Read the Passage given below and answer the following question. (Q 5)

Major concentrations of modern manufacturing have flourished in a few number of places. These cover less than 10 per cent of the world’s land area. These nations have become the centres of economic and political power. However, in terms of the total area covered, manufacturing sites are much less conspicuous and concentrated on much smaller areas than that of agriculture due to greater intensity of processes. Industries maximise profits by reducing costs. Therefore, industries should be located at points where the production costs are minimum.

Which of the following is NOT true about manufacturing activity?

Manufacturing activities are mainly carried out mainly near large urban areas having huge demand for the finished goods.

The correct answer is Option 3: Manufacturing activities are mainly carried out mainly near large urban areas having huge demand for the finished goods.

• Manufacturing can be modern (Option 1 ✅).

• Manufacturing can also be primitive or done with simple tools (Option 2 ✅).

• Manufacturing is a secondary activity (Option 4 ✅).

Option 3: Incorrect. However, manufacturing activities are not always mainly located near large urban areas. Many manufacturing units are also located in rural areas, industrial zones, or near sources of raw material, transport hubs, or cheap labor availability, not just near urban demand.

"Manufacturing may be done with modern power and machinery or it may still be very primitive. Most of the Third World countries still ‘manufacture’ in the literal sense of the term. Secondary activitiesare concerned with manufacturing, processing and construction (infrastructure) industries. Industries are generally located at points where the production costs are minimum."