Economics Miscellaneous (Part – I)

Total Questions: 50

11. Which of the following statements is not correct regarding the roadways of Madhya Pradesh according to Basic Road Statistics 2018-19? [M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) The length of the National Highways is more than 8,000 kms.
(b) The length of the State Highways is more than 11,000 pkms.
(c) The length of the District roads is more than 50,000 kms.
(d) This State ranks first in the country in road density.

Correct Answer: (d) This State ranks first in the country in road density.

Solution:According to Basic Road Statistics 2018-19, road density (per 1000 Sq. km) is highest in Chandigarh followed by Delhi, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Kerala. Hence, statement of option (d) is incorrect, while other three statements are correct.

India boasts the world's second-largest road network, covering approximately 63.73 lakh kilometers, consisting of various types of roads like national highways, state highways, district roads, and rural roads. Road transport plays a vital role in India, carrying around 87% of passenger traffic and over 60% of freight. With 100% foreign direct investment allowed in roads and highways, the sector holds significant potential for growth and development.

12. In which of the following States, India's first Railway line has been made under public-private partnership model? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]

(a) Rajasthan
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Gujarat

Correct Answer: (d) Gujarat

Solution:India's first Broad-guage railway line under public-private partnership model was made in Gujarat and dedicated to the Nation on 14 July, 2015. This railway line connects Tuna Tekra Port to Gandhidham.

Indian Railways, one of the largest and busiest railway networks in the world, plays a crucial role in the country's economic and social development. With over 68,000 kilometers of track, it serves as the backbone of transportation for both passengers and freight across India.
Recently, India's Railway Sector reported spending over $22 billion in the current fiscal year (April 2024 to March 2025), highlighting its commitment to modernisation and sustainability. By January 5, 2025, the railways had utilised 1.92 trillion ($22.37 billion) out of its total 2.65 trillion rupees budget for the year.
As part of its long-term sustainability goals, the government is driving efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 through extensive electrification and the expansion of new rail lines. These initiatives are crucial for building a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly railway network.

13. How many railways stations have been identified for modernization under 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' in Uttar Pradesh as on February, 2023? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) 123
(b) 57
(c) 82
(d) 149

Correct Answer: (d) 149

Solution:As on February, 2023, 149 railway stations were identified for modernization under 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' in Uttar Pradesh. As per PIB press release of 8 December, 2023, so far, 1309 stations have been identified for development under this scheme all over India. Among these 1309 stations, 156 stations has been chosen from Uttar Pradesh, whereas from Maharashtra-126 stations, West Bengal-98 stations, Bihar-92 stations, Gujarat-87 stations etc.

14. The cities which are included in 'Golden Triangle' of Indian Tourism are: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Agra, Delhi and Jaipur
(b) Mathura, Agra and Gwalior
(c) Agra, Kanpur and Lucknow
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer: (a) Agra, Delhi and Jaipur

Solution:In the context of Indian Tourism Agra, Delhi and Jaipur are included in 'Golden Triangle'. It is a tourist circuit. The Golden Triangle is so called because of the triangular shape formed by the locations on a map.

15. More than one-third of the crude steel production of the world comes from: [U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2011]

(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Russia
(d) U.S.A.

Correct Answer: (a) China

Solution:As per the question period, more than one-third of the crude steel production of the world came from China. According to the data of the World Steel Association, the share of China was about 53.86% (1019.1 million tonnes) in the global crude steel production (1892.2 million tonnes) in the year 2023. While India (which is at second rank after China) produced a total of 140.8 million tonnes of crude steel in the year 2023, which is 7.44 percent of the global steel production.

16. As of early 2022, which country was at the top in steel production in the world? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2022]

(a) Japan
(b) India
(c) China
(d) England

Correct Answer: (c) China

Solution:As of early 2022 and in January-December 2023, China was at the top in steel production in the world, followed by India and Japan.

India has now become the second largest crude steel producer in the world (after China).
In the last 8 years, India has doubled its capacity to 120 million tonnes of production and it is projected to grow five times in the next two decades.
Per capita finished steel consumption in 2020 was 228 kg for the world and 691 kg for China and the same for India was 70 kg in 2020-21.
The Government has released the National Steel Policy 2017, which has laid down the broad roadmap for encouraging long term growth for the Indian steel industry, both on demand and supply sides, by 2030-31.

