GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND REPORTS-INDICES MCQs

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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND REPORTS-INDICESMCQs

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RBI Grade B 2020

TOPIC TEST ON GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND REPORT-INDICES Passage (Q1-Q4) It is a multidimensional index which ranks 158 countries on their policy performance to reduce inequality. The index measures the extent to which governments are tackling inequality through their policy choices and actions – such as their commitments to free public healthcare, guaranteeing decent wages or to ensuring that the rich pay their fair share of tax. The index does not aim to measure inequality, instead it focuses on what each government is doing to fight inequality in the 158 countries included. 1. The above index/report was published by which institute/organization? (1) INSEAD (2) Oxfam International (3) Amnesty International (4) World Health Organization (5) None of these Answer key: 2 Solution:

• The passage talks about the Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII).

• The index is released by the international charitable organisation ‘Oxfam International’ in partnership with Development Finance International and with inputs from independent experts.

• The third edition of the index focuses on Fighting Inequality in the time of COVID-19.

2. According to the above report, India has spent ______ percent of its budget on health during the Pandemic. (1) 1.8% (2) 2.5% (3) 4.5% (4) 3.8% (5) 4.0% Answer key: 5 Solution:



• India has spent just 4% of its budget on health going into the pandemic — fourth lowest in the world.

• Only half of India’s population have access to even the most essential health services while over 70% of health spending is being met by people themselves.

• Just 26 of the 158 countries surveyed for this year’s (2020) CRI Index by Oxfam and Development Finance International (DFI) were spending the recommended 15 per cent of their budgets on health pre-pandemic.

3. Which of the following countries topped the above index in 2020? (1) Norway (2) Switzerland (3) Denmark (4) Germany (5) Sweden Answer key: 1 Solution:

• The CRI index is released by the international charitable organisation ‘Oxfam International’ in partnership with Development Finance International and with inputs from independent experts.


• The index has been topped by Norway followed by Denmark and Germany.

• India ranked at 129th place in 2020. 4. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the latest edition of the above index, released in 2020? (1) The report measures Government Policies and Actions in 5 key areas which are directly related to reducing inequality. (2) India ranked at 140 in Public Services ranking, 19 in Progressive Tax Ranking and 151 in Workers’ Rights Ranking. (3) According to the report, 0.1 % of Indian population holds 77% of total national wealth. (4) South Sudan was ranked in the above index. (5) All are correct Answer key: 4 Solution:

• The index is released by the international charitable organisation ‘Oxfam International’ in partnership with Development Finance International and with inputs from independent experts.




• The report measures Government Policies and Actions in 3 key areas which are directly related to reducing inequality i.e., Social Spending, Progressive Taxation Policies and Labour Rights.

• India ranked at 141 in Public Services Ranking, 19 in Progressive Tax Ranking, 151 in Workers’ Rights Ranking.

• According to the report, 1 % of Indian population holds 77% of total national wealth, and 67 million Indians comprising the poorest half of the population saw only 1% increase in wealth.

• South Sudan was ranked last.

• Bottom 3 countries are Bahrain, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Passage (Q5-Q8) This is a peer-reviewed annual report, designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels. Scores are calculated each year to assess progress and setbacks in combating hunger. The report is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the struggle against hunger, provide a way to compare levels of hunger between countries and regions, and call attention to those areas of the world where hunger levels are highest and where the need for additional efforts to eliminate hunger is greatest. 5. Name the report/index which was mentioned in the above passage? (1) State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report (2) Global Nutrition Report (3) World Health Statistics (4) Global Health Security (GHS) Index, (5) None of these Answer key: 5 Solution:

• The passage talks about Global Hunger Index.

• It is jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.

• It was first produced in 2006. It is published every October.

• The 2020 edition marks the 15th edition of the GHI. 6. Which one of the following is not an indicator for measuring the hunger level under the above index? (1) Undernourishment (2) Child Wasting



(3) Child Stunting (4) Child Morality (5) Decent standard of living Answer key: 5 Solution

• The GHI scores are calculated each year to assess progress and setbacks in combating hunger. It is calculated on the basis of four indicators:

• Undernourishment: Share of the population with insufficient caloric intake.

• Child Wasting: Share of children under age five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.

• Child Stunting: Share of children under age five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.

