Question 1

Question 56Give a reason for each of the following.(a) Electronic industries are crucial for India's economic development.(b) Mini-steel plants do not have location preferences.(c) Bengaluru has many IT industries.

Accepted Answer

(a) Electronic industries are crucial for India's economic development because they help modernize communication, education, and other sectors like space and software technology. They produce essential goods such as computers, mobile phones, and televisions, which are in high demand globally. The industry also generates employment by requiring a large number of skilled workers.(b) Since Mini-steel plants use scrap iron from integrated steel plants and electric furnaces, they need not be located near the source of raw material.(c) Bengaluru has many IT industries mainly due to presence of skilled workforce, favourable climate and infrastructure. The city has numerous engineering and technical institutions that supply skilled professionals.

Question 2

Question 57Rajesh is a class X student, working on a project for school. He has a section on byproducts and includes a write-up on shoe polish.(a) Which industry is he writing about?(b) Name any two by-products of the industry that he is writing about.

Accepted Answer

(a) Rajesh is writing about the Sugar Industry. Press mud, a by-product of Sugar Industry is utilised for making shoe polish.(b) Two by-products of Sugar industry are:Press mudMolasses

Question 3

Question 58India has a long coastline of 5,560 kms., having access to the sea on three sides with 11 major and 168 minor/intermediate ports. India lies in geographical proximity to important shipping routes, which gives a natural advantage to the country's shipping.Source- Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.(a) Name the means of transport developed due to the above-mentioned geographical feature of India.(b) State any two advantages of the means of transport you mentioned.

Accepted Answer

(a) The means of transport developed due to the above-mentioned geographical feature of India is Water Transport.(b) Two advantages of Water Transport are as follows:Water Transport is most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky material.It is a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport.

Question 4

Question 59Study the given map and answer the questions that follow.(a) Name the highway project shown on the given map.(b) State any two economic benefits of this project.

Accepted Answer

(a) The highway project shown on the given map is Golden Quadrilateral.(b) Two economic benefits of Golden Quadrilateral project are as follows:This highway interconnects many major cities and ports.It provides an impetus to truck transport throughout India.

Question 5

Question 60Study the picture given below and answer the following questions:(a) State whether the above station experiences a maritime or a continental climate. Give a reason for your answer.(b) Name the winds which bring rainfall to the station.(c) Name a probable station experiencing such climatic conditions.

Accepted Answer

(a) The given station experiences Maritime climate. This is because the temperature remains moderate throughout the year with not much variation between summers and winters.(b) The South-West Monsoon Winds bring rainfall to the station.(c) A probable station that experiences such climatic conditions is Kochi.

Question 6

Question 61Although landfills are the cheapest waste management strategy, they are often touted as harmful to the environment.Name any three ways by which landfills cause harm to our environment.

Accepted Answer

Three ways by which landfills cause harm to our environment are:Soil and Water Pollution — Most of the waste ending at a landfill site contains toxins. These toxins over a while seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater in the form of leachate and contaminate soil.Health Hazards and Disease Spread — They are potential breeding grounds for bacteria, mosquitoes, rats and other scavengers spreading diseases.Harm to Biodiversity — Landfills can destroy natural habitats and threaten local flora and fauna, reducing biodiversity in the area.

Question 7

Question 62Below are the two pictures of an efficient waste reduction and waste management system.(a) Note the pictures carefully to mention the difference between the two.(b) What additional advantages does the waste management seen in the picture on the left have over the waste management seen in the picture to the right?

Accepted Answer

(a) The picture on the left shows Traditional Composting, where biodegradable waste is decomposed naturally in an open bin.The picture on the right shows Vermicomposting, which involves the use of earthworms to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.(b) Advantages of Traditional Composting over Vermicomposting are as follows:Simpler and low-maintenance — Traditional Composting requires less care and can be done with basic tools, making it suitable for beginners.Handles larger quantities — It can manage a wider variety and greater volume of organic waste without needing specific conditions for worms to survive.Ability to process tougher organic waste — It can handle tougher yard waste and certain food scraps that worms might not be able to digest.

Question 8

Question 63In many parts of the world, man has disturbed the ecological balance. The factors responsible are deprivation of natural habitat and discriminate killing and hunting of animals. Many birds and animals face the danger of extinction today. Many programs like social forestry and Van Mahotasava should be popularised at regional and community levels. This will increase awareness.(a) State the human activities responsible for the loss of forest.(b) How do Van Mahotsava and social forestry help restore ecological balance?

Accepted Answer

(a) Deforestation.(b) Van Mahotsava and Social forestry help restore ecological balance in the following ways:Van Mahotsava encourages mass tree planting, raising awareness about the importance of forests.Social forestry involves local communities in planting and maintaining trees, which helps conserve biodiversity and restore greenery, improving the environment and ecological stability.

Question 9

Question 64(a) Name the agent responsible for the erosion seen in the picture.(b) What may be done to restore the soil in such areas?

Accepted Answer

(a) The agent responsible for the erosion seen in the picture is run-off water.(b) Following steps can be taken to restore the soil in such areas:Contour ploughing and terracing can help reduce runoff.Planting grasses and trees to bind the soil.

Question 10

Question 65Answer the following:(a) Name two major eutrophication-causing nutrients.(b) Based on your answer, how do these nutrients cause eutrophication in water bodies?

Accepted Answer

(a) Nitrogen and Phosphorus.(b) Eutrophication occurs when too many nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorous, are introduced into water bodies. These nutrients cause excessive algae growth. This can lead to low oxygen levels in the water and block sunlight needed for plants to grow. When plants and algae die, they decay, thus causing water pollution. Hence, the entire aquatic ecosystem gets adversely affected.

Question 11

Question 66When mixed in water, DDT accumulates in the cells of various aquatic organisms. Small fish consume zooplanktons that have DDT in them. Larger fish that consume small fish also consume DDT, and its concentration moves up the food chain.(a) Based on the example given above, identify and name the process.(b) How do they adversely affect human health?

Accepted Answer

(a) The process being mentioned in the given example is called Biomagnification.(b) Humans are at the top of the food chain and can be exposed to DDT through contaminated seafood. Exposure to DDT can have various adverse effects on human health, including:Neurological issues — DDT can affect the nervous system, leading to neurological damage.Reproductive problems — Due to accumulation of toxic substances like DDT in body tissues, it can disrupt the endocrine system, impacting reproductive health in both men and women.Cancer — DDT exposure can lead to certain types of cancer.Immune system suppression — DDT can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Long Answer Questions