Economic and Social Development

101. Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.
  • Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
  • Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 1 is correct. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is indeed a minimum guaranteed pension scheme primarily targeted at workers in the unorganized sector, providing them with social security benefits. Statement 2 is incorrect. APY allows both husband and wife to join the scheme individually, provided they meet the eligibility criteria (age between 18 and 40, not covered by any statutory social security scheme). Statement 3 is correct. Upon the subscriber’s death, the spouse is entitled to receive the same guaranteed pension amount for life. After the death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee receives the accumulated pension wealth. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a social security scheme offering a guaranteed minimum monthly pension from age 60, depending on contributions and the chosen pension amount.
The scheme is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the overall administrative and institutional architecture of the National Pension System (NPS). The government also co-contributes a certain amount for eligible subscribers for a limited period.

102. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at

[amp_mcq option1=”bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system” option2=”providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops” option3=”providing pensions to old and destitute persons” option4=”funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2016
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Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to provide loans up to ₹10 Lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. It aims to fund the ‘unfunded’ segment of the economy, which includes small manufacturers, shopkeepers, fruits/vegetable vendors, truck operators, etc., thereby bringing them into the formal financial system.
MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) is a scheme providing access to formal financial credit for micro and small enterprises.
Under MUDRA Yojana, loans are given in three categories: ‘Shishu’ (up to ₹50,000), ‘Kishore’ (₹50,001 to ₹5,00,000), and ‘Tarun’ (₹5,00,001 to ₹10,00,000). The scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment by facilitating credit flow to micro-enterprises.

103. With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensi

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach.
  • 2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme.
  • 3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and microirrigation equipment.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

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UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 2 is correct. Poor, small, marginal, and tribal farmers are the primary beneficiaries and have a larger stake in schemes promoting millets, as millets are often grown in rain-fed, less fertile areas where these communities are prevalent. Statement 1, while containing elements often found in such schemes (demonstration, value addition, cluster approach), might be considered less precise or defining than Statement 2 in the context of this specific scheme’s core focus or uniqueness compared to other agricultural initiatives. Statement 3 is incorrect; the scheme provided financial assistance for critical inputs and technology adoption, but did not specifically aim to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millets by offering free kits, which is an overstatement of the scheme’s incentives and objectives.
The Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP) was launched under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) primarily targeting small, marginal, and tribal farmers in rain-fed areas to promote millet cultivation for nutritional security and climate resilience.
INSIMP aimed to increase millet production and productivity through improved technologies, input support, and value addition. While demonstrations and a cluster approach were part of the strategy, the emphasis on benefiting vulnerable farmer groups and promoting millets as nutri-cereals for nutritional security was a key aspect. The scheme did provide subsidies for inputs, but not in the form of “free kits” specifically to induce a shift from commercial crops, which was not the primary objective.

104. The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritag

The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

  • 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
  • 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
  • 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 3 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 2 correctly describes the overall goal of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) initiative by the FAO, while statements 1 and 3 do not.
– The overall goal of the GIAHS initiative is to identify, support, and safeguard remarkable traditional agricultural systems around the world. These systems are characterized by their resilience, sustainability, and the invaluable cultural and biological diversity they conserve (Statement 2).
– GIAHS focuses on preserving traditional knowledge, landscapes, biodiversity, and management practices that have evolved over generations in harmony with their environment.
– While GIAHS sites may receive some support, the primary goal is not to impose modern technology or greatly enhance productivity in a way that might compromise the traditional system’s integrity or sustainability (Statement 1 is incorrect). The focus is on maintaining the *system* itself, which includes livelihood security, food security, knowledge systems, and ecological integrity.
– Providing Geographical Indication (GI) status is a separate initiative related to intellectual property rights and product branding, and it is not an inherent or overall goal of the GIAHS program (Statement 3 is incorrect). GIAHS is about the *system*, not just the specific produce.
– GIAHS aims to recognize, conserve, and promote these systems for their significance as living cultural heritage and their contribution to sustainable development.

105. Which of the following indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute t

Which of the following indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?