• Child Mortality: The mortality rate of children under the age of five. 7. Which of the following Sustainable Development Goal is aimed at eradicating hunger? (1) SDG 1 (2) SDG 2 (3) SDG 3 (4) SDG 4 (5) SDG 5 Answer key: 2 Solution:

• SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

• By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.

• By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons.

8. Which one of the following statements is incorrect about the latest edition of the above index, released in 2020? (1) India ranked 94th among 158 countries with a score of 27.2. (2) 14% of India’s population is undernourished. (3) With a score of 27.2, India has a level of hunger that is serious. (4) 17 countries have scores of less than 5 and are collectively ranked 1-17.



(5) A score of less than 9.9 signifies “low” hunger, that of 10-19.9 represents “moderate” levels of hunger, 20-34.9 points to “serious” hunger, 35-39.9 signifies “alarming” and over 50“extremely alarming” levels of hunger. Answer key: 1 Solution:

• The GHI is a tool designed to measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and national levels to make a reasonable assessment.

• Data from the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral agencies are used for the calculation GHI on the basis of 4 Indicators (Refer Q.6 for details).

• India has been ranked at 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020.

• 14% of India’s population is undernourished.

• With a score of 27.2, India has a level of hunger that is serious.

• 17 countries have scores of less than 5 and are collectively ranked 1-17.

• A score of less than 9.9 signifies “low” hunger, that of 10-19.9 represents “moderate” levels of hunger, 20-34.9 points to “serious” hunger, 35-39.9 signifies “alarming” and over 50“extremely alarming” levels of hunger.

Passage (Q9-12) The global economy has suffered a significant slowdown amid prolonged trade disputes and wide-ranging policy uncertainties. The ____________ [A] warns that economic risks remain strongly tilted to the downside, aggravated by deepening political polarization and increasing scepticism over the benefits of multilateralism. According to the report, structural reforms are necessary to boost growth in India, which is currently facing an economic slowdown. After experiencing a sharp economic slowdown from 6.8 per cent in 2018 to 5.7 per cent in 2019, India has committed to an ambitious fiscal expansion to complement the country's already loose monetary policy. The combination of fiscal stimulus and financial sector reforms, boosting investment and consumption, is expected to support a recovery in growth to 6.6 per cent, but it will take continued structural reforms to bring India's growth back to its previous levels. 9. Which of the following will come in place of [A] as mentioned in the above passage?



(1) World Economic Outlook (2) World Economic Situation and Prospects. (3) Global Financial Stability Report (4) Global Economic Prospects Report (5) None of these Answer key: 2 Solution:

• The passage talks about World Economic Situation and Prospects.

• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the five United Nations Regional Economic Commissions have jointly released the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020 (WESP).

10. Fiscal Stimulus is mentioned in the above passage. Which of the following statements correct defines the Fiscal Stimulus? (1) It refers to an increase in public spending or a reduction in the level of taxation by a government. (2) It refers to decrease in public spending or a reduction in the level of taxation by a government (3) It refers to decrease in public spending or increase in the level of taxation by a government. (4) It is the difference between the total income of the government (total taxes and non-debt capital receipts) and its total expenditure (5) None of the above Answer key: 1 Solution:

• It refers to an increase in public spending or a reduction in the level of taxation by a government so as to put more money in the hands of consumers.

• It is an attempt to encourage and support economic growth.

• Fiscal stimulus measures are deficit spending and lowering taxes; monetary stimulus measures are produced by central banks and may include lowering interest rates.

11. The above report indicated that India may be among the few countries where the per capita GDP growth rate could exceed _________ in 2020. (1) 1.5% (2) 2.5%



(3) 4% (4) 4.5% (5) 5% Answer key: 3 Solution:

• According to the above report, the combination of fiscal stimulus, loose monetary policy and financial sector reforms is expected to support a recovery in growth to 6.6

• The report also indicated that India may be among the few countries where the per capita GDP growth rate could exceed 4 % in 2020.

12. Which of the following reports are released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)? (1) Trade and Development Report (2) World Investment Report (3) The Least Developed Countries Report (4) Information and Economy Report (5) All of the above Answer key: 5 Solution:

• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 to promote development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.

• UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body headquartered at Geneva in Switzerland.

