Social Development

31. With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, wh

With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct ?

Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning.
An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.

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=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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Statement 2 is correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

– Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) recognizes that competency can be acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning (often through Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL). Certification is not limited to formal learning pathways only.
– Statement 2 is correct. A key objective of NSQF is to provide a framework that enables mobility between vocational education, general education, and the labour market. It aims to create pathways for learners to progress vertically and horizontally within education and training systems.

NSQF is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. These levels are defined in terms of learning outcomes which the learner must possess regardless of whether they were acquired through formal, non-formal or informal learning.

32. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statemen

With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements :

1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is B, which states that statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Manipuri Sankirtana is a devotional performance art form from Manipur that involves singing, drumming (especially with the pung, a type of drum), and dancing, primarily depicting the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Statement 1 is correct as Sankirtana is a blend of song, dance, and musical performance. Statement 3 is correct as the themes largely revolve around the tales of Lord Krishna. Statement 2 is incorrect because while cymbals (Manjira or Kartal) are used and are important, they are not the only musical instruments; drums like the Pung are also crucial and integral to the performance.

33. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to

‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to

[amp_mcq option1=”immunization of children and pregnant women” option2=”construction of smart cities across the country” option3=”India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space” option4=”New Educational Policy” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

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Mission Indradhanush is a flagship program launched by the Government of India.

Its primary objective is to ensure full immunization with all available vaccines for children up to two years of age and pregnant women. The mission focuses on covering unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals in areas with low immunization coverage.

The mission was launched on December 25, 2014, and aims to cover all children and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against seven vaccine-preventable diseases: diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and Hepatitis B. Later, the list was expanded to include more diseases like Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) in select areas, and in 2017, Pneumonia (caused by Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and Rubella were also included.

34. ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to

‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to

[amp_mcq option1=”rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood” option2=”release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood” option3=”eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers” option4=”release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

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The correct answer is C) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers. ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign specifically aimed at ending the practice of manual scavenging.

– Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is a grassroots campaign initiated by the Jan Sahas movement, working with various civil society organizations across India.
– Its primary objective is to eradicate manual scavenging and secure the rights and rehabilitation of manual scavengers, particularly women, who are historically subjected to this degrading practice.
– The campaign focuses on mobilizing communities, advocating for policy implementation, and providing support for rehabilitation and alternative livelihoods.

Manual scavenging is prohibited by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 in India. However, the practice continues in various forms, and campaigns like Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan play a crucial role in raising awareness and working towards its complete elimination.

35. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds t

Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

[amp_mcq option1=”22nd March (or 21st March)” option2=”15th May (or 16th May)” option3=”31st March (or 30th March)” option4=”21st April (or 20th April)” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The Indian National Calendar, based on the Saka Era, was adopted in 1957. Its civil year starts on Chaitra 1. In a normal year with 365 days, Chaitra 1 of the Saka Calendar falls on the 22nd of March in the Gregorian calendar. In a Gregorian leap year, Chaitra 1 falls on the 21st of March. The option correctly provides both possibilities.

– The Indian National Calendar uses the Saka Era, with the epoch year being 78 CE.
– The calendar was adopted on March 22, 1957 (which was Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka).
– The months follow the tropical zodiac.
– The starting day of the year (Chaitra 1) aligns closely with the vernal equinox.

The Saka Calendar is used alongside the Gregorian calendar in official contexts in India, such as in the Gazette of India, news broadcasts by All India Radio, and calendars issued by the Government of India.

36. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following st

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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Statements 1 and 2 regarding Sattriya dance are correct. Sattriya is recognized as one of the classical dance forms of India, originating in the Sattras (monasteries) of Assam. It is a holistic art form combining music, dance, and elements of drama, part of the Vaishnavite Bhakti movement initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. Statement 3 is incorrect because the devotional songs used in Sattriya are primarily compositions by Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavadeva, not Tulsidas, Kabir, or Mirabai, who belong to different devotional traditions and regions.

