[Solution] – Tuesday Economy Quiz #4

Q.1) Ans- [D]
Explanation–  Centrally Sponsored Scheme, ‘National Food Security Mission’ (NFSM), was launched in October 2007. Today its objectives are:

1. Increasing production of rice, wheat, pulses and coarse cereals through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in the identified districts of the country;

2. Restoring soil fertility and productivity at the individual farm level; and
3. Enhancing farm level economy to restore confidence among the farmers.

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) during the 12th Five Year Plan will have five components
(i) NFSM- Rice;
(ii) NFSM-Wheat;
(iii) NFSM-Pulses,
(iv) NFSM-Coarse cereals and
(v) NFSM-Commercial Crops.

It met with good success and achieved the targeted additional production of rice, wheat and pulses in 11th FYP. Today, Mission is being continued during 12th Five Year Plan with targets of additional production of food grains of 25 million tons [10 million tons rice, 8 million tons of wheat, 4 million tons of pulses and 3 million tons of coarse cereals] by the end of 12th Five Year Plan.

Q.2)  Ans-[B]

Explanation-
ICDS – Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme was launched with the objectives:

1. To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years;
2. To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child;
3. To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout;
4. To achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and
5. To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.

In order to achieve these objectives, a package of six services namely  (i) supplementary nutrition (SNP), (ii)   immunization, (iii) health check-up, (iv) referral services, (v) pre-school non-formal education and vi) nutrition & health education are provided.

ASIDE– ASIDE is acronym for Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE). Its objective were to involve the States in the growth of export by providing incentive-linked assistance to the State Governments and to create appropriate infrastructure for the development and growth of exports.

Swadhar- It was launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2002 for rehabilitation of women in difficult circumstances. It  provides shelter, food, clothing and care to the marginalized women/girls who are in need. The beneficiaries include widows deserted by their families and relatives, women prisoners released from jail and without family support, women survivors of natural disasters, women victims of terrorist/extremist violence etc. The implementing agencies are mainly NGOs.

Ujjawala– The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development has formulated Ujjawala – a Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of victims of trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.

Target Group:

1. Women & children who are vulnerable to trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
2. Women & children who are victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.

Objectives of the Scheme

1. To prevent trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation
2. To facilitate rescue of victims from the place of their exploitation and place them in safe custody.
3. To provide rehabilitation services both immediate and long-term to the victims by providing basic amenities/needs such as shelter, food, clothing, medical treatment including consoling, legal aid and guidance and vocational training.
4. To facilitate reintegration of the victims into the family and society at large.
5. To facilitate repatriation of cross-border victims to their country of origin.

Q.3) Ans- [C]

Explanation  – Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) is a sub-scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), it is being implemented in seven eastern states namely Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh from 2010-2011 to address the constraints limiting the productivity of rice based cropping systems.

Q.4) Ans- [C]

Explanation- SEZ is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs. They first came into inception on April 1, 2000. The prime objective was to enhance foreign investment and provide an internationally competitive and hassle free environment for exports. The idea was to promote exports from the country. SEZ has following featuers:

1. No license required for import.
2. Manufacturing, trading or service activities allowed.
3. SEZ units to be positive net foreign exchange earner within three years.
4. Domestic sales subject to full customs duty and import policy in force.
5. Full freedom for subcontracting.
6. Duty-free goods to be utilized over the approval period of 5 years.
7. No routine examination by customs authorities of export/import cargo.

Q.5) Ans- [A]

Explanation– IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and known as private arm of it as it is the largest global development institution focusing exclusively on the private sector in developing countries (not in all countries hence statement 2 is wrong)

Q.6)  Ans- [B]

Explanation- Inclusive Growth is economic growth that creates opportunity for all segments of the population and distributes the dividends of increased prosperity, both in monetary and non-monetary terms. Poverty reduction, good governance and skill building are part of it. Disinvestment is the process by which govt lowers down its ownership in the PSUs. It is not a part of inclusive growth.

Q.7)  Ans- [B]

Explanation- Buffer stock of food grains  is maintained by the Government of India  for the following purposes:

1. Meeting the prescribed minimum buffer stock norms for food security
2. Monthly release of food grains for supply through Targeted Public Distribution System and other welfare schemes
3. Meeting emergency situations arising out of unexpected crop failure, natural disasters, etc., and
4. Price stabilization or market intervention to augment supply so as to help moderate the open market prices.

Incentivization of farmers is done by Union and state govt by various means like input cost subsidy, providing agriculture implements, MSP etc.