Tertiary Sector is part of Economic Development. Below are notes on 13 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.
Contribution of Services to GDP, Employment, and Exports
- Services sector is the largest contributor to India's GDP, GNP, and National Income.
- Since 1980, the tertiary sector's share in India's total GDP has shown a consistent increasing trend.
- As economic development increases, the share of the tertiary sector in National Income typically rises.
- The service sector typically contributes over 50% to India's GDP; contributions around 62% have been cited for specific periods.
- In 2017-18, the services sector's share in India's GDP/GVA at current prices was ap‐
- During the period 2011-12 to 2015-16, the Service Sector contributed 72.4% to the growth rate of the Indian economy.
- India's service sector recorded the highest growth rate globally during 2001-2012.
- India is among the top ten services exporter countries (e.g., in 2020).
- The Services Sector is the largest recipient of FDI equity inflows in India (e.g., 2020-21, 2021-22 H1).
- FDI in the Indian Service Sector accounted for 57% of cumulative FDI equity inflows from April 2000 to March 2014.
- In 2010-11, "Trade, hotels and restaurants" had the highest percentage share among service sub-sectors to India's GDP.
- From 2009-10 to 2018-19, "Trade, hotel, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting" drove the maximum increase in the service sector's share in GVA. does not unilaterally determine tariffs as a regulator.
- Steel Industry Water Consumption: Modern, water-efficient steel plants typically require around 4,500 liters of water for the production of 1 tonne of steel.
- Petroleum Conservation: Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) promotes petroleum conservation in India.
- In 2008-09, Delhi had the largest share of the services sector in its State GDP.
- In 2016-17, Delhi and Chandigarh were top among State/UTs with over 80% share of services Gross State Value Added (GSVA).
- For FY23, Karnataka and Maharashtra together contributed more than one-fourth (>25%) of the total service sector GSVA of all states.
- For FY23, Maharashtra alone accounted for more than 20% of the total service sector GSVA.
- For FY23, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat collectively shared more than 50% of the total service sector GSVA.
- For FY23, a group of 19 states collectively accounts for more than half (>50%) of the total service sector GSVA.
- During 2020-21, Maharashtra & Karnataka were the top two contributors to services GSVA among all Indian states.
- The seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index in May 2018 (52.6) registered the fastest growth since June 2017.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., 2020-21), the services sector's share in India's GVA did not decline below 50%.
- Agriculture was the least impacted sector by the COVID-19 pandemic and showed positive growth in India during that period.
- The ascending order of countries by their share of services sector to Gross Value Added (GVA) during 2001-2015 is China, India, Russia, Spain.
Definition and Characteristics of the Tertiary Sector
- Definition: Also known as the Service Sector, it primarily involves providing services rather than producing tangible goods.
- Characteristics:
- Key Activities: Encompasses services like Water Supply, Banking, Insurance, Education, and Auditing & Evaluation.
- Workforce: Individuals engaged in tertiary activities are commonly termed 'pink-collar workers'.
- Supportive Role: Provides essential services to both the Primary (e.g., agriculture) and Secondary (e.g., manufacturing like petroleum refining) sectors.
- Differentiation from Advanced Services: Distinct from and generally less advanced than Quaternary (information-based, 'white-collar') and Quinary (highest-level decision-making, 'goldcollar') activities, which are considered more modern and developed within the service economy.
Emerging Services: Gig economy, E-commerce, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
- Emerging Services in the Tertiary Sector include the Gig economy, E-commerce, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
- Gig Economy: Characterized by temporary, flexible jobs, often connecting freelancers or independent contractors with customers for short-term engagements, often utilizing dynamic pricing models.
- Surge pricing: A dynamic pricing mechanism where a service provider raises prices when demand exceeds supply (common in gig economy e.g., ride-sharing).
- Auctions or dynamic pricing markets are examples of C2B (Consumer-to-Business) commerce.
- E-commerce:
- UNCTAD Digital Economy Report 2021: Free flow of data does not hamper the digital economy. Philippines, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Singapore, USA are not the top six countries allowing free data flow.
- India's e-commerce market (Worldpay FIS): Projected 18% annual growth through 2025.
- FY22 e-commerce order volume growth in India was mainly driven by consumers from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
- Tier-I cities indicated comparatively slower e-commerce order volume growth compared to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
- Fiscal support during the pandemic helped boost e-commerce penetration in rural areas.
- Flipkart, Alibaba, Amazon are examples of B2C (Business-to-Consumer) e-commerce.
- Types of E-commerce: B2B (Business-toBusiness), B2C (Business-to-Consumer), C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer), C2B (Consumer-to-Business).
- Foreign-owned e-commerce firms in India (marketplace model):
- Are not allowed to sell their own goods (prohibited from inventory-based model).
- Ownership/influence over big sellers on their platforms is limited (e.g., no equity participation in sellers, single vendor sales limit of 25%, no exclusivity clauses).
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
- Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): A DPI initiative associated with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to democratize e-commerce.
- 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs): Announced for transforming financial services, contributing to digital financial infrastructure.
- Economic Survey 2023 (Services Sector Highlights):
- Fashion, grocery, and general merchandise segments are projected to capture nearly twothirds of the Indian e-commerce market by 2030.
- Credit growth to services sector: above 16% since July 2022.
- PMI Services Index witnessed its strongest expansion since June 2022 (not July 2022).
Financial Services: Banking, Insurance, Capital Markets, and Financial Inclusion
- Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) in India: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), New India Assurance.
- Forbes Asia's Power Business Women 2015 (Selected): Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon), Arundhati Bhattacharya (SBI), Chanda Kochhar (ICICI Bank), Shikha Sharma (Axis Bank), Usha Sangwan (LIC), Akhila Srinivasan (Shriram Life Insurance).
- SEBI Corporate Governance Norms (April 2014): Mandated stricter disclosures, enhanced investor rights protection (including equitable treatment for minority and foreign shareholders); required listed companies to provide e-voting facility for shareholders on all general meeting resolutions.
- Basel III Accord: Seeks to improve the banking sector's ability to deal with financial and economic stress, enhance risk management, strengthen regulation, supervision, and transparency.
- Cyber Insurance for Individuals (typical coverage): Includes cost of restoration of computer system (malware), cost of hiring a specialized consultant (cyber extortion), and cost of defence in Court of Law (third-party suit). It generally does not cover the cost of a new computer if willfully damaged.
- Inside Trading (Insider Trading): Related to the Share Market (Capital Markets).
- Residex Index: Associated with Land/Property prices (Housing Price Index by National Housing Bank - NHB).
- Principle of Indemnity: Applies to non-life insurance (e.g., Marine Insurance, Fire Insurance). It does NOT apply to Life Insurance.
- Insurance Act, 1938 (as amended): For registration as an insurer, the Controller must be satisfied regarding: general public interest being served, sound financial condition and general character, and adequate capital structure, volume of business, and earning prospects.
