Wednesday, 22 May 2024

CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMS, 2024 Model Questions (for GS Paper ) Set No. 18 {Prepared on 22 .5.2024 }

 

CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMS, 2024

Model Questions (for GS Paper )

Set No.  18    {Prepared on     22 .5.2024 }

 

Also useful for

TSPSC GROUP I  Prelims 2024

 

                                                                   For Study purpose

Prepared by :Praturi Potayya Sarma,MA(OU),LLB(OU),PGDIRPM

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS

 

 

NOTE: IMPORTANT POINTS ARE PRINTED IN BOLD LETTERS

 

 

1)Consider the following :

 

1)The indices NEER and REER are used as indicators of external competitiveness.

 

2)NEER is the weighted average of bilateral nominal exchange rates of the home currency in terms of foreign currencies, weights being based on the average of India’s bilateral trade (exports plus imports) with countries/regions represented by the 6/40 currencies during the preceding three years.

 

3)The REER, defined as a weighted average of nominal exchange rates adjusted for relative price differential between the domestic and foreign countries, relates to the PPP hypothesis.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

2)Consider the following :

 

1)FER is required for various purposes, such as to maintain the exchange rate within a certain range, or to maintain a certain level of exchange rate if the country follows a fixed exchange rate system; maintain liquidity and allow time to absorb shocks in situations where access to borrowing is curtailed or very costly. The optimal level of reserves empowers the government to maximise the welfare of the representative consumer, given the constraint of sudden stops in terms of debt rollover crisis.

 

2)The drivers behind the accumulation of reserves have evolved over the years: initially for precautionary purposes until the early 2000s, followed by goals of monetary and exchange rate policies  3)Accordingly, the FERs of several countries have witnessed a rising trend, more so since the global financial crisis of 2008

 

4)This brings in the debate on adequacy of reserves. Conventionally, there are three measures of adequacy of reserves, viz. ratios of reserves to imports, to monetary aggregates, and measures of external debt (IMF, 2000). According to the traditional approach to determining the adequacy of reserves, the simple rule of thumb is three months of imports or full cover of short-term debt.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

3)Consider the following :

 

1)The exchange rate of the Indian Rupee is market-determined as the RBI's intervention in the foreign exchange market is mainly to contain instances of excessive volatility.

 

2)On a financial year basis, i.e., from April to December 2022, the INR has depreciated against US$ by 8.3 per cent.

 

3)Over the same period, the US dollar has appreciated by 4.4 per cent in terms of the US dollar index.

 

4)This holds even on a calendar year basis, i.e., from January to December 2022, the INR has depreciated by 10.8 per cent whereas the US dollar has appreciated by 6.4 per cent.

 

5)The Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) of the US dollar (27 economies) appreciated by 7.8 per cent in the calendar year 2022, up to December, while the NEER of India (64 economies) depreciated by 4.8 per cent. In other words, it is not that the INR has weakened, but it is the US dollar that has strengthened. No matter how many tweets are written against that observation, it is a fact. Several other currencies depreciated even more value against the US dollar than the INR .

 

5)Thus, the external value of INR vis-à-vis the US dollar has seen very orderly movements during the year since the onset of the current geopolitical crisis.

 

 6)Further, the INR appreciated against select major currencies barring the US dollar. The average exchange rate of INR against the Pound Sterling appreciated by 6.7 per cent in April -December 2022 over April - December 2021. This rate of appreciation was 14.5 per cent with respect to the Japanese Yen and 6.4 per cent against the Euro.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

4)Consider the following about Foreign Exchange Reserves (FERs):

 

1)India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 532.7 billion as of end-September 2022, covering 8.8 months of imports.

2)The reserves augmented to US$ 562.7 billion as of end December 2022 covering 9.3 months of imports.

3)As of end-November 2022, India was the sixth largest foreign exchange reserves holder in the world according to data compiled by the IMF.

4) The import coverage of foreign currency reserves has declined since the pre-pandemic levels in most emerging market economies; however, that of India has increased from 95% in Q4 2019 to 96.5% in Q3 2022.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

5)Consider the following CAD:

1)India’s external sector has been facing considerable global headwinds reflecting the geopolitical developments as detailed in the Introduction section above. India’s current account balance (CAB) recorded a deficit of US$ 36.4 billion (4.4 per cent of GDP) in Q2FY23 in contrast to a deficit of US$ 9.7 billion (1.3 per cent of GDP) during the corresponding period of the previous year.

 

2)The widening of the current account deficit (CAD) in the second quarter of FY23 was mainly on account of a higher merchandise trade deficit of US$ 83.5 billion and an increase in net investment income outgo.

 

3) For the period April- September 2022 (H1FY23), India recorded a CAD of 3.3 per cent of GDP on the back of an increase in the merchandise trade deficit, as compared with 0.2 per cent in H1FY22.

 

4)However, a comparison with the position of the CAB for selected countries shows that India’s CAD is modest and within manageable limits.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

6)Consider the following about Invisibles :

Invisibles :

1)Net services receipts increased from US$ 51.4 billion in H1FY22 to US$ 65.5 billion in H1FY23, primarily on account of robust computer and business services receipts.

2)Similarly, the net private transfer receipts, mainly representing remittances by Indians employed overseas, was US$ 48.0 billion in H1 FY23 against their level of US$ 38.4 billion during the same period a year ago.