– Sattriya is a major classical dance form of India from Assam.
– It combines dance (Nritta), expressional dance (Nritya), and dramatic elements (Natya).
– It developed within the Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) founded by Srimanta Sankardeva.
– The musical compositions (Borgeet) and plays (Ankia Naats) form the basis of its repertoire.

Sattriya was recognized as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It has two main streams: Gayan-Bhayanar Nach (suited for males) and Kewaliyar Nach (suited for females), though both are now performed by all genders.

37. With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following

With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements :

1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The question is about the ‘Changpa’ community of India.
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand: The Changpa are a nomadic pastoralist community primarily inhabiting the Changthang plateau in Ladakh, which was part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is now part of the Union Territory of Ladakh. They do not mainly live in Uttarakhand. This statement is incorrect.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool: The Changpa are well-known for rearing the Changthangi goats, from whose undercoat the extremely fine Pashmina wool is obtained. This is their traditional livelihood. This statement is correct.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes: The Changpa community in Jammu and Kashmir (now Ladakh) is listed as a Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India. This statement is correct.

– Changpa community primarily lives in Ladakh (Changthang region).
– They are known for rearing Pashmina goats.
– The Changpa are listed as a Scheduled Tribe in India.

The Changpa are high-altitude nomads who traditionally migrate with their livestock (sheep, yak, and especially the Pashmina goats) across the Changthang plateau. Their livelihood is deeply intertwined with these animals and the production of valuable Pashmina wool.

38. Consider the following diseases : 1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. S

Consider the following diseases :

1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox

Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”None” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is B.

Smallpox (3) is a viral disease that was officially declared eradicated globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. India was declared smallpox-free in 1977 following extensive vaccination campaigns. Diphtheria (1) and Chickenpox (2) are both vaccine-preventable diseases but have not been eradicated in India or globally; cases still occur.

Eradication means the permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of infection caused by a specific agent as a result of deliberate efforts. Global eradication is extremely difficult and has only been achieved for smallpox. Polio is targeted for global eradication and its incidence has been drastically reduced.

39. Which of the following does NOT show an improvement in rural areas fro

Which of the following does NOT show an improvement in rural areas from the National Family Health Survey 4 to National Family Health Survey 5 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Infant mortality rate” option2=”Obesity in women” option3=”Anaemia in children” option4=”Total fertility rate” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2024

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Comparing data for rural areas from NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21):
A) Infant mortality rate: Decreased, showing improvement.
B) Obesity in women (BMI >= 25.0 kg/m2): Increased, showing worsening, i.e., no improvement.
C) Anaemia in children (6-59 months): Increased, showing worsening, i.e., no improvement.
D) Total fertility rate: Decreased, often considered a positive demographic trend (improvement in terms of population stabilization).
Both Obesity in women and Anaemia in children increased, meaning neither showed improvement. However, as a single-choice question, Option B (Obesity in women) is the chosen correct answer in many sources referencing this specific question, highlighting the significant increase in obesity as a key non-improvement.

NFHS-5 data revealed concerning trends in several health indicators compared to NFHS-4, notably increases in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and anaemia across various population groups, including in rural areas, while indicators like IMR and TFR generally showed improvement.

The increase in obesity and anaemia in rural areas between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 points towards emerging public health challenges related to diet, nutrition, and lifestyle, requiring targeted interventions.

40. Which of the following statements about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ p

Which of the following statements about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme is/are correct?

1. It was announced in the year 2014.
2. Its aim is to create an environment which promotes learning between the States by sharing best practices and experiences.

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=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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Statement 1 is incorrect as the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme was announced in the year 2015. Statement 2 is correct as the programme’s aim is indeed to foster understanding and bonding between different states and Union Territories of India, promoting learning by sharing best practices and experiences.

The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme is an initiative by the Government of India to promote the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all states and Union Territories. It aims to showcase the rich diversity of India and promote cultural understanding.

The programme was announced by the Prime Minister on 31st October 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Under this program, states are paired with each other, and they undertake activities to promote the culture, arts, cuisine, sports, and languages of the paired state.