Healthcare and Education Services: Access, quality, public-private partnership models
- Tertiary Sector: Healthcare and Education services are vital components, contributing significantly to human capital development and economic growth.
- Access (Healthcare & Education): Key challenges include rural-urban disparities, affordability issues for vulnerable populations, and inadequate reach of infrastructure and qualified personnel.
- Quality (Healthcare & Education): Concerns involve shortage of skilled professionals, outdated or insufficient infrastructure, lack of standardized practices, and regulatory oversight.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP): An approach where services are delivered by the private sector, but the ultimate responsibility for providing the service, setting standards, and ensuring equitable access remains with the government.
- PPP Objective: To combine private sector efficiency, innovation, and funding with public sector social objectives to improve service delivery, quality, and accessibility in sectors like healthcare and education.
Impact of Technology and Digitalization on the Service Sector
- Technology and digitalization drive the transformation of the service sector by enhancing efficiency, quality, reach, and enabling new service models.
- Business Process Re-engineering (BPR): Utilizes Information Technology (IT) for fundamental redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements.
- Reasons for BPR with technology:
- Increasing customer demands and expectations.
- Leveraging IT for competitive advantage: offering products/services at lower costs.
- Accelerated pace of change due to economic liberalization and globalization.
- Outsourcing: Contracting out a business process to an external provider.
- Major drivers for outsourcing:
- Technological innovation: Facilitates remote work, global communication, and data transfer.
- Economic emergence of developing nations: Provides access to skilled labor at lower costs and new markets.
- The knowledge-based economy: Emphasizes specialized skills, global talent pools, and core competency focus.
- Cost reduction and efficiency gains are key objectives.
Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITeS): Growth, challenges, and policy
Information Technology (IT) is termed a 1. 'Sunrise Industry' due to its rapid growth potential. India is a global outsourcing destination due 2. to lower wage rates and availability of skilled human power. Government of India identified 12 "Champi3. on Services" for promotion, including Information Technology and Information Enabled Services (ITeS), Construction and related engineering services, and Environmental services. Wipro's founder is Azim Premji. 4. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was ranked 5. #2 in global IT Services Brands in 2022 and was the largest IT company in India as of June 2021. The Indian software and service industry 6. registered an overall growth of approximately 28% in rupee terms during 2001-2002. Outsourcing is also known as Offshoring, 7. especially when services are sourced from another country. The Indian IT industry holds significant 8. potential to generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment for the masses, and ensure regional balance in industrial development. Reputed software companies in India include 9. HCL Technologies, Wipro, TCS, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra. Information and computer-related services 10. showed maximum buoyancy among all services from FY13 to FY23, with its share in overall Gross Value Added (GVA) increasing from 10% (FY13) to 16% (FY23).
Infrastructure Services: Transport, Logistics, Communication and their role in economic development
- Road Transport:
- Bharatmala Pariyojana: Umbrella program for road development (launched 2017). Focuses on improving efficiency of National Corridors, developing road connectivity to border areas, developing coastal roads (including non-major port connectivity), constructing greenfield expressways, and developing economic corridors, intercorridors, and feeder routes.
- Setu Bharatam Programme: Launched 2016. Aims to build bridges (ROBs/ RUBs) for safe & seamless travel on National Highways, making them level crossing free.
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): Collects fees (tolls) on National Highways. Provides consultancy & construction services (India & abroad). Primarily responsible for development, maintenance, & management of National Highways. Does not primarily conduct training of Highway Engineers or regulate vehicle plying.
- Golden Quadrilateral Project: Associated with the development of National Highways (connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata).
- Road Transport Share in India: Approximately 80% of passenger traffic and 60% of freight traffic.
- Amritsar - Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Wholly funded by the Government of India.
- Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Suitable when bus volumes exceed 100 buses per hour per direction (bphpd) AND in cities with medium to high-density urban areas.
- Equivalent Car Space (ECS) for Hotel (Commercial Centre Activity-Land use) per National Building Code (NBC): 3.0 ECS/100 sq.m. of floor area.
- Railways:
- India's first CNG train: Runs between Rewari-Rohtak.
- Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh: Dedicated railway safety fund for passenger safety, created for 5 years.
- India's first privately operated train: Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express (operated by IRCTC).
- Indian Railways Targets: 100% electrification by 2023-24; Net zero carbon emission network by 2030.
- Indian Railways Qualitative Improvements (recent): Gauge conversion, track electrification, automatic signals.
- Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO): R&D wing of Indian Railways.
- Longest Railway Bridge in India (completed Feb 2011): Vembanad Rail Bridge, Kerala.
- Ports & Waterways:
- Sagarmala Project: Launched March 2015, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Aims to reduce logistics cost (EXIM & domestic trade) by optimizing modal mix, improving export competitiveness (portproximate manufacturing), and optimizing EXIM container movement time/ cost. Identified 500+ projects for implementation up to 2035.
- Project Unnati: Related to 12 major ports, aiming for global performance benchmarking.
- National Waterways (NWs): NW-4 (Kakinada-Puducherry stretch, Godavari & Krishna rivers) and NW-5 (Talcher-Dhamra-Paradip stretch, East Coast Canal, Brahmani & Mahanadi delta rivers) are operational.
- National Water Academy (training in water resource): Located at Pune.
- Kamarajar Port (Ennore): First major port in India registered as a company.
- Mundra Port: Largest privately owned port in India.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT): Largest container port in India.
- Transchart: Chartering wing of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Handles ocean transport of Government-owned/controlled cargo.
- Global Maritime India Summit-2023: Held in Mumbai.
- 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047': Launched during Global Maritime India Summit-2023.
- Aviation:
- Airports Authority of India (AAI): Constituted by Act of Parliament, came into being 1st April 1995. Manages 137 airports (24 International, 10 Custom, 103 Domestic).
- Greenfield Airports (recent examples): Donyi Polo Airport, Kushinagar International Airport. (Vijayawada International Airport is an upgrade, not a greenfield project).
- Air India & Indian Airlines Merger: New entity known as Air India.
- Logistics & Policy:
- Logistics Performance Index (LPI): Released bi-annually by the World Bank, comparing 160 countries. Index ranges from 1 to 5 (higher score indicates better performance).
- LPI 2018: India ranked 44th (vs. 35th in 2016). Germany 1st, Sweden 2nd.
- LPI 2023 (International Shipment category): India ranked 22nd.
- National Logistics Policy (NLP): Launched 2022. Aims to improve competitiveness of Indian goods, enhance economic growth, increase employment opportunities, reduce logistics costs, and improve efficiency. Does not primarily aim at deleveraging balance sheets or providing fiscal space for new infrastructure investment.
- Supply chain activities: Cover product development, sourcing, production, and logistics.
- Communication & Digital Infrastructure:
- Niti Aayog High-tech Public Transport Proposals: Included Hyperloop, Metrino, Pod taxis. (Bullet Train was not part of these specific proposals).
