Economics · General Awareness
Economic Sectors and Infrastructure
1,725 Questions
This topic covers the classification of primary, secondary, and tertiary economic sectors, along with their infrastructure requirements. Questions often explore the impact of globalization, privatization, and technology on various industries. This material is frequently tested in SSC, state PSC, and UPSC examinations.
Primary and secondary sectorsBanking and service sectorPrivatization and economic reformsIndustrial growth and laborFive-Year Plans priorities
Economic Sectors and Infrastructure Questions
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primary sector
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secondary sector
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tertiary sector
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none of the above
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Economic activities are classified into three sectors: primary (raw materials), secondary (manufacturing/processing), and tertiary (services). Manufacturing transforms raw materials into finished goods, which is the defining characteristic of the secondary sector. It's not primary (extraction) or tertiary (services).
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small units
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large units
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medium units
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all of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Small industrial units are more prone to becoming sick due to limited financial reserves, lack of access to modern technology, inadequate managerial expertise, and reduced capacity to withstand market fluctuations compared to larger enterprises. Small units operate with thinner margins and have fewer fallback options during economic downturns.
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agriculture and industry have both simultaneously developed in India
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agriculture and industry have both developed in the public sector
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private ownership and public ownership over means of production co-exist
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any of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
India has a mixed economy because both private ownership (individuals, companies) and public ownership (government, PSUs) over means of production coexist. The private sector operates alongside a significant public sector in strategic industries. Mixed economies combine market mechanisms with government intervention, unlike pure capitalist or socialist systems.
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Irrigation
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Telecom
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Electricity
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Roads and bridges
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industries
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schools
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agriculture
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medicine
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Established as a registered society in 1958 by the Government of India, National Productivity Council i.e. NPC is a national level organization to promote productivity culture in India. It is an autonomous, tri-partite, non-profit organization with equal representation from the government, employers and worker's organizations, apart from technical and professional institutions, and other interests on its governing council. It provides training, consultancy and undertakes research in the area of Industrial Productivity.
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oil refineries
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aluminium manufacture
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machine-tool industry
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fertilizer production
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Sindri in Jharkhand (formerly Bihar) is famous for its fertilizer plant, one of the first in India established in the 1950s. It houses the Fertilizer Corporation of India and is a major industrial center for nitrogenous fertilizers.
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Sugar production
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Mining
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Producing coffee
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Sheep rearing
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brazil has been the world's largest coffee producer for over a century, and coffee remains one of its most important agricultural exports. The country's climate is ideal for coffee cultivation, especially in the southeastern states like Minas Gerais. While Brazil has a diverse economy today, coffee production has historically been its most famous agricultural product globally.
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Tertiary sector
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Primary sector
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Secondary sector
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Joint sector
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Public sector
A
Correct answer
Explanation
An intermediary space between business and government where private energy can be deployed for public good
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Cement
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Leather
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Soap and detergent
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Agriculture
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Agriculture is a primary sector activity, not an industry in the organized manufacturing sense. Cement, leather, and soap/detergent manufacturing are all well-established industrial sectors in India with organized production facilities.
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fertile fields
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cottage industries
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prosperous cotton textile industry
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None of these
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Fazilka-Abohar region in Punjab is renowned for its prosperous cotton textile industry. The area benefits from extensive cotton cultivation in surrounding areas and has numerous textile mills that process raw cotton into fabrics and other products, making it a major cotton industry hub.
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Forest Department of State
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Indian Red Cross Society
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Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries
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Khadi and Village Industries Board
A
Correct answer
Explanation
(1) Forest Department of State is not an industry.
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Chemicals
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Electronic goods
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Precious gems
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Edible oils
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Electronic goods constitute one of India's largest import categories, including components, consumer electronics, and capital goods. While India also imports chemicals, edible oils, and gems, electronic goods imports are by far the most significant in value terms.
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cotton manufacturing industry
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sugar industry
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fertilizer industry
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locomotive industry
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Chittaranjan is home to Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), which manufactures electric locomotives for Indian Railways. Established in 1950, it is one of the largest locomotive manufacturing units in India. The town is synonymous with the locomotive industry. Options A, B, and C (cotton, sugar, fertilizer) are incorrect as Chittaranjan is not known for these industries.
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Glass and synthetic rubber
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Synthetic rubber
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Iron and steel
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Aluminium
C
Correct answer
Explanation
India has abundant iron ore reserves (especially in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka) and coal (though often not coking grade). This provides the strongest foundation for iron and steel manufacturing among the options. For aluminium (bauxite), India has reserves but less than iron ore. Synthetic rubber and glass require petrochemical inputs which India imports.