Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Enhancing development in underdeveloped districts.

Key Points

• The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) was launched by the Government of India in January 2018, under the aegis of NITI Aayog.
• It aims to transform underdeveloped districts by addressing key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, and skill development.
• The programme focuses on improving developmental indicators in 112 identified districts across India, which are lagging in socio-economic parameters.
• ADP leverages real-time monitoring and ranking mechanisms to ensure progress and accountability in district-level development.
• It emphasizes collaboration among central and state governments, local administrations, and development partners to implement targeted interventions effectively.

Additional Information

• Key Indicators Under ADP:
• Districts are ranked on 49 key performance indicators across 5 themes: health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, and basic infrastructure.
• These indicators are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Monitoring Mechanism:
• Real-time data collection and monitoring are facilitated via the Champions of Change dashboard.
• Districts are ranked monthly based on their progress, fostering competition and accountability.
• Collaboration:
• ADP encourages partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations.
• It promotes sharing of best practices among districts to enhance the overall impact.
• Impact:
• ADP has contributed to improved developmental outcomes in targeted districts, including better health services, enhanced school infrastructure, and increased agricultural productivity.
• By focusing on grassroots-level interventions, it aims to reduce inter-district disparities and foster inclusive growth.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• Regions with high population density are typically characterized by fertile land, which supports agricultural activities and sustains large populations.
• Favorable climates, such as temperate or tropical climates, make living conditions more conducive for humans and agriculture, attracting more settlers.
• Availability of abundant natural resources (e.g., water, minerals, forests) supports economic activities, leading to population concentration in such areas.
• Regions with robust economic opportunities, such as urban centers, attract migration due to better job prospects, education, and infrastructure.
• Historical factors, such as the development of early civilizations in river valleys like the Nile, Ganges, or Yangtze, demonstrate the role of fertile land and water resources in promoting high population densities.

Additional Information

• Population Density: It is the number of people living per unit area, typically measured in people per square kilometer.
• Urbanization: Urban areas often have higher population densities due to industrialization, better infrastructure, and job availability.
• Carrying Capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources such as food, water, and shelter.
• Natural Resources: The availability of resources like rivers, forests, and minerals contributes significantly to population distribution patterns.
• Climatic Factors: Moderate climates (neither too hot nor too cold) are preferred by humans, whereas extreme climates such as deserts or polar regions have lower population densities.

The correct answer is casting vote.

Key Points

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the casting vote, which is used only in the case of a tie during voting in the House.
• This casting vote is exercised to break the deadlock and ensure a decision is made.
• The Speaker's casting vote is intended to preserve neutrality and maintain parliamentary procedures.
• It is exercised sparingly and only when the voting results are evenly split (e.g., 50-50).
• The casting vote is a constitutional privilege granted under Article 100(1) of the Indian Constitution.

Additional Information

• Speaker of the Lok Sabha:
• The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament in India.
• The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha after each general election or when the position is vacant.
• The primary duty of the Speaker is to maintain order and decorum during the proceedings of the House.
• Article 100 of the Indian Constitution:
• Article 100(1) states that all questions in the House shall be decided by a majority of votes.
• It empowers the Speaker to cast a vote in case of a tie.
• Neutral Role of the Speaker:
• The Speaker is expected to remain impartial and uphold the dignity of the House.
• Even while exercising the casting vote, the Speaker ensures procedural fairness.
• Significance of Casting Vote:
• The casting vote ensures that the legislative process is not stalled due to a tie.
• It reflects the Speaker’s responsibility to facilitate decision-making in the House.

The correct answer is Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernisation Programme.

Key Points

• The Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernisation Programme (V-VMP), also known as the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, was introduced by the Government of India in 2021.
• The policy aims to phase out unfit, old, and polluting vehicles to reduce environmental pollution and improve road safety.
• It mandates fitness tests for commercial vehicles older than 15 years and private vehicles older than 20 years.
• Unfit vehicles that fail the fitness test or are not re-registered will be scrapped, promoting the recycling of automotive materials.
• The initiative is expected to boost demand in the automotive industry by encouraging the purchase of new, fuel-efficient, and cleaner vehicles.

