Explanation : 

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The CGWA was established by the Government of India under Section 3(3) of the Act, which empowers the central government to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling, and abating environmental pollution.

The CGWA was created with the specific mandate to regulate and control the management of groundwater resources in India. It works in collaboration with state governments, local bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that groundwater is managed sustainably.

Primary Responsibilities of CGWA

• Issuing guidelines for the evaluation of proposals/requests for the extraction of groundwater.
• Granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the withdrawal of groundwater by industries/projects.
• Monitoring and exercising control over groundwater development and management in the country.
• Taking measures to prevent over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
• Promoting rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge to groundwater to ensure the sustainability of the resource.

Response to Groundwater Concerns

The CGWA’s establishment was a response to the growing concerns over the depletion and contamination of groundwater resources, which are critical for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial uses in India.

Collaboration with Other Organizations

The other organizations mentioned – Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board, and National Water Development Agency – play different roles in water resource management in India but are not constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Explanation : 

India Sanitation Coalition: Understanding its Funding and Partnerships

The India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) is a platform that was launched at FICCI, New Delhi in 2015 to promote sustainable sanitation. Contrary to some beliefs, it is not solely funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO). The ISC is a collective impact organization that operates through a multi-stakeholder platform, which includes members from the private sector, civil society, and government, among others. Its funding and support are provided by a diverse group of partners and stakeholders, extending beyond the limited scope of the Government of India and WHO.

National Institute of Urban Affairs: Role and Function

National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is an autonomous body that falls under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the Government of India. It is dedicated to providing research, policy support, and expertise in the field of urban planning and development. NIUA’s mission is to tackle the challenges faced by urban India by offering innovative solutions, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the urban landscape of the country.

Explanation : 

Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India is crucial for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in India. It provides a framework for protecting the rights and culture of indigenous tribal populations, excluding the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, which are covered by the Sixth Schedule.

Prevention of Land Transfer

A key aspect of the Fifth Schedule is the prevention of land transfers from tribal people to non-tribal people. The Governor has the authority to regulate land transactions to protect tribal interests and prevent exploitation.

Governance by Tribes Advisory Council

The establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council is mandated for advising on tribal welfare and advancement. This council is composed primarily of representatives from the Scheduled Tribes.

Governor’s Special Powers

The Governor is endowed with special powers to make regulations for maintaining peace and good governance within Scheduled Areas. These may include restrictions on the sale of products or regulation of money-lending.

Discretion of the Governor to Apply Laws

The Governor can decide whether any law applies to Scheduled Areas, allowing for modifications or exceptions to cater to the unique needs of these regions.

Report to the President

An annual report, or as needed, is submitted to the President of India concerning the administration of Scheduled Areas, keeping the central government informed.

Explanation : 

Roles of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)

The Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Coal in the Government of India. It has several responsibilities related to the coal sector in India. Below is an explanation of its primary roles:

CCO as a Source of Coal Statistics

The CCO is the major source of coal statistics for the Government of India. It collects, compiles, and publishes statistics on various aspects of the coal industry, including production, dispatch, stock, price, import, export, and more.

Monitoring Development of Captive Coal/Lignite Blocks

The CCO is tasked with monitoring the progress of development of captive coal and lignite blocks. These blocks are allocated to private companies for their own consumption and are not meant for commercial sale. The CCO ensures that these blocks are developed according to stipulated conditions and timelines.

Hearing Objections to Coal-Bearing Area Acquisitions

When the government notifies an area for coal mining that may involve land acquisition, the CCO hears objections from affected parties. It plays a crucial role in the arbitration process, ensuring that the concerns of those impacted by the acquisition of coal-bearing areas are addressed.

Source:- chap2.pdf (coal.gov.in)

Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

Explanation : 

Tea Production in Indian States

All four states mentioned in the list—Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Tripura—are known for producing tea, although to varying extents and with different levels of prominence in the tea industry.

Andhra Pradesh Tea Plantations

While not one of the largest tea-producing states in India, Andhra Pradesh does have tea plantations, particularly in the Visakhapatnam district. The Ananthagiri Hills in this region are known for their tea gardens.

Kerala’s Tea Estates

Kerala is a significant tea-producing state in India, with its well-known tea plantations primarily located in the Western Ghats, especially in the Idukki and Wayanad districts. The town of Munnar in Kerala is famous for its sprawling tea estates.