3)A sharp rise in crude oil prices and the deprecation of the INR seem to have boosted remittance flows into India. Net services exports and remittances contributed to the surplus on the invisible account, which cushioned the merchandise trade deficit.

4)Remittances are the second largest major source of external financing after service export, which contribute to narrowing the CAD and has always been a stable constituent of the BoP. India has the largest emigrant population and is the top remittance recipient country with remittances anticipated to reach a milestone of US$100 billion in 2022 according to the World Bank.

5) Remittances have benefitted from a gradual structural shift in Indian migrants’ key destinations from largely low-skilled, informally employment in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to a dominant share of high-skilled jobs in high-income countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and East Asia (Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand).

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

7)Consider the following :

1)FTAs or RTAs in terms of the WTO rules, are economic instruments available to a country for leveraging its competencies in trade and investment.

2)As of June 2016, all WTO members now have at least one RTA in force.

3)There has been a substantial rise in the number of trade agreements with 355 notifications of RTAs having been made to the WTO (As of 1 December 2022– Source: WTO website).

4)Many WTO members continue to be involved in negotiations to create new RTAs, which are mostly bilateral.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

8)Consider the following about ODOP :

1)One District One Product Initiative: The Districts as Export Hubs-ODOP initiative is aimed at targeting export promotion, manufacturing, and employment generation at the grassroots level, making the States and Districts meaningful stakeholders and active participants in making India an export powerhouse thereby contributing to the AatmNirbhar mission and achieving the vision of Make in India for the world and being Vocal for Local.

2)The initiative is also aimed at fostering balanced regional development across all districts of the country.

3) It seeks to select, brand, and promote products/services from each district of the country for enabling holistic socioeconomic growth across all regions, attract investment in the district to boost manufacturing and exports.

4)A growing emphasis on exports by focusing on districts as potential export hubs is also likely to integrate India more closely with the global value chain and propel India to be a significant exporter by leveraging the diversity and competitiveness in agriculture, marine, textile, pharmaceutical, chemicals and many engineering products.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

9)Consider the following about Krishi Udan Scheme :

1)Krishi Udan Scheme was launched in August 2020 on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realisation. Krishi Udan 2.0 was launched in October 2021 enhancing the existing provisions, mainly focusing on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, NorthEastern states, and tribal areas.

2)For facilitating and incentivising the movement of agricultural produce by air transportation, the Airports Authority of India provides a full waiver of Landing, Parking charges, Terminal Navigational Landing Charges and Route Navigation Facility Charges for Indian freighters and Passenger-to-Cargo Aircraft primarily around 25 airports focusing on North Eastern, Hilly and Tribal region and 28 airports in other regions/areas. Further, five more airports have been included under the Scheme, making it 58 airport

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

10)Consider the following :

1)In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular permitting an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in Indian Rupees (INR) to promote the growth of global trade with emphasis on exports from India and to support the increasing interest in the global trading community in INR as an international currency.

2)The framework involves invoicing of exports and imports in INR, market-determined exchange rates between the currencies of the trading partner countries, and settlement through special Rupee Vostro accounts opened with authorised dealer banks in India

3)Under this arrangement for settlement, (a) Indian importers undertaking imports through this mechanism shall make payment in INR which shall be credited into the Special Vostro account of the correspondent bank of the partner country, against the invoices for the supply of goods or services from the overseas seller /supplier, while (b) Indian exporters, undertaking exports of goods and services through this mechanism, shall be paid the export proceeds in INR from the balances in the designated Special Vostro account of the correspondent bank of the partner country

 

4)The above-mentioned framework for international settlement in INR acquires significance against the backdrop of the US Fed aggressively hiking the policy rates and its hawkish stand, the consequent rallying of the US dollar to multi-decade high levels, and concomitant weakening of currencies of various EMEs including the INR.

5)The framework could largely reduce the net demand for foreign exchange, the US dollar in particular, for the settlement of current account related trade flows. Further, the use of INR in cross-border trade is expected to mitigate currency risk for Indian businesses.

6)Protection from currency volatility not only reduces the cost of doing business but also enables better business growth, improving the chances for Indian businesses to grow globally. It also reduces the need for holding foreign exchange reserves and dependence on foreign currency, making Indian economy less vulnerable to external shocks.

7) Further, it could assist Indian exporters in getting advance payments in INR from overseas clients and in the longer term promote INR as an international currency once the rupee settlement mechanism gains traction. One of the prerequisites for the emergence of an international currency is that the said currency needs to be increasingly used for trade invoicing. In terms of foreign exchange market turnover (daily averages), as per the BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey 2022, the US dollar is the dominant vehicle currency accounting for 88 per cent of the global forex turnover.

 

8)The INR accounted for 1.6 per cent. If the INR turnover rises to equal the share of non-US, nonEuro currencies in global forex turnover of 4 per cent, INR could be regarded as an international currency, reflecting India’s position in the global economy

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

11)Consider the following about Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) :

1)India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) has, conventionally, been formulated for five years at a time.

 

2)The focus of the FTP has been to provide a framework of rules and procedures for exports and imports and a set of incentives for promoting exports.

