UPSC 2011 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Mega Food Park Scheme, launched in 2008-09, aims to significantly enhance the food processing industry by increasing value and reducing food waste throughout the supply chain, particularly for perishable goods. This initiative is over-seen by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The scheme is executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a corporate entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Based on a "Cluster" approach, the scheme focuses on developing advanced support infrastructure in specific agricultural or horticultural zones. This infrastructure is designed to enable the establishment of modern food processing units on industrial plots within the park, supported by a well-established supply chain.

Statement 1 is correct: Through a cluster-based approach, mega food parks build cutting-edge infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward connections.

Statement 2 is correct: The Scheme is aimed at providing a method for connecting agricultural production to the market by bringing together producers, processors, and retailers in order to maximise value addition, focused processing of perishable items, reduce wastage, boost farmers’ incomes, and create jobs, particularly in the rural sector.

Statement 3 is incorrect: A Mega Food Park normally includes cold chain, collection centres, primary processing centres, central processing centres, and about 25 to 30 fully completed plots for entrepreneurs to build food processing units. While the entrepreneurs are supported to establish food processing units, providing emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies is not an stated objective of promoting Mega Food Parks.

Explanation

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) legally guarantees that adult members of all rural households can apply for work, ensuring inclusivity without discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or socioeconomic status. Despite the broad eligibility, MGNREGA often prioritizes Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in practice, reflecting its primary goal of poverty alleviation and providing livelihood security to the most vulnerable rural communities. MGNREGA recognises the right to work as a fundamental entitlement for all rural residents, aimed at improving livelihoods and empowering communities, even if implementation targets certain groups for effectiveness.

Explanation

The crop suitable to be grown in the lower Gangetic plain, which is characterized by a humid climate with high temperature throughout the year, is Paddy and Jute. Paddy: It grows well in the plains of north and north-eastern India, coastal areas and the deltaic regions, where there is an abundance of alluvial clayey soil. A high temperature (above 25°C) and significant humidity are necessary for this kharif crop. Jute: Its cultivation is mainly concentrated in eastern India because of the rich alluvial soil of Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. Jute crops need humid conditions with temperature swings between 24 and 38 degrees Celsius.

Explanation

The Indian Forest Act, 1927 This Act provides the legal framework for the management and protection of forests in In-dia. By regulating the use of forest resources, it directly contributes to the conservation of biodiversity within forest ecosystems. In order to increase accountability for forest protection, this act lays out the steps that must be taken when designating a region as a Reserved Forest, Protected Forest, or Village Forest. Import and Ex-port (Control) Act, 1947 This Act regulates the import and export of goods, including wildlife and plant species. By controlling trade, it helps prevent the exploitation and illegal trafficking of endangered species, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act 1957 Mining activities, whether occurring within or near Protected Areas, cause a range of environmental consequences that can be severe and irreversible. Thus mining is restricted in reserved areas. Customs Act, 1962 Import and export of GMOs or exotic species are strictly regulated whereas certain medicinal plants are subjected to high customs duties to regulate their trade.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Bioasphalt is not derived from fossil fuels but from renewable biomass sources like plant-based oils, algae, and bio-waste. This makes it a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based asphalt.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The claim that bioasphalt is made from non-renewable resources is wrong because its raw materials come from renewable sources such as biomass and organic waste. Unlike conventional asphalt, which relies on finite petroleum reserves, bioasphalt can be continuously replen-ished.

Statement 3 is correct: Bioasphalt can be produced from organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues, used cooking oil, and forestry waste. This reduces waste accumulation and promotes circular economy practices by repurpos-ing waste into construction materials.

Statement 4 is correct: Using bioasphalt lowers greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces dependency on fossil fuels and utilizes carbon-sequestering biomass. It contributes to sustainable road infrastructure, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in construction.

Explanation

"Unto This Last" & Gandhi Written by John Ruskin (1860), the book deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi. The message that transformed Mahatma Gandhi was "The good of individual is contained in the good of all" Gandhi translated it into Gujarati as "Sarvodaya" (The Welfare of All). Core message: Individual well-being is tied to societal welfare, promoting ethical economics, self-sufficiency, and equitable wealth distribution. Inspired Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement in South Africa and self-reliant village development in India. v v v

Explanation

If the Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha, it indicates a lack of confidence in the government’s financial proposals. Since the government is responsible for presenting and managing the budget, this failure typically results in a crisis of confidence. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are expected to resign, as the government’s authority is effectively undermined.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: During the time of approaching elections, it is not practical to present a full budget, therefore the government presents an interim budget. Interim Budget can be presented by all governments whether incumbent or regular or caretaker.

Statement 2 is correct: The Appropriation Bill becomes an Act after Presidential assent, authorizing withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India. Since its enactment takes time, the government cannot withdraw funds beyond March 31. To address this, the Lok Sabha grants a ‘Vote on Account’, allowing advance funds for essential expenses, usually for two months, covering one-sixth of the total estimated expenditure, until the Appropriation Bill is passed. A vote-on-account contains only the expenditure of the government’s budget while an Interim Budget is a complete set of accounts i.e. it includes both expenditure and receipts.

Explanation

In India, Commercial Banks have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities. As of 2019-20, they accounted for approximately 76.83% of the total agricultural credit disbursed because:

Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms require banks to lend at least 18% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to agriculture. Commercial banks have the widest reach and higher lending Institutions like NABARD help commercial banks in refinancing agricultural loans. Most KCC loans are provided by commercial banks. RBI & Government have encouraged commercial banks to expand rural branches and digitize farm credit. Options (b) is incorrect: Cooperative banks have been pivotal in providing credit to the agricultural sector, particularly in rural areas. These banks cater to small farmers, especially those with lower creditworthiness who may not have access to commercial banks. Despite their importance in the past, cooperative banks’ share in agricultural credit has declined due to several factors:

Weak Financial Health:

Limited Reach Declining Role Options (c) is incorrect: Regional Rural Banks were established in 1975 with the objective of providing credit to rural and semi-rural areas. RRBs were created to support rural farmers and small entrepreneurs who had limited access to mainstream banking. Over time, RRBs have increased their contribution to agricultural credit. Their share increased from 6.86% in 1999-2000 to about 13% in 2015-16. Options (d) is incorrect: Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide small loans to low-income individuals and groups, often in rural areas. While they contribute to rural credit, their share in overall agricultural credit disbursement is smaller compared to commercial banks, cooperative banks, and RRBs.

Explanation

Inclusive growth is economic growth that delivers social benefits, tackles inequalities and spreads benefits more fairly between people and places. In the context of the Indian economy, several initiatives contribute significantly to this objective:

Statement 1 is correct: Self-Help Groups are community-based groups that enable people to come together for mutual support, primarily in rural areas. These groups provide a platform for individuals, especially women, to access financial services like savings, credit, and insurance. SHGs contribute to inclusive growth by empowering women, improving financial literacy, and enhancing social capital.

Statement 2 is correct: MSMEs play a pivotal role in India’s economic landscape by generating employment, fostering innovation, and contributing to exports. They encourage equitable distribution of wealth and act as engines of economic progress. The MSME sector has the highest employment growth rate, positively impacting both exports and industrial growth.

Statement 3 is correct: The RTE Act mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, ensuring that disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), have access to quality education. By providing educational opportunities to marginalized sections, the act aims to uplift backward communities and promote inclusive development.