• Some of the reports published by it are: a) Trade and Development Report b) World Investment Report c) The Least Developed Countries Report d) Information and Economy Report e) Technology and Innovation Report f) Commodities and Development Report

Passage (Q13-16) This Index is the first comprehensive assessment and benchmarking of health security and related capabilities across the 195 countries that make up the States Parties to the International Health Regulations. The Index also includes indicators of nations’ capacities



and capabilities to reduce Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (GCBRs), which are biological risks of unprecedented scale that could cause severe damage to human civilization at a global level, potentially undermining civilization’s long-term potential. 13. Name the report/index which was mentioned in the above passage? (1) State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report (2) Global Nutrition Report (3) World Health Statistics (4) Global Health Security Index (5) World Health Security Index Answer key: 4 Solution:

• The passage talks about the Global Health Security Index.

• This report from the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and the Economist Intelligence Unit, was released in October 2019.

• The GHS Index is the first comprehensive assessment and benchmarking of health security and related capabilities across the 195 countries that make up the States Parties to the International Health Regulations.

14. Which one of the following is not a category used to assess countries’ health security and capabilities under above index? (1) Undernourishment (2) Prevention (3) Detection and Reporting (4) Health System (5) Risk Environment Answer key: 1 Solution:

• The GHS Index assesses countries’ health security and capabilities across six categories, 34 indicators, and 85 sub-indicators. The six categories are as follow:

a) Prevention: Prevention of the emergence or release of pathogens. b) Detection and Reporting: Early detection and reporting for epidemics of

potential international concern. c) Rapid Response: Rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an

epidemic. d) Health System: Sufficient and robust health system to treat the sick and

protect health workers.



e) Compliance with International Norms: Commitments to improving national capacity, financing plans to address gaps, and adhering to global norms.

f) Risk Environment: Overall risk environment and country vulnerability to biological threats.

15. According to above report, which country is most prepared for epidemics or pandemics? (1) Canada (2) USA (3) Thailand (4) Norway (5) New Zealand Answer key: 2 Solution:

• The GHS Index analysis finds that no country is fully prepared for epidemics or pandemics. Collectively, international preparedness is weak.

• The US is the “most prepared” nation (scoring 83.5) followed by the UK (77.9), the Netherlands (75.6), Australia (75.5) and Canada (75.3).

16. What is India’s rank in the above index? (1) 52nd (2) 45th (3) 57th (4) 96th (5) 103rd Answer key: 3 Solution:

• India is ranked 57th with a score of 46.5, falling in the middle tier.

• North Korea (17.5), Somalia (16.6) and Equatorial Guinea (16.2) are listed in the index's bottom three.

Passage (Q17-20) This index was developed by NITI Aayog to evaluate the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector. The index aims to bring an ‘outcomes’ focus to education policy by providing States and UTs with a platform to identify their strengths and weaknesses and undertake requisite course corrections or policy



interventions. The index will serve as a regular and transparent review of the status of school education quality across the States and UTs. 17. The above index consists of how many critical indicators that assess the delivery of quality education? (1) 20 (2) 30 (3) 25 (4) 15 (5) 35 Answer key: 2 Solution:

• The passage talks about School Education Quality Index (SEQI).

• SEQI has been developed by NITI Aayog to evaluate the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector.

• The index consists of 30 critical indicators that assess the delivery of quality education.

18. The first edition of the above index was released in 2019. According to this, States and UTs are ranked on their overall performance in the reference year __________. (1) 2015-2016 (2) 2016-2017 (3) 2017-2018 (4) 2014-2015 (5) None of the above Answer key: 2 Solution:



• States and UTs were ranked on their overall performance in the reference year 2016-17, as well as on the change in their performance between the reference year and base year (2015-16).

• Among 20 large States, Kerala was ranked first for overall performance on the quality of school education while Uttar Pradesh came in last.

19. The first edition of the above index was released in 2019. Which of the following UTs was emerged as the best performer? (1) Delhi (2) Puducherry (3) Lakshadweep (4) Chandigarh (5) None of these Answer key: 4 Solution:

• Among 20 large States, Kerala was ranked first for overall performance on the quality of school education while Uttar Pradesh came in last.

• However, Haryana, Assam and Uttar Pradesh showed the most improvement in their performance in 2016-17, in comparison to the base year of 2015-16.

• Chandigarh topped the list of Union Territories. 20. Which of the following states refused to participate in the above index? (1) Tripura (2) West Bengal (3) Mizoram (4) Manipur (5) Assam Answer key: 2 Solution:

• To facilitate like-to-like comparisons, States and UTs have been grouped as Large States, Small States and Union Territories.

• States and UTs were ranked on their overall performance in the reference year 2016-17, as well as on the change in their performance between the reference year and base year (2015-16).

• West Bengal refused to participate in the evaluation process and has not been included in the rankings.



Passage (Q21-Q23) This Annual Report by Canada's Fraser Institute has been released in India in conjunction with New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Civil Society. The report said prospects for increasing economic freedom in India depend on next generation reforms in factor markets and in greater openness to international trade. The report measures economic freedom (levels of personal choice, ability to enter markets, security of privately owned property, rule of law, among others) by analysing the policies and institutions of various countries and territories. 21. Which of the following reports was discussed in the above passage? (1) Economic Freedom Index (2) World Economic Situation and Prospects (3) Index of Economic Freedom (4) World Press Freedom Index (5) None of these Answer key: 1 Solution:

• The above passage talks about Economic Freedom Index.

• The annual report was prepared by Canada’s Fraser Institute, in India, the report was co-published by Delhi-based Centre for Civil Society.

• The Global Economic Freedom Index published in Economic Freedom of the World measures the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom.

22. Which one of the following is not an indicator for measuring the degree of economic freedom under the above index? (1) Size of Government (2) Legal System and Property Rights (3) Sound Money (4) Freedom to Trade Internationally (5) Future readiness Answer key: 5 Solution: The degree of freedom is measured in five broad areas. They are:

a) Size of Government b) Legal System and Property Rights c) Sound Money



d) Freedom to Trade Internationally e) Regulation

23. Which of the following countries was ranked first in the 24th edition of the above report, released in 2020? (1) Norway (2) USA (3) Singapore (4) Switzerland (5) None of these Answer key: 5 Solution:

• In the 24th edition of the above report, the Rankings were based on 2018 data and many new restrictions on international trade, tightening of the credit market due to Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and COVID-19’s impact on debt and deficits did not reflect in India’s score

• Hong Kong topped the above index followed by Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, and USA.

• India has been ranked at 105th position in the above index. Passage (Q24-27) The scheme was introduced as a social measure that guarantees “the right to work” in rural areas of India. It is an employment scheme to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing guaranteed demand-based wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The work provided by these rural workers would be utilised for the creation of various long term fixed assets such as wells, ponds, roads, and canals in rural India. 24. The government has allocated how much additional fund for the scheme mentioned in the above passage as part of the stimulus package under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan? (1) 10,000 crores (2) 20,000 crores (3) 25,000 crores (4) 40,000 crores (5) 35,000 crores



Answer key: 4 Solution:

• The passage talks about the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), also known as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) is Indian legislation enacted in 2005.

• The MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee for one hundred days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.

• The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments

• Government allocated Rs. 40,000 crores more for MGNREGA in light of the corona crisis under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (the budget allocation was Rs. 61,500 crore).

25. Which of the following schemes are merged in the above discussed scheme? (1) Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (2) Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) (3) Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojana (4) Both 1 and 2 (5) 1, 2 and 3 Answer key: 5 Solution:

• MGNREGA is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world.

• The objective of the scheme is to guarantee 100 days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.

• When NREGA was notified in 2005, it merged the then on-going schemes of the Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY), Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) and Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojana (SGRY).

26. Name the ministry which is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments. (1) Ministry of Rural Development (2) Ministry of Panchayati Raj (3) Ministry of Labour and Employment (4) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship



(5) None of these Answer key: 1 Solution:



• The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments.

27. Which one of the following statements is incorrect about the above scheme? (1) 60:40 wage and material ratio have to be maintained under the scheme (2) Wages are linked to Consumer Price Index (Agriculture labour). (3) If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance. (4) Under the above scheme, at least one-third of the stipulated work force must be women. (5) All are correct Answer key: 5 Solution:



• The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments

• A 60:40 wage and material ratio has to be maintained.

• The central government bears the 100% wage cost of unskilled manual labour and 75% of the material cost including the wages of skilled and semi-skilled workers.

• If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance.

• At least one-third beneficiaries shall be women.

• Social audit has to be done by the Gram Sabha at least once in every 6 months.

• The MGNREGA wage revision is linked to the changes in the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Workers (CPI-AL).



