Class 10 SST SA2 Important Questions

Amend Education Academy Important Questions SA2  SST Class 10

Economics  Money and Credit

1. How does the use of money make it easier to exchange things?
   Answer: Unlike the barter system, exchange by using money does not need a double coincidence of wants. Hence, money makes it easier to exchange things. Let us take example of a student who wants to sell his old books and wants to buy a guitar in lieu of that. If he opts for the barter system, he will have to search a person who may be interested in giving off his guitar and in taking old books. But finding such a person can be difficult and time consuming. On the other hand, if the student sells his books and takes money for that, he can easily go to a shop to buy a guitar.
2. What are the differences between formal and informal sources of credit?
   Answer: The formal sector gives loan only after thorough check of the borrower. Suitable paperwork is done before giving the loan so that both the borrower and the creditor can resort to judicial process in case of any problem. Rate of interest is governed by the government rules when loan is given by the formal sources. In case of informal sector, rate of interest is usually very high and the borrower cannot go to the courts in case of being subjected to arm-twisting tactics by the creditor. Informal sector usually works on personal influence and relation of the borrower and creditor.
3. Why should credit at reasonable rates be available for all?
   Answer: Credit is an important aspect of economic activity. Right from a small farmer to a big business tycoon; everyone needs to borrow at some time to improve productivity. In case of unreasonable rates, the borrower always runs the risk of falling in the debt trap which is not good for the society and the economy. Hence, reasonable rates are important for all.

Globalisation and the Indian Economy

1. What do you understand by globalisation? Explain in your own words.
   Answer: Integration of the world market in various ways is called globalization. Take example of Microsoft. Microsoft is having its headquarters in USA. This company is getting part of its software developed in India and several other countries. And Microsoft’s software is being used across the world. Another example can be Ford motors based in USA. Ford is having manufacturing plants in Chennai and cars manufactured in Chennai go for sale in other countries. Moreover, company may be getting gear boxes produced in some other country, seat belts from a different country, lights, rear view mirrors in some other nation by some other company. Almost all the components get supplied by various vendors to the Ford motor, which assembles them to make the car.
2. What are the various ways in which MNCs set up, or control, production in other countries?
   Answer: MNCs set up or control production in other countries in various ways. Some of them are discussed below:
1. Many MNC make a joint venture with a domestic company to start its operations. This helps the MNC because the domestic company has the knowhow of the local business conditions. Moreover, the domestic company already has an established framework of business.
2. Once the business grows upto a certain size, the MNC can break the tie up and operate as an independent company. This helps it in having a greater control on the business.
3. Some MNCs start as independent entity right from the first day.
4. While some of the MNCs produce entirely for the local market, many others produce for the exports markets.
3. Globalisation will continue in the future. Can you imagine what the world would be like twenty years from now? Give reasons for your answer.
   Answer: Twenty years from now, we shall be in a position to place a real time order to a company in any part of the world. We may be able to customize a product according to our specifications and this would be possible because of internet. Because of faster modes of transport, a product would be delivered anywhere in the world in no time.
4. Supposing you find two people arguing: One is saying globalisation has hurt our country’s development. The other is telling, globalisation is helping India develop. How would you respond to these arguments?
   Answer: In my view, globalization has helped in developing India. My parents say that when I was not borne, telephone used to be a luxury. One had to wait for many years to get a telephone connection. People used to communicate through letters which were painfully slow to reach. They say that globalization has helped in making mobile telephone a reality in India. I cannot imagine about a life without mobile phone. Even the local grocery store is able to do more business because of mobile phone

