Economic and Social Development

161. “Mission Indradhanush” is related to

“Mission Indradhanush” is related to

[amp_mcq option1=”Bullet train project” option2=”Agriculture development” option3=”Women empowerment” option4=”Full immunization” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2019
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Mission Indradhanush is a flagship public health initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its primary objective is to accelerate the coverage of full immunization in India to children and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against certain preventable diseases. The mission focuses on areas with low immunization coverage.
– Launched in December 2014.
– Aims to cover all unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women.
– Provides vaccines against diseases like Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis, Measles, Meningitis and Hepatitis B, and later expanded to include others.
The mission is named ‘Indradhanush’ (rainbow) as it represents the seven colours of the rainbow, symbolizing the seven vaccine-preventable diseases it initially targeted. Subsequent phases (like Intensified Mission Indradhanush) have been launched to further improve coverage.

162. Which one of the following is NOT an objective of the National Civil A

Which one of the following is NOT an objective of the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Establish an integrated eco-system which will lead to significant growth of civil aviation sector” option2=”To promote tourism, increase emp loyment and lead to a balanced regional growth” option3=”Ensure safety, security and sustaina bility of all sectors through the use of technology” option4=”Enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infra structure development” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
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The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 was a landmark policy aimed at providing a strategic direction for the growth of the Indian civil aviation sector. It outlined several objectives to achieve this goal.
Let’s examine the given statements against the known objectives of NCAP 2016:
A) Establish an integrated eco-system which will lead to significant growth of civil aviation sector: This is a primary overarching objective of the policy.
B) To promote tourism, increase employment and lead to a balanced regional growth: These were explicitly stated socio-economic objectives expected as outcomes of the policy, particularly through enhanced connectivity.
C) Ensure safety, security and sustaina bility of all sectors through the use of technology: While safety, security, and sustainability are fundamental principles and objectives in aviation, and technology is crucial for achieving them, stating that these are ensured *solely* or primarily “through the use of technology” might not be the direct and complete representation of the policy’s objective. The policy aims to ensure safety, security, and sustainability through various measures, including regulatory oversight, infrastructure development, training, and technological adoption, not just the latter. The objective is the outcome, not specifically the method tied only to technology.
D) Enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infra structure development: Enhancing regional connectivity (e.g., UDAN scheme) was a key focus, supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) (fiscal support) and infrastructure upgrades at regional airports. This is a clear objective.
Comparing the options, statement C adds a limiting condition (“through the use of technology”) to a fundamental objective (safety, security, sustainability) that is achieved through multiple means, making it potentially not the exact stated objective or less accurate than the others. The other options are direct reflections of the policy’s stated aims.
NCAP 2016 introduced several key initiatives like the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), rationalized the 5/20 rule for international operations, and provided a framework for various sub-sectors like ground handling, MRO, cargo, and helicopters.

163. Which one of the following is NOT a target of the 12th Five-Year Plan

Which one of the following is NOT a target of the 12th Five-Year Plan ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Real GDP Growth Rate of 8 per cent” option2=”Agriculture Growth Rate of 5 per cent” option3=”Manufacturing Growth Rate of 10 per cent” option4=”Increase in green cover by 1 million hectare every year during the Plan period” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
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The 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017) set several quantitative targets. The targeted annual Real GDP Growth Rate was 8% (a revision from the initial 8.2%). The target for Manufacturing Sector Growth Rate was 10%. The plan also aimed to increase green cover by 1 million hectare every year. However, the target set for the Agriculture Growth Rate during the 12th Plan period was 4% per annum, not 5%.
Specific sectoral growth targets were part of the overall planning framework to achieve the desired GDP growth and inclusive development goals.
The 12th Plan included numerous other measurable targets across various sectors, including poverty reduction, employment creation, health indicators (IMR, MMR), infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

