Question 1

In India, national income is officially estimated using which overall approach, often described as a combination of more than one basic method?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: National income is a key macroeconomic indicator that measures the total value of goods and services produced in an economy. There are three basic methods of estimating national income: the income method, the product or output method, and the expenditure method. Many exam questions ask which method India uses to calculate its national income, because this reflects the complexity and diversity of the economy. This question focuses on the overall approach adopted in India for official estimation. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject is the method used to calculate national income in India.- Options include pure income, product, expenditure methods and a combined method.- We assume awareness that different sectors may require different estimation techniques. Concept / Approach: In practice, no large and diverse economy relies exclusively on just one method to estimate national income. Instead, statistical agencies use whichever method is most appropriate for each sector, then combine the results. In India, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), now part of the National Statistical Office (NSO), historically has used a combined method. For some sectors, it uses the output method; for others, it uses the income or expenditure method, and then reconciles these estimates. Because of this, exam oriented textbooks state that India calculates its national income using the combined method rather than any single pure method. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the three basic methods: income, product (output) and expenditure.2. Recognise that agriculture, industry, services and government sectors differ in terms of data availability and reliability.3. Understand that in some sectors it is easier to measure output value; in others, incomes or expenditures provide better data.4. Identify that India's statistical authorities therefore adopt a combined method, using suitable techniques sector wise and merging them into one national income estimate.5. Select the combined method as the correct answer from the options given. Verification / Alternative check: Indian economy guides and official documentation explain that national income estimates are based on a mix of approaches. They categorise sectors according to which method is applied and then aggregate the results to get Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and related aggregates. These references explicitly mention that India uses a combination of methods, and coaching materials often summarise this as the combined method. This confirms that the first option is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - The income method only: ignores the use of output and expenditure based estimates where appropriate.- The product (output) method only: does not reflect the reality that some sectors are better measured through income or expenditure data.- The expenditure method only: would focus mainly on final expenditures and is not the sole approach used in India.- The sampling survey method only: sampling is a data collection technique, not a full method of national income estimation on its own. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes memorise that India uses the income method or the product method because they see those terms frequently in diagrams. Others may assume that a single method is used for simplicity. To avoid this confusion, remember that large economies need flexibility in estimation. The safe and accurate statement for exams is that India uses the combined method, meaning that different methods are applied to different sectors and then integrated. Keeping this in mind will help you answer similar questions correctly. Final Answer: In India, national income is estimated using the combined method, which uses income, output and expenditure approaches sector wise and then reconciles them.

Question 2

The prices at which the Government of India purchases foodgrains from farmers to maintain the Public Distribution System (PDS) and build buffer stocks are known as what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India's food security system relies on the government buying foodgrains at assured prices and then distributing them through the Public Distribution System (PDS) or storing them as buffer stocks. Several price concepts are used in this process, including minimum support prices, procurement prices and issue prices. Exam questions often test whether you can distinguish among these terms. This question specifically asks for the name of the price at which the government actually purchases foodgrains for PDS and buffer stocks. Given Data / Assumptions: - The Government of India purchases foodgrains from farmers.- These purchases are meant for maintaining PDS and buffer stocks.- Several related price concepts are listed as options.- We assume familiarity with basic food policy terminology. Concept / Approach: Minimum support price (MSP) is the price announced by the government before the sowing season, assuring farmers that they will receive at least this price if the market price falls below it. Procurement price is the actual price at which government agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) buy foodgrains from farmers. For many exam questions, procurement price is described as the price used to build buffer stocks and supply the PDS. Issue price is the subsidised price at which these grains are sold through fair price shops to ration card holders. Ceiling price and wholesale market price are different concepts altogether. Hence, the price at which the government purchases foodgrains for PDS and buffer stocks is known as the procurement price. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify that the question is about the price at which government actually buys grains for PDS and buffer stock formation.2. Recall that MSP is a policy guarantee and may act as a floor price, but the actual purchase price for government procurement is termed the procurement price.3. Recognise that issue price is the price at which grains are sold to consumers through PDS, not bought from farmers.4. Understand that ceiling prices refer to maximum price controls in general markets, and wholesale market prices are determined by open market forces.5. Conclude that procurement prices is the correct term for the government purchase price in this context. Verification / Alternative check: Many Indian economy and agriculture textbooks explain that the government announces both MSP and procurement prices. They often state that procurement prices are closely related to MSP, sometimes set equal or slightly higher, and are used for actual purchases for food security operations. Issue prices, on the other hand, are fixed for PDS sales. These definitions confirm that the term procurement price best fits the description given in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Minimum support prices: these are pre announced floor prices to protect farmers but not necessarily the exact price of every procurement operation.- Issue prices: refer to the price at which foodgrains are issued to consumers through PDS, not the purchase price from farmers.- Ceiling prices: are government imposed maximum prices in general markets, not specific to foodgrain procurement operations.- Wholesale market prices: are open market prices determined by demand and supply, and can differ significantly from government procurement prices. Common Pitfalls: A common source of confusion is that exam materials sometimes mention MSP in the same breath as government purchases, leading students to think that MSP is the direct purchase price. While MSP influences procurement prices, the term the government uses for the purchasing price is procurement price, especially in older exam questions. Another error is to confuse issue prices with purchase prices; remember that issue prices relate to sales to consumers. To avoid these mistakes, mentally link procurement price with government purchases and issue price with PDS sales. Final Answer: The prices at which the government purchases foodgrains for PDS and buffer stocks are known as procurement prices.

