Class 10 Notes

Class 10 Social Science Notes Chapter 7 (Life lines of national economy) – Contempory India Book

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Philoid

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Contempory India
Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 7, "Lifelines of National Economy," from your Contemporary India textbook. This chapter is crucial not just for your board exams but also forms a fundamental part of the syllabus for various government examinations. It deals with the infrastructure that connects our vast country and drives its economy – transport and communication. Think of these as the arteries and veins of India's economic body.

Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction: Importance of Transport and Communication

  • Need: Efficient means of transport and communication are prerequisites for fast development.
  • Function: They link production centres with consumption centres, facilitating the movement of goods, services, raw materials, and people.
  • Interdependence: Development of transport and communication enhances trade, connects regions, and fosters national unity. India is well-linked internally and externally despite its vast size, diversity (linguistic, socio-cultural).
  • Lifelines: Railways, Airways, Waterways, Newspapers, Radio, Television, Cinema, Internet, etc., contribute to socio-economic progress.

2. Means of Transport

Transport systems are broadly classified into Land, Water, and Air.

A. Land Transport

  • i. Roadways:

    • Significance: India has one of the largest road networks globally. Roads predate railways. Advantages include:
      • Lower construction cost compared to railways.
      • Can traverse more dissected and undulating topography.
      • Suitable for short distances.
      • Provides door-to-door service (lower loading/unloading cost).
      • Acts as a feeder to other modes (railway stations, airports, seaports).
    • Classification (based on capacity):
      • Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) Super Highways: Links Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai-Delhi by six-lane superhighways. Major objective: Reduce time and distance between mega cities. Implemented by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Includes North-South Corridor (Srinagar to Kanyakumari) and East-West Corridor (Silchar to Porbandar).
      • National Highways (NH): Link extreme parts of the country. Primary road system. Laid and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Example: NH-1 (Sher Shah Suri Marg) between Delhi and Amritsar. (Note: NH numbering system has been rationalized recently).
      • State Highways (SH): Link state capital with different district headquarters. Constructed and maintained by State Public Works Department (SPWD).
      • District Roads: Connect district headquarters with other places of the district. Maintained by the Zila Parishad.
      • Other Roads (Rural Roads): Link rural areas and villages with towns. Received impetus under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) – aims to link every village with a major town by an all-season motorable road.
      • Border Roads: Constructed and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) (established in 1960). Develops roads of strategic importance in northern and north-eastern border areas. Improves accessibility in difficult terrains, aids economic development of border areas.
    • Road Density: Length of road per 100 sq. km of area. Varies widely - highest in Kerala, lowest in Jammu & Kashmir (pre-UT status data). National average was 142.68 km in 2011 (refer to updated data if available).
    • Challenges: Road network is inadequate considering traffic volume; about half the roads are unmetalled; National Highways are often congested, poorly maintained in parts; bridges and culverts are old/narrow.

  • ii. Railways:

    • Significance: Principal mode for freight and passengers for long distances in India. Binds economic life, accelerates development of industry and agriculture. Indian Railways is the largest public sector undertaking. First train: Mumbai to Thane (1853).
    • Distribution Factors: Network distribution is influenced by:
      • Physiographic factors: Northern plains (level land, high population density, rich agriculture) favour railway development. Hilly terrains, deserts, swampy areas are difficult and costly.
      • Economic factors: Areas with high industrial/agricultural activity and urbanization have denser networks.
      • Administrative factors: Political stability and favourable government policies encourage development.
    • Gauge Types: Broad Gauge, Metre Gauge, Narrow Gauge. Efforts are ongoing for gauge conversion primarily to Broad Gauge for uniformity.
    • Railway Zones: Indian Railways network is divided into multiple zones (currently 18 zones, verify latest number if needed for specific exams).
    • Challenges: Ticketless travel, theft/damage of railway property, unnecessary chain pulling causing delays, track maintenance, safety (accidents), electrification progress, gauge conversion completion, financial constraints.

  • iii. Pipelines:

    • Significance: Used for transporting crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas from oil/gas fields to refineries, fertilizer factories, thermal power plants. Solids can also be transported when converted into slurry.
    • Advantages: Initial cost is high, but subsequent running costs are minimal. Reduces trans-shipment losses and delays. Rules out surface traffic congestion.
    • Key Networks:
      • Upper Assam to Kanpur (via Guwahati, Barauni, Allahabad). Branches to Haldia, Rajbandh, Maurigram, Guwahati to Siliguri.
      • Salaya (Gujarat) to Jalandhar (Punjab) (via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi, Sonipat). Branches connect Koyali, Chakshu, etc.
      • Hazira (Gujarat) to Jagdishpur (UP) gas pipeline (via Vijaipur, MP). Branches to Kota (Rajasthan), Shahjahanpur, Babrala (UP) and other places. Often called the HVJ pipeline.