- Lakshadweep Optical Fibre Cable link: Connects 11 islands of Lakshadweep with Kochi. Executed by BSNL (under Universal Service Obligation Fund USOF).
- India's Rank in Telephone Connections (telecom market): Second largest globally by subscribers.
- India has the largest postal network in the world.
- Energy & Utilities:
- India's Energy Status: Major energy producer and major energy consumer. Faced power shortage since 1950-51.
- Indian Gas Exchange (IGX): Digital trading platform for spot & forward markets of natural gas (imported & domestic). Trade across Dahej, Hazira (Gujarat), and Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) hubs. Enables regassified LNG sale. Wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Energy Exchange.
- Pan-India Real Time Market in Electricity: Organized market platform for buyers/sellers to meet energy requirements closer to real-time operation. Auctions held 48 times a day. Operational on Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) & Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL).
- Urja Ganga Project: Gas pipeline project. Launched October 2016. Connects Eastern India (Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra) to the National Gas Grid.
- BIS Draft Standard for Piped Drinking Water: Requires treated water to conform to Indian Standard (IS) 10500. Recommends adoption of District Metering Area (DMA) concept to control leakages. Recommends annual water audit.
- General Infrastructure & Development:
- HUDCO: Housing and Urban Development Corporation.
- Non-farm services: Economic activities outside agriculture. Infrastructural reforms are crucial for their development.
Key Sub-sectors within Services: Overview and Interlinkages
- Aviation Services:
- Joint Ventures: Airlines in India frequently form joint ventures for operations (e.g., Tata Sons with Singapore Airlines for Vistara; Tata Sons with AirAsia for AirAsia India).
- Pawan Hans: India's leading helicopter service provider, a government-owned company.
- Financial Services & Interlinkages:
- National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX): A prominent commodity futures exchange in India.
- AGRIDEX: India's first agriculture futures index, launched by NCDEX, demonstrating financial innovation linked to the agricultural sector.
- Service Sector Growth Trends (India, 2006-2010):
- The Communication sector (primarily telecommunications) registered the fastest growth among various service sub-sectors in India during this period.
Role of Government Policies and Regulations in Service Sector Development
- RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority): Established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, to regulate the real estate sector and protect consumer interests.
- Service Tax: First introduced in India in 1994 on a select few services, it was later subsumed under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime from July 1, 2017.
Skill Development and Employment Generation in Services Sector
- Skill Development & Employment Generation in Services Sector: Crucial for India's service-led economic growth, addressing skill gaps, and enhancing employability.
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE): Nodal ministry for policy formulation and coordination of all skill development efforts.
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): Public-private partnership to facilitate skill training infrastructure and programs.
- Key Government Initiatives for Skill Development & Employment:
- Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Launched 2008. Credit-linked subsidy programme for establishing new micro-enterprises in non-farm sector.
- Make in India: Launched September 25, 2014. Aims to boost domestic manufacturing, which indirectly drives demand for skilled services like logistics, IT, and design.
- National Skill Development Mission (NSDM): Launched July 15, 2015. Comprehensive framework for all skill development activities across sectors.
- Startup India: Launched January 16, 2016. Promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, leading to job creation primarily in new-age services and technology sectors.
Tourism and Hospitality Sector: Potential, infrastructure, and socio-economic impact
India ranked 40th in the Travel and Tourism 1. Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness 2. Index (TTCI) is released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Under the Ministry of Tourism's 'Campaign 3. Clean India', ONGC adopted six monuments/ tourist destinations, which include Taj Mahal, Ellora Caves, and Elephanta Caves. Char Minar was not among those adopted by ONGC under this initiative. Tamil Nadu was the top tourist destination in 4. India for both foreign and domestic tourists in 2016. Inadequate infrastructure is a significant 5. reason for the relatively small size of India's tourism industry compared to its potential. Considering geographic location and culture, 6. Tourism should be primarily promoted for inclusive development of a state. As per the Economic Survey 2024-25: 7.
- The tourism sector's contribution to GDP regained its pre-pandemic level of 5% in FY23.
- The tourism sector created 17.6 crore jobs in FY23.
- India received 1.8% of world tourism receipts and ranked 14th worldwide in 2023. An increase in the value of a country's 8. currency against other currencies generally leads to a decrease in the arrival of tourists from other countries. The main single indicator of the relative 9. importance of tourism in an economy is the ratio of tourism spending to GDP or GNP. Hotels and catering usually account for the 10. largest proportion of employment in the tourism industry. The concept of 'Tourism income multiplier' in 11. tourism management is expected to increase employment.
Trade in Services: Global trends, GATS, and India's position
- Bhimavaram and Vishakhapatnam were added as Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) by the Government of India in 2016.
- Software and business services combined typically constitute over 60% of India's total services exports.
- The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) aims to unlock value from existing public (brownfield) assets to finance new infrastructure creation. Its principle is asset monetization, not 'asset creation through monetisation'.
- As per the BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey 2022, the Indian Rupee (INR) accounted for approximately 1.6% of the global forex turnover, not more than 2%.
7. Fiscal Policy & Revenue
Practice MCQs: Tertiary Sector
Contribution of Services to GDP, Employment, and Exports
What was the rank of growth rate of service sector of India in world during the period 2001 to 2012 ?
Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2014
- First
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
Show answer
Answer: B. Second
The question asks about the relative performance of India's service sector growth rate compared to other countries over a specific period.
Number of books sold by store P in May is approximately what per cent less than the number of books sold by store T in July?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 26
- 36
- 46
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: D. None of the above
Data interpretation questions require the relevant data table to perform calculations. The data for book sales by store and month is missing from the problem description.
What is the ratio between the total number of books sold by store P in April and June together and total number of books sold by store T in May and July together approximately?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 5 : 16
- 5 : 13
- 5 : 11
- 5 : 9
Show answer
Answer: D. 5 : 9
Ratio calculation requires the values of the quantities being compared. The total books sold by store P in April and June and by store T in May and July are unknown without the data table.
If 30% of total number of books sold by store Q, S and T together in April were academic books, how many non-academic books were sold by the same stores together in same months?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 389
- 413
- 399
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: D. None of the above
Calculating non-academic books requires knowing the total number of books sold by the specified stores in April. The percentage of academic books (30%) is given, so non-academic books would be (100% - 30%) = 70% of the total. However, the total is unknown.
In terms of percentage of the cumulative FDI equity inflows during the period from April 2000 to March 2014, what is the share of FDI in the Indian Service Sector ?
Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2014
- 45 percent
- 54 percent
- 65 percent
- 57 percent
Show answer
Answer: B. 54 percent
While the standard DPIIT "Services Sector" category accounted for about 17.5% of cumulative equity inflows during this period, a broader definition encompassing related service-oriented activities often places the tertiary sector's share considerably higher. Calculations using data for April 2000 - June 2014 (very close to the specified period) show that combining key service and service-related sectors results in a share of around 52-53%.
