Economic and Social Development

141. The Government of India refers to the absolute poverty line in terms

The Government of India refers to the absolute poverty line in terms of

[amp_mcq option1=”household savings” option2=”household consumption” option3=”household investment” option4=”household income” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2013
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The correct option is B.
– The official measure of absolute poverty in India is traditionally based on a poverty line defined in terms of minimum consumption expenditure.
– This consumption expenditure is estimated based on the cost of a basket of goods and services deemed essential for meeting minimum nutritional requirements and other basic needs (like clothing, shelter, etc.).
– Various expert groups (like Alagh, Lakdawala, Tendulkar, and Rangarajan Committees) have defined poverty lines based on different methodologies, but all have used per capita or household *consumption expenditure* as the primary metric, not income, savings, or investment.
– Income data is often harder to collect accurately, especially in the informal sector, making consumption expenditure a more reliable indicator for poverty measurement in India.
The Tendulkar Committee (2009) shifted the rural poverty line to a consumption level derived from the urban poverty line basket, moving away from just calorie norms. The Rangarajan Committee (2014) suggested a slightly higher poverty line based on different consumption norms but also used consumption expenditure. The debate continues regarding the appropriate methodology and figures, but the basis remains consumption.

142. With reference to India, which of the following statements relating to

With reference to India, which of the following statements relating to urbanization is/are correct?

  • 1. It is a manifestation of economic, social and political progress.
  • 2. Rapid growth of urban population puts pressure on public utilities.
  • 3. Urban sprawl is encroaching the precious agricultural land.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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UPSC CAPF – 2013
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D) 1, 2 and 3
Let’s evaluate each statement regarding urbanization in India:
1. Urbanization is often driven by economic opportunities (industrialization, services), leading to changes in social structures, lifestyles, and political governance. It can be seen as a manifestation of overall societal progress, although it also brings challenges. This statement is generally correct.
2. Rapid growth in urban population, often through migration and natural increase, puts tremendous stress on existing public utilities like water supply, sewage systems, transportation networks, power supply, and housing. This is a significant challenge in many Indian cities. This statement is correct.
3. Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural landscapes. This process frequently leads to the conversion of fertile agricultural land, forests, and wetlands into residential, commercial, and industrial use, impacting food security and ecosystems. This is a well-documented consequence of urbanization in India. This statement is correct.
All three statements accurately describe aspects and impacts of urbanization in India.
Urbanization is a complex process with both positive and negative consequences. While it can drive economic growth and innovation, it also leads to challenges such as congestion, pollution, strain on resources, social inequality, and loss of natural habitats. Managing urbanization sustainably is a major policy challenge for India.

143. Consider the following about the initiatives taken by the Government o

Consider the following about the initiatives taken by the Government of India with regard to total sanitation campaign:

  • 1. Implementation of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan scheme
  • 2. Encouragement of the use of bio-toilet facility developed by DRDO on bio-digester technology
  • 3. Making toilet construction mandatory for every household

Which of the above is/are correct?

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

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Statement 1 is correct: The Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was revamped and renamed as Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) in 2012.
Statement 2 is correct: Promotion of bio-toilets, including those developed by DRDO based on bio-digester technology, has been part of the government’s sanitation initiatives under schemes like NBA and later Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Statement 3 is not entirely correct. While the campaign aimed for universal toilet coverage (effectively making it necessary for achieving the goal), making toilet construction legally “mandatory” for *every* household across the board can be an overstatement regarding the implementation mechanisms, which primarily relied on incentives and community approaches rather than strict legal mandates enforced on existing structures. However, the goal and strong policy push aimed for universal coverage, often interpreted as making it ‘mandatory’ to achieve Open Defecation Free status. Given that option A includes 3 and option B does not, and 1 and 2 are clearly stated initiatives, it’s more likely that 3 was not considered universally mandatory in a legal sense during the period the question pertains to (around early 2010s based on other question IDs). Therefore, 1 and 2 are the correct statements.
Understanding the various schemes and initiatives related to sanitation in India and their specific features is important.
The Total Sanitation Campaign (1999) was succeeded by Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (2012), which was further restructured into the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014) with a target of achieving Open Defecation Free India by 2019. Bio-toilets using DRDO technology became a popular option for their environmental benefits.

144. Consider the following statements: According to the Second Annual Empl

Consider the following statements: According to the Second Annual Employment-Unemployment Survey Report, 2011-2012 conducted by the Labour Bureau, Government of India

  • I. unemployment rate in the country during the period has come down significantly over previous year
  • 2. Gujarat tops the list of least unemployed among all Indian States during the period

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=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2012
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According to the Second Annual Employment-Unemployment Survey Report, 2011-2012 conducted by the Labour Bureau, Government of India: Statement I: The unemployment rate actually saw a slight increase compared to the previous year (from 2.5% in 2010-11 to 2.8% in 2011-12 based on Usual Principal Status). Thus, it did not come down significantly. Statement 2: The report shows that Gujarat’s unemployment rate (1.2% on Usual Principal Status) was not the lowest among all states. Several other states like Rajasthan (0.9%), Haryana (0.9%), and Madhya Pradesh (1.1%) had lower unemployment rates during that period. Therefore, Gujarat did not top the list of least unemployed.
Employment-Unemployment surveys provide crucial data on the labour force, employment, and unemployment status across different demographic groups and regions in the country.
The Labour Bureau conducts these surveys using different approaches like Usual Status, Weekly Status, and Daily Status to capture various dimensions of the employment situation.

145. Sarhul is a festival celebrated during spring by the

Sarhul is a festival celebrated during spring by the

[amp_mcq option1=”Dimasas” option2=”Santhals” option3=”Khasis” option4=”Jarawas” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2011
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The correct option is B. Sarhul is a popular spring festival celebrated by several tribal communities in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region, including the Santhal, Munda, and Oraon tribes. It marks the new year and is associated with the worship of the Sal tree (Shorea robusta), which flowers during this season.
The question identifies a specific tribal festival and asks which community celebrates it. Sarhul is a key festival of tribes like Santhal, Munda, and Oraon, primarily observed in Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Sarhul literally means “worship of the Sal tree”. The festival involves rituals seeking prosperity and protection from nature spirits. While celebrated by multiple tribes, Santhals are one of the major communities observing this festival, often under the name ‘Baha Porob’ (flower festival) or similar local variations, which coincides with Sarhul.

146. Consider the following statements : 1. Non Resident Indians (NRIs) c

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. Non Resident Indians (NRIs) can not maintain both Rupee and foreign currency accounts in India.
  • 2. The National Commission for Women has recommended that registration of marriages of NRIs be made mandatory.

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 CAPF – 2010
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Statement 2 is correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are permitted to maintain various types of bank accounts in India, including both Rupee accounts (like NRE – Non-Resident External and NRO – Non-Resident Ordinary accounts) and foreign currency accounts (like FCNR(B) – Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) accounts). Statement 2 is correct. The National Commission for Women (NCW) in India has repeatedly recommended making the registration of marriages of NRIs mandatory to protect Indian women marrying NRIs from issues like abandonment, domestic violence, and lack of legal recourse.
The mandatory registration of NRI marriages has been discussed and proposed as legislative measure to provide greater legal protection and facilitate action in cases of marital disputes or abandonment involving NRI spouses.

147. Which among the following is the most likely consequence of implementi

Which among the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

[amp_mcq option1=”Global remittances will increase substantially.” option2=”Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) will be encouraged.” option3=”Digital payments will increase substantially.” option4=”Inclusion of the poor people into the formal financial system will increase substantially.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
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The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments into one hood. Its primary impact is to make digital transactions easier, faster, and more accessible. Therefore, the most likely consequence of implementing UPI is a substantial increase in digital payments within the country. While UPI can contribute to financial inclusion (D) and potentially facilitate global remittances in the future (A) through international linkages, its direct and most significant impact has been on boosting the volume and value of domestic digital transactions. It does not directly encourage Foreign Direct Investments (B).
UPI revolutionized the digital payments ecosystem in India by providing a simple, interoperable, and real-time platform for mobile-based payments, leading to exponential growth in digital transactions.
UPI was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and launched in 2016. It is built on the IMPS infrastructure and allows for instant money transfers between any two parties using a virtual payment address (VPA) or mobile number.

