Crack Grade B 1

Top 100 MCQs of ESI Part 1

1. As per Economic Survey 2022-23, The livestock sector grew at a CAGR of …… during
2014-15 to 2020- 21 (at constant prices).
a. 5.6%
b. 7.9%
c. 8.4%
d. 8.6%
e. 9.5%

Ans. b
The livestock sector grew at a CAGR of 7.9 per cent during 2014-15 to 2020- 21 (at constant
prices), and its contribution to total agriculture GVA (at constant prices) has increased from 24.3
per cent in 2014-15 to 30.1 per cent in 2020-21.

2. As per First revised Estimates of National Income, 2021-22 released by Ministry of

Statistics and Programme Implementation, the share of agriculture and allied sectors in
total Gross value added (GVA):
a. 17.63%
b. 18.33%
c. 18.42%
d. 18.97%
e. 20.32%

Ans. d

the share of manufacturing sector in total Gross value added (GVA):

 15.84 % in 2021-22
 14.70% in 2022-23

3. The per-capita availability of milk is 444 gram/day during 2021-22 increased by …..
gram/day over previous year.
a. 5 grams/day
b. 8 grams/day
c. 17 grams/day
d. 25 grams/day
e. 44 grams/day

Ans. c

Milk production during 2020-21 and 2021-22 is 209.96 million tonnes and 221.06 million tonnes
respectively showing an annual growth of 5.29% in 2022-22.

The per-capita availability of milk is 444 gram/day during 2021-22 increased by 17

gram/day over previous year.

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4. Which of the following is not true regarding AHIDF:
a. For operationalizing the scheme, DAHD has established a Credit Guarantee fund Trust of Rs.
750.00 crores.
b. The beneficiary contribution in case of Micro and Small units as per MSME defined ceiling could
be 10%.
c. Credit Guarantee fund Trust is managed by NABSanrakshan Trustee Co. Pvt. Ltd., a dedicated
trust floated by NABARD for the purpose
d. The entire amount of AHIDF of Rs. 15000 cr. will be disbursed by the Scheduled Bank starting
from 2020-21
e. Interest subvention is 2% for all Eligible Entities.

Ans. e (Interest subvention is 3% for all Eligible Entities)

5. As per land use statistics, Cropping Intensity (%) for 2019-20 is

a. 141.06
b. 145.04
c. 151.08
d. 154.13
e. 158.15

Ans. c

As per the Land Use Statistics 2019-20:

 cropping intensity of 151.08%.
 The net area sown works out to be 45.64% of the total geographical area.

As per the Land Use Statistics 2018-19, cropping intensity of 141.6%. The net area sown works
out to be 42.4% of the total geographical area.

6. It is the ratio of Total Cropped Area to Net Area Sown:

a. Cropping Intensity
b. Net Irrigated Area
c. Gross Irrigated Area
d. Gross Cropped Area
e. Net Area Sown

Ans. a

Net Area Sown: This represents the total area sown with crops and orchards. Area sown more
than once in the same year is counted only once.

Gross Cropped Area: This represents the total area sown once and/or more than once in a
particular year, i.e. the area is counted as many times as there are sowings in a year. This total
area is also known as total cropped area or total area sown

Net Irrigated Area: It is the area irrigated through any source once in a year for a particular crop.

Gross Irrigated Area: It is the total area under crops, irrigated once and/or more than once in a
year. It is counted as many times as the number of times the areas are cropped and irrigated in
a year.
Cropping Intensity: It is the ratio of Total Cropped Area to Net Area Sown

7. As per Economic Survey 2022-23, the annual average growth rate of the fisheries sector
has been about 7 per cent since 2016-17 and has a share of about ….. in total agriculture
GVA.:
a. 5.6%
b. 6.7%
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c. 8.4%
d. 8.6%
e. 9.5%

Ans. b

The annual average growth rate of the fisheries sector has been about 7 per cent since 2016-17
and has a share of about 6.7 per cent in total agriculture GVA in 2020-21.

the Crop sector is still the major contributor to agriculture GVA about 55.1 per cent in total
agriculture GVA in 2020-21.

