RBSE Class 10 Social Science Globalisation and the Indian Economy InText Questions and Answers
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Question 1.
Would you say Ford Motors is a MNC ? Why ?
Answer:
Yes, Ford Motors, is an MNC. It is an American company and one of the largest
automobile manufacturers with production spread over 26 countries of the world.
Question 2.
What is foreign investment ? How much did Ford Motors invest in India ?
Answer:
Investment made by MNCs is called foreign investment. Ford Motors invested ₹
1,700 crore in 1995 in India.
Question 3.
By setting up their production plants in India. MNCs such as Ford Motors tap
the advantage not only of the large markets that countries such as India
provide, but also the lower costs of production. Explain the statement.
Answer:
In India, skilled labour is available at low cost and other factors of
production are also available at lesser cost. So MNCs produce at lower cost and
can sell their products in huge market in India. By this way they can take the
benefit of large market with the low cost of production.
Question 4.
Why do you think the company wants to develop India as a base for manufacturing
car components for its global operations ? Discuss the following factors :
(a) cost of labour and other resources in India
(b) the presence of several local manufacturers who supply auto-parts to Ford
Motors
(c) closeness to a large number of buyers in India and China.
Answer:
Ford company wants to develop India as a base for manufacturing car components
for its global operations, with reference to above point, these three factors
are appropriate-
(a) India is a developing nation, where human resources and natural resources
are available in abundance, so the cost of production for parts will be less.
(b) There are many small manufacturers of parts, who can supply good autoparts
at lower cost.
(c) India is a developing nation and here the demand of cars is much. China has
the largest population and demand of cars is increasing rapidly. So by
producing cars in India and exporting them to China, will be a huge profit to
the company.
Question 5.
In what ways will the production of cars by Ford Motors in India lead to
interlinking of production ?
Answer:
MNCs can set up production jointly with some of the local companies of the
country. It will provide the opportunities to local companies for growth.
Question 6.
In what ways is a MNC different from other companies ?
Answer:
MNC is a huge company whose production, sale and investment is spread in
various nations whereas the other companies are set-up in one nation and the
investment in these companies is lesser as compared to MNC. The cost of
production is lesser in MNC as compared to other companies.
Question 7.
Nearly all major multinationals are American, Japanese or European, such as
Nike, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Honda, Nokia. Can you guess why ?
Answer:
America, Japan, Europe etc. are developed nations and they have skilled
management and world class managerial capacity and they have huge capital and
modern technology to invest in other nations. So many companies of these
nations are MNCs.
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Question 1.
What was the main channel connecting countries in the past ? How is it different
now ?
Answer:
The main channel to connect countries in the past was foreign trade which was
done through waterways or land, whereas now, in present foreign trade has taken
place through airways, roadways and waterways and through telecommunication. At
present to join various market of different nations the foreign investment is
preferred. That's why it is different from past.
Question 2.
Distinguish between foreign trade and foreign investment.
Answer:
Foreign Trade: It refers to exchange of goods, purchase and sale across
geographical boundaries of the countries.
Foreign Investment: It
refers to investment directly made in industry or other spheres of economic
activity of a country by foreign industrial houses or MNCs with the objective
of earning profit. Foreign Investment is an important source of financing
industrial development in less developed countries.
Question 3.
In recent years China has been importing steel from India. Explain how the
import of steel by China will affect
(a) steel companies in China
(b) steel companies in India
(c) industries buying steel for production of other industrial goods in China.
Answer:
(a) Due to import of steel from India there will be increase in competition
among Chinese companies and due to this they will be required to produce better
quality of goods at lesser cost.
(b) There will be increase in export of steel from India and due to increase in
demand, there will be increase in income of Indian companies.
(c) There may be increase in cost of production for the companies who import
steel from Indian companies.
Question 4.
How will the import of steel from India into the Chinese markets lead to
integration of markets for steel in the two countries ? Explain.
Answer:
There will be increase in economic relations of India and China and both will
be encouraged to increase foreign investment or joint production of goods and
it will lead to exchange of modern technology between the nations.
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Question 1.
What is the role of MNCs in the globalisation process?
Answer:
The rapid development of globalisation process is possible due to foreign
investment. MNCs have served as agents for the transfer of superior technology.
