Q1. What is the most remarkable aspect of Indian industry since independence ?
(a) More employment opportunities
(b) Increase in production
(c) Capacity utilisation
(d) Diversification
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) Diversification
Explanation: Since independence, Indian industry has diversified significantly, expanding into automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and heavy machinery. This broadening of industrial base has reduced dependence on a few sectors and strengthened economic resilience.
Q2. Productivity being low, cottage industry produced a lot because
(a) It employs large number of people
(b) No power is needed to manufacture most of the products
(c) Raw material is generally available locally
(d) It caters mostly to the rural population
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) It employs large number of people
Explanation: Cottage industries rely on manual labor and traditional methods, employing a large workforce. Despite low productivity, their collective output is substantial, especially in rural areas, contributing to employment and local economies.
Q3. Capital intensive industries
(a) Increase employment in rural areas
(b) Increase unemployment
(c) Give blow to the growth of large scale industries
(d) Provide opportunities for workers’ participation in management
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Capital intensive industries rely more on machinery and technology than human labor, which can lead to reduced employment opportunities, especially in labor-surplus economies like India.
Q4. Nehru Model of Development laid greater stress on
(a) Collective use of land
(b) Using imported seeds
(c) Agricultural development
(d) Rapid industrialisation with particular emphasis on the development of basic and heavy industries
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Nehruvian model emphasized rapid industrialisation, focusing on basic and heavy industries to build a self-reliant economy. It was rooted in socialist planning and aimed at long-term economic growth.
Q5. In what way Indian cotton industry was inferior to that of England during the British rule in India
(a) Indian textile industry had an ever increasing and large domestic market
(b) There was plenty of raw material available
(c) The industry was not managed by highly skilled technicians and managers
(d) India was the traditional home for cotton textiles
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (c) The industry was not managed by highly skilled technicians and managers
Explanation: During British rule, the Indian cotton industry lacked modern management and technical expertise, making it less competitive than England’s mechanized textile mills. Despite raw material availability, the absence of skilled personnel hindered growth.
Q6. Of these which is/are the most essential for proper development of an industry?
A. Infrastructure
B. Skilled manpower
C. Finance
D. Raw materials
E. Latest sophisticated technology
(a) A, B, C, D, E
(b) B, C, D
(c) Only E
(d) A, B, C, D
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) A, B, C, D
Explanation: For industrial development, infrastructure, manpower, finance, and raw materials are fundamental requirements. While sophisticated technology enhances efficiency, the basic components are essential for establishing and sustaining operations.
Q7. The steel industry in India is lagging behind its objectives due to less availability of
(a) Iron ore
(b) Coking coal
(c) Power
(d) Technology
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (b) Coking coal
Explanation: Coking coal is a critical input for the production of steel through the blast furnace method. Despite having abundant iron ore reserves, India faces a shortage of high-grade coking coal, which affects the cost and efficiency of steel production. This constraint has been a major bottleneck in achieving industrial targets.
8. Match List I with List II
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| (a) HAL | (1) Coal |
| (b) BHEL | (2) Aeronautical goods |
| (c) SAIL | (3) Electrical goods |
| (d) CIL | (4) Steel |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| a | b | c | d | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| (B) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| (C) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| (D) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is engaged in the manufacture of aeronautical goods. BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) produces electrical goods. SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) is associated with steel production. CIL (Coal India Limited) deals with coal.
These are major public sector enterprises in India, each specializing in a distinct industrial sector.
9. Match List I with List II
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| (a) Korba | (1) Atomic Power Plant |
| (b) Raniganj | (2) Heavy Electricals |
| (c) Kalpakkam | (3) Coal Mines |
| (d) Hardwar | (4) Aluminium |
| (5) Iron and Steel |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| a | b | c | d | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| (B) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| (C) | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| (D) | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Korba is a major centre for aluminium production. Raniganj is one of the oldest and most important coal mining regions of India. Kalpakkam houses an atomic power plant. Hardwar is associated with heavy electricals manufacturing.
Thus, the correct matching reflecting the industrial specialization of each location is 4312.
Q10. The maximum limit of investment in the small scale industrial units including machinery and equipment is
(a) 7.5 lakh
(b) 10 lakh
(c) 15 lakh
(d) 20 lakh
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (d) 20 lakh
Explanation: As per the definition during the 1980s, the maximum investment limit for small scale industries in plant and machinery was ₹20 lakh, encouraging entrepreneurship and local manufacturing.