8. Which of the following is not a target under PMMSY:

a. Increasing fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25
b. Enhancing aquaculture productivity to 5 tons per hectare from the current national average of
3 tons.
c. Augmenting domestic fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg per capita
d. Increasing contribution of fisheries sector to the Agriculture GVA to about 9% by 2024-25
e. Reduction of post-harvest losses from the reported 20-25% to about 5%.

Ans. e

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

 Increasing fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25 from 13.75 million metric
tons in 2018-19.
 Enhancing aquaculture productivity to 5 tons per hectare from the current national average
of 3 tons.
 Augmenting domestic fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg per capita
 Increasing contribution of fisheries sector to the Agriculture GVA to about 9% by 2024-25
from 7.28% in 2018-19.
 Doubling export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crores by 2024-25 from Rs.46,589 crores in 2018-
19.
 Facilitating private investment and growth of entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
 Reduction of post-harvest losses from the reported 20-25% to about 10%.
 Generating 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities along the value chain.
 Doubling the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.

9. As per 20th Livestock Census, share of rural livestock population in total Livestock
population is:
a. 51.16%
b. 62.17%
c. 81.04%
d. 85.16%
e. 95.78%

Ans. e

20th Livestock Census in 2019: It covers all domesticated animals and its headcounts for total
16 species of animals like Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Horse, Pony, Mule,
Donkey Camel, Dog, Rabbit and Elephant and poultry birds (Fowl, Duck, Turkeys and other
poultry birds) possessed by the households, household enterprises/non- household enterprises
and institutions at their site.

The total Livestock population is 536.76 million in the country showing an increase of 4.8% over
Livestock Census-2012. The total Livestock population in rural and urban area is 514.11 million

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and 22.65 million respectively with percentage share of 95.78% for rural and 4.22% for urban
area.

In 20th Livestock Census, 36.04%-Cattle, 27.74%-Goat, 20.47%-Buffaloes, 13.83%-Sheep,

1.69%-Pigs.
Donkey and camel population decreased as compared to previous Livestock census of 2012.

10. As per Population Census 2011, Percentage share of Agricultural Workers (Cultivators
and Agricultural Laborers) in Total Workforce:
a. 11.1%
b. 22.1%
c. 26.5%
d. 35.1%
e. 54.6%

Ans. e
Total Number of Cultivators as per Census 2011: 118.8 Million
Total Number of Agricultural Laborers as per Census 2011: 144.3 Million
Percentage share of Agricultural Workers (Cultivators and Agricultural Laborers) in Total
Workforce as per Population Census 2011: 54.6%

11. The share of agricultural exports in India's total merchandise exports was 11.90% in
2021-22:
a. 8.50%
b. 11.90%
c. 13.20%
d. 16.10%
e. 18.70%

Ans. b
The share of agricultural exports in India's total merchandise exports was 11.90% in 2021-
22
Percentage Share of Value of Agricultural Imports to National Imports: 5.07%

12. Which of the following is not among top 5 exported agricultural commodities:
a. Marine Products
b. Non-Basmati Rice
c. Basmati Rice
d. Wheat
e. Sugar

Ans. d

Top 5 agriculture commodities

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13. As per Economic Survey 2022-23, The Indian agriculture sector has been growing at an
average annual growth rate of …. during the last six years.
a. 2.5%
b. 3.9%
c. 4.6%
d. 5.1%
e. 6.7%

Ans. c

As per Economic Survey 2022-23, The Indian agriculture sector has been growing at an
average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent during the last six years

It grew by 3.0 per cent in 2021-22 compared to 3.3 per cent in 2020- 21. In recent years, India
has also rapidly emerged as the net exporter of agricultural products. In 2020-21, exports of
agriculture and allied products from India grew by 18 per cent over the previous year. During
2021-22, agricultural exports reached an all-time high of US$ 50.2 billion.

