Class 10 : Social Science (In English) Economics – Lesson 18. Development
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
Development encompasses aspirations about how individuals and societies should live. It involves not only increasing monetary well-being but also enhancing non-material aspects such as health, education, equality, and security. People’s goals vary according to their circumstances, so what constitutes progress for one group may not align with another’s priorities .
Determining National Progress
To compare the progress of countries or regions, economists often use average income per person, known as per capita income. This measure facilitates cross-country comparisons by adjusting for population differences. However, average income alone can mask inequalities within a population: two countries with identical per capita income may differ drastically in the distribution of wealth .
Limitations of Income as the Sole Indicator
Relying exclusively on income overlooks essential services and quality-of-life factors that are collectively provided. Public goods such as education, healthcare, clean water, and environmental protection cannot be adequately gauged by income alone. For instance, states or nations with similar per capita income may exhibit vastly different literacy rates, school attendance, or infant survival rates, reflecting disparities in public service provision .
Broader Indicators of Development
Recognizing income’s limitations, development measurement now incorporates human development indicators:
Health Metrics: Life expectancy at birth and infant mortality rate gauge population well-being and access to medical facilities.
Education Metrics: Literacy rates and school enrollment ratios assess the spread and quality of educational opportunities.
Composite Indices: The Human Development Index (HDI) combines income, health, and education measures to rank countries on multidimensional development .
Human Development Comparisons
Neighboring countries with per capita incomes comparable to India’s often achieve higher HDI rankings due to better health and education outcomes. For example, some smaller nations surpass India in life expectancy and mean years of schooling despite lower average incomes. This underscores the value of non-income factors in shaping citizens’ lives .
Sustainability of Development
Sustainable development emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising future generations. It calls attention to resource overuse and environmental degradation. Renewable resources like groundwater can suffer overexploitation, while non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels face eventual depletion. Responsible management of natural assets and investments in renewable alternatives are essential to maintain long-term progress .
Conclusion
A comprehensive understanding of development goes beyond economic growth to include equitable income distribution, quality public services, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. Systematic use of multidimensional indicators such as health, education, and income ensures a more accurate picture of societal progress. Ultimately, development demands both quantitative gains and improvements in people’s quality of life, secured through prudent stewardship of resources.
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
Question 1
Development of a country can generally be determined by
(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above
Answer:
All the above are used to gauge a country’s development because income, literacy, and health together reflect economic well-being, education, and quality of life.
Question 2
Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India?
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan
Answer:
Sri Lanka outperforms India on human development measures such as life expectancy and mean years of schooling.
Question 3
Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000, Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000
Answer:
Total income for four families = 5000 × 4 = 20,000. Sum of three known incomes = 4000 + 7000 + 3000 = 14,000. Fourth family’s income = 20,000 – 14,000 = Rs 6000.
Question 4
What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?
Answer:
The World Bank classifies countries by per capita gross national income (GNI). Limitations include ignoring income distribution disparities and non-income factors like health, education, and environmental quality that also shape development.
Question 5
In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development different from the one used by the World Bank?
Answer:
UNDP’s Human Development Index combines per capita income with health (life expectancy) and education (mean and expected schooling), offering a multidimensional view beyond income alone.
Question 6
Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your own examples related to development.
Answer:
Averages simplify comparison across populations by representing typical values, such as per capita income. Limitations arise because averages can mask inequalities—for instance, a high average income may coexist with extreme poverty among many, while a few enjoy vast wealth.
Question 7
Kerala, with lower per capita income, has a better human development ranking than Haryana. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
Answer:
Per capita income alone is incomplete; Kerala’s superior outcomes in health and education despite lower income illustrate that public services and social factors critically influence development, making composite indices more reliable.
Question 8
Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now?
Answer:
Currently India relies on coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, and renewables (wind, solar). In fifty years, advanced renewables, nuclear energy, and sustainable biofuels may predominate to meet growing demand and reduce environmental impact.
Question 9
Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
Answer:
Sustainability ensures that resource use today does not deplete or degrade environmental and social systems needed by future generations, balancing economic growth with conservation of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Question 10
“The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person.” How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? Discuss.
Answer:
This underscores that development must prioritize equitable access and prudent resource management rather than unchecked consumption, as excessive exploitation harms ecosystems and denies future needs.
Question 11
List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you.
Answer:
Examples include groundwater depletion from over-extraction, air pollution in urban centers, deforestation in rural areas, and water contamination from industrial effluents, all of which undermine long-term well-being.
