Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves using resources wisely so that they are not exhausted.

Why Present Pattern is Unsustainable:

Renewable Resource (Groundwater): Though groundwater is replenished by nature, it is being overused. About 300 districts in India have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres in 20 years. Nearly one-third of the country is already overusing groundwater reserves, and 60% may do so in another 25 years if this continues.

Non-Renewable Resource (Crude Oil): Crude oil cannot be replenished. At current extraction rates, world reserves will last only about 47 years. Once exhausted, it cannot be recovered.

What is at Stake for Future Generations:
Future generations will face severe scarcity of essential resources — water, fuel, and energy — threatening their development, livelihoods, and quality of life. Environmental degradation does not respect boundaries, making this a global crisis.

Source: Sustainability of Development, Chapter 1

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• Part 1 (2 marks): Define sustainable development clearly — examiners expect the standard definition linking present needs and future generations.
• Part 2 (2 marks): Give one renewable (groundwater) and one non-renewable (crude oil) example with specific data from the textbook — e.g., "300 districts," "47 years." Data shows you've read the chapter carefully.
• Part 3 (1 mark): One crisp point about resource scarcity threatening future generations' development is sufficient — don't over-expand this.
• Avoid repeating points; keep each part distinct and proportional to its marks.