CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2022

Answer: Periodic markets in rural areas are markets that are organized at specific intervals such as weekly or biweekly in places where there are no regular markets. They serve as important trading centres for people from nearby villages who meet their accumulated demand on these specified market days.
Activities of periodic markets:
1. They provide a platform for farmers and villagers to sell agricultural produce and buy essential goods.
2. These markets act as collection and distribution centres for surrounding settlements.
3. Both wholesale (mandis) and retail trading activities take place here.
4. They are quasi-urban centres offering rudimentary personal and professional services.
5. Trading ranges from basic barter to money exchange, helping rural consumers access goods that are frequently demanded.
6. The market shifts location periodically to cater to different villages and reduce travel.
Overall, periodic markets play a key role in rural marketing by linking producers and consumers and enabling exchange of goods and services in areas lacking permanent markets.

Answer: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was established in May 1960 with the primary aim of accelerating economic development and strengthening defence preparedness. It is called a premier multifaceted construction agency because it constructs and maintains strategically important roads along the northern and north-eastern boundaries of India, which are often in high altitude, difficult, and mountainous terrains. For example, BRO has built roads connecting Chandigarh with Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Leh (Ladakh) that run at an average altitude of 4,270 metres above mean sea level. These roads not only improve connectivity and economic integration of remote border areas with the rest of the country but also play a crucial role in the movement of the army and defence supplies in border regions. BRO’s expertise in handling difficult terrains and building durable roads under challenging weather conditions makes it a vital agency for national security and development. Hence, BRO is rightly recognized as a premier multifaceted construction agency.

Answer: The Indian Railways has launched an extensive programme to convert metre and narrow gauges to broad gauge for several important reasons.
1. Uniformity: Broad gauge is the standard gauge in India, so conversion helps in creating a uniform rail network which avoids the need for changing trains or goods at gauge change points.
2. Higher Speed and Capacity: Broad gauge tracks allow trains to run faster and carry heavier loads, improving efficiency for passengers and freight.
3. Better Stability and Comfort: Broad gauge trains provide better stability on tracks and more comfortable rides for passengers.
4. Economic Development: A broad gauge network supports the growth of industries and trade by enabling large-scale transportation of goods across the country.
5. Reduced Operational Costs: Maintaining one type of gauge is cheaper and easier than maintaining multiple gauges.
Therefore, the programme of gauge conversion supports the modernization and integration of India’s railway system, enhancing connectivity, economy, and convenience for millions of passengers and businesses.

Answer: Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished goods using power and specialised labour.
(a) Use of Power: Manufacturing processes commonly involve the application of various forms of power such as mechanical, electrical, or thermal energy to operate machines and tools that transform raw materials into products efficiently.
(b) Mass Production of Identical Products: One key feature is producing large quantities of identical goods through standardised processes which ensures uniformity and meets large market demand.

Answer: Departmental stores and chain stores represent two distinct retail formats. Firstly, departmental stores are large retail establishments that are divided into various sections or departments, each specializing in a particular category of goods. These departments operate with a significant level of autonomy, as departmental heads are responsible for purchasing and managing their respective sections. Conversely, chain stores consist of a series of retail outlets that operate under the same brand and are typically controlled from a central headquarters. This centralization allows chain stores to achieve economies of scale by purchasing merchandise in bulk, which helps them lower costs and offer competitive prices. Secondly, while departmental stores may carry a wide variety of products from different manufacturers, chain stores often focus on specific branded products that resonate with their target market.

Answer: Telecommunication and services are two distinct concepts within the realm of communication and utility. Firstly, telecommunication specifically refers to the transmission of information over distances using electronic systems, such as telephones, internet, and satellites. It focuses on transmitting messages and data. In contrast, services encompass a broader category that includes activities aimed at fulfilling various needs, such as transportation, healthcare, and education. Secondly, telecommunication services primarily deal with the exchange of information, while other services, like transportation, involve the movement of people and goods. Thus, telecommunication is a subset of services that emphasizes communication technologies.

Answer: Significance of the Rhine Waterway:
The Rhine River is one of the most important inland waterways in the world, and it is the most heavily used waterway globally due to its strategic location and the volume of trade it supports.

1. Extensive Navigability: The Rhine is navigable for about 700 km from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Basel in Switzerland. It allows ocean-going vessels to reach up to Cologne, which is significant for trade because large ships can transport goods directly inland.

2. Connects Industrial Regions: The river connects important industrial regions, especially in Germany. The Ruhr river, a tributary of the Rhine, flows through a rich coalfield and industrial zone, making the Rhine critical for transporting raw materials like coal to factories and finished products to ports.

3. High Traffic Volume: Every year, over 20,000 ocean-going ships and about 200,000 inland vessels use the Rhine. This heavy traffic shows how vital the river is for both domestic and international transport of goods.

4. Boosts Economic Activities: Cities along the Rhine like Dusseldorf and Cologne benefit from the waterway through trade and industries. The ease of transport lowers costs and increases the efficiency of manufacturing and export activities.

5. Supports International Trade: Since the Rhine flows through several countries including Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, it acts as an important link in European inland water transport, facilitating trade across borders efficiently.

In conclusion, the Rhine waterway is significant due to its extensive navigability, connection of industrial areas, high traffic volume, and its role in boosting economic growth and international trade in Europe.

Answer: Drought Prone Area Development Programme was launched to improve the living standards and provide sustainable employment in drought-prone regions. The five main objectives are:

(1) Providing Employment: The programme aims to provide employment opportunities to the people living in drought-prone areas through labour-intensive schemes, helping to reduce poverty and migration.

(2) Creation of Productive Assets: It focuses on creating productive assets like irrigation facilities, land development, and soil conservation to improve agricultural productivity.

(3) Ecological Balance Restoration: The programme works to restore the ecological balance among water, soil, plants, and animal populations by promoting afforestation, grassland development, and sustainable land use.

(4) Promotion of Integrated Watershed Development: It encourages watershed management at the micro-level to conserve rainwater, prevent soil erosion, and improve water availability.

(5) Development of Rural Infrastructure: Basic rural infrastructures such as roads, water supply, and small scale industries are developed to support economic activities and improve the quality of life.

Overall, the programme aims for comprehensive development by integrating agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and forestry to make drought-prone areas more productive and sustainable.