Lifelines of National Economy – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
CBSE Class 10 Social Science – Geography
Instructions: The following 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are designed strictly as per
NCERT Class 10 Geography, Contemporary India – II, Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy.
Each MCQ comes with a “Show Answer & Explanation” button to help you self-check, clear concepts and prepare effectively
for CBSE Class 10 school and board examinations.
A. Roadways – MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is the most suitable mode of transport for short and medium distances in India?
Roadways
Correct Answer: (b) Roadways
Explanation: For short and medium distances, road transport is faster, cheaper and more convenient than railways. It provides door-to-door service and can reach villages, markets and homes directly, which railways and waterways cannot do so easily.
Explanation: For short and medium distances, road transport is faster, cheaper and more convenient than railways. It provides door-to-door service and can reach villages, markets and homes directly, which railways and waterways cannot do so easily.
Q2. In India, National Highways are constructed and maintained by:
Correct Answer: (d) Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
Explanation: National Highways are the main arterial roads of the country. Being of national importance, they are planned, constructed and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), while state PWDs look after State Highways.
Explanation: National Highways are the main arterial roads of the country. Being of national importance, they are planned, constructed and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), while state PWDs look after State Highways.
Q3. Roads that connect district headquarters with other places of the district are called:
Correct Answer: (c) District Roads
Explanation: District Roads link the district headquarters with other towns and villages of the district. They are an important link between rural markets and nearby towns and are usually maintained by Zila Parishads and district authorities.
Explanation: District Roads link the district headquarters with other towns and villages of the district. They are an important link between rural markets and nearby towns and are usually maintained by Zila Parishads and district authorities.
Q4. Which of the following roads is constructed and maintained in the border areas of the country for strategic purposes?
Correct Answer: (d) Border Roads
Explanation: Border Roads are constructed in high-altitude and frontier areas mainly for defence and strategic reasons. They are crucial for quick movement of soldiers, weapons and supplies and are built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Explanation: Border Roads are constructed in high-altitude and frontier areas mainly for defence and strategic reasons. They are crucial for quick movement of soldiers, weapons and supplies and are built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
B. Railways – MCQs
Q5. Railways are more suitable than roads for transporting:
Correct Answer: (c) Heavy and bulky goods over long distances
Explanation: Railways are a mass transport system. They can carry huge quantities of heavy and bulky goods such as coal, cement and iron ore over long distances at low cost, which is not possible economically by road for the same volume.
Explanation: Railways are a mass transport system. They can carry huge quantities of heavy and bulky goods such as coal, cement and iron ore over long distances at low cost, which is not possible economically by road for the same volume.
Q6. Which physical factor mainly explains the dense railway network in the northern plains of India?
Correct Answer: (b) Level land with high population
Explanation: The northern plains have flat, level land, fertile soil and dense population. This makes construction and maintenance of railway lines easy and creates a high demand for passenger and goods transport, leading to a dense network.
Explanation: The northern plains have flat, level land, fertile soil and dense population. This makes construction and maintenance of railway lines easy and creates a high demand for passenger and goods transport, leading to a dense network.
Q7. A major problem faced by Indian Railways today is:
Correct Answer: (c) Overcrowding and congestion on routes
Explanation: Indian Railways faces problems like overcrowded trains, congested routes, old infrastructure and sometimes different gauges. This leads to delays and affects safety. The number of passengers and freight has grown faster than the infrastructure.
Explanation: Indian Railways faces problems like overcrowded trains, congested routes, old infrastructure and sometimes different gauges. This leads to delays and affects safety. The number of passengers and freight has grown faster than the infrastructure.
Q8. Which of the following regions has a sparse railway network mainly because of hilly and rugged terrain?
Correct Answer: (d) Himalayan region
Explanation: The Himalayan region has steep slopes, deep valleys and fragile rocks. These conditions make railway construction very difficult and expensive, so the region has only a few railway lines.
Explanation: The Himalayan region has steep slopes, deep valleys and fragile rocks. These conditions make railway construction very difficult and expensive, so the region has only a few railway lines.
C. Pipelines – MCQs
Q9. Pipelines in India are mainly used to transport:
Correct Answer: (c) Petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas
Explanation: Pipelines are a specialised mode of transport used mainly for liquids and gases. In India, they carry crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas from fields or ports to refineries, power plants and industries.
Explanation: Pipelines are a specialised mode of transport used mainly for liquids and gases. In India, they carry crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas from fields or ports to refineries, power plants and industries.
Q10. Which of the following is an important gas pipeline of India?