** Note: A committee set up by the government had recommended using CPI-Rural (CPI-R) instead of the existing CPI-AL for revising MGNREGA wages every year. No update regarding this yet. ** Passage (Q28-31) The Government of India has initiated the __________ [A] for the children of working mothers which provides day care facilities to the children. This scheme is being implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme through States and Union Territories under the ____________[B]. This scheme facility enables the parents to leave their children while they are at work and where the children are provided with a stimulating environment for their holistic development. This scheme ensures to improve the health and nutrition status of the children. It promotes physical, social, cognitive, and emotional/holistic development of the children. 28. Which of the following will replace the blank [A] as mentioned in the above passage? (1) National Creche Scheme (2) Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme (3) Integrated Child Development Scheme (4) Poshan Abhiyan (5) National Nutrition Mission Answer key: 1 Solution:

• The passage talks about National Creche Scheme.

• The National Crèche Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Effective from July 2017). The scheme was earlier named as Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme.

• It aims at providing a safe place for mothers to leave their children while they are at work, and thus, is a measure for empowering women as it enables them to take up employment.

29. Which of the following will come in place of [B] as mentioned in the above passage? (1) Ministry of Women and Child Development (2) Ministry of Rural Development (3) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (4) Ministry of AYUSH (5) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution




• The National Crèche Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Effective from July 2017). The scheme was earlier named as Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme.

• It aims at providing a safe place for mothers to leave their children while they are at work, and thus, is a measure for empowering women as it enables them to take up employment.

30. The scheme focuses on children of 6 months to _________ years, of working women in rural and urban areas who are employed for a minimum period of 15 days in a month, or six months in a year. (1) 5 years (2) 6 years (3) 7 years (4) 8 years (5) None of these Answer key: 2 Solution:

• The scheme focuses on children of 6 months to 6 years, of working women in rural and urban areas who are employed for a minimum period of 15 days in a month, or six months in a year.

• The salient features of the National Creche Scheme are as follows: a) Day care Facilities including Sleeping Facilities. b) Early Stimulation for children below 3 years and pre-school Education for 3

to 6 years old children. c) Supplementary Nutrition (to be locally sourced) d) Growth Monitoring e) Health Check-up and Immunization

31. Which one of the following statements is incorrect about the above scheme? (1) It is a centrally sponsored scheme. (2) The fund sharing pattern under National Creche Scheme amongst Centre, States/UTs & Non- Governmental Organisations/Voluntary Organisations is in the ratio of 60:30:10 for States, 80:10:10 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States and 90:0:10 for UTs. (3) The number of children in the crèche should not be more than 25 per crèche. (4) One of the important features of the above scheme is early Stimulation for children below 3 years and pre-school Education for 3 to 5 years old children.



(5) All are correct Answer key: 4 Solution:

• The National Crèche Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The scheme was earlier named as Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme.

• It aims to provide day care facilities to children (age group of 6 months to 6 years) of working mothers.

• The salient features of the National Creche Scheme are as follows: f) Day care Facilities including Sleeping Facilities. g) Early Stimulation for children below 3 years and pre-school Education for 3

to 6 years old children. h) Supplementary Nutrition ( to be locally sourced) i) Growth Monitoring j) Health Check-up and Immunization

• Crèches shall be open for 26 days in a month and for seven and half (7-1/2) hours per day.

• The number of children in the crèche should not be more than 25 per crèche.

• The fund sharing pattern under National Creche Scheme amongst Centre, States/UTs & Non-Governmental Organisations/Voluntary Organisations is in the ratio of 60:30:10 for States, 80:10:10 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States and 90:0:10 for UTs.

Passage (Q32-Q34) It is a Central Sector scheme launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on National Panchayat Day. The scheme aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India. The demarcation of rural abadi areas would be done using Drone Surveying technology. This would provide the ‘record of rights’ to village household owners possessing houses in inhabited rural areas in villages which, in turn, would enable them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits from Bank. 32. The above scheme was launched on National Panchayat Day. The National Panchayat Day was observed on __________. (1) 20 April (2) 24 April (3) 24 March (4) 30 August (5) 21 August




• National Panchayat (Panchayati) Raj Day (National Local Self-Government day) is the national day of Panchayat Raj System in India celebrated by Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 24 April annually.

• Then Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh declared the first National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April 2010.

33. Which ministry act as the Nodal Ministry for implementation of the scheme? (1) Ministry of Rural Development (2) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (3) Ministry of Panchayati Raj (4) Ministry of Finance (5) Ministry of Tribal Affairs Answer key: 3 Solution:

• The above passage talks about SVAMITVA Scheme. The acronym SVAMITA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of the scheme.

