Class 10 Social Science: Key Questions
& Answers
1. What is Resource Planning? What are the steps of Resource Planning?
Resource Planning is the judicious use of resources for sustainable development.
Steps of Resource Planning:
1. Identification and Inventory of resources – using maps, surveys, data.
2. Planning a Structure – matching resource development with national goals.
3. Implementation – using appropriate technology and institutional support.
2. Unification of Germany and Italy
Germany:
- Otto von Bismarck used policy of ‘blood and iron’.
- Fought wars with Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870).
- 1871 – Germany was unified under Prussian King Kaiser William I.
Italy:
- Led by Giuseppe Mazzini, Cavour, and Garibaldi.
- Sardinia-Piedmont led the movement under Cavour.
- Garibaldi captured Southern Italy and handed it to King Victor Emmanuel II.
- 1861 – Italy became a unified nation.
3. Difference between ‘Coming Together’ and ‘Holding Together’ Federations
Coming Together:
- Independent states come together.
- Example: USA
- Aim: More security and strength.
- States are equally powerful.
Holding Together:
- One large country divides power.
- Example: India
- Aim: Accommodate diversity.
- Central government is more powerful.
4. What is Romanticism?
Romanticism was a cultural movement in art, poetry, and literature.
- Focused on emotions, imagination, and nature.
- Opposed industrialization and reason-based thinking.
- Promoted national feelings and folk culture like songs, dance, and myths.
5. Why is Power Sharing Important? How is Power Shared in India?
Importance:
- Reduces conflicts among social groups.
- Maintains unity in diversity.
- Promotes democracy.
Power is shared in India in 4 ways:
1. Among organs of government – Legislative, Executive, Judiciary.
2. Among governments – Central and State (Federalism).
3. Among social groups – SCs/STs/OBCs and minorities.
4. Among political parties and pressure groups.
6. What did Sinhala People do to Establish Supremacy in Sri Lanka?
- Passed Sinhala Only Act (1956) – made Sinhala official language.
- Denied citizenship to Tamil migrants.
- Gave Buddhism special status.
- Ignored Tamil culture, language, and rights.
7. Hunger and Hardship Revolts (1830s Europe)
- Widespread unemployment, bad harvests, and rising food prices.
- Peasants and workers revolted for better conditions.
- 1848 – middle class demanded constitutional rights and nation-states.
- Led to growth of nationalism and political change in Europe.
8. How do we see Federalism in India?
- India has three levels of government: Union, State, and Local.
- Power divided by Constitution – Union List, State List, Concurrent List.
- Independent Judiciary ensures fairness.
- Financial distribution via Finance Commission.
- Language policy and special provisions for diverse states.
9. BMI, HDI, Income & Other Development Criteria
- BMI – Body Mass Index, measures nutritional level.
- Income – Measures average earnings (Per Capita Income).
- HDI – Human Development Index includes:
1. Income
2. Literacy/education
3. Life expectancy/health
- Non-income criteria like education, health, and public services also matter.
10. What are the Factors of Land Degradation?
- Deforestation
- Overgrazing by cattle
- Over-irrigation (causes salinity)
- Mining activities
- Industrial waste and improper disposal of urban waste.
11. How Development in One Area Can Be Destructive for Others?
- Overuse of groundwater for farming = water scarcity elsewhere.
- Industrial development = pollution of rivers and air.
- Dams = flooding and displacement of people.
- Use of chemicals = soil degradation and health issues.
12. Why is Income Considered Most Important for Comparing Countries?
- Income shows how much people can afford for basic needs.
- High income = better lifestyle, facilities.
- Used in Per Capita Income for global comparisons.
- But, alone it is not enough – health and education also matter.
13. Impact of Power Sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka
Belgium:
- Gave equal representation to both communities.
- Avoided civil war.
- Respected cultural diversity.
Sri Lanka:
- Favored Sinhala majority.
- Faced ethnic conflict and violence.
- Ignored Tamil rights.
14. Two Factors of Development Level of a Country
1. Per Capita Income – Higher income = better development.
2. Literacy Rate & Health Facilities – Show quality of life and human resource
development.
15. What is HDI? What Steps Can Be Taken for Sustainable Development?
HDI (Human Development Index) includes:
- Life expectancy
- Education level
- Per capita income
Steps for Sustainable Development:
- Use of renewable energy
- Rainwater harvesting
- Waste recycling
- Afforestation
- Promoting organic farming.
