Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 5 years.

Key Points

• The normal term of office for a Gram Panchayat in India is 5 years.
• This is defined under the Article 243E of the Indian Constitution, which specifies the duration of Panchayats.
• The term of a Gram Panchayat is calculated from the date of its first meeting after the general elections.
• However, it can be dissolved before the completion of its term under certain circumstances, such as the failure to perform its duties.
• Re-elections must be held before the expiry of the 5-year term to ensure the continuity of local self-governance.

 Additional Information

• 1 year
• Gram Panchayats are not typically elected for a term of 1 year as it would be impractical for governance and developmental projects.
• 4 years
• A term of 4 years is not common for Gram Panchayats and is not supported by the Indian Constitution.
• 3 years
• A 3-year term is also not in alignment with the constitutional provisions for the term of a Gram Panchayat.

The correct answer is 75 : 25.

Key Points

• The Desert Development Programme (DDP) is aimed at combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought in desert areas.
• The funding ratio between the central and state governments for the DDP was revised to 75:25 with effect from 1^st April 1999.
• This means that 75% of the funding is provided by the central government, while the remaining 25% is contributed by the state government.
• The program is implemented in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas of India to promote sustainable land management and improve the livelihoods of people living in these regions.

Additional Information

• Desertification
• Desertification refers to the process by which fertile land becomes desert as a result of various factors, including drought, deforestation, and inappropriate agriculture.
• It leads to the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas.
• Drought Mitigation
• Drought mitigation involves measures to reduce the impact of drought on the environment and human life.
• It includes activities such as water conservation, sustainable agriculture practices, and the development of drought-resistant crops.
• Sustainable Land Management
• Sustainable land management refers to the use of land resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• It includes practices that maintain and enhance the productivity of land while protecting the environment.
• Livelihood Improvement
• Livelihood improvement initiatives aim to enhance the living standards and economic well-being of people, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
• These initiatives may include skill development, access to credit, and the promotion of income-generating activities.

The correct answer is Humus.

Key Points

• While "humus" is a term often associated with organic matter in soil, particularly the stable organic matter that remains after decomposition.
• Compost typically consists of partially decomposed organic matter, rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, and is used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.
• Humus is the dark organic matter in soil that is formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It is a kind of soil organic matter.

Additional Information

• Biomass: It is the total quantity or weight of plants and animals in a particular area or volume.
• Effluent is wastewater from sewers or industrial outfalls that flows directly into surface waters, either untreated or after being treated at a facility.
• A leachate is any liquid that, in the course of passing through matter, extracts soluble or suspended solids, or any other component of the material through which it has passed.

TDN is the total amount of digestible nutrients in the form of digestible carbohydrates, protein, lipid, fibre components present in the animal feeds. The energy content of the animal feed is expressed as TDN and it denotes the sum of all the digestible organic nutrients and is related to the digestible energy directly. This is useful to calculate beef and cow rations (forage).

The correct answer is Haryana

Key Points

• The government of Haryana introduced the 'Chirayu Health Insurance' Scheme.
• This scheme is aimed at providing health insurance coverage to the state's residents.
• The 'Chirayu Health Insurance' Scheme is part of the state's broader efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability.
• The scheme is expected to cover a significant portion of the population, ensuring they receive necessary medical care without financial strain.
• The initiative aligns with the state's commitment to improving public health infrastructure and outcomes.

Additional Information

• Health Insurance
• Health insurance is a type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured.
• It can also provide coverage for disability or long-term nursing or custodial care needs.
• Policies differ in terms of the amount of coverage, the type of medical services covered, and the premiums paid.
• In India, health insurance is often provided by both public and private insurers.
• Ayushman Bharat Scheme
• Also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), it aims to provide free health coverage at the secondary and tertiary levels to poor and vulnerable sections of the society.
• PM-JAY provides a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year.
• It is considered the world's largest government-funded health assurance scheme.
• Beneficiaries are identified based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database.
• National Health Mission (NHM)
• Launched by the Government of India in 2013, the NHM aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population.
• It encompasses two sub-missions: the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
• NHM focuses on strengthening healthcare systems, promoting maternal and child health, and controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Health Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
• IRDAI is the regulatory body tasked with overseeing the insurance sector in India.
• It ensures the orderly growth of the insurance industry and protects policyholders' interests.
• IRDAI regulates health insurance products, ensuring they meet the required standards and provide adequate coverage to policyholders.

The correct answer is Bihar Skill Development Mission.

Key Points

• Kushal Yuva Program (KYP): It is an initiative implemented under the Bihar Skill Development Mission, aiming to enhance the employability of youth in Bihar.
• The program focuses on imparting soft skills, computer literacy, and communication skills to youth aged between 15 and 25 years, enabling them to secure better employment opportunities.
• Eligibility Criteria: Youth must be residents of Bihar, aged between 15-25 years, and must have passed 10^th grade. Hence, the implementation aligns with the target demographic.
• Objective: The primary aim of the KYP is to bridge the skills gap by providing training in crucial areas such as communication, soft skills, and basic IT skills, thereby enhancing their employability. Hence, this aligns with Bihar Skill Development Mission's goals.
• Implementation: The program is executed in partnership with various training centers across Bihar, ensuring accessibility to youth in urban and rural areas. This ensures inclusivity in skill development.
• Funding: The program is funded by the Government of Bihar under the Bihar Skill Development Mission, showcasing the state’s commitment to improving youth employability.
• Hence, the correct answer is Bihar Skill Development Mission.

