History Class 9 – Chapter 1 (French Revolution) and Chapter 2 (Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution) questions.
Now I’ll give you detailed, CBSE-style answers with complete explanation.
I’ll structure answers as per marking scheme (2 marks = short but accurate; 3 marks = 3 clear points; 5 marks = full explanation, 5 points).
📘 Chapter 1 – The French Revolution
2 Marks Questions
1. Who formed the Third Estate in France?
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The Third Estate was formed by common people: peasants, landless labourers, artisans, small farmers.
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It also included the middle class such as merchants, lawyers, teachers, and businessmen (bourgeoisie).
2. What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath (1789)?
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Members of the Third Estate, along with some nobles and clergy, swore not to separate until they had drafted a new Constitution for France.
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This marked the beginning of the French Revolution and challenged the absolute monarchy.
3. Name any two philosophers who inspired the French Revolution.
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Jean Jacques Rousseau – advocated popular sovereignty and democracy.
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Montesquieu – promoted separation of powers.
(Other acceptable: Voltaire, John Locke.)
3 Marks Questions
1. Mention three main features of the French Constitution of 1791.
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It limited the powers of the monarch.
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Powers were divided among legislature, executive, and judiciary (separation of powers).
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Only tax-paying men above 25 years (active citizens) had the right to vote.
2. Why did women participate actively in the French Revolution?
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Women suffered from economic hardship due to rising prices of bread.
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They demanded political rights (right to vote, hold office).
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They demanded equality in education and professions.
3. Explain any three privileges enjoyed by the clergy and nobility before 1789.
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Exemption from taxes – they did not pay taille (land tax).
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Collection of feudal dues from peasants.
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High positions in administration, army, and Church were reserved for them.
5 Marks Questions
1. Explain the causes of the French Revolution of 1789.
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Social Inequality: 1st Estate (clergy) & 2nd Estate (nobility) enjoyed privileges; 3rd Estate bore taxes.
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Economic Crisis: France faced financial bankruptcy due to wars and lavish court expenses.
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Burden of Taxes: Peasants had to pay heavy taxes and feudal dues.
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Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu spread ideas of liberty, equality, democracy.
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Inspiration from Abroad: The success of the American Revolution encouraged French people.
2. What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen? Why was it important?
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Adopted in August 1789 by the National Assembly.
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Main Provisions:
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All men are born free and equal in rights.
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Rights of liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression guaranteed.
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Freedom of speech, press, and religion.
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Sovereignty rests with people, not king.
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Importance: It became the basis of democracy, ended feudal privileges, and inspired human rights movements globally.
3. Explain the Reign of Terror under Robespierre and its effects on France.
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Period: 1793–1794 during rule of Jacobins under Maximilien Robespierre.
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Policies:
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Harsh laws against enemies of the revolution.
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Thousands executed by guillotine (including nobles & even revolutionaries).
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Prices of essential goods fixed; rationing of bread.
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Farmers forced to sell grain at fixed prices.
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Use of ‘Citizen’ and ‘Madame’ instead of Sir/Madam.
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Effects:
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Atmosphere of fear and suspicion.
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Robespierre became unpopular; executed in 1794.
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Jacobin government fell; power shifted to wealthier middle class.
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📘 Chapter 2 – Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
2 Marks Questions
1. Who were the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?
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Bolsheviks: Radical socialists led by Lenin, demanded immediate revolution.
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Mensheviks: Moderate socialists, wanted gradual change through parliamentary reforms.
2. What was the Duma in Russia?
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The Duma was the Russian Parliament, created after the 1905 Revolution.
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It was meant to limit the Tsar’s power but remained weak and often dismissed.
3. Who was the leader of the Bolshevik Party?
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Vladimir Lenin
3 Marks Questions
1. Explain three differences between liberals and radicals in 19th-century Europe.
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Liberals: Wanted constitutional monarchy; Radicals: Wanted full democracy/republic.
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Liberals: Supported private property rights; Radicals: Wanted redistribution of property.
