Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Progress in Different Fields from Class 7 Social Science. The role of mass media in the social and economic developmental process is huge. Revolutions in agriculture, industry, information technology and bio-technology have played a decisive role in the progress of Karnataka. A brief introduction is given to all these in the present lesson. By the end of this lesson, you will become aware of the role of mass media in the social and economic development of our state. You will also collect information about the changes that took place in the political, social and economic fields as a result of the revolutions in information technology and bio-technology. Finally, you will learn to appreciate the progress in agriculture, industry and basic amenities. Let us begin our journey together. [CHECKPOINT]
The process of sending news or information from one person to another or from one place to another is known as Communication System. Our forefathers used different forms of communication at different periods of time. For instance, in the olden days, pigeons and camels were used as media of communication. In the modern days, revolutionary changes have taken place in the communication system. This revolution came to India from the western countries. Post and Telegraph system was the most widely used communication medium till the end of the 20th Century. Today, communication media like radio, television, mobile and internet have reached most of the sections of the society. People find it difficult to live without them. Mass media can be classified into three heads. They are Print media, Electronic media, and Entertainment media. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us look at Print media first. Today, innumerable newspapers are being published in English and regional languages. Newspapers are considered as record of that day’s history. Newspapers reach every place irrespective of whether they are towns or villages and hence is a very powerful medium. Here is an activity for you. Make a list of Kannada and English newspapers and weekly magazines. Did you know that the first newspaper published in Kannada was Mangalooru Samachara? There are different kinds of newspapers like daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, bi-annual and annual. Next, we will learn about Electronic media. The electronic revolution began in the last part of the 20th century. Television became the primary attraction for people. This medium, in addition to giving essential news, also provides immense entertainment too. Severe competition in the electronic field has made various private organizations come forward to provide loads of information, relevant to farmers, workers, investors, different kinds of consumers, students and other groups of people. Today the administrative machinery is becoming digitized and going the electronic way. [CHECKPOINT]
No matter in which corner of the world an event is occurring, the television brings it before our eyes, within a few seconds. It telecasts news about disasters like earthquakes, floods and accidents. Moreover, it is of great help in giving news about weather disturbances, well in advance to reduce any disasters. In addition to television, the other influential electronic media are radio, mobile and internet. These have become an integral part of the lives of many people. Internet is widely used in the urban areas. Mobile is a powerful medium which has reached both the literate and the illiterate. Similarly, radio has remained as an influential medium even today. It is an audio medium which gives both information and entertainment. Internet has brought the world closer. It is the most powerful tool used to send news, within seconds, from one corner of the world to another. Many movements today are started through Facebook, Twitter and other Platforms that are available on the internet. In this manner, electronic media have been playing a major role in transforming our society. [CHECKPOINT]
Now let us move on to Entertainment media. Films are a massive media, in the entertainment field. A medium closely related to this is dramatics. A film is a visual medium and is a very compelling force attracting all classes of people. We mainly see commercial films. Along with these, there is parallel cinema called Art Cinema. Parallel cinema usually has a definite subject looked at from a research point of view, and aims to remove superstitions in the society. People wanting to see such movies should increase. Communication media plays a primary role in the development of the country today. They help in maintaining the country’s unity, integrity and sovereignty. In addition, communication media occupy an important place in the growth of fields like trade and commerce. Large companies are competing with others to monopolize this field. Let us now explore the Revolution in Information Technology. [CHECKPOINT]
The present age is called Age of Information. The creation and spread of information with the help of technology is called Information Technology. Computer software and telegraphic communication created a major revolution in the 1990s. Information began to be considered as a product. The contributions of giant companies of Bengaluru, Infosys and Wipro, in the production of software are immense. Bengaluru is called India's Silicon City. The Karnataka I.T. Park, Bengaluru government framed a new plan with regard to information technology in 1997 C.E. A new act was brought into force. It aimed at giving a new shape to fields of industry, agriculture, trade, commerce, education, health, development of Kannada language and administration, with the help of information technology. This revolution created substantial amount of employment opportunities. Internet has played a prominent role in this regard. Another important development was the Cyber Park project started jointly by the Central government and the Karnataka government in 2000 C.E. Yuvadotcoms were successfully implemented in seven centres. A keyboard with specific symbols to enable software for development of the Kannada language, was invented. With the help of information technology, social empowerment of different classes of people is envisaged. Today we see the inevitable use of information technology throughout the world. Here is an activity for you. Make a list of the important Information Technology companies in Karnataka. [CHECKPOINT]