Question 12
For each of the items given in Table 1.6 (GNI per capita, life expectancy, mean years of schooling, HDI rank), find out which country is at the top and which is at the bottom among India’s neighbours.
Answer:
GNI per capita: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Myanmar
Life expectancy: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Myanmar
Mean years of schooling: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Pakistan
HDI rank: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Pakistan.
Question 13
The following table shows the proportion of adults (aged 15–49 years) whose BMI is below normal (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) in India for 2019–21. Look at the table and answer:
State Male (%) Female (%)
Kerala 8.5 10
Karnataka 17 21
Madhya Pradesh 28 28
All States 20 23
(i) Compare the nutritional level of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
(ii) Can you guess why around one-fifth of people in the country are undernourished even though it is argued that there is enough food in the country? Describe in your own words.
Answer:
(i) Kerala has far fewer undernourished adults (about 9–10%) than Madhya Pradesh (28%), indicating better health and access to nutrition in Kerala.
(ii) Undernourishment persists despite ample food due to poverty, unequal distribution, inadequate public health services, and lack of awareness about balanced diets, reflecting systemic social and economic barriers to food security.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
[ CBSE MODEL QUESTION PAPER]
SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions (Q1–Q20)
(1 mark each × 20 = 20 marks)
Q1. Which of the following is not a feature of sustainable development?
A. Renewable energy use
B. Resource conservation
C. Excessive industrial exploitation
D. Environmental protection
Answer: C. Excessive industrial exploitation
Q2. Which of the following countries has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) rank among India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal (as per recent trends)?
A. India
B. Nepal
C. Sri Lanka
D. All have the same
Answer: C. Sri Lanka
Q3. A rise in life expectancy of a country indicates:
A. Better climate
B. Improvement in income
C. Better health care services
D. Agricultural growth
Answer: C. Better health care services
Q4. Which organisation publishes the Human Development Report (HDR)?
A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. UNDP
D. WTO
Answer: C. UNDP
Q5. Which one of the following is not considered while calculating HDI?
A. Per capita income
B. Life expectancy
C. Literacy rate
D. Gross Domestic Product
Answer: D. Gross Domestic Product
Q6. Which country is considered ‘rich’ as per World Bank’s 2020 criteria (per capita income above US$12,695)?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Norway
C. India
D. Bangladesh
Answer: B. Norway
Q7. Which of the following statements is correct about per capita income?
A. It is the same for all citizens in a country
B. It reflects income distribution
C. It is total income divided by population
D. It includes foreign income
Answer: C. It is total income divided by population
Q8. Public facilities include all of the following except:
A. Transport
B. Internet speed
C. Healthcare
D. Sanitation
Answer: B. Internet speed
Q9. Which one of the following is an example of non-renewable resources?
A. Wind energy
B. Water
C. Petroleum
D. Solar power
Answer: C. Petroleum
Q10. The literacy rate in a country is calculated for population above the age of:
A. 5 years
B. 7 years
C. 15 years
D. 18 years
Answer: B. 7 years
Q11. Which of the following statements best describes the goal of development?
A. Increase in per capita income
B. Improvement in health and education
C. Equal distribution of resources
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Q12. Which state in India has the highest per capita income?
A. Maharashtra
B. Goa
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
Answer: B. Goa
Q13. Which of the following is not a development goal?
A. Equality
B. Pollution
C. Security
D. Freedom
Answer: B. Pollution
Q14. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is:
A. Number of infants born every year
B. Number of children dying before the age of 1 per 1000 live births
C. Number of women dying during childbirth
D. Number of children surviving after 5 years
Answer: B. Number of children dying before the age of 1 per 1000 live births
Q15. Which is a better indicator of development?
A. Gross National Product
B. Per Capita Income
C. Human Development Index
D. Total population
Answer: C. Human Development Index
Q16. Choose the correct pair:
A. Kerala – Low literacy
B. Bihar – High per capita income
C. Punjab – High agricultural productivity
D. Odisha – High HDI
Answer: C. Punjab – High agricultural productivity
Q17. Which sector does the public distribution system (PDS) belong to?
A. Private sector
B. Industrial sector
C. Public sector
D. Foreign sector
Answer: C. Public sector
Q18. Life expectancy at birth is one of the indicators used in:
A. GDP
B. PCI
C. HDI
D. GNP
Answer: C. HDI
Q19. Which one of the following is a renewable resource?
A. Coal
B. Forest
C. Natural gas
D. Minerals
Answer: B. Forest
Q20. Which international body classifies countries based on per capita income?