 

3)The  FTP for 2015- 2020 was implemented

 

4)To provide policy stability during the pandemic period, the five year FTP 2015-20 was extended from 2020 to 2022.

 

5)The policy has been further extended till March 2023 on account of volatile global economic and geopolitical situations and currency fluctuations. During this period, the Government has been taking significant measures and consistently looking into opportunities to diversify the exports both in terms of products as well as potential markets.

 

6)The Government is actively working on facilitating trade agreements and launching schemes in consultation with various stakeholders. In the year 2022, India signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with UAE and with Australia.

 

7)This aims to provide greater market access with a reduction in tariff and non-tariff barriers on goods and services and make the exporters competitive.

 

8)The Export Preparedness Index has also been introduced to evaluate States’ potentials and capacities. It will guide all stakeholders towards strengthening the export ecosystem at both the national and sub-national levels.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

12)Consider the following :

1)India achieved an all-time high annual merchandise export of US$ 422.0 billion in FY22.

2)However, the global economy has started facing formidable headwinds and the ripple effect of the global trade slowdown has started reflecting in India’s merchandise export growth, wherein moderation in pace is observed in 2022.

 

3)Merchandise exports were US$ 332.8 billion over April-December 2022 against US$ 305.0 billion during the period April-December 2021. Nonpetroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in April-December 2022 were US$ 233.5 billion, as compared to US$ 230.0 billion in April-December 2021.

 

4)Petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) exports constituted about 21.1 per cent and non-POL exports were 78.9 per cent of total exports during FY23 (until December 2022).

 

5)Owing to the rise in global crude oil prices, petroleum products continued to be the most exported commodity in FY22 and April-December, 2022, followed by gems and jewellery, organic & inorganic chemicals, and drugs & pharmaceuticals

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

13)Consider the following :

Post Covid-19-induced disruptions, global trade prospects have improved in FY22.

 

1)Global trade exhibited resilience in the first half (H1) of 2022, notwithstanding the headwinds from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Robust merchandise imports – emerging primarily from Europe, the United States, and parts of the developing world supported the growth of merchandise trade in H12022.

 

2)This partially reflected pent-up demand relating to the legacy of the pandemic-driven spending shift from services towards goods that were constrained earlier because of the supply bottlenecks. Other factors contributing to the trend were the appreciation of the dollar in the case of the United States, the relative dynamism of intra-regional trade in Europe, and favourable terms-of-trade effects in some large emerging economies due to elevated energy prices. The global trade volume grew by 4.8 per cent in H12022, on top of an impressive recovery of 9.7 per cent in 2021, as per the World Trade Organisation (WTO) statistics.

 

3)The global merchandise trade in value terms rose year-on-year (YoY), by 22.2 per cent in 2021, reversing the deceleration observed in the previous three years. During the H1 of 2022, the trade-in value terms grew by 32 per cent compared to the corresponding period of 2019

 

4)However, the global trade outlook turned grimmer in the second half (H2) of 2022 on the back of a confluence of adverse factors including the increasing likelihood of a recession in the major economies and the tapering demand for consumer durables; aggressive monetary policy tightening by several central banks; disorderly financial conditions; continued supply-chain disruptions and elevated freight charges.

 

5)The leading indicators of global trade viz., inventories and new export orders seem to bear testimony to these adverse events. Trade growth is likely to slow in the closing months of 2022 and into 2023, according to the WTO Goods Trade Barometer released on 28 November 2022, as the global economy continues to be buffeted by strong headwinds. The current reading of 96.2 is below both the baseline value for the index and the previous reading of 100.0, reflecting the slowdown in demand for traded goods

 

5)Thus, as regards the future trade projections, according to the WTO, world trade is expected to lose momentum in H2-2022 and remain subdued in 2023. The organisation forecasts global trade to grow in 2023 by just 1 per cent, a sharp downward revision from the previous estimate of 3.4 per cent .

 

6)However, there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with the forecast due to shifting monetary policy in advanced economies and the unpredictable nature of the Russia Ukraine conflict. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in its Global Trade update of December 2022 has also noted that the ongoing trade slowdown is expected to worsen for 2023 and further that while the outlook for global trade remains uncertain, negative factors appear to outweigh positive trends

 

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

14)Consider the following :

1)Two global shocks in the new millennium – one an economic shock and the other, a health shock - have had very contrasting repercussions on the global economy. Following the global financial crisis in 2007-08 as the inflationary pressures were muted, interest rates were extremely low for long years.

 

2)The easing financial conditions supported global economic growth, which reached 4.5 per cent in 2010. Now, the Covid-19 pandemic is another shock to global growth performance, with economic growth down to a negative of 3.8 per cent in 2020. The following two years saw inflation rates rise to multi-decade highs, fuelled by global commodity and food price spikes.

 

3)The situation has been further amplified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. To stem the situation, monetary authorities in advanced economies, especially the US Federal Reserve (US Fed), are accelerating the pace of monetary policy normalisation.

 

4)The 10-year Treasury yield in the US increased almost six-fold between mid-2020 and mid-2022. Risk assets were sold off sharply triggering capital flight from many emerging and frontier market economies, bringing to a halt the rebound of net capital flows to developing countries observed since the last quarter of 2020.