17. The Kamaiya system is: [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002]

(a) an arrangement of canals which cover unirrigated areas in Nepal
(b) a system of bonded labour in Nepal which continues from generation to generation
(c) a system of contract labour in Assam prevalent in tea gardens
(d) a system of labour on sea-ports to load and unload goods

Correct Answer: (b) a system of bonded labour in Nepal which continues from generation to generation

Solution:The Kamaiya system is a system of bonded labour practised in Nepal. Kamaiya system was abolished after protest in 2000 and 2006 respectively. Despite the 2013 official prohibition on putting girls into indentured servitude, the NYF estimated in October, 2017 that hundreds of girls were still living in slave-like conditions, many in home of prominent politicians and businessmen.

18. Which of the following statements is not correct? [U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

(a) India was a colony of Britain till 1947.
(b) The Indian economy stagnated during British period.
(c) India was a supplier of manufacturing goods during British rule.
(d) India was supplier of raw-materials during British rule.

Correct Answer: (c) India was a supplier of manufacturing goods during British rule.

Solution:India was a colony of Britain till 1947. British colonization of India began in 1757 when East India Company won Battle of Plassey and started his supermacy over Bengal. The Indian economy stagnated during British period. The then British Government of India followed a policy of free trade or unrestricted entry of British goods. Indian handicrafts were exposed to the fierce and unequal competition with the machine-made products of Britain and faced extinction. India had to admit British goods free or at nominal tariff rates and India became supplier of mainly raw-materials. The economic policy of British government as pointed out by R.C. Dutt later in 1901 in his famous work. The economic History of India', that the effort of the parliamentary select commiter of 1812 was "to discover how they (Indian manufacturers) could be replaced by British manufacturers and how British industries could be promoted at the expense of Indian industries."

19. Which one of the following statements about Arthashastra is not true? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]

(a) It prescribes the duty of a king.
(b) It describes the then economic life of the country.
(c) It lays down the principles of politics.
(d) It highlights the need for financial reforms.

Correct Answer: (b) It describes the then economic life of the country.

Solution:The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy. Kautilya, also identified as Vishnugupta and Chanakya, is traditionally credited as the author of the text. It does not describe the then economic life of the country. Statements of other three options are correct about it.

Kautilya's most important historical contribution was being the principal advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Chandragupta successfully overthrew the Nanda Dynasty under his leadership, establishing an empire that eventually spanned the Indian subcontinent.
Kautilya's counsel and tactics, enshrined in the foundational work known as the Arthashastra, greatly benefited the establishment and administration of the Mauryan Empire.
Serving as a comprehensive manual for kings and administrators, it provides specific instructions on how to run a kingdom effectively. The book also explores the subtleties of taxation, law enforcement, and international relations, demonstrating Kautilya's extensive knowledge of economics and governance.

20. In how many adhikarnas is the Kautilya Arthashastra divided? [B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]

(a) 11
(b) 12
(c) 14
(d) 15

Correct Answer: (d) 15

Solution:Kautilya Arthashastra is divided into 15 adhikarans.

Key Insights from the Arthashastra:

Foundational Role: It serves as a core text in the study of political science and economics, with a wide-ranging approach to governance.
Historical Influence: Kautilya's strategies aided Chandragupta's rise, showing the text's real-world application beyond mere theory.
Modern Relevance: The Arthashastra is studied today for its rational and strategic approach to governance and its emphasis on public welfare.
Comparative Influence: Often likened to Machiavelli's The Prince, it has shaped political thought, advocating for a practical yet ethical ruler.
Comprehensive Scope: Beyond politics, it includes economic principles, military strategies, and social organization, offering a holistic governance guide.
Ethical Governance: Despite its pragmatic tone, it stresses a ruler's moral and ethical duties, encouraging balanced, just leadership.

The Arthashastra remains a timeless guide, combining practicality with ethical considerations, emphasizing both effective governance and social responsibility.

« Previous 123 4 5 Next »