Q1. Which of the following statements about Corporate Governance is correct?
(a) Corporate Governance is solely concerned with maximizing shareholder wealth.
(b) The board of directors is responsible for day-to-day operational decisions in a corporation.
(c) Transparency and accountability are essential principles of effective Corporate Governance.
(d) Corporate Governance only applies to publicly traded companies.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: On September 11th (2023), the OECD launched the revised G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, a set of international standards aimed at promoting corporate sustainability, market confidence, and financial stability.
- Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles of Corporate Governance. Transparency involves providing clear and accurate information about a company’s financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to stakeholders. Accountability ensures that those responsible for corporate decisions and actions are answerable for their actions.
Q2. Consider the following statements):
- Shrimp farming is an aquaculture-based activity to produce shrimp for human consumption.
- Shrimp farming cannot be held in areas having saline underground water not fit for agriculture.
- The Government provides assistance to Shrimp farming under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Shrimp farming is an aquaculture-based activity in marine or freshwater environments to produce shrimp for human consumption.
- Why was shrimp farming introduced in Punjab?
- South-west Punjab has saline underground water not fit for agriculture. Also, waterlogging is a perennial issue in this belt. Therefore, shrimp farming was proposed as a solution for farmers whose land was lying unutilised.
What are the various schemes for shrimp farmers?
- At present, various schemes are being run under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which started in 2021 and will run till 2025 to promote ‘blue revolution’.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Office of the Registrar General of India:
- The Office of the Registrar General of India nod is mandatory for the inclusion of any community in Scheduled Tribes (STs) lists, as per the procedure for scheduling tribes.
- It is under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, founded in 1961 by the Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs, for arranging, conducting and analysing the results of the demographic surveys of India including the Census of India and Linguistic Survey of India.
- The Office of the RGI’s nod is mandatory for the inclusion of any community in ST lists, as per the procedure for scheduling tribes.
Q4. What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and how does it relate to modern governance and technology?
(a) DPI refers to physical infrastructure like roads and bridges in the digital world.
(b) DPI is a term used in art and design to describe digital artwork in public spaces.
(c) DPI is a framework for providing essential digital services and tools to citizens, businesses, and governments.
(d) DPI primarily focuses on protecting digital assets from cyberattacks.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has launched Skill India Digital (SID), a comprehensive digital platform designed to transform the skills, education, employment, and entrepreneurship landscape in India.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a concept that involves creating a framework for digital services and tools that are essential for the functioning of a modern society. It encompasses various aspects of digital governance, including providing digital services to citizens, businesses, and governments, ensuring digital inclusivity, and enabling secure and efficient digital transactions and interactions.
Q5. Consider the following statements about National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development:
- It is an apex regulatory body for overall regulation of regional rural banks and apex cooperative banks in India.
- It was established on the recommendations of B. Sivaramman Committee.
- It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an apex regulatory body for overall regulation of regional rural banks and apex cooperative banks in India. It is under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The bank has been entrusted with “matters concerning policy, planning, and operations in the field of credit for agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas in India”. NABARD is active in developing and implementing financial inclusion.
- NABARD was established on the recommendations of B. Sivaramman Committee (by Act 61, 1981 of Parliament) on 12 July 1982 to implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981. It replaced the Agricultural Credit Department (ACD) and Rural Planning and Credit Cell (RPCC) of Reserve Bank of India, and Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC). It is one of the premier agencies providing Rs.14080 crore (100% share). The authorized share capital is Rs.30,000 crore.