Consumer Rights

1. Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.
   Answer: Rules and regulations are required so that markets function in smooth and just manner. Profit maximization is the prime motive of any business. Rules and regulations ensure that the profit does not come at the cost of the quality of life of the consumer. In our day-to-day life, we can see many instances of food adulteration. The milk seller, the sweet-meat seller, etc. usually adulterate the food items they sell. It is important to stop such practices by enforcing proper rules.
2. What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.
   Answer: India had a long tradition of malpractices in business; such as food adulteration, hoarding, underweighing, etc. Right from the 1960s, various consumer associations came into origin. They began to raise public awareness and to fight to consumer protection. As a result of consumer movement, the COPRA was finally enacted in 1986.
3. Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.
   Answer: Many people seldom bother to check the MRP and pay whatever the shopkeeper demands. While developing a faith on the neighbourhood shopkeeper is a good attitude, but one should always check the MRP. Some people do not even check the expiry date on the pack of a medicine. This can prove to be dangerous and can even be life threatening for the patient who is going to consume the medicine. These examples suggests that there is a real need for consumer consciousness.
4. Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India.
   Answer: The consumer movement began in India out of a desire to fight the tradition of exploitation at the hands of sellers. There was no legal framework to protect the interest of consumers. It was only after a two decade long struggle that the government set up the consumer courts. Still many cases of consumer complaint remain pending for long years. It takes about 20 to 30 years to decide on court cases. The consumer movement is still not powerful enough to take on the powerful business lobby and a lot more needs to be done.

Geography Mineral  Resources

Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.

1.     Ferrous and non-ferrous minerals
Answer: Metallic minerals which contain iron are called ferrous minerals, e.g. iron ore, manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc. On the other hand, metallic minerals which do not contain iron are called non-ferrous minerals, e.g. copper, bauxite, tin, etc.

2.     Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy
Answer: Sources of energy which have been in use since a long time are called conventional sources of energy, e.g. coal, firewood, petroleum, hydel energy, etc. Sources of energy which have come into use recently are called non-conventional sources of energy, e.g. solar energy, wind energy, nuclear energy, etc.

3.     What is a mineral?
Answer: A homogenous, naturally occurring substance with definable internal structure is called mineral.

4.     How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Answer: In igneous and metamorphic rocks: The smaller occurrences are called veins and the larger occurrences are called lodes. They are usually formed when minerals in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upwards through cavities towards the earth’s surface. Examples: tin, copper, zinc, lead, etc.

5.     Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Answer: It takes millions of years for the formation of minerals. Compared to the present rate of consumption, the replenishment rate of minerals is very slow. Hence, mineral resources are finite and non-renewable. Due to this, it is important that we conserve the mineral resources.

6.     Describe the distribution of coal in India.
Answer: In India, coal occurs in rock series of two main geological ages. The Gondwana coal was formed over 200 million years ago. The tertiary deposits are about 55 million years old. The major sources of Gondwana coal are located in the Damodar valley (West Bengal-Jharkhan). In this belt, Jharia, Raniganj and Bokaro are important coalfields. Coal deposits are also present in the Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys. Tertiary coal is found in the north-eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

7.     Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Answer: Solar energy holds great promises for the future. It can help in minimizing the dependence on firewood and animal dung cakes in rural areas. This will also help in conservation of fossil fuels.

Manufacturing Industries

1. What is manufacturing?
   Answer: Production of goods in large quantities after processing the raw materials into more valuable products is called manufacturing.
2. Name any three physical factors for the location of the industry.
   Answer: Three physical factors which affect the industrial location are as follows:
• Availability of raw materials
• Availability of water
• Availability of infrastructure
3. Name any three human factors for the location of an industry.
   Answer: Three human factors which affect the industrial location are as follows:
• Labour
• Capital
• Market
4. What are basic industries? Give an example.
   Answer: The basic industries supply their products or raw materials to manufacture other goods, e.g. iron and steel, copper smelting, aluminium smelting.
5. Name the important raw materials used in the manufacturing of cement?
   Answer: Limestone, silica, alumina and gypsum
6. How are integrated steel plants different from mini steel plants? What problems does the industry face? What recent developments have led to a rise in the production capacity?
   Answer: An integrated steel plant does all the activities involved in the value chain of steel manufacturing. Such plant begins from making steel from iron ore and end up in making steel products which are needed by the industry. Mini steel plants, on the other hand, buy finished steel from larger plants and produce various goods from that; like utensils, tools, etc.
7. How do industries pollute the environment?
   Answer: Industries mainly pollute the air and water. Factories emit smoke which contains harmful gases. These gases cause air pollution. Factories produce effluents and release them into rivers and pond. Thus, water pollution is cause by factories. Many factories; like thermal power plant; also cause thermal pollution of water by releasing hot water into rivers and ponds. Additionally, factories also play a major role in soil pollution.
8. Discuss the steps to be taken to minimise environmental degradation by industry?
   Answer:Preventing Environmental Degradation by Industry:
• Water should be reused and recycled in the industry. This will help in minimizing the use of freshwater.
• Rainwater harvesting should be promoted.
• Hot water and effluents should be treated before being released in rivers and ponds.
• Chimneys should be fitted with electrostatic precipitators to prevent release of suspended particulate matters.