A. UNDP
B. WHO
C. WTO
D. World Bank
Answer: D. World Bank
SECTION B: Very Short Answer Questions (2 × 4 = 8 marks)
(Answer each question in 30–40 words)
Q21. What is meant by sustainable development?
Answer:
Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves judicious use of resources and environmental protection.
Q22. Why is per capita income not a sufficient indicator of development?
Answer:
Per capita income is an average and does not reflect inequalities in income distribution. It also ignores factors like health, education, and living standards, which are essential for understanding true development.
Q23. Define Human Development Index. Who publishes it?
Answer:
HDI is a composite index that measures development based on life expectancy, education, and per capita income. It is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Q24. Why do people have different goals for development? Give one example.
Answer:
People have different development goals based on their needs, situations, and aspirations. For example, a farmer may want better irrigation, while a student may want quality education and internet access.
SECTION C: Short Answer Questions (3 × 5 = 15 marks)
(Answer each question in 60–80 words)
Q25. Explain how public facilities contribute to the quality of life.
Answer:
Public facilities such as schools, hospitals, transport, and sanitation improve the quality of life by providing essential services at low or no cost. These facilities promote health, literacy, and mobility. Countries with good public services like Sri Lanka often have better HDI despite lower incomes. Public provisioning reduces inequalities and supports inclusive development.
Q26. “Income is not the only factor in comparing countries.” Justify the statement with two other indicators.
Answer:
Apart from income, health and education are vital indicators. Life expectancy reflects the health of people, and literacy rate shows access to education. For example, even if two countries have the same income, the one with better healthcare and education will be considered more developed. HDI combines all three to give a broader picture of development.
Q27. Give three differences between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Answer:
Renewable resources can be replenished naturally (e.g., solar, wind); non-renewable resources are finite (e.g., coal, oil).
Renewable resources are sustainable if used wisely; non-renewables deplete over time.
Renewable energy causes less pollution; non-renewables contribute to environmental degradation.
Q28. How can sustainable development be achieved? Suggest any three measures.
Answer:
Use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Conservation of water through rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
Reducing pollution and recycling waste materials.
These steps help balance growth with environmental protection.
Q29. What are the limitations of the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer:
HDI does not include factors like political freedom and human rights.
It ignores income inequality within countries.
Environmental sustainability and gender equality are not part of its calculation.
Thus, HDI is useful but not a complete measure of development.
SECTION D: Long Answer Questions (5 × 4 = 20 marks)
(Answer each question in 100–120 words)
Q30. Compare India and Sri Lanka based on the following indicators:
Life Expectancy
Literacy Rate
Infant Mortality Rate
Per Capita Income
Public Health Facilities
Answer:
Life Expectancy is higher in Sri Lanka (around 76 years) than in India (about 70 years), indicating better healthcare.
Literacy Rate in Sri Lanka is over 90%, whereas India is around 77%.
Infant Mortality Rate is much lower in Sri Lanka due to effective child care systems.
Per Capita Income is slightly higher in India, but Sri Lanka ranks better in HDI due to health and education.
Public Health Facilities in Sri Lanka are more accessible and efficient.
Thus, Sri Lanka shows more balanced human development despite India’s higher income.
Q31. Explain with examples how different people can have conflicting developmental goals.
Answer:
Developmental goals vary based on needs and roles.
An industrialist may seek low taxes and fewer environmental regulations to boost profits.
A tribal community may value forest conservation over industrial growth.
A landless laborer wants more employment and better wages, while a businessman may desire profit from automation.
These differences can lead to conflicts. Hence, development must be inclusive, sustainable, and mindful of social justice to balance such conflicting goals.
Q32. What is the importance of Human Development Index (HDI)? Why is it considered a better indicator than per capita income?
Answer:
HDI considers life expectancy, education, and per capita income—giving a broader view of development.
Per Capita Income ignores inequalities, health, and education.
HDI shows how development affects human well-being.
For example, countries like Sri Lanka may have lower incomes but higher HDI due to better public health and education. Thus, HDI helps in ranking and comparing countries more meaningfully and encourages governments to focus on people-centric policies.
Q33. “Sustainable development is the only way forward for future generations.” Explain the concept with three examples.
Answer:
Sustainable development means using resources wisely to meet present needs without harming future availability.
Examples:
Rainwater harvesting helps conserve water and recharge groundwater.
Solar and wind energy reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Afforestation and limiting deforestation preserve biodiversity.
These steps maintain ecological balance while supporting economic progress. Unsustainable development leads to resource depletion, pollution, and climate change, endangering future generations.
