100MCQS ON BUDGET AND ECONOMIC SURVEY
and 14 million-plus cities. The index is an initiative to
1.Consider the following statements about the IND-SAT
Examination:
1. It will be held for Asian and African students for
scholarships to 'Study in India'.
2. The first edition of it will be conducted by the
National Testing Agency(NTA)
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: In the Union Budget for the financial
year (FY) 2020-21, Finance
Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday
announced the introduction of 'Ind-SAT'
examination to attract students from foreign countries
and make India a global
destination for higher education.
Ind-SAT will be an exam for Asian and African
countries to help make India a higher
education destination. It will be useful for awarding
scholarships to the meritorious
students from the neighbouring countries.
The first edition of the Ind-SAT will be conducted in
May 2020 by the National Testing
Agency(NTA) across 13 countries. These countries
include India, Nepal, Ethiopia,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sri
Lanka, Kenya, Zambia, India and
Mauritius.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget for the financial year (FY) 2020-
21, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala
Sitharaman announced the introduction of 'Ind-SAT'
examination to attract students from
foreign countries and make India a global destination
for higher education.
Source:
Page2
2. Consider the following statements about the "Ease of
Living Index":
1. It is developed by the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs.
2. The citizen participation survey is an important part
of the assessment.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs unveiled the "Ease of Living
Index (EoLI)" 2019 and the municipal performance
index to help assess the progress
made in cities and empower them to use evidence to
plan, implement and monitor their
development.
Both these indices are designed to assess the quality
of life of citizens in 100 smart cities
assess the liveability of cities as compared to global
and national benchmarks.
The EoLI 2019 will assess three pillars: quality of life,
economic ability and sustainability, which are further
divided into 14 categories across 50 indicators.
The citizen participation survey is an important part of
the assessment as it will help in capturing the
assessment of citizens with respect to the quality of
life in their cities. Apart from this, quality of life has
35% weightage, the economic ability has 15% and
sustainability has 20%.
Why is this question important?
'Ease of Living' underlined by the three themes of
Union Budget 2020-21.
Source:
3. Consider the following pairs of the initiatives declared
in the Union Budget
2020-21 and the respective organisation implementing
them:
Initiative Implementing Organisation
1. Kisan Rail Indian Railways
2. Krishi Udaan Ministry of Civil Aviation
Which of the above pairs is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: "Kisan Rail" is proposed to be set up by
Indian Railways through Public-
Private Partnership (PPP) to build a seamless national
cold supply chain for perishables
(milk, meat, fish, etc.). Under these initiatives, Express
and Freight trains to have
refrigerated coaches.
"Krishi Udaan" will be launched by the Ministry of Civil
Aviation under which both
international and national routes will be covered.
North-East and tribal districts are
expected to realize Improved value of agri-products by
the implementation of this
scheme.
Why is this question important?
These two initiatives were announced in the Union
Budget 2020-21.
Source:
4. Consider the following statements about the "Jaivik
Kheti Portal":
Page4
1. It is a unique initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture
(MoA), Department of Agriculture
(DAC) along with the Ministry of Science Technology
and Climate Change.
2. Jaivik kheti portal is an E-commerce as well as a
knowledge platform.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Jaivik kheti portal is a unique initiative
of the Ministry of Agriculture
(MoA), Department of Agriculture (DAC) along with
MSTC to promote organic farming
globally. It is a one-stop solution for facilitating organic
farmers to sell their organic
produce and promoting organic farming and its
benefits.
Jaivik kheti portal is an E-commerce as well as a
knowledge platform. Knowledge
repository section of the portal includes case studies,
videos, and best farming practices,
success stories and other material related to organic
farming to facilitate and promote
organic farming. The e-commerce section of the portal
provides the whole bouquet of
organic products ranging from grains, pulses, fruits
and vegetables.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget 2020-21, it is mentioned that this
portal will be straightened to
promote organic farming and products.
Source:
5. Consider the following statements about the Zero
Budget Natural Farming:
1. It is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing
from traditional Indian practices.
2. It emphasizes reducing the input cost of agriculture.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is
a method of chemical-free
agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.
It was originally promoted by Maharashtrian
agriculturist and Padma Shri recipient
Subhash Palekar, who developed it in the mid-1990s
as an alternative to the Green
Revolution's methods driven by chemical fertilizers and
pesticides and intensive irrigation.
Without the need to spend money on these inputs —
or take loans to buy them — the
cost of production could be reduced and farming made
into a "zero budget" exercise,
breaking the debt cycle for many small farmers.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget Speech, Finance Minister Nirmala
Sithraman emphasized on this
practice of farming.
Source:
6. With reference to the PM KUSUM Scheme, consider
the following
statements:
1. It is implemented by the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy.
2. It will help to de-dieselise the agriculture.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Government has approved
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha
evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme to
increase farmers' income, provide a
reliable source for irrigation and de-dieselise the farm
sector.
It is implemented by the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE).
It has a total of three components:
i. Component A- Setting up of 10,000 MW of
Decentralized Grid-Connected Renewable
Energy Power Plants on barren land.
ii. Component B- Installation of 17.50 Lakh stand-
alone solar agriculture pumps
iii. Component C- Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid
Connected Agriculture Pumps
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget Speech, Finance Minister Nirmala
Sithraman announced that this
scheme would be expanded to provide for setting up
stand-alone solar pump to 20 lakhs
farmers and 15 lakh farmers to be helped to solarise
their grid-connected pump sets.
Source:
7. With reference to the recently proposed "Village
Storage Scheme", consider
the following statements:
1. It will involve Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
2. It will provide farmers with a good holding capacity
and reduce their logistics cost.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
Page7
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone:
In her Budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman announced that the
government will launch a 'Village Storage Scheme'.
This, she said, will be run by women's
self-help groups.
The scheme aims to provide holding capacity for
farmers and through this, women in
villages and the rural part of the country will be able to
retain their status as "Dhaanya
Lakshmi" (one of the eight forms of Hindu deity
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth).
It will also help to reduce their logistics cost and
increase their income.
Why is this question important?
In her Budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman announced that the
government will launch a 'Village Storage Scheme'.
Source:
8. Consider the following statements about the "
Warehousing Development
and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)":
1. It is a non-statutory body.
2. It works under the aegis of under the Department
of Food and Public Distribution,
Government of India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (B)
Learning Zone:
Page8
The Warehousing Development and Regulatory
Authority (WDRA) was constituted on
26.10.2010 under the Warehousing (Development and
Regulation) Act, 2007 vide
Government of India Gazette Notification dated 26th
October 2010.
It is formed to exercise the powers conferred on it and
to perform the functions assigned
to it under the Act, Rules and Regulations for the
development and regulation of
warehouses, negotiability of warehouse receipts and
promote orderly growth of the
warehousing business in the country.
It is a Statutory Authority under the Department of
Food and Public Distribution,
Government of India. The Authority has its
Headquarters in New Delhi.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget 2020-21, it has been proposed to
establish warehousing in line
Warehouse Development and Regulatory Authority
(WDRA) norms.0
Source:
9. Who among the following is/are the main beneficiaries
under the Deen
Dayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Yojana(DAY)?
1. Urban poor
2. Rural poor
3. Refugees under the poverty line
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. 1 and 3 only
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone:
Page9
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) to uplift the
urban poor folks by enhancing
sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill
development. Keeping in view the
objective of Make in India, Skill Development is
essential for socio-economic betterment.
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana was launched under the
Ministry of Housing and Urban
Poverty Alleviation (HUPA). Government of India has
provisioned Rs.500 crore for the
scheme.
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is renamed
as Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-
(DAY-NULM) and in Hindi as - Rashtriya Shahri
Aajeevika Mission. Under the scheme
urban areas extends the coverage to all the 4041
statutory cities and towns, thereby
covering almost the entire urban population. Currently,
all the urban poverty alleviating
programmes covered only 790 towns and cities.
Why is this question important?
In the Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman declared that under this
scheme, 0.5 crore households mobilized with 58 lakh
SHGs for poverty alleviation.
Source:
10. Consider the following pairs of the diseases and the
respective animals
affected by them:
Disease Animal
1. Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Goat
2. Brucellosis Cattle
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page10
Learning Zone:
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), also known as goat
plague', is a viral disease of goats
and sheep characterized by fever, sores in the mouth,
diarrhoea, pneumonia, and
sometimes death.
It is caused by a morbillivirus in the family of
paramyxoviruses, that is related to
rinderpest, measles and canine distemper. Cattle and
several wild ruminants have been
infected most often experimentally, but goats and
sheep are the usual targets.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the
bacterial genus Brucella. The bacteria are
transmitted from animals to humans by ingestion
through infected food products, direct
contact with an infected animal, or inhalation of
aerosols.
The disease is an old one that has been known by
various names, including Mediterranean
fever, Malta fever, gastric remittent fever, and
undulant fever.
Cattle are the primary targets and humans are
accidental hosts, but brucellosis continues
to be a major public health concern worldwide and is
the most common zoonotic infection.
Why is this question important?
It is mentioned in the Union Budget 2020-21 that Foot
and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis in
cattle and Peste Des Petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep
and goat are to be eliminated by
2025.
Source:
11. Consider the following statements about the "TB
Harega Desh Jitega"
campaign:
1. Under this campaign, India has committed to ending
Tuberculosis by 2025.
2. Under this campaign, all patients, at private or
public hospitals, receive free-of-cost
and high-quality TB care.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
Page11
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: 'TB Harega Desh Jeetega' is a
nationwide campaign to spread disease
awareness about TB and encourage people with TB
symptoms to seek medical attention
and remain adherent to treatment.
It has been launched with an aim to eliminate
tuberculosis from India by 2025.
The government will ensure that all patients, at private
or public hospitals, receive freeof-
cost and high-quality TB care.
There are three pillars of this campaign - clinical
approach, public health component and
active community participation.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget Speech, Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman reiterated the
commitment to end TB by 2025 under this campaign.
Source:
12. Consider the following statements about the "ODF-
Plus" programme:
1. It is an extension of the ODF programme under the
Swachch Bharat Mission to sustain
the ODF programme.
