30. Concerning WTO TRIMs, consider:
1. Certain import quantitative restrictions on foreign investors are prohibited.
2. TRIMs covers goods and services.
3. TRIMs does not directly regulate entry of foreign investment.
Which are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims — 2020]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: The Trade-Related Investment Measures agreement deals with trade-distorting investment measures affecting goods. It restricts measures inconsistent with GATT principles, including certain import-balancing restrictions. It does not regulate investment entry generally, and services are covered by a separate WTO framework.
29. Consider:
1. India’s coal sector was nationalised under Indira Gandhi.
2. Coal blocks are allocated by lottery.
3. India no longer needs imported coal.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims — 2019]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Coking and non-coking coal nationalisation took place in the early 1970s under Indira Gandhi. Coal blocks are not ordinarily allotted by lottery, and imports continued because of demand and coal-quality requirements. Only the historical nationalisation assertion is correct.
28. Regarding functions of India’s public sector, consider:
I. Supplying public utilities.
II. Building economic and social overhead capital.
III. Encouraging balanced regional growth.
IV. Pursuing egalitarian objectives.
Which are correct?
[UPPSC Civil Services Prelims 2019 — 2019]
(A) I, II and III
(B) II, III and IV
(C) I, II, III and IV
(D) I, III and IV
Answer: (C) I, II, III and IV
Explanation: Public enterprises have historically provided essential utilities, built major economic and social infrastructure and supported balanced regional development. The public sector was also expected to advance social equity and broad developmental goals. Consequently, all four functions were included in the examination key.
27. Nepanagar is associated with which industry?
[MPPSC General Studies 2018 — 2018]
(A) Fertiliser
(B) Newsprint paper
(C) Sugar
(D) Woollen textiles
Answer: (B) Newsprint paper
Explanation: Nepanagar in Madhya Pradesh became known for the Nepa paper mill and newsprint manufacture. Pulp, paper-making machinery, water and transport are major requirements of the industry. The industrial township is located in today’s Burhanpur district.
26. What is the purpose of the UDAY scheme?
[UPSC CSE Prelims — 2016]
(A) Aid renewable-energy start-ups
(B) Electrify every home by 2018
(C) Replace all coal plants with renewables
(D) Financial turnaround of power-distribution companies
Answer: (D) Financial turnaround of power-distribution companies
Explanation: Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana was launched to improve the financial and operational position of electricity distribution companies. It involved debt restructuring and steps to reduce losses, thereby strengthening the distribution link connecting power generation with consumers and businesses.
25. District Mineral Foundations were formed primarily for which purpose:
1. Promote mineral exploration.
2. Protect people affected by mining.
3. License mineral exploration?
[UPSC CSE Prelims — 2016]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 only
Explanation: District Mineral Foundations support the welfare and development of communities and areas affected by mining operations. Their work may finance local services and infrastructure. Mineral exploration and the grant of mining licences fall under different administrative and legal processes.
24. Which is NOT among India’s eight core industries?
[CGPSC Prelims General Studies 2016 — 2016]
(A) Coal
(B) Fertilisers
(C) Electricity
(D) Chemicals
(E) Cement
Answer: (D) Chemicals
Explanation: Chemicals as a broad category is not independently included among the eight core industries. The official grouping comprises coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The distinction is important when interpreting industrial growth indices.
23. A textile–MSME technology centre was proposed through a ministerial agreement at which city?
[WBCS Prelims 2016 — 2016]
(A) Jaipur
(B) Pune
(C) Kanpur
(D) Lucknow
Answer: (C) Kanpur
Explanation: The planned technology centre at Kanpur was intended to enhance technical capability, training and productivity for textile-linked enterprises. Such centres help MSMEs obtain modern tools, testing and skilled manpower, improving competitiveness without each small firm investing in full facilities.
22. Concerning IREDA, consider:
1. It is a government public limited company.
2. It is an RBI-registered non-banking financial company.
Which is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims — 2015]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency is a government enterprise providing financial support to renewable-energy projects. It is organised as a public limited company and registered as an NBFC. These characteristics enable specialised project finance for energy infrastructure and clean-power investment.
21. Match Rourkela, Bhilai, Durgapur and Visakhapatnam steel plants to their states. Which combination is correct?
[RPSC Senior Teacher Grade-II, Social Science — 2015]
(A) Rourkela–Chhattisgarh, Bhilai–Odisha, Durgapur–West Bengal, Vizag–Andhra Pradesh
(B) Rourkela–Odisha, Bhilai–Chhattisgarh, Durgapur–West Bengal, Vizag–Andhra Pradesh
(C) Rourkela–West Bengal, Bhilai–Odisha, Durgapur–Chhattisgarh, Vizag–Andhra Pradesh
(D) Rourkela–Andhra Pradesh, Bhilai–West Bengal, Durgapur–Odisha, Vizag–Chhattisgarh
Answer: (B) Rourkela–Odisha, Bhilai–Chhattisgarh, Durgapur–West Bengal, Vizag–Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Rourkela is in Odisha, Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, Durgapur in West Bengal and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Each location became an industrial centre with substantial steel-producing capacity. Geographic matching also reveals how industry spread across different resource belts.