MNCs help to build up knowledge base and thus serve for the development of
human resources. MNCs transfer capital from countries where it is abundant to
countries where it is scarce.
Question 2.
What are the various ways in which countries can be linked ?
Answer:
Various countries can be linked in following ways-
- Movement of goods and services
among different nations.
- Movement of people across
borders.
- Free flow of capital among
nations.
Question 3.
Choose the correct option.
Globalisation, by connecting countries, shall result in-
(a) lesser competition among producers.
(b) greater competition among producers.
(c) no change in competition among producers.
Answer:
(b) greater competition among producers.
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Question 2.
How is information technology connected with globalisation ? Would
globalisation have been possible without expansion of IT ?
Answer:
Information and communication technology play an important role in
globalisation process. Telecommunications, computers, internet, e-mail, voice
mail etc. are used intensively to connect one another around the world to
across information instantly and to communicate from remote areas. Without
information and technology the process of globalisation becomes complex.
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Question 1.
What do you understand by liberalisation of foreign trade ?
Answer:
Liberalisation means removing the restrictions from foreign trade i.e. from
exports and imports.
Question 2.
Tax on imports is one type of trade barrier. The government could also place a
limit on the number of goods that can be imported. This is known as quotas. Can
you explain, using the example of Chinese toys, how quotas can be used as trade
barriers ? Do you think this should be used ? Discuss.
Answer:
Government can fix the amount of goods imported from other nations under quota.
If Indian government fix the amount of imported toys then supply of Chinese
toys would be less and there will be increase in demand and sale of Indian toys
which will encourage toy industry in India and employment opportunities will
increase in India. In order to protect Indian industries government should fix
quota of imported goods.
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Question 1.
Fill in the blanks-
WTO was started at the initiative of ............... countries. The aim of the
WTO is to ........................... WTO establishes rules regarding
....................... for all countries, and sees that .................. In
practice, trade between countries is not ...................... . Developing
countries like India have ...................... whereas developed countries,
in many cases, have continued to provide protection to their producers.
Answer:
WTO was started at the initiative of developed countries. The
aim of the WTO is to liberalise the international trade. WTO
establishes rules regarding international trade for all
countries, and sees that these rules are followed or not. In
practice, trade between countries is not completely free.
Developing countries like India have removed the trade restrictions,
whereas developed countries, in many cases, have continued to provide
protection to their producers.
Question 2.
What do you think can be done so that trade between countries is more fair ?
Answer:
To make the trade fair between countries, all nations should remove
restrictions from exports and imports and WTO should follow the principle of
equality for all the nations.
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Question 1.
How has competition benefited people in India ?
Answer:
Due to competition, buyers can easily get good variety of quality products of
different countries at reasonable price. Producers now sell their products not
only in domestic market but also in different countries and thereby increase
their profits.
Question 2.
Should more Indian companies emerge as MNCs? How would it benefit the people in
the country?
Answer:
Yes, more Indian companies should be emerged as MNCs. This will lead to
industrial development of India, foreign trade will increase and more
employment opportunities will be increased in India.
Question 3.
Why do governments try to attract more foreign investment ?
Answer:
Due to many advantages governments try to increase foreign investment. Foreign
investment leads to development of infrastructural development. New industries
will be set-up in the country. It will lead to modern technology and employment
opportunities. Consumers will get good quality of goods at lower price.
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Question 3.
Recent studies point out that small producers in India need three things to
compete better in the market (a) better roads, power, water, raw materials,
marketing and information network, (b) improvements and modernisation of
technology, (c) timely availability of credit at reasonable interest rates.
- Can you explain how these three
things would help Indian producers ?
- Do you think MNCs will be
interested in investing in these ? Why?
- Do you think the government has
a role in making these facilities available ? Why ?
- Can you think of any other step
that the government could take ? Discuss.
Answer:
(i) Yes, these three things are necessary for Indian industries. (a) Better
roads for transportation, electricity, water, raw material etc. for production
of goods, marketing and information technology for sale, (b) improvements and
modernisation of technology for better quality of goods and (c) timely
availability of credit at reasonable rates will be helpful to Indian producers.
(ii) No, MNCs will not be
interested to invest in these sectors because it requires huge investment and
gestation period in these sector will be quite long and returns will be
available after a long period of time.