2. It also takes up solid and liquid waste management.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page12
Learning Zone: The ODF Plus is an extension of the
ODF programme under the Swachch
Bharat Mission. Its objective is to sustain the ODF
programme and to take up solid and
liquid waste management.
The ODF Plus programme has four verticals--
biodegradable waste management, plastic
waste management, greywater management and
faecal sludge management.
i. Biodegradable Waste Management- Deadline- 2023-
24
Under this, a community compost pit will be made and
necessary arrangements for
collection and transportation of biodegradable waste
generated in villages will be
facilitated. As many as 700 gobar-dhan plants, at least
one in each district, will also be
established.
ii. Plastic Waste Management- Deadline- 2021-22
This includes making necessary arrangements for
collection and transportation of nonbiodegradable
waste with one storage facility per village.
It also sets a target of establishing 75,000 block-level
plastic waste management units
and necessary arrangements for land, inert and reject
waste management with the
operation and maintenance is the responsibility of the
district or state.
iii. Greywater Management- Deadline- 2023-24
These include open or small-bore pipe drains in
villages for wastewater and this can be
taken up through convergence with MGNREGS or from
other funds.
iv. Faecal Sludge Management- Deadline- 2023-24
Construction of community leach/soak pits (in villages
with a population of 2000) for safe
grey water disposal and waste stabilisation ponds with
respect to geographical
topography for villages. Large dense villages will be
linked with existing sewage treatment
plants (STPs).
Why is this question is important?
In the Budget speech, this initiative has been
mentioned by Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman.
Source:
Page13
13. Consider the following statements about the newly
proposed "Investment
Clearance Cell":
1. It aims to provide 'end-to-end' solution to the young
entrepreneurs.
2. It will work through a portal and give pre-
investment advisory, information related to
land banks and facilitate clearance.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: In a bid to support further investments
in the Indian startup ecosystem,
union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to
set up an Investment Clearance
Cell while presenting Union Budget 2020.
The cell will provide "end-to-end" facilitation and
support, including pre-investment
advisory, information related to land banks and
facilitate clearances at the centre and
state level. This will work through a portal.
Why is this question important?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced
setting up of Investment Clearance
Cell to Provide "End-To-End" Facilitation and Support
to Youth.
Source:
14. Which of the following is/are the aims of the recently
proposed "NIRVIK"
scheme?
1. To provide higher insurance cover to small
exporters
2. To reduce the premium for small exporters.
Page14
3. To simplify procedures
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
on Saturday announced NIRVIK
(Niryat Rin Vikas Yojana) scheme to provide enhanced
insurance cover and reduce the
premium for small exporters.
To achieve higher export credit disbursement, a new
scheme NIRVIK is being launched
which provides for high insurance cover, reduction in
premium for small exporters and
simplified procedures for claim settlements.
Why is this question important?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced
NIRVIK (Niryat Rin Vikas Yojana)
scheme to provide enhanced insurance cover and
reduce the premium for small
exporters.
Source:
15. In which of the following context, the "Smart
Metering" is usually seen in
the news?
A. Electricity consumption
B. Water consumption
C. Fuel consumption in automobiles
D. None of the above
Ans. (A)
Page15
Learning Zone: A smart meter is a digital meter that
replaces old analogue meters,
which are used in homes to record electrical usage.
These digital meters can transmit energy consumption
information to the utility (as it is
connected to the internet) in frequent intervals and
can monitor consumption more
precisely, thereby enabling more informed energy
choices.
In India, the implementation of smart meters is at a
very early stage and is done only in
select pockets of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka etc.
Why is this question important?
In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman has proposed to promote the
"Smart Metering".
Source:
16. The place "Adichanallur" was seen in the news
recently. Consider the
following statements about "Adichallanur":
1. Burial urns with Tamil Brahmi script were found in
an excavation at this place.
2. The government of India has proposed to set up an
onsite museum at the site.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Government of India has proposed
to set up an onsite museum at
Adichanallur to highlight the archaeological findings
belonging to a civilised society that
lived close to the Tamirabarani waterway between 905
BCE and 696 BCE.
Page16
Burial urns with Tamil Brahmi script, coins, stone
weapons, terracotta products, bangles
and other utensils used by this ancient civilisation that
lived in properly-formed streets
were found at this site.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget 2020-21, the Government of India
has proposed to set up on-site
museums at the 5 archaeological sites, namely-
Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (UP),
Shivsagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat) and
Adichannalur (Tamil Nadu).
Source:
17. The place "Shivsagar (Assam)" was seen in the news
recently. Consider
the following statements about it:
1. It was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom.
2. The Government of India has proposed to set up an
onsite museum at the site.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Shivasagar is the city in Assam which is
named after the Shivasar lake
which was commissioned by the Ahom king, Siva
Singha.
Sivasagar, formerly known as Rangpur, was the capital
of the Ahom Kingdom from 1699
to 1788.
Many archaeological pieces of evidence of the ancient
Ahoms were found in and around
the city.
Why is this question important?
Page17
In the Union Budget 2020-21, the Government of India
has proposed to set up on-site
museums at the5 archaeological sites, namely-
Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (UP),
Shivsagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat) and
Adichannalur (Tamil Nadu).
Source:
18. Consider the following pairs of the places and their
respective states:
Places State
1. Hastinapur Uttar Pradesh
2. Rakhigarhi Punjab
3. Dholavira Gujarat
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Hastinapur is a city in Meerut district in
the Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh. Hastinapur, described in Hindu texts such as
the Mahabharata and the Puranas
as the capital of the Kuru Kingdom, is also mentioned
in ancient Jain texts.
Rakhigarhi is a village in Hisar District in the state of
Haryana in India, situated 150
kilometres to the northwest of Delhi. It is the site of a
pre-Indus Valley Civilisation
settlement going back to about 6500 BCE.
Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in
Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, in the
state of Gujarat in western India. The site contains
ruins of an ancient Indus Valley
Civilization/Harappan city.
Why is this question important?
Page18
In the Union Budget 2020-21, the Government of India
has proposed to set up on-site
museums at the 5 archaeological sites, namely-
Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (UP),
Shivsagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat) and
Adichannalur (Tamil Nadu).
Source:
19. In which of the following context, the term "Cage
Culture" is often seen in
the news?
A. Blue revolution
B. Green revolution
C. White revolution
D. Orange revolution
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: Cage culture is an aquaculture
production system where fish are held
in floating net pens. Cage culture of fish utilizes
existing water resources but encloses the
fish in a cage or basket which allows water to pass
freely. between the fish and the pond
permitting water exchange and waste.
It is a common technique for freshwater fish
production.
Why is this question important?
In the Union Budget 2020-21, it is mentioned that the
cage culture will be promoted.
Source:
20. With reference to the recently proposed National
Recruitment Agency
(NRA), consider the following statements:
1. It will be a centralised agency which will conduct an
online examination.
2. It will conduct the examination for non-gazetted as
well as public sector bank posts.
Page19
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: With an aim of creating more
employment, Finance Minister, Nirmala
Sitharaman, in her Budget 2020 speech said that the
government will set up a National
Recruitment Agency (NRA) for all Computer-Based
Examinations for recruitment to nongazetted
government and public sector banks posts.
Why is this question important?
Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman said that
National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will
be set up for recruitment to non-gazetted government
and public sector banks posts.
Source:
21. Consider the following statements about the
"Dividend Distribution
Tax(DDT)":
1. It is levied on dividends that a company pays to its
shareholders out of its profits.
2. The tax makes markets unattractive as it leads to
significant taxation of corporate
earnings.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Page20
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Dividend Distribution Tax is a tax
levied on dividends that a
company pays to its shareholders out of its profits. The
Dividend Distribution Tax, or DDT,
is taxable at source and is deducted at the time of the
company distributing dividends.
The dividend is the part of the profits that the
company shares with its shareholders. The
law provides for the Dividend Distribution Tax to be
levied at the hands of the company,
and not at the hands of the receiving shareholder.
Market participants, especially brokers, have been
calling for long to scrap the DDT. The
tax makes markets unattractive as it leads to
significant taxation of corporate earnings,
they argue.
Why is this question important?
In Union Budget 2020-21, The Dividend Distribution
Tax has been scrapped to make
Indian Equity market more attractive.
Source:
22. Consider the following statements about the Fiscal
Deficit(FC):
1. It is the difference between the Revenue Receipts
plus Non-debt Capital Receipts
(NDCR) and the total expenditure.
2. It is reflective of the total borrowing requirements
of Government.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page21
Learning Zone: Fiscal Deficit is the difference between
the Revenue Receipts plus Nondebt
Capital Receipts (NDCR) and the total expenditure. It
is reflective of the total
borrowing requirements of Government.
Why is this question important?
It is a frequently used term while studying the
economy and budget.
Source:
23. Consider the following pairs of the terms in
economics and their meaning:
Term Meaning
1. Revenue Deficit -Excess of revenue expenditure
over revenue receipts
2. Effective Revenue Deficit - Difference between
Revenue Deficit and Grants for Creation
of Capital Assets
3. Primary Deficit - Fiscal Deficit fewer interest
payments
Which of the above terms is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone:
Revenue Deficit refers to the excess of revenue
expenditure over revenue receipts.
Effective Revenue Deficit is the difference between
Revenue Deficit and Grants for
Creation of CapitalAssets. Primary Deficit is measured
as Fiscal Deficit fewer interest
payments.
Why is this question important?
Page22
It is a frequently used term while studying the
economy and budget.
Source:
24. Under which of the following headings, the money is
transferred from the
central government to the state governments?
1. Grants and loans
2. Releases under centrally sponsored schemes
3. Devolution of State's share in taxes
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: The total resources going to States
from the central government include
the devolution of State's share in taxes, Grants/Loans,
and releases under Centrally
Sponsored Schemes.
Why is this question important?
Basic concepts are necessary to understand the
budget.
Source:
25. With reference to the revenue receipts in the Union
Budget 2020-21,
consider the following statements:
Page23
1. The maximum revenue is generated through
borrowings & other liabilities.
