151: 'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana' has been launched for
(a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
(b) promoting women's Self-Help Groups in backward areas
(c) promoting financial inclusion in the country
(d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities
152: With reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/ are correct?
1. It has increased the share of States in the central divisible pool from 32 percent to 42 percent.
2. It has made recommendations concerning sector-specific grants.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
153: In the context of governance, consider the following:
1. Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment inflows
2. Privatization of higher educational Institutions
3. Down-sizing of bureaucracy
4. Selling/offloading the shares of Public Sector Undertakings
Which of the above can be used as measures to control the fiscal deficit in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
Fiscal deficit is an economic phenomenon, where the Government's total expenditure surpasses the revenue generated. A fiscal deficit is often funded by issuing bonds, like treasury bills or consols and gilt-edged securities. These pay interest, either for a fixed period or indefinitely. If the interest and capital repayments are too large, a nation may default on its debts, usually to foreign creditors.
154: A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?
1. Slowing economic growth rate
2. Less equitable distribution of national income
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
There is some dispute about the correct answer. As per some websites, fourth option is correct.
155: When compared to the mammals, birds are less sensitive to temporary deprivation of water, because:
(a) The water requirement per unit weight is less in birds than in mammals.
(b) Absorption of water from the gut is more efficient in birds than in mammals.
(c) Urea excretion in mammals entails a greater loss of water than that in birds.
(d) None of these