Question 1

Commercial sources of energy purely consist of

Accepted Answer

Commercial sources of energy in India include coal, gas, oil, and firewood. Energy sources are divided into: 1) Conventional sources: coal, mineral-oil, natural gas, hydroelectricity, nuclear energy; 2) Non-conventional sources: solar, wind, biogas, geothermal, energy from waste and marine organisms. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 2

In India, per capita consumption of energy in 1994 was

Accepted Answer

Per capita energy consumption in India in 1994 was 300 kg of oil equivalent. It reflects the standard of living. As per 2020-21 data, India has 18% of the world's population but consumes only about 6% of primary energy. Present per capita energy consumption is around 636.57 kg of oil equivalent. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 3

When did the first oil/energy crisis occur in India?

Accepted Answer

The first oil/energy crisis in India occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, triggered by global oil price shocks and international sanctions after India's first nuclear test in 1974. The Indo-Pak war also contributed to the energy crisis. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 4

Which type of economy does India have?

Accepted Answer

India has a mixed economy where both private and public sectors coexist. This model allows state intervention while supporting private entrepreneurship. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 5

When was 'Speed Post Service' launched by the Indian Post Department as competition to 'Courier Service'?

Accepted Answer

The Indian Postal Department launched 'Speed Post Service' in 1986 to compete with private courier services, providing faster and reliable postal delivery across the country. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 6

We witnessed the first telephones in India in which year?

Accepted Answer

The first telephone in India was introduced in 1851, connecting Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Diamond Harbour. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 7

Reasons for financial sickness of State Electricity Boards [SEBs] in India

Accepted Answer

State Electricity Boards face financial problems due to: 1) Selling power below production cost; 2) High transmission and distribution losses; 3) Lack of commercial autonomy; 4) Implementation of social subsidy policies by state governments. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 8

Problems faced by Indian Coal industry

Accepted Answer

Indian coal industry problems: 1) Poor quality and bottlenecks in coal movement; 3) Dependence on imported coking coal; 4) Administered prices. Low utilization of washeries is less significant. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 9

About the 'Rolling Plan'

Accepted Answer

Rolling Plan introduced by Janata Party in 1978 after ending the Fifth Five Year Plan early. Features: 1) Annual plan includes budget; 3) Revised every year according to economic requirements. Long-term plans (2,4) are not part of rolling plan. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Question 10

The highest wheat-producing state of India is

Accepted Answer

Uttar Pradesh was the highest wheat producer during the question period. As of 2020-21, top wheat-producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

53th-55th Prelims 2011