General Knowledge

Trade in India Questions

Chapter: Indian Economy | Total Available: 59 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following statements is not true about Ijarah system ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (c) is correct. The statement "Under this system, land revenue was fixed for the peasant" is not true.

📖 Core Concept

The Ijarah system, primarily seen during various historical periods in India, is a leasing system where land was leased out for cultivation.

📜 Detailed Breakdown

  • Revenue Farming: This system allowed revenue collection by leasing lands, but it did not guarantee fixed revenue for peasants.
  • Role of Middlemen: Ijarah encouraged intermediaries in the collection and management of revenue.
  • Payment Structure: An Ijaradar would pay a fixed amount to the state treasury, benefiting from the agricultural output.
  • Income Variability: The revenue was not always fixed, often fluctuating based on crop yield and market conditions.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option (a): True; Ijarah involved revenue farming.
  • Option (b): True; it indeed encouraged the role of middlemen.
  • Option (d): True; confirmed that Ijaradars paid a fixed amount to the treasury.

⚡ Chronology Trick

Remember: Ijarah = Lease system; fixed income is a misconception!

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against standard historical texts on Mughal agrarian policies and governance.

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the items that follow the passage. Your answers to these items should be based solely on the passage.Can agricultural productivity meet human needs in the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signs of slowing down, has pushed farmers and herders into areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reservesof arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitats have hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, rangingfrom a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century. 

What pushes farmers into places unsuited foragriculture?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. Population growth leads farmers to unfit agricultural lands.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The passage emphasizes the impact of global population growth on agricultural land use, noting that increased population density drives farmers into less suitable regions for agriculture.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Population Growth: Increased demand for food due to a rising global population.
  • Geographical Shift: Farmers are pushed into marginal lands that are less suitable for intensive agriculture.
  • Environmental Concerns: This shift contributes to ecological disruptions and is unsustainable in the long term.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • B: Industrialisation - While it affects agriculture, it is not directly linked to pushing farmers to unsuitable lands.
  • C: Water Scarcity - A consequence of agricultural practices but not a primary driver for relocating farmers.
  • D: Desertification - It results from unsustainable agriculture but does not explain the initial push into unsuitable areas.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember: POPulation increase leads to the PUSH into less viable lands.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against environmental studies highlighting agriculture's response to population dynamics.

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions: Read the following passage carefullyand answer the items that follow the passage. Your answers to these items should be based solely on the passage.

Can agricultural productivity meet human needsin the long run? Since twentieth century advanc-es, given increasing costs, do not seem sustainable,further increases in output will not be achieved eas-ily. Global population growth, while showing signsof slowing down, has pushed farmers and herdersinto areas unsuited to intensive agriculture, accel-erating worldwide ecological disruptions. Reserves of arable land and fresh water have diminished alarmingly. Chemical runoffs have compounded pollution problems. Invasion of natural habitat shave hastened species extinction. Desertification has been severe in the last hundred years, especial-ly in North Africa, southern portions of Africa, Aus-tralia, northern Mexico, and the American South-west. Tropical forests have shrunk by one-half since World War II, with agricultural pressures causing three-quarters of that loss. Government interven-tion has produced its share of catastrophes, ranging from a terrible famine in China between 1958-1961that may have killed 30 million people and de-stroyed the Aral Sea. Taking everything into con-sideration, we may remain hopeful about human-kind’s agricultural prospects, but we can scarcely look forward optimistically at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century. 

Why do twentieth century advances not seem sustainable?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (b) is correct. This option correctly identifies increased costs as the reason for the sustainability challenges in agricultural productivity.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The passage examines agricultural productivity and its sustainability concerns, emphasizing increased costs since the twentieth century as a primary factor impacting growth.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • The passage indicates that advancements in agriculture during the twentieth century have faced rising costs, which has rendered them less sustainable.
  • As a result, further increases in agricultural output are challenging, primarily due to economic pressures.
  • Global conditions, including ecological disruptions and resource depletion, contribute to this scenario.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • A: Does not accurately reflect the passage's main point about costs.
  • C: Outdated nature is not specified as a reason; the focus is on costs.
  • D: While intensive agriculture is mentioned, the core issue is about costs impacting sustainability.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

To remember the correlation between agricultural advancements and costs, think of the acronym "COST": Conflicts with ecology, Output pressure, Sustainability, Trends in rising expenses.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against G.C. Leong's Geography and NCERT materials on agricultural economics.

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Match List-I with List-II and select the answe rusing the code given below the lists:

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option B is correct. It aligns the objectives of each Five-Year Plan accurately.