• In the States, the Revenue Department / Land Records Department will be the Nodal Department and shall carry out the scheme with support of State Panchayati Raj Department.

• Survey of India shall work as the technology partner for implementation. 34. Initially, the above scheme is being implemented as a pilot project across 6 states. In which of the following states the scheme was not launched? (1) Maharashtra (2) Karnataka (3) Haryana (4) Himachal Pradesh (5) Uttarakhand Answer key: 4 Solution:



• The scheme is being implemented as a pilot project in about 1 lakh villages across 6 states – Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

• It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS).

• The mapping will be done across the country in a phase-wise manner over a period of four years - from 2020 to 2024.

Passage (35-38) Recently (in October 2020), the Union Cabinet has approved implementation of the World Bank aided STARS project with a total project cost of Rs. 5,718 crores with the financial support of World Bank amounting to about Rs. _______[A] crore. The programme builds on the long partnership between India and the World Bank for strengthening public school education and to support the country’s goal of providing ‘education for all’. 35. In the above passage, the acronym STARS stand for ________. (1) Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (2) Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (3) Scheme for Transformational and Advances Research in Social Science (4) Strengthen Teacher-Learning and Results for Science (5) None of these Answer key: 1 Solution:

• The Union Cabinet has approved Implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project with a total project cost of Rs 5,718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to US $ 500 million (approximately Rs 3,700 crore).

• STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MOE).

36. Initially, the above project will be implemented in 6 states. In which of the following states the project will not be implemented? (1) Himachal Pradesh (2) Maharashtra (3) Madhya Pradesh (4) Uttar Pradesh (5) Kerala




• The project covers 6 States namely Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha.

• The identified States will be supported tor various interventions for improving the quality of education.

• Besides this project, it is also envisaged to implement a similar ADB funded project in 5 states namely Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Assam.

• All states will partner with one other state for sharing their experiences and best practices.

37. At the national level, a national assessment center named “PARAKH” will be established to support the Ministry of Education Effort under the above project. The PARAKH Stands for ___________. (1) Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (2) Performance, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (3) Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysing Knowledge for Holistic Development (4) Assess and Review the performance and Analyse the Knowledge for Holistic Development. (5) None of these Answer key: 1 Solution:

• At the national level: a) To strengthen the national data systems of the Ministry of Education (MOE)

to capture robust and authentic data on retention, transition, and completion rates of students.

b) To support the strengthening of learning assessment systems. c) PARAKH: Establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and

Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a National Assessment Centre.

• At the State level, the project envisages: a) Strengthening Early Childhood Education and Foundational Learning b) Improving Learning Assessment Systems c) Strengthening classroom instruction and remediation through teacher

development and school leadership d) Governance and Decentralized Management for Improved Service Delivery.



e) Strengthening Vocational education in schools through mainstreaming, career guidance and counselling, internships and coverage of out of school children.

38. Which of the following will replace the blank [A] as mentioned in the above passage? (1) 1700 crores (2) 2389 crores (3) 3700 crores (4) 2476 crores (5) 3572 crores Answer key: 3 Solution:

• The Union Cabinet has approved Implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project with a total project cost of Rs 5,718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to US $ 500 million (approximately Rs 3,700 crore).

• STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MOE).

• The project covers 6 States namely Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha.

Passage (Q39-42) Fisheries and aquaculture are an important source of food, nutrition, employment, and income in India. The sector provides livelihood to about 16 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain. Foreseeing the immense potential for development of fisheries and for providing focused attention to the sector, the Government has announced a new scheme. The scheme intends to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernisation and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare. The scheme will be implemented as an umbrella scheme having both Centrally Sector Components and Centrally Sponsored Scheme Components. It would focus on all round development of Fisheries sector through a bunch of diverse interventions along the fisheries value chain right from production to consumption. 39. The above scheme was launched to bring _________ through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India.



(1) Yellow Revolution (2) Blue Revolution (3) Green Revolution (4) White (5) None of the above Answer key: 2 Solution:

• The passage talks about Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada which was launched in 2020.

• Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries will be the Nodal Ministry for the implementation of the scheme.

• The scheme was launched to bring Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India.