  • Undernourishment
  • Child stunting
  • Child mortality

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”1 and 3 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at global, regional, and national levels. It is calculated based on four component indicators.
The four component indicators used to calculate the Global Hunger Index are:
1. **Undernourishment:** The share of the population whose caloric intake is insufficient.
2. **Child Stunting:** The share of children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
3. **Child Wasting:** The share of children under the age of five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
4. **Child Mortality:** The mortality rate of children under the age of five (partially reflecting the fatal synergy of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments).
The Global Hunger Index is jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) was previously involved in the publication up to 2018. The question states “used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report”, which refers to the methodology that IFPRI helped develop and used during their involvement. All three indicators listed in the question (Undernourishment, Child stunting, Child mortality) are indeed components of the GHI calculation.

106. Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed

Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed Village Concept’?

[amp_mcq option1=”Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others” option2=”Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost” option3=”Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds” option4=”Identifying the entrepreneurs in villages and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2015
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The main objective of the ‘Seed Village Concept’ is involving farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost.
The Seed Village Concept aims to develop a self-sufficient seed production system within a village by training farmers to produce high-quality seeds of different crops, which they can use themselves or sell to other farmers in the same village or nearby areas.
This concept promotes decentralized seed production, reduces dependence on external seed sources, ensures timely availability of seeds, and improves the quality of seeds used by farmers, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity. It focuses on community participation and capacity building at the local level.

107. Consider the following statements: 1. The Accelerated Irrigation Ben

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
  • 2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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The correct option is B.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was indeed launched in 1996-97, but its main objective was to provide central assistance to states to complete ongoing major and medium irrigation projects and surface minor irrigation schemes that were beyond the resource capability of the states or were in advanced stages of completion. It was not primarily focused on providing loan assistance directly to poor farmers.
Statement 2 is correct. The Command Area Development Programme (CADP), later renamed as Command Area Development and Water Management Programme (CAD&WM Programme), was launched in 1974-75 with the objective of bridging the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized. It aimed at integrated development of command areas to improve water-use efficiency and productivity through various activities like construction of field channels, land levelling, warabandi (rotational water supply), and extension services.
AIBP was integrated into the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16. The CAD&WM Programme is also a component of PMKSY. These programmes reflect India’s focus on improving irrigation infrastructure and water management for agricultural sustainability.

108. BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is manage

BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the

[amp_mcq option1=”Asian Development Bank” option2=”International Monetary Fund” option3=”United Nations Environment Programme” option4=”World Bank” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC IAS – 2015
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The “BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes” is a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank. It supports integrated land-use approaches to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, enhance carbon sequestration in forests and on agricultural lands, and promote sustainable forest management.
– The question asks about the managing entity of a specific fund related to forests and climate.
– The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes is managed by the World Bank.
The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a results-based finance initiative that promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the land sector, including through reduced deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), climate-smart agriculture, and smarter land-use planning and policies. It operates in several countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

109. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National In

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF)?

  • 1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
  • 2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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Statement 1 is correct, while statement 2 is incorrect regarding the National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF).
NIF is indeed an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Its primary mandate is to scout, support, and scale up grassroots innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge from citizens, particularly those in the informal sector and students, across the country. It aims to strengthen India’s capacity to generate and manage grassroot innovations.
Statement 2 is incorrect because NIF’s core focus is on fostering grassroots innovation and traditional knowledge within India. While collaborations might exist, its main purpose is not primarily to strengthen highly advanced scientific research in premier institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions. Its work involves linking grassroots innovations to the formal S&T system and converting them into enterprises through value addition, protection of intellectual property, and business development.

110. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for

[amp_mcq option1=”providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates” option2=”promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas” option3=”promoting financial inclusion in the country” option4=”providing financial help to the marginalized communities” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC IAS – 2015
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Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission launched to promote financial inclusion across India.
PMJDY aims to provide access to financial services such as banking/savings and deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, and pension in an affordable manner. The primary objective is to ensure that every household in India has access to banking facilities, thereby bringing the unbanked population into the formal financial system.
Option A is incorrect; housing loans are covered under different schemes (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana).
Option B is incorrect; promoting SHGs is usually part of rural development schemes like the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
Option D is partially correct as financial inclusion benefits marginalized communities, but the scheme’s scope and primary objective is broader – encompassing all households and promoting access to a range of financial services, not just direct financial help. Financial inclusion (C) is the overarching goal.
Key features of PMJDY include opening of basic savings bank deposit accounts with focus on zero balance, RuPay Debit Card with inbuilt accident insurance cover, and an overdraft facility after satisfactory operation of the account for a certain period. It plays a crucial role in delivering government scheme benefits directly into beneficiary accounts.
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