148. Ministry of Women and Child Development adopted the Mission statement

Ministry of Women and Child Development adopted the Mission statement of ‘Budgeting for Gender Equality’ in 2004-05. In this context which of the following statement/statements is/are correct ?

  • 1. It calls for incorporating a gender perspective at all levels and stages of the budgetary process.
  • 2. It stands for providing safe shelter to displaced women.

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 CAPF – 2009
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Statement 1 correctly describes a core principle of Gender Budgeting, which aims to analyze and influence the budget’s impact on women and men by incorporating a gender perspective throughout the budgetary cycle. Statement 2 describes a specific welfare measure, providing safe shelter, which *could* be funded through budget allocations, but it is not the definition or mission of gender budgeting itself, which is a process and analytical tool.
Gender budgeting is a tool for achieving gender equality by ensuring that public resources are allocated and spent in a way that addresses the needs and priorities of both women and men equitably.
Gender budgeting is not a separate budget but rather a lens through which the overall government budget is viewed to identify its gender impacts and make necessary adjustments. It involves gender-sensitive analysis of programs, policies, and expenditures. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal ministry for gender budgeting in India.

149. Match List-1 (Chairperson of the Working Group constituted by the Plan

Match List-1 (Chairperson of the Working Group constituted by the Planning Commission in the context of formulation of the Eleventh Five Year Plan) with List-II (Working Group on) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :

List-1 List-1I
(Chairperson) (Working Group on)
A. Seth 1. Empowerment of Scheduled Castes
B. Prof. S.K. Thorat 2. Empowerment of Minorities
C. S. Sankaran 3. Empowerment of the other backward classes
4. Empowerment of Scheduled Tribes

[amp_mcq option1=”A – 4, B – 3, C – 2″ option2=”A – 1, B – 4, C – 3″ option3=”A – 3, B – 1, C – 4″ option4=”A – 3, B – 2, C – 4″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
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The correct matching of Chairpersons with the Working Groups constituted by the Planning Commission for the Eleventh Five Year Plan is as follows:
A. Seth was the Chairperson of the Working Group on Empowerment of the other backward classes.
B. Prof. S.K. Thorat was the Chairperson of the Working Group on Empowerment of Scheduled Castes.
C. S. Sankaran was the Chairperson of the Working Group on Empowerment of Scheduled Tribes.
Therefore, the correct mapping is A-3, B-1, C-4.
Working Groups are formed by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) to prepare detailed reports and recommendations for specific sectors or issues as part of the Five Year Plan formulation process. Knowing the chairpersons of these groups can be relevant for understanding the focus and perspective adopted for certain areas in the plan.
The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012) focused on “Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth”. The working groups on empowerment reflected the plan’s emphasis on inclusivity and addressing the needs of disadvantaged social groups.

150. Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of setting up of Pla

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of setting up of Planning Commission in the 1950s in India ?

  • 1. To increase production and offering opportunities to all for employment
  • 2. To make assessment of all resources of the country

Select the 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=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
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The Planning Commission was established by a Resolution of the Government of India in March 1950. Its stated objectives included assessing the country’s resources, formulating plans for their effective and balanced utilization, and determining priorities for development. These plans aimed at increasing production and providing opportunities for employment, alongside raising the standard of living. Therefore, both statements accurately reflect the objectives behind the creation of the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission was tasked with planning for the economic and social development of India, focusing on resource mobilization and utilization to achieve growth and employment.
The Planning Commission was an extra-constitutional body. It was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015. The First Five Year Plan (1951-1956) was formulated based on the recommendations of the Planning Commission.
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