Resources & development

• What term is used to describe everything available in our environment that can satisfy our needs?

  Resource
• What are the three components that interact to transform things available in our environment?

  Nature, technology, and institutions
• Are resources considered free gifts of nature?

  No, resources are a function of human activities.
• How can resources be classified based on origin?

  Biotic and abiotic
• What are the two classifications of resources based on exhaustibility?

  Renewable and non-renewable
• How can resources be classified based on ownership?

  Individual, community, national, and international
• What are the classifications of resources based on the status of development?

  Potential, developed stock, and reserves
• What are the major problems caused by the indiscriminate use of resources?

  • Depletion of resources for satisfying greed
  • Accumulation of resources in few hands
  • Division of society into haves and have-nots
• How would the exhaustion of oil supply affect our lifestyle?

  It would significantly alter transportation, energy consumption, and economic activities.
• What is the importance of equitable distribution of resources?


  It is essential for a sustained quality of life and global peace.
• What does sustainable development mean?

  Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' needs.
• When and where did the first International Earth Summit take place?

  In June 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• What was the main purpose of the Rio Convention?

  To address urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development globally.
• What is Agenda 21?

  A declaration signed by world leaders in 1992 aimed at achieving global sustainable development.
• What is the significance of resource planning in India?

  It ensures judicious use of resources across diverse regions.
• Why is resource planning complex in India?

  Due to the enormous diversity in resource availability across regions.
• What is the role of technology in resource development?

  It is essential for transforming resources into usable forms.
• What can hinder development despite the availability of resources?

  The absence of corresponding changes in technology and institutions.
• What did Gandhiji emphasize regarding resource conservation?


  There is enough for everybody's need and not for anybody's greed.
• What was the Club of Rome's contribution to resource conservation?

  It advocated resource conservation systematically in 1968.
• What concept did the Brundtland Commission Report introduce?

  Sustainable Development
• Why is land considered a vital natural resource?

  It supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, and economic activities.
• What percentage of India's land area is plain?

  43 percent
• What percentage of India's total surface area do mountains account for?

  30 percent
• What is the area of the plateau region in India?

  27 percent
• What are the main purposes of land resources in India?

  1. Forests
  2. Non-cultivated land (barren, waste, non-agricultural uses)
  3. Other uncultivated land (permanent pastures, miscellaneous tree crops)
  4. Fallow lands
  5. Net sown area
• What factors determine land use in India?

  Physical factors (topography, climate, soil types) and human factors (population density, technology, culture).
• What is the total geographical area of India?

  1. 28 million sq km
• Why is land use data not available for the entire geographical area of India?


  Because some areas, especially in the north-east and Jammu and Kashmir, have not been fully surveyed.
• What changes occurred in land use from 1960-61 to 2014-15 in India?


  • Net sown area changed marginally
  • Land under forests changed marginally
  • Decrease in land under permanent pastures
• What are the consequences of decreased permanent pasture land for cattle feeding?


  It may lead to overgrazing and depletion of pasture resources.
• What is the significance of resource conservation?

  It prevents socio-economic and environmental problems caused by over-utilization of resources.
• What did Schumacher advocate in his book *Small is Beautiful*?

  Gandhian philosophy regarding resource conservation.
• What is the role of land in economic activities?

  It is used for agriculture, industry, transport, and communication systems.
• How does the availability of resources relate to economic development?

  Availability alone does not guarantee development; technology and institutions are also crucial.
• What is the total geographical area of India?

  1. 28 million sq km
• Why is land use data only available for 93 percent of India's total geographical area?

  Because land use reporting for most of the north-east states and some areas of Jammu and Kashmir has not been fully done.
• What are the consequences of the decrease in land under permanent pasture?

  It affects the ability to feed the large cattle population.
• What percentage of the total reporting area in India is considered net sown area when including certain lands?

  About 54 percent
• In which states is the net sown area over 80 percent of the total area?

  Punjab and Haryana