Additional Information

• Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM):
• The BSDM was established by the Government of Bihar to address the skill gap among the state's youth and enhance their employability.
• It focuses on providing vocational training, skill development programs, and employment-linked training to youth across various sectors.
• Programs under BSDM include the Kushal Yuva Program, Employment Linked Skill Training Program (ELSTP), and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• The mission aims to create an ecosystem of skill development by collaborating with training providers, industries, and institutions.
• Features of the Kushal Yuva Program:
• The program includes training in basic computer skills, soft skills, and language proficiency, essential for employment.
• The training duration is typically 240 hours, divided into modules for effective learning.
• Youth enrolled in the program receive certifications, increasing their employment prospects in both government and private sectors.
• Impact of the Program:
• The program has helped thousands of youth in Bihar secure better employment opportunities and develop their careers.
• It contributes to reducing unemployment and improving the socio-economic conditions of the state.

Important Points

• Eligibility: Applicants must be residents of Bihar, aged between 15-25 years, and have passed Class 10.
• Program Accessibility: Training centers are spread across urban and rural areas to ensure inclusivity.
• Certification: Upon completion, participants receive certifications recognized by the Government of Bihar.
• Focus Areas: The program emphasizes computer literacy, soft skills, and language proficiency for holistic development.
• Funding: The program is fully funded by the Government of Bihar, reflecting its commitment to youth development.

The correct answer is Agriculture.

Key Points

• Agriculture is the primary activity in rural areas and forms the backbone of the rural economy in India.
• It involves cultivation of crops, animal husbandry, and other allied activities that provide direct employment to a majority of the rural population.
• India is one of the leading producers of crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, and spices due to its extensive agricultural practices.
• About 58% of India's population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, according to government statistics.
• Agriculture also contributes significantly to India's GDP and supports industries like textiles, food processing, and export businesses.

Additional Information

• Primary Activities: These are activities directly related to natural resources, such as agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining.
• Importance of Agriculture: It ensures food security, provides employment, and supports rural development in India.
• Green Revolution: Introduced in the 1960s, it significantly improved agricultural productivity through the use of high-yield crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation techniques.
• Allied Activities: Activities like dairy farming, poultry farming, and horticulture are also considered part of the agricultural sector.
• Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and PM-KISAN aim to support farmers and boost agricultural productivity in India.

The correct answer is Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.

Key Points

• The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was enacted by the Government of India in 2005.
• The primary objective of NREGA is to enhance the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to a rural household.
• The Act was later renamed as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2009.
• MGNREGA aims to ensure sustainable development by creating durable assets such as roads, canals, ponds, and wells.
• The scheme focuses on the economic and social empowerment of women and promotes their participation by ensuring that one-third of the beneficiaries are women.

Additional Information

• Right to Work
• The NREGA is a social security measure that falls under the Right to Work enshrined in the Constitution of India.
• It is the first Act to legally guarantee wage employment at an unprecedented scale.
• Implementation Mechanism
• The Act is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
• Gram Panchayats play a crucial role in planning and implementation at the grassroots level.
• Funding
• The scheme is funded by the Central Government.
• States are responsible for providing unemployment allowance if the state fails to provide employment within 15 days of application.
• Transparency and Accountability
• Social audits are conducted to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
• Use of Information Technology and Management Information System (MIS) for monitoring and evaluation.

The correct answer is the establishment of a new industrial unit.

• Aao Bihar Yojana scheme which aims to encourage investment and for the establishment of the new industrial unit and technical institutions in Bihar.
• Under this scheme, any person who owns 2 acres or more land and wants to sell their land for the establishment of industries or institutions can enlist their land with respective Collector/District Magistrate.
• The details are then published by BIADA on the website.

The correct answer is Maha.

In News

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized the National Conference on PM JANMAN at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The conference focuses on six core areas: rural development, schools, water, Anganwadis, and multipurpose centers.
• It involves 88 districts from 18 states to draft action plans and improve grassroots implementation.
• PM JANMAN stands for The Union Cabinet approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).

Key Points

• The initiative is part of India’s larger efforts to empower tribal communities and ensure their socio-economic welfare.
• Core areas include improving educational infrastructure, water supply, and integrated rural development.
• It encourages participation from districts across 18 states to ensure effective implementation.

Additional Information

• PM JANMAN ( Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan )
• A comprehensive initiative to address the needs of tribal communities in India.
• Aims to improve infrastructure, education, and access to basic amenities in tribal areas.
• Encourages collaborative efforts among states to share best practices and formulate effective action plans.
• Bharat Mandapam
• The venue of the conference, Bharat Mandapam, is a state-of-the-art convention center in New Delhi.
• It has hosted several high-profile national and international events.