Additional Information

• Fitness Tests:
• Mandatory automated fitness tests are conducted at Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs).
• These tests ensure vehicles meet minimum environmental and safety standards.
• Benefits of the Policy:
• Reduction in air pollution caused by older, high-emission vehicles.
• Promotion of recycling industries, creating economic and environmental benefits.
• Fuel savings through the use of modern, fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Incentives for Vehicle Owners:
• Owners of scrapped vehicles are offered incentives like tax concessions and discounts on the purchase of new vehicles.
• Scrappage certificates issued to vehicle owners can be redeemed for benefits while buying new vehicles.
• Impact on the Automotive Industry:
• The policy is expected to increase demand for new vehicles, leading to growth in the automotive sector.
• It supports the Make in India initiative by encouraging domestic manufacturing.

The correct answer is A and B both.

Key Points

• Two significant constitutional features in India are influenced by the Australian Constitution: freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse (Article 301) and the provision for a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
• The principle of freedom of trade and commerce ensures economic integration and unification, preventing states from imposing restrictions on inter-state trade.
• The joint sitting mechanism, mentioned in Article 108 of the Indian Constitution, facilitates the resolution of deadlocks on legislative bills between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Both features were directly adopted from the Australian Constitution, where similar provisions exist to ensure economic uniformity and legislative efficiency.
• These provisions highlight the influence of global constitutional practices on the framing of the Indian Constitution.

Additional Information

• Freedom of Trade and Commerce
• Article 301 of the Indian Constitution ensures the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout the country.
• This principle prevents discrimination between states and promotes economic unity.
• It is influenced by Section 92 of the Australian Constitution.
• Joint Sitting of Parliament
• Article 108 of the Indian Constitution provides for a joint sitting of both Houses in case of disagreements over legislative bills.
• This provision is inspired by Section 57 of the Australian Constitution, which resolves legislative deadlocks through a joint sitting.
• Federal Features with a Strong Centre
• The Indian Constitution adopts a federal structure with unitary bias, influenced by Canada rather than Australia.
• Australia follows a "cooperative federalism" model, distinct from India's centralized federalism.
• Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
• Article 143 of the Indian Constitution provides for the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
• This feature is influenced by the Government of India Act, 1935, rather than the Australian Constitution.

The correct answer is The New Development Bank (NDB).

Key Points

• The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—in July 2014 during the 6^th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil.
• The primary objective of the NDB is to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies.
• The bank started its operations in 2015, with its headquarters located in Shanghai, China.
• Each member country has an equal shareholding in the NDB, promoting equality and inclusivity in decision-making within the bank.
• In addition to financing projects, the NDB aims to strengthen cooperation among BRICS nations and provide an alternative to traditional financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank.

Additional Information

• BRICS Overview:
• BRICS is an acronym for an economic bloc consisting of five emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• It was officially formed in 2006 to promote cooperation in economic, political, and social development.
• BRICS countries collectively account for about 40% of the world’s population and over 25% of the global GDP.
• Purpose of the NDB:
• The NDB aims to reduce reliance on traditional Western-led financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
• It focuses on sustainable development projects, including renewable energy, transportation, and urban development.
• Funding Mechanism:
• Each BRICS country contributes equally to the NDB’s initial capital of $50 billion.
• The bank also raises funds through bond issuance in local currencies to support its lending operations.
• Achievements:
• Since its inception, the NDB has approved numerous projects, including renewable energy projects in India and transportation upgrades in South Africa.
• It has been praised for its efficiency and ability to address the specific needs of emerging economies$.

The correct answer is Both statements I and II are correct.

Key Points

• Statement I is correct: The Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-85) focused on ensuring income growth, poverty reduction, and modernization of technology, introducing schemes for industrial and technological development.
• It emphasized self-reliance and aimed at improving infrastructure, energy efficiency, and technological advancements.
• Statement II is correct: The Third Five-Year Plan (1961-66) was largely unsuccessful due to external factors like the Indo-China War (1962), Indo-Pak War (1965), and internal issues such as food shortages and economic instability caused by rupee devaluation.
• The food crisis and drought of 1965-66 further exacerbated the failure of the Third Plan.
• The plan aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and increase economic growth but fell short due to unforeseen disruptions.

Additional Information

• Five-Year Plans in India:
• India adopted the concept of Five-Year Plans from the Soviet Union to achieve planned economic development.
• The First Five-Year Plan (1951-56) focused on agriculture, irrigation, and energy.
• The Planning Commission was responsible for designing and implementing these plans until its dissolution in 2014, when it was replaced by NITI Aayog.
• Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-85):
• Introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, emphasizing poverty alleviation, modernization, and energy development.
• It witnessed significant progress in industrial development and technological advancement.
• Third Five-Year Plan (1961-66):
• The goal was to make India self-sufficient in food production and achieve economic growth of 5.6% annually.
• However, the plan was derailed due to wars, drought, and a financial crisis, resulting in a growth rate of only 2.8%.
• Impact of Wars on Economic Plans:
• The Indo-China War (1962) and Indo-Pak War (1965) drained resources, leading to slower economic progress.
• Such conflicts often necessitate reallocation of funds from development projects to defense and emergency measures.