2. Corporate tax and Goods and Services tax have
contributed equally towards revenue
generation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: According to the Union Budget 2020-
21, the maximum revenue receipts
i.e. around 20% have come from the borrowings and
other liabilities.
The contribution of Goods and Services Tax and
Corporate tax towards revenue is equal.
i.e. 18%.
Why is this question important?
Important statistics in the Union Budget.
Source:
26. With reference to the revenue receipts in the Union
Budget 2020-21,
consider the following statements:
1. Revenue generated through union excise duty is
more than the revenue generated
through customs duty.
2. Revenue generated through non-tax receipts is
more than the revenue generated
through non-debt capital receipts.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
Page24
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: According to the Union Budget
Document 2020-21, the revenue
generated through union excise duty(7%) is more than
the revenue generated through
customs duty(4%).
Revenue generated through non-tax receipts(10%) is
more than the revenue generated
through non-debt capital receipts(6%).
Why is this question important?
Important statistics in the Union Budget.
Source:
27. With reference to the revenue Expenditure in the
Union Budget 2020-21,
consider the following statements:
1. Maximum money of the central government is spent
on giving States' share of taxes
& duties.
2. The money spent on defence expenditure is more
than that of the money spent on
subsidies.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page25
Learning Zone: According to the Union Budget
document 2020-21, the maximum
money of the Union government was spent on giving
States' share of taxes & duties
(20%).
The money that is spent on defence expenditure (8%)
is more than that of the money
spent on subsidies (6%).
Why is this question important?
Important statistics in the Union Budget.
Source:
28. With reference to the Union Budget 2020-21,
consider the following
statements: 31. Consider the following statements about the
1. GDP growth rate has gradually decreased from the "NIKSHAY Poshan Yojana":
fiscal year 2016-17. 1. All notified TB patients are beneficiaries of the
2. GDP growth rate gradually increased from the fiscal scheme.
year 2012-13 to 2015-16. 2. The financial incentive of Rs.500/- per month for
Which of the above statements is/are correct? each notified TB patient for the
A. 1 only duration for which the patient is on anti-TB treatment.
B. 2 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
C. Both 1 and 2 A. 1 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2 B. 2 only
Ans. (C) C. Both 1 and 2
Learning Zone: D. Neither 1 nor 2
The GDP growth rate has been gradually decreasing Ans. (C)
since the 2016-17. It increased Learning Zone: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
gradually from 2012-13 till 2016-17 when it was Government of India has
around 8% at its peak. announced the scheme
Why is this question important? Page28
It is an important macroeconomic growth indicator. for incentives for nutritional support to TB patients.
Source: This scheme will be called "Nikshay
Page26 Poshan Yojana".
29. With reference to the Union Budget 2020-21, All notified TB patients are beneficiaries of the scheme.
consider the following The financial incentive of Rs.500/- per month for each
statements: notified TB patient for the duration
1. India is the fifth-largest economy in the world in for which the patient is on anti-TB treatment.
terms of GDP. The scheme is registered under Direct Benefit
2. China is the largest economy in the world in terms Transfer. The incentives can be distributed
of GDP. in Cash (only via DBT preferably through Aadhaar
Which of the above statements is/are correct? enabled bank accounts) or in-kind.
A. 1 only Why is this question important?
B. 2 only The Union Budget has mentioned this scheme.
C. Both 1 and 2 Source:
D. Neither 1 nor 2 32. Consider the following statements about the "
Ans. (A) Coalition for Disaster
Learning Zone: India is the 5th largest economy(2.9 Resilient Infrastructure":
trillion US $) in the world in terms 1. It involves the United Nations (UN) agencies,
of GDP. multilateral development banks, the
USA is the largest economy in the world ( 21.4 trillion private sector, and academic institutions.
US $)in terms of GDP. 2. It has headquarters at New Delhi.
China is the second-largest economy in the world Which of the above statements is/are correct?
( 14.1 trillion US $) in terms of GDP. A. 1 only
Why is this question important? B. 2 only
It is mentioned in the Union Budget document 2020- C. Both 1 and 2
21. D. Neither 1 nor 2
Source: Ans. (C)
30. Which of the following type of diseases is/are the Learning Zone: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient
main target of the "FIT Infrastructure (CDRI) is an
India" Movement? international coalition of countries, United Nations
A. Non-communicable diseases (UN) agencies, multilateral
B. Communicable diseases development banks, the private sector, and academic
Page27 institutions, that aims to promote
C. Genetic disorders disaster-resilient infrastructure.
D. None of the above Page29
Ans. (A) Its objective is to promote research and knowledge
Learning Zone: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched sharing in the fields of infrastructure
the Fit India Movement on the risk management, standards, financing, and recovery
National Sports Day, saying the initiative was the need mechanisms.
of the hour and will take the It was launched by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra
country towards a healthier future. Modi at the 2019 UN Climate
It mainly focuses on the non-communicable diseases Action Summit in September 2019.
caused due to sedentary and Why is this question important?
unhealthy lifestyle. It was mentioned in the Union Budget 2020-21.
Why is this question important? Source:
It is mentioned in the Union Budget 2020-21. 33. According to the World Economic Outlook 2020, the
Source: global output growth
in 2019 is estimated to be the slowest since the global
financial crisis of 2009.
What are the possible reasons for this situation?
1. The decline in manufacturing activity and trade
2. Trade tensions between China and the USA
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The World Economic Outlook (WEO)
Update of January 2020 published
by IMF has estimated the global output to grow at 2.9
per cent in 2019, declining from
3.6 per cent in 2018 and 3.8 per cent in 2017.
The global output growth in 2019 is estimated to be
the slowest since the global financial
crisis of 2009, arising from a geographically broad-
based decline in manufacturing activity
and trade. Stabilising, yet uncertain, trade tensions
between China and the USA have
contributed to the decline of world output and trade.
Page30
Why is this question important?
It is an important economy topic.
Source:
34. The global production in the automobile industry has
declined sharply in
recent months. Which of the following is/are the possible
reasons for this
situation?
1. Changes in technology
2. Changes in emission standards
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The global slack in consumer demand
affected industrial activity, which
slumped in most of the major economies in 2019.
In particular, global production in the automobile
industry fell sharply due to a decline in
demand, which was caused by changes in technology
and emission standards in many
countries.
India also experienced a similar downturn in the auto
industry.
Why is this question important?
The slump in the automobile industry was constantly
seen in the news.
Source:
Page31
35. With reference to the size of the Indian Economy,
consider the following
statements:
1. The size of the economy is estimated at US$ 2.9
trillion in 2019.
2. India's economy is greater than the United Kingdom
and France in terms of GDP.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The World Economic Outlook(WEO) of
October 2019 has estimated
India's economy to become the fifth largest in the
world, as measured using GDP at
current US$ prices, moving past the United Kingdom
and France.
The size of the economy is estimated at US$ 2.9
trillion in 2019.
Why is this question important?
Important information about the India economy which
is given in the Economic Survey
2019-20.
Source:
36. Consider the following statements about the "
Periodic Labour Force
Survey":
1. It is released by the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation in 2017.
2. The methodology is the same as the "Employment
and Unemployment surveys" of
NSSO.
Page32
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: This Ministry has launched a new
regular employment-unemployment
survey, namely, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
during April 2017 with certain
changes in survey methodology, data collection
mechanism and sampling design vis-àvis
the earlier quinquennial (once in every five years)
Employment and Unemployment
surveys of NSSO.
The PLFS has been launched with an objective of
measuring quarterly changes of various
labour market statistical indicators in urban areas as
well as generating annual estimates
of these indicators both for rural and urban areas,
which can be used for policymaking.
Why is this question important?
It is an important document mentioned in the
Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
37. With reference to the employability status as
mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20, consider the following statements:
1. There has been an increase in the share of formal
employment.
2. The proportion of women workers in 'Regular
wage/salaried' employees category has
increased from 2011 to 2018.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
Page33
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: As per the latest available data on
employment, there has been an
increase in the share of formal employment, as
captured by 'Regular wage/salaried', from
17.9 per cent in 2011-12 to 22.8 per cent in 2017-18.
This 5 percentage points increase in the share of
'Regular wage/salaried' group has been
on account of 5 percentage points decrease in the
share of casual workers, which reflects
formalization in the economy.
As a result, in absolute terms, there was a significant
jump of around 2.62 crore new jobs
over this period in the usual status category with 1.21
crore in rural areas and 1.39 crore
in urban areas.
Remarkably, the proportion of women workers in
'Regular wage/salaried' employees
category has increased by 8 percentage points (from
13 per cent in 2011- 12 to 21 per
cent in 2017-18) with the addition of 0.7 crore new
jobs for female workers in this
category.
Why is this question important?
Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
38. Consider the following statements about the Annual
Survey of Industries
(ASI):
1. It is conducted by the Central Statistics Office
(CSO).
2. It provides disaggregated industry-specific details of
production, investment,
employment and costs. It does not cover unorganised
or unregistered or informal sector
enterprises.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
Page34
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is
the principal source of industrial
statistics in India providing information on important
characteristics of the registered
manufacturing sector. ASI is considered as the most
comprehensive and reliable source
of organised manufacturing sector data providing
disaggregated industry-specific details
of production, investment, employment and costs. It
does not cover unorganised or
unregistered or informal sector enterprises.
ASI is the main survey conducted by the Central
Statistics Office (CSO) Industrial
Statistics (IS) wing. It ensures timely dissemination of
statistical information to asses and
evaluates the dynamics in composition, growth and
structure of organized manufacturing
sector.
Why is this question important?
It is an important survey which is also mentioned in
the Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
39. Which of the following is/are the consequences that
follow if there is an
increase in the fixed investment in the economy?
1. Growth in GDP
2. Growth in consumption
3. Improvement in investment outlook
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
Page35
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: The Economic Survey, 2018-19
describes the virtuous cycle of growth
wherein an increase in the rate of fixed investment
accelerates the growth of GDP that
in turn induces a higher growth in consumption.
Higher growth of consumption improves the
investment outlook.
This virtuous cycle of higher fixed investment-higher
GDP growth-higher consumption
growth generates economic development in the
country.
Why is this question important?
