Indian Economy: RAS Prelims MCQs
848 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on the Indian economy are on this page, in 10 chapters. They cover economic growth and development, the Human Development Index, monetary and fiscal policy and the Union Budget, fiscal federalism, agricultural development, industrial reforms and LPG, the service sector, energy and transport, skill development and employment, and social justice. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 411–420 of 848 questions
Browse Indian Economy chapters
| Crops | HYV Varieties |
|---|---|
| A. Wheat | i. IR-8 |
| B. Rice | ii. Kalyan Sona |
| C. Maize | iii. Ganga-101 |
| D. Bajra | iv. HB-1 |
Explanation
The Green Revolution introduced several landmark High Yielding Varieties. Kalyan Sona was a prominent variety of wheat, while IR-8 became a revolutionary variety for rice production. For coarse cereals, Ganga-101 was a significant hybrid for maize, and HB-1 was a notable variety for bajra. These developments collectively led to a massive surge in India’s total food grain output.Statement I: The initial High Yielding Variety (HYV) wheat seeds imported by India were developed by Dr. Norman Borlaug in Mexico.
Statement II: Dr. Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Prize in Agriculture for his contributions to developing high-yielding wheat varieties.
Explanation
The high-yielding wheat varieties that initiated the Green Revolution in India were originally developed by Dr. Norman Borlaug in Mexico. While Borlaug is credited with saving millions from starvation through his work, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, not a Nobel Prize in Agriculture, as the latter category does not exist. His contributions fundamentally changed global agriculture.I. High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds
II. Assured supply of artificial irrigation
III. Heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The success of the Green Revolution relied on a synchronized package of modern agricultural inputs. This core technological set included High Yielding Variety seeds, an assured and controlled supply of artificial irrigation, and the intensive application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These elements worked together to maximize crop yields, provided the farmer could afford the high costs of these inputs.Explanation
The Green Revolution had profound impacts, making India self-sufficient in food grains and increasing the marketable surplus of staples. However, it did not reduce inter-regional disparities. Instead, growth was concentrated in areas with good irrigation, like Punjab and Haryana, while rainfed regions lagged behind, leading to widened economic gaps between different Indian states and rural communities.Explanation
Intensive farming practices introduced during the Green Revolution have led to significant ecological challenges. In states like Punjab and Haryana, over-reliance on tubewell irrigation has caused severe groundwater depletion. Furthermore, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and poor drainage have resulted in soil salinization and loss of fertility, threatening the long-term sustainability of the agricultural success achieved earlier.Explanation
A major socio-economic criticism of the Green Revolution is its role in widening rural inequalities. Because the modern package of seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation was expensive, it was more easily adopted by large farmers. Small and marginal farmers often struggled to access credit and technology, leading to a situation where the benefits of productivity were disproportionately captured by wealthier landowners.Explanation
The Green Revolution created significant forward linkages by boosting sectors like food processing, storage, and transport as grain production surged. However, it led to a shift away from coarse cereals toward wheat and rice. While it increased labor demand during peak seasons, it did not decrease employment. Pulses production notably did not experience the same exponential growth as wheat.I. Contamination of groundwater with nitrates.
II. Loss of indigenous crop genetic diversity.
III. Development of resistance in pests and weeds.
IV. Enhancement of natural soil humus content.
Which of the above statements accurately reflecting negative environmental impacts is/ are correct?
Explanation
Several negative environmental consequences are linked to the Green Revolution. These include the contamination of groundwater with nitrates from chemical fertilizers and the loss of indigenous crop genetic diversity due to monoculture. Additionally, the intensive use of pesticides has led to pests and weeds developing resistance. However, these practices typically deplete rather than enhance the natural humus content of the soil.Explanation
Operation Flood, the world’s largest dairy development program, was formally launched in 1970. It aimed to create a nationwide milk grid and transform India into a milk-sufficient nation. This initiative ushered in the White Revolution, utilizing a cooperative structure to empower small-scale rural producers and bridge the gap between rural milk production and urban demand.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 411 | (d) Wheat and Rice |
| 412 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv |
| 413 | (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false. |
| 414 | (d) I, II and III |
| 415 | (a) It significantly reduced inter-regional disparities by ensuring uniform agricultural growth across all states. |
| 416 | (b) Severe groundwater depletion and soil salinization due to over-irrigation and chemical use. |
| 417 | (b) It exacerbated inequalities among farmers, as only large farmers could afford the expensive inputs required for HYV seeds. |
| 418 | (a) Forward Linkages - Boost to food processing, storage, and transport sectors |
| 419 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 420 | (b) 1970 |
Key facts from Indian Economy
- The RPSC syllabus lists economic concepts and the Indian economy as the first part of the Economy paper, followed by the economy of Rajasthan.
- Concept questions test definitions: nominal and real GDP, GNP and NDP, per capita income and the value-added method.
- Policy questions pair a tool with its effect, for example a rise in CRR reduces the lendable resources of banks.
- Scheme questions ask for the target group, ministry or year of schemes such as PMKVY, NAPS, PM SVANidhi and PM-SYM.
- Questions on Finance Commission and GST link the body to its Article, such as Article 280.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Indian Economy?
This page has 848 practice MCQs on Indian Economy. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Indian economy set cover?
Ten chapters: economic growth, development and sustainable development; measurement of development (HDI); monetary and fiscal policy and the Union Budget; fiscal federalism and the Finance Commission; agricultural development; industrial growth and LPG reforms; the service sector; energy, transport and communication; skill development and employment; and social justice and empowerment.
Is the Indian economy in the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC lists Economic Concepts and the Indian Economy as the first part of the Economy paper. The second part covers the economy of Rajasthan, which is on its own page.
How should I revise economy for RAS Prelims?
Learn the definitions and the cause-and-effect chains first, then the schemes with their year, ministry and target group. Attempt each chapter, read every explanation and keep a one-line note for each scheme and body.