Lifelines of National Economy: 10 Geography

Question: Describe the importance of communication in modern days.

Answer: Modern life is so complex that one has to depend on others. The same is true of the countries as well. No country today can prosper without the co-operation and assistance of others. This requires movement of goods and materials between countries. Trade provides us with our necessities and also adds to amenities and comfort of life.

Question: Describe various types of roads of India.

Answer: The different types of roads in India are the national highways, state highways, district roads, village roads and border roads. Besides these, there are international highways, and free ways free ways (express ways).

Question: Why is communication a necessity of life?

Answer: Communication is an essential requirement of human life. No one can live without interacting with others. Earlier communication between people was less and only face to face.

Now it has increased and the modes of communication have also changed. The increase in population and the change in the modes of communication are the result of increased human movement and transport of materials and goods. Today, we are living in the age of communication, using telephone, television, films and Internet. Even books, magazines and newspapers are the important means of communication. Various means of transport and communication have reduced distances, bringing the world closer.

Question: What is mass communication?

Answer: Mass communication plays a vital role in creating awareness among the people about various national programmes and policies. These provide healthy entertainment as well. Important means of mass communication are radio, television, newspapers including magazines, books and films. These means communicate with several people at a time, and, hence, are called means of mass communication.

Question: Why is railways so important today?

Answer: The railways are the main artery of inland transport in India. It is the lifeline of the country for large-scale movement of traffic – freight and passengers. The railways are 150 years old in India. The total length of railways is about 63,000 km. With this length, India has the second largest railway network in Asia. The Indian railways carry 40,000 lakh passengers and 4,000 lakh tonnes of goods a year. It is the largest public sector undertaking of the country.

Question: What has been the content and direction of India’s International Trade, and mention the major sea ports of India.?

Answer: India has been mainly exporting goods to countries in Asia, Western Europe and America. These countries account for our imports also.

Manufactured goods like, gems and jewellery, ready made garments, agricultural products and mineral ores are our main exports.

Imports include petroleum products, precious stones, gold silver and chemicals.

The major seaports on the east coast are Kolkatta and Vishakhapattinam and on the west coast the major ports are Mumbai and Bangalore.