Tertiary Sector Archives

1. Supply chain activities cover everything, such as 1. Product develop

Supply chain activities cover everything, such as

1. Product development
2. Sourcing
3. Production
4. Logistics

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2018

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Modern supply chain management takes a comprehensive view that includes activities from the initial conception or design of a product to its final delivery and even post-sales service. While traditionally, supply chain focused primarily on sourcing, production, and logistics, the integration of product development (design and engineering) with supply chain considerations (like manufacturability, sourcing options, cost implications) is crucial for optimizing the entire process and ensuring competitive advantage. Therefore, a complete understanding of supply chain activities encompasses product development, sourcing of raw materials/components, production (manufacturing/assembly), and logistics (transportation, warehousing, distribution).

A comprehensive supply chain encompasses the entire flow from concept to consumer, including design, sourcing, production, and logistics.

Supply chain management involves coordinating and integrating these flows both within and among companies. Effective supply chain management aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance quality, and deliver value to customers. Other activities often considered part of or closely integrated with the supply chain include demand planning, inventory management, quality control, and customer service.

2. Consider the following airports: Donyi Polo Airport Kushinagar Inte

Consider the following airports:

Donyi Polo Airport
Kushinagar International Airport
Vijayawada International Airport

In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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A greenfield project is one that is built from scratch on undeveloped land, as opposed to a brownfield project which involves repurposing or upgrading existing facilities.
1. Donyi Polo Airport (Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh): This is a completely new airport built on a greenfield site near Itanagar. It was inaugurated in November 2022.
2. Kushinagar International Airport (Uttar Pradesh): This airport was also developed on a greenfield site. It was inaugurated in October 2021.
3. Vijayawada International Airport (Andhra Pradesh): The airport at Gannavaram near Vijayawada was originally a military airfield and was later developed for civilian use. While it has undergone significant upgrades and expansion, including a new terminal and runway extensions, it was not built completely from scratch on a new site like Donyi Polo or Kushinagar. It is more accurately described as an upgrade/expansion of an existing airport facility.
Therefore, in the recent past, Donyi Polo Airport and Kushinagar International Airport have been constructed as greenfield projects.

Greenfield projects involve building infrastructure entirely from the ground up on previously undeveloped land.

Other notable recent greenfield airport projects in India include Kannur International Airport (Kerala) and Pakyong Airport (Sikkim), besides the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. These contrast with upgrades or expansions of existing airports like those in Delhi, Mumbai, or Vijayawada, which are often considered brownfield developments or a mix depending on the scope.

3. Consider the following pairs: Port Well known as 1. Kamaraja

Consider the following pairs:

Port	Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port	:	First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port	:	Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam	:	Largest container port in Port India

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Only one pair

Only two pairs

All three pairs

None of the pairs

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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Pair 1 is correctly matched: Kamarajar Port, formerly Ennore Port, was the first major port in India to be registered as a company under the Companies Act, 1956.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: Mundra Port, owned and operated by Adani Ports and SEZ, is the largest privately owned port in India by cargo handling capacity.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Visakhapatnam Port is a major port in India, but the largest container port is Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) near Mumbai.

– Kamarajar Port’s unique corporate structure.
– Mundra Port’s status as India’s largest private port.
– Identification of India’s largest container port.

India has 12 major ports and numerous minor ports. JNPT handles the largest volume of container traffic in India. Visakhapatnam is a significant port on the east coast.

4. With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, w

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 :

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2022

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Option B is correct.

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.

Statement 1 is incorrect. According to India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for e-commerce, especially for the ‘marketplace’ model (which large foreign firms like Amazon and Flipkart use), these entities are not permitted to sell goods owned by them directly or indirectly on their platforms. They must operate solely as a marketplace connecting buyers and sellers.
Statement 2 is correct. The FDI policy for e-commerce marketplace limits the equity participation of the marketplace entity or its group companies in any seller on the marketplace to 10%. It also restricts the total sales from a single vendor (or its group companies) on the marketplace to 25% of the marketplace’s total sales. These limitations are intended to prevent the marketplace operator from unduly influencing prices or controlling inventory, thereby promoting fair competition.

5. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the followin

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 :

1, 2 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2020

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Statements 1, 3, and 4 generally describe benefits covered under cyber insurance for individuals.

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.

Cyber insurance for individuals is a relatively new but growing area, providing financial protection against various cyber risks such as online fraud, identity theft, cyber bullying, data breaches, and system damage from malware or hacking. The specific coverages can vary depending on the policy provider and plan.

6. ‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seek

‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seeks to

develop national strategies for the conservation 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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2015

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The correct option is B.

