Identify six factors contributing to land degradation in India.
Degradation of land refers to the gradual but consistent loss of fertility.. This is emerging as a serious concern in the context of environmental issues in India. The following are the factors that contribute to land degradation in India:
a. Soil Erosion: The removal of the upper layer of the soil caused by agents like strong winds or floods is termed as soil erosion. The top most layer of the soil carries major and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Consequently, the loss of this layer deteriorates the quality and productivity of land.
b. Alkalinity and Salinity of Soil: The salinity and alkalinity is caused by the problem of water logging. Water logged on the top layer of soil absorbs all the nutrients present in the soil, thereby, reducing its fertility.
c. Deforestation: The growing population along with their ever growing demand lead to large scale destruction of forest cover. The reduction of forest coverage leads to soil erosion that in turn causes climate change
d. Shifting Cultivation: The practice of shifting cultivation and subsistence farming carried by the small and the marginal farmers result in the replenishment of soil nutrients and, hence, its fertility.
e. Excessive use of Fertilisers: The excessive use of chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides lowers the quality and fertility of soil.
f. Desertification: The spread of deserts in arid and semi arid areas is referred to as desertification. It occurs due to overgrazing of the animals. This results in the reduction of lush green areas that in turn leads to replenishment of soil fertility.
Compare and contrast the development of India, China and Pakistan with respect to some salient human development indicators.
How is RBI controlling the commercial banks?
Explain the steps taken by the government in developing rural markets.
What are the functions of the environment?
Distinguish between the following
(i) Strategic and Minority sale
(ii) Bilateral and Multi-lateral trade
(iii) Tariff and Non-tariff barriers.
Why was the public sector given a leading role in industrial development during the planning period?
Match the following:
1. Prime Minister 3. Quota 4. Land Reforms 5. HYV Seeds 6. Subsidy |
A. Seeds that give large proportion of output C. Chairperson of the planning commission D. The money value of all the final goods and services produced within the economy in one year. E. Improvements in the field of agriculture to increase its productivity F. The monetary assistance given by government for production activities. |
Infrastructure contributes to the economic development of a country. Do you agree? Explain.
Find the odd man out (i) owner of a saloon (ii) a cobbler (iii) a cashier in Mother Dairy (iv) a tuition master (v) transport operator (vi) construction worker.
Highlight any two serious adverse environmental consequences of development in India. India’s environmental problems pose a dichotomy — they are poverty induced and, at the same time, due to affluence in living standards — is this true?
Explain the supply-demand reversal of environmental resources.
What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration?
How is human development a broader term as compared to human capital?
Explain the need and type of land reforms implemented in the agriculture sector.
What are the major factors responsible for the high growth of the service sector?
Why do we observe regional differences in educational attainment in India?
In your view, is it essential for the government to regulate the fee structure in education and health care institutions? If so, why?
What is a ‘global burden of disease’?
Describe the meaning of public health. Discuss the major public health measures undertaken by the state in recent years to control diseases.
What do you mean by transmission and distribution losses? How can they be reduced?