Question 3

The international train service called the Thar Express, running between India and Pakistan, originates in India from which railway station or city?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cross border train services between India and Pakistan have historical and diplomatic significance, and they often appear in general knowledge questions. The Thar Express is one such train service connecting Rajasthan in India with Sindh in Pakistan through the desert region. This question asks you to identify the Indian city or station from which the Thar Express originates, testing your knowledge of important transport links and their geographic locations. Given Data / Assumptions: - The train is the Thar Express, a service between India and Pakistan.- The Indian terminus must be located in the state of Rajasthan.- The options include several cities and towns from Rajasthan plus Jaipur as a major city.- We assume awareness that the Thar Express route lies in the western desert region. Concept / Approach: The Thar Express in India operates from Bhagat Ki Kothi station near Jodhpur in Rajasthan and proceeds toward the border before continuing into Pakistan. Jodhpur is a major city in western Rajasthan and serves as the Indian point of origin for this train service. While towns like Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner are also located in the Thar desert region, they are not the designated originating stations for the Thar Express. Jaipur is the state capital but not part of this specific international route. Therefore, Jodhpur is the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify that the Thar Express connects India and Pakistan through the desert region, so its Indian station must be in western Rajasthan.2. Recall that Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur is mentioned in news and exam material as the starting point of the Thar Express.3. Note that Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, while located in the Thar desert, are not officially cited as the originating station in standard references.4. Recognise that Jaipur, though important, lies more centrally and is not the desert border terminus for this route.5. Conclude that Jodhpur is the Indian city from which the Thar Express originates and select it as the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Railway timetables, official press releases and general knowledge books clearly state that the Thar Express runs from Bhagat Ki Kothi (Jodhpur) in India to Munabao on the Indian side of the border and then onward to Pakistan. This information is consistently presented across multiple sources, confirming that Jodhpur is the Indian origin point for the service rather than any other city listed among the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Jaisalmer: an important desert tourist town, but not the official starting station for the Thar Express.- Bikaner: another major city in Rajasthan, yet the train does not originate here.- Barmer: close to the border but still not the designated origin station in standard timetables.- Jaipur: the state capital with many train services, but not the origin of this particular international train. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes guess Jaisalmer or Barmer because they associate the Thar desert with these towns and assume the train must start there. Others may choose Jaipur simply because it is the most familiar city in Rajasthan. To avoid such errors, memorise the specific fact that the Thar Express originates from Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur. Linking the name Thar Express with Jodhpur in your mind ensures quick and accurate recall in the exam hall. Final Answer: On the Indian side, the Thar Express originates from Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station) in Rajasthan.

Question 4

In India's Five Year Planning history, which Five Year Plan first placed explicit emphasis on the removal of poverty (Garibi Hatao) as a central objective?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The history of India's Five Year Plans reflects changing development priorities over time. Early plans focused heavily on industrialisation, agriculture and infrastructure. Later, growing concern about persistent poverty led planners to explicitly adopt poverty removal as a central objective. This question asks you to identify the first Five Year Plan that clearly emphasised the removal of poverty, often associated with the famous slogan Garibi Hatao, making it a key theme in the plan document. Given Data / Assumptions: - The focus is on explicit emphasis on poverty removal as a central goal.- Options include several middle period Five Year Plans.- We assume awareness of broad themes of different plans in India. Concept / Approach: The Fifth Five Year Plan, covering 1974-79, is widely recognised as the first plan to place explicit and strong emphasis on the removal of poverty. It adopted Garibi Hatao as a declared objective, reflecting political and social priorities of the time. Earlier plans addressed growth, employment and distribution, but did not frame poverty alleviation as the primary explicit slogan or central theme. Subsequent plans continued to focus on poverty reduction, but the first explicit shift came in the Fifth Plan. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that the early plans, especially the Second and Third, emphasised rapid industrialisation and self reliance.2. The Fourth Plan continued to address growth and stability but did not fully centre its slogan on poverty removal.3. Understand that the Fifth Five Year Plan explicitly adopted the goal of Garibi Hatao and placed removal of poverty at the core of its strategy.4. Recognise that while later plans such as the Sixth and Seventh also pursued poverty alleviation, they built on this shift rather than initiating it.5. Therefore, select the Fifth Five Year Plan as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Standard Indian economy textbooks and planning history summaries clearly note that the Fifth Plan focused on reducing poverty and improving the quality of life of the poorest sections. They highlight the Garibi Hatao emphasis and distinguish it from earlier growth centric plans. Coaching material for civil services and other exams also lists the Fifth Plan as the first to make poverty removal a central plan objective, confirming this answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Fourth Five Year Plan: important for stability and growth, but did not carry the explicit Garibi Hatao focus.- Sixth Five Year Plan: continued policies on poverty alleviation but came after the Fifth, which first made it a central emphasis.- Seventh Five Year Plan: stressed productivity and modernisation but was not the first to prioritise poverty removal.- Third Five Year Plan: focused mainly on self reliant growth and basic industries, predating the explicit poverty removal slogan. Common Pitfalls: Because many plans mention poverty alleviation in some form, students sometimes confuse which plan first made it the central theme. Others may assume it was the Fourth Plan because it preceded the Fifth and also addressed distribution. To avoid such confusion, firmly associate Garibi Hatao and explicit emphasis on removal of poverty with the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-79). This simple association will help you answer future questions about plan priorities accurately. Final Answer: The first Five Year Plan to place explicit emphasis on removal of poverty was the Fifth Five Year Plan.

Question 5

The Government of India has officially declared which one of the following rivers as a National River in order to highlight its special importance and promote conservation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Rivers play a vital role in India's ecology, economy and culture. Among them, some rivers have special status due to their religious, historical and environmental significance. The Government of India has declared one major river as a National River to emphasise its importance and focus attention on its cleaning and conservation. This question tests whether you can correctly identify that river from among other important Indian rivers. Given Data / Assumptions: - The question refers to the official declaration of a National River.- Several major rivers of India are provided as options.- We assume awareness of national level initiatives for river conservation. Concept / Approach: The Ganga, also called the Ganges, is widely regarded as India's most sacred river and is crucial for the livelihoods of millions of people along its course. Recognising its cultural and ecological importance, the Government of India declared the Ganga as the National River and created institutions such as the National Ganga River Basin Authority to oversee its conservation. While rivers like Yamuna, Kaveri and Godavari are also very important, none of them has been officially designated as the National River of India. Therefore, Ganga is the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that the title National River is meant to highlight a river of exceptional significance for the country.2. Recognise that the Ganga is widely considered the holiest river in Hindu tradition and is central to religious and cultural life in northern India.3. Remember that the Government of India announced special missions, including the National Ganga River Basin Authority and later Namami Gange, specifically linked to the Ganga.4. Compare the options: Yamuna, Kaveri and Godavari are major rivers but have not been given the official title of National River.5. Conclude that Ganga is the river that has been declared the National River and select it as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Government press releases, environment ministry documents and standard general knowledge books state clearly that the Ganga was declared the National River of India to underline its importance and to coordinate efforts for its cleaning and rejuvenation. These sources do not assign this title to any other river, confirming that option Ganga is correct and that None of these is not appropriate here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Yamuna: a major tributary of the Ganga and extremely important, but it has not been declared the National River.- Kaveri: a vital river for southern India, yet it does not carry the official National River status.- Godavari: one of the longest rivers in India, sometimes called Dakshin Ganga, but not officially designated as National River.- None of these: incorrect because the Ganga has indeed been declared the National River. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be tempted to choose None of these if they are unsure of the official status or if they confuse state level river conservation programmes with national level declarations. Others may think of Godavari as Dakshin Ganga and wrongly assume it must be the National River. To avoid such errors, remember the simple fact that Ganga is the National River of India and is the primary focus of major national cleaning and conservation projects. Keeping this in mind will help you confidently answer similar questions in the exam. Final Answer: The Ganga has been declared the National River of India.

