As per the Government of India's policy at the time referred to in this question, any proposal for foreign direct investment in single brand retail trading should not be above which percentage line?

Introduction / Context:
This question is from Indian economy and FDI policy. The Government of India has at different times specified caps on foreign direct investment in various sectors, including single brand retail trading. Competitive exams often ask about these percentage limits as they reflect important policy positions at specific periods.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The sector mentioned is single brand retail trading.
The question asks up to what percentage line FDI proposals should not be above at the time referred to.
Options are 33 percent, 43 percent, 48 percent, and 51 percent.
We assume the question reflects an older policy cap widely quoted in exam material before later liberalisation.

Concept / Approach:
In earlier policies, the Government of India allowed foreign investment in single brand retail subject to a maximum percentage. Many GK compilations mention that FDI in single brand retail was permitted up to 51 percent initially, meaning foreign ownership could not exceed this level without special approval or subsequent policy change. Thus, the approach is to recall this figure from standard economic awareness notes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question refers to a cap or upper limit, not the current eventual 100 percent allowance that came later. Step 2: Recall that for a long period, FDI in single brand retail in India was capped at 51 percent. Step 3: Compare each option: 33, 43, 48, and 51 percent. Step 4: Identify 51 percent as the familiar number from exam material about older FDI norms in retail. Step 5: Select 51 percent as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Economic survey summaries and policy reviews from that period clearly state that the government allowed up to 51 percent FDI in single brand retail, and later, this cap was reconsidered. Many one liner GK questions mirror this wording almost exactly, asking what the cap was as per government policy at that time. This confirms that 51 percent is the intended answer, not the later full liberalisation value.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The percentages 33, 43, and 48 are distractors placed near the mid range to confuse candidates who do not remember the exact number. They do not correspond to any widely publicised cap on FDI in single brand retail. Using any of these values would misstate the policy described in exam notes and older press releases.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is mixing up different FDI caps from multiple sectors or different years, leading to confusion between values like 49 percent, 51 percent, and 74 percent. Another error is to think of the later policy where single brand retail could receive up to 100 percent FDI under certain conditions and then try to force that into this question. Carefully noting the time frame in the question and memorising key numbers can help avoid these issues.

Final Answer:
According to the policy referenced, proposals for FDI in single brand retail trading should not be above 51%.