14. The term "Decacorn" refers to a startup with a valuation of ….. or more:
a. $1 billion
b. $2 billion
c. $5 billion
d. $10 billion
e. $100 billion

Ans. d
Unicorn is a term used in the venture capital industry to describe a privately held startup company
with a value of over $1 billion.

Decacorn: The term "Decacorn" refers to a startup with a valuation of $10 billion or more.

India has emerged as the third-largest ecosystem for start-ups globally, after the United States
and China, with over 99,000 start-ups across 670 districts of the country, recognised by the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

15. The number of KVKs has risen to:

a. 707
b. 712
c. 731
d. 767
e. 787

Ans. c
The first KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry. As per KVK website, The number of KVKs
has risen to 731. (732 as per PIB)

The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India and the KVKs are sanctioned to Agricultural
Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non Government
Organizations (NGOs) working in Agriculture.

16. The Share of GCF in Agriculture & Allied sector in GCF of Economy at constant (2011-
12 prices):
a. 5%
b. 6%
c. 7%
d. 8%
e. 9%

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Ans. c

Share of GCF in Agriculture & Allied sector in GVA of Economy (%)

2021-22: 2.56% at constant (2011-12) price
2021-22: 2.60% at current prices

Share of GCF in Agriculture & Allied sector in GCF of Economy (%):

2021-22: 7.00% at constant (2011-12) price
2021-22: 8.00% at current prices

17. As per Provisional Estimates of National Income and Expenditure Components of GDP,
2022-23, GVA at basic price (2011-12 prices) for 2022-23 is :
a. 6.2%
b. 6.8%
c. 7.0%
d. 7.2%
e. 7.6%

Ans. c
GVA at basic price (2011-12 prices) for 2022-23: 7.0%

GDP at Constant (2011-12 prices) for 2022-23: 7.2%

Exports share in GDP is: 23.5%

Imports share in GDP is: 25.6%

As per Provisional Estimates of National Income and Expenditure Components of GDP, 2022-23,
growth in GVA of agriculture and allied sector in 2022-23 is 4.0% (3.5% in 2021-22)

18. What is % share of service sector in GVA of Country in 2021-22:

a. 52.5%
b. 53.3%
c. 54.5%
d. 57.8%
e. 59.1%

Ans. a

share of various sectors in GVA of Country in 2021-22:

 Agriculture and allied: 18.97% (19.00%)

 Industry: 28.5%
 Service sector 52.5%

share of various sectors in GVA of Country in 2022-23:

 Agriculture and allied: 18.4%

 Industry: 28.2%
 Service sector 54.4%

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19. Which of the following state has the highest area Covered under Micro Irrigation (as on
31.03.2022):

a. Rajasthan
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Andhra Pradesh
d. Rajasthan
e. Karnataka

Ans. e

Karnataka, followed by Rajasthan has the highest area Covered under Micro Irrigation (as on
31.03.2022).

In sprinkler irrigation: Rajasthan

In drip irrigation: Maharashtra

20. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Hon’ble Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices
(MSP) for all mandated Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24, The expected margin to
farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of :

a. Bajra
b. Tur
c. Soybean
d. Urad
e. Paddy

Ans. a

The increase in MSP for Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24 is in line with the Union
Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India
weighted average Cost of Production, aiming at reasonably fair remuneration for the farmers. The
expected margin to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of
bajra (82%) followed by tur (58%), soybean (52%) and urad (51%). For rest of the crops, margin
to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be at least 50%.

