Understanding infrastructure development is key for any nation’s progress. This set of General Knowledge Multiple Choice Questions (GK MCQs) covers essential concepts, milestones, and current developments in infrastructure. It aims to provide crucial insights to help you excel in competitive exams. Let’s explore the vital role of infrastructure in shaping a nation’s future.
1. Which among the following is India’s first Oil refinery?
- Guwahati Refinery
- Visakhapatnam Refinery
- Digboi Refinery
- Barauni Refinery
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Answer: Digboi Refinery
Digboi is a town in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, where the first oil well in Asia was drilled. The first oil refinery in India was established in Digboi as early as 1901. This marked a significant milestone in India’s industrial development, particularly in the oil and petroleum sector. The discovery of oil in Digboi played a crucial role in shaping India’s energy industry.
2. 1853 is a landmark in India’s Transport because of?
- First train
- First cargo plane
- First ship
- None of them
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Answer: First train
In 1853, the first passenger train in India ran between Bombay (now Mumbai) station and Thane. This marked a historic moment in India’s transportation history as it was the inception of India’s railway network. The introduction of the railways was a transformative development, greatly enhancing connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and goods across the country.
3. In which century, the maximum investment was made by the British in the Core & Infrastructure sector in India?
- 17th century
- 18th century
- 19th century
- 20th century
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Answer: 19th century
During the 19th century, the British colonial administration made substantial investments in India’s infrastructure sector. This included the development of various key industries such as railways, cotton mills, jute mills, steel industries, and ship and navigation industries. These investments were part of the British strategy to strengthen their economic control and industrial infrastructure in India, which had far-reaching consequences for the country’s economic development.
4. In which year was the Imperial Records Department (IRD) established, which is now known as the National Archives of India?
- 1885
- 1887
- 1889
- 1891
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Answer: 1891
The Imperial Records Department (IRD) was established on 11th March 1891 in the Imperial Secretariat Building in Calcutta (Kolkata). The IRD was responsible for preserving and maintaining official records, documents, and archives related to British India. It played a significant role in documenting the administrative and historical records of the colonial period, contributing to the understanding of India’s history.
5. In which year was the Submarine Telegraphy System opened between India and Europe?
- 1860
- 1862
- 1865
- 1880
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Answer: 1865
The Submarine Telegraphy System between India and Europe was established in 1865 and 1866. The first cable reaching India from Aden, Yemen, was opened in 1870. These developments marked a significant advancement in communication between India and Europe, reducing the time required for transmitting messages across vast distances and enhancing international connectivity.
6. The “Guarantee system” for Rail Network development in India was started in which year?
- 1843
- 1849
- 1855
- 1859
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Answer: 1849
The “Guarantee system” for rail network development in India was initiated in 1849 and discontinued in 1869. Under this system, private British companies were appointed to develop railways with certain conditions. The government provided free land, offered a 5 percent interest on the invested amount of the companies, and shared profits after paying the interest. However, it was discontinued in 1869 due to concerns about the financial burden it placed on the government. It was later reintroduced in 1880 with modifications to encourage private investment in railway development while mitigating financial risks.
7. The Great Indian Peninsula Railway was founded in which year?
- 1849
- 1853
- 1866
- 1905
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Answer: 1849
The Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) was founded on 1st August 1849 and incorporated by an act of the British Parliament. Its headquarters was located in Boree Bunder, Mumbai. The GIPR played a pivotal role in India’s railway development, connecting important regions and cities.
8. Which among the following statements about the “Guarantee system” is correct?
- The government provided free land to the companies involved.
- The government provided 5 percent interest on the invested amount of the companies.
- It was decided to divide the profit equally between the government and the companies.
- All of the above
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Answer: All of the above
The “Guarantee system” for Rail Network development in India, started in 1849, involved the government providing free land, 5 percent interest on the invested amount of the companies, and the division of profits between the government and the companies after paying the interest.
9. The “Guarantee system” was started again in which year after it was discontinued in 1869?
- 1970
- 1875
- 1880
- 1885
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Answer: 1880
The “Guarantee system” for railway development in India, which was initiated in 1849, was discontinued in 1869 due to concerns about the financial burden it placed on the government. However, it was reintroduced in 1880 with some modifications. The modified system continued to provide a guaranteed rate of return on capital invested by the companies in railway construction, with the government sharing in the profits after the guaranteed interest had been paid. This modified system aimed to encourage private investment in railway development while mitigating the financial risks for the companies involved.
10. Which committee was appointed for the extension of the Rail Line and the development of Railway administration?
- Lee Committee
- Acworth Committee
- Hunter Commission
- Stanley Committee
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Answer: Acworth Committee
The Acworth Committee was appointed in 1919 to address the extension of the rail network and the development of railway administration. Its recommendations included significant investments of Rs. 150 crores every five years and the separation of the rail budget from the general budget. However, it did not recommend the abolition of privatization for railway development.
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