weathering with examples.
Answer:- Physical Weathering: Mechanical breakdown of rocks without chemical change (e.g., exfoliation due to temperature changes).
- Chemical Weathering: Decomposition of rocks through chemical reactions (e.g., oxidation causing iron to rust).
- Biological Weathering: Breakdown of rocks by living organisms (e.g., plant roots growing into cracks).
- What are the factors that lead to debris flow in hilly regions?
Answer: The primary trigger is intense, prolonged rainfall that saturates the soil on steep slopes. Other factors include deforestation, unscientific construction on slopes, and quarrying, all of which increase the slope's vulnerability. - How can we mitigate the disasters caused by volcanic eruptions?
Answer: Mitigation involves continuous monitoring of volcanic activity (seismic tremors, gas emissions) to predict eruptions, creating hazard zonation maps to restrict construction in high-risk areas, and developing clear evacuation plans. - Briefly explain the 'KaWaCHam' warning system.
Answer: 'KaWaCHam' is Kerala's integrated disaster warning system. It uses modern technology to provide real-time alerts about hazards like heavy rain and floods to the public and officials via SMS and social media, enabling timely response.
5 Mark Questions
- Explain the classification of Earth movements based on endogenic and exogenic forces.
Answer: Earth movements are classified into:- Endogenic Forces: These originate from within the Earth. They are divided into slow (diastrophic) movements like continent and mountain building, and sudden movements like earthquakes and volcanism.
- Exogenic Forces: These originate from external sources on the surface. They are responsible for weathering, erosion, and deposition. Agents include running water, wind, and glaciers, which constantly reshape the landforms created by endogenic forces.
- Illustrate the structure and classification of volcanoes with diagrams.
Answer:- Structure: A volcano consists of a magma chamber deep underground, a central vent, a crater at the summit, and layers of solidified lava and ash forming the cone.
- Classification (with simple diagrams):
- Shield Volcano: Broad, gently sloping cone built from fluid lava.
- Composite Volcano: Steep, conical volcano built from alternating layers of lava and ash.
- Caldera: A large depression formed when a volcano collapses after a massive eruption.
- Discuss the causes, measurement, and distribution of earthquakes globally.
Answer:- Causes: Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy along tectonic plate boundaries when built-up stress overcomes friction.
- Measurement: The magnitude is measured using the Richter scale on a seismograph.
- Distribution: Earthquakes are concentrated in specific zones, mainly along plate boundaries. The most significant belt is the circum-Pacific belt ('Ring of Fire'), followed by the mid-world mountain belt (Himalayas and Mediterranean).
- "Human interventions aggravate natural disasters in Kerala." Substantiate this with reference to landslides and debris flow.
Answer: This statement is true. While Kerala's steep topography and heavy rains are natural hazards, human interventions have increased its vulnerability. Deforestation on hillsides weakens the soil. Unscientific construction of roads and buildings on steep slopes destabilizes them. Improper drainage channels water into weak spots. Quarrying creates vibrations. These activities compromise the natural stability of slopes, making them highly susceptible to landslides and debris flows ('Urulpottal'). - Describe the various types of mass wasting and the precautionary measures to be taken during an 'Urulpottal'.
Answer:- Types of Mass Wasting: Include Soil Creep (slow), Slumps (movement of a block of material), and rapid movements like Debris Flows/Urulpottal and Rockfalls.
- Precautionary Measures for Urulpottal:
- Before: Avoid building on steep slopes; ensure proper drainage; heed official warnings.
- During: If a debris flow is imminent, evacuate immediately to higher ground. Listen for unusual sounds like rumbling.
- After: Stay away from the slide area as further movements are possible.
Chapter 7: Indian Economy: Growth and Transformation
Key Concept Notes
- Economic Growth and Per Capita Income
- Economic Growth: The quantitative increase in a country's GDP.
- GDP Definition: The monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a year.
- Growth Rate: The rate of increase in GDP compared to the previous year.
- Per Capita Income (PCI): The average income of a person, calculated by dividing National Income by total population.
- Classification: The World Bank categorises economies based on their PCI.
- Shortcomings of PCI: It is only an average and does not reflect wealth inequality.
- Economic Development and Indices
- Economic Development: A qualitative change involving the improvement of living standards, education, and well-being.
- Human Development Index (HDI): Averages life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
- Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI): Focuses on basic literacy, infant mortality, and life expectancy.