 

5)Interest rates and prices of risk assets have been extremely volatile since April 2022, reflecting heightened uncertainty about the economic and policy outlook, exacerbated by low liquidity. The US dollar appreciated sharply against currencies of Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) and major advanced economies facing high borrowing costs.

 

6)Thus, global financial conditions have considerably tightened especially since April 2022, and the balance of risks is significantly skewed to the downside, thereby weakening the global economic outlook. Global growth is forecast to slow from 6.0 per cent in 2021 to 3.2 per cent in 2022 and 2.7 per cent in 2023 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is the weakest growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis and the acute phase of the pandemic. Further, external public debt vulnerability concerns are being exacerbated as such debt in developing economies is at record levels presently and most of it is owed to private creditors, with much of it involving variable interest rates that could spike suddenly.

7) Thus, emerging markets face a host of risks emanating from elevated external borrowing costs, sticky high inflation, volatile commodity markets, uncertain global economic growth outlook, and spill overs from policy tightening in advanced economies

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

15)Consider the following about Account Aggregator (AA) :

1)Account Aggregator (AA) is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) engaged in the business of providing the service of retrieving or collecting financial information pertaining to the customer.

 

2)No financial information of the customer is retrieved, shared or transferred by AA without the explicit consent of the customer. AA transfers data from one financial institution to another based on an individual's instruction and consent.

3)Registering with an AA is fully voluntary for consumers. Entities may enrol themselves on AA framework as Financial Information Provider (FIP) viz. banking company, non-banking financial company, asset management company, depository, depository participant, insurance company, insurance repository, pension fund etc. and as Financial Information User (FIU) which is an entity registered with and regulated by any financial sector regulator.

 

4)In this direction, RBI has issued the Master Direction viz Non-Banking Financial Company – Account Aggregator (Reserve Bank) Directions, dated September 02, 2016. At present, RBI has granted a Certificate of Registration to six companies as AA.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

16)Consider the following  (NeSL):

1)In line with the objective of the Digital India mission, which seeks to transform India into a digitally empowered nation, National e-Governance Services Limited (NeSL), an Information Utility registered with and regulated by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India under the aegis of the IBC 2016, introduced the Digital Document Execution (DDE) platform in 2020.

2)This was done at the behest of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and with the support of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

17)Consider the following :

1)India’s IT-BPM industry has been exceptionally resilient during the pandemic, driven by increased technology spending, accelerated technology adoption, and digital transformation.

 

2)This is evident in the swift and wide-scale remote working adoption of one of the world’s largest IT workforces.

 

3)Capitalising on the learnings from the first wave, the industry’s response to the second wave has moved beyond addressing the immediate challenges to significantly enhancing capabilities to become a future-ready organisation.

 

4)An obsession with customer-centricity, domain-specific solutions, a digital-first talent pool, and a laser-sharp focus on creating future-ready solutions have been the key pillars that enabled technology firms to respond proactively to emerging customer demand throughout the pandemic.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

18)Consider the following :

1)The Indian Insurance sector is at an inflexion point. India will be one of the main drivers of global insurance industry growth over the next decade.

2)Indian Insurance Market is the 10th largest in the world and is poised to become the 6th largest by 2032, ahead of Germany, Canada, Italy, and South Korea .

3)The insurance regulator, IRDAI, has taken up the mission of universal insurance, which is expected to lead to a significant increase in insurance penetration such that, when India celebrates 100 years of its independence in 2047, every Indian has appropriate life, health, and property insurance cover and every enterprise is supported by appropriate insurance solutions.

4)Towards this objective, the insurance regulator has taken various steps to promote healthy growth of the insurance industry, rationalise the regulatory framework, and reduce the compliance burden of regulated entities.

5)In line with the Government of India’s vision towards Financial Inclusion and a strong emphasis on accelerating reforms, IRDAI, during FY23, has implemented the following measures to increase accessibility, innovation, competition, distribution efficiency, and choice availability while mainstreaming technology and moving towards principle-based regime

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

19)Consider the following about Medical Tourism  :

1)India is ranked 10th out of the top 46 countries in the World in the Medical Tourism Index FY21 released by Medical Tourism Association.

2)The way India has handled the Covid situation and also prepared itself for future shocks, trust in India’s medical infrastructure has improved.

3)This will give a big push to Medical Value Tourism (MVT) which is expected to grow to US$ 13 billion by 20228 .

4)Several factors, such as the presence of world-class hospitals and skilled medical professionals, superior quality healthcare, low treatment costs compared with other countries, credibility in alternative systems of medicine, and increased global demand for wellness services like Yoga and meditation, make India a popular medical tourism destination

 5)India has also attempted to improve its attractiveness as a destination for specialised tourism. Recent initiatives like the Ayush visa for tourists who desire to visit India for medical treatment, the launch of the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism & Responsible Traveller Campaign, the introduction of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, and Heal in India can assist in capturing a larger share of the global medical tourism market.

6)Going forward, the G20 presidency presents a unique opportunity for the Indian travel and tourism industry to take advantage of this chance to promote India as a "major tourism destination", which is likely to positively impact passenger travel and hotel occupancy rate.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

20)Consider the following :

1)Various targeted initiatives of the Government have given a major boost to start-ups. For instance, under the Start-up India Initiative, eligible companies get recognised as Start-ups by DPIIT to access a host of tax benefits, easier compliance, and IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) fast-tracking.