📖 Short Explanation

This question tests the understanding of the objectives set during different Indian Five-Year Plans, crucial for socio-economic planning in India.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

The answer is determined by matching each plan with its specific objective:

  • Fifth Five-Year Plan: This plan prioritized "Garibi Hatao" focusing on poverty alleviation.
  • Seventh Five-Year Plan: It emphasized "Food, Work, and Productivity" aiming to increase employment and productivity.
  • Ninth Five-Year Plan: Focused on "Growth With Social Justice and Equality", ensuring social justice in growth processes.
  • Eleventh Five-Year Plan: With the goal of "Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth", it aimed at inclusivity in economic growth.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Incorrectly assigns objectives not pertaining to the specified plans; it mixes up the objectives.
  • •Option C: Swaps objectives between different plans, leading to misunderstanding of the core goals.
  • •Option D: Does not match the historical context and outcomes associated with the plans.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember the sequence "Remove Food, Social Growth" — aligns with the core objectives of Garibi (poverty removal), Food productivity, Social justice, and Faster growth respectively from Fifth to Eleventh Plans.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

A focused understanding of Five-Year Plans and their objectives over time helps grasp the socio-economic planning adaptation in India.

6. Visual Suggestion

A timeline chart visually mapping each Five-Year Plan along with its objective can help students better understand trends in national priorities and strategic planning shifts over the decades.

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Maize (makka) was introduced in India in the seventeenth century via :

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option B is correct. Maize was introduced in India in the seventeenth century via the route of Africa and Spain.

📖 Short Explanation

Maize, also known as corn, was introduced to India from external regions during the seventeenth century. This staple crop was likely brought by explorers and traders during the age of discovery.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

Historical evidence suggests that maize made its way to India from Africa through the Mediterranean route which involves trade connections with Spain. The plant adapted well to the climatic conditions of India and thus became integrated into the agricultural system.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Though Portugal had significant trading interest in India, there is no historical evidence suggesting they introduced maize to India.
  • •Option C: China and Mongolia have a historical influence on India but are not associated with the introduction of maize.
  • •Option D: Turkey's trade routes and influence did not historically introduce maize to India in the seventeenth century.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Mnemonic: Remember 'Spain’s gain was India’s maize.' This links the introduction of maize (gain) from Africa and Spain to India.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

Major crops, including maize, were often introduced through international trade routes, highlighting the global nature of agricultural development.

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider a world map diagram tracing the trade routes from Spain and Africa to India used for introducing crops such as maize. Visualize paths and methods during the era of exploration.

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Consider the following statements with regardto a steel plant:

1. It was set up in 1964 with Russian collaboration.

2. It receives iron ore from the Rourkela region.

3. Water and hydel power is supplied by the Damodar Valley Corporation.

Identify the steel plant on the basis of the abovefacts:

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option B is correct.

📖 Short Explanation

The question involves identifying the steel plant set up with Russian collaboration, receives iron ore from the Rourkela region, and uses resources from the Damodar Valley Corporation, which are characteristic of the Bokaro Steel Plant.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

The Bokaro Steel Plant fulfills all the given conditions:

  • - It was established in 1964 with assistance from the USSR, marking it as a collaboration with Russian entities.
  • - It receives iron ore from Rourkela, which is well-known for its rich mines in the state of Odisha.
  • - Since the plant is located in Jharkhand, integrated resource management with the Damodar Valley Corporation ensures regular water and power supply, critical for steel production.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A (Bhilai Steel Plant): It was established with Soviet aid but receives its iron ore from Dalli-Rajhara, not Rourkela.
  • •Option C (Rourkela Steel Plant): Although it receives iron ore from nearby regions, this plant was established with German aid, not Russian.
  • •Option D (Durgapur Steel Plant): Built with British collaboration, it does not match the Russian collaboration criterion, nor does it solely rely on Rourkela for iron ore.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember, Bokaro is associated with Russia and DVC, while Bhilai and Durgapur are linked with USSR and UK, respectively. This helps in quick identification on the exam day.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

Understand the pivotal features and foreign collaborations of Indian steel plants like Bokaro, which symbolize post-independence industrial alliances.

6. Visual Suggestion

A detailed map showcasing locations of major steel plants in India, color-coded by country of collaboration, would simplify identifying Bokaro's association with Russia and its logistics.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one among the following is NOT included in the National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC)?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option B is correct. Coffee is not included in the NFSM-CC.