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Liberals: Favoured limited voting rights (for property owners); Radicals: Wanted universal suffrage.
2. State three demands of the workers that led to the 1905 Revolution in Russia.
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Reduction in working hours (from 14 to 8 hours).
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Increase in wages.
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Improvement in working and living conditions.
3. Write any three immediate effects of the February Revolution (1917).
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Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne.
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Formation of a Provisional Government.
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Political prisoners released; parties and newspapers legalized.
5 Marks Questions
1. Describe the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905.
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Social:
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Nobility, clergy, and landlords enjoyed privileges.
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Peasants faced poverty and oppression.
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Workers had long hours and low wages.
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Economic:
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Limited industrial development, outdated farming.
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Famines and food shortages common.
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Heavy taxation on peasants.
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Political:
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Absolute monarchy under Tsar Nicholas II.
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No constitution or parliament (till 1905).
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Oppression of dissent, no freedom of speech/press.
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2. Explain the main events of the October Revolution (1917) and its outcomes.
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Events:
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Workers and soldiers revolted under Bolsheviks.
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On 24–25 October, Red Guards captured Winter Palace in Petrograd.
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Provisional Government overthrown.
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Outcomes:
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Russia became a socialist state.
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Land distributed to peasants.
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Industries and banks nationalized.
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Russia withdrew from World War I.
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First communist government established under Lenin.
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3. How did the Russian Revolution of 1917 affect the world? Give five points.
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Inspired socialist movements across the world.
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Led to the formation of the USSR.
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Encouraged workers’ rights and trade unions globally.
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Influenced freedom struggles in colonial countries like India, China, Vietnam.
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Created ideological division between capitalism and socialism, shaping 20th-century world politics.
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2 Marks = 2 points
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3 Marks = 3 points
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5 Marks = 5 points with explanation
🌍 Geography
Chapter 1 – India: Size and Location
2 Marks
1. What is the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India?
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Latitudinal extent: 8°4′N to 37°6′N.
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Longitudinal extent: 68°7′E to 97°25′E.
2. Name the countries that share land boundaries with India.
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Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar.
3. Why is the Indian Ocean named after India?
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India has the longest coastline in the Indian Ocean.
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Its central location gives it a commanding position over the ocean routes.
3 Marks
1. Advantages of India’s central location:
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Links East Asia with West Asia and Europe.
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Provides easy access to Africa, South-East Asia, and the Middle East.
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Facilitates trade and cultural exchanges.
2. Why are land routes more significant than maritime routes?
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Land routes existed since ancient times, connecting India with the world.
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Spread of religions, culture, science, and trade through land.
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Cheaper and shorter compared to long sea voyages.
3. Effects of India’s location:
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India became a centre of trade in the Indian Ocean.
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Its centrality allowed cultural exchange (Buddhism, art, architecture).
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Influenced strategic and political importance in Asia.
5 Marks
1. Importance of India’s central location:
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Acts as a bridge between East and West.
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Provides strategic access to Indian Ocean routes.
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Boosts trade with Africa, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
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Cultural contacts since ancient times.
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Modern geo-political importance.
2. India’s land routes and exchange of ideas:
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Ancient silk route connected India with Central Asia and Europe.
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Spread of Buddhism and Hinduism to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
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Trade in spices, textiles, precious stones.
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Arrival of Greek, Persian, and Arab ideas to India.
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Exchange of scientific knowledge, numerals, astronomy.
3. How India’s location helped in cultural & economic contacts:
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Its centrality encouraged sea and land trade.
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Cultural links with China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Europe.
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Spread of Indian art, architecture, and religion abroad.
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Economic prosperity through textiles, spices, handicrafts.
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Today, India is a strategic hub in Asia.
Chapter 2 – Physical Features of India
2 Marks
1. What are tectonic plates?
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Large pieces of the Earth’s crust that float over the molten mantle.
2. Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas.
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Himadri (Greater Himalaya), Himachal (Middle Himalaya), Shiwalik (Outer Himalaya).
3. Which two divisions form the Northern Plains?
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Bhabar and Terai (also Khadar and Bhangar are subdivisions).