An important concept in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
40. With reference to the Economic Survey 2019-12,
consider the following
statements:
1. The forest and tree cover constitute 24.56 per cent
of the geographical area of the
country.
2. Out of the total forest area, the maximum area is
comprised of the moderately dense
forest area.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page36
Learning Zone: India is among a few countries in the
world where forest and tree cover
have increased considerably. The forest and tree cover
has reached 80.73 million hectares
which are 24.56 per cent of the geographical area of
the country.
In terms of canopy density classes, the area covered
by Very Dense Forest (VDF) is
99,278 sq. km (3.02 per cent), Moderately Dense
Forest (MDF) is 3,08,472 sq. km (9.39
per cent) and Open Forest (OF) is 3,04,499 sq. Km
(9.26 per cent).
Why is this question important?
Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-20
Source:
41. Shannon Weiner Index is seen in the news sometimes.
In which of the
following context is it used?
A. Biodiversity
B. Forest density
C. Climate adaptability
D. Sustainability
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: A "Shanon Weiner Diversity Index" is a
quantitative measure that
reflects how many different types (such as species)
there are in a dataset (a community)
and that can simultaneously take into account the
phylogenetic relations among the
individuals distributed among those types, such as
richness, divergence or evenness.
The Shannon diversity index value ranges between 0
and 1. The lower values indicate
more diversity while higher values indicate less
diversity.
Why is this question important?
India State of the Forest Report 2019 assessed
Shannon-Weiner Index for 16 biodiverse
areas.
Source:
Page37
42. With reference to the forest diversity in India,
consider the following
statements:
1. Tropical Littoral and swamp forests are high in Uttar
Pradesh (UP).
2. Tropical thorn forests are seen widely in Rajasthan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: The Shannon-Weiner Index for
Diversity shows that Tropical Evergreen
forest is high in Karnataka followed by Kerala. Tropical
moist deciduous forests cover is
high in Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and
Maharashtra. Tropical dry deciduous forest is
high in Arunachal Pradesh and the semi-evergreen
forest is high in Karnataka.
Tropical Littoral and swamp forests are high in UP and
tropical thorn forests are seen
widely in Andhra Pradesh.
Why is this question important?
This is important information given in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
43. In the context of the distribution forest area across
the world, consider the
following statements:
1. India accounts for 2 per cent of the total global
forest area in 2015.
Page38
2. Percentage-wise, Brazil accounts for more global
forest area than the United States.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: India accounts for 2 per cent of the
total global forest area in 2015 as
per the Global Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) by
FAO. Brazil and the USA account for
12% and 8 % of the Global Forest area respectively.
Why is this question important?
This is important information given in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
44. Consider the following statements about the
'Promotion of Agricultural
Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue
in the States of
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi'
scheme:
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme under which the
agricultural machines and equipment
are given to the farmers on subsidy for in-situ crop
residue management.
2. Some of the funding is also provided for the ex- situ
management of the crop residue.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Page39
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: Paddy Stubble burning is mainly
practised in Indo-Gangetic plains of
the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to
clear the fields for Rabi Crop sowing.
In 2018, a new Central Sector Scheme on 'Promotion
of Agricultural Mechanization for
In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and
NCT of Delhi' has been launched with the total outgo
from the Central funds of Rs.
1151.80 crore.
Under this Scheme, the agricultural machines and
equipment for in-situ crop residue
management such as Super Straw Management
System for Combine Harvesters, Happy
Seeders, Hydraulically Reversible MB Plough, Paddy
Straw Chopper, Mulcher, Rotary
Slasher, Zero Till Seed Drill and Rotavators are
provided with 50 per cent subsidy to the
individual farmers and 80 per cent subsidy for the
establishment of Custom Hiring
Centres.
Why is this question important?
The details of the schemes are discussed in the
Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
45. Consider the following statements about the " The
Perform, Achieve and
Trade (PAT) scheme":
1. It is a flagship programme of Bureau of Energy
Efficiency under the National Mission
for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
2. It is a regulatory instrument to reduce specific
energy consumption in energy-intensive
industries.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Page40
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT)
scheme is a flagship programme of
the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the National
Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
(NMEEE). NMEEE is one of the eight national missions
under the National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC) launched by the Government
of India in the year 2008.
PAT is a regulatory instrument to reduce specific
energy consumption in energy-intensive
industries, with an associated market-based
mechanism to enhance the costeffectiveness
through certification of excess energy saving which
can be traded. The
energy-intensive industries including the thermal
power plants are the major players in
this entire scheme of PAT. It refers to the calculation
of Specific Energy Consumption
(SEC) in the baseline year and projected SEC in the
target year covering different forms
of net energy going into the boundary of the
designated consumers' plant and the
products leaving it over a particular cycle.
Why is this question important?
The important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
46. Consider the following statements about the "
Climate Change Action
Program (CCAP)":
1. It is a central sector scheme which was launched in
2014.
2. It aims at establishing an appropriate institutional
framework and implementing climate
actions.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page41
Learning Zone: The "Climate Change Action Program
(CCAP) was launched in 2014
which is a central sector scheme, with a total cost of `
290 crores for five years, to build
and support capacity at central and state levels,
strengthening scientific and analytical
capacity for climate change assessment, establishing
an appropriate institutional
framework and implementing climate actions.
Why is this question important?
The important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
47. Consider the following statements about the "
Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC)":
1. It was launched by the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency(BEE) in 2007.
2. This code does not apply to residential buildings.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: Bureau of Energy Efficiency had
launched the Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC) 2007 to establish minimum
energy performance standards for
buildings in India.
Buildings consume a significant proportion of our
energy resources and the ECBC is an
essential regulatory tool to curb their energy footprint.
It is also launched for the residential sector.
Page42
ECBC 2017 prescribes energy performance standards
for new commercial buildings to be
constructed across India to achieve a 50 per cent
reduction in energy use by 2030
translating to energy savings of about 300 Billion Units
by 2030 and peak demand
reduction of over 15 GW in a year.
Why is this question important?
The important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
48. Consider the following statements about the
"National Adaptation Fund
for Climate Change (NAFCC)":
1. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) is the National
Implementing Entity (NIE) for this scheme.
2. It is funding concrete adaptation projects in
agriculture, horticulture, agroforestry,
environment, and other rural livelihood sectors to
address climate change-related issues.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The National Adaptation Fund for
Climate Change (NAFCC) is a Central
Sector Scheme which was set up in the year 2015-16.
The overall aim of NAFCC is to
support concrete adaptation activities which mitigate
the adverse effects of climate
change.
The Scheme has been taken as Central Sector Scheme
with National Bank for Agriculture
and Rural Development (NABARD) as the National
Implementing Entity.
Page43
It is funding concrete adaptation projects/programmes
aligned with the relevant Missions
under National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC) and the State Action on Climate
Change (SAPCCs) in agriculture, horticulture,
agroforestry, environment, allied activities,
water, forestry, urban, coastal and low-lying system,
disaster management, human
health, marine system, tourism, habitat sector and
other rural livelihood sectors to
address climate change-related issues.
Why is this question important?
The important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
Page44
49. With reference to the 'Green Bonds', consider the
following statements:
1. They are issued by financial, non-financial or public
entities.
2. India has the second-largest Emerging green bond
market.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: A green bond is a type of fixed-income
instrument that is specifically
earmarked to raise money for climate and
environmental projects. These bonds are
typically asset-linked and backed by the issuing entity's
balance sheet, so they usually
carry the same credit rating as their issuers' other debt
obligations.
Green bonds are debt securities issued by financial,
non-financial or public entities where
the proceeds are used to finance 100 per cent green
projects and assets.
India has the second-largest Emerging green bond
market after China.
A number of Government agencies have contributed to
issuance: Indian Renewable
Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and the Indian
Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC).
In 2018, the SBI entered the market with a US$ 650
million Certified Climate Bond.
Why is this question important?
The important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
50. Consider the following statements about the "
International Platform on
Sustainable Finance (IPSF)":
Page45
1. It is launched by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).
2. India is also part of this initiative.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (B)
Learning Zone: The International Platform on
Sustainable Finance (IPSF) is part of the
European Commission's ongoing work to support a
global transition to a low-carbon, more
resource-efficient and sustainable economy.
The members of the IPSF are the European Union and
relevant authorities from
Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, India, Kenya, and
Morocco.
To scale up the environmentally sustainable
investments, India joined the International
Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF) in October
2019.
The Platform acknowledges the global nature of
financial markets which has the potential
to help finance the transition to a green, low carbon
and climate-resilient economy by
linking financing needs to the global sources of
funding.
The main objectives are exchanged and disseminate
information to promote best
practices in environmentally sustainable finance;
compare the different initiatives and
identify barriers and opportunities to help scale up
environmentally sustainable finance
internationally while respecting national and regional
contexts.
Why is this question important?
India joined the International Platform on Sustainable
Finance (IPSF) in October 2019.
Source:
Page46
51. Consider the following statements about the Green
Climate Fund(GCF):
1. It was established within the framework of the
UNFCCC.
2. In 2009, developed countries committed to a goal of
mobilizing jointly US$ 100 billion
a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing
countries through the GCF.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a
fund established within the
framework of the UNFCCC as an operating entity of
the Financial Mechanism to assist
developing countries in adaptation and mitigation
practices to counter climate change.
The GCF is based in Incheon, South Korea.
In 2009, developed countries committed to a goal of
mobilizing jointly US$ 100 billion a
year by 2020 to address the needs of developing
countries and decided that a significant
portion of such funding should flow through the GCF.
Why is this question important?
Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
52. In which of the following context, the " Chile Madrid
Time for Action", is
often seen in the news?
A. Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the UNFCCC
B. US-China trade tension
C. European Green Deal
Page47
D. None of the above
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: The 25th session of the Conference of
the Parties (COP 25) to the
UNFCCC was held at Madrid, Spain under the Chilean
Presidency.
The COP 25 decision, titled 'Chile Madrid Time for
Action', emphasizes the continued
challenges that developing countries face in accessing
financial, technology and capacitybuilding
support, and recognizes the urgent need to enhance
the provision of support to
developing country Parties for strengthening their
national adaptation and mitigation
efforts.