(iii) Yes, government has
an important role in providing these facilities. There is requirement of huge
capital to develop these facilities and except government no individual can
provide these facilities. In addition to these the aim of social welfare can be
achieved through these facilities.
(iv) Yes, govt. can take
many other steps as
(a) Govt. should invite non-resident Indians to invest in India.
(b) Govt. should liberalise its policy of foreign investment.
(c) The businessmen should provide more facilities.
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Question 1.
In what ways has competition affected workers, Indian exporters and foreign
MNCs in the garment industry?
Answer:
1. Effect on Textile Industry Labourers: Due to competition, labourers are at
loss. Their working hours are increased and wages are reduced. Their employment
is converted from regular to irregular. Due to reduction in small scale and
cottage industries many labourers become unemployed.
2. Effect on Indian
Exporters: Due to competition Indian exporters are in benefit, but they are
forced to produce at lesser cost, so they cannot afford skilled labourers.
3. Effect on MNCs: Due to
competition MNCs are at benefit, they are getting products at lesser price.
RBSE
Class 10 Social Science Globalisation and the Indian Economy Textbook Questions
and Answers
Question 1.
What do you understand by globalisation ? Explain in your own words.
Answer:
Globalisation means integrating the economy of a country with the economies of
other countries under condition of free flow of trade and capital and movement
of persons across borders. It means integrating our economy with the world
economy.
Question 2.
What was the reasons for putting barriers to foreign trade and foreign
investment by the Indian government ? Why did it wish to remove these barriers
?
Answer:
Reasons behind putting barriers to foreign trade and foreign investment by the
Indian government was to protect the producers within the country from foreign
competition. At this stage competition from imports would have hampered the
growth of industries.
Around 1991, government
felt that it was the proper time for Indian produce to face competition and
improve quality of products in comparison to production around the globe. By
removing the restriction from foreign trade our producers and consumers both would
be benefitted.
Question 3.
How would flexibility in labour laws help companies?
Answer:
Flexibility in labour laws has helped companies by:
- Availing skilled workforce at
lower wages.
- Not ensuring basic securities
to the employees.
- Hiring labour for shorter
periods of time and exerting high work load.
- Help to reduce the cost for the
companies.
Question 4.
What are the various ways in which MNCs set-up or control production in other
countries ?
Answer:
Various ways in which MNCs control production in other countries.
- By Setting up Partnership with
Local Companies- At times MNCs set-up production jointly with some of
local companies.
- (ii) By Closely Competing with
Local Companies or Buying them-up- The most common route for MNCs
investment is to buy up local companies and to expand production.
- (iii) By using Local Companies
for Supplies- Large MNCs in developed countries place order for
production, with small producers, e.g. garments, footwear, sports item
etc. The products are supplied to MNCs which are sold under their own
brand names to the customers.
Question 5.
Why do developed countries want developing countries to liberalise their trade
and investment ? What do you think should the developing countries demand in
return?
Answer:
Developed countries want developing countries to liberalise their trade and
investment because then the MNCs belonging to the developed countries can
set-up factories in less expensive developing nations, and thereby increase
profits, with lower manufacturing cost and high sale price.
In my opinion, the
developing countries should demand removal of restrictions from foreign trade,
to approach to developed nations market and more economic help.
Question 6.
“The impact of globalisation has not been uniform." Explain this statement.
Answer:
- Globalisation has proved
beneficial for the top Indian companies but so far workers are concerned,
globalisation has perished them.
- The top Indian companies have
invested in newer technology and production methods and raised their
production standards. Globalisation has enabled some large Indian
companies to emerge as multinational themselves. For example, Tata motors,
Infosys etc.
- But for a large number of small
producers and workers globalisation has posed great problems. Several
units have shut down rendering many workers jobless.
Thus, we can say that the
impact of globalisation has not been uniform.
Question 7.
How has liberalisation of trade and investment policies helped the
globalisation process ?
Answer:
Liberalisation means removing the trade barriers between nations. It
facilitated import and export of goods easily and allowed foreign companies to
set-up factories and offices in India. Competition caused due to this also
helped in improving quality of the Indian products. This change in policy was
welcomed by the world community.
Question 8.
How does foreign trade lead to integration of markets across countries ?
Explain with an example. Other than those given here.