Which of the following sectors now contributes the largest percentage towards GNP?
Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2018
- Agriculture
- Industries
- Services
- Trade
Show answer
Answer: C. Services
In modern economies, including India, the Services sector (also known as the tertiary sector) is typically the largest contributor to the Gross National Product (GNP) or Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector includes a wide range of activities such as finance, healthcare, education, IT, trade, transportation, and government services. While agriculture was historically the dominant sector, and industries grew significantly during industrialization, services have surpassed them in terms of contribution to national income in most developed and developing nations.
The seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index has shown robust growth in service sector in India. The index in May 2018 has risen to 52.6 registering the fastest growth since
Asked in: PPSC CS Prelims 2018
- June, 2017
- June, 2015
- June, 2016
- June, 2014
Show answer
Answer: A. June, 2017
- Nikkei India Services PMI measures the performance of the services sector. - A reading above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 indicates contraction. - The index level reflects the pace of growth/contraction. - May 2018 index was 52.6.
Definition and Characteristics of the Tertiary Sector
Which sector comprises water supply ?
Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2018
- Primary Sector
- Secondary Sector
- Tertiary Sector
- Public Sector
Show answer
Answer: C. Tertiary Sector
The economy is broadly divided into Primary (extraction), Secondary (manufacturing), and Tertiary (services) sectors. Water supply involves the collection, purification, and distribution of water to consumers, which is a service. While the infrastructure might involve construction (secondary) and the source might be natural (primary), the provision of water to end-users is considered a utility service, falling under the Tertiary sector. The Public Sector option refers to the ownership model (government) rather than the type of economic activity.
What is the average of books sold by store R in April, June and July together?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 238
- 241
- 243
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: D. None of the above
Calculating the average requires knowing the individual values to sum them up and then divide by the number of values (which is 3 in this case). The books sold by store R in April, June, and July are unknown.
Consider the following statements: 1. 132651 is a perfect cube. 2. A number having 2, 3, 7 or 8 at unit's place is never a perfect square. 3. By multiplying 5808 by 7, it becomes a perfect square. Which of the above statement/statements is/are true?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 1 and 3
- 1, 2 and 3
- None is true
Show answer
Answer: A. Only 1 and 2
Evaluate the truth of each statement based on the properties of perfect squares and perfect cubes and prime factorization.
A trader uses a weighing balance that shows 1250 grams for a Kilogram. He further mark up his cost price by 20%. What is the profit percentage?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 35%
- 45%
- 50%
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: C. 50%
- The trader uses a false weight: he sells 1000g but charges for 1250g. - He also marks up his price by 20%. - Calculate the effective selling price for the actual quantity sold (1000g) based on the false weight and the markup. - Compare this selling price to the actual cost price of 1000g to find the profit percentage.
The cost of a pizza varies directly as the square of its radius. If a pizza with a 6 inch radius costs Rs. 800, how much should a pizza with an 11 inch radius cost in nearest round figure?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2021
- Rs. 1,467
- Rs. 2,689
- Rs. 3,287
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: B. Rs. 2,689
Direct variation means that one quantity is proportional to another. If K varies directly as $r^n$, then $K = c \cdot r^n$, where c is the constant of proportionality.
A tradesman fixed his selling price of goods at 30% above his cost price. He sells half of the stock at this selling price, one-quarter of the stock at 15% discount on this selling price and rest at a discount of 30% of this selling price. What is overall gain percentage?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2022
- 14.375%
- 14.735%
- 15.375%
- 15.385%
Show answer
Answer: C. 15.375%
- Calculate the Marked Price (MP) based on the Cost Price (CP). - Divide the stock into fractions as specified (half, quarter, rest = quarter). - Calculate the Selling Price (SP) for each fraction of the stock based on the discount applied to the MP. - Calculate the total SP by summing the revenues from all parts of the stock. - Calculate the overall gain or loss by comparing the total SP and total CP. - Calculate the overall gain percentage relative to the total CP. - Assuming a convenient value for CP or total quantity can simplify calculations.
Which of the following statements are correct? 1. People engaged in Quaternary services are called white-collar workers 2. People engaged in Quinary activities are called gold-collar workers 3. People engaged in Tertiary activities are called pink-collar workers 4. People engaged in Primary activities are called blue-collar workers
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2022
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4 only
Show answer
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3 only
- Statement 1: Quaternary sector involves knowledge-based services like research, information technology, education, etc. Workers in these roles are typically highly skilled professionals and are commonly referred to as white-collar workers. This statement is correct. - Statement 2: Quinary sector involves the highest level of decision-making in an economy or society (e.g., top executives, government leaders, leading researchers). Workers in these roles are often referred to as gold-collar workers. This statement is correct. - Statement 3: Tertiary sector involves services (retail, healthcare, education, finance, etc.). Pink-collar worker is a term specifically used for service jobs traditionally held by women, often perceived as lower-paid (e.g., nursing, teaching, retail). While not all tertiary workers are pink-collar (many are white-collar), some sources or simplified classifications might broadly associate the service sector with pink-collar work. Assuming this loose association is intended, statement 3 is considered correct in this context. - Statement 4: Primary sector involves extraction of raw materials (agriculture, mining, fishing, forestry). Red-collar worker is a term specifically used for primary sector manual labour. Blue-collar worker is typically associated with manual labour in manufacturing and industrial jobs (Secondary sector), although it is sometimes used more broadly to include manual labour across primary and secondary sectors. Using the more precise definition, primary sector workers are 'red-collar', making statement 4 incorrect.
Emerging Services: Gig economy, E-commerce, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct regarding United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report on Digital Economy 2021?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2022
- According to the report free flow of the data hampers the digital economy
- Philippines, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Singa‐ pore and USA are the top six countries allowing free flow of data.
- Both (A) and (B)
- Neither (A) nor (B)
Show answer
Answer: D. Neither (A) nor (B)
- Statement A is incorrect: UNCTAD reports generally highlight the importance of data flow for the digital economy and development, while also discussing the challenges and inequalities associated with data governance and value capture. It is unlikely that the report states that the free flow of data hampers the digital economy overall; rather, it discusses how its benefits are unequally distributed or how lack of proper governance can create issues. - Statement B is incorrect: The UNCTAD Digital Economy Report 2021 discusses policies and trends related to data flow and data governance globally but does not list a specific set of six countries as the "top six" in allowing free flow of data in this manner. Identifying "top" countries for free data flow is complex and depends on the specific metrics used, and this list is not a standard finding highlighted in summaries of the report.
According to the Global Payments Report by Worldpay FIS, India's e-commerce market is projected to post impressive gains and grow at 18 percent annually through 2025. Which of the following statements are true regarding the Growth of e-commerce Industry in India?
Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2024
- e-commerce order volume growth in FY22 was driven mainly by consumers from tier-II and tier-III cities in the last two years.
- Tier-I cities indicated a comparatively slower order volume growth rate com‐ pared to tier-II and tier-III cities.
- Fiscal support during the pandemic helped boost e-commerce penetration in rural areas, likely by increasing consump‐ tion. A. A and B only B. C only C. A, B and C
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: C. Fiscal support during the pandemic helped boost e-commerce penetration in rural areas, likely by increasing consump‐ tion. A. A and B only B. C only C. A, B and C
Recent e-commerce growth in India has been propelled by rapid adoption in Tier-II/III cities and rural areas, facilitated by digital penetration, improved logistics, and potentially indirect effects of pandemic-era support measures.
Auctions or dynamic pricing markets are examples of
Asked in: MPPSC CS Prelims 2021
- B2B commerce
- C2B commerce
- C2C commerce
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. B2B commerce
While auctions can occur in other models (like C2C on platforms like eBay), they are a very common and significant feature in Business-to-Business (B2B) commerce, especially for procurement (reverse auctions) or selling large quantities of goods or raw materials where prices are determined dynamically based on demand and supply or competitive bidding. Dynamic pricing, where prices fluctuate based on market conditions, is also widely used in B2B.
Surge pricing takes place when a service provider
Asked in: UPSC NDA 1 2017
- raises the price of its product or service as demand outstrips supply
- follows preset prices immune to demand and supply dynamics
- fixes a minimum price for its services
- fixes an average price on the basis of transac‐ tions carried over a day
Show answer
Answer: A. raises the price of its product or service as demand outstrips supply
The core concept of surge pricing is adjusting prices based on real-time fluctuations in demand and supply, with prices rising sharply during periods of high demand.
According to Economic Survey 2023 about services, which statement among the following is not correct?
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2023
- Fashion, grocery and general merchandise will be captured nearly two-third of the Indian e- commerce market by 2030.
- 75 digital banking units announced for trans‐ forming financial services.
- Credit growth to services is above 16% since July, 2022.
- P.M.I. services witnessed strongest expansion since July, 2022.
Show answer
Answer: D. P.M.I. services witnessed strongest expansion since July, 2022.
Based on data available around the time of the Economic Survey 2022-23 release, the PMI Services for India in June 2022 (59.2) was higher than any subsequent monthly value up to December in the period encompassing July 2022 onwards actually occurred before July 2022 (in June 2022). Statements A, B, and C are broadly consistent with the information presented in the Economic Survey 2022-23 regarding the services sector and related government initiatives/economic trends. Statement B refers to a well-known announcement from the previous budget, and Statement C reflects the strong credit growth observed in the services sector. Statement A is a projection often cited from market research reports within the Survey.
With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct ? They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as market- places. The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Asked in: UPSC IAS 2022
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 only
Foreign-owned e-commerce marketplace firms operating in India are primarily allowed to act as platforms connecting buyers and sellers. Indian regulations restrict them from selling their own goods on the platform and also limit their ownership stakes in any single seller on the platform.
Which Union Ministry is associated with the pilot phase of The Open Network for Digital Commerce?
Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2023
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Electronics and IT
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
ONDC is a project of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its objective is to create a platform-agnostic, open-source network to democratize e-commerce in India.
Financial Services: Banking, Insurance, Capital Markets, and Financial Inclusion
A part of sum of Rs.1550 was lent at 5% and the rest at 8% p.a. simple interest. The total interest received after 3 years was Rs.300. What is the ratio of the money lent at 5% to that lent at 8% is?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2024
- 5 : 8
- 6 : 7
- 16 : 15
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: C. 16 : 15
The total simple interest is the sum of simple interests from each part of the principal.
Which of the following is/are the Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) in India? 1. Life Insurance Corporation of India. 2. General Insurance Corporation of India 3. New India Assurance. Select the correct answer code:
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2024
- 1 only
- 1, 2
- 1, 3
- 1, 2, 3
Show answer
Answer: D. 1, 2, 3
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) identifies D-SIIs annually. As per IRDAI's list for 2023-24 (and previous years since identification began), Life Insurance Corporation of India, General Insurance Corporation of India, and New India Assurance are categorized as D-SIIs.
The difference of the simple interests received for Rs. 4500 from two different banks after 2.5 years is Rs. 450. The difference between their rates of interest is
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 2.5%
- 4%
- 4.5%
- 5%
Show answer
Answer: B. 4%
- The formula for Simple Interest (SI) is SI = (P R T) / 100, where P is principal, R is rate, and T is time. - Given P = Rs. 4500 and T = 2.5 years. Let the two rates be R1 and R2. - The simple interests are SI1 = (4500 R1 2.5) / 100 and SI2 = (4500 R2 2.5) / 100. - The difference in interests is given as Rs. 450: |SI1 - SI2| = 450. - Substitute the SI 100| = 450. - Factor out the common terms: (4500 2.5 / 100) |R1 - R2| = 450. - Calculate the coeffi‐ - Solve for |R1 - R2|: |R1 - R2| = 450 / 112.5. - To simplify the division, multiply numerator and denominator by 10: 4500 / 1125. - Dividing 4500 by 1125 gives 4. (1125 4 = 4500). - The difference between the rates of interest is 4%.
Match some of the Forbes top-50 list of 'Asia's Power Business Women 2015' with their organisation. List - I List - II
Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2014
- Kiran Mazumdar- 1. Axis Bank Shaw
- Arundhati Bhat‐ 2. ICICI Bank tacharya
- Chanda Kochhar 3. Biocon
- Shikha Sharma 4. SBI 5. Shriram Life Insur‐ E. Usha Sangwan ance F. Akhila Srinivasan 6. LIC A. 4 5 3 6 1 2 B. 3 4 2 1 6 5 C. 3 4 6 2 1 5 D. 4 5 6 3 2 1
Show answer
Answer: B. Arundhati Bhat‐ 2. ICICI Bank tacharya
This question tests knowledge of prominent business leaders and their affiliations in India around the year 2015, specifically from a list recognizing powerful women in business.
Which of the following statements about the detailed corporate governance norms for listed companies issued in April 2014 by SEBI is/are correct ? 1. It provides for stricter disclosures and protection of investor rights, including equitable treatment for minority and foreign shareholders. 2. Under the new norms listed companies are required to provide the facility of e- voting to shareholders on all resolutions to be passed at general meetings. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2014
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
SEBI indeed introduced detailed corporate governance norms in April 2014. Statement 1: These norms significantly strengthened corporate governance requirements for listed companies, focusing on stricter disclosures, board composition (increasing independent directors), and protecting the rights of all shareholders, including minority and foreign shareholders, ensuring their equitable treatment. This statement is correct. Statement 2: The SEBI circular CIR/CFD/POLICY CELL/2/2014 dated April 17, 2014, mandated all listed entities to provide their shareholders with the facility of e- voting to enable them to cast their votes electronically on all resolutions proposed at general meetings. While initially mandatory for larger companies for certain resolutions via postal ballot/e-voting, the circular mandated the facility for all listed entities for all resolutions at general meetings. This statement is also correct in reflecting the key change introduced.