40. How much fund was allocated for the above scheme for a period of 5 years from financial year (FY) 2020-21 to FY 2024-25? (1) 15,050 crores (2) 20,050 crores (3) 35,050 crores (4) 40,045 crores (5) 25,050 crores Answer key: 2 Solution:

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada has been approved at a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores to be implemented over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.

• This investment is the highest ever in the fisheries sector yet.

• Out of this, an investment of about Rs 12340 crores is proposed for beneficiary-oriented activities in Marine, Inland fisheries, and Aquaculture and about Rs 7710 crores investment for Fisheries Infrastructure.

• It will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate components namely:

a) Central Sector Scheme: The project cost will be borne by the Central government.

b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme: All the sub-components/activities will be implemented by the States/UTs and the cost will be shared between Centre and State.



41. In how many States/UTs, the above scheme was launched in phase 1? (1) 20 (2) 22 (3) 24 (4) 21 (5) 27 Answer key: 4 Solution:

• Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has digitally launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 10th September 2020.

• As of now, under PMMSY the Department of Fisheries has approved Rs 1723 crores worth of proposals for 21 States/UTs in phase-I.

• Priority has been accorded for income generating activities under PMMSY.

• The PMMSY will ensure new infrastructure, modern equipment, and access to new markets to fish producers and improve avenues for increasing income apart from farming. Fisheries exports are expected to double in the next four to five years.

42. Which one of the following statements is incorrect about the above scheme? (1) It aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonnes and increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2024-25. (2) Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries will be the Nodal Ministry for the implementation of the above scheme. (3) Rs. 7710 crores were allocated for Fisheries Infrastructure. (4) The scheme aims at reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% (5) All are correct Answer key: 5 Solution:

• Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has digitally launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 10th September 2020.

• Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries will be the Nodal Ministry for the implementation of the scheme.

• It was launched with an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories, as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package.

• The investment of Rs. 20,050 crores under PMMSY are the highest ever in the fisheries sector.



• Out of this, an investment of about Rs 12340 crores is proposed for beneficiary-oriented activities in Marine, Inland fisheries, and Aquaculture and about Rs 7710 crores investment for Fisheries Infrastructure.

• PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25, doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and generation of additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and allied activities.

Passage (Q43-46) It is a ranking exercise taken up by the Government of India to assess rural and urban areas for their levels of cleanliness and active implementation of Swachhata mission initiatives in a timely and innovative manner. It was launched under the aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). The objective of the survey is to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst all sections of society about the importance of working together towards making towns and cities a better place to live in. Additionally, the survey also intends to foster a spirit of healthy competition among towns and cities to improve their service delivery to citizens, towards creating cleaner cities and towns. 43. In which year the Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban (SBM-U) was launched? (1) 2014 (2) 2016 (3) 2015 (4) 2017 (5) None of these Answer key: 1 Solution:

• SBM-U was launched in 2014, with the objective of making urban India 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) along with 100% scientific solid waste management.

• SBM (Urban) is being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MHUA).

44. According to the above survey, which state was the cleanest state with less than 100 ULBs or cities in 2020? (1) Chhattisgarh (2) Jharkhand



(3) Tripura (4) Assam (5) Odisha Answer key: 2 Solution:

• Chhattisgarh was ranked the cleanest State out of those with over 100 urban local bodies (ULBs) or cities.

• Jharkhand was the cleanest state with less than 100 ULBs or cities. 45. According to the above survey, which city was the cleanest city with a population of more than 10 lakh in 2020? (1) Navi Mumbai (2) Surat (3) Indore (4) New Delhi (5) Varanasi Answer key: 3 Solution:

• Cities with a population of more than 10 lakh: Indore was ranked first, securing the rank for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Surat and Navi Mumbai.

• Patna with the rank 47, is at the bottom of the list.

• Varanasi has been awarded the cleanest town award along the banks of river Ganga.

• New Delhi has been awarded as the cleanest capital city in the country. 46. According to the above survey, which city was at the bottom in the list of cities with a population 1-10 lakh in 2020? (1) Karad (2) Gaya (3) Darbhanga (4) Nalanda (5) None of these Answer key: 2 Solution:



• Cities with a population of 1-10 lakh: Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur was the cleanest city in the country, followed by Mysore and New Delhi. Bihar’s Gaya was at the bottom in the list.

• Karad has been ranked as the cleanest followed by Sasvad and Lonavala with a population of less than 1 lakh.

