41. Yellow Revolution is related to which one of the following crop produc

Yellow Revolution is related to which one of the following crop productions ?

Pulses
Oil seeds
Sunflower
Rice
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The Yellow Revolution in India is a term associated with the increase in the production of edible oilseeds. It was launched to increase the production of nine oilseeds: groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, safflower, sunflower, niger, sesamum, linseed, and castor.
– Yellow Revolution: Increase in edible oilseed production.
– Green Revolution: Wheat and Rice production.
– White Revolution: Milk production.
– Blue Revolution: Fish production.
Sam Pitroda is considered the father of the Yellow Revolution in India. The revolution involved the use of improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation techniques to boost oilseed yield.

42. Why were Banks nationalised in India ? 1. To borrow money from USA

Why were Banks nationalised in India ?

  • 1. To borrow money from USA
  • 2. To follow the IMF guidelines
  • 3. To provide the Government of India more control of credit delivery

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only
2 and 3
3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The primary reason for nationalizing banks in India (initially in 1969 and further in 1980) was to align the banking sector with the socialist planning goals of the government. This included ensuring that credit flowed to priority sectors like agriculture and small-scale industries, expanding banking services to rural areas, and reducing the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few industrialist families who controlled private banks. Reason 3, “To provide the Government of India more control of credit delivery,” accurately reflects this key objective.
Nationalization aimed to make banking a tool for socio-economic development and planned economic growth by giving the government control over credit allocation.
Reasons 1 and 2 are incorrect. Bank nationalization was an internal policy decision driven by domestic economic and political considerations, not a means to borrow from the USA or to follow IMF guidelines. In fact, IMF prescriptions often lean towards privatization rather than nationalization.

43. The ‘Interest Rate Policy’ is a component of which one of the followin

The ‘Interest Rate Policy’ is a component of which one of the following policies ?

Fiscal Policy
Monetary Policy
Trade Policy
Direct Control
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
Interest Rate Policy is a key component of Monetary Policy. Monetary Policy refers to the actions undertaken by a central bank (like the Reserve Bank of India) to manipulate the money supply and credit conditions to stimulate or constrain economic activity.
Central banks use tools like policy interest rates (e.g., repo rate, reverse repo rate) to influence the overall cost of borrowing and lending in the economy.
Fiscal Policy is related to government spending and taxation. Trade Policy concerns international trade regulations. Direct Control is a broad term and not a specific policy category containing interest rates in this context. Monetary policy, through interest rate adjustments and other measures, impacts inflation, economic growth, and liquidity in the financial system.

44. Which one of the following organizations is the capital market regulat

Which one of the following organizations is the capital market regulator ?

NSE
RBI
SEBI
IRDAI
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the statutory regulatory body established under the SEBI Act, 1992, responsible for regulating the securities market in India.
SEBI’s primary objectives include protecting the interests of investors in securities, promoting the development of the securities market, and regulating it.
NSE (National Stock Exchange) is a stock exchange, a platform within the capital market regulated by SEBI. RBI (Reserve Bank of India) is the central bank and regulates the banking system and monetary policy. IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) regulates the insurance sector.

45. LEADS Programme 2024 is launched by which one of the following organiz

LEADS Programme 2024 is launched by which one of the following organizations ?

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) report and associated initiatives are primarily driven by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. However, industry bodies often partner in its launch and promotion. FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) is a prominent industry body that actively engages with the government on logistics issues and participates in events related to the LEADS index. While the inclusion of RBI is unusual for the standard LEADS report launch, it’s possible a specific “LEADS Programme 2024” event or initiative involving both was launched by FICCI. Based on the provided options, FICCI’s involvement makes option A the most plausible choice, despite the confusing pairing with RBI.
The LEADS initiative assesses and ranks states based on their logistics ecosystem.
The LEADS index is a government initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to evaluate the efficiency of logistics infrastructure and services across states, aiming to improve India’s logistics performance. Industry associations like FICCI play a role in providing feedback and promoting the findings. The pairing with RBI in option A is unconventional for this specific initiative, potentially indicating a specific joint program or an error in the question/options as presented.

46. ‘NICES Programme’ is operated by which one of the following organizati

‘NICES Programme’ is operated by which one of the following organizations ?

ISRO
DRDO
IEA
SEBI
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The ‘NICES Programme’ likely refers to the National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies, which is primarily operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
ISRO utilizes its earth observation capabilities and data processing infrastructure for climate and environmental monitoring through initiatives like NICES.
ISRO’s satellite systems are crucial for gathering data on atmospheric composition, land use, water resources, biodiversity, and other environmental parameters essential for climate studies and environmental monitoring. The NICES programme facilitates the use of this data for research and applications.

47. Which one of the following ministries of the Government of India has p

Which one of the following ministries of the Government of India has proposed new rules for radar speed guns used to measure vehicle speeds on roads ?

Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Ministry of MSME
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Ministry of Defence
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is responsible for framing policies and regulations related to road transport and safety in India, which includes the specifications and usage rules for instruments like radar speed guns used for traffic law enforcement.
MoRTH oversees standards and procedures for road safety and traffic management technology.
Regulations regarding vehicle speed measurement, enforcement devices, and traffic management technologies fall under the purview of the central ministry responsible for road transport. Police departments utilize these rules for enforcement purposes.

48. Which one of the following ministries of the Government of India has t

Which one of the following ministries of the Government of India has taken a significant step towards promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability by launching Swachhata Pakhwada ?

Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Ministry of Rural Development
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
Swachhata Pakhwada is an initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission, where ministries/departments observe a fortnight of intensive cleanliness-related activities. Among the given options, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is closely associated with rural sanitation under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Gramin), which is a major component of the mission.
Swachhata Pakhwada aims to bring focus on Swachhata activities in various sectors, with each ministry/department participating actively.
The concept of Swachhata Pakhwada was introduced in April 2016. While all ministries and departments observe Swachhata Pakhwada, the Ministry of Rural Development, through its role in rural sanitation (historically via Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, now part of Ministry of Jal Shakti, with MoRD overseeing rural development initiatives), has a significant stake and often conducts widespread activities under this initiative, particularly relating to rural areas. Other ministries like MoEFCC, MoHFW, etc., also observe it focusing on their specific domains. Given the options, MoRD’s connection to rural sanitation makes it a plausible intended answer.

49. An endangered species, the Red Panda was spotted in which one of the f

An endangered species, the Red Panda was spotted in which one of the following wildlife sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh ?

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is an endangered species, and Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is known for its significant population and conservation efforts for the Red Panda.
Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as a key habitat for the Red Panda in India.
The Red Panda is native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China. Arunachal Pradesh is part of its range in India. Talley Valley is a biodiversity hotspot, and conservation initiatives there focus on protecting the Red Panda and its habitat. Other wildlife sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh may also host Red Pandas, but Talley Valley is particularly noted for this species.

50. Border Roads Organization comes under which one of the following minis

Border Roads Organization comes under which one of the following ministries of the Government of India ?

Ministry of Civil Aviation
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Ministry of Defence
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is a statutory body operating under the ownership of the Ministry of Defence.
BRO is responsible for road construction and maintenance in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
While BRO primarily serves the armed forces’ strategic needs, it also contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of border regions. It was formed in 1960 and plays a crucial role in improving infrastructure in difficult terrains along India’s frontiers.