Search Previous Year Questions

The Correct Answer is Rural Housing

Key Points

• The 11^th Schedule (added by the 73^rd Amendment, 1992) lists 29 functional items that may be devolved to Panchayats.
• Rural Housing is one such subject.

Additional Information

• Other key items include agriculture, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, education, health, and women’s development.
• These subjects enable local self-governments to plan and implement grassroots development.
• The actual devolution varies by state, depending on political and administrative will.

The correct answer is To create a multilingual AI platform for real-time translation among Indian languages..

Key Points

• Bhashini Project Overview: The Bhashini project is a government initiative by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It aims to create a multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform designed for facilitating real-time translation and interpretation across various Indian languages.
• This project is aligned with the vision of Digital India and aims to eliminate language barriers across the country by leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies.
• Purpose: The primary goal is to ensure that people from all linguistic backgrounds in India can access digital content and services in their native languages. This supports the inclusion of individuals from different regions.
• Focus on Indian Languages: India is a linguistically diverse country with 22 scheduled languages and hundreds of dialects. The Bhashini project seeks to bridge the gap by creating a comprehensive multilingual ecosystem for communication, especially in regional languages.
• Components: The project includes the development of language datasets, APIs, and AI solutions to support translation, transcription, and interpretation services for Indian languages.
• Applications: The project can be applied to education, governance, e-commerce, healthcare, and other domains to ensure that people from different linguistic backgrounds can access necessary services and resources.

Additional Information

• Importance of Multilingual AI:
• India's linguistic diversity: With over 1.3 billion people speaking a variety of languages, a multilingual AI platform is crucial for fostering inclusivity and removing language as a barrier to communication and information access.
• Applications in public services: The platform can enable access to government services, education, and healthcare in local languages, ensuring that citizens from rural and remote areas are not left behind in the digital revolution.
• Economic impact: By allowing businesses to interact with customers in their native languages, the project can help boost local and regional economies.
• Government Initiatives Supporting Bhashini:
• Digital India Programme: Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Bhashini complements this goal by breaking language barriers.
• Indian Language Internet Alliance (ILIA): An initiative aimed at increasing Indian language content on the internet, providing a digital space for local languages, which aligns with the Bhashini project.

Important Points

• Global Context:
• UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has emphasized the importance of language preservation and promotion for cultural diversity.
• AI in language technologies: Major companies like Google and Microsoft are also working on AI-powered translation tools, which further emphasizes the importance of multilingual technology.
• Future Prospects:
• The Bhashini project has the potential to position India as a global leader in language technology, fostering innovation and collaboration in this domain.
• It will also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s rich linguistic heritage in the digital age.

The correct answer is Poshan Abhiyaan.

Key Points

• Poshan Abhiyaan, also known as the National Nutrition Mission, was launched by the Government of India on 8 March 2018, coinciding with International Women's Day.
• The initiative aims to address the issue of malnutrition among women, children, and adolescents by ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare facilities.
• It primarily focuses on reducing stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children and women), and low birth weight in babies, targeting children aged 0-6 years and pregnant women.
• The program utilizes technology-driven solutions, such as mobile apps and real-time monitoring systems, to track progress and ensure effective delivery of services.
• Under Poshan Abhiyaan, initiatives like Poshan Pakhwada and Rashtriya Poshan Maah are implemented annually to create awareness about nutrition and promote community participation.

Additional Information

• Features of Poshan Abhiyaan:
• The mission adopts a multi-ministerial approach involving ministries like Women and Child Development, Health, and Education.
• It is implemented in collaboration with state governments to ensure coverage across all districts in India.
• The program promotes behavioral change among communities through awareness campaigns, workshops, and training programs.
• Funds under Poshan Abhiyaan are shared between the Central Government and State Governments in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for North-Eastern states and Himalayan states).
• The initiative incorporates the use of Anganwadi Workers and ASHA workers to directly engage with beneficiaries, ensuring last-mile delivery.
• Relevant Data:
• India has the highest number of malnourished children globally, with reports showing that 35.5% of children under the age of 5 years are stunted, as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-2021.
• The mission targets to reduce stunting to 25% by 2022, from the baseline of 38.4% recorded in the NFHS-4.
• It aims to reduce anemia among women and children by 3% annually and ensure 100% coverage of pregnant women with supplementary nutrition.
• Comparison with Other Schemes:
• Digital India: Focuses on digital empowerment of citizens and is unrelated to healthcare or nutrition.
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Aims to improve the sex ratio and promote education for girls but does not address healthcare and nutrition directly.
• Skill India Mission: Focuses on enhancing vocational skills for employment and is not related to nutrition or healthcare.
• Poshan Abhiyaan: Specifically targets nutrition and healthcare improvements for women and children, making it the most relevant initiative for the question.
• Global Context:
• The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• India's efforts under Poshan Abhiyaan contribute to global objectives of reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes.