3 Marks
1. Himalayan vs Peninsular rivers:
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Himalayan: Perennial; Peninsular: Seasonal.
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Himalayan: Long, meandering; Peninsular: Short, straight.
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Himalayan: Form deltas; Peninsular: Form estuaries.
2. Features of Peninsular Plateau:
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Oldest landmass, formed of igneous & metamorphic rocks.
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Rich in minerals.
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Uneven surface with hills & plateaus.
3. Significance of coastal plains:
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Provide ports and harbours for trade.
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Fertile soil → agriculture (rice, coconut, spices).
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Support fishing and tourism industries.
5 Marks
1. Major physiographic divisions of India:
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The Himalayas
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The Northern Plains
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The Peninsular Plateau
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The Indian Desert
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The Coastal Plains
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The Islands
2. Himalayas – divisions & importance:
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Himadri: Highest peaks, glaciers, perennial rivers.
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Himachal: Valleys, hill stations, fertile lands.
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Shiwalik: Foothills, forests, agriculture.
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Importance: Climate barrier, source of rivers, biodiversity, defence.
3. Northern Plains – formation, divisions, significance:
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Formation: Deposited by Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra rivers.
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Divisions: Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, Khadar.
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Significance: Fertile soil, food bowl of India, dense population, transport network.
4. Peninsular Plateau & Islands:
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Plateau: Deccan Plateau, Malwa Plateau, Chotanagpur Plateau.
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Rich in minerals & resources.
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Islands: Andaman–Nicobar (strategic, biodiversity), Lakshadweep (coral, tourism).
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Importance: Economy, culture, defence, tourism.
Chapter 3 – Drainage
2 Marks
1. Define drainage basin.
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The area drained by a river and its tributaries.
2. East & west flowing rivers:
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East-flowing: Godavari, Krishna.
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West-flowing: Narmada, Tapi.
3. Important lakes:
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Natural: Wular Lake.
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Artificial: Gobind Sagar.
3 Marks
1. Characteristics of Himalayan rivers:
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Perennial (fed by snow + rain).
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Large basins, meandering course.
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Ideal for irrigation and hydropower.
2. East vs West flowing rivers:
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East → Bay of Bengal; West → Arabian Sea.
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East → Form deltas; West → Form estuaries.
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East → Long; West → Short.
3. Importance of rivers for economy:
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Irrigation & agriculture.
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Hydropower & industry.
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Transport & drinking water.
5 Marks
1. Compare Himalayan & Peninsular rivers:
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Himalayan: Perennial, long, alluvial plains.
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Peninsular: Seasonal, short, rocky beds.
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Himalayan: Deltas; Peninsular: Estuaries.
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Himalayan: Meandering; Peninsular: Straight.
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Himalayan: Origin from glaciers; Peninsular: Origin from Western/Eastern Ghats.
2. Importance of lakes:
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Store water, regulate flow.
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Irrigation & drinking water.
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Hydropower generation.
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Tourism & recreation.
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Maintain ecological balance.
3. Significance of rivers (economy & culture):
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Irrigation for agriculture.
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Hydropower production.
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Transport of goods/people.
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Industries (cotton, jute, sugar).
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Cultural importance (holy rivers).
4. Drainage patterns:
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Dendritic → tree-like (Ganga).
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Trellis → rectangular (Narmada).
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Radial → from central peak (Amarnath).
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Rectangular → faulted regions (Vindhya ranges).
🏛️ Civics
Chapter 1 – What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
2 Marks
1. Define democracy in simple words.
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Government of the people, by the people, for the people.
2. Example of democratic & non-democratic country:
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Democratic: India.
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Non-democratic: Saudi Arabia/North Korea.
3. Features of democracy:
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Free & fair elections.
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Equality before law.
4. Arguments against democracy:
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Decision-making is slow.
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Risk of corruption or misuse of money.
3 Marks
1. Democracy vs Dictatorship:
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Democracy = elected rulers; Dictatorship = single leader/army rule.