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Crops MSP 2023-24 Increase in Margin
MSP over over cost
2022-23 in per cent

Paddy -Common 2183 143 50

Bajra 2500 150 82

Ragi 3846 268 50

Maize 2090 128 50

Tur /Arhar 7000 400 58

Moong 8558 803 50

Urad 6950 350 51

Soybean (Yellow) 4600 300 52

21. As per Third Advance Estimates for 2022-23, Total Foodgrain production in the country
is estimated at record 3305.34 lakh tones which is higher by ….. as compared to previous
year 2021-22:
a. 122.32 LMT
b. 134.45 LMT
c. 149.18 LMT
d. 170.56 LMT
e. 234.34 LMT

Ans. c

As per Third Advance Estimates for 2022-23, Total Foodgrain production in the country is
estimated at record 3305.34 lakh tones (330.53 Million Tonnes) which is higher by149.18 LMT as
compared to previous year 2021-22.

Total production of Rice during 2022-23 is estimated at (record) 1355.42 lakh metric tonnes
(LMT). It is higher by 60.71lakh tonnes as compared to previous year.

The production of Wheat(record) in the country is estimated at 1127.43 LMT which is higher
by 50.01LMT as compared to previous year’s production

Production of Nutri / Coarse Cereals is estimated at 547.48lakh tonnes which is higher by

36.47LMT than the previous year’s production.

Total Pulses production during 2022-23 is estimated at 275.04 LMT which is higher by 2.02 lakh
tonnes than previous year’s production .

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Total Oilseeds production in the country during 2022-23 is estimated atrecord 409.96LMT which
is higher by 30.33lakhtonnes than the previous year’s oilseeds production.

Total production of Sugarcane in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at record 4942.28LMT.

Production of Cotton is estimated at 343.47 lakhbales (of 170 kg each) and production of Jute
& Mesta is estimated at 94.94 lakhbales (of 180 kg each).

As per Third Advance Estimates for 2022-23, For Kharif crops: 1551.6 LMT

As per Third Advance Estimates for 2022-23, For Rabi crops: 1601.2 LMT

As per Third Advance Estimates for 2022-23, For Summer crops: 152.36 LMT

Fourth Advance Estimates of Production of Foodgrains for 2021-22: 315.72 Million Tonnes

22. India’s horticulture output is likely to have reached a record ……… in the current crop
year (July 2022-June 2023) as production of fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops
increased significantly:
a. 222.25 Million Tonnes
b. 344.51 Million Tonnes
c. 351.61 Million Tonnes
d. 315. 72 Million Tonnes
e. 350. 87 Million Tonnes

Ans. e

India’s horticulture output is likely to have reached a record 350.87 million tonnes (mt) in the
current crop year (July 2022-June 2023) as production of fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation
crops increased significantly

The output of all the horticulture products was 347.18 mt in 2021-22

Total production of vegetables has been pegged at 212.53 mt compared with 209.14 mt. Fruits
production is seen at 107.75 mt this year as against 107.51 mt in 2021-22.

While onion and tomato production declined by 2.2% and 0.5%, respectively, potato production
increased sharply by 6.2%

the area under horticulture has been rising and reached 28.28 million hectares (mh) in 2022-23
from 28.04 mh last year.

Highest horticulture production (Area wise and Quantity wise) in Uttar Pradesh followed by
Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

Highest fruit production (Area wise and Quantity wise) in Maharashtra followed by Uttar Pradesh

Highest Vegetables production (Quantity wise) in Uttar Pradesh followed by West Bengal.
Highest Vegetables production (Area wise) in West Bengal followed by Uttar Pradesh.

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23. Which of the following state is the largest producer of inland fish:
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Andhra Pradesh
c. West Bengal
d. Maharashtra
e. Telangana

Ans. b
Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producer state in India followed by West Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh is the largest Inland fish producer state in India followed by West Bengal.

Gujarat is the largest Marine fish producer state in India followed by Kerala.

24. Which of the following state has the highest share in Agricultural Loan disbursed in
2022-23:
a. Tamil Nadu
b. Andhra Pradesh
c. West Bengal
d. Maharashtra
e. Rajasthan

Ans. a

Tamil Nadu has the highest share in Agricultural Loan disbursed in 2022-23.
Southern region has the highest share in Agricultural Loan disbursed in 2022-23.

