Development

Q1. Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Give examples.
Answer:

Averages help to summarize large amounts of data in a single number.

They allow us to compare different situations or groups.

We can quickly understand the general condition of a group (like average income).

They are easy to calculate and understand.

Limitations of Averages:

1. They do not show the distribution – a few rich people can raise the average.

2. They can be misleading if data has extreme values.

3. They ignore inequality – two people with different incomes can have the same average.

4. They hide individual variations – the actual condition of people is not visible.

5. For development, non-income factors like education, health, and security are also important,
which average income does not show.

Example: If 10 people have an average income of ₹50,000 but 2 earn ₹2 lakhs and the rest earn
only ₹20,000, the average hides the poverty of 8 people.

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Q2. "Money cannot buy all the goods and services that one needs to live well." Explain.
Answer:

Money can buy basic things like food, clothes, and shelter.
But it cannot buy clean air, peace, or pollution-free surroundings.

Respect and freedom in society cannot be bought with money.

Friendship and happiness also cannot be purchased.

In areas with poor public facilities, even rich people can suffer (like lack of water or safety).

So, a good life needs more than just money – it needs a healthy environment, equality, and
emotional well-being.

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Q3. Why do different individuals have different and at times conflicting goals for development?
Answer:

People have different needs depending on their situation.

A businessman may want better roads; a farmer may want irrigation.

Some people want more income, while others want safety and freedom.

Development goals depend on personal experiences and background.

Sometimes goals clash – building a mall may benefit city people but remove homes of the poor.

Hence, development is not the same for everyone.

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Q4. “The Earth has enough for everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s greed.” Explain the
importance of sustainability.
Answer:

The Earth gives us limited natural resources like water, land, and forests.

If we overuse or waste them, they will finish.

Sustainability means using resources wisely so future generations also benefit.

For example, cutting trees for industries must be matched with planting more.

Development that harms the environment is not real progress.

So, we must focus on long-term benefits, not just short-term gain.

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Q5. For development, people look at a mix of goals. Support the statement with three examples.
Answer:

Income is important, but not the only goal for people.

People want job security, not just high salary.

A woman may want equal treatment and respect, not just work.

Good health care, education, and safe surroundings are also needed.

For example, a factory worker may want safe working conditions, not just higher wages.

Hence, development means a mix of income and quality of life factors.

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Q6. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank for classifying different countries?
Describe its limitations.
Answer:

The World Bank uses per capita income to classify countries.

Countries with high per capita income are considered developed.

Limitations:

1. It ignores income inequality within the country.

3. A country can have high income but poor public facilities.

4. It does not reflect the actual standard of living.

5. It overlooks non-material aspects like respect, equality, and safety.

So, a country may be rich but not truly developed.

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Q7. Suggest any three ways to improve public facilities.

1. The government should spend more on building hospitals, schools, and roads.

2. Proper maintenance and regular checks should be done for quality.

3. Encourage citizen participation in reporting issues and suggesting improvements.

4. Use technology to manage services better (like water supply apps).

5. Build public-private partnerships for efficient and modern facilities.

Improved facilities lead to better living standards for all.

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Q8. Why does Kerala have a better Human Development ranking than Punjab in spite of lower
per capita income?
Answer:

Kerala has better health services and hospitals.

It has the highest literacy rate in India.

Life expectancy is higher due to good health care.

Public education and women’s empowerment are strong.

People live a better quality life even with less money.

Punjab has more income, but Kerala focuses on overall human well-being.

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Q9. Give examples to prove that there are other important developmental goals other than
income.
Answer:

1. Freedom and security are needed for a happy life.

2. Good education improves future opportunities.

3. Healthy environment (clean air, water) is crucial for life.

4. Equal treatment and respect are important for dignity.

5. Job security and safe workplace matter more than just high pay.

So, income alone cannot decide development.

Q10. What is National Development? What are the aspects covered under National
Development?
Answer:

National Development means growth and progress of a country in all areas.

It is not just about money but also about the quality of life of people.

Aspects include:

1. Economic growth – industry, agriculture, jobs.

2. Social development – education, health, equality.

3. Environmental protection – clean air, green spaces.

4. Infrastructure development – roads, electricity, internet.

5. Political and cultural growth – freedom, justice, values.

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Q11. What is HDI? Explain its indicators.

HDI stands for Human Development Index.

It is used by UNDP to measure how developed a country is.

It focuses on people’s well-being, not just income.

Three indicators are:

2. Education: Average years of schooling and literacy rate.

3. Income: Per capita income (using PPP – Purchasing Power Parity).

A country with high HDI gives its people a better quality of life.