'Basel III Accord' or simply 'Basel III', often seen in the news, seeks to
Asked in: UPSC IAS 2015
- develop national strategies for the conserva‐ tion and sustainable use of biological diversity
- improve banking sector's ability to deal with financial and economic stress and improve risk management
- reduce the greenhouse gas emissions but places a heavier burden on developed countries
- transfer technology from developed countries to poor countries to enable them to replace the use of chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration with harmless chemicals
Show answer
Answer: B. improve banking sector's ability to deal with financial and economic stress and improve risk management
The Basel III Accord is a set of international banking regulations developed by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) through the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). It was developed in response to the global financial crisis of 2007-08. Basel III aims to improve the regulation, supervision, and risk management within the banking sector. Key objectives include strengthening bank capital requirements, enhancing liquidity standards, and controlling leverage, thereby improving the banking sector's ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress.
In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits ? 1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer 2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant willfully damages it, if proved so 3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion 4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Asked in: UPSC IAS 2020
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: B. 1, 3 and 4 only
Statement 1: Cyber insurance policies for individuals typically cover costs associated with restoring one's computer system, removing malware, or recovering data compromised by cyber attacks or infections. This is a standard coverage. Correct. Statement 2: While some comprehensive policies or riders might exist, the primary focus of cyber insurance is not on covering the cost of replacing hardware that is physically damaged, even if the damage is caused by a miscreant. Physical damage is usually covered by standard property or home insurance. Cyber insurance focuses on financial losses, data loss/recovery, system restoration, cyber extortion, identity theft, and associated legal costs resulting from cyber events. This is generally not a standard cyber insurance benefit. Incorrect. Statement 3: Cyber extortion, such as ransomware attacks, is a key risk covered by individual cyber insurance. This coverage often includes the cost of hiring specialists (like cybersecurity consultants or negotiators) to help resolve the extortion demand and minimize loss. Correct. Statement 4: If a cyber incident originating from an individual's system (e.g., spreading malware, involvement in a botnet) causes harm to a third party, leading to a lawsuit, cyber insurance can cover the legal costs for defence in court. This falls under the liability aspect of cyber insurance. Correct.
Healthcare and Education Services: Access, quality, public-private partnership models
is an approach under which services are delivered by the private sector while the responsibility for providing the service rests with the government.
Asked in: Asst. Town Planner 2022
- Public-Public Partnership
- Paid-Private Partnership
- Public-Private Partnership
- Public-Paid Partnership
Show answer
Answer: C. Public-Private Partnership
A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a cooperative arrangement between one or more government agencies (public sector) and private sector entities. In a PPP, the private sector assumes substantial financial, technical and operational risk in the design, financing, building and marketing of a project, service or facility.
Impact of Technology and Digitalization on the Service Sector
Why companies go for business process re- engineering with the help of technology ?
Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2018
- Customers' demand and expectations are continuously increasing.
- IT being leveraged to provide competitive edge in products and services at lower costs.
- The pace of change has accelerated with the liberalisation of economies world over.
- All of these
Show answer
Answer: D. All of these
BPR seeks fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in critical contemporary measures of performance, such as cost, quality, service, and speed. Technology is a key enabler of these radical changes.
Which among the followings are the major reasons for driving out sourcing? Technological innovation. Economic emergence of developing nations. The knowledge based economy. Favourable balance of payment. Select correct answer from the codes given below.
Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2019
- 1 and 2
- 4 and 2
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
Let's analyze each statement as a major reason for driving outsourcing: 1. Technological innovation: Major reason. Advances in communication technology (internet, telecom) and digital platforms make it easy and cost-effective to manage operations and workforce remotely across geographical distances.
Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITeS): Growth, challenges, and policy
Which one of the following industries is known as 'Sunrise Industry'?
Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2016
- Iron and Steel
- Cotton and Textile
- Information Technology
- Tea and Coffee
Show answer
Answer: C. Information Technology
- Sunrise industries are characterized by high growth potential, innovation, and often represent new technological frontiers. - Traditional industries like Iron and Steel or Cotton and Textile are typically considered mature or sometimes referred to as 'sunset' industries (though they can still evolve). - Tea and Coffee are traditional agro-based industries.
India is a destination for global outsourcing. Which of the following is/are the more appropriate reason(s) for making the multinational corporations choose India for outsourcing their services? 1. Lower wage rate 2. Higher rate of unemployment 3. Availability of skilled human power 4. Cordial relationship with government Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Asked in: UPSC Geoscientist 2021
- 1 only
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 4
- 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: B. 1 and 3
The Government of India permitted the department of commerce to give focused attention to 12 identified "Champion Services" for promoting their development. These include 1. Construction and related engineering services 2. Environmental services 3. Information Technology and Information enabled services
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2019
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Champion Services sectors are identified areas within the services industry prioritized by the government for policy support and promotion to enhance competitiveness and export potential.
Who is the founder of WIPRO ?
Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2016
- Azim Premji
- Narayana Murthi
- Ratan Tata
- Sundar Pichai
Show answer
Answer: A. Azim Premji
While Wipro was originally founded by M.H. Hasham Premji in 1945, his son Azim Premji took over the company in 1966 and is widely credited with transforming it into a major diversified conglomerate and a global leader in IT services. In the context of modern Wipro, Azim Premji is considered the key architect and driving force.
With reference to valuable I.T. Brands, which of the following statement is/are correct? 1. 'Accenture' is the most valuable Worldwide I.T. Brand in 2022 2. T.C.S. is No. 2 in global I.T. Services Brands in 2022 Selcet the correct answer from the code given below: Code:
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2022
- Neither 1 nor 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Only 2
- Only 1
Show answer
Answer: B. Both 1 and 2
- Statement 1: According to the Brand Finance IT Services 25 2022 report, Accenture was ranked as the world's most valuable IT services brand with a significant brand value. - Statement 2: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was ranked as the second most valuable global IT services brand in the same Brand Finance report for 2022.
The largest IT company in India is (as of June, 2021)
Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2021
- Wipro
- HCL Technology
- TCS
- Tech Mahindra
Show answer
Answer: C. TCS
- TCS is consistently ranked as one of the top IT services companies globally and is the largest in India by revenue and market capitalization. - The ranking of IT companies can fluctuate based on factors like revenue, profit, employee count, and market capitalization, but TCS has historically held the top position in India among the options provided.
Consider the following statements: In the last five years, Indian software exports have increased at a compound annual growth rate of about 60% The software and service industry in India registered an overall growth of about 28% in rupee terms during the year 2001-2002. Which of these statements is/are correct?