As on 31-12-2022, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Operative KCCs

25. In India, Which of the following crop has the highest percentage Share of Area to Gross
Cropped Area:
a. Rice
b. Wheat
c. Sugarcane
d. Cotton
e. Maize

Ans. a

Rice followed by wheat has the highest percentage Share of Area to Gross Cropped Area.

Also Cereals has the highest percentage Share of Area to Gross Cropped Area

26. As per agriculture census 2015-16, Small farmers are those farmers are those who have
the operational holdings:
a. 4.00-10.00 hectare
b. 1.00-2.00 hectare
c. Below 1.00 hectare
d. 2.00-4.00 hectare
e. 10.00 hectare and above

Ans. b

In agriculture Census, the operational holdings are categorised in five size classes as follows:

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Category Size-Class
Marginal Below 1.00 hectare
Small 1.00-2.00 hectare
Semi- Medium 2.00-4.00 hectare
Medium 4.00-10.00 hectare
Large 10.00 hectare and above

27. As per agriculture census 2015-16, Small farmers constituted ….. of the total holdings
in 2015-16 :
a. 68.45%
b. 17.62%
c. 9.55%
d. 3.80%
e. 0.57%

Ans. b

Category % holdings
Marginal 68.45%
Small 17.62%
Semi- Medium 9.55%
Medium 3.80%
Large 0.57%

The small and marginal holdings taken together (0.00-2.00 ha.) constituted 86.08% of the total
holdings in 2015-16.

The total number of operational holdings in the country has increased from 138.35 million
in 2010-11 to 146.45 million in 2015-16 showing an increase of 5.86%.

Uttar Pradesh followed by Bihar has the highest number of operational holdings.

The average size of operational holdings has declined to 1.08 ha. in 2015-16.

28. As per agriculture census 2015-16, The percentage share of female operational holders
has increased from 12.79% in 2010- 11 to ….. in 2015-16:
a. 28.45%
b. 17.62%
c. 19.55%
d. 23.80%
e. 13.96%

Ans. e

The percentage share of female operational holders has increased from 12.79% in 2010- 11 to
13.96% in 2015-16.

Operational Holding: All land which is used wholly or partly for Agricultural production and is
operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others without regard to the title, legal
form, size or location
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Operational holder: An Operational holder is the person who has the responsibility for the
operation of the Agricultural holding and who exercises the technical initiative and is responsible
for its operation.

Agriculture Census in India is conducted every five years. The field work of Agriculture Census is
carried out in three phases, each phase of one-year duration. This Agriculture Census (11th in
the series) was postponed by a year due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently,
the Agriculture Census 2021-22 was launched on 28th July, 2022. At present, Phase-I of
Agriculture Census 2021-22 is in progress which is targeted to be completed by December, 2023.

29. As per Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households (Jan-Dec 2019),

percentage of indebted agricultural households:
a. 11.8%
b. 27.6%
c. 39.5%
d. 43.8%
e. 50.2%

Ans. e

percentage of indebted agricultural households: 50.2%

Total agricultural households out of total rural households: 54%

Average monthly income (Rs) per Agricultural Household: 10218

Average amount (Rs.) of outstanding loan per agricultural household: 74121
Uttar Pradesh has the highest indebted agricultural households.

National Statistical Office (NSO) in its 77th round of survey, conducted during the period
1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019, carried out a survey on “Land and Livestock Holdings
of Households and Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households.

An agricultural household for NSS 77thRound survey was defined as a household receiving more
than Rs. 4000/- as value of produce from agricultural activities (e.g., cultivation of field crops,
horticultural crops, fodder crops, plantation, animal husbandry, poultry, fishery, piggery, bee-
keeping, vermiculture, sericulture, etc.) and having at least one member self-employed in
agriculture either in the principal status or in subsidiary status during last 365 days

30. Which of the following country is the largest producer of sugarcane:

a. India
b. South Africa
c. Russia
d. Brazil
e. USA

Ans. d

Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane followed by India.