SECTION E: Case-Based Questions (4 × 3 = 12 marks)
Q34. Case 1:
An Indian district introduced free education, mobile health vans, and subsidized ration shops in every village. After 10 years, the literacy rate rose to 85%, child mortality dropped significantly, and migration reduced.
a. What type of development is reflected here?
b. Name any two public facilities that contributed to this change.
c. How does public investment lead to better human development?
Answer:
a. Human and sustainable development
b. Free education, mobile health vans
c. Public investment improves quality of life, reduces inequality, and ensures equal access to basic needs like education and health.
Q35. Case 2:
Two countries have equal per capita income. However, Country A has low life expectancy and poor literacy rate, while Country B has high literacy and long life expectancy.
a. Which country has higher HDI?
b. Why is per capita income not enough for comparison?
c. Suggest two steps for improving HDI.
Answer:
a. Country B
b. Per capita income doesn’t include health or education data.
c. Invest in health services and improve education infrastructure.
Q36. Case 3:
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in a region boosted crop production but led to polluted water, degraded soil, and falling yields over time.
a. What does this situation represent?
b. Suggest one sustainable alternative.
c. Why is sustainability important in development?
Answer:
a. Unsustainable development
b. Use of organic compost or bio-fertilizers
c. Sustainability ensures long-term productivity and protects the environment for future use.
SECTION F: Map Skill (1 × 1 = 1 mark)
Q37. On the given political map of India, mark the state with highest HDI rank based on recent data.
Answer: Kerala
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QUESTIONS FROM COMPETITION EXAMS
🔵 Question 1:
Which of the following is the most common criterion for comparing development of countries?
(A) Per Capita Income
(B) Literacy Rate
(C) Health Facilities
(D) Industrial Growth
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Per Capita Income
📄 Exam: SSC CGL 2020
🟢 Question 2:
The average income of a country is also called:
(A) Total income
(B) Per capita income
(C) National income
(D) Disposable income
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Per capita income
📄 Exam: SSC CHSL 2018
🔴 Question 3:
Which of the following is considered a non-materialistic goal of development?
(A) Income
(B) Job security
(C) Good health
(D) Infrastructure
✅ Correct Answer: (C) Good health
📄 Exam: SSC JE 2019
🟡 Question 4:
Which organisation classifies countries based on their income?
(A) UNO
(B) WTO
(C) World Bank
(D) IMF
✅ Correct Answer: (C) World Bank
📄 Exam: NDA 2017
🔵 Question 5:
According to World Bank, what is the per capita income criteria (approx) for rich countries (as per lesson)?
(A) Above $12,000
(B) Above $10,000
(C) Above $25,000
(D) Above $15,000
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Above $12,000
📄 Exam: SSC GD 2020
🟢 Question 6:
Which one of the following states has the highest per capita income in India?
(A) Bihar
(B) Punjab
(C) Kerala
(D) Goa
✅ Correct Answer: (D) Goa
📄 Exam: SSC CGL 2019
🔴 Question 7:
Which of these is an economic activity?
(A) Teaching
(B) Cooking for family
(C) Studying
(D) Sleeping
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Teaching
📄 Exam: SSC MTS 2020
🟡 Question 8:
Infant Mortality Rate indicates:
(A) Number of children dying under one year of age per 1000 births
(B) Number of mothers dying in childbirth
(C) Number of infants vaccinated
(D) Child marriage cases
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Number of children dying under one year of age per 1000 births
📄 Exam: SSC CHSL 2022
🔵 Question 9:
HDI stands for:
(A) Human Development Index
(B) Human Development Indicator
(C) High Development Index
(D) Human Domestic Indicator
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Human Development Index
📄 Exam: IBPS Clerk 2018
🟢 Question 10:
Which country had the highest HDI rank as per UNDP (till recent)?
(A) Norway
(B) India
(C) USA
(D) Japan
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Norway
📄 Exam: UPSC Prelims 2020
🔴 Question 11:
Which of the following is NOT included in HDI?
(A) Life expectancy
(B) Literacy
(C) Per capita income
(D) Military strength
✅ Correct Answer: (D) Military strength
📄 Exam: SSC GD 2019
🟡 Question 12:
What is sustainable development?
(A) Rapid industrialisation
(B) Development without damaging the environment
(C) Development without human involvement
(D) Increase in per capita income
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Development without damaging the environment
📄 Exam: SSC JE 2018
🔵 Question 13:
What is the most important goal of development for people?