Important Points

• Poshan Abhiyaan involves the use of ICT-based real-time monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery.
• The initiative complements existing schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme, amplifying their impact.
• Community participation through initiatives like Poshan Melas and Village Health and Nutrition Days enhances the program's outreach and effectiveness.
• The Jan Andolan aspect of Poshan Abhiyaan aims to make nutrition a people-centric movement, encouraging grassroots involvement.

The correct answer is Development of rural clusters with urban-like facilities.

Key Points

• Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM): Launched by the Government of India in 2016, the primary objective of this mission is to transform rural areas into economically, socially, and physically sustainable regions with the provision of urban-like facilities while retaining the essence of rural life.
• The mission focuses on developing rural clusters by providing essential infrastructure and services, such as roads, electricity, water supply, sanitation, digital connectivity, healthcare, education, and skill development facilities.
• SPMRM is aimed at reducing the migration of rural population to urban areas by creating sustainable and inclusive communities in rural regions. This strengthens rural economies. Hence, the correct answer is "Development of rural clusters with urban-like facilities."
• The mission targets clusters of villages with a population of 25,000 to 50,000 in plain areas and 5,000 to 15,000 in hilly, tribal, and desert areas to ensure equitable development across regions.
• SPMRM operates through two distinct categories of clusters: Non-Tribal Clusters and Tribal Clusters, catering to the specific needs of these regions.
• The mission is a comprehensive approach that integrates various schemes of the government to provide urban-like amenities in rural areas, boosting the rural population's overall quality of life.

Additional Information

• Specific Characteristics of Each Option:
• Option 1: Electrification of rural households – While electrification is an important component of rural development, it is not the primary objective of SPMRM. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) focuses on rural electrification.
• Option 3: Skill development for rural youth – Skill development is a significant goal under SPMRM, but it is a part of the broader objective of creating urban-like facilities in rural clusters. Independent schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focus exclusively on skill development.
• Option 4: Ensuring 100 days of wage employment in rural areas – This refers to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which ensures employment opportunities in rural areas. However, it is not the primary focus of SPMRM.
• Implementation of SPMRM:
• The mission identifies clusters that have potential for growth and provides them with the necessary support to become "Rurban" clusters through integrated and participatory planning.
• A Critical Gap Funding (CGF) is provided to support the development of infrastructure in these clusters.
• SPMRM incorporates convergence of schemes like MGNREGA, PMKVY, NRLM, and other state-level programs to achieve its objectives.

Important Points

• Focus on Rural Development:
• SPMRM aims to bridge the rural-urban divide by providing urban-like facilities in rural areas while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.
• The mission ensures a holistic development approach, including economic development, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
• Key Features:
• SPMRM targets 300 rural clusters across India for development into Rurban areas.
• The program emphasizes public-private partnerships (PPPs) and community participation for effective implementation.

The correct answer is 2000.

Key Points

• The first National Agriculture Policy of India was announced in the year 2000.
• This policy was introduced to address the issues related to growth, sustainability, and equity in agriculture.
• The primary focus of the policy was to achieve a growth rate of 4% per annum in agriculture and allied sectors.
• It aimed to ensure the efficient use of resources and promote technology-driven agriculture.
• The policy emphasized the importance of diversification in agriculture to meet the demand for food and non-food products.
• It highlighted the need for private sector participation in agricultural development, including investments in infrastructure, research, and marketing.
• The policy also stressed the importance of improving rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, power, and transport.
• It supported the adoption of measures to ensure food security and promote agricultural exports.
• The National Agriculture Policy of 2000 laid the foundation for several reforms in the agricultural sector, including the promotion of research and development, credit facilities, and farmer welfare programs.