Answer:
Foreign trade provides an opportunity for both producers and buyers to reach
beyond the markets of their own countries. Goods travel from one country to
another. There is huge competition among the producers of one country and
producers of another country. Competition among buvers also prevails. Thus
foreign trade leads to integration of markets across countries. For example,
India imports raw material as diamonds from African nations and by producing
jewellary from raw material India exports to America, Europe etc. This leads to
integration of markets of these nations.
Question 9.
Globalisation will continue in future. Can you imagine what the world would be
like twenty years from now? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Globalisation is increasing rapidly. Twenty years from now, the world will be
more globally connected and integrated into one international economy. Trade
and capital flows will increase alongside the mobility of labour. There are
many reasons for the same-
- There will be expansion of MNCs
through which the markets of the world will come closer.
- There will be increase in
investment by MNCs.
- Due to mobility of labour,
skilled and unskilled labours will be found in world and movement of
labour will increase, more exchange of cultural values will be taken place
and there will be increase in living standard of the people.
Question 10.
Supposing you find two people arguing : One is saying globalisation has hurt
country's development. The other is telling, globalisation is helping India
develop. How would you respond to these organisations ?
Answer:
Both the arguments are right to some extent. Globalisation has hurt our
economy's development as well as helped our country's development.
Positive Impact of the
Globalisation on India-
- Increase in the volume of trade
in goods and services.
- Inflow of private foreign
capital and export orientation of the economy.
- Increased volume of output,
income and employment.
- Help in development and
strengthening of domestic economies of India.
Negative impact of
Globalisation on India-
- It may lead to windening of
income inequalities among various countries.
- It may not help in achieving
sustainable growth.
- Rising competition has led to
shutting down of many small units. Many workers become jobless.
- It may lead to greater
dependence of the underdeveloped countries on advanced countries.
Question 11.
Fill in the blanks
Indian buyers have a greater choice of goods than they did two decades back.
This is closely associated with the process of ............... Markets in India
are selling goods produced in many other countries. This means there is
increasing .............. with other countries. Moreover, the rising number of
brands that we see in the markets might be produced by MNCs in India. MNCs are
investing in India because ..................... . While consumers have more
choices in the market, the effect of rising .............. and ..............
has meant greater .............. among the producers.
Answer:
Indian buyers have a greater choice of goods than they did two decades back.
This is closely associated with the process of globalisation.
Markets in India are selling goods produced in many other countries. This means
there is increasing trade with other countries. Moreover, the
rising number of brands that we see in the markets might be produced by MNCs in
India. MNCs are investing in India because they want to earn more
profit. While consumers have more choices in the market. the effect of
rising foreign trade and foreign investment has
meant greater competition among the producers.
Question 12.
Match the following-
(i) MNCs buy at cheap
rates from small producers |
(a) Automobiles |
(ii) Quotas and taxes on
imports are used to regulate trade |
(b) Garments, footwear,
sports items |
(iii) Indian companies
who have invested abroad |
(c) Call centres |
(iv) IT has helped in
spreading of production of services |
(d) Tata Motors, Infosys,
Ranbaxy |
(v) Several MNCs have
invested in setting up factories in India for production |
(e) Trade barriers |
Answer:
(i) MNCs buy at cheap
rates from small producers |
(b) Garments, footwear,
sports items |
(ii) Quotas and taxes on
imports are used to regulate trade |
(e) Trade barriers |
(iii) Indian companies
who have invested abroad |
(d) Tata Motors, Infosys,
Ranbaxy |
(iv) IT has helped in
spreading of production of services |
(c) Call centres |
(v) Several MNCs have
invested in setting up factories in India for production |
(a) Automobiles |
Question 13.
Choose the most appropriate option-
(i) The past two decades of globalisation has seen rapid movements in-
(a) goods, services and people between countries.
(b) goods, services and investments between countries.
(c) goods, investments and people between countries.
(ii) The most common route for investments by MNCs in countries around the
world is to-
(a) set-up new factories.
(b) buy existing local companies.
(c) form partnerships with local companies.
(iii) Globalisation has led to improvement in living conditions-
(a) of all the people.
(b) of people in the developed countries.
(c) of workers in the developing countries.
(d) none of the above.
Answer:
(i) b
(ii) b
(iii) b.
Either way the teacher or student will get the solution to the problem within 24 hours.