B. Water Transport

  • Significance: Oldest and cheapest means of transport. Suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. Fuel-efficient and environment-friendly.
  • Types:
    • i. Inland Waterways:
      • India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways (only a fraction is currently used by mechanized vessels).
      • Declared National Waterways (NW):
        • NW-1: Allahabad-Haldia on Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (1620 km).
        • NW-2: Sadiya-Dhubri on Brahmaputra river system (891 km).
        • NW-3: West Coast Canal in Kerala (Kottapuram-Kollam, Udyogamandal & Champakara canals) (205 km).
        • NW-4: Specified stretches of Godavari and Krishna rivers along with Kakinada-Puducherry canal system (1078 km).
        • NW-5: Specified stretches of Brahmani and Mahanadi delta rivers along with East Coast Canal (588 km).
        • (Note: More waterways have been declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016, but these 5 are prominent from the NCERT perspective).
    • ii. Overseas Waterways (Sea Routes):
      • India has a long coastline (approx 7,516.6 km).
      • Major Sea Ports: India has 12 major ports and numerous minor/intermediate ports. Major ports handle ~95% of India's foreign trade (by volume).
        • West Coast:
          • Kandla (Deendayal Port): Kutchh, Gujarat. Tidal port. Developed after independence to ease volume on Mumbai port (loss of Karachi port). Handles exports/imports for North/North-West India. First SEZ port.
          • Mumbai: Biggest port, natural well-sheltered harbour.
          • Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT): Navi Mumbai. Developed to decongest Mumbai port. Hub port.
          • Marmagao: Goa. Premier iron ore exporting port (~50% of India's iron ore export). Natural harbour.
          • New Mangalore: Karnataka. Exports iron ore concentrates from Kudremukh mines.
          • Kochi: Kerala. Located at entrance of a lagoon, natural harbour.
        • East Coast:
          • Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port): Tamil Nadu. Natural harbour, rich hinterland. Trades with Sri Lanka, Maldives etc.
          • Chennai: Oldest artificial port. Ranks next to Mumbai in trade volume.
          • Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh. Deepest landlocked and well-protected port. Initially conceived for iron ore exports.
          • Paradip: Odisha. Specializes in iron ore export. Deep water, natural harbour.
          • Kolkata: Inland riverine port on Hooghly river. Requires constant dredging. Serves large hinterland of Ganga-Brahmaputra basin. Tidal port.
          • Haldia: Developed downstream from Kolkata as a subsidiary port to relieve pressure on Kolkata.

C. Air Transport

  • Significance: Fastest, most comfortable, prestigious mode. Can cover difficult terrains (high mountains, deserts, forests, long oceanic stretches) easily. Crucial during natural calamities for rescue and relief. Vital for defence.
  • Nationalization: Air transport was nationalized in 1953.
  • Key Players:
    • Air India: Provides international air services. (Now privatized again).
    • Indian Airlines (merged with Air India): Handled domestic operations.
    • Private Airlines: Many private scheduled and non-scheduled operators exist.
    • Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd.: Provides helicopter services, especially to inaccessible areas and offshore locations (like ONGC operations).
  • Reach: Air travel is still not accessible to the common man due to high costs. Special provisions for North-Eastern states to improve connectivity (lower airfare).
  • Airports: Managed primarily by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Key international airports include Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (CSMIA), Chennai, Kolkata (NSC Bose), Bengaluru (Kempegowda), Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi), etc.

3. Communication

  • Significance: Essential for information exchange, trade, governance, entertainment, awareness. Long-distance communication is easier today without physical movement.
  • Types:
    • i. Personal Communication: Between individuals.
      • Indian Postal Network: Largest in the world. Handles parcels, personal written communication. Cards & envelopes (first-class mail, airlifted), Book packets, newspapers, periodicals (second-class mail, surface mail). Six mail channels introduced for quick delivery (Rajdhani Channel, Metro Channel, Green Channel, Business Channel, Bulk Mail Channel, Periodical Channel).
      • Telecom: India has one of the largest telecom networks in Asia. Mobile phones have revolutionized connectivity. STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling) facilities available across India. Growing mobile density, declining landline use. PCOs (Public Call Offices) helped rural connectivity.
    • ii. Mass Communication: Communication with large audiences simultaneously.
      • Function: Provides entertainment, creates awareness (programmes, policies), disseminates information.
      • Mediums:
        • Radio: All India Radio (AIR - Akashvani). Broadcasts in national, regional, local languages for various categories of people.
        • Television: Doordarshan (DD) - national broadcaster. Largest terrestrial networks. Many private channels also operate.
        • Newspapers: Published in about 100 languages/dialects. Largest circulation in Hindi, followed by English and Urdu. Print media.
        • Films: India is the largest producer of feature films globally. Also produces short films, video features, documentaries. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certifies films.
      • Information Technology (IT) & Internet: Growing importance in all spheres. Digital India program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