- SDG Index: Assesses progress across 17 economic, social, and environmental goals.
- Kerala Model: Noted for high literacy and low infant mortality.
- Nava Kerala Mission: Targets health (Aardram), housing (Life), education (Vidhyakiranam), and environment (Haritha Keralam).
- Planning and Economic Reforms
- Economic Planning: A scientific method to utilize national resources to achieve economic goals.
- Planning History: India transitioned from the Planning Commission (1950) to NITI Aayog (2015).
- Objectives of Planning: Include economic growth, modernisation, self-reliance, and equity.
- 1991 Reforms: India shifted from the restrictive LPQ (License, Permit, Quota) system to the LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation) model.
- Liberalisation: Relaxing government restrictions on industry, tax, and trade.
- Privatisation and Disinvestment: Reducing the public sector's role, often through disinvestment (selling government shares).
- Globalisation and Knowledge Economy
- Globalisation: The integration of a country's economy with the global economy.
- MNCs: Companies that operate in multiple countries.
- Knowledge Economy: An economy thriving on innovative ideas, research, and skills.
- Industrial Revolutions: The world has progressed from the steam engine (1st) to AI and smart factories (5th).
- Sector Advancements: Technology is transforming sectors through Agri Tech, Industry 4.0, and Edu Tech.
- Kerala's Shift: Initiatives like the Digital University and Kerala Startup Mission aim to transform the state into a knowledge society.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 7
1 Mark Questions
- Who is considered the Father of Indian Economic Planning?
Answer: M. Visvesvaraya. - When did NITI Aayog come into existence?
Answer: January 1, 2015. - What does GDP stand for?
Answer: Gross Domestic Product. - Which international organisation publishes the Human Development Report?
Answer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). - What is the unit of measure for utility [History]?
Answer: Utils.
2 Mark Questions
- Differentiate between Economic Growth and Economic Development.
Answer: Economic Growth is a quantitative increase in GDP. Economic Development is a qualitative improvement in living standards, including better health and education. - What are the components of the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer: The three components are: life expectancy at birth, education (literacy/enrollment), and per capita income. - Define 'Disinvestment'.
Answer: Disinvestment is the process of the government selling its shares in public sector enterprises to the private sector. - What is a 'Knowledge Economy'?
Answer: A knowledge economy is an economic system where the production and use of knowledge and skills are the main drivers of growth. - List two features of the 'Kerala Model of Development'.
Answer: High literacy rates and low infant mortality rates, achieved despite relatively low per capita income.
3 Mark Questions
- Explain the shortcomings of Per Capita Income as a development indicator.
Answer: Per Capita Income is just an average. It does not show the distribution of income, meaning it hides wealth inequality. It also fails to measure non-monetary factors that contribute to quality of life, such as health and education. - Describe the four missions under the Nava Kerala Mission.
Answer:- Aardram Mission: To improve public health services.
- Life Mission: To provide housing for all homeless families.
- Vidhyakiranam Mission: To modernize public education.
- Haritha Keralam Mission: To focus on waste management, water conservation, and organic farming.
- Compare the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog.
Answer: The Planning Commission was a centralized body that formulated five-year plans and allocated funds. NITI Aayog is primarily an advisory think tank that promotes cooperative federalism and focuses on bottom-up planning rather than top-down fund allocation. - What were the reasons for the Economic Reforms of 1991?
Answer: The reforms were triggered by a severe economic crisis. India faced a huge fiscal deficit, a balance of payments crisis, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and high inflation. The government was on the verge of defaulting on its international loans. - Briefly explain the three pillars of the 1991 Economic Policy (LPG).
Answer:- Liberalisation: Reducing government controls and restrictions on the economy.
- Privatisation: Increasing the role of the private sector.
- Globalisation: Integrating the Indian economy with the world economy.
5 Mark Questions
- Explain the various development indices used to measure economic progress.
Answer:- Human Development Index (HDI): Measures development based on health (life expectancy), education (literacy), and income (PCI).
- Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI): Focuses on basic needs, using infant mortality, life expectancy, and basic literacy.
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index: Tracks progress across 17 goals covering social, economic, and environmental aspects.
- Gross National Happiness (GNH): Measures development based on psychological well-being, health, and cultural diversity.
- Discuss the impact of Globalisation on the world and Indian economies.