Question 6

In discussions of India's pre reform economic performance, the term 'Hindu rate of growth' generally refers to the historically low growth rate of which macroeconomic variable?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The phrase Hindu rate of growth became famous in economic discussions about India's performance before liberalisation. It characterises a long period when the economy grew much more slowly than many other developing countries. To answer this question, you must know which macroeconomic variable this rate is referring to. Understanding this helps you interpret debates on why India's growth was constrained in the decades after Independence. Given Data / Assumptions: - The term in focus is Hindu rate of growth.- It is associated with India's economic performance prior to reforms.- Options include GDP, population, foodgrains and per capita income.- We assume awareness that this rate was quite low, often around 3 to 3.5 percent annually. Concept / Approach: Economist Raj Krishna used the term Hindu rate of growth to describe India's slow overall economic growth during the period roughly from the 1950s to the late 1970s. He was referring to the growth rate of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which hovered around 3 to 3.5 percent per year. While population growth and per capita income are related variables, the central focus of the phrase was the sluggish growth of the total output of the economy (GDP) compared to potential and to other countries. Therefore, Hindu rate of growth refers primarily to the growth rate of GDP. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that Hindu rate of growth is generally quoted as about 3 to 3.5 percent per annum over a long period.2. Understand that such a rate is too low to describe population growth in India, which was usually higher than that during the same period.3. Note that foodgrains output and per capita income did change, but the phrase is most commonly applied to overall economic output, i.e., GDP.4. Recognise that the term was used in macroeconomic debates about India's growth strategy, industrial policy and planning outcomes, all of which relate to GDP growth.5. Choose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the macroeconomic variable whose growth rate is captured by this phrase. Verification / Alternative check: Economic history books on India and standard exam guides discuss the Hindu rate of growth as a description of India's GDP growth prior to the acceleration observed from the 1980s and especially after the 1991 reforms. They often contrast the earlier 3 to 3.5 percent GDP growth rate with later periods of 6 percent or more. While some discussions also mention slow growth of per capita income, the original phrase and most exam questions point to the growth of GDP itself. This confirms that GDP is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Population: population growth in India has generally been higher than 3.5 percent and is not what the phrase was criticising.- Foodgrains production: although important, this specific phrase is not standardly used to describe growth in foodgrain output.- Per capita income: while per capita income also grew slowly, the widely accepted interpretation of Hindu rate of growth refers directly to the GDP growth rate.- Capital stock: refers to accumulated physical capital, not the primary focus of the phrase in common usage. Common Pitfalls: Some students confuse GDP growth with per capita income growth, because both were relatively low before reforms. Others think the term refers to population growth since India's population was large and growing. To avoid these mistakes, remember that Hindu rate of growth was coined by an economist to critique India's GDP growth performance, not population size. Keeping the approximate figure of 3 to 3.5 percent GDP growth per year in mind helps anchor the correct variable and improves your ability to interpret related exam questions. Final Answer: The Hindu rate of growth refers to the historically low growth rate of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Question 7

Which Indian nationalist leader wrote a famous book explaining the theory of the economic drain of wealth from India to Britain during colonial rule?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The concept of economic drain was central to early nationalist criticism of British rule in India. Indian leaders argued that colonial policies systematically transferred wealth from India to Britain, leaving India impoverished. One leader, in particular, analysed this drain in a detailed book that became an important reference for the freedom movement. This question asks you to identify the author of that book, which is a common topic in modern Indian history and Indian economy sections of competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: - The focus is on a book describing the economic drain of wealth from India to Britain.- Several prominent nationalist leaders are given as options.- We assume awareness of key writings in the nationalist economic critique of colonialism. Concept / Approach: Dadabhai Naoroji, often called the Grand Old Man of India, was one of the earliest leaders of the Indian National Congress and a pioneering economic thinker. In his book Poverty and Un British Rule in India, he developed the theory of economic drain, showing how colonial policies led to the transfer of wealth from India to Britain through mechanisms such as home charges, profits, salaries and pensions of British officials. This work provided a strong intellectual foundation for nationalist demands. While other leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai also wrote important books, the specific theory of economic drain in a systematic book form is most closely associated with Dadabhai Naoroji. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that the question is about a book detailing the drain of wealth theory under British rule.2. Recall that Dadabhai Naoroji wrote Poverty and Un British Rule in India, which analysed how wealth was drained from India to Britain.3. Note that Mahatma Gandhi wrote works like Hind Swaraj, focusing more on civilisation and non violence than detailed economic drain calculations.4. Observe that Jawaharlal Nehru authored books like The Discovery of India and Glimpses of World History, which deal more broadly with history and nationalism.5. Conclude that Dadabhai Naoroji is the leader specifically associated with the economic drain theory book, and choose him as the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: History textbooks and exam guides on the economic aspects of colonial India consistently refer to Dadabhai Naoroji as the father of the drain of wealth theory. They mention his book Poverty and Un British Rule in India as a landmark work that quantified the loss of Indian resources under British rule. No other leader in the options is credited with a similar detailed economic analysis in book form. This confirms that Dadabhai Naoroji is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Lala Lajpat Rai: a prominent nationalist leader and author, but not the main originator of the economic drain theory book.- Mahatma Gandhi: wrote influential works on Swaraj and non violence, but did not produce the core economic drain analysis in question.- Jawaharlal Nehru: his books cover history and political thought broadly, rather than a focused drain of wealth theory.- Bal Gangadhar Tilak: an important nationalist and writer, but not known for authoring the principal book on the economic drain of India. Common Pitfalls: Because many nationalist leaders wrote books and pamphlets, students sometimes confuse who wrote which work. Another frequent error is to remember that Nehru and Gandhi were prolific writers and to assume that one of them must have authored any famous book. To avoid such mistakes, memorise a few key pairings: Dadabhai Naoroji with the drain of wealth theory and Poverty and Un British Rule in India, Gandhi with Hind Swaraj, and Nehru with The Discovery of India. These associations make it easier to answer authorship questions quickly and accurately. Final Answer: The book explaining the theory of economic drain of India during British rule was written by Dadabhai Naoroji.