The decision also recalls the commitment made by
developed country Parties to a goal
of mobilizing jointly US$ 100 billion per year by 2020
to address the needs of developing
countries.
On the issue of global ambition for combating climate
change, the decision adopted
provides for a balanced and integrated view of
ambition that includes not only efforts for
climate change mitigation, but also adaptation and
means of implementation support
from developed country parties to developing country
parties.
Why is this question important?
Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
53. Consider the following statements about the
"Coalition for Disaster
Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)":
1. It will conduct country-specific and global activities
and provide member countries with
technical support and capacity development.
2. It was launched by India on the sidelines of UN
Secretary General's Climate Action
Summit in September 2019.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
Page48
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: India launched the Coalition for
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
on the sidelines of UN Secretary General's Climate
Action Summit in September 2019.
This international partnership of national governments,
UN agencies, multilateral
development banks, private sector, and knowledge
institutions will promote the resilience
of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate
and disaster risks, thereby ensuring
sustainable development.
Developed through consultations with more than 35
countries, CDRI envisions enabling
a measurable reduction in infrastructure losses from
disasters, including extreme climate
events.
CDRI will conduct country-specific and global activities
and provide member countries
technical support and capacity development,
partnerships to facilitate and encourage
investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure systems.
Why is this question important?
India launched the Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure (CDRI) on the sidelines
of UN Secretary General's Climate Action Summit in
September 2019.
Source:
54. With reference to the recently launched Human
Development Index 2018,
consider the following statements:
1. India's rank in the Human Development Index (HDI)
improved to 129 in 2018 from
130 in 2017, out of a total of 189 countries.
2. India is ahead of all other BRICS countries in terms
of the average annual HDI growth.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Page49
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Human Development Index (HDI) is
released by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). India's rank in the
Human Development Index (HDI)
improved to 129 in 2018 from 130 in 2017, out of a
total of 189 countries. The value of
HDI for India reached to 0.647 in 2018.
With 1.34 per cent average annual HDI growth, India
is among the fastest-improving
countries, and ahead of China (0.95), South Africa
(0.78), Russian Federation (0.69) and
Brazil (0.59).
Why is this question important?
Important Statistics in Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
55. With which of the following aim the " Pradhan
Mantri Innovative Learning
Program (DHRUV)" was launched?
A. To identify and encourage talented students to
enrich their skills and knowledge.
B. To introduce ICT technology in school curricula
C. To introduce courses on emerging technologies in
school academics
D. None of the above
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: The new Programme DHRUV 'will act
as a platform to explore the talent
of outshining and meritorious students, and help them
achieve excellence in their specific
areas of interest may it be science, performing arts,
creative writing, etc.
Page50
The Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme
has been started to identify and
encourage talented children to enrich their skills and
knowledge. In centres of excellence
across the country, gifted children will be mentored
and nurtured by renowned experts
in different areas, so that they can reach their full
potential. It is expected that many of
the students selected will reach the highest levels in
their chosen fields and bring laurels
to their community, State and Nation.
Why is this question important?
Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV)
was launched to identify and
encourage talented students to enrich their skills and
knowledge.
Source:
56. Consider the following pairs of the initiatives taken
by the government in
the education sector and their respective purposes:
Initiative Purpose
1. SWAYAM 2.0 - To offer online degrees
2. PARAMARSHA - To mentor institutions seeking
National Assessment and Accreditation
Council’s accreditation
3. Deeksharambh - A guide to the student induction
programme
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Page51
Learning Zone: SWAYAM 2.0 was launched to offer
online degree programmes with
enhanced features and facilities by top-ranking
universities.
'Deeksharambh' a guide to the student induction
programme and 'PARAMARSH' scheme
is to mentor institutions seeking National Assessment
and Accreditation Council
accreditation are some of the other major schemes of
the Department of Higher
Education launched in 2019.
Why is this question important?
It is mentioned in the Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
57. Consider the following statements about the
"National Educational
Alliance for Technology (NEAT)" portal:
1. The objective is to use Artificial Intelligence to make
learning more personalised and
customised as per the requirements of the learner.
2. EdTech companies would be responsible for
developing solutions and manage the
registration of learners through the NEAT portal.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: National Educational Alliance for
Technology (NEAT) announced a PPP
Scheme for using technology for better learning
outcomes in Higher Education.
The objective is to use Artificial Intelligence to make
learning more personalised and
customised as per the requirements of the learner.
This requires the development of
technologies in Adaptive Learning to address the
diversity of learners.
Page52
EdTech companies would be responsible for
developing solutions and manage the
registration of learners through the NEAT portal.
Why is this question important?
The important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 209-20.
Source:
58. Consider the following statements about the "Jal
Shakti Abhiyan":
1. It has a main focus on water-stressed districts.
2. It involves water conservation and rainwater
harvesting, renovation of traditional and
other water bodies, reuse of water and recharging of
structures, watershed development,
and intensive afforestation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched to
accelerate progress on water
conservation activities in the most water-stressed
blocks and districts of India.
An important part of the 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan' is that it
will focus on five aspects - water
conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of
traditional and other water bodies,
reuse of water and recharging of structures, watershed
development, and intensive
afforestation.
Why is this question important?
The mission is mentioned in the Economic Survey
2019-20.
Source:
Page53
59. Consider the following pairs of the schemes in the
agricultural sector and
the respective state in which they are implemented:
Scheme State
1. Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and - Odisha
Income Augmentation (KALIA) Scheme
2. Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana - Jharkhand
3. Rythu Bandhu - Telangana
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and
Income Augmentation (KALIA)
Scheme was launched by Government of Odisha in
2018-19 Rabi season onwards, to
accelerate agricultural prosperity and elimination of
poverty in the State.
Benefits provisioned under different components are:
financial support of 25,000 per farm
family over five seasons will be provided to small and
marginal farmers so that farmers
can purchase inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides,
labour & other investments.
For landless agriculture households, financial
assistance of ` 12500 will be provided to
each landless agricultural household for agricultural
allied activities such as small goat
rearing unit, mini-layer unit, duckery units, fishery kits
for fisherman, mushroom
cultivation and bee-keeping, etc. Vulnerable
cultivators/landless agricultural labourers will
Page54
get financial assistance of `10,000 per family per year
to enable them to take care of
their sustenance. The scheme also has life and
accident insurance covers for the farmers
at very nominal premiums.
Under the Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana of
Jharkhand, all the small and marginal
farmers of the State, who have arable land up to a
maximum of 5 acres, will be given a
grant-in-aid at the rate of 5000 / - per acre per year,
which will help them reduce their
dependence on loans.
Under the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme of Telangana, the
Government of Telangana has come
up with a new concept of providing Investment
Support at the rate of ` 4,000 per acre
per season to all the farmers (Pattadars) in the State
towards the purchase of various
inputs like seeds, fertilizers etc., as an initial
investment before the crop season.
Why is this question important?
All these schemes are discussed in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
60. Consider the following statements about the "
"Integrated Management of
Public Distribution System (IM-PDS)":
1. The main objective of the scheme is to introduce
nation-wide portability of ration card
holders under NFSA through 'One Nation One Ration
Card' System.
2. This system would largely benefit numerous
migratory beneficiaries who frequently
change their place.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page55
Learning Zone: The Department of Food & Public
Distribution in collaboration with all
States/UTs is implementing a Scheme namely
"Integrated Management of Public
Distribution System (IM-PDS)" during 2018-19 and
2019-20.
The main objective of the scheme is to introduce
nation-wide portability of ration card
holders under NFSA through 'One Nation One Ration
Card' System, to lift their entitled
foodgrains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in the
country without the need to obtain a
new ration card.
This system would largely benefit numerous migratory
beneficiaries who frequently
change their place of dwelling in search of
work/employment or for other reasons across
the country and eventually get deprived of their quota
of subsidised foodgrains under
NFSA due to migration from their native place.
Why is this question important?
It is an important scheme mentioned in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
61. Consider the following statements about the
"National Infrastructure
Pipeline":
1. It is envisaged to facilitate spending $ 1.4 trillion on
infrastructure in the next five
years.
2. It includes mainly economic and social infrastructure
projects.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Page56
Learning Zone: National Infrastructure Pipeline is the
investment plan unveiled by the
Central Government for enhancing infrastructure in
identified sectors for a period of five
years from 2020-25.
The funding of the National Infrastructure Pipeline will
be jointly made by the Centre,
states and the private sector in the proportion of
39:39:22 (39 % each by the centre and
states and 22% by the private sector).
For the next five years (2020-25), $1.4 trillion (Rs 102
lakh crores) will be invested in
various social and economic infrastructure projects.
It will enable a forward outlook on infrastructure
projects which will create jobs, improve
ease of living, and provide equitable access to
infrastructure for all, thereby making
growth more inclusive.
Why is this question important?
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled Rs
102 lakh crore of infrastructure
projects, under National Infrastrastructure Pipeline,
that will be implemented in the next
five years as part of the government's spending push
in the infrastructure sector.
Source:
62. The overall industrial activity is seen reduced in this
year. Which of the
following is/are the possible factors for this slump in
industrial output?
1. Slower credit flow to MSMEs
2. Reduced lending by NBFCs
3. Tapering of domestic demand
4. Volatility in international crude oil
5. Trade uncertainties
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3, and 4 only
Page57
C. 1, 3, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: Overall, IIP growth has moderated to
3.8 per cent in 2018-19 compared
to 4.4 per cent in 2017-18. During the current year
2019-20 (April-November), it grew at
0.6 per cent as compared to 5.0 per cent in the
corresponding period of the previous
year.
The moderation in growth is mainly arising from
subdued manufacturing activities due to
slower credit flow to medium and small industries,
reduced lending by NBFCs owing to
liquidity crunch, tapering of domestic demand for key
sectors such as automotive sector,
pharmaceuticals, and machinery and equipment,
volatility in international crude oil prices,
prevailing trade-related uncertainties, etc.
Why is this question important?
Overall, IIP growth has moderated to 3.8 per cent in
2018-19 compared to 4.4 per cent
in 2017-18.
Source:
63. With reference to the "Ease of Doing Business
Report 2020", consider the
following statements:
1. India's ranking has been increased to 63 among 190
countries from 77 in the previous
year.
2. India has improved its rank in 7 out of 10 indicators.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Page58
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The improvement in the business
environment as a result of reforms is
reflected in India's considerably improved ranking to
63rd position among the 190
countries in the World Bank's Doing Business 2020
Report. This is a jump of 14 ranks
over its previous rank of 77. The ranking is based on
10 indicators which span the lifecycle
of a business. India has improved its rank in 7 out of
10 indicators and has moved
closer to international best practices.
Why is this question important?
India's ranking has improved in the "Ease of Doing
Business Index 2020".
Source:
64. With reference to the Startup ecosystem in India,
consider the following
statements:
1. Percentage-wise, Maharashtra has the maximum
share of registered startups.
2. As per the industry-wise distribution of recognized
startups, IT Services accounted for
the maximum number of startups.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi are
the top three performers in terms
of State-wise distribution of recognized startups in
India.
As per industry-wise distribution of recognized
startups, IT Services accounted for 13.9
per cent followed by Healthcare and Life Sciences (8.3
per cent) and education (7.0 per
cent).
Page59
Why is this question important?
Important statistics in the Economic Survey 2019-20
Source:
65. Consider the following statements about "Bharat
Net":
1. It aims at providing broadband connectivity to all
the 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs)
in the country.
2. It envisages an optimal mix of optical fibre, radio
and satellite media.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: For achieving the goal of developing
broadband highways as part of the
Digital India campaign, the Government is
implementing the flagship BharatNet
Programme in a phased manner for providing
broadband connectivity to all the 2.5 lakh
Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country.
The project envisages an optimal mix of optical fibre,
radio and satellite media. The
broadband infrastructures created under the project
would be available to all categories
of service providers on a non-discriminatory basis.
Why is this question important?
It is often in the news as well as mentioned in the
Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
Page60
66. Which of the following organisations publishes the
"Energy Transition
Index"?
A. World Bank
B. World Economic Forum
C. International Energy Agency
D. International Monetary Fund
Ans. (B)
Learning Zone: The global "Energy Transition Index" is
published by the World
Economic Forum(WEF).
It ranks countries on how well they can balance
energy security and access to
environmental sustainability and affordability. It has
ranked 115 economies covering 40
indicators.
Why is this question important?
It is mentioned in the Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
67. With reference to the power generation in India,
consider the following
statements:
1. The maximum power is generated by thermal power
plants.
2. Percentage-wise, more power is generated by
hydropower plants than renewable
sources.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
Page61
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: The thermal power accounts for about
63 per cent of total installed
capacity. The renewable energy sources and
hydroelectric sources account for about
22.8% and 12. 4 % respectively.
Why is this question important?
Important information is given n the Economic Survey
2019-20.
Source:
68. With reference to the importance of the Service
sector in the Indian
economy, consider the following statements:
1. It accounts for around 55 per cent of the total size
of the economy.
2. Nearly two-thirds of the total FDI inflows into India
in the services sector.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The services sector's significance in the
Indian economy has continued
to increase, with the sector now accounting for around
55 per cent of the total size of the
economy and GVA growth, two-thirds of total FDI
inflows into India and about 38 per
cent of total exports. The share of services sector now
exceeds 50 per cent of Gross State
Value Added in 15 out of the 33 states and UTs, with
this share more than 80 per cent in
Delhi and Chandigarh.
Page62
Why is this question important?
This is important information given in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
69. There was a tremendous increase in the onion prices
this year. Which of
the following factors was/were responsible for this
inflation?
1. Demand-supply mismatch
2. Damage to Kharif onion due to rain
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: There can be many reasons for the rise
in onion prices. One of the
primary reasons that are observed every year is driven
by demand-supply mismatch
which can be primarily attributed to the seasonal
factors.
Other reasons that further exacerbated this demand-
supply mismatch are the fall in area
sown and damage to Kharif onion due to rain.
As reported from major Kharif growing States
(Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan), area
sown/transplanted is around 7 per cent
less as
compared to the previous year. Damage to Kharif
onion crop also occurred due to heavy
rains in September/October 2019.
Why is this question important?
This topic is discussed in detail in the Economic Survey
2019-20.
Page63
Source:
70. Consider the following statements about the National
Pension
Scheme(NPS):
1. All citizens can voluntarily enrol into the scheme.
2. Uttar Pradesh has a maximum number of
subscribers.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The New Pension Scheme, now
renamed as National Pension System
(NPS) was introduced by the Government on
December 22, 2003, and it was made
mandatory for Central Government employees (except
armed forces) who join service
w.e.f. January 1, 2004.
The Scheme was extended to the State Governments
and as of now 28 State
Governments have notified NPS for their employees.
The Scheme was extended to all
citizens of the country voluntarily from May 2009.
Till September 30, 2019, a total of around 3.06 crore
subscribers (including Atal Pension
Yojana) have been enrolled under NPS. 73. Which of the following countries is/are the members
Within the government, Uttar Pradesh has a maximum of the Asia Pacific
number of subscribers followed Trade Agreement (APTA)?
by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. 1. Bangladesh
Why is this question important? 2. China
The important scheme which is also mentioned in the 3. India
Economic Survey 2019-20. 4. Korea
Source: 5. Sri Lanka
Page64 6. Laos
71. With reference to the Economic Survey 2019-20, Page66
consider the following Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
statements: A. 1 and 3 only
1. USA is India's top trading partner and trade is in B. 1, 2, 3, 4 only
surplus with the USA. C. 3, 4, and 5 only
2. China is also India's one of the top trading partner D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
and India and trade is in deficit with Ans. (D)
China. Learning Zone: The Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (APTA), was signed in 1975. It is the
A. 1 only oldest preferential trade agreement between countries
B. 2 only in the Asia-Pacific region. Seven
C. Both 1 and 2 Participating States- Bangladesh, China, India, Lao
D. Neither 1 nor 2 PDR, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, and
Ans. (C) Sri Lanka are the parties to the APTA.
Learning Zone: With two top trading countries i.e. the Why is this question important?
USA and the United Arab Important Preferential Trade Agreement which is
Emirates, India has consistently run a trade surplus mentioned in the economic Survey
since 2014-15. On the other hand, 2019-20.
India has trade deficit continuously since 2014-15 with Source:
respect to other major trading 74. As per the latest Economic Survey, entrepreneurial
partners i.e. China PRP, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Germany, activity in the
Korea RP, Indonesia and Manufacturing sector is highest in the regions of
Switzerland. 1. Gujarat
Why is this question important? 2. Meghalaya
Important information is given in the Economic Survey 3. Puducherry
2019-20. 4. Rajasthan
Source: 5. Punjab
72. With reference to the Migration Report 2019, Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
consider the following A. 1, 2, and 3 only
statements: B. 2, 3, 4, and 5 only
1. India is the top remittance recipient country in Page67
2018. C. 1 only
Page65 D. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
2. India is the leading country of origin of international Ans. (D)
migrants in 2019 with a diaspora Learning Zone: The entrepreneurial activity in the
strength of 17.5 million. Manufacturing sector is highest in
Which of the above statements is/are correct? the regions of Gujarat, Meghalaya, Puducherry, Punjab
A. 1 only and Rajasthan. Within Gujarat,
B. 2 only the most entrepreneurially active districts in the
C. Both 1 and 2 Manufacturing sector are Surendranagar,
D. Neither 1 nor 2 Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Surat.
Ans. (C) Establishments in these regions are focused on
Learning Zone: The Migration Report 2019 released by textiles, chemicals, metals, plastics, and
the United Nations has placed pharmaceuticals manufacturing. The nature of
India as the leading country of origin of international establishments in each of these regions
migrants in 2019 with a diaspora attests to agglomeration economies documented by
strength of 17.5 million. prior research in the Indian
Further, as per the October 2019 report of World manufacturing sector.
Bank, India remained the top remittance Why is this question important?
recipient country in 2018, followed by China, Mexico, It is mentioned in the Economic Survey 2019-20.
the Philippines and Egypt. Source:
Why is this question important? 75. As per the latest Economic Survey, entrepreneurial
Important information is given in the Economic Survey activity in the
2019-20. Infrastructure sector is highest in the regions of
Source: 1. Jharkhand
2. Arunachal Pradesh
3. Himachal Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Page68
Learning Zone: The entrepreneurial activity in the
Infrastructure sector is highest in the
states of Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Mizoram, Jammu and
Kashmir and Bihar, some of which are characterized by
poor levels of extant
infrastructure.
Not surprisingly, new firms in these states are largely
engaged in construction, logistics
and transport, utility generation, transmission and
distribution, alternative energy
distribution, and Infratech.
Why is this question important?
Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
76. Consider the following statements about the
"Herfindahl Index":
1. It is a measure of the competition among the firms
in a particular industry.
2. The higher number of Herfindahl index indicates the
scope for competition in the
sector.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Herfindahl index (also known as
Herfindahl–Hirschman Index) is a
measure of the size of firms concerning the industry
and an indicator of the amount of
competition among them.
Named after economists Orris C. Herfindahl and Albert
O. Hirschman, it is an economic
concept widely applied in competition law, antitrust
and also technology management.
Page69
It is defined as the sum of the squares of the market
shares of the firms within the
industry (sometimes limited to the 50 largest firms),
where the market shares are
expressed as fractions.
If any sector has recently begun to show a slight
increasing trend in the Herfindahl index
then that indicates there is room to increase
competition in the sector.
Why is this question important?
IT sector has recently begun to show a slight
increasing trend in the Herfindahl index,
indicating that there is room to increase competition in
the sector.
Source:
77. Which of the following is/are the characteristics of
the "Pro-Crony"
Economy?
1. Some incumbent firms may receive preferential
treatment.
2. Resource allocation in the economy may not be
efficient.
3. Citizens' welfare may not be maximized.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: Under 'Cronyism', the government rigs
the market for the benefit of
government officials' cronies. This takes various forms.
Governments sometimes grant
monopolies to one firm or limit the number of firms
that can compete. Governments
sometimes use quotas or tariffs to limit imports to
protect the wealth and jobs of domestic
producers who compete with those imports.
Governments sometimes subsidize favoured
Page70
producers or may use antitrust laws to prevent
companies from cutting prices so that
other, less-efficient companies can prosper.
Characteristics of Pro-Crony policy are as follows-
● Some incumbent firms may receive preferential
treatment.
● Resource allocation in the economy may not be
efficient.
● Citizens' welfare may not be maximized
Pro-crony policies, in contrast to pro-business ones,
erode wealth in the economy as
cronyism fosters inefficiencies by inhibiting the process
of creative destruction.
Why is this question important?
An important concept which is constantly seen in the
media.
Source:
78. With reference to the importance of coal in the
Indian economy, consider
the following statements:
1. India has the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world.
2. Coal meets more than half of India's energy
requirements.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: India has the fifth-largest coal reserves
in the world behind the USA,
Russia, China, and Australia. Coal is the most
important indigenous source of energy for
India; it meets more than half of India's energy
requirements.
Page71
Why is this question important?
Important information about coal in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
79. In the context of the economy, the term "Dutch
Disease" is seen in the
news sometimes. Consider the following statements
about it:
1. It describes an economic phenomenon where the
rapid development of one sector of
the economy (particularly natural resources)
precipitates a decline in other sectors.
2. It is also often characterized by a substantial
appreciation of the domestic currency.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Dutch disease is a concept that
describes an economic phenomenon
where the rapid development of one sector of the
economy (particularly natural
resources) precipitates a decline in other sectors.
It is also often characterized by a substantial
appreciation of the domestic currency.
Dutch disease is a paradoxical situation where good
news for one sector of the economy,
such as the discovery of natural resources, results in a
negative impact on the country's
overall economy.
Why is this question important?
This term is used in the Economic Survey 2019-20 in
the context of the coal resource in
India.
Source:
Page72
80. Which of the following is/are the characteristics of
the "Wilful Defaulter":
1. It is a firm that has defaulted in meeting its
repayment obligations even though it can
honour these obligations.
2. It uses the funds for purposes other than what is
sanctioned by the lender.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
defines wilful defaulter as a firm that
has defaulted in meeting its repayment obligations
even though it can honour these
obligations.
A firm could also be branded a wilful defaulter if it
uses the funds for purposes other than
what is sanctioned by the lender, siphons the money
out to related parties or removes
the assets used to secure the loan.
Wilful default occurs when firms take loans, divert the
proceeds out of the firm for the
personal benefit of owners, default on loans and
declare bankruptcy, thereby
expropriating a range of stakeholders – lenders,
minority shareholders, employees,
regulators and state coffers.
Why is this question important?
An important term which is described in the Economic
Survey 2019-20.
Source:
Page73
81. Consider the following statements about the "
Pradhan Mantri Annadata
Aay
Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)":
1. It is aimed towards ensuring remunerative prices to
farmers for their produce.
2. Under Price Support Scheme(PSS), physical
procurement of pulses, oilseeds and Copra
is done by Central Nodal Agencies with the proactive
role of State governments.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The " Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay
Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA,
launched in 2018, covers three sub-scheme i.e. Price
Support Scheme (PSS), Price
Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Pilot of
Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme
(PDPS).
Under PSS, physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds
and Copra is done by Central Nodal
Agencies with the proactive role of State governments.
PDPS covers all oilseeds for which MSP is notified.
Under this, direct payment of the
difference between the MSP and the selling/modal
price is made to pre-registered farmers
selling his produce in the notified market yard through
a transparent auction process.
It is aimed towards ensuring remunerative prices to
farmers for their produce, the
government has taken an unprecedented step.
The recent scheme is expected to complement the
increase in MSP which will be
translated to farmer's income by way of robust
procurement mechanism in coordination
with the states.
Why is this question important?
This scheme is mentioned in the Economic Survey
2019-20.
Page74
Source:
82. With reference to the food price inflation in India,
consider the following
statements:
1. The absolute prices of a vegetarian Thali have
decreased significantly since 2015-16
though the price has increased in 2019.
2. In 2019-20, the most affordable vegetarian, as well
as non-vegetarian thali, was in
Jharkhand.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Both across India and the four regions
– North, South, East and West
– it is found that the absolute prices of a vegetarian
Thali have decreased significantly
since 2015-16 though the price has increased in 2019.
As a result, an average household of five individuals
that eat two vegetarian Thalis a day
gained around `10887 on average per year while a
non-vegetarian household gained
`11787, on average, per year.
Using the annual earnings of an average industrial
worker, it is found that affordability of
vegetarian Thalis improved 29 per cent from 2006-07
to 2019-20 while that for nonvegetarian
Thalis improved by 18 per cent.
In 2019-20 (April-October, 2019), the most affordable
Thali was in Jharkhand; two
vegetarian Thalis for a household of five in Jharkhand
required about 25 per cent of a
worker's daily wage. Non-vegetarian Thali was also
most affordable in Jharkhand.
Why is this question important?
Page75
Important information is given in the Economic Survey
2019-20.
Source:
83. With reference to India's banking sector, consider
the following
statements:
1. India has only one bank in the global top 100.
2. The Public Sector Banks (PSBs) account for 70 per
cent of the market share in banking.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: In 2019, India completed the 50th
anniversary of bank nationalization.
Since 1969, India has grown significantly to become
the 5th largest economy in the world.
Yet, India's banking sector is disproportionately under-
developed given the size of its
economy.
For instance, India has only one bank in the global top
100.
As PSBs account for 70 per cent of the market share in
Indian banking, the onus of
supporting the Indian economy and fostering its
economic development falls on them.
Why is this question important?
In 2019, India completed the 50th anniversary of bank
nationalization.
Source:
Page76
84. Which of the following committees were related to
the banking sector?
1. Narasimhan Committee
2. Rajan Committee
3. P J Nayak Committee
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: The Government of India appointed a
nine-member committee headed
by M. Narasimham, the former Governor of RBI on
August 14, 1991. The committee was
appointed to review the working of the commercial
banks and other financial institutions
of the country and to suggest measures to remodel
these institutions for raising their
efficiency.
In 1998 the government-appointed yet another
committee under the chairmanship of Mr
Narsimham. It is better known as the Banking Sector
Committee. It was told to review
the banking reform progress and design a programme
for further strengthening the
financial system of India. The committee focused on
various areas such as capital
adequacy, bank mergers, bank legislation, etc.
The Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector
Reforms was a committee
constituted by the Government of India in 2007 for
proposing the next generation of
financial sector reforms in India.
The P J Nayak Committee or officially the Committee
to Review Governance of Boards of
Banks in India was set up by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) to review the governance
of the board of banks in India. The Committee was set
up in January 2014. The
Committee was chaired by P J Nayak, the former CEO
and Chairman of Axis Bank.
Why is this question important?
These are the very important committees in the
banking history of India.
Page77
Source:
85. Which of the following is/are the benefits of the
nationalisation of the
banks in India?
1. The number of rural bank branches increased.
2. Credit to rural areas increased.
3. Credit to agriculture expanded.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: The allocations of banking resources to
rural areas, agriculture, and
priority sectors increased after the nationalisation of
the banks.
The number of rural bank branches increased ten-fold
from about 1,443 in 1969 to 15,105
in 1980 compared to a two-fold increase in urban and
semi-urban areas from 5,248 to
13,300 branches.
Credit to rural areas increased from ` 115 crores to `
3,000 crores, a twenty-fold increase
and deposits in rural areas increased from ` 306
crores to ` 5,939 crores, again a twentyfold
increase.
Between 1969 and 1980, credit to agriculture
expanded forty-fold from ` 67 crores to `
2,767 crores, reaching 13 per cent of GDP from a
starting point of 2 per cent.
This growth represents a significant correction to the
undersupply of credit to farmers
that drove nationalization. Both rural bank deposit
mobilization and rural credit increased
significantly after the 1969 nationalization.
Page78
Why is this question important?
In 2019, India completed the 50th anniversary of bank
nationalization.
Source:
86. Consider the following statements:
1. It takes an average of 18 days to set up a business
in India currently.
2. India takes 1,445 days to resolve an average
dispute.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The number of procedures required to
set up a business in India, for
example, has reduced from 13 to 10 over the past ten
years. Today, it takes an average
of 18 days to set up a business in India, down from 30
days in 2009.
Enforcing contracts is one parameter in which India's
performance has been very poor
over the years. While India takes 1,445 days to resolve
an average dispute.
With a rank of 163 out of 190 nations in Enforcing
Contracts, only a few countries like
Afghanistan, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe perform
worse than India.
Why is this question important?
Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
Page79
87. Which of the following could be the possible factors
for India being
favoured by multinational firms as a lucrative
destination for final assembly of
industrial products vis-a-vis China?
1. US-China trade war
2. Labour shortage in China
3. Wage increase in China
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: The US-China trade war is causing
major adjustments in Global Value
Chains (GVCs) and firms are now looking for
alternative locations for their operations.
Even before the trade war began, China's image as a
low-cost location for final assembly
of industrial products was rapidly changing due to
labour shortages and increases in
wages.
These developments present India an unprecedented
opportunity to chart a similar export
trajectory as that pursued by China and create
unparalleled job opportunities for its youth.
As no other country can match China in the abundance
of its labour, India must grab the
space getting vacated in labour-intensive sectors.
Why is this question important?
It is a very important topic and discussed in detail in
the Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
Page80
88. Which of the following is/are the member countries
of the MERCOSUR
trade bloc?
1. Uruguay
2. Paraguay
3. Argentina
4. Brazil
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: Mercosur, officially Southern Common
Market, is a South American
trade bloc established by the Treaty of Asunción in
1991 and Protocol of Ouro Preto in
1994. Its full members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
and Uruguay. Venezuela was a full
member but has been suspended since 1 December
2016.
Associate countries are Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname.
Observer countries are New Zealand and Mexico.
Why is this question important?
India has signed a free trade agreement with
MERCOSUR in 2009.
Source:
89. Consider the following statements about the
"Shadow Banking":
1. Shadow banks do not have explicit access to central
bank liquidity.