(A) More income
(B) Better quality of life
(C) Ownership of property
(D) Employment
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Better quality of life
📄 Exam: SSC CGL 2021
🟢 Question 14:
Which sector is directly related to natural resources?
(A) Primary
(B) Secondary
(C) Tertiary
(D) Quaternary
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Primary
📄 Exam: SSC CHSL 2020
🔴 Question 15:
Which indicator measures health of people in a country?
(A) Infant Mortality Rate
(B) Literacy Rate
(C) GDP
(D) Employment Rate
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Infant Mortality Rate
📄 Exam: SSC MTS 2021
🟡 Question 16:
Which of the following statements is correct?
(A) Rich countries are always happy countries
(B) Development means same for everyone
(C) Different people have different development goals
(D) All countries develop equally
✅ Correct Answer: (C) Different people have different development goals
📄 Exam: SSC GD 2020
🔵 Question 17:
Literacy rate is measured in:
(A) Years of education completed
(B) Ability to read and write for people above age 7
(C) Ability to speak English
(D) Population attending school
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Ability to read and write for people above age 7
📄 Exam: SSC CGL 2020
🟢 Question 18:
Which of these is a renewable resource?
(A) Coal
(B) Petroleum
(C) Solar energy
(D) Natural gas
✅ Correct Answer: (C) Solar energy
📄 Exam: NDA 2018
🔴 Question 19:
National Development refers to:
(A) Increase in income of the government only
(B) Overall improvement in living standards
(C) Increase in population
(D) Increase in export
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Overall improvement in living standards
📄 Exam: SSC CHSL 2019
🟡 Question 20:
Development that considers future generations is:
(A) Industrial development
(B) Global development
(C) Sustainable development
(D) Local development
✅ Correct Answer: (C) Sustainable development
📄 Exam: SSC JE 2020
🔵 Question 21:
Per Capita Income is calculated by:
(A) Total Income ÷ Population
(B) Total Export ÷ Population
(C) National Income × Population
(D) Population ÷ Total Income
✅ Correct Answer: (A) Total Income ÷ Population
📄 Exam: SSC GD 2021
🟢 Question 22:
The average income of India is considered as:
(A) High income country
(B) Low income country
(C) Middle income country
(D) Poor country
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Low income country
📄 Exam: SSC CHSL 2017
🔴 Question 23:
Development depends on:
(A) Income
(B) Education
(C) Health
(D) All of these
✅ Correct Answer: (D) All of these
📄 Exam: SSC MTS 2019
🟡 Question 24:
One of the best measures of human development is:
(A) GDP
(B) HDI
(C) Industrial output
(D) Agricultural output
✅ Correct Answer: (B) HDI
📄 Exam: SSC JE 2020
🔵 Question 25:
Which of these best defines sustainable development?
(A) Using resources as fast as possible
(B) Saving resources for future generations
(C) Consuming resources without limits
(D) Stopping use of resources
✅ Correct Answer: (B) Saving resources for future generations
📄 Exam: SSC CGL 2021
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ONE PAGE REVISION SHEET
✅ 1. Meaning of Development
Development refers to improvement in people’s quality of life and standard of living.
It includes income growth, healthcare, education, equality, and freedom.
✅ 2. Different People, Different Goals
Different people have different developmental goals based on their needs, priorities, and social conditions.
E.g., A farmer wants better irrigation, a girl may want safety and education.
✅ 3. Income and Other Goals
While income is important, people also seek non-material aspects: security, respect, equality, clean environment, etc.
✅ 4. National Development
National development refers to the overall improvement of a nation’s standard of living.
It includes economic growth, social well-being, infrastructure, and justice.
✅ 5. Comparing Countries or States
Average income (also called Per Capita Income) is commonly used to compare countries.
Per Capita Income = Total income of the country ÷ Total population
✅ 6. World Bank Classification (based on PCI)
Countries are classified into:
High-income: PCI above $13,845
Middle-income
Low-income: PCI $1,135 or less
(Figures can vary slightly each year.)
✅ 7. Limitations of Per Capita Income
It does not show income distribution or inequality.
It ignores quality of life, healthcare, and education.
✅ 8. Human Development Index (HDI)
A better measure of development introduced by the UNDP.
HDI is based on:
Life expectancy at birth
Mean years of schooling
Gross National Income per capita
✅ 9. Sustainable Development
Development that meets present needs without harming future generations.
Focuses on environment protection, renewable resources, and long-term planning.
✅ 10. Examples of Development Issues
Groundwater depletion in Punjab due to over-irrigation.
Industrial pollution affecting local communities.
Uneven development across Indian states.
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