Lifelines of National Economy

1. State any three merits of roadways.
   Answer:Three merits of roadways are as follows:

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

b.    Roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography,

c.     Roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can traverse mountains such as the Himalayas.

2. Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?
   Answer: Rail transport is the most convenient means of transport all over the country. It is especially suited to long distance travel by people and also for transportation of goods in bulk. A train can carry a large number of people or large bulks of goods at one go. Thus, cost of transportation per unit becomes quite less compared to other modes of transport.
3. What is the significance of the border roads?
   Answer: Border roads play significant role in connecting the inaccessible areas along the border to the rest of the country. Border roads also have strategic importance because they provide a channel to carry soldier and artilleries in case of a threat on the border.
4. What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?
   Answer: Business activity between two or more parties is called trade. The trade within the country is called local trade or domestic trade. The trade between two countries is called international trade.
5. Why are the means of transportation and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?
   Answer: Means of transport provide seamless movement of goods and people and thus facilitate various economic activities. Means of communication help in flow of information which is necessary for proper management of supply chain and financial transactions. 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.
6. Write a note on the changing nature of the international trade in the last fifteen years.
   Answer:Some of the changes in the international trade in the last fifteen years are as follows:

• Bulk imports as a group registered a growth accounting for 39.09 per cent of total imports. This group includes fertilizers (67.01 per cent), cereals (25.23 per cent), edible oils (7.94 per cent) and newsprint (5.51 per cent).
• International trade has under gone a sea change in the last fifteen years. Exchange of commodities and goods have been superseded by the exchange of information and knowledge.
• India has emerged as a software giant at the international level and it is earning large foreign exchange through the export of information technology.

Civics

Popular Struggles and Movements

1. In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?
   Answer: Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in following ways:

a.     By gaining public support and sympathy for their cause

b.    By staging protest activities to pressurize the government

c.     By making lobbies

2. Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?
   Answer: Generally, there is no direct relationship between pressure groups and political parties. They usually take positions which are opposite to each other. But dialogue and negotiations do exist between them. Many new leaders of the political parties come from a pressure group.
3. Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.
   Answer: The activities or pressure groups are useful in deepening the democracy. They help in raising the voice of ordinary citizens against powerful lobbyists from the business. Their actions and tactics may seem to be disruptive but they create a balance between the powerful ruling and business classes and the powerless common man.
4. What is a pressure group? Give a few examples.
   Answer: Organizations which influence the policies of the government are pressure groups. A pressure group is different to a political party because it is not directly answerable to the people. Moreover, the pressure group does not control or stake a share in political power. Narmada Bachao Andolan, Trade Unions, Lawyers’ Association, etc. are examples of pressure groups.
5. What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?
   Answer: A political party is directly answerable to the people, while a pressure group is not. A political party either controls power or stakes a claim in power, while a pressure group does not do so.

Political Parties

1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy
   Answer: Functions of political parties are as follows:

a.     Political parties contest elections

b.    They form and run governments

c.     A party which loses the election plays the role of the opposition

d.    Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by the government.

e.     Parties shape public opinion, formulate laws and make policies

2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
   Answer: The various challenges faced by political parties are as follows:

a.     Lack of internal democracy

b.    Dynastic succession

c.     Money and muscle power

d.    Being a meaningful choice

3. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
   Answer: Some suggestions for future reforms of political parties are as follows:

• A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.
• It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates.
• There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support their election expenses. This support could be given in kind: petrol, paper, telephone etc. Or it could be given in cash on the basis of the votes secured by the party in the last election.
3. What is a political party?
   Answer: A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
4. What are the characteristics of a political party?
   Answer: Parties reflect fundamental political divisions in a society. Parties are about a part of the society and thus involve PARTISANSHIP. Thus a party is known by which part it stands for, which policies it supports and whose interests it upholds. A political party has three components, viz. leaders, active members and followers.

