UPSC Prelims 2005 Q149: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Consider the following statements:
1. The number of post offices in India is in excess of 1.5 lakhs.
2. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was formed in the year 1997.
3. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established in the year 2000.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 1 only
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (c) 1 only
Explanation
Post offices, BSNL and TRAI
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Post offices exceed 1.5 lakh | True — about 1.55 lakh |
| 2. BSNL formed in 1997 | False: BSNL was formed in October 2000 |
| 3. TRAI established in 2000 | False: TRAI was set up in 1997 |
Only statement 1 is correct: India's post offices exceed 1.5 lakh, while the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was set up in 1997 and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited was formed in 2000.
Answer: (c) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. TRAI was established in 1997.
- (b) Incorrect. BSNL was formed in 2000.
- (c) CORRECT. Only statement 1 is correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false.
Key point
TRAI 1997 (TRAI Act). BSNL 2000 (corporatisation of DTS). India has the largest postal network.
Remember
TRAI was set up in 1997 and BSNL in 2000.
Common mistakes
- Swapping the years of BSNL and TRAI.
- Underestimating India's post office network.
- Confusing TRAI with the Department of Telecom.
Exam tip
TRAI 1997, BSNL 2000: regulator first.
Sources
- Department of Posts, Government of India — Annual Report 2004–05
- Department of Telecommunications, Government of India — Annual Report 2004–05 (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited)
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997