Answer: Globalisation has integrated economies worldwide. Positive impacts include increased trade and investment, access to new technology, and greater consumer choice. Negative impacts include increased competition that can harm domestic industries and greater economic inequality. In India, it has boosted the service sector but has also posed challenges to small-scale industries and agriculture. - Describe the evolution of industrial revolutions and the characteristics of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Answer:- 1st-4th Revolutions: Evolved from steam power (1st) to computers and automation (3rd), and then to IoT and smart factories (4th).
- 5th Industrial Revolution: This emerging phase focuses on the collaboration between humans and smart systems (AI, robotics). Its key characteristics are a human-centric approach, sustainability, and resilience. It aims to use technology to enhance human well-being and solve societal problems.
- Elaborate on the role of technology in transforming agriculture, industry, and service sectors in India.
Answer:- Agriculture (Agri Tech): Technology like drones and GPS-based precision farming are increasing efficiency.
- Industry (Industry 4.0): Automation, AI, and robotics are making manufacturing 'smarter'.
- Service Sector (Edu Tech/Fin Tech): Digital platforms have transformed education (online learning) and finance (UPI). The IT and BPO sectors have become major drivers of the Indian economy.
- How is Kerala transforming into a "Knowledge Society"? Mention the roles of K-DISC, KSUM, and the Digital University.
Answer: Kerala is transforming into a knowledge society through key initiatives.- K-DISC: A think tank that connects academia, industry, and government to foster innovation.
- KSUM (Kerala Startup Mission): A nodal agency that supports technology startups with funding and mentorship.
- Digital University Kerala: India's first digital university, focusing on research in advanced digital technologies like AI, aiming to produce a skilled workforce for the knowledge economy.
Chapter 8: Towards Sustainability
Key Concept Notes
- Classification of Resources
- Resource: Anything naturally occurring that satisfies human needs, is technologically feasible, and culturally acceptable.
- Human Resource: Humans are the most essential resource as they create other resources through skills and technology.
- Origin-based: Resources are Biotic (living) or Abiotic (non-living).
- Renewability: Resources are Renewable (e.g., solar) or Non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels).
- Ownership: Resources can be Personal, Community, National, or International.
- Development State: Resources can be Potential (found but not used) or Developed (surveyed and being used).
- Mineral Resources
- Minerals: Naturally occurring substances with specific properties, essential for economic growth.
- Metallic vs. Non-Metallic: Metallic minerals (iron, gold) have luster, while non-metallic minerals (gypsum, mica) do not.
- Iron Ore: Indispensable for steel production.
- Copper: Vital for the electrical industry.
- Bauxite: The primary ore for aluminum, essential for aircraft.
- Distribution: Minerals are localized resources, found only in specific parts of the world.
- Energy Resources (Fossil Fuels)
- Energy Source: Any substance capable of producing heat or generating electricity.
- Conventional Resources: Non-renewable sources like coal and petroleum that cause pollution.
- Coal: Used for thermal power and in metallurgy.
- Petroleum ("Black Gold"): Used for fuels, lubricants, and paints.
- Natural Gas: A widely used fossil fuel.
- Energy Crisis: Uncontrolled consumption of fossil fuels leads to depletion and environmental damage.
- Non-Conventional Energy and Sustainability
- Solar and Wind: Clean, renewable energy sources.
- Geothermal and Tidal: Use Earth's internal heat and ocean movements, respectively.
- Hydrogen and Bioenergy: Hydrogen is a clean fuel; bioenergy is produced from organic waste.
- Sustainable Development: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.
- Global Initiatives: The Brundtland Report (1987) introduced sustainability, and the 1992 Rio Earth Summit adopted Agenda 21.
- Resource Conservation: Careful use of resources to ensure availability for the future.
SCERT Model Questions: Chapter 8
1 Mark Questions
- What is the definition of a 'Resource'?
Answer: Anything that can be used to satisfy human needs, is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable. - Name the world's leading producer of copper.
Answer: Chile. - Which fossil fuel is often referred to as "Black Gold"?
Answer: Petroleum. - When is Energy Conservation Day observed?
Answer: December 14. - Name the largest solar power plant in India.
Answer: Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan.
2 Mark Questions
- Distinguish between Biotic and Abiotic resources.
Answer: Biotic resources are derived from living things, such as plants and animals. Abiotic resources are non-living things, such as minerals and water. - What are 'Potential Resources'?