2)As part of the umbrella schemes of the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), entrepreneurship and innovation are fostered across the start-up ecosystem in the country.

3)The Fund of Funds for Start-ups (FFS) and Credit Guarantee

 

4)Scheme for Start-ups (CGSS) support seed funding and successive credit needs. The R&D platform for technology sectors is offered by schemes such as MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH) and Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0), among others. Engaging Indian start-ups with global peers is another essential pillar of Start-up India and is facilitated through Government-to-Government partnerships, participation in international forums, and hosting of global events. Further, the Support for International Patent Protection in E&IT (SIP-EIT) Scheme encourages international patent filing by Indian MSMEs and start-ups

5)While external support from the government has made it relatively easier than before for entrepreneurship to thrive, there are several inherent challenges faced by start-ups. Be it ever-elusive funding, revenue generation struggles, lack of easy access to supportive infrastructure, or wading through the regulatory environment and tax structures. It has also been observed that many Indian companies have been getting headquartered overseas, especially in destinations with favourable legal environments and taxation policies.

 

6)The technical jargon for this may be identified as ‘Flipping’, which is the process of transferring the entire ownership of an Indian company to an overseas entity, accompanied by a transfer of all IP and all data hitherto owned by the Indian company. It effectively transforms an Indian company into a 100 per cent subsidiary of a foreign entity, with the founders and investors retaining the same ownership via the foreign entity, having swapped all shares.

 

7)Typically, “Flipping” happens at the early stage of the Start-ups, driven by commercial, taxation and personal preferences of founders and investors. Some companies decide to “Flip” because the major market of their product is offshore. Sometimes, investor preferences like access to incubators drive the companies to “Flip” as they insist on a particular domicile. Some companies prefer to domicile in countries where they would like to access Capital Market later for better valuations and ticket size. Better protection and enforcement of IP and tax treatment of Licensing revenue from IP, residential status of Founders, and agile corporate structures have been the reasons for “Flipping” in the Past

 

 

 

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

21)Consider the following :

1) In pursuit of the objectives of the Make-in-India programme and with a vision to achieve Aatmanirbharta, the government launched the PLI scheme.

 

2)The scheme is expected to attract a capex of approximately Rs.3 lakh crore over the next five years. It has the potential to generate employment for over 60 lakh in India and increase the share of the manufacturing sector in total capital formation, which currently stands at around 17-20 per cent between FY12 and FY20. It is further believed that there will be a significant reduction in the trade deficit with domestic production substituting for imports.

 

3)Sectors under which the PLI scheme has been announced currently constitute around 40 per cent of the total imports. The scheme, spread across 14 sectors, can enhance India’s annual manufacturing capex by 15 to 20 per cent from FY23.

 

4)PLI Scheme across these key specific sectors is poised to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investment in the areas of core competency and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiencies; create economies of scale; and make India an integral part of the global value chain. The scheme will benefit the MSME ecosystem in the country. The anchor units built in every sector will require a new supplier base in the entire value chain. Most of these ancillary units will be built in the MSME sector.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

22)Consider the following :

1)The risk of supply chain shocks has never been more palpable than today, following compounding crises from the US-China trade war, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

 

2)In this fast-evolving context, as global companies adapt their manufacturing and supply chain strategies to build resilience, India has a unique opportunity to become a global manufacturing hub this decade.

 

3)The three primary assets to capitalise on this unique opportunity are the potential for significant domestic demand, the Government’s drive to encourage manufacturing, and a distinct demographic edge, including a considerable proportion of the young workforce. The manufacturing sector in India is gradually shifting to more automated and process-driven manufacturing, which is expected to increase efficiency and boost the production of the industry.

 

4)The ‘Make-in-India’ Initiative was launched in 2014 to make India a hub for manufacturing, design, and innovation. Since then, it has facilitated investment, fostered innovation and built world-class infrastructure.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

23)Consider the following FDI :

1)India continues to open up its sectors to global investors by raising FDI limits and removing regulatory barriers to attracting increased investments, in addition to developing infrastructure and improving the business environment.

2)To make India a more attractive investment destination, the Government has implemented several radical and transformative FDI reforms across sectors such as Defence, Pension, e-commerce activities etc

3)In FY20, 100 per cent FDI under automatic route was permitted for the sale of coal, and coal mining activities, including associated processing infrastructure, subject to provisions of relevant acts.

 

4)26 per cent FDI under the government route has been permitted for uploading/ streaming of News & Current Affairs through Digital Media.

 

5)100 per cent FDI has been permitted in Intermediaries or Insurance Intermediaries, including insurance brokers, reinsurance brokers, insurance consultants, corporate agents, third-party administrators, Surveyors and Loss Assessors and such other entities as may be notified by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority from time to time

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

24)Consider the following about food processing sector:

1)The food processing sector is of enormous significance for India's development because of the strong connections and interactions it promotes between industry and agriculture.

 

2)During the last five years ending FY21, the food processing industries sector has been growing at an average annual growth rate of around 8.3 per cent. As per the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2019-20, 12.2 per cent of persons in the registered manufacturing sector were employed in the food processing sector.

 

3)The value of agri-food exports, including processed food exports, was about 10.9 per cent of India's total exports during 2021-22.

