Question : Which of the following policy measures is not a step towards liberalisation?
Option 1: Increase in equity limit of foreign investment
Option 2: Enhancement in tariffs
Option 3: Removal of industrial licensing for certain industries
Option 4: Removal of the requirement of registration for certain industries
Correct Answer: Enhancement in tariffs
Solution : The correct option is Enhancement in tariffs.
Enhancement in tariffs is generally not a step towards liberalisation; in fact, it is a measure that moves away from liberalisation. Liberalisation typically involves reducing or eliminating trade barriers, including tariffs. Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and increasing them goes against the principles of free trade and economic liberalisation, as it can hinder international trade and limit market access.
Question : The 'License Raj' in India refers to:
Option 1: The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities
Option 2: The system of licensing journalists
Option 3: The system of licensing foreign tourists
Option 4: The system of obtaining licenses for agricultural activities
Correct Answer: The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities
Solution : The correct answer is (a) The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities
The 'License Raj' in India refers to the system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities. During the period of economic regulation and control in India, which lasted from the 1950s to the 1990s, the government implemented a complex system of licenses and permits for industrial activities. This system involved extensive government intervention and control over the private sector, including regulations on investment, production, pricing, and capacity expansion. The 'License Raj' created a bureaucratic and restrictive environment for businesses, leading to inefficiencies and hindering economic growth.
Question : How many national laboratories does the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) have in India?
Option 1: 37
Option 2: 47
Option 3: 27
Option 4: 17
Correct Answer: 37
Solution : The correct answer is 37.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), recognised for its advanced research and development expertise across various science and technology domains, is a modern R&D institution. CSIR operates an active network comprising 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 1 innovation complex, and three units with a nationwide presence.
Question : ___________ is a financial institution that specializes in providing loans for purchasing homes.
Option 1: Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)
Option 2: Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI)
Option 3: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
Option 4: Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank)
Correct Answer: Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)
Solution : The correct answer is (a) Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)
Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) is a financial institution that specializes in providing loans for purchasing homes in India. It is one of the largest housing finance companies in India and offers a range of home loan products to individuals and families.
HDFC provides home loans for various purposes, including buying a new home, constructing a house, purchasing land for construction, renovating or improving an existing home, and refinancing existing home loans. They offer competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and personalized customer service to cater to the diverse needs of homebuyers.
Question : The Census of India provides us with information regarding ______.
Option 1: industrial production
Option 2: pollution
Option 3: food security
Option 4: the population
Correct Answer: the population
Solution : The correct option is the population.
Comprehensive demographic and socioeconomic information about India's population is provided by the Census of India. It takes place every ten years and covers a lot of ground. The census yields the aggregate population of India as well as the population distribution among the states, districts, and towns. Demographic data is gathered, such as the distribution of ages, the sex ratio, the literacy rate, and the level of schooling.
Question : The Bhopal gas tragedy led to the emergence of which type of movement in India?
Option 1: Industrial Safety Movement
Option 2: Environmental Movement
Option 3: Workers' Rights Movement
Option 4: Public Health Movement
Correct Answer: Environmental Movement
Solution : The Bhopal gas tragedy led to the emergence of the Environmental Movement in India, highlighting the need for industrial safety and environmental protection.
Question : What was a major cause of famine in India during the era of planned development?
Option 1: Industrial pollution
Option 2: Agricultural mismanagement
Option 3: Political instability
Option 4: Economic sanctions
Correct Answer: Agricultural mismanagement
Solution : A major cause of famine in India during the era of planned development was agricultural mismanagement, which led to inadequate food production and distribution.
Question : The agrarian class structure in pre-independence India was characterized by:
Option 1: A dominant urban elite
Option 2: A large industrial working class
Option 3: Predominance of small and marginal farmers
Option 4: High levels of wage labor
Correct Answer: Predominance of small and marginal farmers
Solution : The agrarian class structure in pre-independence India was characterized by the predominance of small and marginal farmers, along with a hierarchical system of landownership and tenancy.
Question : The primary focus of environmental movements in India is to:
Option 1: Promote nuclear energy
Option 2: Enhance industrial productivity
Option 3: Protect natural resources and promote sustainability
Option 4: Increase the use of genetically modified crops
Correct Answer: Protect natural resources and promote sustainability
Solution : The primary focus of environmental movements in India is to protect natural resources and promote sustainability, addressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, and wildlife conservation.
Question : Assertion: The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 aimed to promote the development of large-scale industries in India.
Reason: The resolution emphasized the regulation and control of private industries to ensure balanced industrial growth.
Option 1: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Option 2: Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Option 3: The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
Option 4: The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Correct Answer: The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
Solution : The correct answer is (c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
The assertion is true. The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 in India did aim to promote the development of large-scale industries. The resolution emphasized the role of the public sector in establishing and growing key industries in the country. It sought to give a leading role to the state in guiding industrial development and building a socialistic pattern of society.
However, the reason provided is false. The resolution did not primarily emphasize the regulation and control of private industries to ensure balanced industrial growth. While it did recognize the role of the private sector in industrial development, its main focus was on promoting the growth of the public sector and state-led industrialization. The policy sought to establish a mixed economy where both public and private sectors coexist, but it did not heavily emphasize the regulation and control of private industries.
Therefore, the correct answer is that the assertion is true, but the reason is false.