4. International Trade

  • Definition: Exchange of goods among people, states, and countries.
  • Role of Transport/Communication: Essential for trade. Trade depends on efficient transport (ports, roads, railways, airways) and communication.
  • Market: The place where exchange takes place.
  • Trade & Economy: Advancement of international trade indicates economic prosperity. It's the 'economic barometer' for a country. Resources are space-bound, necessitating trade.
  • Components: Export (selling goods abroad) and Import (buying goods from abroad).
  • Balance of Trade: Difference between a country's exports and imports.
    • Favourable Balance: Value of Exports > Value of Imports.
    • Unfavourable Balance: Value of Imports > Value of Exports.
  • India's Foreign Trade: Primarily carried through sea and air routes. Major commodities exported include gems & jewellery, chemicals, agriculture & allied products, engineering goods, petroleum products. Major imports include petroleum crude & products, electronic goods, machinery, coal, gold & silver, chemicals.
  • Information Technology (IT) Sector: India has emerged as a major software giant, earning large foreign exchange through IT service exports.

5. Tourism as a Trade

  • Growth: Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last few decades.
  • Significance:
    • Earns significant foreign exchange.
    • Supports millions directly/indirectly in the tourism industry & related services (hospitality, transport, retail, handicrafts).
    • Promotes national integration (people travel across regions).
    • Provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.
    • Helps develop international understanding about our culture and heritage.
  • Types: Foreign tourism, Domestic tourism. Includes heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism, business tourism.
  • Potential: Vast potential for tourism development across India due to diverse landscapes, rich history, culture, and medical facilities. Efforts needed to harness this potential sustainably.

Conclusion:

Transport, communication, and trade are inextricably linked and vital for the economic development and integration of a nation like India. Continuous development and modernization of these 'lifelines' are essential for future progress and prosperity.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Which organization is primarily responsible for the construction and maintenance of National Highways in India?
    (a) Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
    (b) State Public Works Department (SPWD)
    (c) National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
    (d) Zila Parishad

  2. The first railway line in India was operationalized in 1853 between which two stations?
    (a) Delhi and Meerut
    (b) Mumbai and Thane
    (c) Howrah and Hooghly
    (d) Chennai and Arakkonam

  3. Which of the following is an example of an inland riverine port?
    (a) Kandla
    (b) Mumbai
    (c) Kolkata
    (d) Visakhapatnam

  4. The Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline is primarily known for transporting:
    (a) Crude Oil
    (b) Natural Gas
    (c) Iron Ore Slurry
    (d) Water

  5. Which mode of transport is most suitable for reaching inaccessible areas like high mountains or during natural calamities for relief operations?
    (a) Roadways
    (b) Railways
    (c) Waterways
    (d) Airways

  6. National Waterway No. 1 (NW-1) connects which two places on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system?
    (a) Sadiya and Dhubri
    (b) Kottapuram and Kollam
    (c) Allahabad and Haldia
    (d) Kakinada and Puducherry

  7. Which of the following is considered 'Second-Class Mail' by the Indian Postal Department?
    (a) Cards and Envelopes
    (b) Book packets and Newspapers
    (c) Parcels sent via Rajdhani Channel
    (d) Business Mail

  8. A situation where the value of a country's imports exceeds the value of its exports is known as:
    (a) Favourable Balance of Trade
    (b) Trade Surplus
    (c) Unfavourable Balance of Trade
    (d) Balanced Trade

  9. Which port on the west coast was developed soon after independence to ease the volume of trade on the Mumbai port?
    (a) Marmagao
    (b) New Mangalore
    (c) Kandla (Deendayal Port)
    (d) Kochi

  10. Which organization is specifically tasked with developing roads of strategic importance in India's border areas?
    (a) Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
    (b) National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
    (c) State Public Works Department (SPWD)
    (d) Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

Answer Key for MCQs:

  1. (c)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (b)
  5. (d)
  6. (c)
  7. (b)
  8. (c)
  9. (c)
  10. (d)

Remember to correlate these notes with the maps provided in your textbook, especially for locating ports, highways, and railway zones. Keep revising these facts as they are frequently asked in competitive exams. Good luck with your preparation!

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