Next, we will study the Revolution in Bio-Technology. The changes that took place towards the end of the 20th century in Information Technology and Bio-technology fields were highly revolutionary. The applied form of life sciences and other pure sciences is referred to as Biotechnology. In simple terms, the process of utilizing the features of organisms to obtain useful products through technology is called Biotechnology. In recent decades, Karnataka has become a major centre of Biotechnology. From ancient times, biotechnology has been in use in its applied form. However, it grew as a separate branch of science only in the 20th century. Biotechnology is branching into sub-branches. These branches are breeding technology, DNA fingerprinting technology, tissue culture and cloning. In 1997, a scientist named Wilmut created the world's first cloned sheep named Dolly. Later, many more clones have been produced. Today, scarcity of fuel is a serious problem. People cannot afford the sky-high price of fuel. Thus, research attempts are being made to produce alternative bio-fuels. Attempts are being made at great speed to incorporate biotechnology in agriculture. The following efforts are being made in Karnataka. Biotechnological Parks have been established in the Agriculture Universities of Bengaluru and Dharwad. Similarly, in order to make use of marine resources in the coastal areas, a biotechnological centre has been established at Karwar. An Agricultural Biotechnological Institute has been established at Dharwad. In the private sector, prominent companies like Biocon are active. These developments have long-lasting effects on our economic, social and political systems. Here is an activity. Collect information about the fuel crisis. [CHECKPOINT]
Now let us turn our attention to the Development of Agriculture in Karnataka. Land consists of a mix of natural resources like soil, water, minerals, forests, atomic and other energy sources. When these are utilised appropriately, it is possible to achieve growth. Majority of the families in India depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Karnataka is no exception to this. Agriculture provides us with life-sustaining food grains. It also supplies industries with raw materials. It generates employment opportunities, creates a market for industrial products, and is responsible for the increase in per capital income and the national income. Thus, we can say that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. The total area of Karnataka is approximately 1,91,791 square kilometres. In geographical terms, Karnataka is the seventh largest state in India. Land is being used for a variety of purposes. Karnataka has around 190.50 Lakh hectares of land. However, only around 11 million hectares of land is suitable for cultivation. Tillable land is 58 percent of the total available land. Non-agricultural land is 13.23 percent and forest area is 16.1 percent. Nineteen percent of the land is barren land in Karnataka. Discuss ways to make good use of this land. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us look at the measures taken for the development of agriculture. First is the Irrigation system. The government has undertaken many irrigation projects to enable development of agricultural production in Karnataka. The important irrigation projects are Tungabhadra project, Upper Krishna project, Bhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Hemavati, Harangi, Vanivilas, Karanja, Varahi, Bennetore and Hipparagi. Many more reforms have to be introduced in order to scientifically use the available water. As per the economic survey of 2011 C.E, Karnataka stands fifth in the agricultural production. Second is Emphasis on conservation of soil. The washing away of the upper fertile layer of soil due to natural processes like wind, rain and floods is called soil erosion. Soil erosion also takes place when forests are destroyed or wrong practices of cultivation are followed. The Karnataka government has given many guidelines to farmers to save them from this problem. The programme Krishiranga on radio and television gives many tips to farmers on good farming practices. Third is Encouragement to organic farming. Modern cultivation methods are being adopted in agriculture and production is being increased. People have realized the ill-effects of the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Recently Save Environment Movement has attempted to bring awareness in the government. Hence, the government has taken measures to encourage the use of organic manure. In 2011, 49 percent of the people of Karnataka were dependent on agriculture. Here is an activity for you. Compare the indigenous traditional farming practices with modern scientific farming practices. List out the advantages of both the types of practices. Also, collect information about Sri Prafulla Chandra who was considered a progressive farmer in Karnataka. [CHECKPOINT]
