Economics Miscellaneous (Part – III)

1. In relation to the total atomic energy production in the World, the production in India comes to only : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999*]

(a) 0.1%
(b) 1%
(c) 2%
(d) 3%

Correct Answer: (c) 2%

Solution:As per the latest data of World Nuclear Association (April, 2024), a total of 2545 TWh of nuclear power generation has been created in the world in the year 2022, down from 2653 TWh in 2021. In 2022, about 41.97 TWh (as per the data of IAEA) of nuclear power is being produced in India. Therefore, India's share in the world's total nuclear power generation is about 1.65 percent. While the share of nuclear power in India's total installed electricity generation capacity is about 1.8 percent.

2. Arrange the following States of India in descending order of their gross electricity generated: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]

1. Gujarat

2. Maharashtra

3. Tamil Nadu

4. Uttar Pradesh

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Codes:

(a) 4, 1, 2, 3
(b) 2, 1, 4, 3
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1
(d) 1, 2, 4, 3

Correct Answer: (a) 4, 1, 2, 3

Solution:According to the latest data available on National Power Portal, the correct descending order is 4, 2, 1, 3. In 2023-24 (April-March), total (Actual) electricity generation of the given States was as follows:

State	Total Electricity Generation (GWh)
Maharashtra	150,272.5
Gujarat	96,915.68
Tamil Nadu	93,708.32
Uttar Pradesh	157,849.9

3. At present, per capita annual consumption of electricity in India is about: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]

(a) 150 kWh
(b) 250 kWh
(b) 250 kWh
(d) 500 kWh

Correct Answer: (d) 500 kWh

Solution:Per capita annual consumption of electricity in India in 1998 was about 500 kWh. Hence, as per the question period, option (d) was the correct answer. As per Ministry of Power, per capita annual electricity consumption in India was 1327 kWh in 2022-23 (P).

India is the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity worldwide, with an installed power capacity of 442.85 GW as of April 30, 2024.
Growing population along with increasing electrification and per-capita usage will provide further impetus. Power consumption in India in FY23 logged a 9.5% growth to 1,503.65 billion units (BU).
India has committed to augment non fossil fuel based installed electricity generation capacity to over 5,00,000 MW by 2031-32.
100% FDI allowed in the power sector has boosted FDI inflow in this sector.
Schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) are expected to augment electrification across the country.

4. United Nations has declared the year 2023 as: [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

(a) The International Year of Millets
(b) The International Year of Wheat
(c) The International Year of Rice
(d) The International Year of Oil-seeds

Correct Answer: (a) The International Year of Millets

Solution:The United Nations declared the year 2023 as 'International Year of Millets' following a proposal by India. The United Nations also declared the year 2023 as 'International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace'. The United Nations has declared the year 2024 as 'International Year of Camelids', while the year 2025 has been declared by the United Nations as 'International Year of Cooperatives', 'International Year of Peace and Trust', 'International Year of Glaciers' Preservation' and 'International Year of Quantum Science and Technology'.

5. United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International year of: [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021]

(a) Oilseed crops
(b) Pulse crops
(c) Millet crops
(d) Animal fodder crops

Correct Answer: (c) Millet crops

Solution:The United Nations declared the year 2023 as 'International Year of Millets' following a proposal by India. The United Nations also declared the year 2023 as 'International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace'. The United Nations has declared the year 2024 as 'International Year of Camelids', while the year 2025 has been declared by the United Nations as 'International Year of Cooperatives', 'International Year of Peace and Trust', 'International Year of Glaciers' Preservation' and 'International Year of Quantum Science and Technology'.

6. With reference to India's Third National Water Awards declared in January 2022, which of the following statements is/are correct? [U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Mains) 2021]

1. Uttar Pradesh was declared winner in the 'Best State Category'.

2. Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh was declared as the 5. Who he Best District in 'North Zone Category'.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Solution:India's Third National Water Awards-2020 were announced in January, 2022. In the 'Best State Category', Uttar Pradesh was awarded first prize, followed by Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh was declared as the Best District in the 'North Zone Category' followed by Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar in Punjab. On 29 March, 2022, these awards were presented by the President. Fourth National Water Awards, 2022 were presented in June, 2023. The award for the Best State was conferred on Madhya Pradesh while the award for Best District was given to Ganjam District, Odisha.

7. Consider the following statements about New National Education Policy approved by Union Cabinet of India on 29th July, 2020: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

1. It was drafted by a Committee headed by Dr. K. Kasturirangan.

2. It will replace the previous Education Policy which has been followed since last 38 years.

Select the correct statement(s) from the codes given below.

(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (a) 1 Only

Solution:The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century in India, which replaces the previous National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986.
The Ministry of Education formed a committee under Dr. K Kasturirangan, which outlined this new policy.
The National Education Policy 2020 proposes various reforms in school and higher education, including technical education, that are suited to 21st-century needs.
5 foundational pillars of NEP 2020: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.
This policy is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.

8. Who heads the panel on National Education Policy constituted in June 2017 by the Human Resource Development Ministry? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]

(a) K.J. Alphonse
(b) Ram Shankar Kureel
(c) K. Kasturirangan
(d) M.K. Shridhar

Correct Answer: (c) K. Kasturirangan

Solution:The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century in India, which replaces the previous National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986.
The Ministry of Education formed a committee under Dr. K Kasturirangan, which outlined this new policy.
The National Education Policy 2020 proposes various reforms in school and higher education, including technical education, that are suited to 21st-century needs.
5 foundational pillars of NEP 2020: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.
This policy is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.

9. Which State has become the first State in the country to initiate the process of implementing the Centre's New Education Policy? [B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2022]

Correct Answer: (e) None of the above / More than one of the above

Solution:Karnataka has become the first State in the country to officially implement the Centre's National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 for higher education. Union Education Minister virtually launched the NEP in Karnataka in August, 2021. In July, 2022, Uttarakhand has become the first State in the country to initiate the process of implementing the NEP- 2020 at pre-primary level with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurating 'Bal Vatikas' at anganwadi Kendras across the State to strengthen the pre-primary education system.

10. The National Education Policy, 2020 emphasizes the integration of vocational education into mainstream education from which grade onwards? [B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Grade 6
(b) Grade 8
(c) Grade 10
(d) Grade 12

Correct Answer: (a) Grade 6

Solution:The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 aims to integrate vocational education into mainstream education as students can pursue vocational courses alongside their regular academic courses. The NEP 2020 recommends introduction of vocational education from Grade 6 onwards to provide access to all students high quality vocational education, necessary to enable them to acquire necessary skills for further education and training and a clear and recognised pathways to employment.