China is the largest producer of paddy(rice) followed by India.

China is the largest producer of wheat followed by India.
China is the largest producer of groundnut followed by India.

India is 6th largest producer of Maize. USA is at 1st.

India is the largest producer of pulses.

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31. What is the percentage of Population Below Poverty Line of country, based on the
methodology suggested by the 'Expert Group on Methodology for estimation of poverty',
chaired by Dr. Suresh.D. Tendulkar:
a. 19.8%
b. 21.9%
c. 23.5%
d. 27.8%
e. 29.2%

Ans. b

Official poverty line of India is as per Tendulkar committee recommendations and 21.9% of India’s
population is below poverty line as per Tendulkar committee. 25.4% rural and 13.7% urban population
under poverty line.
Chhattisgarh followed by Jharkhand has the highest % of population below poverty line.

Tendulkar committee:
Calories In Rural Areas /day: 2400
Calories In Urban areas /day: 2100

Rural poverty line Per Day Per Person: Rs 27 (Monthly 810)

Urban Poverty Line Per Day per Person: Rs 33 (Monthly 1000)

International poverty line (IPL):

In 2022, the World Bank adopted $2.15 as the international poverty line using the 2017
PPP

32. What % FDI is allowed in plantation of coconut:

a. 26%
b. 49%
c. 74%
d. 100%
e. FDI is not allowed

Ans. e
100% through automatic route: FDI allowed in following PLANTATION SECTOR:
(i) Tea sector including tea plantations
(ii) Coffee plantations
(iii) Rubber plantations
(iv) Cardamom plantations
(v) Palm oil tree plantations
(vi) Olive oil tree plantations

Note: Besides the above, FDI is not allowed in any other plantation sector/activity

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AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY:

The term “under controlled conditions” covers the following: (i) ‘Cultivation under controlled
conditions’ for the categories of floriculture, horticulture, cultivation of vegetables and mushrooms
is the practice of cultivation wherein rainfall, temperature, solar radiation, air humidity and
culture medium are controlled artificially. Control in these parameters may be effected through
protected cultivation under green houses, net houses, poly houses or any other improved
infrastructure facilities where micro-climatic conditions are regulated anthropogenically.

100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in the food processing sector and 100% FDI
under Government approval route is allowed for retail trading, including through e-
commerce, in respect of food products manufactured and/or produced in India.

33. In exports of India, which of the following commodity has the largest share:
a. Petroleum Products
b. Pearl, Precious, Semiprecious Stones
c. Drug Formulations, Biological
d. Iron And Steel
e. Gold And Other Precious Metal Jewellery

Ans. a

Export: Top 5 principal commodities

Group Description
1 PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
2 PEARL, PRECS, SEMIPRECS STONES
3 DRUG FORMULATIONS, BIOLOGICALS
4 IRON AND STEEL
5 TELECOM INSTRUMENTS

India’s overall exports (merchandise and services) grew at 14.8% to $775.8 billion in
FY2023.

Merchandise exports have touched $450.4 billion with 6.9% growth during FY2023, surpassing
FY2022’s record exports of $422 billion.

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Services exports were estimated at USD 325.44 Billion in 2022-23 as against USD 254.53
Billion in 2021-22 registering a positive growth of 27.86% percent.

Merchandise imports in 2022-23 were USD 714.04 Billion

Services imports were estimated at USD 180.14 Billion in 2022-23
India’s overall imports (Merchandise + Services) in 2022-23 USD 894.18 Billion

Software exports has the largest share in service exports.

 Balance of Trade (BOT): -118.38 Billion

% of share in Exports Top 5 States:

1. Gujarat (33%)
2. Maharashtra (16%)
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Karnataka
5. Uttar Pradesh

Jamnagar district of Gujarat has the highest share in exports.

