Is environmental crisis a recent phenomenon? If so, why?
Yes, the environmental crisis is a very recent phenomenon; the sparks of such a crisis were never visible in the past. In the early centuries before industrialisation, the population growth was on a tight rein. The demand for environmental resources was much lower than its supply. Environment supported the world's population in the past as the rate of usage of the resources was lesser. Also, the rate of regeneration of resources exceeded the rate with which the resources were exploited. In other words, the threat of an environmental crisis was never felt in the past as the exploitation of natural resources was within the carrying capacity of the environment. But, today, due to heavy industrialisation, urbanisation, man has started exploiting nature to its maximum. Nuclear and industrial wastes being dumped into the water bodies, pollution of land and air has affected the environment in a three-fold manner. Now, the rate of exploitation of natural resources is lagging behind the rate of regeneration of the natural resources. Consequently, the mounting pressure on the carrying capacity of the environment is paving the way for environmental crises.
What are the functions of the environment?
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?
India has abundant natural resources —substantiate the statement.
Give two instances of
(a) Overuse of environmental resources
(b) Misuse of environmental resources.
Explain the relevance of intergenerational equity in the definition of sustainable development.
Identify six factors contributing to land degradation in India.
Two major environmental issues facing the world today are ____________ and _____________.
How do the following factors contribute to the environmental crisis in India? What problem do they pose for the government?
(i) Rising population
(ii) Air pollution
(iii) Water contamination
(iv) Affluent consumption standards
(v) Illiteracy
(vi) Industrialisation
(vii) Urbanisation
(viii) Reduction of forest coverage
(ix) Poaching
(x) Global warming
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
What are the two major sources of human capital in a country?
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
Define a plan?
Who is a worker?
Explain the term ‘infrastructure’.
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
Argue in favour of the need for different forms of government intervention in education and health sectors.
Explain ‘growth with equity’ as a planning objective.
Analyse the recent trends in sectoral distribution of workforce in India.
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 understand by devaluation of rupee?
Illustrate the difference between rural and urban poverty. Is it correct to say that poverty has shifted from rural to urban areas? Use the trends in poverty ratio to support your answer.
Why are employment generation programmes important in poverty alleviation in India?
Discuss the main drawbacks of our health care system.
Suppose you are from a poor family and you wish to get help from the government to set up a petty shop. Under which scheme will you apply for assistance and why?
How government organisations facilitate the functioning of schools and hospitals in India?