The study of geography involves knowledge of places, understanding of the maps and environment throughout the world. It again involves a link between nature and the social sciences which are the human behavior. Students can encounter the size of population, physical features of India, natural vegetation and wildlife and everything one should be familiar with climate. You will learn to value the planet in which we live in and its people. CoolGyan makes these concepts easy to understand and fun to study.
Geography Revision Notes for Class 10

Ans:  Merits of roadways: 

• The Construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.
• Roads can go through dissected and undulating land areas and through steep mountains
• They are economical as loading costs are low and door-to-door service can be availed of. Road transport is most suited for transporting delicate goods like chinaware and glassware, which are likely to be damaged in the process of loading and unloading.

(ii) Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?
Answer: In the northern plains, rail transport is the most convenient means of transportation. This is because this region has vast level lands that are good for laying tracks, huge population and high agricultural productivity, making rail transport a profitable venture.It is used for both long distances as well as short distances.

(iii) What is the significance of the border roads?
Answer: Border roads are strategically important as they improve access to areas like the northern and north-eastern border areas which have a difficult terrain. Border roads are constructed and maintained by Border Roads Organization (BRO). The Government of India uundertakes, constructs and maintains roads in the bordering areas of the country. It improves the security because the army and arms can be mobilized easily through these roads.

(iv) What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?
Answer: Trade is the movement of goods and services between regions for economic gain. Trade between two or more countries is termed international trade. It may take place through sea, air or land routes. Trade occurring in a region within the same country is called local trade. Local trade is carried in cities, towns and villages.

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Question 3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Why are the means of transportation and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?
Answer: The means of transportation and communication are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy due to the reasons given below: 

• The means of transportation and communication help in the production and movement of goods and services.
• Transport helps in the development of communication. Various means of communication help us in interacting with others in all the parts of the world. It has brought the world closer.
• Transport like railways helps us in conducting various activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimage and transportation of goods over longer distances.
• Pipelines are used for transporting crude oil and natural gas to refineries and factories.
• Water provides the cheapest means of transport and is useful for international trade.
• Air transport provides the fastest, most comfortable mode of transport.

Thus, it is clear that there are many advantages of transportation and communication. These means help in the development of the country. So they are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy.

(ii) Write a note on the changing nature of international trade in the last fifteen years.
Answer: The changing nature of the international trade for India, in the last fifteen years, has been impressive. Exchange of information and knowledge has surpassed the exchange of goods and commodities. Through its advanced software knowledge and excellence in the field of information technology, India has emerged as a viable contender at the international level and is earning huge amounts of foreign exchange through the same. Tourism too has added to India’s upgraded position in international trade. In 2004, there was a 23.5% increase in foreign tourist arrivals as against the number in 2003. Thus, international trade for India has undergone a cognisable change in the past fifteen years.

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QUIZ DRIVE

1. Northern terminal of the North-South corridor.
(i) Srinagar

2. The name of National Highway No.2.
(ii) Grand Trunk Road

3. The headquarter of the southern railway zone.
(iii) Chennai

4. The rail gauge with a track width of 1.676 m.
(iv) Broad gauge

5. The southern terminal of the National Highway No.7.
(v) Kanyakumari

6. A Riverine Port.
(vi) Kolkata Port Trust

7. Busiest railway junction in Northern India.
(vii) Mughalsarai