34. Which of the following country is top contributor in FDI of India during 2022-23:
a. Singapore
b. Mauritius
c. U.S.A
d. Netherland
e. Japan

Ans. a

FDI EQUITY INFLOW: USD 46.04 Bn (-22% as compared to last year)

TOP 5 INVESTING COUNTRIES FDI EQUITY INFLOW YEAR 2022-23:

1. Singapore
2. Mauritius
3. U.S.A
4. Netherland
5. Japan

The UK, Singapore, the US, the UAE, and Mauritius were the major destinations of outward FDI
from India.

35. Which of the following sector attracts highest FDI to India during 2022-23:
a. COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE
b. SERVICES SECTOR
c. TRADING
d. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
e. AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY

Ans. a

Top 3 SECTORS ATTRACTING HIGHEST FDI EQUITY INFLOW YEAR 2022-23:

 COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE
 SERVICES SECTOR (s Financial, Banking, Insurance, Non-Financial / Business,
Outsourcing, R&D, Courier, Tech. Testing and Analysis)

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 TRADING

Top 5 STATES/UTs ATTRACTING HIGHEST FDI EQUITY INFLOW YEAR 2022-23:

1. MAHARASHTRA
2. KARNATAKA
3. DELHI
4. GUJARAT
5. HARYANA

From April, 2000 to March, 2023:

TOTAL FDI INFLOW (from April, 2000 to March, 2023):
 FDI Equity Flow: USD 634.44 Bn

TOP 2 INVESTING COUNTRIES FDI EQUITY INFLOW YEAR 2000-23:

1. Mauritius
2. Singapore

Top 3 SECTORS ATTRACTING HIGHEST FDI EQUITY INFLOW YEAR 2000-23:

 SERVICES SECTOR (s Financial, Banking, Insurance, Non-Financial / Business,
Outsourcing, R&D, Courier, Tech. Testing and Analysis)
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE
 TRADING

Top 5 STATES/UTs ATTRACTING HIGHEST FDI EQUITY INFLOW YEAR 2000-23:

1. MAHARASHTRA
2. KARNATAKA

36. India’s agriculture export was …… in FY2023, higher by 5.8% over FY2022:
a. $42.2 billion
b. $52.5 billion
c. $56.7 billion
d. $62.5 billion
e. $58.2 billion

Ans. b

During the last 2 years, agriculture export has crossed the $50 billion mark. India’s
agriculture export was $52.5 billion in FY2023, higher by 5.8% over FY2022.

 Rice ($11 billion), marine products ($8 billion), sugar ($5.8 billion), spices ($3.8 billion),
buffalo meat ($3.2 billion), oilmeal ($1.6 billion), and wheat ($1.5 billion) were the major
contributors.

37. As on August 2023, What % are Female Beneficiaries under PMJDY scheme:
a. 32.5%
b. 48.5%
c. 55.6%
d. 66.7%
e. 70.5%

Ans. c
Pradhan Mantri Jan - Dhan Yojana: As on 9th August 23 number of total PMJDY Accounts:
50.09 crore; 55.6% (27.82 crore) Jan-Dhan account holders are women and 66.7% (33.45
crore) Jan Dhan accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas

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Total RuPay cards issued to PMJDY account holders: 33.98 crore (as of August 2023)

PMJDY Accounts have grown three-fold (3.4) from 14.72 crore in March 15 to 50.09 crore as on
16-08-2023. Undoubtedly a remarkable journey for the Financial Inclusion Programme.

The deposits in these accounts are above Rs. 2.03 lakh crore and about 34 crore RuPay cards
have been issued in these accounts free of cost.

The average balance in PMJDY accounts is Rs. 4,076 and more than 5.5 crore PMJDY accounts
are receiving DBT benefits.