Correct Answer: (b) Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur Pipeline
Explanation: The Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline is a major natural gas pipeline. It carries gas from the western coast to fertiliser plants, power plants and industries in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Explanation: The Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline is a major natural gas pipeline. It carries gas from the western coast to fertiliser plants, power plants and industries in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Q11. A key advantage of pipelines over road transport is that pipelines:
Correct Answer: (b) Provide continuous and reliable supply
Explanation: Once laid, pipelines allow a continuous, uninterrupted flow of petroleum or gas, making supply more reliable and efficient. The initial cost is high, but operating costs are low and they reduce congestion on roads and railways.
Explanation: Once laid, pipelines allow a continuous, uninterrupted flow of petroleum or gas, making supply more reliable and efficient. The initial cost is high, but operating costs are low and they reduce congestion on roads and railways.
D. Waterways and Major Seaports – MCQs
Q12. Which is the cheapest means of transporting heavy and bulky goods over long distances?
Correct Answer: (d) Waterways
Explanation: Water transport (both inland and sea) is the most economical mode for carrying heavy and bulky goods like coal, iron ore and cement over long distances, because it uses less fuel per tonne and can carry very large loads.
Explanation: Water transport (both inland and sea) is the most economical mode for carrying heavy and bulky goods like coal, iron ore and cement over long distances, because it uses less fuel per tonne and can carry very large loads.
Q13. Seaports are called “gateways of international trade” because:
Correct Answer: (b) Most imports and exports are handled through them
Explanation: India’s foreign trade in goods takes place largely via sea routes. Ports provide facilities for loading, unloading, storing and clearing goods. Hence, they act as entry and exit points for international trade.
Explanation: India’s foreign trade in goods takes place largely via sea routes. Ports provide facilities for loading, unloading, storing and clearing goods. Hence, they act as entry and exit points for international trade.
Q14. Kandla Port has been developed to:
Correct Answer: (a) Decongest the Mumbai Port
Explanation: Kandla Port in the Gulf of Kachchh was developed after independence to reduce the pressure on Mumbai Port and to handle trade for the western and north-western parts of India, especially after the partition.
Explanation: Kandla Port in the Gulf of Kachchh was developed after independence to reduce the pressure on Mumbai Port and to handle trade for the western and north-western parts of India, especially after the partition.
Q15. Kolkata Port is an example of a:
Correct Answer: (b) Riverine port
Explanation: Kolkata Port is located along the Hooghly River. As it is situated on a river, away from the sea, it is known as a riverine port. It serves a very large hinterland including eastern and north-eastern India.
Explanation: Kolkata Port is located along the Hooghly River. As it is situated on a river, away from the sea, it is known as a riverine port. It serves a very large hinterland including eastern and north-eastern India.
E. Airways – MCQs
Q16. Which of the following is the fastest mode of transport?
Correct Answer: (c) Airways
Explanation: Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and is particularly useful for long distances, remote areas and during emergencies. It can cover thousands of kilometres in just a few hours.
Explanation: Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and is particularly useful for long distances, remote areas and during emergencies. It can cover thousands of kilometres in just a few hours.
Q17. Air transport is particularly important in which of the following regions?
Correct Answer: (c) Remote and hilly areas like North-East and islands
Explanation: In mountainous and remote regions such as the North-Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, roads and railways are difficult or slow. Air services provide vital connectivity for people and goods.
Explanation: In mountainous and remote regions such as the North-Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, roads and railways are difficult or slow. Air services provide vital connectivity for people and goods.
Q18. Which is a major limitation of air transport?
Correct Answer: (c) It is the costliest mode of transport
Explanation: Air transport needs expensive aircraft, airports and fuel, making it the costliest mode. Therefore, it is usually used for passengers, high-value or perishable goods, and emergencies rather than low-value, bulky goods.
Explanation: Air transport needs expensive aircraft, airports and fuel, making it the costliest mode. Therefore, it is usually used for passengers, high-value or perishable goods, and emergencies rather than low-value, bulky goods.
F. Communication – MCQs
Q19. When a person sends a message to a friend through a mobile phone, it is an example of:
Correct Answer: (b) Personal communication
Explanation: Communication between two individuals, such as calls, SMS or messages on apps, is called personal communication. It is usually private and two-way.
Explanation: Communication between two individuals, such as calls, SMS or messages on apps, is called personal communication. It is usually private and two-way.
Q20. Television, radio and newspapers are examples of:
Correct Answer: (b) Mass communication
Explanation: When information is sent to a large number of people at the same time, it is called mass communication. Television, radio, newspapers, cinema and the internet are all examples of mass media.
Explanation: When information is sent to a large number of people at the same time, it is called mass communication. Television, radio, newspapers, cinema and the internet are all examples of mass media.
