Question 1

Q1: Why are regional and economic groupings formed?

Accepted Answer

Regional and economic groupings are formed by nations to achieve several strategic objectives in a globalised world. Based on the chapter, the primary reasons are:    To Strengthen Domestic Economies: The main goal is to adopt various means that will strengthen their own domestic economies.    To En...

Question 2

Q10: Mention the various indicators of human development.

Accepted Answer

The chapter discusses several indicators used to measure human development, comparing the performance of India, China, and Pakistan. The key indicators mentioned are:    Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index that measures overall achievement in key dimensions of human development. It incl...

Question 3

Q11: Define the liberty indicator. Give some examples of liberty indicators.

Accepted Answer

Definition: A liberty indicator is a measure used to assess the extent of civil and political freedoms and democratic rights available to the citizens of a country. The chapter suggests that standard human development indicators are important but not sufficient, and that liberty indicators are neede...

Question 4

Q12: Evaluate the various factors that led to the rapid growth in economic development in China.

Accepted Answer

The rapid economic growth in China can be attributed to a combination of foundational policies in the pre-reform period and a strategic, phased implementation of reforms from 1978 onwards. 1. Foundational Factors (Pre-1978): Even before the reforms, the Maoist rule had laid a crucial foundation that...

Question 5

Q13: Group the following features pertaining to the economies of India, China and Pakistan under three heads - One-child norm - Low fertility rate - High d...

Accepted Answer

Based on the information provided in the chapter, the features can be grouped under the three countries as follows: India    Mixed economy: India follows a mixed economy model.    Large population: India has the second-largest population among the three.    High density of population: India has the...

Question 6

Q14: Give reasons for the slow growth and re-emergence of poverty in Pakistan.

Accepted Answer

The chapter highlights several reasons cited by scholars for the slowdown of economic growth and the re-emergence of poverty in Pakistan, especially when compared to its performance in the 1980s. 1.  Volatile Agricultural Growth: Pakistan's agricultural growth and food supply situation were not base...

Question 7

Q15: Compare and contrast the development of India, China and Pakistan with respect to some salient human development indicators.

Accepted Answer

A comparison of India, China, and Pakistan on salient human development indicators (based on Table 8.5) shows that China is significantly ahead of both India and Pakistan, while India and Pakistan have varied performances. Overall Performance:    China: Leads in almost every indicator. Its Human Dev...

Question 8

Q16: Comment on the growth rate trends witnessed in China and India in the last two decades.

Accepted Answer

Based on the data presented in the chapter (Tables 8.2 and 8.4), the growth rate trends in China and India have shown a significant shift over the last few decades. China:    In the 1980s and 1990s, China experienced phenomenal economic growth, with its GDP growing at an average of 10.3% per annum....

Question 9

Q17: Fill in the blanks (a) First Five Year Plan of __________ commenced in the year 1956. (Pakistan/China) (b) Maternal mortality rate is high in ________...

Accepted Answer

(a) First Five Year Plan of Pakistan commenced in the year 1956. (b) Maternal mortality rate is high in Pakistan. (c) Proportion of people below poverty line is more in India. (Note: While Table 8.5 shows an identical figure of 21.9% for both, the text in Section 8.5 states, "China and Pakistan are...

Question 10

Q2: What are the various means by which countries are trying to strengthen their own domestic economies?

Accepted Answer

According to the chapter, countries are trying to strengthen their domestic economies through the following means: 1.  Forming Regional and Global Economic Groupings: Nations are creating alliances such as the SAARC, European Union, ASEAN, G-8, G-20, and BRICS. These groupings help them to collabora...

Question 11

Q3: What similar developmental strategies have India and Pakistan followed for their respective developmental paths?

Accepted Answer

India and Pakistan have followed several similar developmental strategies since their independence. The key similarities mentioned in the chapter are:    Five Year Plans: Both countries adopted a planned development model. India announced its first Five Year Plan for 1951-56, and Pakistan announced...

Question 12

Q4: Explain the Great Leap Forward campaign of China as initiated in 1958.

Accepted Answer

The Great Leap Forward (GLF) was a campaign initiated in China in 1958 under the leadership of Mao Zedong. Its primary objective was to industrialise the country on a massive scale and transform it from an agrarian economy into a modern industrial society rapidly. Key features of the GLF campaign we...

Question 13

Q5: China's rapid industrial growth can be traced back to its reforms in 1978. Do you agree? Elucidate.

Accepted Answer

Yes, I agree with the statement. The chapter clearly states that "The present day fast industrial growth in China can be traced back to the reforms introduced in 1978." These reforms were introduced because the new leadership was unhappy with the slow pace of growth under the Maoist rule. The reform...

Question 14

Q6: Describe the path of developmental initiatives taken by Pakistan for its economic development.

Accepted Answer

The developmental path of Pakistan has seen several policy shifts since its independence, often mirroring India's strategies in the initial years. 1.  Early Phase (1950s-1960s): Pakistan adopted a mixed economy model and a regulated policy framework. The focus was on import substitution-based indust...

Question 15

Q7: What is the important implication of the 'one child norm' in China?

Accepted Answer

The 'one-child norm', introduced in China in the late 1970s, had several significant implications for its society and demography:    Low Population Growth: The most direct and intended implication was a drastic reduction in the population growth rate. The chapter notes this policy as the major reaso...

Question 16

Q8: Mention the salient demographic indicators of China, Pakistan and India.

Accepted Answer

Based on the data and analysis in the chapter (Table 8.1 for the year 2022), the salient demographic indicators for the three countries are as follows:    Population Size: China (1417 million) and India (1412 million) are the world's most populous countries. Pakistan's population (236 million) is si...

Question 17

Q9: Compare and contrast India and China's sectoral contribution towards GVA/GDP. What does it indicate?

Accepted Answer

The comparison of sectoral contributions to GVA (Gross Value Added) and workforce distribution for India and China reveals significant differences in their economic structures, as per the 2021 data in the textbook. Comparison of Sectoral Contribution (2021): | Sector      | Contribution to GVA (%) |...

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