Major Industrial Regions of India: RAS Prelims MCQs
65 RAS Prelims MCQs on the major industrial regions of India cover Mumbai-Pune, Bangalore-Chennai, Delhi-Meerut and the North-East, and the policies that shaped industry. Industrial policies from 1948 to 1991, Make in India, SEZs, the Freight Equalisation Policy and the status of public sector enterprises are asked as facts, matches and sequences.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 51–60 of 65 questions
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q51. Consider the following statements regarding Make in India: Statement I: Under the Make in India initiative, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms were highly restricted to protect domestic MSMEs. Statement II: The initiative initially identified 25 focus sectors, including automobiles, aviation, and biotechnology, to promote manufacturing. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Make in India eased FDI norms and did not restrict them, so Statement I is incorrect. It identified 25 focus sectors, including automobiles, aviation and biotechnology, so Statement II is correct.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q52. Match the industrial policies with their key features:
Industrial Policy
Key Feature
A. Industrial Policy Resolution, 1948
i. Focus on small-scale and cottage industries
B. Industrial Policy Resolution, 1956
ii. Abolition of industrial licensing for most sectors
C. Industrial Policy Statement, 1977
iii. Introduction of the mixed economy model
D. New Industrial Policy, 1991
iv. Classification of industries into three schedules (A, B, C)
Explanation
The 1948 policy introduced the mixed economy model, the 1956 policy classified industries into three schedules, the 1977 statement focused on small-scale and cottage industries and the 1991 policy abolished licensing for most sectors. This gives A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q53. The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 was heavily influenced by which economic planning model?
Explanation
The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 was shaped by the Mahalanobis Model, which stressed heavy industry and a large public sector.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q54. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the New Industrial Policy of 1991.
Explanation
The 1991 policy abolished the MRTP limits, cut the number of industries reserved for the public sector and opened many sectors to FDI. It did not make phased manufacturing programmes mandatory for all foreign companies, so C is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q55. Consider the following statements about the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956: I. It is often referred to as the ‘Economic Constitution of India’. II. Schedule A industries were the exclusive responsibility of the State. III. It completely banned the existence of the private sector in India. Which of the given combinations of statements is correct?
Explanation
The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 is called the Economic Constitution of India and made Schedule A industries the exclusive responsibility of the State. It did not ban the private sector, so III is wrong.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q56. Which of the following is NOT a mandatory criterion for a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to be granted ‘Maharatna’ status?
Explanation
A Maharatna CPSE must hold Navratna status, be listed on an Indian stock exchange and have average annual net profit above Rs 5,000 crore. Being a 100 per cent export-oriented unit is not a criterion.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q57. In which year was the concept of conferring ‘Navratna’ and ‘Miniratna’ status to Public Sector Enterprises introduced by the Government of India to grant them greater autonomy?
Explanation
In 1997, the Government of India introduced the Navratna and Miniratna categories to provide greater financial and operational autonomy to high-performing Public Sector Enterprises. This reform allowed these companies to make significant investment decisions without seeking prior government approval for every project. The objective was to make them more competitive in the global market and improve their overall efficiency during the liberalization era.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q58. Consider the following statements regarding the changing role of the public sector post-1991: I. The number of industries reserved for the public sector was reduced to just two (Atomic Energy and Railway operations). II. Focus shifted to the disinvestment of government equity in non-strategic PSUs. III. Budgetary support to loss-making PSUs was drastically increased to ensure their survival without restructuring. IV. Professionalization of PSU management was encouraged through granting greater financial autonomy. Which of the given combinations of statements is correct?
Explanation
After 1991, the public sector’s role changed significantly as the number of reserved industries was drastically reduced and disinvestment was encouraged. The government also focused on professionalizing management by granting greater autonomy to these enterprises. Contrary to increasing unconditional support, the policy aimed to reduce budgetary aid for loss-making units, encouraging them to become self-sustaining or undergo restructuring to improve efficiency.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q59. In which of the following sectors is 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route NOT permitted in India?
Explanation
While India has opened many sectors like automobiles, electronics, and highways to 100% Foreign Direct Investment through the automatic route, atomic energy remains strictly prohibited for foreign investment. This sector is considered strategically sensitive and is managed exclusively by the government. Protecting national security and maintaining sovereign control over nuclear resources are the primary reasons for keeping this industry closed to private participation.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q60. What is the primary cause for the high concentration of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in western and southern states of India like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka?
Explanation
Foreign Direct Investment is concentrated in western and southern states because they offer superior infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and business-friendly state policies. These regions have developed advanced logistics, reliable power supplies, and efficient administrative systems that attract international investors. This environment reduces operational risks and costs, making these states more attractive destinations compared to regions with less developed industrial and economic ecosystems.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(b) Statement II is correct but Statement I is incorrect
52
(b) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
53
(a) Mahalanobis Model
54
(c) It introduced the concept of mandatory phased manufacturing programs for all foreign companies
55
(d) I and II only
56
(c) It must be a 100% export-oriented unit with zero domestic sales
57
(d) 1997
58
(a) I, II, and IV only
59
(c) Atomic Energy
60
(a) Superior infrastructure, skilled workforce, and favorable state policies
Key facts from Major Industrial Regions of India
The Pykara hydroelectric plant spurred the early industrial growth of the Bangalore-Chennai region; the Delhi-Meerut region is dominated by market-oriented, footloose industries.
Gurugram is known for automobiles, Noida for IT and electronics, Meerut for sports goods and Faridabad for engineering and tractors.
The North-East is industrially backward because of hilly terrain and poor transport; the Numaligarh refinery is in Assam.
The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 is the Economic Constitution of India; it classified industries into three schedules and followed the Mahalanobis Model.
The Navratna and Miniratna status began in 1997; a Maharatna must have average net profit above Rs 5,000 crore.
The SEZ Act came in 2005, Make in India in 2014, Startup India in 2016 and the broad PLI scheme in 2020-21; the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is being built with Japan.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Major Industrial Regions of India?
This page has 65 practice MCQs on Major Industrial Regions of India (Indian Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
In which year was Make in India launched?
In 2014. It aims to make India a manufacturing hub and raise the share of manufacturing in GDP, and it opened many sectors to higher foreign investment, with 25 focus sectors such as automobiles, aviation and biotechnology.
What did the Freight Equalisation Policy do?
It made the transport cost of key materials like steel the same across India. This nullified the locational advantage of mineral-rich regions such as Bihar and Odisha and helped industry grow in other parts of the country.
What are the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor partners?
India is developing the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor in collaboration with Japan. It is a large infrastructure project along a freight corridor linking Delhi and Mumbai, with industrial nodes and smart cities.