 

4)With the growing importance of processed food items in the consumer basket, new horizons are now open for both the agriculture and the industry sector pushing diversification and commercialisation in farming, improvement in the efficiency of resource use, enhancement in the income of farmers, expansion in the avenues to export agro foods and generation of employment opportunities. Optimum development of the food processing sector will contribute significantly to tackling several developmental concerns such as disguised rural unemployment in agriculture, rural poverty, food security, food inflation, improved nutrition, prevention of wastage of food etc.

 

5)Recognising the abundant potential of the sector, the Government has been at the forefront with various interventions aimed at the development of food processing in the country.

 

6)The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, through the component schemes of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), provide financial assistance for the overall growth and development of the food processing sector. Under PMKSY, 677 projects have been completed till 31 December 2022.

 

7)The Ministry also launched in 2020 the Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme as part of the ANB Abhiyan to enhance the competitiveness of individual micro-enterprises in the unorganised segment and promote the formalisation of this sector by providing financial, technical and business support for upgradation/setting up of 2 lakh micro units in the country.

 

8)As of 31 December 2022, 15,095 loans of ₹1402.6 crore were sanctioned.

 

9)The scheme adopts the One District One Product(ODOP) approach to reap the benefit of scale in procuring inputs, using shared services and marketing products. So far, 713 Districts with 137 unique products were approved under the ODOP in 35 States/ UTs

 

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

25)Consider the following about New National Cooperation Policy :

1)With the view to strengthening the cooperative movement in the country, deepening its reach to the grassroots, and promoting cooperative-based economic development, a New National Cooperation Policy is being formulated involving the relevant stakeholders such as experts of the cooperative sector, representatives from National/ State/ District/ Primary level cooperative societies, Secretaries (Cooperation) and Resident Commissioners from States/UTs, officers from Central Ministries/ Departments.

 

2)The objective is to have a policy that unlocks the true potential of the Cooperation sector

 

3)In addition, the Government has also decided to introduce the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022.

 

4)The Bill seeks to amend the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002, to bring it in line with Part IXB of the Constitution and to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country by bringing in provisions relating to electoral reforms, strengthening governance and transparency, reforming the composition, meetings and membership of board; enabling the raising of funds by co-operative sector, strengthening monitoring mechanism, enhancing ‘Ease of doing business’, etc. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022 in the winter session of Parliament.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

 

 

 

26)Consider the following :

 

Seven priorities of the Union budget (2023-2024) ‘Saptarishi’ are

1)inclusive development,

2)reaching the last mile,

3)infrastructure and investment,

4)unleashing the potential,

5)green growth,

6)youth power

7)financial sector.

 

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

27)Consider the following :

1)Sickle Cell Anaemia elimination mission to be launched.

2)Sickle cell Anaemia is a health problem , commonly among tribal people

3)Sickle cell Anaemia  is a genetic disease

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. A

(The relationships between genes and DNA are best understood by mutation studies.  Effects of large deletions and rearrangements in a segment of DNA are easy to comprehend. It may result in loss or gain of a gene and so a function. The effect of point mutations will be explained here. A classical example of point mutation is a change of single base pair in the gene for beta globin chain that results in the change of amino acid residue glutamate to valine. It results into a diseased condition called as sickle cell anemia. ) On the basis of statistical projection it is estimated that every human being carry about 5 or more defective recessive genes which can cause a genetic disease. The disease phenotype of a recessive disorder is due to homozygosity of a recessive allele and the unaffected phenotype is secondary to corresponding dominant allele. This can be explained with the example of sickle cell anemia which is a autosomal recessive disease. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin-β gene found on chromosome 11. This results in a defective haemoglobin (Hb). After giving up oxygen these defective Hb molecules cluster together resulting in formation of rod like structures. The red blood cells become stiff and assume sickle shape. Sickle cell anemia is determined by an allele which we can designate as s and the normal condition by S. The person affected by the disease will have a genotype of s/s and unaffected ones will be either S/S or S/s. We can make a projected pedigree of the disease as follows assuming that both parents are carriers (S/s). Sickle cell anemia is particularly common among people whose ancestors originated from sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Cuba, Central America, Saudi Arabia, India, and Mediterranean countries.

 

In India it is common among people of the Deccan plateau of central India with a smaller focus in the north of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

 

28)Consider the following :

 

1)“PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth” (PM-PRANAM) 

2)It is to be launched to incentivize States and Union Territories to promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

29)Consider the following about MISHTI :

 

1) MISHTI : ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’, to be taken up for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, through convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund and other sources.

 

2)Building on India’s success in afforestation, ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’, MISHTI, will be taken up for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, wherever feasible, through convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund and other sources.

 

3)Sunderbans(WB), Coringa(Godavari districts), Bheetharakanika (Odisha), are some of the Mangroves in East Coast of India

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

(In India, the mangrove forests spread over 6,740 sq. km which is 7 per cent of the world’s mangrove forests. They are highly developed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sunderbans of West Bengal. Other areas of significance are the Mahanadi, the Godavari and the Krishna deltas. These forests too, are being encroached upon, and hence, need conservation.) the mangrove forest and other wetlands of the island arcs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mangroves grow along the coasts in the salt  Forests marshes, tidal creeks, mud flats and estuaries. They consist of a number of salt-tolerant species of plants. Crisscrossed by creeks of stagnant water and tidal flows, these forests give shelter to a wide variety of birds)

 

 

 

 

 

30)Consider the following about Amrit Dharohar Scheme:

 

1)Amrit Dharohar scheme to be implemented over the next three years

2)It is to encourage optimal use of wetlands, enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

31)Consider the following about NFIR :

 

1)National Financial Information Registry to be set up to serve as the central repository of financial and ancillary information for facilitating efficient flow of credit, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering financial stability.