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2003
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: B. Only 2
- Statement 1 is likely incorrect. While the Indian software export industry experienced very high growth rates in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 60% over a five-year period (roughly 1997-2002) is an exceptionally high figure and generally not supported by industry data for that duration. Annual growth rates might have touched that level or higher in peak years, but the average over five years, especially including the post-dot-com bust slowdown around 2001-02, would typically be lower (e.g., 30-40% range). - Statement 2 is correct. The Indian software and services industry did register significant growth in the fiscal year 2001-2002. Industry reports from NASSCOM for that year indicated growth figures around 28-30% in rupee terms, despite the global economic slowdown.
Infrastructure Services: Transport, Logistics, Communication and their role in economic development
The Setu Bharatam Programme of the Government of India is a programme for
Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2017
- building bridges across major rivers for transport of goods
- building bridges for safe and seamless travel on national highways
- building roads to connect coastal areas
- training of highway engineers at the entry level and service level
Show answer
Answer: B. building bridges for safe and seamless travel on national highways
Setu Bharatam is a program focused on eliminating railway level crossings on National Highways through the construction of bridges.
Which one among the following statements about National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is not correct ?
Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2023
- NHAI collects fees on the National Highway.
- NHAI conducts training of Highway Engin‐ eers at entry level and in-service.
- NHAI provides consultancy and construction services in India and abroad.
- NHAI regulates and controls the plying of vehicles for its proper management.
Show answer
Answer: C. NHAI provides consultancy and construction services in India and abroad.
- NHAI's primary mandate is the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways. - A) NHAI is authorized to collect fees (tolls) on National Highways. This is correct. - B) NHAI is involved in research and development, including training of personnel related to highway engineering. This is correct. - C) NHAI provides technical and consultancy support, including potential services outside India, although its main focus is domestic. This function is within its broader scope or potential activities. - D) The regulation and control of the plying of vehicles, including traffic rules, speed limits, and enforcement, falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, state transport departments, and police authorities, not NHAI. NHAI focuses on the infrastructure itself.
When was ‘Sagarmala Project’ launched in India ?
Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2017
- March 2015
- March 2016
- March 2014
- December 2015
Show answer
Answer: A. March 2015
The project aims at modernizing India's ports, developing port-linked infrastructure, and promoting port-led industrialization and coastal community development.
Evaluate the statements : 1. Sagarmala Program is to reduce logistics cost for EXIM and domestic trade with minimal infrastructure investment. This includes: Reducing cost of transporting domestic cargo through optimizing modal mix, Improving export competitiveness by developing port proximate discrete manufacturing clusters, Optimizing time/cost of EXIM container movement. 2. Airports Authority of India (AAI) was constituted by an Act of Parliament and came into being on 1st April 1990. AAI manages a total of 137 airports which include 24 International airports, 10 Custom airports and 103 Domestic airports. From the above mentioned statements which statement/statements is/are correct?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2024
- only 1
- only 2
- both 1 and 2 are correct
- both 1 and 2 are not correct
Show answer
Answer: A. only 1
- Sagarmala focuses on port-led development and optimizing logistics costs. - AAI was formed in 1995, not 1990. - Statement 1 accurately lists key objectives of the Sagarmala program.
India's first CNG train runs between which two stations ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017
- Rewari-Rohtak
- Pune-Mumbai
- Delhi-Sonepat
- Chennai-Madurai
Show answer
Answer: A. Rewari-Rohtak
This was a pilot project by Indian Railways to explore alternative, environmentally friendly fuels for passenger trains.
What is Bharata Mala Project ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017
- A Floricultural Development Mission
- An Umbrella Programme for roads in place of existing highway projects
- A river linking programme
- none of the above
Show answer
Answer: B. An Umbrella Programme for roads in place of existing highway projects
The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a new umbrella program for the highways sector that focuses on optimizing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions. It incorporates various road development projects, including the development of economic corridors, inter-corridor and feeder routes, coastal and port connectivity roads, and border and international connectivity roads.
The dedicated railway safety fund for passenger safety to be created in 5 years is named as
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017
- Rail Safety Reserve Fund
- Railway Accident Mitigation Fund
- Rail Suraksha Arth Kosh
- Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh
Show answer
Answer: D. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh
Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) is a non- lapsable safety fund established with a corpus over five years dedicated solely to funding critical safety-related works on the Indian Railways network, aiming to reduce accidents.
Key Sub-sectors within Services: Overview and Interlinkages
The following pie-chart shows the spendings of a country on various sports during a particular year. Study the chart carefully and answer the question: How much percent less is spent on football than that on cricket? (Pie chart is not available, so I am omitting the values.)
Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 63rd
- 35%
- 29%
- 32%
- 31%
Show answer
Answer: C. 32%
- To calculate the percentage less spent on Football than on Cricket, we need the percentage (or actual amount, which can then be converted to percentage of total) spent on Cricket and the percentage (or amount) spent on Football from the pie chart. - Let the percentage spending on Cricket be C% and on Football be F%. - The difference in spending is C% - F%. - The question asks "How much percent less is spent on football than that on cricket?". This means the percentage decrease is relative to the spending on Cricket. - The required percentage decrease = ((C% - F%) / C%) 100%. - If, for instance, spending on Cricket was represented by a 36° sector (10% of total) and Football by a 25° sector (approx 6.94% of total, assuming total 360° represents 100%), the calculation would use these percentages.
In a class of 80 students, 60% students play carrom, 45% play chess and 10% students neither play carrom nor chess. The number of students who play only chess is
Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 65th
- 36
- 24
- 12
- 8
Show answer
Answer: B. 24
The number of students playing at least one game is Total students - Students playing neither = $80 - 8 = 72$. This represents $|C \cup H|$. Using the principle of inclusion-exclusion, $|C \cup H| = |C| + |H| - |C \cap H|$. Substituting the values: $72 = 48 + 36 - |C \cap H|$. $72 = 84 - |C \cap H|$, so $|C \cap H| = 84 - 72 = 12$. These 12 students play both carrom and chess.
By selling 45 lemons for ₹40, a man loses 20%. How many should he sell for ₹24 to gain 20% in the trans- action?
Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 67th Cancelled
- 16
- 18
- 20
- 22
Show answer
Answer: B. 18
Selling 45 lemons for ₹40 results in a 20% loss. This means the selling price (SP1) is 80% of the cost price (CP). SP1 = ₹40 for 45 lemons. 0.80 CP = ₹40 CP = ₹40 / 0.80 = ₹40 / (4/5) = ₹40 (5/4) = ₹50. So, the cost price of 45 lemons is ₹50. To gain 20%, the new selling price (SP2) should be 120% of 20%, he must sell 45 lemons for ₹60. Now, we need to find how many lemons he should sell for ₹24 to achieve this same profit margin. The price per lemon to gain 20% is ₹60 / 45 lemons = ₹(4/3) per lemon. Let $N$ be the number of lemons he sells for ₹24. The price per lemon in this new transaction is ₹24 / $N$. To maintain the 20% gain, the price per lemon must be the same: ₹24 / $N$ = ₹(4/3) $N = 24 \times \frac{3}{4} = 6 \times 3 = 18$. He should sell 18 lemons for ₹24.
