Correct Answer: b) 2 3 1 4

Explanation:

• India: Ranked 1st with over $111 billion in remittances.
• Mexico: Ranked 2nd with over $61 billion in remittances.
• China: Ranked 3rd with approximately $51 billion in remittances.
• Philippines: Ranked 4th with about $38 billion in remittances.

The correct answer is: c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:

– Assertion (A): There is a positive relationship between Human Development Index (HDI) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranking of Indian States.

This statement is true because HDI measures development in terms of health, education, and income, which are also key components of the SDGs. States with higher HDI scores tend to perform better in SDG rankings as they align with similar developmental goals.

– Reason (R): The underlying dimensions of SDG targets are closely related to education and health aspects.

This statement is also true because many SDG targets (e.g., SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education) directly focus on improving health and education, which are also core dimensions of HDI.

– Link between (A) and (R): The positive relationship mentioned in the assertion exists because the SDG targets overlap significantly with the dimensions of HDI, particularly in education and health. Therefore, the reason (R) correctly explains the assertion (A).

Thus, both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Correct Answer: d) 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: It will cover up to 75% rural and 50% urban population.

– This statement is correct. As per the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are entitled to receive subsidized food grains under the Act. This is explicitly mentioned in the salient features of the Act.

2. Statement 2: It has a special focus on nutritional support to women and children.

– This statement is correct. The NFSA places a strong emphasis on nutritional support for vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. For example:

– Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious “take-home ration” of 600 calories and a maternity benefit of at least ₹6,000 for six months.

– Children aged 6 months to 14 years are entitled to free hot meals or “take-home rations.”

– This demonstrates the Act’s focus on improving nutrition for women and children.

3. Statement 3: It was enforced on July 5, 2010.

– This statement is incorrect. The NFSA was signed into law on September 12, 2013, but it was made retroactive to July 5, 2013. It was introduced in Parliament in December 2012 and promulgated as a presidential ordinance on July 5, 2013. There is no connection to the year 2010.

– Therefore, the correct answer is d) 1 and 2 are correct.

Source: https://controllerofrationing-mumbai.gov.in/scheme/national-food-security-act-2013/

Correct Answer: b) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

Financial inclusion refers to the process of ensuring access to financial services and timely and adequate credit for vulnerable groups such as weaker sections and low-income groups at an affordable cost. All three events mentioned in the question are significant steps taken to achieve financial inclusion in India. Here’s how:

1. Nationalisation of Banks (1969 and 1980):

– The nationalisation of banks was a major step to bring banking services to the masses, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Before nationalisation, banking services were largely concentrated in urban areas and catered to the needs of industrialists and wealthy individuals. Nationalisation ensured that banks focused on priority sectors like agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural development, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

2. Formation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) (1975):

– RRBs were established to provide credit and other financial services to small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural artisans. These banks were specifically designed to cater to the rural population, which was underserved by commercial banks. This was a direct step toward improving financial inclusion in rural areas.

3. Adoption of Villages by Bank Branches:

– Under various schemes, banks were encouraged to adopt villages to provide banking services and promote financial literacy. This initiative aimed to bring unbanked rural areas into the formal banking system, thereby enhancing financial inclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is b) 1, 2 and 3.

The correct answer is: d) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Explanation:

– Assertion (A): The value of a national currency is determined by the demand and supply of foreign currency under a flexible exchange rate system. This statement is true because, in a flexible exchange rate system, the exchange rate is determined by market forces—i.e., the interaction of demand and supply for foreign currency in the foreign exchange market.

– Reason (R): The demand and supply of foreign currency are determined by the Central Bank. This statement is false because, under a flexible exchange rate system, the Central Bank does not directly control or determine the demand and supply of foreign currency. Instead, these are influenced by factors such as trade flows, capital flows, interest rates, and economic conditions. The Central Bank may intervene in a managed or fixed exchange rate system, but not in a purely flexible system.

Thus, while the assertion is correct, the reason provided is incorrect.

Correct Answer: c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:

1. First-of-its-kind initiative of FTAs: This statement is incorrect. While the Ind-Aus ECTA is significant, it is not the first of its kind; there are several other free trade agreements (FTAs) in existence between various countries.

2. Attendance of Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal: This statement is correct. The meeting was indeed attended by the Commerce Secretary of India, Shri Sunil Barthwal, who led the Indian delegation during discussions about trade and investment issues under the ECTA.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: a) Only 2.

Correct Answer: b) 3 2 4 1

Explanation:

1. A. India – Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise, “DUSTLIK”

– The 5th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK is scheduled to be conducted from 15th to 28th April 2024 in Termez, Uzbekistan.

– Correct match: A → 3

2. B. India – France Joint Military Exercise, “SHAKTI”

– The 7th edition of Exercise SHAKTI is scheduled to be conducted from 13th to 26th May 2024 at Umroi, Meghalaya.

– Correct match: B → 2

3. C. Harbour phase of Indo – US Joint Exercise, Tiger Triumph, 2024

– The Harbour Phase of the Indo-US Joint Exercise Tiger Triumph was conducted at Visakhapatnam from 18th to 25th March 2024.

– Correct match: C → 4

4. D. MILAN, 2024

– The Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN 2024 was held in Visakhapatnam, India, from 19th to 27th February 2024.

– Correct match: D → 1

The correct codes are: A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1.

Correct Answer: a) 1, 2, 3, 4

Explanation:

1. Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP): This program was introduced in 1978 and implemented in 1980. It is the earliest among the listed schemes.

2. Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY): This scheme was launched in the year 1999-2000. It came much later than IRDP.

3. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): This act was passed in 2005 and later renamed as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It came after SGSY.

4. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): This scheme was launched in 2014. It is the most recent among the listed schemes.

Correct Answer: a) 1, 2, 3, 4

Correct Answer: d) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

1. Strategic Importance: Shaksgam Valley is indeed considered a strategic region, as it is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and has significant military and geopolitical implications due to its proximity to the Siachen Glacier and the ongoing territorial disputes between India, Pakistan, and China. The valley was ceded by Pakistan to China in a 1963 agreement, which India does not recognize.

2. India’s Protests: India has expressed concerns over Chinese infrastructure developments in Shaksgam Valley, viewing these actions as attempts to unilaterally change the status of the region. India has consistently protested against such developments, asserting its claim over the territory.

The correct answer is: a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation:

1. Indian Economy is an Underdeveloped Economy.

– Evaluation: Correct. India is classified as a developing (or underdeveloped) economy based on various economic indicators such as GDP per capita, industrialization levels, and Human Development Index (HDI) rankings. While India has made significant progress in several sectors, it still faces challenges typical of developing economies, such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal income distribution.

2. Indian Economy is a Mixed Economy.

– Evaluation: Correct. India operates under a mixed economic system, where both the private sector and the government play significant roles. This system combines elements of free-market capitalism with government intervention and regulation, allowing for a balance between public and private enterprise to facilitate economic growth and development.

3. J.M. Keynes is the Father of Economics.

– Evaluation: Incorrect. While John Maynard Keynes is a highly influential economist known for Keynesian Economics, the title “Father of Economics” is typically attributed to Adam Smith. Adam Smith laid the foundational principles of modern economics with his seminal work, “The Wealth of Nations.”

Correct Answer: a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.