41. Which one of the following statements is true with regard to an econom

Which one of the following statements is true with regard to an economy which is on its production possibility frontier?

The economy has to sacrifice some production of one commodity in order to increase the production of another commodity
There is no limit or constraint for the economy in the production of goods and services
The economy can produce more of one commodity up to a point without reducing the production of any other commodity
Its production possibility frontier is an upward sloping curve
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
The correct answer is A) The economy has to sacrifice some production of one commodity in order to increase the production of another commodity.
The Production Possibility Frontier (PPF) represents the maximum output combinations of two goods or services that an economy can achieve when all its resources are fully and efficiently utilized, given the current level of technology.

* Being “on its production possibility frontier” means the economy is operating at full efficiency, with no unemployed or underutilized resources.
* Option A is true because, when an economy is on the PPF, resources are fully employed. To increase the production of one commodity, resources must be shifted away from the production of the other commodity, leading to a decrease in its output. This sacrifice is known as the opportunity cost.
* Option B is false. The PPF itself represents the limit or constraint on production given the current resources and technology. An economy on the PPF is producing the maximum possible.
* Option C is false. This statement describes moving from a point *inside* the PPF (inefficient production) to a point *on* the PPF (efficient production). An economy already on the PPF cannot increase production of one commodity without decreasing the production of another, assuming technology and resources remain constant.
* Option D is false. The PPF is typically downward sloping because to produce more of one good, you must produce less of the other (trade-off). It is usually concave (bowed outwards) or straight, but never upward sloping. An upward sloping curve would imply you could produce more of both goods simultaneously, which is impossible when resources are fully and efficiently utilized.

The shape of the PPF (concave or straight) reflects the law of increasing or constant opportunity costs. A concave PPF indicates increasing opportunity costs (as you produce more of one good, the sacrifice of the other good becomes progressively larger), which occurs when resources are specialized. A straight PPF indicates constant opportunity costs, occurring when resources are equally suited for producing either good.

42. Which one of the following is an example of a price ceiling?

Which one of the following is an example of a price ceiling?

Fares charged by Airlines in India
Price printed on biscuit packets
Minimum support price for cane growers
Minimum wages fixed by state Governments
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
The correct answer is B) Price printed on biscuit packets.
A price ceiling is a government-imposed limit on how high a price can be charged for a product or service. It must be set below the market equilibrium price to be effective.

* Option A) Fares charged by Airlines in India: Airline fares are generally determined by market dynamics, although they can be subject to regulatory oversight regarding maximum and minimum limits or fare bands in certain situations (like during emergencies or for specific routes). However, they are not a standard, universal example of a price ceiling like an MRP.
* Option B) Price printed on biscuit packets: This typically refers to the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). MRP is a type of price ceiling set by the manufacturer, indicating the maximum price that can be charged to the consumer. It serves as a legal upper limit.
* Option C) Minimum support price for cane growers: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is an example of a price floor, which is a minimum price set by the government, usually above the equilibrium price, to protect producers (farmers in this case).
* Option D) Minimum wages fixed by state Governments: Minimum wage is another example of a price floor, applied to the price of labour.

Therefore, the price printed on biscuit packets (MRP) is the clearest example of a price ceiling among the given options.

Price ceilings are typically implemented to protect consumers from excessively high prices for essential goods or services. However, if set too low, they can lead to shortages as supply decreases and demand increases at the controlled price. Price floors, conversely, are often used to support producers or workers, but can lead to surpluses (e.g., agricultural surpluses or unemployment).

43. Suppose that the price of a commodity increases from ₹ 90 to ₹ 110 and

Suppose that the price of a commodity increases from ₹ 90 to ₹ 110 and the demand curve shows that the corresponding reduction in quantity demanded is from 240 units to 160 units. Then, the coefficient of the price elasticity of demand will be