Additional Information

• 2010
• No specific agriculture policy was introduced in 2010. However, significant steps were taken during this period to implement plans under existing policies.
• During this time, India focused on initiatives like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and improving the agricultural supply chain.
• 2003
• No major agriculture policy was introduced in 2003. However, the government continued to focus on enhancing agricultural productivity through various schemes.
• The year saw efforts in expanding the reach of the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme.
• 2005
• No agriculture policy was introduced in 2005. However, several programs like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) were announced later as part of ongoing reforms.
• The focus was on improving productivity and addressing rural issues in the long term.

The Correct answer is To assist poor rural families in acquiring assets or skills for self-employment.

Key Points

• The Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) was launched in 1978-79 and extended throughout India by 1980.
• The main aim of the IRDP was to assist poor rural families in improving their standard of living by helping them acquire productive assets or develop self-employment skills.
• This programme was targeted at families living below the poverty line (BPL).
• IRDP combined various central and state government schemes to provide subsidies and bank loans to rural households for activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, cottage industries, and small businesses.
• The programme focused on creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
• It was implemented through a network of District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs).
• The IRDP aimed to integrate different sectors of development, including education, health, and skill development, to provide a comprehensive approach to rural upliftment.
• It was one of the most significant poverty alleviation programmes launched by the Government of India.

Additional Information

• To provide free food to rural families
• This option refers to programmes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, which aim to provide subsidized or free food to families living below the poverty line.
• While these programmes address food security, they differ from the IRDP, which focuses on asset creation and skill development for self-employment.
• To promote urban employment
• This option is unrelated to the IRDP as the programme specifically targets rural areas.
• Urban employment-related programmes include initiatives like the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), which focuses on urban poverty alleviation.
• To build schools in villages
• Building schools in villages is a goal often associated with educational schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
• While rural education is vital for development, it is not the primary focus of the IRDP.

The correct answer is 1988-89.

Key Points

• Special Food Grain Production Programme (SFPP) on Pulses was launched in 1988-89 by the Government of India to address the issue of inadequate production of pulses in the country.
• The programme aimed to increase the production of pulses through focused interventions, including better technology adoption, improved seed distribution, and enhanced farming practices.
• This initiative was part of a broader effort to ensure food security and reduce dependency on imports of pulses, which were a crucial source of protein for the Indian population. Hence, the correct answer is 1988-89.
• The programme targeted specific regions where pulse cultivation was feasible and promoted research and development in pulse farming to improve productivity.
• The SFPP on Pulses was integrated with other agricultural development programmes to align efforts and resources effectively. Hence, this initiative has had a significant impact on pulse production.

Additional Information

• Importance of Pulses in Agriculture and Nutrition:
• Pulses are a vital source of protein in the Indian diet, especially for vegetarians. They are also rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• India is one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses, but demand often exceeds supply, leading to imports to meet domestic needs.
• The SFPP on Pulses was introduced to improve self-sufficiency in pulse production and reduce reliance on imports.
• Government Initiatives for Pulse Production:
• In addition to the SFPP, the government has implemented various schemes such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to promote pulse production.
• Under the NFSM, subsidies are provided for quality seeds, fertilizers, and farm machinery to enhance pulse cultivation.
• Research institutions like the Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR) contribute to the development of better pulse varieties and farming techniques.

Important Points

• Characteristics of Pulses:
• Pulses are leguminous crops that improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. This makes them an essential component of sustainable agriculture.
• Common types of pulses grown in India include chickpeas (gram), pigeon peas (arhar), lentils (masoor), mung beans, and urad.
• Impact of SFPP:
• The SFPP contributed significantly to improving pulse yields and reducing the yield gap in pulse cultivation.
• It emphasized the use of high-yielding varieties and the adoption of modern farming practices.
• The initiative also helped farmers increase their income by providing access to better resources and technologies.

The correct answer is 15 August 1983.