164. In its emphasis on enhancing human capabilities, which one among the f

In its emphasis on enhancing human capabilities, which one among the following does NOT figure in the Twelfth Five-Year Plan ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Life and longevity” option2=”Education” option3=”Delivery of Public Service” option4=”Skill development” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
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The Twelfth Five-Year Plan (2012-2017) focused on “Faster, Sustainable, and More Inclusive Growth”. Enhancing human capabilities was a key aspect of inclusive growth, with explicit emphasis placed on improving health outcomes (related to life and longevity), expanding access to and improving the quality of education, and promoting skill development to improve employability. While effective ‘Delivery of Public Service’ is crucial for achieving these goals and is related to governance reforms discussed in the plan, it is a means or a system function rather than a direct “human capability” like health, knowledge, or skills.
Human capabilities, in the context of development economics and planning, typically refer to aspects like being healthy, educated, having skills, etc. Effective public service delivery enables the enhancement of these capabilities but is not a capability itself.
The 12th Plan document detailed strategies and targets across various sectors, including health, education, and skill development, directly contributing to human capability enhancement. Governance reforms, including improving public service delivery, were discussed as enablers for achieving the planned outcomes in these sectors.

165. Which of the following statements about the aims of the United Nations

Which of the following statements about the aims of the United Nations is/are true?
1. To foster a mutual appreciation of each others’ culture and literature among nations.
2. To achieve international co-operation in solving problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character.
3. To foster relations between scholars and academics in different countries.
4. To organize international conferences.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1, 2 and 4 only” option3=”2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
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The main purposes of the United Nations are outlined in Article 1 of the UN Charter. Let’s assess the given statements based on these purposes:
1. To foster a mutual appreciation of each others’ culture and literature among nations: While the UN promotes cultural exchange through bodies like UNESCO, this specific phrasing is not listed as a core aim in the Charter.
2. To achieve international co-operation in solving problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character: This is directly stated as one of the principal purposes in Article 1, paragraph 3 of the UN Charter.
3. To foster relations between scholars and academics in different countries: Similar to statement 1, this is a possible outcome of international cooperation but not a primary stated aim of the UN itself.
4. To organize international conferences: Organizing conferences is a method or activity used by the UN to achieve its aims, but it is not an aim in itself. The UN organizes conferences on various issues to facilitate cooperation and problem-solving.
Therefore, only statement 2 accurately reflects one of the core stated aims of the United Nations according to its Charter.
– The core aims of the UN are defined in its Charter (Article 1).
– Key aims include maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations, achieving international cooperation in solving problems (economic, social, cultural, humanitarian), and harmonizing actions.
– Activities like organizing conferences or fostering specific types of relations are means to achieve these aims, not the aims themselves.
The four main purposes of the UN, as listed in Article 1 of the Charter, are: 1. To maintain international peace and security; 2. To develop friendly relations among nations; 3. To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems; 4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

166. Division of labour often involves specialized economic activity.

Division of labour often involves

  • specialized economic activity.
  • highly distinct productive roles.
  • involving everyone in many of the same activities.
  • individuals engage in only a single activity and are dependent on others to meet their various needs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 3 and 4 only” option2=”1, 2 and 4 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”2 and 4 only” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
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The correct answer is B) 1, 2 and 4 only.
Statement 1 is correct. Division of labour inherently involves individuals or groups specializing in particular tasks or economic activities.
Statement 2 is correct. Specialization leads to highly distinct roles in the production process; different individuals perform different specific tasks rather than everyone doing the same thing.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Division of labour means splitting tasks and specializing, which is the opposite of involving everyone in many of the same activities.
Statement 4 is correct. When individuals specialize in only a single task or a limited set of tasks, they become dependent on others who specialize in different areas to meet their various needs through exchange.
Division of labour is an economic concept first significantly analyzed by Adam Smith in “The Wealth of Nations.” It leads to increased productivity, efficiency, and skill development due to specialization, but also results in interdependence among individuals and potentially monotony for the workers. It is a fundamental principle underlying modern industrial production and complex economies.