Question 8

In the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series of Indian banknotes introduced recently, what is the predominant colour of the ₹50 banknote?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a new series of banknotes called the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series with updated designs, colours and security features. Each denomination in this series has a distinctive colour and theme to make identification easier for the public. This question tests whether you remember the main colour of the ₹50 note in the new series, which is a frequent point of interest in general awareness sections of exams. Given Data / Assumptions: - The focus is on the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series of banknotes.- The denomination in question is the ₹50 note.- Options list several colours that appear on different denominations.- We assume awareness of recent currency redesigns in India. Concept / Approach: In the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series, the ₹50 banknote has a predominant fluorescent blue colour. This distinct shade helps people distinguish it from other denominations, such as the magenta coloured ₹2,000 note or the stone grey styled ₹500 note. The design also features motifs related to Indian heritage on the reverse side, but the key identifying factor for this question is its bright blue tone. Therefore, fluorescent blue is the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that the RBI introduced new designs and colours for denominations like ₹50, ₹200, ₹500 and ₹2,000 in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series.2. Visualise the ₹50 note, which is smaller in size and has a vivid blue appearance compared to other notes.3. Remember that magenta is associated with the ₹2,000 note and stone grey is associated with the ₹500 note in the same series.4. Note that bright red and olive green do not match the standard description of the new ₹50 note.5. Choose fluorescent blue as the predominant colour of the ₹50 banknote in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series. Verification / Alternative check: Photographs and descriptions of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series on the RBI's official site and in newspapers show the ₹50 note in fluorescent blue. Educational and exam preparation materials also emphasise this colour difference to help candidates quickly identify denominations. These sources consistently confirm that fluorescent blue is the standard descriptor for the new ₹50 note colour. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Magenta: used mainly for the ₹2,000 denomination in the new series, not for ₹50.- Stone grey: generally associated with the newer ₹500 note.- Bright red: not the standard dominant colour for the ₹50 note in the new series.- Olive green: closer to shades used in older notes or other denominations, not the characteristic fluorescent blue of the new ₹50 note. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates mix up colours among different new notes because several denominations were introduced or redesigned around the same period. Another common mistake is relying on memory of old series notes, which had different colour schemes. To avoid such confusion, associate each denomination with its new colour: for example, ₹2,000 with magenta, ₹500 with stone grey and ₹50 with fluorescent blue. This simple mapping will make currency related questions much easier to answer under exam conditions. Final Answer: In the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series, the ₹50 banknote is predominantly fluorescent blue in colour.

Question 9

For a long period before later revisions, which of the following was taken as the base year for the official computation of national income and GDP in India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: National accounts statistics are periodically updated by changing the base year so that GDP and national income figures reflect a more recent structure of the economy. Knowing which year is taken as the base year at different times is a common exam question in Indian economy. This question asks about an earlier widely used base year that preceded later revisions, focusing on a period when 1999-2000 was the benchmark for calculating national income and GDP at constant prices. Given Data / Assumptions: - The question is about the base year used for national income computation in India in an older series.- Options list several candidate years around the 1990s and early 2000s.- We assume awareness that base years have changed over time (e.g., 1993-94, 1999-2000, 2004-05, 2011-12). Concept / Approach: A base year in national accounts is a year chosen as a reference point for measuring real growth by holding prices constant at that year's level. India has updated this base year multiple times. For a significant period, national income and GDP at constant prices were calculated using 1999-2000 as the base year, before a later shift to 2004-05 and then to 2011-12. Many exam questions from that era refer to 1999-2000 as the base year, and it remains an important fact in historical context. Hence, among the given options, 1999-2000 is the correct answer for that earlier base year. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that India's national accounts earlier used 1993-94 as a base year and later shifted to 1999-2000.2. Understand that this base year was again revised to 2004-05 and then to 2011-12 in subsequent updates.3. Note that the question refers to the base year used for computation, without specifying the very latest revision, and provides 1999-2000 as one of the options.4. Recognise that 1990-91 and 2000-01 were not used as major national income base years in the standard sequence for exam purposes.5. Select 1999-2000 as the appropriate base year being referred to in this question. Verification / Alternative check: Indian economy textbooks and Economic Survey summaries from the period of the 1999-2000 base revision clearly state that GDP and national income at constant prices were being rebased to 1999-2000. Later, official documents describe subsequent rebasing to 2004-05 and 2011-12. Exam oriented materials carefully track these changes, and many older multiple choice questions highlight 1999-2000 as the then prevailing base year, confirming its relevance in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - 1990-91: not a standard base year in the widely cited national accounts revision sequence.- 1993-94: was an earlier base year but was replaced by 1999-2000 in a later revision, and the question focuses on a more recent base in that sequence.- 2000-01: not used as the primary base year in official rebasing cycles discussed in most exam books.- 2004-05: became a later base year, but the question refers to an earlier base that had been used widely for some time. Common Pitfalls: Students often get confused between multiple base years because revisions occur every few years and exam questions are drawn from different time periods. Another frequent mistake is to simply pick the latest base year they remember, even when the question is clearly about an earlier series. To minimise confusion, memorise the sequence: 1993-94, then 1999-2000, then 2004-05, and then 2011-12. When you see older options like those in this question, you can accurately identify 1999-2000 as the correct earlier base year being tested. Final Answer: For a significant period, India used 1999-2000 as the base year for computing national income and GDP at constant prices.

Question 10

In the history of Indian Railways, in which year did the first train in India steam off on a scheduled route?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The beginning of rail transport is a landmark event in India's economic and social history. Railways played a crucial role in integrating markets, facilitating movement of goods and people, and shaping colonial as well as post independence development. Many general knowledge questions ask about the year in which the first train in India started running on a scheduled route. This question tests your ability to recall this foundational date in Indian Railways history. Given Data / Assumptions: - The question concerns the first train in India on a scheduled route.- Several years from the nineteenth century are listed as options.- We assume familiarity with the famous first run between Mumbai (then Bombay) and Thane. Concept / Approach: The first passenger train journey in India took place on 16 April 1853. The train ran between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Thane, covering a distance of about 34 kilometres. This date is widely recognised as the formal beginning of rail transport in India. Although some earlier experimental or freight movements may have occurred, 1853 is treated as the official starting year of Indian Railways. Therefore, among the options provided, 1853 is the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the famous inaugural run of the first passenger train in India between Bombay and Thane.2. Remember that this run took place on 16 April 1853, a commonly cited date in railway history.3. Note that years such as 1848 or 1875 appear in other contexts but do not match this specific milestone.4. Recognise that by 1880, the railway network had already expanded significantly beyond that first line.5. Select 1853 as the correct year from the options given. Verification / Alternative check: Official histories of Indian Railways and general knowledge books all state that the first passenger train in India ran in 1853 between Bombay and Thane. They often provide additional details such as the involvement of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and the number of carriages used during the inaugural journey. These consistent accounts across multiple sources confirm 1853 as the correct year for the first train in India. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - 1848: predates the actual first passenger train run; railway planning and proposals were still in early stages.- 1875: by this time, a significant portion of the initial network was already operational, so it cannot be the starting year.- 1880: far too late to mark the beginning of railways in India.- 1901: by then, India had an extensive railway system and a separate Railway Board was being discussed. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse the year of the first train with other dates such as the creation of the Railway Board or later extensions of the network. Others may remember the general time frame but not the exact year. To avoid confusion, link the specific date 16 April 1853 and the route Bombay to Thane in your memory as the starting point of Indian Railways. This simple association makes it easy to select 1853 whenever this question appears in exams. Final Answer: The first train in India steamed off in the year 1853.

Question 11

In Indian banking regulation, especially in the context of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms for priority sector lending, what is the full form of the abbreviation ANBC?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues guidelines that require banks to lend a certain minimum proportion of their resources to priority sectors such as agriculture, small enterprises and weaker sections. In these guidelines, a technical term ANBC is used as a reference base for calculating targets. Understanding the full form of such abbreviations is important for banking awareness and financial sector questions in competitive exams. This question asks you to expand ANBC correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: - The abbreviation in focus is ANBC.- The context is RBI norms, especially priority sector lending.- Several similar sounding expansions are provided as options.- We assume basic familiarity with banking regulation terminology. Concept / Approach: ANBC stands for Adjusted Net Bank Credit. It is used by the RBI as a base to determine what proportion of a bank's lending should go to priority sectors. ANBC is derived from a bank's net bank credit, adjusted for certain items like bills rediscounted and some off balance sheet exposures. Because multiple words such as adjusted, average, aggregate and credit or capital can appear in similar acronyms, it is important to remember the exact phrase. Among the given options, Adjusted Net Bank Credit is the correct and widely accepted expansion in RBI documents. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Focus on the context: RBI uses ANBC for setting priority sector lending targets for banks.2. Recall that this base is a measure of bank credit, not capital or borrowing capacity, so the phrase must contain bank credit.3. Note that the word adjusted is crucial because RBI modifies the raw net bank credit figure to account for various items.4. Eliminate options that use national bank capital or annual net borrowing, because they do not reflect this specific credit measure.5. Select Adjusted Net Bank Credit as the expansion that accurately matches RBI usage. Verification / Alternative check: RBI circulars and priority sector lending guidelines explicitly define ANBC as Adjusted Net Bank Credit. They describe how to compute it by starting from net bank credit and making particular adjustments. Banking exam preparation books reproduce this definition when explaining how banks should calculate targets for sectors like agriculture and micro enterprises. These consistent references confirm that Adjusted Net Bank Credit is the correct full form of ANBC. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Average Net Bank Credit: average suggests a time based mean, which is not the specific concept used by RBI for ANBC.- Aggregate Net Bank Credit: aggregate could refer to total credit, but the RBI term emphasises adjusted net figures, not aggregate.- Adjusted National Bank Capital: changes credit to capital and introduces national, which are not part of the RBI definition.- Annual Net Borrowing Capacity: refers to borrowing, not bank credit, and does not match the technical usage in RBI guidelines. Common Pitfalls: Because several banking abbreviations sound similar and mix words like adjusted, aggregate, net, credit and capital, students often pick an option that seems familiar without paying attention to context. Another pitfall is to confuse ANBC with terms related to capital adequacy or borrowing, which have their own acronyms. To avoid confusion, remember the specific association: ANBC equals Adjusted Net Bank Credit and is used to compute priority sector lending targets. Keeping this clear in your mind ensures that you will correctly identify the full form in exam questions. Final Answer: In RBI terminology, ANBC stands for Adjusted Net Bank Credit.

Question 12

India's first amphibious bus project, in which a specially designed vehicle can travel on both road and water for tourism, was launched by the government of which Indian state?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Innovative transport projects that combine tourism with unique technology often appear in current affairs and general knowledge questions. An amphibious bus is a special vehicle that can operate both on land and in water, providing a distinctive experience for passengers. India's first amphibious bus project attracted media attention when it was launched by a state government as a tourism initiative. This question asks you to identify which state government launched that first amphibious bus project. Given Data / Assumptions: - The project is India's first amphibious bus.- It is a state level initiative, mainly for tourism.- The options include several Indian states from different regions.- We assume the context of news reports about new transport and tourism projects. Concept / Approach: The first amphibious bus project in India was launched in the state of Punjab. The vehicle was designed to run on regular roads and then enter a water body, offering tourists a combined land and water journey. This project was introduced to promote tourism in the region and to create a unique attraction. Although states like Gujarat, Kerala, Assam and Telangana have also explored or planned innovative transport concepts, the specific pioneering amphibious bus project highlighted in exam oriented current affairs was associated with Punjab. Hence, Punjab is the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Focus on the phrase first amphibious bus project in India as reported in news and general awareness sources.2. Recall that this project was launched in Punjab as a tourism initiative using a bus capable of moving on land and water.3. Consider that Gujarat and Kerala are coastal states with water bodies, but the particular first amphibious bus project for which exam questions are framed was not attributed to them.4. Note that Assam and Telangana also have rivers and lakes, yet they were not identified as the pioneers of this kind of bus project.5. Select Punjab as the state whose government launched India's first amphibious bus project. Verification / Alternative check: Contemporary news articles and competitive exam current affairs compilations specifically mention Punjab as the first state to roll out an amphibious bus for tourism. They describe its route, including movement on roads and on a water body, and highlight the novelty of the experience. While later projects or proposals in other states may also use amphibious vehicles, the initial first in India tag is consistently attached to Punjab in these sources, confirming this answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Telangana: has major cities and water resources, but is not widely cited as launching India's first amphibious bus.- Assam: has river based transport on the Brahmaputra, but the first amphibious bus project is not credited to it in exam oriented material.- Gujarat: known for Sabarmati riverfront and other tourism projects, yet the specific first amphibious bus reference points to Punjab.- Kerala: famous for backwater tourism and houseboats, but not identified as the first state to introduce an amphibious bus project. Common Pitfalls: Because amphibious buses are naturally associated with rivers, lakes and coastal tourism, many candidates misguess a coastal state such as Kerala or Gujarat. Others may simply pick a state they have heard about in connection with innovative transport, without remembering the exact news report. To avoid such errors, make a clear note that India's first amphibious bus project, specifically highlighted in early current affairs questions, was launched by the Punjab government. Linking amphibious bus first in India with Punjab in your memory will help you answer similar questions with confidence. Final Answer: India's first amphibious bus project was launched by the Government of Punjab.

Question 13

In Indian public finance, which one of the following leaders has presented the Union Budget in Parliament the maximum number of times over his career?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This general knowledge question from Indian economy and polity tests awareness about the history of Union Budget presentations in Parliament. Knowing which finance minister has presented the maximum number of Union Budgets helps candidates connect with the evolution of fiscal policy and the role of key political leaders in shaping economic priorities over time. Given Data / Assumptions: The question is restricted to the leaders listed in the options. Union Budget means the annual financial statement of the central government presented in Parliament. Both full budgets and interim budgets are considered when counting the total number of presentations. The task is to identify the leader who has presented the Union Budget the highest number of times. Concept / Approach: To answer this question, one must recall important finance ministers and prime ministers who have presented the Union Budget several times. The approach is to remember approximate counts for famous names like Morarji Desai, P. Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee, and then compare them. Morarji Desai is well known in economic history for presenting the Union Budget a record number of times, including both regular and interim budgets, which makes him stand out among the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the question carefully and note that it asks for the maximum number of budget presentations.Step 2: Recall that Morarji Desai served as finance minister for several years in the 1950s and 1960s and later became prime minister.Step 3: Remember that Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget around ten times, which is a record in Indian history.Step 4: Compare this figure with P. Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee, who presented the budget many times but still fewer than Morarji Desai.Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, Morarji Desai clearly holds the record for the maximum number of Union Budget presentations. Verification / Alternative check: An alternative way to verify the answer is to refer to historical lists of Union Budgets and the finance ministers who presented them. Such lists consistently show Morarji Desai with the largest count, including several consecutive budgets and interim budgets. In comparison, P. Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee have significant but smaller counts. This cross check confirms that Morarji Desai is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: P. Chidambaram has presented multiple budgets across different governments but still fewer than Morarji Desai. Pranab Mukherjee also presented several budgets but did not surpass Morarji Desai record. R. K. Shanmukham Chetty was the first finance minister of independent India but did not present many budgets. Manmohan Singh presented the budget as finance minister in the early nineteen nineties but not as many times as Morarji Desai. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often overestimate the number of budgets presented by more recent finance ministers like P. Chidambaram or Pranab Mukherjee because they are fresh in memory. Another mistake is to ignore interim budgets when counting, which reduces the perceived number of presentations for some leaders. Confusion between being a prominent finance minister and holding the record for maximum budgets can also lead to errors. Final Answer: The leader who has presented the Union Budget the maximum number of times is Morarji Desai.

Question 14

The concept of economic planning adopted by India after independence was primarily inspired by the planning model of which country?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of the origin of India approach to economic planning after independence. Knowing the international inspiration behind the Planning Commission and the Five Year Plans is a core part of Indian economy and modern history for competitive examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: India adopted a system of planned economic development soon after independence. The question asks specifically from which country the broad concept of economic planning was derived. The options include several industrialised nations that used different economic models. We assume the focus is on long term national plans such as Five Year Plans. Concept / Approach: The idea of economic planning involves the state preparing comprehensive multi year plans that allocate resources, set production targets and prioritise sectors like agriculture, industry and infrastructure. India decision to use Five Year Plans and a central Planning Commission was strongly influenced by the experience of the Soviet Union, which used centralised planning to transform its economy. The key is to recall that the Soviet model, and not the purely market based models of western countries, was the main inspiration. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the question is about the concept of economic planning, not about constitutional or political institutions.Step 2: Recall that the Soviet Union, often referred to as Russia, successfully used Five Year Plans starting from the nineteen twenties.Step 3: Recognise that Indian leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru admired the Soviet planning experience and saw it as a way to industrialise a newly independent country.Step 4: Observe that countries like Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom did not follow a similar centrally planned Five Year Plan model.Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is Russia. Verification / Alternative check: Standard textbooks on Indian economy and history clearly state that Indian economic planning was influenced by the Soviet model. The creation of the Planning Commission and the design of the First Five Year Plan are often compared directly with Soviet planning practices, confirming that Russia was the main source of inspiration, not western capitalist countries. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Australia followed a mixed economic model but did not pioneer centralised Five Year Plans that inspired India. The United States of America focused on market based capitalism with only limited planning during specific crises such as the Great Depression. The United Kingdom had colonial administrative planning but not the kind of national economic planning that India adopted. France did experiment with indicative planning after the Second World War but this was not the main model referenced by Indian leaders when they designed early plans. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to assume that because India was a British colony, most institutions including planning came from the United Kingdom. Another mistake is to confuse mixed economy with central planning. Candidates may also misinterpret the term Russia and think only of the modern Russian Federation rather than the former Soviet Union whose planning model influenced India. Final Answer: The concept of economic planning in India was primarily derived from the model used in Russia.

Question 15

In the history of India Five Year Plans, the Mahalanobis model of growth is mainly associated with which particular plan period?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question relates to the planning history of India and the use of specific growth models in different Five Year Plans. The Mahalanobis model, named after statistician P. C. Mahalanobis, played an important role in shaping India industrial strategy. Understanding which plan adopted this model helps candidates connect theory with actual policy implementation. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks about the association of the Mahalanobis model with a particular Five Year Plan. Options list the first four Five Year Plans and one additional later plan. The Mahalanobis model is a specific type of growth model focusing on heavy industry. We assume the context is official Indian planning rather than academic proposals only. Concept / Approach: The Mahalanobis model emphasised rapid industrialisation through heavy industries and capital goods. It argued that allocating a higher share of investment to these sectors would raise long term growth by expanding productive capacity. In India, this approach strongly influenced the Second Five Year Plan, which shifted focus from agriculture centric development in the First Plan towards industrial expansion. Therefore, identifying the plan that stressed heavy industry and capital goods investment is the key to solving the question. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the broad focus of each early Five Year Plan.Step 2: The First Five Year Plan mainly concentrated on agriculture, irrigation and rehabilitation after independence.Step 3: The Second Five Year Plan emphasised industrialisation, particularly heavy and basic industries, guided by the Mahalanobis model.Step 4: The Third and Fourth Plans had more diversified objectives including agriculture, industry and self reliance, but the core Mahalanobis framework was already established earlier.Step 5: Conclude that the Mahalanobis model is primarily associated with the Second Five Year Plan. Verification / Alternative check: Standard references on Indian economic planning describe the Second Five Year Plan as being based on the Mahalanobis model. The plan emphasised rapid industrial growth and a high share of investment in capital goods industries, which matches the theoretical structure of the model. No other plan is described in textbooks as being formally based on this specific framework, which confirms the answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The First Five Year Plan followed a different model with focus on agriculture and the Harrod Domar type approach, not the Mahalanobis heavy industry model. The Third Five Year Plan aimed at balanced growth in agriculture and industry but did not introduce the Mahalanobis model for the first time. The Fourth and Fifth Plans dealt with issues like stability, poverty removal and self reliance rather than introducing a new basic growth model. The Fifth Plan option is included as a distractor since it is often mentioned for targets like poverty alleviation, not for the Mahalanobis framework. Common Pitfalls: The main confusion arises between the First and Second Plans. Some candidates incorrectly assume that the industrial push began from the very first plan or confuse the Harrod Domar model with the Mahalanobis model. Others may misremember later plans as being associated with heavy industry emphasis because they feature public sector enterprises, but the original theoretical link belongs to the Second Plan. Final Answer: The Mahalanobis model is mainly associated with the Second Five Year Plan of India.

Question 16

As a national economy moves from low income to higher income levels, how does the share of the tertiary or service sector in gross domestic product (GDP) generally change?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of the structural transformation of economies as they develop. Economists classify economic activity into primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, and track how their shares in gross domestic product change over time. Knowing the typical pattern for the service or tertiary sector is important for analysing both Indian and global growth experiences. Given Data / Assumptions: The economy starts from a relatively low income level and progresses to a higher income level. GDP is broken into primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. The question focuses only on the share of the tertiary or service sector. We assume a long run trend rather than short term fluctuations. Concept / Approach: Development economics explains that as economies grow, labour and output shift from agriculture to industry and later to services. In the early stages, the primary sector dominates. With industrialisation, the secondary sector gains importance. In advanced stages, high value services like finance, information technology, transport, education and health become increasingly important, leading to a rising share of the tertiary sector in GDP. The correct answer must reflect this long term upward trend. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the three sector classification of economic activities.Step 2: Note that in low income economies, agriculture and allied activities contribute a large share to GDP.Step 3: With industrialisation, manufacturing and construction expand, raising the secondary sector share.Step 4: As income and education levels rise further, demand for services such as banking, tourism, communication and health grows, which increases the tertiary sector share.Step 5: Conclude that the share of the tertiary sector in GDP generally increases with economic development. Verification / Alternative check: Cross country data for advanced economies like the United States, Japan and many European countries show that services dominate their GDP. Similarly, in India the share of services in GDP has steadily risen over the decades while the share of agriculture has fallen. These empirical patterns confirm that development is associated with a rising contribution of the tertiary sector to GDP. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The idea that the share decreases is inconsistent with both theory and evidence, since services expand with income. The suggestion that it decreases first and then increases does not match the usual pattern; instead, it remains low initially and then rises as income grows. Remaining constant would imply no structural change, which contradicts observed development trends. A sharp fall at higher income levels is also unrealistic, because high income economies are usually service dominated. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates confuse the behaviour of the secondary sector with that of the tertiary sector. The secondary sector may rise and then stabilise or decline in relative terms, whereas the tertiary sector usually shows a more sustained increase. Another mistake is to focus only on employment shares rather than value added shares, which can differ. Understanding that services include many high value modern activities helps to avoid these errors. Final Answer: As an economy develops, the share of the tertiary sector in GDP generally increases.

Question 17

In the planning history of India, the Rolling Plan concept was first introduced in connection with which Five Year Plan period?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks knowledge of the Rolling Plan concept in India economic planning. The Rolling Plan represented a departure from fixed term Five Year Plans and reflected a more flexible approach. Examinations often ask which Five Year Plan is connected with this idea, so remembering the correct association is important. Given Data / Assumptions: The question refers to the Rolling Plan in the Indian context. Options list several numbered Five Year Plans. The Rolling Plan was introduced around the late nineteen seventies during a change in government. We focus on the plan with which the concept is first associated in standard exam references. Concept / Approach: The Rolling Plan is a system in which plans are revised every year, with current year performance influencing next year targets. In India, the Janata Government terminated the Fifth Five Year Plan before its scheduled end and introduced a Rolling Plan framework covering the period after that termination. Many competitive exam sources therefore connect the Rolling Plan concept with the Fifth Plan era and its replacement. The task is to link this background to the correct plan among the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Fifth Five Year Plan originally covered the period from 1974 to 1979.Step 2: Remember that the Janata Government came to power in the late nineteen seventies and decided to discontinue the original Fifth Plan ahead of schedule.Step 3: The government introduced a Rolling Plan which allowed annual revisions instead of a fixed five year horizon.Step 4: In many exam oriented summaries, this Rolling Plan is said to start with the termination of the Fifth Plan and is therefore associated with it.Step 5: Among the options, the Fifth Five Year Plan is the one most directly connected with the introduction of the Rolling Plan concept in India. Verification / Alternative check: Quick revision tables on Indian Five Year Plans used in competitive exam preparation often describe the Fifth Plan as the one during which the Rolling Plan approach was introduced by the new government in 1978. Although the Rolling Plan overlapped with the period between the Fifth and Sixth Plans, the association in exam keys is commonly made with the Fifth Plan, which reinforces this answer for objective questions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The Third and Fourth Plans took place earlier and followed the standard fixed term planning approach without the Rolling Plan idea. The Sixth Plan followed after the Rolling Plan period and represented a return to regular Five Year Plans, not the introduction of the concept. The Seventh Plan was even later and focused on productivity and social justice, not on launching the Rolling Plan. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse the Rolling Plan period with the formal numbering of plans and may incorrectly link it to the Sixth Plan because it came immediately after the Rolling Plan years. Others may think of the Rolling Plan as a totally separate entity and forget that exam questions usually tie it to the early termination of the Fifth Plan. Reading summary tables carefully helps avoid this confusion. Final Answer: The Rolling Plan concept in India is most commonly associated with the Fifth Five Year Plan period.

Question 18

In 1955, the Imperial Bank of India, then a leading commercial bank, was nationalised and renamed as which of the following banks?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is drawn from Indian banking history and tests knowledge of how a major private bank was transformed into a large public sector bank. Understanding the origin of State Bank of India provides useful background for questions on public sector banking and financial sector reforms. Given Data / Assumptions: The question specifies the year 1955. Imperial Bank of India was a leading commercial bank at that time. The bank was nationalised and renamed. Options list major Indian banks, one of which is the new name adopted after nationalisation. Concept / Approach: After independence, the government wanted a strong state owned bank to support development, handle government business and extend banking services throughout the country. The Imperial Bank of India, formed earlier through the merger of presidency banks, was an obvious candidate. In 1955 it was nationalised and renamed State Bank of India. The correct answer must therefore identify State Bank of India as the new name of the Imperial Bank after nationalisation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the question asks specifically about the new name after nationalisation of the Imperial Bank of India.Step 2: Recall that State Bank of India is India largest public sector bank and traces its roots to the Imperial Bank of India.Step 3: Remember that in 1955, the government of India and the Reserve Bank of India took control of the Imperial Bank.Step 4: The bank was then officially renamed State Bank of India to reflect its new national role.Step 5: Match this information with the options and select State Bank of India as the answer. Verification / Alternative check: Banking history references and official State Bank of India publications clearly mention that the Imperial Bank of India was nationalised in 1955 and renamed State Bank of India. None of the other banks listed in the options has such a direct historical connection, which confirms the correctness of the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Central Bank of India is a separate bank established earlier and was not formed by renaming the Imperial Bank. Bank of India is also an independent commercial bank and does not share this origin. Indian Bank is a different public sector bank primarily associated with the southern region. Punjab National Bank has its own distinct history and was not created by renaming the Imperial Bank. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse the various nationalised banks because many were taken over during different phases of banking reforms. Another error is to think that the Reserve Bank of India changed its name, but that institution has always been the central bank, not a renamed commercial bank. Associating State Bank of India directly with Imperial Bank of India helps avoid such confusion. Final Answer: After nationalisation in 1955, the Imperial Bank of India was renamed State Bank of India.

Question 19

India Ratings and Research lowered India growth forecast for the current fiscal from 7.4% to which revised percentage?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on current affairs related to the Indian economy and rating agencies. Growth forecast revisions by agencies such as India Ratings and Research are important indicators of economic sentiment and are frequently asked in banking and government exams. Given Data / Assumptions: An initial growth forecast of 7.4% for India was made for a particular fiscal year. India Ratings and Research later lowered this forecast. The question asks for the revised percentage value. The options provide four close numerical figures and one additional distractor, all expressed in percent form. Concept / Approach: Such questions require precise factual recall from economic news. The examiner expects candidates to have followed reports on GDP growth projections by major rating agencies. India Ratings and Research reduced its forecast from 7.4% to 6.7% due to factors like slower investment, global conditions and domestic policy changes. The approach is to remember the key revised figure and avoid confusion with slightly different numbers used by other agencies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the original forecast mentioned is 7.4%.Step 2: Recall that India Ratings and Research cut its forecast for that fiscal year to 6.7%.Step 3: Recognise that other agencies may have used figures like 6.9% or 6.3%, but the specific combination of 7.4% reduced to 6.7% is associated with India Ratings and Research.Step 4: Compare this recalled figure with the options.Step 5: Select 6.7% as the revised forecast. Verification / Alternative check: Economic news summaries and exam oriented current affairs compilations record that India Ratings and Research revised India GDP forecast for that year downward to 6.7%. Question banks used for bank and SSC exams reproduce the same pair of numbers, 7.4% and 6.7%, reinforcing this association. This consistency across multiple sources confirms the answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 6.3% and 6.4% were used by other organisations or in different contexts, not in this specific revision from 7.4% by India Ratings and Research. 6.6% is a close distractor but does not match the figure used by this particular agency in this case. 6.9% is linked with projections by another rating agency, which adds to the potential confusion but is not correct here. Common Pitfalls: The main difficulty is mixing up numbers released by different institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund or other rating agencies. Candidates sometimes remember only that the forecast was reduced and guess roughly, which can lead to selecting 6.9% or 6.6% instead of 6.7%. Careful reading of current affairs and making small notes on important numerical revisions help avoid such errors. Final Answer: India Ratings and Research lowered the growth forecast from 7.4% to 6.7% for that fiscal year.

Question 20

Which of the following rating agencies projected India gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate at 6.9% for the financial year 2017 to 2018?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is based on economic current affairs relating to international rating agencies and their forecasts for India. Many exams test whether candidates remember which agency gave which growth projection, because such figures reflect confidence in the country macroeconomic prospects. Given Data / Assumptions: The time frame is financial year 2017 to 2018. The key figure is a GDP growth projection of 6.9% for India. The options list various rating agencies and financial firms. We assume the question refers to a widely reported forecast used in exam preparation material. Concept / Approach: To answer this, it is important to distinguish between different agencies like Fitch Ratings, Moody group, ICRA, Nomura and others. Each organisation issues its own forecast based on global and domestic conditions. For that period, Fitch Ratings projected India GDP growth at about 6.9% after considering the impact of policy moves such as the goods and services tax and earlier demonetisation. The strategy is to recall this matching of 6.9% with Fitch rather than with other names. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the question asks specifically who projected 6.9% growth for financial year 2017 to 2018.Step 2: Recall from current affairs that Fitch Ratings lowered or set its forecast for India around 6.9% for that year.Step 3: Recognise that Nomura and other agencies often had slightly different numbers in the seven percent range.Step 4: Compare this recollection with the options provided.Step 5: Select Fitch Ratings as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Exam oriented magazines and online question banks for that year record questions that pair 6.9% with Fitch Ratings when asking about India GDP forecast. This pairing appears repeatedly and is rarely associated with the other agencies listed, which confirms that Fitch Ratings is the intended correct answer for this item. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nomura did issue forecasts for India growth but the most quoted numbers were slightly different from 6.9% for that particular year. Onicra is a domestic rating agency and is not usually cited in international economic news for India overall GDP forecasts. ICRA also provides ratings and analysis but was not the main global agency tied to the 6.9% forecast in common exam material. Moody Analytics is included as a distractor because it is another famous international firm, but its forecast did not match this exact figure for the period referred. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often mix up projections of different agencies because they tend to fall in a narrow band around similar numbers. Without careful reading of current affairs, it is easy to attribute 6.9% to the wrong organisation. Another issue is assuming that domestic agencies such as ICRA are more likely to be cited, whereas exam questions often focus on large global names like Fitch and Moody. Creating a small table of important forecasts and agencies is a helpful revision strategy. Final Answer: The agency that projected India GDP growth at 6.9% for financial year 2017 to 2018 was Fitch Ratings.

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