📖 Short Explanation

The National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC) focuses on boosting the production of select commercial crops like cotton, jute, and sugarcane, not coffee.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

The NFSM-CC is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at improving the production and productivity of major commercial crops. It primarily targets crops such as cotton, jute, and sugarcane, which have significant economic value and cultivation areas in India. Coffee, although a valuable cash crop, is not prioritized under the NFSM-CC framework, focusing instead on the mentioned crops due to their wider cultivation and importance to the domestic market.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Cotton is a key commercial crop in India with significant economic importance, hence included in NFSM-CC.
  • •Option C: Jute is an important fiber crop in the eastern regions of India, making it part of the mission.
  • •Option D: Sugarcane is a crucial component of the Indian agriculture economy, included under NFSM-CC for productivity enhancement.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember the main commercial crops as "CJC" (Cotton, Jute, Sugarcane) to quickly identify exclusions like coffee.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

NFSM-CC focuses on major commercial crops with direct economic impact like cotton, jute, and sugarcane, excluding others like coffee.

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider visualizing NFSM-CC's focus through an interlinked schematic of economic zones highlighting cotton, jute, sugarcane, and separate coffee areas, emphasizing their geographic and economic roles.

Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

As per the Land Revenue Records, any land is categorised as Culturable Waste-Land if it is left fallow (uncultivated) for more than

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option D is correct. Land is categorized as Culturable Waste-Land if left uncultivated for more than 5 years.

📖 Short Explanation

Culturable Wasteland is defined as land that has potential for cultivation but has been left fallow for an extended period, specifically more than 5 years according to land revenue records.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

According to official land revenue records, land that is left uncultivated for more than five years is termed as "Culturable Waste-Land". This classification is crucial in land management practices and the planning of agricultural resources. Such land has the potential for agricultural production if adequate reclamation and improvement measures are applied.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Categorizes land as Culturable Waste-Land if left fallow for only 2 years, which is too short for this classification.
  • •Option B: Incorrectly uses a 3-year period for classification, which is not aligned with official records.
  • •Option C: Suggests a 4-year period, which is less than the official 5-year requirement.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember the phrase "5-year fallow to be called Culturable", matching the years with the term to quickly determine the classification of wasteland.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

Culturable Waste-Land requires a fallow period of more than 5 years. This classification aids in efficient land use planning and agriculture policy.

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider a timeline diagram showing different types of land classifications, highlighting the 5-year mark for Culturable Waste-Land to illustrate its crucial period for categorization.

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one among the following is NOT a major oil field located in Gujarat?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option D is correct. Moran is not a major oil field located in Gujarat.

📖 Short Explanation

Gujarat is home to several significant oil fields that contribute to India's onshore oil production. However, Moran is an oil field located in Assam, not Gujarat.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

The question asks us to identify the oil field that is not located in Gujarat. Gujarat's key oil fields include Ankleshwar, Kosamba, and Mehsana, all known for their contribution to oil production in the state. On the other hand, the Moran oil field is located in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, making it geographically disconnected from the other options. Thus, Moran being in Assam and not in Gujarat, fulfills the condition of being the correct option.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Ankleshwar is a well-known oil field in Gujarat, actively involved in oil production.
  • •Option B: Kosamba is located in Gujarat, contributing to the state's oil output
  • •Option C: Mehsana is another significant oil field in Gujarat, known for its production activities.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember key oil fields in Gujarat with the acronym "AKM" — Ankleshwar, Kosamba, Mehsana. Any option not fitting "AKM" is the outlier.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

Familiarity with major geographical locations of natural resources is crucial in exams like NDA.

6. Visual Suggestion

A detailed map of India marking key oil fields in Gujarat such as Ankleshwar, Kosamba, and Mehsana alongside Moran in Assam would clearly illustrate their geographical distribution.

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

As per the Annual Report 2023–24 of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, which of the following states are the major producer of copper in the country?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option B is correct. The major producers of copper in India are Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh according to the Annual Report 2023–24 of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

📖 Short Explanation

Copper is an essential metal used in various industries. India has significant copper mining operations, notably in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, managed mainly by Hindustan Copper Limited.

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

As per the Annual Report 2023–24 of the Ministry of Mines, the primary copper producing states in India are Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan is home to the Khetri Copper Complex, while Madhya Pradesh has the Malanjkhand Copper Project—both significant sources of copper and managed by Hindustan Copper Limited, a public sector undertaking. These mining projects are largest contributors to India's copper output, serving various industrial needs.

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Gujarat is not a major producer of copper, making this option incorrect.
  • •Option C: Although Jharkhand has some copper reserves, it is not significant compared to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
  • •Option D: Although Madhya Pradesh is correct, Jharkhand is not a major copper producer.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember "R-M Copper" - "Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for Copper" as the core copper producing states.

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are the top two states for copper mining in India.

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider a map highlighting the key areas of copper mining in India, with markers indicating the Khetri Copper Complex in Rajasthan and the Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh. This visualization can assist in understanding geographical influences on mineral availability.

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