Key Points

• The Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP) was launched on 15 August 1983. It was introduced as a flagship scheme to provide employment to landless rural individuals.
• The programme aimed to guarantee employment opportunities in rural areas, focusing on the landless laborers who lacked stable income sources.
• RLEGP was a part of India's broader efforts to reduce poverty and promote rural development by generating employment and improving the living standards of rural populations.
• This scheme was designed to work in tandem with other rural development programmes, such as the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).
• The scheme was introduced by the government to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty alleviation, and socio-economic disparity in rural areas of India.
• It focused on creating productive assets, ensuring that the employment provided not only benefited individuals but also contributed to the long-term development of rural infrastructure.
• Hence, the correct answer is 15 August 1983.

Additional Information

• Objectives of RLEGP:
• Employment generation: The programme aimed to provide 100 days of employment annually to rural landless laborers.
• Asset creation: Employment under RLEGP was linked to the creation of durable assets, including roads, irrigation canals, schools, and health centers in rural areas.
• Poverty alleviation: It targeted the poorest sections of society, focusing on improving their livelihoods and reducing poverty.
• Implementation and Funding:
• The programme was centrally funded by the Government of India to ensure uniform implementation across different states.
• State governments were responsible for the execution of the programme, tailoring it to the specific needs of their rural population.
• Impact and Legacy:
• RLEGP laid the foundation for subsequent rural employment schemes, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) introduced in 2005.
• It highlighted the importance of addressing rural unemployment and poverty as a means of achieving sustainable development.

Important Points

• Comparison with other programmes:
• While RLEGP focused solely on the landless rural laborers, schemes like IRDP focused on integrated rural development, covering a broader spectrum of beneficiaries.
• The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), introduced later, provided a legal guarantee for employment, building upon the framework established by RLEGP.
• Significance of the launch date:
• 15 August, the date of India’s Independence, was chosen for the launch to signify the importance of empowering the rural population as part of the nation-building process.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

1) “Enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities and exports across the industries”

• ✔️ Correct.
• Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the focus is on boosting domestic manufacturing, competitiveness, and exports.

2) “Incentivizing foreign investments for domestic production”

• ✔️ Correct.
• The scheme does not mean isolation. It actively encourages FDI in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, defence, textiles, etc., to build India as a global manufacturing hub.

Correct Answer:

• 3. Both 1 and 2 are correct

The correct answer is Individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

Key Points

• Deen Dayal Upadhyay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a flagship program under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India. It aims to provide skill training to rural youth to enhance their employability.
• The program is specifically designed for individuals aged between 15 and 35 years. This age group is considered ideal for acquiring skills and entering the workforce. Hence, the eligibility criteria mentioned in the correct option are accurate.
• Special provisions: For certain categories like Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the upper age limit has been relaxed up to 45 years.
• The program targets youth from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, households with National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) job card holders, and other disadvantaged sections of society.
• The training program under DDU-GKY is designed to address the skill gap among rural youth and prepare them for industry-relevant job roles. It includes classroom training, practical sessions, and on-the-job training.
• The program ensures placement support after completion of the training, with a focus on wage employment in various sectors.
• Hence, the correct answer is Individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

Additional Information

• Overview of DDU-GKY:
• DDU-GKY was launched on 25^th September 2014, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. It is part of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
• The scheme aims to skill rural youth in various domains like healthcare, construction, retail, hospitality, and IT/ITES, helping them secure sustainable livelihoods.
• It emphasizes the inclusion of socially disadvantaged groups such as women, minorities, SC/ST, and PwDs, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Age: The standard age limit for eligibility is 15 to 35 years. However, relaxations are provided for vulnerable groups, extending the upper age limit to 45 years.
• Socio-economic status: Priority is given to individuals from BPL families, households with NREGA job card holders, or families identified by the Social Economic Caste Census (SECC).
• Training Features:
• Duration: Training programs typically range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the skill sector.
• It includes practical training sessions, industry exposure, and soft skills development, along with digital literacy.
• Placement support is provided, with a focus on securing wage employment in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT.

Important Points

• Implementation:
• DDU-GKY works through a network of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). These agencies are responsible for training delivery, placement, and post-placement support.
• The program is monitored by state rural livelihood missions to ensure quality and transparency.
• Achievements:
• Since its inception, DDU-GKY has trained and placed thousands of rural youth, contributing to employment generation and rural development.
• It has partnered with various industries and organizations to ensure training aligns with market demands.