Moving forward, let us study Industrial Development. The role of industries in the economic development of the state is very important. Industries have been classified into three groups. They are Small-scale industries, Medium scale industries and Large-scale industries. The process of establishing various factories and industries, and developing transport and communication facilities to help these industries is called Industrialisation. This is a continuous process. As new industries and factories are set up, they have to be provided with basic amenities, for example, installation of power plants, transport and communication. Karnataka has achieved good progress in this direction. However, it has lagged behind in fulfilling the demand for electricity. In recent days, many kinds of industries have been set up in Karnataka. The major industries of Karnataka are Iron and Steel industry, Aluminium industry, Cotton textile industry, Silk industry, Sugar industry, Paper industry, Electronic industry and Cement industry. These industries not only create job opportunities but also aid in earning foreign exchange. There is a need to achieve harmony and balance in the growth of industries and agriculture. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us understand the Significance of Cottage and Small-scale industries. Cottage and small-scale industries are the backbones of Karnataka’s economy. These industries have been the pillars for the state’s economic development. According to Mahatma Gandhiji, Cottage industries are the lamps that guide a country on the path to progress. The Karnataka government is providing encouragement and assistance in various ways to cottage and small-scale industries. It has established many development boards in this regard. For example, Coir Development Corporation Limited and Cashew Development Corporation Limited. Here is an activity. Discuss the measures that should be taken to strengthen the cottage industries. Now, let us learn about Industrial policy. All aspects like establishment of industries in both the public and private sectors, capital investment, provision of foreign aid to industries, industrial tax, use of labour and their protection come under the scope of industrial policy. The Karnataka Industrial Policies have been framed in the backdrop of the Central government policies of 1948. The state’s industrial policy has been framed based on the resources available here. The Central government implemented important industrial policies in 1956, 1977 and 1980. Here is an activity. Visit an industrial centre near your town and observe the activities there. In 1996, the Karnataka government framed its own industrial policy. It lays more emphasis on creative participation of industries in the development of basic amenities. The government has taken measures to make plans for creation of basic facilities like technological park and airport. In 2001, it brought into force a new industrial policy to encourage development of markets, improvement of technological industries, horticulture, animal husbandry, development of mineral and human resources, by the state. Only such industries which do not spoil the nature’s beauty or cause environmental pollution or use the resources optimally to avoid the draining of natural resources contribute to the development of the community. Industrial development which takes place ignoring all these, will be detrimental to man. It is our duty as well as the government's duty to ensure that industrial development does not harm human life, but supplements it. [CHECKPOINT]
Now it is time to practice what we have learned. Let us go through the exercises together. I will read each question and provide the complete answer. Exercise One: Fill up the blanks with correct word. Question one: Bengaluru is called India's _________ city. Answer: Bengaluru is called India's Silicon City. Question two: The world’s first biologically cloned animal is ___ . Answer: The world’s first biologically cloned animal is Dolly the sheep. Question three: The one who said that cottage industries are the lamps that guide a country on the path of progress was _________ . Answer: The one who said that cottage industries are the lamps that guide a country on the path of progress was Mahatma Gandhiji. Exercise Two: Answer the following in two or three sentences each. Question four: What is meant by communication system? Answer: The process of sending news or information from one person to another or from one place to another is known as Communication System. Question five: Which are the three types of mass media? Answer: The three types of mass media are Print media, Electronic media, and Entertainment media. Question six: What is meant by Information Technology? Answer: The creation and spread of information with the help of technology is called Information Technology. Question seven: What do you mean by Biotechnology? Answer: The applied form of life sciences and other pure sciences is referred to as Biotechnology. In simple terms, the process of utilizing the features of organisms to obtain useful products through technology is called Biotechnology. Question eight: Which are the districts in Karnataka that have Biotechnology Parks? Answer: Biotechnological Parks have been established in the Agriculture Universities of Bengaluru and Dharwad. Question nine: Explain the importance of organic farming. Answer: People have realized the ill-effects of the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Recently the Save Environment Movement has attempted to bring awareness in the government. Hence, the government has taken measures to encourage the use of organic manure to protect the environment and ensure sustainable agriculture. Question ten: What is meant by Soil Erosion? Answer: The washing away of the upper fertile layer of soil due to natural processes like wind, rain and floods is called soil erosion. Soil erosion also takes place when forests are destroyed or wrong practices of cultivation are followed. Activity: Collect more information about 1996 Industrial Policy of Karnataka. Answer: In 1996, the Karnataka government framed its own industrial policy. It lays more emphasis on creative participation of industries in the development of basic amenities. The government took measures to make plans for creation of basic facilities like technological parks and airports. This policy aimed to boost industrial growth while ensuring sustainable development. [CHECKPOINT]
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]