Answer the following questions.
(i) What is meant by the term “industry”?
Answer: An industry is an organised activity where raw materials are changed into goods or services for sale. It includes factories, workshops and businesses that make products or provide services.
(ii) Which are the main factors which influence the location of an industry?
Answer: The main factors are:
- Raw materials — closeness to the materials the industry needs.
- Market — where the finished goods will be sold.
- Power and fuel — supply of electricity, gas or other energy.
- Transport and communication — good roads, rail or ports to move goods.
- Labour — availability of skilled and unskilled workers.
- Capital — money or banks available for investment.
- Land and location — suitable land and local rules or incentives.
(iii) Which industry is often referred to as the backbone of modern industry and why?
Answer: The iron and steel industry is often called the backbone of modern industry because iron and steel are used to make machines, buildings, transport (railways, ships), tools and many other goods. They supply the basic materials needed by many other industries.
Distinguish between the following.
(i) Agro-based and mineral-based industry
Answer:
- Agro-based industry uses agricultural products as raw materials (for example, sugar from sugarcane, edible oil from oilseeds).
- Mineral-based industry uses minerals and ores as raw materials (for example, steel from iron ore, aluminium from bauxite).
So agro-based depends on crops and seasons, while mineral-based depends on mines and mineral deposits.
(ii) Public sector and joint sector industry
Answer:
- Public sector industry is owned and run by the government (central or state). Profits and decisions are controlled by the state. Example: a government-run power plant.
- Joint sector industry is owned and run by both the government and private companies together. Both share investment, risks and management. Example: a company formed by a state government plus private investors.
Give two examples of the following in the space provided:
(i) Raw Materials:
Answer: Iron ore, Cotton.
(ii) End products:
Answer: Steel, Cloth (textiles).
(iii) Tertiary Activities:
Answer: Banking, Transport (truck/rail services).
(iv) Agro-based Industries:
Answer: Sugar factory (sugar mill), Edible oil mill.
(v) Cottage Industries:
Answer: Handloom weaving, Pottery.
(vi) Co-operatives:
Answer: Dairy cooperative (e.g., Amul-style milk cooperative), Farmers’ credit cooperative.