Lifelines of National Economy Class 10 Notes | RBSE Geography Chapter 7

Subject: Geography (Contemporary India - II) | Chapter: 7 - Lifelines of National Economy | Board: RBSE/CBSE

Introduction

Transport, communication, and trade are the lifelines of a nation. They connect production centers with markets, facilitate movement of goods and people, and integrate the economy.

Roadways

India has one of the largest road networks in the world - over 63 lakh km.

Classification of Roads

Important Expressways

Railways

Indian Railways is Asia's 2nd largest and world's 4th largest railway network.

Types of Railway Gauges

Importance of Railways

• Largest employer (16+ lakh employees)
• Carries bulk goods at low cost
• Connects distant places
• Promotes national integration
• Helps in tourism development

Pipelines

Used for transporting liquids and gases over long distances.

What is Transported

• Crude oil and petroleum products
• Natural gas
• Water (in some cases)

Major Pipelines

Advantages of Pipelines

• Continuous flow possible
• Low running cost
• No transshipment losses
• Environment-friendly

Waterways

Cheapest mode of transport for bulky goods.

Types

• Inland Waterways: Rivers, canals, backwaters
• Oceanic Routes: Sea transport between ports

National Waterways

Major Ports

Airways

Fastest but most expensive mode of transport.

Major International Airports

• Delhi: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)
• Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSI)
• Chennai: Chennai International Airport
• Kolkata: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
• Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport
• Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

Importance of Airways

• Essential for remote areas (NE India, islands, hilly areas)
• Fastest for long distances
• Important for business, tourism, emergency services

Communication

Types

Key Facts

• India Post: Largest postal network in the world
• First Satellite: Aryabhata (1975)
• INSAT: Indian National Satellite System (for communication)
• Doordarshan: National television broadcaster
• All India Radio: National radio broadcaster

International Trade

Definition: Exchange of goods, services, and capital across international boundaries.

Types

• Import: Goods coming into the country
• Export: Goods going out of the country
• Balance of Trade: Difference between exports and imports

India's Major Exports

• Gems and Jewellery
• Petroleum products
• IT services and Software
• Textiles and Garments
• Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
• Agricultural products (rice, spices, tea)

India's Major Imports

• Crude Petroleum (largest import)
• Gold and Silver
• Electronic goods
• Machinery
• Fertilizers
• Edible oils

Major Trading Partners

USA, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Germany, Japan

MCQs for Practice

1. Golden Quadrilateral connects:

a) 4 metropolitan cities b) 4 state capitals c) 4 ports d) 4 industrial cities

Answer: a) 4 metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata)

2. First train in India ran between:

a) Delhi-Agra b) Mumbai-Thane c) Kolkata-Delhi d) Chennai-Bengaluru

Answer: b) Mumbai-Thane (1853)

3. HBJ Pipeline carries:

a) Crude oil b) Natural gas c) Water d) Petroleum products

Answer: b) Natural gas

4. Which is the longest National Waterway?

a) NW-1 b) NW-2 c) NW-3 d) NW-4

Answer: a) NW-1 (Ganga: Prayagraj to Haldia, 1620 km)

5. Which port is called the "Gateway of India"?

a) Kolkata b) Chennai c) Mumbai d) Kandla

Answer: c) Mumbai

6. Border roads are maintained by:

a) NHAI b) State PWD c) BRO d) Panchayat

Answer: c) BRO (Border Roads Organisation)

7. India's largest import is:

a) Gold b) Crude Petroleum c) Machinery d) Electronics

Answer: b) Crude Petroleum

8. Which is the oldest port in India?

a) Mumbai b) Chennai c) Kolkata d) Visakhapatnam

Answer: b) Chennai

9. Narrow gauge is used in:

a) Plain areas b) Hilly areas c) Coastal areas d) Desert areas

Answer: b) Hilly areas (Darjeeling, Shimla)

10. Paradip port is located in:

a) West Bengal b) Odisha c) AP d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: b) Odisha

Important Questions

Short Answer (2-3 Marks)

1. What is Golden Quadrilateral? Which cities does it connect?
2. Name the three National Waterways of India.
3. What are the advantages of pipeline transport?
4. Distinguish between import and export.
5. What is the importance of airways?

Long Answer (5 Marks)

1. Describe the different types of roads in India.
2. Explain the importance of railways in India.
3. Describe the major ports of India (East and West Coast).
4. What is international trade? Describe India's major exports and imports.

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