Outcomes of Democracy

1. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
   Asnwer: Conflicts arising out of social diversity is not possible to be completely eliminated. Yet such conflicts are kept at the minimum possible level in a democracy. Democracy builds on consensus in which interests of various sections of the society are respected and catered to. Thus, social diversities are accommodated in a democracy.

Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:

2. Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich. 
   Asnwer: Although examples of many countries under dictatorship suggest that economic growth can be good in such countries, yet some democracies are also in sound economic health. Many poor countries of the past have progressed under democratic rule, although the growth may have been slow. Looking at the cost benefit analysis, it can be said the even for a poor country, democracy is always a better option rather than dictatorship to strive for becoming rich.

1. Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
   Answer: This is a true reality that inequality of incomes cannot be reduced between different citizens; no matter which type of government system is in place. Even the past experience of socialism in Russia and China suggest that it is almost impossible to create a society where everyone is equal in terms of economic power. The same holds tGovernment in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
   Answer: While it is always prudent to spend on industries and infrastructure for better employment generation, the role of social security cannot be ignored. There are many people who are so poor and oppressed that they need some sort of help to improve their condition. Poverty eradication, health benefits and education schemes should always be in place for such people. A proper balance should be struck in spending on social security and on industries.
2. In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.
   Answer: In theory, it is true that the formula of one person one vote negates the effect of domination and conflict. But in the real world, a society can be very complex. It is a basic instinct of people or a group of people to dominate others at the very first opportunity. Similarly, conflicts are bound to arise in the society. However, democracy minimizes the effect of such tendency to a certain extent.

Challenges to Democracy

1.     What are the foundational Challenges to a Democracy

Ans Different countries face different kinds of challenges. At least one fourth of the globe is still not under democratic government. The challenge for democracy in these parts of the world is very stark. These countries face the foundational challenge of making the transition to democracy and then instituting democratic government. This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state. For example, Nepal was under Monarchy till recent times. Now Nepal has changed to a democratic system. Certain mindsets and systems will take years to change as they have taken years to develop. Nepal is a very good example of foundational challenge of democracy.

History

Nationalism in Indo China

Write a note on following:

1. What was meant by the ‘civilising mission’ of the colonizers?
   Answer: The colonizers thought it was the mission of the ‘advanced’ European nations to civilize the backward people. They thought their culture to be superior than the culture of the natives in the colonies. They thought since they were the advanced nations of the world, so it was their responsibility to modernize the people in the colonies.
2. Huynh Phu So
   Answer: Huynh Phu So was the founder of a nationalist movement called Hoa Hao. He performed miracles and helped the poor. His criticism against useless expenditure had a wide appeal. He also opposed the sale of child brides, gambling and the use of alcohol and opium. The French tried to suppress the movement inspired by Huynh Phu So. They declared him mad, called him the Mad Bonze, and put him in a mental asylum. But the doctor, who had to prove him mad, became his follower. Finally, he was exiled to Laos and many of his followers were sent to concentration camps.

Explain the following:

