With reference to the concept of 'Sustainable Development', consider the following statements: 1. It is an obsolete concept that has been replaced by the idea of rapid industrialization. 2. It emphasizes that the present levels of development should be sustainable for future generations. 3. It suggests that groundwater overuse is a sign of non-sustainable development. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation Sustainable Development is a development paradigm that balances economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. It was famously defined by the Brundtland Commission Report (1987), titled Our Common Future. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Sustainable development is not an obsolete concept; rather, it is the current global guiding principle for policy-making. It has not been replaced by "rapid industrialization" but seeks to regulate industrialization to ensure it does not destroy the ecological base. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) reinforces its relevance today. - Statement 2 is Correct: The core definition of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes intergenerational equity, ensuring that resources available today are preserved for the future. - Statement 3 is Correct: Groundwater is a renewable resource, but its supply is limited by the rate of recharge. If the rate of extraction exceeds the rate of replenishment, the water table falls, and the resource stock is depleted. This overuse compromises the availability of water for future use, making the current practice non-sustainable. Key Takeaway: Sustainable development relies on the principle of intergenerational equity, requiring that the consumption of renewable resources (like groundwater) does not exceed their natural regeneration rate.

NCERT Class 10 Economics — Chapter 1: Development

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With reference to the concept of 'Sustainable Development', consider the following statements:

It is an obsolete concept that has been replaced by the idea of rapid industrialization.
It emphasizes that the present levels of development should be sustainable for future generations.
It suggests that groundwater overuse is a sign of non-sustainable development.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Sustainable Development is a development paradigm that balances economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. It was famously defined by the Brundtland Commission Report (1987), titled Our Common Future.

Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Sustainable development is not an obsolete concept; rather, it is the current global guiding principle for policy-making. It has not been replaced by "rapid industrialization" but seeks to regulate industrialization to ensure it does not destroy the ecological base. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) reinforces its relevance today.
Statement 2 is Correct:
The core definition of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes intergenerational equity, ensuring that resources available today are preserved for the future.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Groundwater is a renewable resource, but its supply is limited by the rate of recharge. If the rate of extraction exceeds the rate of replenishment, the water table falls, and the resource stock is depleted. This overuse compromises the availability of water for future use, making the current practice non-sustainable.

Key Takeaway:

Sustainable development relies on the principle of intergenerational equity, requiring that the consumption of renewable resources (like groundwater) does not exceed their natural regeneration rate.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Development

Consider the following statements regarding the Human Development Index (HDI): 1. It considers only the nutritional status of adults to determine the health component. 2. It compares countries based on educational levels, health status, and per capita income. 3. It is used by the World Bank to classify countries into rich and low-income categories. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the developmental goals of different categories of persons, consider the following statements: 1. Developmental goals often vary as different persons can have different developmental aspirations. 2. Developmental goals of one individual are always compatible with the developmental goals of others in society. 3. Industrialists and tribals may have conflicting perspectives regarding the construction of dams. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Renewable Resources': 1. Renewable resources are those which are formed over geological time scales and cannot be replenished by nature. 2. Renewable resources like solar energy are inexhaustible and cannot be overused. 3. Groundwater is an example of a renewable resource. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Body Mass Index (BMI), consider the following statements: 1. It is primarily used to measure the intelligence quotient of an adult. 2. It is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. 3. This indicator is exclusively used for children under the age of 5. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Non-renewable resources': 1. These resources have a fixed stock on earth which cannot be replenished. 2. New resources are never discovered; we only use what is currently known. 3. Crude oil is an example of a non-renewable resource. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: Development

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The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Sustainable development is not an obsolete concept; rather, it is the current global guiding principle for policy-making. It has not been replaced by "rapid industrialization" but seeks to regulate industrialization to ensure it does not destroy the ecological base. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) reinforces its relevance today.
Statement 2 is Correct:
The core definition of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes intergenerational equity, ensuring that resources available today are preserved for the future.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Groundwater is a renewable resource, but its supply is limited by the rate of recharge. If the rate of extraction exceeds the rate of replenishment, the water table falls, and the resource stock is depleted. This overuse compromises the availability of water for future use, making the current practice non-sustainable.

Key Takeaway: