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 : 

Labour Bureau’s Role

The Labour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, is responsible for compiling information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments, and lay-offs in factories employing workers. The Labour Bureau collects, compiles, and disseminates a wide range of statistics related to labor, such as employment and unemployment, wages, industrial relations, working conditions, and other aspects of labor welfare.

The Labour Bureau conducts various surveys and publishes reports that provide insights into the state of labor in the country. These reports are essential for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders who are interested in understanding and addressing labor issues in India.

Comparison with Other Government Offices

Central Statistics Office (CSO)

The CSO is responsible for the coordination of statistical activities in India and for evolving and maintaining statistical standards. It deals with macroeconomic data like national income, GDP, and economic censuses.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

The DPIIT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of promotional and developmental measures for the growth of the industrial sector in India. It is not directly involved in labor statistics.

National Technical Manpower Information System (NTMIS)

The NTMIS was designed to collect and disseminate data on technical manpower in the country. It is not specifically focused on industrial disputes or labor issues.

Therefore, the correct answer is the Labour Bureau, which is the primary agency for compiling information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments, and lay-offs in India.

Explanation : 

Reservoirs and Their Corresponding Indian States

The pairs given are reservoirs matched with Indian states. Let’s examine each pair to see if they are correctly matched:

Ghataprabha – Incorrect Match

The Ghataprabha River is actually a tributary of the Krishna River and the Ghataprabha Reservoir is located in the state of Karnataka, not Telangana. This pair is not correctly matched.

Gandhi Sagar – Correct Match

The Gandhi Sagar Dam is built on the Chambal River and is indeed located in Madhya Pradesh. This pair is correctly matched.

Indira Sagar – Incorrect Match

The Indira Sagar Dam is on the Narmada River, and it is situated in Madhya Pradesh, not Andhra Pradesh. This pair is not correctly matched.

Maithon – Incorrect Match

The Maithon Dam is built on the Barakar River and is located in Jharkhand, near the border with West Bengal, not in Chhattisgarh. This pair is not correctly matched.

Out of the four pairs, three are not correctly matched (pairs 1, 3, and 4). Therefore, the correct answer is: Only three pairs

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.

Explanation : 

Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Controlling Inflation and Ensuring Economic Stability

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central banking institution of India, established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Its primary responsibility is maintaining price stability by controlling inflation, which is essential for sustainable economic growth. High inflation can erode consumer purchasing power and lead to economic instability.

Key Tools Used by the RBI to Control Inflation

To achieve its goal of price stability, the RBI uses various monetary policy tools, including:

• Repo Rate: Influences the cost of borrowing for commercial banks.
• Reverse Repo Rate: Affects the liquidity in the banking system.
• Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): Controls the amount of funds available for banks to lend.
• Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Regulates the bank’s credit growth.
• Open Market Operations (OMOs): Manages the money supply through the trade of government securities.

The RBI aims to maintain inflation within a target range, currently set at 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%, meaning the acceptable range is 2% to 6%.