2) A new legislative framework to be designed in consultation with RBI to govern this credit public infrastructure

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

32)Consider the following about Shree Anna  :

1)“India is at the forefront of popularizing Millets, whose consumption furthers nutrition, food security and welfare of farmers,” said Hon’ble Prime Minister.

2)We are the largest producer and second largest exporter of ‘Shree Anna’ in the world. We grow several types of 'Shree Anna' such as jowar, ragi, bajra, kuttu, ramdana, kangni, kutki, kodo, cheena, and sama.

3)These have a number of health benefits, and have been an integral part of our food for centuries farmers in contributing to the health of fellow citizens by growing these ‘Shree Anna’.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

33)Consider the following about Sahakar Se Samriddhi :

1)For farmers, especially small and marginal farmers, and other marginalised sections, the government is promoting cooperative-based economic development model.

2)A new Ministry of Cooperation was formed with a mandate to realise the vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’.

3)To realise this vision, the government has already initiated computerisation of 63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with an investment of  Rs. 2,516 crore. In consultation with all stakeholders and states, model bye-laws for PACS were formulated enabling them to become multipurpose PACS. A national cooperative database is being prepared for country-wide mapping of cooperative societies

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

34)Consider the following about Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia :

1)A Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 will be launched.

2)It will entail awareness creation, universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected tribal areas, and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

35)Consider the following about PVTGs:

 

1)To improve socio-economic conditions of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs), Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission will be launched.

2)This will saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

3)An amount of  Rs. 15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

36)Consider the following about Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD):

 

1)Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD) is a technology-and innovation-driven emerging sector with high employment potential.

2)These environment friendly diamonds which have optically and chemically the same properties as natural diamonds.

3)To encourage indigenous production of LGD seeds and machines and to reduce import dependency, a research and development grant will be provided to one of the IITs for five years.

 

4)India is a global leader in cutting and polishing of natural diamonds, contributing about three-fourths of the global turnover by value. With the depletion in deposits of natural diamonds, the industry is moving towards Lab Grown Diamonds (LGDs) and it holds huge promise

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

37)Consider the following about LiFE :

1)Hon’ble Prime Minister has given a vision for “LiFE”, or Lifestyle for Environment, to spur a movement of environmentally conscious lifestyle.

2)India is moving forward firmly for the ‘panchamrit’ and net-zero carbon emission by 2070 to usher in green industrial and economic transition.

3)This Budget builds on our focus on green growth

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

38)Consider the following about Green Hydrogen Mission :

1)The recently launched National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an outlay of Rs.19,700 crores, will facilitate transition of the economy to low carbon intensity, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and make the country assume technology and market leadership in this sunrise sector.

2)Our target is to reach an annual production of 5 MMT by 2030.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

39)Consider the following about Green Credit Programme  :

 

1)For encouraging behavioural change, a Green Credit Programme will be notified under the Environment (Protection) Act.

2)This will incentivize environmentally sustainable and responsive actions by companies, individuals and local bodies, and help mobilize additional resources for such activities.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

40)Consider the following :

1)“PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth

2)It  will be launched to incentivize States and Union Territories to promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. a

 

41)Consider the following about GOBARdhan :

 

1)500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme will be established for promoting circular economy.

2)These will include 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, including 75 plants in urban areas, and 300 community or cluster-based plants at total investment of ` 10,000 crore.

3)In  due course, a 5 per cent CBG mandate will be introduced for all organizations marketing natural and bio gas. For collection of bio-mass and distribution of bio-manure, appropriate fiscal support will be provided.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

42)Consider the following Wetlands :

1)Wetlands are vital ecosystems which sustain biological diversity.

2)“Now the total number of Ramsar sites in our country has increased to 75.

3)Whereas, before 2014, there were only 26…” Local communities have always been at the forefront of conservation efforts.

4)The government will promote their unique conservation values through Amrit Dharohar, a scheme that will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal use of wetlands, and enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

43)Consider the following UPI:

 

1)Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that empowers and knits multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into one hood.

2)It also caters to the “Peer to Peer” collection request, which can be scheduled and paid as per requirement and convenience.

 

3)The success of UPI has not been restricted to India alone; NPCI, through its international arm NPCIL is pushing for acceptance of RuPay/UPI powered apps, cross-border remittance and UPI-Like deployment in international markets such as Singapore, UAE, France, the Netherlands among others

 

 

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

44)Consider the following DPI :

1)The emergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), aimed at improving financial literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, employment generation, and empowering beneficiaries has played a critical role in uplifting the economy and bringing it to the stature where it stands today.

2)The journey of DPI has been remarkably memorable, dating to 2009, when Aadhaar was first launched.

