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Question

Which of the following characteristics of foot loose industry are correct?

A. They are not dependent on any specific raw material

B. They produce in small quantity

C. They employ a small labour force

D. They are generally very polluting industries

Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

The correct answer is

A, B and C only

Understanding the characteristics of different types of industries is crucial in geography and economics. This question asks about the defining features of a footloose industry.

What Defines a Footloose Industry?

A footloose industry is a general term for an industry that can be located almost anywhere because it is not strongly tied to specific locations by factors such as raw materials, power sources, or major markets. Their location is often influenced more by factors like access to skilled labor, transportation networks, or quality of life for employees.

Analyzing Footloose Industry Characteristics

Let's examine each characteristic listed in the question:

  1. A. They are not dependent on any specific raw material
    Footloose industries often use inputs that are lightweight, easily transported, or widely available, meaning they don't need to be located near a specific mine or forest. This independence from specific raw material sources is a primary characteristic.
  2. B. They produce in small quantity
    While not universally true, many footloose industries, particularly those involving high-value, low-volume products (like electronics components or software), do not require large-scale, heavy production facilities that are tied to specific large markets or resource areas. Production scale is often flexible.
  3. C. They employ a small labour force
    Many modern footloose industries, especially those relying on technology, automation, or specialized skills (like software development, call centers, R&D), may employ a relatively small number of highly skilled or specific workers compared to heavy manufacturing industries.
  4. D. They are generally very polluting industries
    This is generally incorrect for typical footloose industries. Industries that are heavily polluting are often tied to locations where waste can be processed or dispersed, or where environmental regulations are less strict. Footloose industries, being mobile and often technology-focused, are less likely to be intrinsically tied to high pollution levels as a defining characteristic. Environmental considerations can influence location, but being "very polluting" is not a typical trait.

Summary of Characteristics

Based on the analysis, the characteristics that align with the general definition of a footloose industry are independence from specific raw materials, flexible or often small-scale production, and frequently employing a relatively small workforce.

Characteristic Description Typical for Footloose Industry?
A Not dependent on specific raw material Yes
B Produce in small quantity Yes (often, not always)
C Employ a small labour force Yes (often, relative to heavy industry)
D Generally very polluting industries No

Conclusion on Correct Characteristics

The characteristics A, B, and C accurately describe common features of footloose industries, allowing them greater flexibility in choosing their location. Characteristic D is not a defining feature; in fact, mobility might sometimes favor locations with stricter environmental controls or industries that have a lower environmental impact.

Therefore, the correct combination of characteristics for a footloose industry includes A, B, and C.

Revision Table: Key Footloose Industry Concepts

Concept Description
Definition Industry not tied to specific raw materials or markets.
Location Factors Access to transportation, skilled labor, infrastructure, quality of life, government policies.
Raw Materials Inputs are typically light, easily transported, or ubiquitous.
Labour Force Often requires specialized skills, can be relatively small.
Pollution Not a defining characteristic; often less polluting than heavy industries.

Additional Information on Industry Location Factors

Industries can be classified based on their location factors. Industries tied to raw materials are called resource-based industries (e.g., mining, lumber). Industries tied to markets are market-oriented industries (e.g., bakeries, newspapers). Footloose industries are unique because they have less constraint from these traditional factors.

Examples of footloose industries often include:

  • Software development
  • Call centers
  • Electronics assembly (especially components)
  • Research and Development (R&D)
  • Certain types of consulting services

Their flexibility allows them to relocate more easily based on changing economic conditions, labor availability, or technological advancements.

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Important Questions from Human Development

  1. Arrange the following mega cities in the descending order of their population in 2016.

    A. Shanghai

    B. Karachi

    C. Tokyo

    D. London

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

  2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been publishing Human Development Report annually since when?

  3. Identify the correct statements about rural-urban relationship carefully:

    (A) Rural population depends on primary economic activities while urban population depends on secondary and tertiary activities

    (B) The functional relationship between rural and urban settlements takes place through transport and communication networks

    (C) Rural and urban settlements do not differ in terms of social relations, attitudes and outlook

    (D) All rural settlement become urban due to rural-rural migration

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

  4. Arrange the launching of the following satellites in the chronological order.

    A. Rohini

    B. APPLE

    C. Aryabhatt

    D. IRS-1A

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

  5. Which one of the following ports is known as "Queen of the Arabian Sea"?

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