A mobile company charges a fixed rental of Rs.350 per month. It allows 200 calls free per the number of calls exceeds 200 per month and ceeds 400 per month. A customer made 150 calls in February and 250 calls in March. By how much percent each call is cheaper in March than each call in February for that customer?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2024
- 35%
- 24%
- 32%
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: D. None of the above
When calculating the "cost per call" in such plans, it is often interpreted as the effective average cost: Total Monthly Bill / Total Number of Calls in the Month. Different call slabs have different rates, but the fixed rental also contributes to the overall cost per call when averaged across all calls.
What is the percentage increase in the amount of money spent in Auto category from 2004 to 2005 ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017
- 75%
- 80%
- 85%
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. 75%
Calculating percentage change requires the initial value and the final value. Percentage increase = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / Initial Value) 100%.
Which of the following Airline Companies joint ventures are incorrectly matched ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017
- Singapore Airlines – Tata Sons
- Ethihad – Jet Airways
- Air Asia – Indigo
- Air Asia – Tata Sons
Show answer
Answer: C. Air Asia – Indigo
Airline joint ventures often involve collaboration between foreign airlines seeking to enter the Indian market and Indian partners.
Rs. 7300 is divided among 4 doctors, 3 teachers and 5 lawyers in such a way that 3 lawyers get as much amount as 2 teachers and 3 doctors get as much amount as 2 lawyers. How much amount would each teacher get?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2018
- Rs. 500
- Rs. 700
- Rs. 730
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: D. None of the above
Express the amounts received by doctors and lawyers in terms of the amount received by teachers using the given conditions, then set the total distributed amount equal to the sum of amounts received by all individuals in each category.
Role of Government Policies and Regulations in Service Sector Development
RERA stands for :
Asked in: Asst. Town Planner 2022
- Real Estate Regulation Authority
- Real Esteemed Regulatory Authority
- Real Estate Regulatory Authority
- Real Estate Regulatory Administration
Show answer
Answer: C. Real Estate Regulatory Authority
RERA stands for the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and it establishes Real Estate Regulatory Authorities at the state level to regulate the real estate sector.
In India, Service Tax was first introduced in the year
Asked in: Agricultural Development Officer, Agriculture Department
- 1998
- 1996
- 1994
- 1992
Show answer
Answer: C. 1994
The introduction of Service Tax was a significant reform in the Indian tax system, aiming to broaden the tax base and increase revenue. It was initially levied on a few specified services.
Skill Development and Employment Generation in Services Sector
Arrange the following schemes in chronological order from the year of launch : (1) Make in India (2) National Skill Development Mission (3) Startup India (4) Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2023
- (4), (1), (2), (3)
- (4), (2), (3), (1)
- (1), (2), (4), (3)
- (2), (4), (1), (3)
Show answer
Answer: A. (4), (1), (2), (3)
Chronological order (Oldest to Newest): PMEGP (2008), Make in India (2014), National Skill Development Mission (2015), Startup India (2016).
Tourism and Hospitality Sector: Potential, infrastructure, and socio-economic impact
According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017 released by the World Economic Forum, among the 136 economies across the world, India ranked
Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2017
- 50th
- 40th
- 30th
- 20th
Show answer
Answer: B. 40th
According to the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017, India was ranked 40th among 136 economies.
Under the ‘Campaign Clean India’, an initiative of Ministry of Tourism, ONGC has adopted six monuments/tourist destinations in India. Which of the following is not one amongst these ?
Asked in: PPSC CS Prelims 2013
- Taj Mahal
- Ellora Caves
- Elephanta Caves
- Char Minar
Show answer
Answer: D. Char Minar
- ONGC adopted specific heritage sites under a cleanliness campaign. - The adopted sites included major monuments and temples across India.
The Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) is released by
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2020
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund
- World Economic Forum
- United Nations Development Programme
Show answer
Answer: C. World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental and lobbying organisation based in Cologny, Geneva, Switzerland. It is known for its annual meeting in Davos and its various global reports, including those on competitiveness, risks, and specific sectors like travel and tourism.
Which state has bagged the top spot at the country's most popular tourist destination among foreign and domestic tourists in 2016?
Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2018
- Goa
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharastra
- Tamil Nadu
Show answer
Answer: D. Tamil Nadu
According to the official tourism statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals in 2016.
Tourism industry in India is quite small compared to many other countries in terms of India’s potential and size. Which one of the following statements is correct in this regard?
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1999
- Distances in India are too far apart and its luxury hotels are too expensive for western tour‐ ists
- For most of the months India is too hot for western tourists to feel comfortable
- Most of the picturesque resorts in India such as in the Northeast and Kashmir are, for all practical purposes, out of bounds
- In India, the infrastructure required for attracting tourists is inadequate
Show answer
Answer: D. In India, the infrastructure required for attracting tourists is inadequate
While other factors like climate in certain seasons (B), distance (A - though manageable with good transport), or specific regional issues (C) might play a role, the fundamental lack of adequate and widespread tourist infrastructure is a major, pervasive barrier that affects the overall tourist experience and limits accessibility to many potential destinations.
Considering Geographic Location and culture which Which Sector should be primarily promoted for inclusive development of state:
Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2007
- Tourism
- Animal Husbandry
- Mining
- Industry
Show answer
Answer: A. Tourism
Considering a state with rich geographic diversity and strong cultural heritage (typical of Rajasthan, where this question is likely from), Tourism is a sector that directly leverages both aspects for economic development.
As per the Economic Survey 2024-25, which of the following statements describe(s) the development of tourism and hospitality in India. (1) The tourism sector's contribution to GDP regained the pre-pandemic level of 5 per cent in FY23. (2) The tourism sector created 17.6 crore jobs in FY23. (3) India received 1.8 per cent of world tourism receipts and attained a rank of 14th worldwide in world tourism receipts during 2023. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Asked in: lower devision clerk 2025
- Only (3)
- Only (1) and (3)
- Only (2) and (3)
- (1), (2) and (3)
Show answer
Answer: D. (1), (2) and (3)
All three statements (1), (2), and (3) likely describe the positive development of the tourism and hospitality sector in India as per the Economic Survey 2024-25.
Trade in Services: Global trends, GATS, and India's position
Which of the following two towns of excellence have been added by Government of India for exports 2016 ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017
- Madurai and Calicut
- Bhimvaram and Vishakhapatnam
- Ludhiana and Panipat
- Tripura and Thanjavur
Show answer
Answer: C. Ludhiana and Panipat
Towns of Export Excellence are centres with potential to grow into a major export hub for specific products.