Answer: Potential resources are those that exist in a region but have not been fully utilized yet due to lack of technology or cost. - Why are humans considered a resource?
Answer: Humans are considered the most important resource because their knowledge, skills, and technology transform natural substances into usable resources. - List two characteristics of non-conventional energy resources.
Answer: They are renewable (inexhaustible) and are generally eco-friendly (do not cause pollution). - What is 'Sustainable Development'?
Answer: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
3 Mark Questions
- Explain the classification of resources based on ownership.
Answer:- Personal: Owned by individuals (e.g., a house).
- Community: Accessible to all members of a community (e.g., public parks).
- National: Resources within a nation's political boundaries (e.g., forests).
- International: Resources beyond 200 nautical miles of the coastline, regulated by international bodies.
- Why is iron considered an indispensable metal in the modern world?
Answer: Iron is indispensable because it is the primary raw material for making steel. Steel is the backbone of modern industrial civilization, used in everything from construction and transportation to machinery and appliances. - Compare the features of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Answer: Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., solar, wind) and are generally sustainable and non-polluting. Non-renewable resources exist in finite quantities and are depleted with use (e.g., coal, petroleum), often causing significant environmental pollution. - Describe the significance of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
Answer: The 1992 Rio Earth Summit was a landmark event that brought global attention to environmental issues. Its most significant outcome was the adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive action plan for achieving sustainable development in the 21st century. - Briefly explain the importance of Hydrogen as a future energy source.
Answer: Hydrogen is considered a clean fuel for the future because when it is burned, it produces only water vapor, with no carbon emissions. It has a high energy content and can be produced from various sources, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
5 Mark Questions
- Explain the classification of minerals with examples for each category.
Answer: Minerals are broadly classified into:- Metallic Minerals:
- Ferrous: Contain iron (e.g., Iron ore, Manganese).
- Non-Ferrous: Do not contain iron (e.g., Copper, Bauxite, Gold).
- Non-Metallic Minerals: Lack metallic properties (e.g., Mica, Limestone, Gypsum).
- Energy Minerals (Fossil Fuels): Used for energy (e.g., Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas).
- Metallic Minerals:
- Discuss the distribution and uses of major metallic minerals like Iron, Copper, and Bauxite.
Answer:- Iron Ore: Used for steel production. Major producers are Australia, Brazil, and China. In India, it is found in Odisha and Karnataka.
- Copper: Used in the electrical industry for wires. Major producers are Chile, Peru, and China. In India, reserves are in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
- Bauxite: The primary ore of aluminum, used in aircraft and automobiles. Major producers are Australia, Guinea, and China. In India, Odisha is the largest producer.
- Elaborate on the various types of non-conventional energy sources and their benefits.
Answer:- Solar Energy: Harnessed using photovoltaic cells. Benefit: Abundant, clean, and reduces electricity bills.
- Wind Energy: Generated using wind turbines. Benefit: Clean and has low operating cost.
- Geothermal Energy: Uses the Earth's internal heat. Benefit: Reliable and has low emissions.
- Tidal Energy: Uses the rise and fall of ocean tides. Benefit: Predictable and renewable.
- Bioenergy: Produced from organic waste. Benefit: Reduces landfill waste.
The primary benefit is that they are renewable and eco-friendly, helping to combat climate change.
- "The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed." Discuss this statement in the context of resource conservation.
Answer: This quote by Mahatma Gandhi is highly relevant to resource conservation. It highlights that resource depletion is not caused by fulfilling basic human needs, but by the excessive consumption and wasteful lifestyles driven by greed. The planet's resources can sustain everyone's needs if used judiciously. However, the current model of development, based on endless growth, leads to over-extraction and pollution, depriving future generations. Resource conservation requires a shift from a 'greed-based' to a 'need-based' approach, emphasizing recycling and reducing consumption. - Explain the concept of Sustainable Development and the international reports/summits that promoted it.
Answer: Sustainable Development is a model that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It has three pillars: economic viability, social equity, and environmental protection.
Key international initiatives that promoted this concept are:- The Brundtland Report (1987): Titled "Our Common Future," this report officially defined and popularized the concept of sustainable development.
- The Rio Earth Summit (1992): This landmark summit resulted in Agenda 21, a global action plan for sustainable development, and laid the groundwork for international environmental treaties.