The correct answer is Merge and consolidate public sector banks.

Key Points

• The Narasimham Committee-II, constituted in 1998, recommended the merger and consolidation of public sector banks to create fewer but stronger banks.
• The aim was to improve operational efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and address the challenges posed by globalization and financial sector reforms.
• The committee suggested reducing the number of public sector banks to around 3-4 large banks with international reach and a few regional banks.
• It emphasized that consolidation would lead to better capital adequacy, stronger balance sheets, and increased capacity for funding large projects.
• The recommendation was part of a broader agenda to reform the banking sector and make it more robust and prepared for future economic challenges.

Additional Information

• Narasimham Committee Reports:
• The Narasimham Committee was constituted in two phases: Narasimham Committee-I (1991) and Narasimham Committee-II (1998).
• The first committee focused on liberalization and deregulation of the banking system.
• The second committee emphasized structural reforms, including consolidation, governance improvements, and non-performing asset (NPA) management.
• Public Sector Banks:
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are banks where the majority stake is held by the government.
• They play a critical role in financial inclusion and economic development in India.
• Examples include the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda.
• Bank Consolidation in India:
• In recent years, the government has implemented the consolidation of PSBs, such as merging Bank of Baroda with Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank.
• In 2020, 10 PSBs were merged into 4 large banks to create stronger entities.
• Consolidation aims to improve efficiency, reduce redundancy, and strengthen the overall banking system.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR):
• CAR is a measure of a bank's capital relative to its risk-weighted assets.
• The Narasimham Committee-II emphasized maintaining adequate CAR to ensure financial stability.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates a minimum CAR as per Basel norms for all banks.

The correct answer is Limited resources and unlimited wants.

Key Points

• The scarcity problem in economics arises due to the fundamental concept of unlimited human wants and limited resources available to fulfill those wants.
• Scarcity forces individuals and societies to make choices about how to allocate resources efficiently to satisfy competing needs and desires.
• It highlights the necessity of prioritizing and making trade-offs, as resources such as land, labor, capital, and raw materials are finite.
• Scarcity is the driving force behind key economic concepts such as opportunity cost, production possibility curves, and the allocation of goods and services.
• This problem is universal and affects individuals, businesses, and governments, leading to the study of economics as a discipline to address resource allocation efficiently.

Additional Information

• Scarcity: A fundamental economic problem referring to the gap between limited resources and theoretically unlimited wants.
• Opportunity Cost: The value of the next best alternative foregone when a choice is made due to resource limitations.
• Production Possibility Curve (PPC): A graphical representation of different combinations of two goods or services that can be produced with fixed resources and technology.
• Resource Allocation: The process of distributing scarce resources among various uses to meet the needs of individuals and society.
• Factors of Production: The inputs used to produce goods and services, including land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

The correct answer is Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Points

• The National Productivity Council (NPC) operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• It is an autonomous organization established in 1958 to promote productivity culture in various sectors of the Indian economy.
• NPC is engaged in providing consultancy, training, and research services aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness of Indian industries.
• The council focuses on sustainable development and productivity enhancement through innovative strategies and technology adoption.
• It is closely associated with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), a regional intergovernmental organization.

Additional Information

• Asian Productivity Organization (APO):
• It is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1961 to promote productivity growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
• India is a founding member of the APO, and the National Productivity Council serves as its nodal agency in India.
• APO focuses on fostering innovation, advancing digital transformation, and promoting green productivity initiatives.
• Objectives of NPC:
• Promoting economic efficiency and productivity in various sectors.
• Encouraging the adoption of cleaner production practices for sustainable development.
• Providing capacity-building programs for industries and government organizations.
• Key Areas of Focus:
• Energy management and conservation.
• Strengthening quality management systems.
• Encouraging the adoption of lean manufacturing practices to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Productivity Week:
• National Productivity Week is observed every year from 12^th to 18^th February to raise awareness about productivity and innovation.
• The theme of the week is chosen to align with current national priorities and challenges.