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Democracy = rights guaranteed; Dictatorship = no rights.
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Democracy = rule of law; Dictatorship = rule by force.
2. Broader aspects of democracy:
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Ensures equality and justice.
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Protects fundamental rights.
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Promotes participation and accountability.
3. Why govt of discussion?
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Decisions taken by debate and consent.
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Different opinions respected.
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Prevents misuse of power.
4. Reasons why elections are essential:
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Ensure accountability of govt.
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Provide choice to people.
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Peaceful transfer of power.
5 Marks
1. Features of democracy (with examples):
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Free & fair elections (India).
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Fundamental rights (USA).
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Equality before law (South Africa).
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Accountability of rulers (UK).
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Independent judiciary (India).
2. Why democracy better than other forms:
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Protects rights.
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People’s participation.
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Peaceful transfer of power.
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Provides stability.
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More accountable.
3. Demerits of democracy:
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Slow decision-making.
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Corruption & money power in elections.
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Instability due to frequent elections.
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Sometimes uneducated voters misled.
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Risk of bad leaders.
4. “Democracy is more than just elections” – Explain:
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Ensures equality and justice.
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Protects rights.
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Promotes participation.
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Provides transparency & accountability.
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Builds responsible citizens.
🏛️ Civics – Chapter 2: Constitutional Design
2 Marks
1. Who was Nelson Mandela? Why is he important in South Africa’s history?
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Nelson Mandela was the leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and a strong opponent of apartheid.
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He became the first Black President of South Africa in 1994, symbolizing the end of racial discrimination.
2. What do you mean by apartheid?
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Apartheid was the policy of racial segregation and discrimination against non-whites in South Africa.
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Blacks were denied equality, rights, and freedom.
3. Mention any two features of the Indian Constitution.
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It is a secular state (no official religion, equal respect to all).
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It establishes a democratic system of government.
4. When was the Constitution of India adopted and enforced?
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Adopted on 26 November 1949.
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Enforced on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).
3 Marks
1. Why do we need a Constitution?
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Defines the structure and powers of government.
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Protects fundamental rights of citizens.
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Prevents misuse of power by limiting government authority.
2. Problems faced by South Africa before 1994:
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Racial discrimination (whites vs blacks).
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No political rights for blacks (no vote, no equality).
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Economic & social inequalities – poverty, low wages, inferior education/health.
3. Functions of the Preamble:
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Declares objectives of Constitution (justice, liberty, equality, fraternity).
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Acts as the guiding philosophy of the Constitution.
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Reflects the values of freedom struggle.
4. Guiding values of the Indian Constitution:
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Liberty (freedom of thought, speech, belief).
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Equality (equal rights before law).
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Fraternity (unity and brotherhood among people).
5 Marks
1. Struggle against apartheid in South Africa & democracy establishment:
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Whites discriminated against non-whites under apartheid.
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ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, organized protests and resistance.
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Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.
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In 1994, apartheid was abolished and democratic elections were held.
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Nelson Mandela became President, marking a new era of equality.
2. Importance of the Preamble:
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States the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity.
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Explains the philosophy of Constitution.
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Serves as a guiding light for governance.
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Declares India as sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
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Ensures the unity and integrity of the nation.
3. Why is the Constitution a “living document”?
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It can be amended to suit changing needs.
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Provides both flexibility and stability.
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Protects fundamental rights in changing society.
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Adapts to new challenges (technology, globalization).
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Reflects the will of the people over time.
4. How was the Indian Constitution framed?
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Framed by Constituent Assembly (1946).
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Drafting Committee led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
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Open debates and discussions for 2 years 11 months 18 days.
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Incorporated experiences from other constitutions.
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Adopted on 26 Nov 1949, enforced on 26 Jan 1950.
5. Guiding values of the Constitution:
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Sovereignty – India is independent, free from external control.
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Socialism – reduces inequality, promotes welfare.
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Secularism – no state religion, equal respect for all.
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Democracy – govt elected by people.
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Republic – head of state is elected, not hereditary.