1·0
2·4
0·5
2·0
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
To calculate the coefficient of price elasticity of demand, we can use the midpoint formula which is suitable for discrete changes:
PED = |(Q2 – Q1) / ((Q1 + Q2) / 2)| / |(P2 – P1) / ((P1 + P2) / 2)|
Given:
P1 = ₹ 90, Q1 = 240 units
P2 = ₹ 110, Q2 = 160 units
Change in Q = Q2 – Q1 = 160 – 240 = -80
Change in P = P2 – P1 = 110 – 90 = 20
Midpoint Q = (Q1 + Q2) / 2 = (240 + 160) / 2 = 400 / 2 = 200
Midpoint P = (P1 + P2) / 2 = (90 + 110) / 2 = 200 / 2 = 100
PED = |-80 / 200| / |20 / 100|
PED = |-(0.4)| / |(0.2)|
PED = 0.4 / 0.2
PED = 2.0
– The price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to a price change.
– The formula for arc elasticity (midpoint method) is appropriate for calculating elasticity over a range of prices and quantities.
– The absolute value of the calculated elasticity is typically reported.
The resulting elasticity of 2.0 indicates that demand is elastic between these two price points, as the percentage change in quantity demanded (40%) is greater than the percentage change in price (20%).

44. Zero price elasticity of demand means

Zero price elasticity of demand means

whatever the change in price, there is absolutely no change in demand
for a small change in price, there is a small change in demand
for a small change in price, there is a large change in demand
for a large change in price, there is a small change in demand
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
Zero price elasticity of demand means that the quantity demanded of a good or service does not change at all, regardless of the change in its price. This is a case of perfectly inelastic demand.
– Price elasticity of demand (PED) measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to a change in price.
– PED = (% Change in Quantity Demanded) / (% Change in Price).
– If PED = 0, the numerator (% Change in Quantity Demanded) must be 0, implying no change in quantity demanded.
Demand is considered inelastic if 0 < PED < 1 (quantity demanded changes proportionally less than price). Demand is considered elastic if PED > 1 (quantity demanded changes proportionally more than price). Demand is unit elastic if PED = 1 (quantity demanded changes proportionally the same as price). Perfectly elastic demand (PED = infinity) means consumers will buy an infinite amount at a specific price but nothing if the price increases even slightly.

45. Which one of the following is NOT correct ?

Which one of the following is NOT correct ?

The Average Revenue and Marginal Revenue curves of a perfectly competitive firm are perfectly elastic
The Marginal Revenue curve of the monopoly firm is above its Average Revenue curve
In the long-run, a competitive firm earns only normal profits
In equilibrium, the Marginal Cost Curve of the monopoly firm may be rising, falling or constant
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
For a monopoly firm, the demand curve it faces is the market demand curve, which is typically downward sloping. The Average Revenue (AR) curve is identical to the demand curve. Because the monopolist must lower the price on all units sold to sell an additional unit, the Marginal Revenue (MR) from selling that extra unit is less than the price (AR). Therefore, the MR curve for a monopolist lies *below* the AR curve, not above it.
– Perfectly competitive firms are price takers; their demand curve is horizontal (perfectly elastic), and AR = MR.
– Monopolists are price makers; their demand curve is downward sloping.
– For a downward-sloping demand curve, MR is always less than AR (for Q > 0) and lies below the AR curve.
– In the long run, perfect competition allows for free entry/exit, leading to normal profits.
– A monopolist maximizes profit where MR=MC, and the MC curve can have various slopes in the relevant range.
Statement A is correct for a perfectly competitive firm’s individual demand curve. Statement C is correct for perfect competition in the long run. Statement D is correct; a monopolist’s MC curve can be rising, falling, or constant where it intersects MR, as long as the second-order condition (MC cuts MR from below or MR is falling faster than MC) for profit maximization is met.

46. According to the Law of Diminishing Returns, in a production function

According to the Law of Diminishing Returns, in a production function when more and more units of the variable factor are used, holding the quantities of a fixed factor constant, a point is reached beyond which

the marginal revenue will diminish
the average revenue will diminish
the marginal product will diminish
the marginal product will increase
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
The Law of Diminishing Returns (also known as the Law of Variable Proportions) states that when one input into the production process is increased while all other inputs are held constant, the marginal product of the variable input will eventually decrease. This point is reached after the initial stages where marginal product might increase due to specialization.
– The law applies when at least one factor of production is fixed and at least one is variable.
– It focuses on the physical output, specifically the marginal product of the variable factor.
– Marginal product is the extra output produced by adding one more unit of the variable input.
The law of diminishing returns describes a short-run phenomenon where some factors are fixed. It relates to the productivity of the variable input, not directly to revenue concepts like marginal revenue or average revenue, although diminishing marginal product can eventually lead to diminishing returns in terms of revenue depending on the market structure and prices.

47. During 2014-2015, in which one of the following industrial sectors, th

During 2014-2015, in which one of the following industrial sectors, the FDI equity inflow was maximum ?

Telecommunications
Services (Financial, Banking and Insurance, Non-Financial / Business, R & D etc.)
Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
Hotel and Tourism
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
Data for the fiscal year 2014-2015 on FDI equity inflows into India shows that the Services sector received the maximum amount of foreign direct investment during this period.
Understanding the distribution of FDI inflows across different sectors of the Indian economy is important for assessing investment patterns and economic priorities.
The Services sector typically includes a wide range of activities such as financial services, banking, insurance, business services (including R&D, consulting, and software), communication services, and other miscellaneous services. This sector has consistently been a major recipient of FDI in India over the years. The data cited is based on official statistics released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India.

48. Which of the following factors affects an individual’s demand for a co

Which of the following factors affects an individual’s demand for a commodity?
1. Price of the commodity
2. Income of the consumer
3. Prices of related goods
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
1 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
An individual’s demand for a commodity is influenced by several factors. The price of the commodity itself affects the quantity demanded (movement along the curve). The income of the consumer affects purchasing power and preferences, shifting the demand curve (e.g., for normal and inferior goods). The prices of related goods, such as substitutes and complements, also affect demand, shifting the demand curve (e.g., if the price of a substitute rises, demand for the original commodity increases). Therefore, all three factors listed affect an individual’s demand.
This question tests fundamental concepts in economics regarding the determinants of individual demand.
The relationship between demand and these factors is typically represented by the demand function. Other factors that can influence individual demand include consumer tastes and preferences, expectations about future prices and income, and demographics. Market demand is the sum of individual demands.

49. The rate at which the consumer is willing to substitute one good for a

The rate at which the consumer is willing to substitute one good for another without changing the level of satisfaction is known as :

Marginal rate of substitution
Marginal rate of technical substitution
Diminishing marginal utility
Equi-marginal utility
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
The rate at which a consumer is willing to substitute one good for another while maintaining the same level of utility or satisfaction is known as the Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS). Graphically, it is the absolute slope of an indifference curve at any point.
– Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS): Rate at which a consumer gives up one good for another to maintain constant utility.
– Marginal Rate of Technical Substitution (MRTS): Rate at which a firm substitutes one input for another to maintain constant output.
– Diminishing Marginal Utility: The concept that the additional utility gained from consuming one more unit of a good decreases as consumption increases.
– Equi-marginal utility: Condition for consumer equilibrium where the ratio of marginal utility to price is equal for all goods.
MRS is a core concept in consumer theory, helping to understand how consumers make choices between different bundles of goods based on their preferences, represented by indifference curves. As a consumer moves down an indifference curve, consuming more of one good and less of another, the MRS typically diminishes, reflecting the consumer’s increasing reluctance to give up the good they have less of for the good they have more of.

50. When a fall in price of a commodity reduces total expenditure and a ri

When a fall in price of a commodity reduces total expenditure and a rise in price increases it, price elasticity of demand will be :

= 1
> 1
Infinity
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
The relationship between a change in price and the resulting change in total expenditure (Price * Quantity) reveals the price elasticity of demand.
If a fall in price reduces total expenditure (P↓, TE↓), it means the increase in quantity demanded (Q↑) was proportionally smaller than the decrease in price (ΔQ% < |ΔP%|). This is the characteristic of inelastic demand. If a rise in price increases total expenditure (P↑, TE↑), it means the decrease in quantity demanded (Q↓) was proportionally smaller than the increase in price (ΔQ% < |ΔP%|). This is also the characteristic of inelastic demand. In both cases, the price elasticity of demand (|Ed|) is less than 1.
For inelastic demand (|Ed| < 1), price and total expenditure move in the same direction: if price increases, total expenditure increases; if price decreases, total expenditure decreases.
Conversely, for elastic demand (|Ed| > 1), price and total expenditure move in opposite directions: if price increases, total expenditure decreases; if price decreases, total expenditure increases. For unit elastic demand (|Ed| = 1), total expenditure remains unchanged with a change in price.