1. Only one-third of the students in Vietnam would pass the school-leaving examinations.
   Answer: The French authorities deliberately failed the students in the final year of the French examination. They did not want the Vietnamese to qualify for the higher-paying jobs. Due to this, only one-third of the students in Vietnam could pass the school-leaving examinations.
2. The French began building canals and draining lands in the Mekong delta.
   Answer: For increasing cultivation, the French began to build canals to irrigate the land in the Mekong delta. This helped in increasing rice production. The area under rice cultivation went up from 274,000 hectares in 1873 to 1.1 million hectares in 1900 and 2.2 million in 1930. Vietnam exported two-thirds of its rice production and by 1931 had become the third largest exporter of rice in the world.
3. Describe the ideas behind the Tonkin Free School. To what extent was it a typical example of colonial ideas in Vietnam?
   Answer: Tonkin Free School was opened with the objective of imparting French education to the Vietnamese. This was done to prepare a large workforce which could be utilised for clerical jobs. Moreover, this was an attempt to impose the French culture on the Vietnamese.
4. What was Phan Chu Trinh’s objective for Vietnam? How were his ideas different from those of Phan Boi Chau?
   Answer: Phan Chu Trinh strongly differed with Phan Boi Chau. He was hostile to the monarchy and opposed the idea of resisting French with the help of court. He was highly influenced by the democratic ideals of the west. He accepted the French ideals of liberty. He wanted the French to set up legal and educational institutions, and develop agriculture and industries.
5. With reference to what you have read in this chapter, discuss the influence of China on Vietnam’s culture and life.
   Answer: Vietnam had traditionally been influenced by the Chinese culture because it fell on the Silk Route. The religious belief in Vietnam was influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism and local traditions. It is important to mention that Confucianism came from China. Moreover, Chinese was the working language for the elite classes of Vietnam.
6. What was the role of women in the anti-imperial struggle in Vietnam? Compare this with the role of women in the nationalist struggle in India.
   Answer: Women took active part in the anti-imperial struggle in Vietnam. On the other hand, women in India mainly restricted themselves to the supporting role. Congress took the services of women more for the symbolic value than for any substantial cause.

Nationalism in India

Write a newspaper report on Simon Commisssion

Answer: London 1928: The British government has constituted the Simon Commission to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India. It is being said that the Commission would come with some new changes to make a new administrative system in India. What is ironic about this Commission is that there is no single Indian in the Commission. Most of the thinkers are perplexed that how an all British team would take decisions on matters which are more relevant to India. The leaders of the Congress and other parties have announced their boycott to the Simon Commission.

1. Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act?
   Answer: The Rowlatt Act gave draconian powers to the colonial rulers. It was against the spirit of political formations and protests. Due to this, Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act.
2. Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement?
   Answer: By 1921, the movement was turning violent at many places. Since Gandhiji was strictly against any kind of violence, he decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.
3. What is meant by the idea of satyagraha?
   Answer: Mahatma Gandhi advocated a novel method of mass agitation; called satyagraha. This method was based on the idea that if someone is fighting for a true cause, there is no need to take recourse to physical force to fight the oppressor. Gandhiji believed that a satyagrahi could win a battle through non-violence, i.e. without being aggressive or revengeful.
4. Write a newspaper report on Jalianwala Bagh Massacre.
   Answer: Amritsar, 13th April 1919: The British General Dyer had ordered firing on innocent villagers who had gathered at Jallianwalla Bagh to attend a fair. All the exit points were blocked so that nobody could escape the wrath of the British forces.
5. Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?
   Answer Muslim leaders; like Jinnah believed that the future of the Muslims would not be in safe hand under the Hindu majority. He wanted a greater political empowerment for his own community. For dalit leaders; like Ambedkar; the situation was more or less same. Given the past history of oppression against the dalits, the dalit leaders were apprehensive of their position under the political power of the upper caste people. Mahatma Gandhi, on the other hand, believed that separate electorates would further alienate those people. He felt that separate electorate would slow down the process of integration of the fringe group into the mainstream.
6. List all the different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they joined the movement.
   Answer Peasants, tribal peasants, plantation workers, students, lawyers, office workers, women, etc. joined the Non-Cooperation Movement. Description of three of them is given below.

Peasant: The peasants were against the high rents and may other cess which were demanded by talukdars and landlords. The peasants demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.

Tribal Peasants: Tribal peasants gave their own interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi and the idea of swaraj. The tribals were prevented from entering the forests to graze cattle, or to collect fruits and firewood. The new forest laws were a threat to their livelihood. The government forced them to do begar on road construction.

Plantation Workers: The plantation workers were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission; as per the Indian Emigration Act of 1859. When the news of Non-Cooperation Movement spread to the plantations, many workers began to defy the authorities.