Energy, Transportation and Communication: RAS Prelims MCQs
84 RAS Prelims MCQs on energy, transportation and communication cover the energy sources and policy, the nuclear programme, solar parks, highways, railways and logistics. Small hydro, the National Energy Policy, Bhadla Solar Park, the longest national highway, railway zones and the Dedicated Freight Corridors are asked as facts and effects.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 61–70 of 84 questions
Statement I: Sagarmala envisions the creation of Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) near major ports.
Statement II: Coastal Economic Zones reduce logistics costs by bringing manufacturing closer to the point of export and import.
Explanation
Sagarmala aims to establish Coastal Economic Zones near major ports to create industrial hubs close to maritime gateways. By situating manufacturing and processing units near ports, the cost and time required for transporting goods for export or import are significantly reduced. This strategic integration of industrial zones with port infrastructure is designed to enhance India’s trade competitiveness and drive regional economic development through efficient logistics.I. Port Modernization & New Port Development is a key pillar.
II. Enhancement of Port Connectivity to the hinterland is included.
III. Promoting coastal shipping and inland waterways transport is a major objective.
IV. Total funding is provided exclusively by private foreign investors.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Sagarmala programme is built on key pillars including port modernization, improving hinterland connectivity, and promoting coastal and inland water transport. It aims to transform India’s maritime sector through integrated planning and investment. Contrary to being exclusively funded by private foreign investors, the project involves significant public funding and encourages various public-private partnerships to achieve its large-scale infrastructure and industrial development goals.Explanation
A port’s hinterland refers to the inland geographical area that is served by the port for both its exports and imports. The economic viability of a port depends heavily on the size and industrial activity of its hinterland, as well as the quality of transport links connecting them. Strengthening these connections is a primary goal of national infrastructure projects to ensure efficient movement of cargo.Explanation
Relaxing Cabotage rules allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport cargo between Indian ports, which primarily benefits coastal shipping and the transshipment of export-import containers. This policy change aims to make coastal shipping more competitive, reduce the reliance on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo, and lower overall logistics costs. It encourages a more efficient use of India’s extensive coastline for domestic and international maritime trade.Explanation
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is the independent body responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector in India. Its duties include monitoring tariffs, ensuring fair competition, and protecting the interests of consumers. While the Department of Telecommunications handles policy and licensing, TRAI provides the regulatory framework necessary for a balanced and growing telecom market, ensuring that services remain affordable and transparent.I. It offers significantly lower latency compared to 4G LTE.
II. It operates only on low-band spectrums below 1 GHz.
III. It supports massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) essential for IoT.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
5G technology provides significantly lower latency and much higher speeds compared to 4G LTE, enabling real-time applications. It also supports massive Machine Type Communications, which is essential for the growth of the Internet of Things. 5G operates across a wide range of spectrums, including high-band millimeter waves and mid-bands, not just low-band spectrums below one gigahertz, allowing for diverse industrial uses.Explanation
BharatNet is a flagship government project designed to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across India using an extensive optical fibre network. By creating this digital infrastructure in rural areas, the project aims to facilitate the delivery of e-governance, e-health, and e-education services. It is a critical component of the Digital India mission, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural populations.Explanation
The Digital India programme is based on nine pillars, including Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, and Public Internet Access Programmes. Other pillars focus on e-Governance, e-Kranti, and Information for All. Compulsory cryptocurrency adoption is not one of these pillars; instead, the programme emphasizes digitizing government services, improving digital literacy, and expanding the national digital infrastructure to empower all citizens.| Telecom Generation | Defining Feature |
|---|---|
| A. 1G | i. Analog voice |
| B. 2G | ii. Digital voice and SMS |
| C. 3G | iii. Mobile broadband and basic video calling |
| D. 4G | iv. High-speed IP-based network (LTE) |
Explanation
Each generation of mobile technology introduced significant advancements. 1G provided basic analog voice services, while 2G introduced digital voice and SMS. 3G enabled mobile broadband and basic video calling, significantly changing how people used mobile devices. 4G brought high-speed, IP-based networks through LTE technology, allowing for seamless high-definition video streaming and advanced data services that are common in modern digital life.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (b) Its sole focus is the construction of new major ports without upgrading existing ones. |
| 62 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. |
| 63 | (a) I, II and III |
| 64 | (a) Land area behind a port providing export goods and consuming imports. |
| 65 | (b) Coastal shipping and transshipment of EXIM containers. |
| 66 | (b) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) |
| 67 | (c) I and III |
| 68 | (c) It aims to connect all Gram Panchayats in the country using optical fibre network. |
| 69 | (d) Compulsory Cryptocurrency Adoption |
| 70 | (b) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
Key facts from Energy, Transportation and Communication
- Small hydro projects have an installed capacity of 25 MW or less; the Brahmaputra basin has the highest commercially exploitable hydropower potential.
- NITI Aayog drafted the National Energy Policy; Homi J. Bhabha conceptualised the three-stage nuclear programme.
- Coal Bed Methane is natural gas trapped within coal seams; Bhadla is one of the largest solar parks in the world.
- NH 44, from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, is the longest national highway in India.
- Indian Railways is divided into 19 zones for administration.
- The Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors reduce transit time and unit cost for freight; Krishi UDAN helps transport farm produce by air.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Energy, Transportation and Communication?
This page has 84 practice MCQs on Energy, Transportation and Communication (Indian Economy). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which is the longest National Highway in India?
NH 44, which runs from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. It covers several States, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and links the north and south of the country.
How many zones does Indian Railways have?
19 zones for administrative convenience, each headed by a General Manager. The Kolkata Metro is counted as a zone, and each zone is further divided into divisions that run the day-to-day work of the railways.
What is Coal Bed Methane?
Natural gas trapped within coal seams. It can be extracted by drilling into the coal bed, and it is a source of cleaner energy that India is developing in its coal-bearing regions.