💰 Economics – Chapter 1: The Story of Village Palampur
2 Marks
1. Four factors of production:
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Land, Labour, Capital, Entrepreneurship.
2. Why is land considered a fixed factor?
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Land is limited in supply, cannot be increased.
3. Non-farming activities in Palampur:
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Dairy, small-scale manufacturing, transport, shopkeeping.
4. Advantages of multiple cropping:
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Increases production per year.
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Ensures more income and food security.
3 Marks
1. Role of capital in farming:
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Required for seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and machinery.
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Helps adopt modern methods (HYV seeds, tractors).
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More capital = higher productivity.
2. Fixed vs Working capital:
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Fixed capital: Land, tools, machines – used for long time.
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Working capital: Seeds, fertilizers, money – used up in production.
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Fixed = permanent, Working = variable.
3. Modern farming methods:
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Use of HYV seeds.
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Application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
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Use of machinery (tractors, tube wells).
4. How farmers arrange capital:
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Small farmers borrow from moneylenders or traders.
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Large farmers use savings or bank loans.
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Some borrow from cooperatives.
5 Marks
1. “Land is fixed” – ways to increase farm production:
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Multiple cropping (growing more than one crop in a year).
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Modern methods – HYV seeds, fertilizers.
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Irrigation improvements.
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Farm machinery use.
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Scientific farming techniques.
2. Role of non-farming activities:
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Dairy farming – milk supply & income.
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Transport – movement of goods & people.
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Shopkeeping – provides daily needs.
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Small industries – weaving, handicrafts.
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Provides employment opportunities beyond farming.
3. Main economic activities of Palampur:
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Farming (major activity).
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Dairy, shopkeeping, transport, small-scale industry.
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Shows a mixed economy – agriculture + non-agriculture.
4. Importance of transport & communication:
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Carries goods (sugarcane, milk) to nearby markets.
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Links Palampur with cities.
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Improves trade and income.
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Helps farmers sell produce.
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Brings development & modernization.
💡 Economics – Chapter 2: People as Resource
2 Marks
1. People as resource:
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Refers to human beings as assets who contribute to the economy by producing goods and services.
2. Economic vs non-economic activities:
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Economic: Produces income (farming, factory work).
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Non-economic: No income (housework, volunteering).
3. Disguised unemployment:
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More workers engaged than actually needed → surplus labour with zero productivity.
4. Skilled vs unskilled workers:
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Skilled = trained, educated (doctor, engineer).
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Unskilled = no training, low skill (labourer).
3 Marks
1. How education improves human capital:
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Increases knowledge and skills.
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Improves productivity and efficiency.
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Opens up better employment opportunities.
2. Types of unemployment in India:
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Seasonal unemployment.
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Disguised unemployment.
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Educated unemployment.
3. Human capital vs physical capital:
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Human capital = skills, health, education of people.
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Physical capital = machines, tools, factories.
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Human capital uses physical capital effectively.
4. Educated unemployment is a problem because:
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Wastage of education and skills.
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Creates frustration and poverty.
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Leads to brain drain or misuse of talent.
5 Marks
1. Education & health improve living standard:
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Skilled workers earn more.
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Healthy people work efficiently.
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Improves productivity.
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Reduces poverty.
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Increases economic growth.
2. Role of human capital in economic development:
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Provides skilled workforce.
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Encourages innovation.
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Improves productivity.
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Attracts investment.
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Strengthens economy.
3. Economic vs non-economic activities (examples):
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Economic: Farming, industry, trade (income-generating).
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Non-economic: Household work, caring for family (no direct income).
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Both are important for society.
4. Problem of unemployment in India:
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Disguised unemployment: More workers in agriculture than required.
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Seasonal unemployment: No work during off-season in agriculture.
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Leads to poverty, underutilization of labour.
5. Human resource contributes to growth:
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Doctors, teachers, engineers build society.
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Skilled farmers improve agriculture.
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IT professionals strengthen digital economy.
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Entrepreneurs create jobs.
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Healthy and educated people increase productivity.