Q21. Modern communication helps in economic development mainly by:
Correct Answer: (b) Making trade and banking faster and easier
Explanation: Modern means like internet, mobile networks and satellites make trade, banking, marketing and information exchange quick and efficient, which helps businesses grow and supports economic development.
Explanation: Modern means like internet, mobile networks and satellites make trade, banking, marketing and information exchange quick and efficient, which helps businesses grow and supports economic development.
G. International Trade – MCQs
Q22. International trade is the:
Correct Answer: (c) Exchange of goods and services between countries
Explanation: When countries export (sell) and import (buy) goods and services from each other, it is called international trade. It links the national economy with the world economy.
Explanation: When countries export (sell) and import (buy) goods and services from each other, it is called international trade. It links the national economy with the world economy.
Q23. When the value of exports is more than the value of imports, the balance of trade is:
Correct Answer: (c) Favourable
Explanation: A favourable balance of trade occurs when exports > imports. The country earns more foreign exchange than it spends, which strengthens the economy.
Explanation: A favourable balance of trade occurs when exports > imports. The country earns more foreign exchange than it spends, which strengthens the economy.
Q24. Which of the following is a major export item of India?
Correct Answer: (b) Tea and coffee
Explanation: India exports many agricultural products, including tea, coffee and spices, as well as manufactured items and services. Crude oil and gold are mostly imported, not exported.
Explanation: India exports many agricultural products, including tea, coffee and spices, as well as manufactured items and services. Crude oil and gold are mostly imported, not exported.
Q25. International trade is considered an index of economic prosperity because:
Correct Answer: (c) Countries with more trade are usually more developed
Explanation: A high volume and value of international trade shows that a country produces enough surplus goods and has strong demand abroad. This is usually a sign of economic strength and development.
Explanation: A high volume and value of international trade shows that a country produces enough surplus goods and has strong demand abroad. This is usually a sign of economic strength and development.
H. Tourism as a Trade – MCQs
Q26. Tourism is called a trade because:
Correct Answer: (b) It involves buying and selling of services
Explanation: Tourists spend money on transport, hotels, food, shopping and entertainment. These are services sold to them, so tourism works like an industry or trade and generates income.
Explanation: Tourists spend money on transport, hotels, food, shopping and entertainment. These are services sold to them, so tourism works like an industry or trade and generates income.
Q27. Which of the following is NOT a direct benefit of tourism?
Correct Answer: (d) Increase in air pollution only
Explanation: Tourism earns foreign exchange, provides employment and supports handicraft and local industries. While it may have some environmental impact, this is not a benefit and can be reduced through eco-friendly practices.
Explanation: Tourism earns foreign exchange, provides employment and supports handicraft and local industries. While it may have some environmental impact, this is not a benefit and can be reduced through eco-friendly practices.
I. Integrated – Lifelines of National Economy – MCQs
Q28. Why are transport, communication and trade together called “lifelines of national economy”?
Correct Answer: (b) They connect people, move goods and share information
Explanation: Transport moves people and goods, communication spreads ideas and information, and trade exchanges goods and services. Together, they keep economic and social life active, just like lifelines keep a body alive.
Explanation: Transport moves people and goods, communication spreads ideas and information, and trade exchanges goods and services. Together, they keep economic and social life active, just like lifelines keep a body alive.
Q29. Which one of the following combinations is correctly matched?
Correct Answer: (c) Waterways – Cheapest for heavy, bulky goods
Explanation: Only option (c) is correct. Waterways are the cheapest means for transporting heavy, bulky cargo over long distances. Roadways are best for short and medium distances, airways for fast long-distance travel, and pipelines for liquids and gases.
Explanation: Only option (c) is correct. Waterways are the cheapest means for transporting heavy, bulky cargo over long distances. Roadways are best for short and medium distances, airways for fast long-distance travel, and pipelines for liquids and gases.
Q30. Which statement best explains why different modes of transport are interdependent in India?
Correct Answer: (b) Roads act as feeders to railways, ports and airports
Explanation: No single mode can serve the whole country. Roads connect villages and towns to railway stations, airports and ports. Goods often travel by a combination of road, rail, sea or air, showing that all modes are interdependent.
Explanation: No single mode can serve the whole country. Roads connect villages and towns to railway stations, airports and ports. Goods often travel by a combination of road, rail, sea or air, showing that all modes are interdependent.
These 30 topic-wise MCQs with answers and explanations are fully aligned with NCERT Class 10 Geography, Chapter 7 – Lifelines of National Economy, and follow the CBSE Class 10 board exam style for objective and competency-based questions.