NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Secondary Activities

Chapter 5 Secondary Activities Summary

The solutions for Chapter 5, Secondary Activities, are provided below, and students can refer to NCERT Solutions for Class 12 for other subjects as well.

Exercise Pages No. 43- 44

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

(i) Which one of the following statements is wrong?

(a) Cheap water transport has facilitated the jute mill industry along the Hugli.

(b) Sugar, cotton textiles and vegetable oils are footloose industries.

(c) The development of hydro-electricity and petroleum reduced, to a great extent, the importance of coal energy as a locational factor for industry.

(d) Port towns in India have attracted industries.

Answer:

(b) Sugar, cotton textiles and vegetable oils are footloose industries.

(ii) In which one of the following types of economy are the factors of production owned individually ?

(a) Capitalist (c) Socialist

(b) Mixed (d) None

Answer:

(a) Capitalist

(iii) Which one of the following types of industries produces raw materials for other industries?

(a) Cottage Industries (c) Basic Industries

(b) Small-scale Industries (d) Footloose Industries

Answer:

(c) Basic Industries

(iv) Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

(a) Automobile industry … Los Angeles

(b) Shipbuilding industry … Lusaka

(c) Aircraft industry … Florence

(d) Iron and steel industry … Pittsburgh

Answer:

(d) Iron and steel industry … Pittsburgh

2. Write a short note on the following in about 30 words.

(i) High-Tech industry

Answer:

High-tech industries involve advanced technological research and manufacturing, including sectors like biotechnology, information technology, and robotics. These industries are characterized by high levels of investment in research and development, skilled labor, and cutting-edge innovations. Their impact on the modern economy is significant, driving innovation and shaping the future.

(ii) Manufacturing

Answer:

Manufacturing involves the production of goods in large quantities using machinery and technology. It transforms raw materials into finished products, contributing significantly to economic growth and employment. This sector include diverse industries, from textiles to automobiles and electronics.

(iii) Footloose industries

Answer:

Footloose industries are not tied to any specific location or resources and can be established anywhere. They depend on components and materials that can be sourced from various locations. Examples include electronics, software, and IT services. These industries benefit from factors like skilled labor, good infrastructure, and connectivity.

3. Answer the following in not more than 150 words.

(i) Differentiate between primary and secondary activities.

Answer:

Primary and secondary activities are two fundamental types of economic activities, each with distinct characteristics and roles in the economy.

Features	Primary Activities	Secondary Activities
Definition	Extraction and production of natural resources.	Processing and manufacturing of goods.
Examples	Agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, quarrying.	Manufacturing, construction, food processing.
Nature	Labor-intensive, often seasonal.	Capital-intensive, continuous.
Products	Raw materials like crops, fish, timber, minerals.	Finished goods like cars, clothing, electronics.
Economic Contribution	Provides basic inputs for other sectors.	Adds value to raw materials, driving industrial growth.
Geographical Dependency	Dependent on natural resources and climate.	Less dependent on location, more on infrastructure.
Technological Level	Generally low to moderate.	Generally high, involving advanced machinery.
Employment	Significant in rural areas, especially in developing countries.	Predominant in urban and industrial regions.

(ii) Discuss the major trends of modern industrial activities especially in the developed countries of the world.

Answer:

Modern industrial activities in developed countries exhibit several key trends driven by advancements in technology, globalization, and changing economic dynamics. Some major trends are

Technological Advancements: The adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized production processes, leading to increased efficiency, precision, and productivity.

Globalization: Industrial activities are increasingly globalized, with multinational corporations operating across multiple countries. This has led to the creation of global supply chains, where different stages of production are carried out in various parts of the world to optimize costs and resources.

Shift to Knowledge-Based Industries: There is a significant shift from traditional manufacturing to knowledge-based industries such as information technology, biotechnology, and advanced engineering. These industries depend on high levels of research and development and skilled labor.

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Developed countries are focusing on sustainable industrial practices to reduce environmental impact. This includes the adoption of green technologies, recycling, and waste management practices, as well as adherence to stringent environmental regulations.

Service Integration: There is a growing integration of services with industrial activities. Industries are increasingly offering value-added services such as maintenance, consultancy, and customer support, enhancing the overall value proposition.

Decentralization and Flexibility: Modern industries are becoming more decentralized and flexible, with a trend towards smaller, more specialized production units. This allows for quicker adaptation to market changes and customization of products.

Urbanization and Industrial Clusters: Industrial activities are concentrated in urban areas and industrial clusters, benefiting from shared infrastructure, labor pools, and knowledge spillovers.

(iii) Explain why high-tech industries in many countries are being attracted to the peripheral areas of major metropolitan centres.

Answer:

High-tech industries in many countries are increasingly being attracted to the peripheral areas of major metropolitan centers due to several strategic advantages. These factors are:

Availability of Space: Peripheral areas offer more space at lower costs compared to the crowded urban centers. High-tech industries often require expansive campuses for offices, research labs, and manufacturing units, which are more feasible in these regions.

Lower Costs: Real estate and operational costs, including wages and utility expenses, are generally lower in the peripheries. This cost efficiency allows companies to allocate more resources to research and development and other core activities.

Proximity to Urban Resources: While located in peripheral areas, high-tech industries still benefit from their proximity to the metropolitan centers. They can easily access urban infrastructure, services, markets, and a large pool of skilled labor while avoiding the congestion and high costs associated with city centers.

Improved Infrastructure: Many peripheral areas are now well-connected with advanced infrastructure, including highways, public transportation, and digital connectivity. This makes commuting easier for employees and facilitates smooth logistics and supply chain operations.

Quality of Life: Peripheral areas offer a better quality of life with less pollution, lower crime rates, and more green spaces. This is attractive to employees, especially those seeking a balance between work and personal life.

Supportive Policies: Governments incentivize the development of high-tech industries in peripheral areas through favorable policies, tax benefits, and investment in infrastructure to promote regional development and reduce urban congestion.

Cluster Formation: Peripheral areas around major cities are becoming hubs for high-tech clusters, where companies benefit from synergies, collaboration, and a shared pool of specialized suppliers and services.

(iv) Africa has immense natural resources and yet it is industrially the most backward continent. Comment.

Answer:

Africa is endowed with vast natural resources, including minerals, oil, and fertile land. However, it remains industrially underdeveloped due to several interrelated factors as discussed below:

Colonial Legacy: The historical exploitation during colonial times established Africa as a primary exporter of raw materials, with little emphasis on developing local industries. This pattern of dependency continues, limiting industrial growth.

Political Instability: Many African countries face political instability, civil conflicts, and weak governance, which deter investment and disrupt economic activities. Stable political environments are important for industrial development.

Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure, including transportation networks, electricity supply, and communication systems, hampers industrial growth. Efficient infrastructure is essential for manufacturing and distribution processes.

Lack of Skilled Labor: There is a shortage of skilled labor and technical expertise required for industrial activities. The education and training systems in many African countries do not sufficiently support the development of industrial skills.

Limited Access to Capital: Industrial development requires significant investment, which is inaccessible due to underdeveloped financial systems and limited foreign direct investment. High-risk perceptions associated with investing in Africa further exacerbate this issue.

Economic Policies: Many African countries have adopted economic policies that do not prioritize industrialization. Instead, there is a focus on exporting raw materials without adding value through processing and manufacturing.

Market Size and Integration: African markets are fragmented and small, limiting economies of scale. Poor regional integration further restricts the potential for industrial expansion across borders.

Technological Deficiency: There is limited access to advanced technology and innovation, which are important for modern industrial processes. This technological lag keeps African industries from competing globally.