167. Which of the following best explains the stated broad vision and aspir

Which of the following best explains the stated broad vision and aspirations of the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012 – 2017) ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Faster, Sustainable and More Inclusive Growth” option2=”Modernisation of Industries and Strengthening Infrastructure” option3=”Enhancing Agricultural and Rural Incomes” option4=”Checking Inflation and Strengthening non-economic variables like Nutritional Requirements, Health and Family Planning” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
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The stated broad vision and aspirations of the Twelfth Five Year Plan, which ran from 2012 to 2017, was “Faster, Sustainable and More Inclusive Growth”.
– The 12th Plan aimed for a higher growth rate than the previous plans, while also ensuring that the growth was environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
– “Faster” referred to achieving a higher average GDP growth rate.
– “Sustainable” included environmental sustainability and long-term resource management.
– “More Inclusive” aimed at reducing poverty, inequality, and regional disparities, and improving access to essential services like education, health, and employment.
The Five Year Plans in India were formulated by the Planning Commission (now replaced by NITI Aayog) and outlined the government’s development strategy and objectives for a five-year period. The 12th Plan was the last of the traditional Five Year Plans.

168. Which of the following are the features of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yoj

Which of the following are the features of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?

  • 1. Ensuring financial inclusion of the poor
  • 2. Enhancing financial literacy
  • 3. Provision for accidental insurance to account holders
  • 4. Allowing bank accounts with zero balance

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 4 only” option2=”1, 2 and 3 only” option3=”2 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
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The correct answer is D) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
– Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission launched by the Government of India aimed at financial inclusion.
– Feature 1 (Ensuring financial inclusion of the poor): This is the primary objective of PMJDY, seeking to provide access to financial services like banking, remittances, insurance, and pension to the unbanked population.
– Feature 2 (Enhancing financial literacy): Financial literacy and credit counseling are integral parts of the scheme to empower account holders to effectively use financial services.
– Feature 3 (Provision for accidental insurance to account holders): PMJDY accounts came with a free accidental death insurance cover (initially Rs. 1 lakh, later enhanced) for the RuPay debit cardholders.
– Feature 4 (Allowing bank accounts with zero balance): A key aspect of the scheme was that accounts could be opened with zero initial deposit, making it accessible to everyone, especially the poor.
– All four listed statements are indeed features of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Launched in August 2014, PMJDY aims to provide universal access to banking facilities starting with a basic bank account. Other benefits included overdraft facility after satisfactory operation of the account and direct benefit transfer (DBT) linkage.

169. The concept of demographic transition provides a model for

The concept of demographic transition provides a model for

[amp_mcq option1=”analyzing government responses to changing pattern of population growth” option2=”explaining major patterns of global population movement throughout the history” option3=”analyzing spatial variations in the distribution, growth and movement of population over time” option4=”examining the relationship between economic development and natural population change” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) describes the historical shift in birth rates and death rates as a country or region develops from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economic system. It typically outlines four or five stages showing how changes in economic development are associated with changes in natural population change (births minus deaths). It does not primarily focus on government responses, population movement (migration), or spatial variations, although these can be related. Its core purpose is to explain the link between development and population growth patterns.
The Demographic Transition Model explains how population growth rates change as societies undergo economic development, specifically linking birth and death rates to modernization.
The DTM proposes that countries pass through stages: Stage 1 (High birth and death rates, low growth), Stage 2 (Falling death rates, high birth rates, rapid growth), Stage 3 (Falling birth rates, slowing growth), Stage 4 (Low birth and death rates, stable or slow growth), and sometimes Stage 5 (Birth rate below death rate, population decline).

170. Arrange the following countries in the descending order of their rank

Arrange the following countries in the descending order of their rank in the World Happiness Report, based on a three-year average 2020 – 2022, published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network :

  1. Israel
  2. United Kingdom
  3. United States of America
  4. Switzerland

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
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The World Happiness Report 2023, which uses data averaged over 2020-2022, ranked countries based on happiness levels. The ranks for the given countries were: Israel (4), Switzerland (8), United States of America (15), and United Kingdom (19). Arranging them in descending order of rank (meaning from lowest rank number – highest happiness – to highest rank number – lowest happiness) gives the sequence: Israel (4), Switzerland (8), United States of America (15), United Kingdom (19). This corresponds to the order 1, 4, 3, 2.
The World Happiness Report 2023 ranked countries based on various factors influencing well-being.
Finland was ranked as the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year in the 2023 report. The report ranks countries based on six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
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