Passage (Q47-Q49) To improve farm gate prices and grower incomes, government has launched a new scheme to give a leg up to post-harvest management and marketing of agricultural produce. The scheme will provide better warehousing and cold storage facilities for farmers, Modi said, adding that it will also help create new jobs as food processing and post-harvest facilities are set up in rural India. Under the infrastructure scheme, banks and financial institutions will provide in loans to cooperative societies, farmer producer companies, self-help groups, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and infrastructure providers. The objective is to provide medium-to-long term debt financing for post-harvest infrastructure and community assets for marketing of farm produce. 47. Under the scheme, how much fund will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Group (SHG)? (1) 1,000 crores (2) 10,000 crores (3) 1,00,000 crores (4) 50,000 crores (5) 75,000 crores Answer key: 3 Solution:

• The scheme mentioned in the above passage is Agricultural Infrastructure Fund scheme.

• It was launched in 2020. It is a part of the over Rs. 20 lakh crore packages announced by the Finance Minister in response to the COVID-19 crises

• The scheme shall provide a medium - long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.

• Under the scheme, Rs. One Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Group (SHG), Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies,



Agri-entrepreneurs, Startups, Aggregation Infrastructure Providers and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public Private Partnership Project.

48. Under the above scheme, Loans will have interest subvention of ________ per cent up to a limit of Rs ________. (1) 2%, 50 lakhs (2) 2%, 1 crore (3) 3% 1 crore (4) 3%, 2 crores (5) 2%, 2 crores Answer key: 4 Solution:

• Under the scheme, Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans with interest subvention of 3% per annum and credit guarantee coverage under CGTMSE scheme for loans up to Rs. 2 Crore. The fee for this coverage will be paid by the Government.

• This subvention will be available for a maximum period of seven years. 49. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the above scheme? (A) Under the above scheme, loans will be disbursed in four years starting with sanction of Rs. 10,000 crorein the current year and Rs. 30,000 crore each in next three financial years. (B) The total outflow as budgetary support from Government of India (GoI) is Rs.10,736 crore: (C) Moratorium for repayment under this financing facility may vary subject to minimum of 6 months and maximum of 2 years. (D) The duration of the scheme is from FY2020 to FY2030. (1) A, B and D are correct (2) B and D are correct (3) A, B and C are correct (4) A, C and D are correct (5) A and C are correct Answer key: 3 Solution: AGRICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND:



• It was launched in 2020. It is a part of the over Rs. 20 lakh crore packages announced by the Finance Minister in response to the COVID-19 crises

• Under the scheme, Rs. One Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Group (SHG), Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agri-entrepreneurs, Startups, Aggregation Infrastructure Providers and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public Private Partnership Project

• Loans will be disbursed in four years starting with sanction of Rs. 10,000 crores in the current year and Rs. 30,000 crore each in next three financial years.

• All loans under this financing facility will have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a limit of Rs. 2 crores. This subvention will be available for a maximum period of seven years.

• Credit guarantee coverage will be available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to Rs. 2 crores. The fee for this coverage will be paid by the Government.

• The total outflow as budgetary support from Government of India (GoI) will be Rs.10,736 crore:

• Moratorium for repayment under this financing facility may vary subject to minimum of 6 months and maximum of 2 years.

• Agri Infra fund will be managed and monitored through an online Management Information System (MIS) platform.

• The National, State and District level Monitoring Committees will be set up to ensure real-time monitoring and effective feed-back.

• The duration of the Scheme shall be from FY2020 to FY2029 (10 years). 50. Recently (in November 2020), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved continuation and revamping of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model till _______ with a total outlay of ________ crore. (1) 2021-22, 6000 crores (2) 2022-23, 7600 crores (3) 2023-24, 8100 crores (4) 2024-24, 8100 crores (5) 2024-25, 7500 crores Answer key: 4 Solution:

• Recently (in November 2020), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved continuation and revamping of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model till 2024-25 with a total outlay of Rs. 8,100 crores.



• Of the total amount of Rs 8,100 crore, Rs 6,000 crore has been earmarked for PPP projects in the economic infrastructure segment and remaining Rs 2,100 crore for social infrastructure projects

• The earlier VGF scheme was limited to projects concerning economic infrastructure.

• The revamped VGF scheme will attract more PPP projects and facilitate private investment in the social sectors (health, education, wastewater, solid waste management and water supply, among others).

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