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.

Basel I and Basel II were earlier versions of these accords focusing primarily on capital requirements and risk management. Basel III builds upon these, introducing more stringent requirements and new measures related to liquidity and leverage to create a more resilient banking system.

7. Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Po

Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct ?

NLP was launched in 2022

NLP would improve the competitiveness of Indian goods

NLP would enhance economic growth and increase employment opportunities

NLP would provide an opportunity for deleveraging balance sheets and providing fiscal space for investment in new infrastructure assets

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2024

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Statement D is NOT correct. The National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched in 2022, aims to reduce logistics costs, improve efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and boost economic growth and employment by creating a digitally integrated and efficient logistics ecosystem. Statements A, B, and C accurately reflect these aims and the launch year. Statement D, which talks about deleveraging balance sheets and providing fiscal space for new infrastructure investment, is not a direct stated objective of the NLP itself. While improved logistics might indirectly support investment and economic health, the primary focus of the policy is on the logistics sector’s performance, not government fiscal maneuvers like deleveraging or creating fiscal space through the policy’s mechanisms.

The National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022 is focused on bringing down logistics costs, which are currently high in India compared to global benchmarks, to improve India’s trade competitiveness and economic efficiency.

The NLP is supported by initiatives like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) for digital integration and the Gati Shakti National Master Plan for coordinated infrastructure development, working towards building a seamless and multi-modal logistics network.

8. The sectoral shares of Gross Value Added (GVA) for the year 2009-10 to

The sectoral shares of Gross Value Added (GVA) for the year 2009-10 to 2018-19 show that the share of service sector in GVA in India has increased over the years. Which among the following have driven the maximum increase?

Electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services

Trade, hotel, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting

Public administration, defence and other services

Financial, real estate and professional services

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2021

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The correct answer is (B) Trade, hotel, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting.

Analysis of Gross Value Added (GVA) data for the services sector in India during the period 2009-10 to 2018-19 indicates that the sub-sector comprising ‘Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to broadcasting’ consistently contributed significantly to the overall growth and increased share of the services sector in the economy. While ‘Financial, real estate and professional services’ (Option D) also showed strong growth, the combined categories in option B often accounted for a larger portion of the absolute increase in GVA within the services sector during this specific decade, driven by expanding domestic consumption, improved connectivity, and infrastructure development.

The services sector is the largest sector of the Indian economy, contributing over 50% to the GVA. It is further divided into several sub-sectors. Understanding the performance and contribution of these sub-sectors is crucial for analyzing economic growth patterns. Other major sub-sectors include Public Administration, Defence and Other Services, and Construction.

9. Consider the following countries: 1. China 2. Spain 3. India 4. Russia

Consider the following countries:
1. China
2. Spain
3. India
4. Russia
Which one of the following is the correct ascending order of the above countries in terms of their share of services sector to Gross Value Added (GVA) during the period 2001-2015?

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 3, 4, 2

4, 1, 3, 2

1, 3, 2, 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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Based on data for the period 2001-2015, the share of the services sector in Gross Value Added (GVA) for the listed countries in ascending order is typically China, followed by India, then Russia, and finally Spain having the highest share.

– Services sector share in GVA reflects the development stage and economic structure of a country.
– Developed economies like Spain usually have a very high share of services in their GVA.
– Emerging economies like China and India have significant services sectors, but China traditionally had a larger industrial base, and India’s services sector growth has been a key driver. Russia’s economy has a large resource sector, but services are also substantial.

Around 2015, the services sector share in GVA was approximately: China (~50.5%), India (~53.2%), Russia (~58.4%), and Spain (~74.4%). This confirms the ascending order: China < India < Russia < Spain, which corresponds to the numbering 1, 3, 4, 2.

10. To which of the following sectors of the economy, the activity of agri

To which of the following sectors of the economy, the activity of agriculture and services belong to ?

Primary and Tertiary respectively

Primary and Secondary respectively

Tertiary and Secondary respectively

Secondary and Quaternary respectively

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2017

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Economic activities are typically classified into different sectors. The primary sector involves the extraction and production of raw materials from the earth, such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining. The tertiary sector (or service sector) involves providing services to consumers and businesses, such as trade, transport, banking, healthcare, education, etc. Agriculture falls under the primary sector, and services fall under the tertiary sector.

Understanding the classification of economic activities into primary, secondary, tertiary, and sometimes quaternary/quinary sectors is fundamental to economics.

The secondary sector involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods (manufacturing, construction). The quaternary sector involves knowledge-based services (research and development, information technology). The quinary sector includes high-level decision-making (government, top executives).