3) It is fourteen years now, and the digital journey since then has taken the country quite far. The three growth drivers that acted as catalysts for DPI growth were favourable demographics, vast expansion of the middle-class, and digital behaviour patterns.

4)By leveraging these growth drivers, India has built a competitive digital economy that empowers every individual and business to transact paperless and cashless.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

45)Consider the following PM GatiShakti  :

1)The growth experience of advanced economies has highlighted the importance of having a multimodal transport network approach.

2) Introducing the holistic planning in the case of infrastructure projects, the government launched PM GatiShakti, charting a transformative approach to infrastructure development.

3)The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan entails creation of a common umbrella platform with all infrastructure projects pertaining to various ministries/ departments incorporated within a comprehensive database for efficient planning and implementation on a real-time basis.

4)The projects pertaining to seven engines (roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways, and logistic infrastructure) in the NIP will be aligned with PM GatiShakti framework.

5)The touchstone of the Master Plan will be high quality modern infrastructure and logistics synergy among different modes of movement – both of people and of goods – and location of projects. This will help raise productivity, and accelerate economic growth and development

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

46)Consider the following :

1)Given that India aims to increase its exports manifold, it is important that the logistics aspects, that will facilitate this goal, be addressed.

2)Logistics costs in India have been in the range of 14-18 per cent of GDP against the global benchmark of 8 per cent.

3)Key dimensions to be addressed to improve logistics for trade include: ensuring efficiency of the clearance process (i.e., speed, simplicity, and predictability of formalities) by border control agencies, including customs; improving the quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure (e.g., ports, railroads, roads, information technology); easing of arranging competitively priced shipments; enhancing the competence and quality of logistics services (e.g., transport operators, customs brokers); providing for tracking and tracing of consignments and ensuring timeliness of shipments in reaching destinations within the scheduled or expected delivery time.

4)These aspects have been captured by the World Bank in the form of a Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

47)Consider the following :

1)A developing economy such as ours requires a continued stepping up of infrastructure investment to sustain a high rate of growth, which in turn is a pre-requisite for achieving wide ranging social objectives.

 2)In view of this, the government launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) with a forward-looking approach and with a projected infrastructure investment of around ₹111 lakh crore during FY20-25 to provide high quality infrastructure across the country.

3)It also envisages improving project preparation and attracting domestic and foreign investment in infrastructure. The NIP includes infrastructure projects of more than ₹100 crore covering greenfield and brownfield investments.

4)The NIP currently has 8,964 projects with a total investment of more than ₹108 lakh crore under different stages of implementation. Regarding sectoral composition, the transport sector constituted more than half of the projects

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

48)Consider the following :

1)Private investment in infrastructure is mainly in the form of PPPs.

2)PPPs are vital instruments for governments in channelling the strength of private sector in critical areas of infrastructure.

3)It helps to address infrastructure gap and improve efficiency in infrastructure service delivery. The very success of PPPs lies in the robustness of institutional structure, financial support, and use and availability of standardised documents, such as Model Request for Qualification (RFQ), Model Request for Proposal (RFP) and Model Concession Agreements (MCAs).

4)In India, private participation in infrastructure programmes supports several PPP models, including management contracts like Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Design-Build-FinanceOperate-Transfer (DBFOT), Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer (ROT), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), and Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model.

5)Under the BOT model, there are two variants – BOT (Toll) and BOT (Annuity) depending on who bears the traffic risk. In the case of BOT(Toll), the traffic risk is borne by the PPP concessionaire, while in the case of BOT (Annuity), it is borne by the public authority

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

49)Consider the following in the context of Economic Survey Report 2022-2023:

1)In a broad sense, the term infrastructure refers to the “…physical facilities, institutions and organisational structures, or the social and economic foundations, for the operation of a society” (World Investment Report 2008: Transnational Corporations and the Infrastructure Challenge. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.).

2)The presently we are focusing only on emerging issues in the context of physical and digital infrastructure.

3)Separate information is   provided in-depth views on social infrastructure and financial infrastructure related issues.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

50)Consider the following :

1)The  correlation between infrastructure and development brings us to the present scenario when during the times of pandemic and geo-political crisis, the government kept its focus on reforms in areas of physical, digital and regulatory infrastructure.

2)In order to increase the private sector participation in creation of new infrastructure and development of existing ones, the government took initiatives like Public-Private Partnership (PPP), National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP).

3)In addition to this, as part of the structural reforms with the objective to enhance efficiencies and cost competitiveness, GatiShakti and National Logistics Policy (NLP) were also launched. This buffet of reforms on all aspects related to infrastructure investment and project execution not just ensures economic growth and economic efficiency but also generates confidence among various stakeholders in the economy towards government functioning.

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

26)Consider the following Union Budget 2023-2024: (IT Slabs)

1) 0 to Rs.3,00,000                                                            :Tax : NIl

2)Rs.3,00,000 to Rs.6,00,000                                        :  5 % tax

3)Rs.6,00,000 to Rs.9,00,000                                        : 10 % Tax

4)Rs.9,00,000 to Rs.12,00,000                                      : 15 % Tax

5)Rs.12,00,000 to Rs.15,00,000                                    : 20 % Tax

6) Rs.15,00,000 and above                                            : 30 % Tax

 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2,3,4,5,6
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Answer. a

 

 

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