2. They operate outside the traditional commercial
banking sector.
Page81
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: Shadow banking comprises a set of
activities, markets, contracts and
institutions that operate partially (or fully) outside the B. 2 only
traditional commercial banking C. Both 1 and 2
sector and are either lightly regulated or not regulated D. Neither 1 nor 2
at all. Page83
A shadow banking system can be composed of a single Ans. (B)
entity that intermediates between Learning Zone: The Index of Economic Freedom is an
end-suppliers and end-users of funds, or it could annual index and ranking created
involve multiple entities forming a in 1995 by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall
chain". Shadow banks do not have explicit access to Street Journal to measure the degree
central bank liquidity. of economic freedom in the world's nations.
The shadow banking system is highly levered with In the Index of Economic Freedom, India was
risky and illiquid assets while its categorized as 'mostly unfree' with a score
liabilities disposed to "bank runs". of 55.2 in 2019 ranking the Indian economy 129th
Why is this question important? among 186 countries, i.e., in the
It is discussed in detail in the Economic Survey 2019- bottom 30 per cent of countries.
20. Why is this question important?
Source: Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
90. Consider the following statements: 20.
1. Housing Finance Corporations(HFCs) hold much Source:
longer duration assets as compared 92. Consider the following pairs of the indices and the
to Retail-NBFCs, which hold medium-term assets. respective
2. Asset side shocks cause a significant deterioration in organisation/s which release them:
the asset-liability mismatch of the Index Organisation
HFCs, but they induce less of an adverse impact on 1. Index of Global Economic Freedom -Fraser Institute
the asset-liability mismatch of Retail- 2. Index of Economic Freedom -Heritage Foundation
NBFCs. and The Wall Street Journal
Which of the above statements is/are correct? Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 only A. 1 only
Page82 B. 2 only
B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2
C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. (C)
Ans. (C) Learning Zone: The Index of Economic Freedom is an
Learning Zone: The drivers of Rollover Risk differ annual index and ranking created
between HFCs and Retail-NBFCs are in 1995 by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall
demonstrated first due to the following reasons. First, Street Journal to measure the degree
HFCs hold much longer duration of economic freedom in the world's nations.
assets (housing loans, developer loans etc.,) as Page84
compared to Retail-NBFCs, which hold The Fraser Institute produces the annual Economic
medium-term assets (auto, consumer durables, gold Freedom of the World report in
loans, etc.,). cooperation with the Economic Freedom Network, a
HFCs face a greater gap between the average maturity group of independent research and
of their assets and liabilities, as educational institutes in nearly 100 countries and
compared to Retail-NBFCs, which typically provide territories.
loans of shorter duration in the form Why is this question important?
of working capital loans to MSME, automobile financing Important information in the Economic Survey 2019-
loans or gold loans. Thus, asset 20.
side shocks cause a significant deterioration in the Source:
asset-liability mismatch of the HFCs, 93. Which of the following item/s come under the
but they induce less of an adverse impact on the purview of the Essential
asset-liability mismatch of Retail-NBFCs. Commodities Act, 1955:
Why is this question important? 1. Petroleum products
It is discussed in detail in the Economic Survey 2019- 2. Onion
20. 3. Drugs
Source: 4. Jute
91. With reference to the "Index of Economic Freedom", 5. Seeds of food crops
consider the following Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
statements: A. 1, 2 and 4 only
1. It is published by the International Monetary Fund B. 2, 3, 4, and 5
(IMF). C. 1, 2, 3, and 5 only
2. India has ranked at 129th among 186 countries in D. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
2019. Ans. (D)
Which of the above statements is/are correct? Learning Zone: Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955
A. 1 only was enacted to control the
production, supply and distribution of, and trade and
commerce in, certain goods
considered as essential commodities. The Act itself
does not lay out Rules and Regulations
but allows the States to issue Control Orders related to
dealer licensing, regulate stock
limits, restrict the movement of goods and
requirements of compulsory purchases under
the system of the levy.
Page85
The major commodity groups included in the Act are-
(i) Petroleum and its products, including petrol, diesel,
kerosene, Naphtha, solvents etc
(ii) Foodstuff, including edible oil and seeds, vanaspati,
pulses, sugarcane and its products
like Khansari and sugar, rice paddy
(iii) Raw Jute and jute textiles
(iv) Drugs- prices of essential drugs are still controlled
by the DPCO
(v) Fertilisers- the Fertiliser Control Order prescribes
restrictions on transfer and stock of
fertilizers apart from prices
(vi) Onion and Potato
(vii) Seeds of food crops, fruits and vegetables, cattle
fodder, Jute seeds and Cotton
seeds
Why is this question important?
The very important topic which is often seen in the
news and also discussed in detail in
the Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
94. Which of the distortions in the agricultural market
that are caused due to
the imposition of the Essential Commodity Act, 1955?
1. It weakens the development of agricultural value
chain.
2. It reduces the producers' profit.
3. It inhibits the development of vibrant commodity
derivative markets.
4. It reduces the incentive to invest in storage.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
Page86
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (D)
Learning Zone: The ECA, however, affects the efficient
development of agricultural
markets by creating market distortions.
As agriculture is a seasonal activity, it is essential to
store produce for the off-season to
ensure smoothened availability of a product at stable
prices throughout the year.
Therefore, producers face an inherent tradeoff
between building an inventory in the
harvest season and drawing down inventory in the
lean season. ECA interferes with this
mechanism by disincentivising investments in
warehousing and storage facilities due to
frequent and unpredictable imposition of stock limits.
As stockholding limits apply to the entire agriculture
supply chain, including wholesalers,
food processing industries and retail food chains, the
Act does not distinguish between
firms that genuinely need to hold stocks owing to the
nature of their operations, and
firms that might speculatively hoard stocks.
Further, this reduces the effectiveness of free trade
and the flow of commodities from
surplus areas to markets with higher demand.
ECA also affects the commodity derivative markets as
traders may not be able to deliver
on the exchange platform the promised quantity,
owing to stock limits.
The Act distorts markets by increasing uncertainty and
discouraging the entry of large
private sector players into agricultural-marketing.
These market distortions further
aggravate the price volatility in agricultural
commodities- the opposite of what it is
intended for.
Why is this question important?
The very important topic which is often seen in the
news and also discussed in detail in
the Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
95. "Drug Price Control Order (DPCO)" is often is seen
in the news. Consider
the following statements about it:
Page87
1. It specifies the list of drugs that come under the
price ceiling and the formula for
calculating the ceiling price.
2. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is
responsible for fixing and revising
the prices of pharmaceutical products as well as the
enforcement of the DPCO.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Drugs Prices Control Order (DPCO)
is an order issued under Sec. 3
of the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 that
seeks to regulate the prices of
pharmaceutical drugs. The DPCO, among other things,
specifies the list of drugs that
come under the price ceiling and the formula for
calculating the ceiling price. The National
List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) lists the
pharmaceutical drugs that fall under price
control.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is
responsible for fixing and revising the
prices of pharmaceutical products as well as the
enforcement of the DPCO.
Why is this question important?
It is discussed in detail in the Economic Survey 2019-
20.
Source:
96. Which of the following is/are the impact of the
blanket debt waivers?
1. Disruption of credit culture
2. Reduction of the formal credit flow
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Page88
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: It is clear from the studies that an
unconditional and blanket debt waiver
is a bad idea. It does not achieve any meaningful real
outcomes for the intended
beneficiaries while the costs to the exchequer are
significant.
Most importantly, debt waivers disrupt the credit
culture and end up reducing the formal
credit flow to the very same farmers it intends to help.
Why is this question important?
Farm waivers are often in the news.
Source:
97. Which of the following is/are the weakness of the
markets?
1. Markets cannot prevent the abuse of monopoly
power.
2. Markets cannot distribute public goods.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: There some strengths and weaknesses
of the market.
Page89
Markets cannot Provide public goods, prevent abuse of
monopoly power, internalize
externalities, overcome information asymmetry,
distribute wealth equitably and ensure
ethical practices.
Markets can keep prices in check, use resources
efficiently, encourage innovation,
increase consumer choice, create wealth and maximize
aggregate welfare.
Why is this question important?
Basic concepts which are also discussed in the
Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
98. With reference to the "Corruption Perception
Index", consider the
following statements:
1. It is released by the "Transparency International".
2. Since 2013, India has improved significantly on this
index.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
is an index published annually
by Transparency International since 1995 which ranks
countries "by their perceived levels
of public sector corruption, as determined by expert
assessments and opinion surveys."
The corruption perception index, which Transparency
International tracks across
countries, shows India at its lowest point in recent
years in 2011. Since 2013, India has
improved significantly on this index.
Why is this question important?
Page90
It is very important information also given in the
Economic Survey 2019-20.
Source:
99. The Economic Survey 2019-20 has suggested
integrating 'Assemble in
India for the World' plan into the Make in India
programme. Consider the
following statements about it:
1. India would create about four crore well-paid jobs
by 2025 and about eight crores by
2030.
2. It can raise its export market share to about 3.5 per
cent by 2025 and 6 per cent by
2030.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
Learning Zone: The Economic Survey has suggested
integrating 'Assemble in India for
the World' plan into the Make in India programme so
that the country can raise its export
market share to about 3.5 per cent by 2025 and 6 per
cent by 2030.
In the process, India would create about four crore
well-paid jobs by 2025 and about
eight crores by 2030.
It further said the incremental value added in the
economy from the target level of
exports of network products, which is expected to
reach $248 billion in 2025, would make
up about one-quarter of the increase required for
making India a $5-trillion economy by
2025.
Why is this question important?
Page91
It is a very ambitious initiative proposed in the
Economic Survey 2019-20 which aspires
to create several jobs as well as increase GDP to
significantly higher levels.
Source:
100. Which of the following is the theme of the Economic
Survey 2019-20?
A. Wealth creation
B. Faster and sustainable growth
C. Inclusive growth
D. None of the above
Ans. (A)
Learning Zone: The theme of Economic Survey, 2019-
20 is "Wealth Creation" for India's
aspiration of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
Why is this question important?
Basic information about the Economic Survey 2019-20.