Himachal Pradesh’s Tea Industry

Tea production in Himachal Pradesh is not as extensive as in some other states, but it does have a history of tea cultivation. Areas like Kangra and Mandi have tea plantations, and Kangra tea is quite well-known for its quality.

Tripura’s Tea Gardens

Tripura is one of the smaller tea-producing states in the Northeastern region of India. It has a long history of tea production, with the first tea gardens established in the late 19th century. The state has numerous tea estates, and the tea produced here is known for its unique flavor.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is “All four States,” as each of them is involved in tea production to some extent.

Explanation : 

Regulation of Credit Rating Agencies in India

In India, credit rating agencies are not regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Instead, they are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity market in India under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It is SEBI that lays down the policies and regulates the functioning of credit rating agencies in India.

ICRA Limited

The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is indeed a public limited company. ICRA Limited (formerly Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited) was set up in 1991 by leading financial/investment institutions, commercial banks, and financial services companies as an independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency.

Brickwork Ratings

Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency. It is one of the credit rating agencies registered with SEBI and provides credit ratings for corporations, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, state governments, and other public entities.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

Explanation : 

Banks Board Bureau (BBB)

The Banks Board Bureau (BBB) is an autonomous body of the Government of India tasked with improving the governance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), insurance companies, and financial institutions. Let’s analyze the provided statements.

Analysis of Statements

Statement 1: The statement is incorrect. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India is not the Chairman of the BBB. The Chairman of the BBB is typically a person with extensive experience in the banking or financial sector, appointed by the Government of India.

Statement 2: This statement is correct. One of the primary functions of the BBB is to recommend candidates for the top management positions, including the Managing Directors and CEOs, of Public Sector Banks and financial institutions. The recommendations made by the BBB are based on merit and suitability for the positions.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. The BBB also helps Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans. It provides guidance on mergers and consolidations and helps banks in their efforts to deal with the issues of stressed assets, which are a significant concern for the banking sector.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Statements 2 and 3 only.

Explanation : 

Understanding Convertible Bonds and Inflation Hedging

Interest Rates on Convertible Bonds

Convertible bonds are a unique financial instrument that combines elements of both debt and equity. They offer investors a fixed income through interest payments, but also include an option to convert the bond into a set number of shares of the company’s stock. The presence of this conversion feature means that investors are typically willing to accept a lower interest rate than they would for a comparable non-convertible bond, as the conversion option adds potential value through the opportunity for capital appreciation.

Inflation Hedging with Convertible Bonds

Convertible bonds do not directly index to inflation like some other securities, but they do offer an indirect form of protection against rising consumer prices. This is because the conversion feature allows bondholders to benefit from the issuing company’s stock price increases, which may be partly due to the company’s ability to pass on inflationary costs to consumers. As a result, the bondholder can potentially enjoy equity growth that correlates with rising consumer prices, providing a measure of inflation hedging. This can be especially valuable in a growing economy, where the return on equity may outpace inflation, unlike fixed income returns.

Explanation : 

India’s Membership in International Organizations

India is indeed a member of all three organizations mentioned: the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

India is a founding member of the AIIB, which was established in 2016. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank that aims to support the building of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. India is one of the largest shareholders and borrowers of the AIIB.

Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

India joined the MTCR in June 2016. The MTCR is a voluntary association of countries that aims to prevent the proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable of carrying above 500 kg payload for more than 300 km. By joining the MTCR, India has strengthened its position as a responsible actor in the field of missile technology and non-proliferation.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017, along with Pakistan. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance that was established in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization focuses on regional security and various other areas of mutual cooperation.

Therefore, the correct answer is “1, 2 and 3,” as India is a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Missile Technology Control Regime, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Explanation : 

Vietnam’s Economic Growth

Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in recent years. The country has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, being recognized for its significant economic expansion, with GDP growth rates consistently among the highest in the world.

Global Supply Chain Integration and Export Focus

Vietnam’s economic growth is closely linked to its integration with global supply chains and a strong focus on exports. The country has become a crucial manufacturing hub for electronics, textiles, and other goods, driving its economic growth.

Attracting Global Manufacturers

For an extended period, Vietnam’s low labor costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers. These factors have been key in enabling the country to attract foreign direct investment and integrate into global supply chains.

Political System and E-Service Sector

Contrary to a multi-party political system, Vietnam is led by a single-party state, with the Communist Party of Vietnam being the only legal party. Additionally, while Vietnam’s e-service sector is growing, it is not the most productive in the Indo-Pacific region when compared to countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea.