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Rural Urban Development

Asked 14 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1997 · last asked 2025

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Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission: I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2025Economy
AI only
BII only
CBoth I and II
DNeither I nor II

Explanation

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. This mission is crucial for the upliftment of rural poor as a significant number of low producing indigenous animals are owned by small and marginal farmers as well as landless laborers.

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

2024Economy
AOperation Sankalp
BOperation Maitri
COperation Sadbhavana
DOperation Madad

Explanation

Operation Sadbhavana refers to the initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army in remote areas to win the hearts and minds of the local population by addressing their basic needs and fostering a sense of goodwill. These operations aim to promote development, provide essential services, and build trust between the army and the local communities, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the region.

With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements: 1. Worker productivity per worker (at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas. 2. The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased. 3. In rural areas, the growth in the non-farm economy increased. 4. The growth rate in rural employment decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2020Economy
A1 and 2 only
B3 and 4 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 4

Explanation

Following the economic liberalization in 1991, there have been changes in the Indian economy. Worker productivity increased in urban areas but decreased in rural areas. The percentage share of the rural workforce has been steadily increasing. Additionally, there has been growth in the non-farm economy in rural areas. However, the growth rate in rural employment has decreased. Therefore, the correct statements are 3 and 4, making option (b) the correct choice. Original: After the LPG reforms of 1991, it is inevitable that the rural/agriculture workforce would start shifting towards urban/non-agri sectors. Rewritten: The reforms introduced in 1991 have led to a natural shift of the rural and agricultural workforce towards urban and non-agricultural sectors.

The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of

2019Economy
AIntegrated Rural Development Programme
BLead Bank Scheme
CMahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
DNational Skill Development Mission

Explanation

The Lead Bank Scheme is responsible for developing service area credit plans. The Service Area approach is a variation of the Lead Bank Scheme, focusing on the provision of financial services in a specific geographical area.

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade. 2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country. 3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2017Economy
A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C3 only
D2 and 3 only

Explanation

The Smart India Hackathon 2017 is an initiative by the HRD Ministry that involves a 36-hour continuous digital programming competition where student teams compete to present innovative solutions to various problems.

What is the aim of the programme 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan'?

2017Economy
AAchieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government's education system and local communities
BConnecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies
CStrengthening India's scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power
DDeveloping human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them

Explanation

The 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan' program aims to connect institutions of higher education with local communities in order to address development challenges using appropriate technologies. This information was provided by the Press Information Bureau, making option (b) the correct answer.

Which of the following grants / grant direct credit assistance to rural households? 1. Regional Rural Banks 2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development 3. Land Development Banks. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

2013Economy
A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the Tertiary Sector Economy, which institutions provide direct credit assistance to rural households? 1. Regional Rural Banks 2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development 3. Land Development Banks. The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. Land Development Banks offer long-term loans for rural development. Regional Rural Banks provide financial resources and loans to small-scale farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural artisans. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development does not directly offer credit assistance; instead, it provides credit through intermediaries.

How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor? 1. By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas 2. By strengthening 'self-help groups' and providing skill development 3. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump-sets and micro-irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

2012Economy
A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The National Rural Livelihood Mission aims to enhance livelihood opportunities for rural poor by supporting self-help groups, offering skill development, and providing essential resources like seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment. This program focuses on promoting self-employment and empowering rural communities.

How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India? 1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country. 2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures. 3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes. 4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2012Economy
A1, 2 and 3 only
B3 and 4 only
C4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) play a crucial role in reducing rural poverty in India. They function as Panchayati Raj Institutions in specific backward regions of the country. DRDAs conduct detailed studies on the causes of poverty and malnutrition in specific areas and devise appropriate solutions. They also facilitate coordination between different sectors and departments to ensure effective implementation of poverty alleviation programs. Moreover, DRDAs monitor the proper utilization of funds allocated for anti-poverty initiatives. It is important to note that DRDAs oversee the execution of anti-poverty programs by the Ministry of Rural Development at the district level.

In August 2006, the Government of India notified the Rural Electrification Policy. This policy aims at provision of access to all households by which year?

2008Economy
A2008
B2009
C2010
D2012

Explanation

In August 2006, the Government of India introduced the Rural Electrification Policy with the goal of ensuring all households have access to electricity by which year? Options: (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2012 Correct: (b) The policy also aims to provide quality and reliable power supply at affordable rates and ensure a minimum lifeline consumption of 1 unit per household per day by the year 2012.

Which one of the following companies has started a rural marketing network called 'e-chaupals'?

2005Economy
AITC
BDabur
CProcor and Gamble
DHindustan Liver

Explanation

The 'e-Choupal' initiative was launched by ITC Limited, a major Indian conglomerate, to establish a direct online connection with rural farmers for the purchase of agricultural and aquaculture goods.

With reference to Power Sector in India, consider the following statements: 1. Rural electrification has been treated as a Basic Minimum Service under the Prime Minister's Gramodaya Yojana 2. 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in power is allowed without upper limit 3. The Union Ministry of Power has signed a Memoranda of Understanding with 14 States. Which of these statements is/are correct?

2002Economy
A1 only
B1 and 2
C2 and 3
D3 only

Explanation

The Power Sector in India has seen significant developments. Under the Prime Minister's Gramodaya Yojana, rural electrification is considered a fundamental service. Additionally, there is no upper limit on Foreign Direct Investment in power projects, except for atomic reactor power plants. The Union Ministry of Power has also entered into agreements with 14 States. The correct statements are that rural electrification is a Basic Minimum Service under the Gramodaya Yojana and 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment is allowed in the power sector.

Consider the following statements: Regional disparities in India are high and have been rising in recent years because: 1. There is persistent investment over time only in select locates. 2. Some areas are agro-climatically less conducive to development. 3. Some areas continue to face little or no agrarian transformation and the consequent lack of social and economic opportunities. 4. Some areas have faced continuous political instability. Which of the above statements are correct?

1999Economy
A1, 2 and 3
B1, 2 and 4
C1, 3 and 4
D2, 3 and 4

Explanation

In the context of regional disparities in India, the correct statements are 1, 2, and 3. This is because persistent investment in specific areas, unfavorable agro-climatic conditions in some regions, and the lack of agrarian transformation leading to limited social and economic opportunities are key factors contributing to the rising disparities. Political instability, on the other hand, is considered to have a minor impact on agricultural development compared to the other factors mentioned.

Scheme of (i) Urban Micro-Enterprises, (ii) Urban Wage Employment and (iii) Housing and Shelter Upgradation are parts of:

1997Economy
AIntegrated Rural Development Programme
BNehru Rojgar Yojana
CJawahar Rojgar Yojana
DPrime Minister's Rojgar Yojana

Explanation

The programs focusing on Urban Micro-Enterprises, Urban Wage Employment, and Housing and Shelter Upgradation are components of the Nehru Rojgar Yojana. This scheme, established in 1989, aims to offer job opportunities to the urban population who are unemployed or have limited employment options.