38.What is rate of participation of women (women person-days out of the total in percentage)
under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme:
a. 18.01%
b. 19.23%
c. 45.48%
d. 57.46%
e. 92.51%

Ans. d

For 2022-23:

 Women Persondays out of Total (%): 57.46 (Kerala has the highest % share)
 SC persondays % as of total persondays: 19.23
 ST persondays % as of total persondays: 18.01
 % payments generated within 15 days: 92.51

39. The gross IGST revenue collected in the month of September, 2023 is:
a. ₹29,818 crore
b. ₹37,657 crore
c. ₹62,712 crore
d. ₹68,678 crore
e. ₹83,623 crore

Ans. e

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of September, 2023 is ₹1,62,712 crore out of which
CGST is ₹29,818 crore, SGST is ₹37,657 crore, IGST is ₹83,623 crore (including ₹41,145 crore
collected on import of goods) and cess is ₹11,613 crore.

The revenues for the month of September, 2023 are 10% higher than the GST revenues in the
same month last year.

The gross GST collection for the first half of the FY 2023-24 ending September, 2023 [₹9,92,508
crore] is 11% higher than the gross GST collection in the first half of FY 2022-23. Average monthly
gross GST collection in FY 2023-24 at Rs. 1.65 lakh crore with 11% Y-o-Y growth.

GST collections for 2022-23 which stood at ₹ 13.82 lakh crore 7.2% higher than collections in
2021-22. On the GST side, the average gross monthly collection for the year 2022-23 stood at ₹
1.51 lakh crore and monthly GST revenue collections exceeded ₹ 1.4 lakh crore for 12 months in
a row.

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40. As per the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023, The number
of undernourished people in India declined to …… in 2020-22:
a. 124.6 million
b. 198.7 million
c. 208.5 million
d. 233.9 million
e. 304.8 million

Ans. d

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023:

Undernourishment: The number of undernourished people in India declined to 233.9 million

in 2020-22
India had a stunting rate of 31.7 per cent in 2022 (36.1 million children)
18.7 per cent of Indian children were affected by wasting
India had an overweight percentage of 2.8 per cent in 2022
Healthy Diet: In India, 74% people could not afford a healthy diet in 2020(USD 3.066 in PPP
per day).
Anaemic Women: The number of anaemic women aged 15 to 49 years declined marginally to 53%
in 2019
Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants (0-5 months): 63.7% in 2021

The above data is taken form the report Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates of 2023
(UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank Group).

 Published by: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) since 1999
 Theme: URBANIZATION, AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION AND HEALTHY
DIETS ACROSS THE RURAL–URBAN CONTINUUM
 Global findings: The 2023 edition of the report reveals that between 691 and 783 million
people faced hunger in 2022, with a mid-range of 735 million.

41. As per the recent report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), Stunting
in children has reduced from 38.4% to ……:
a. 22.4%
b. 26.4%
c. 32.2%
d. 35.5%
e. 37.1%

Ans. d

As per the recent report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), the nutrition
indicators for children under 5 years have improved as compared with NFHS-4 (2015-16). Stunting
has reduced from 38.4% to 35.5%, Wasting has reduced to 19.3% and Underweight prevalence
has reduced to 32.1%.

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42. As per the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, in India, …… poor people moved
out of poverty from 2005/2006 to 2019/2021
a. 230 million
b. 370 million
c. 415 million
d. 520 million
e. 645 million

Ans. c

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index:

As per the report, in India, 415 million poor people moved out of poverty from 2005/2006 to
2019/2021, with incidence falling from 55.1 percent in 2005/2006 to 16.4 per cent in 2019/2021.

In 2005/2006, about 645 million people were in multidimensional poverty in India, with this
number declining to about 370 million in 2015/2016 and 230 million in 2019/2021

Global findings:

 1.1 billion out of 6.1 billion people (just over 18%) live in acute multidimensional
poverty across 110 countries.
 485 million poor people live in severe poverty across 110 countries, experiencing 50–
100% of weighted deprivations

The global MPI was developed by OPHI with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for inclusion
in UNDP’s flagship Human Development Report in 2010

India ranks 107 out of 121 countries on the GHI and a score of 29.1 places it in the
‘serious’ category.

Global Hunger Index 2022: Annual Report: Jointly published by Concern

Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe

43. As per the SRS 2020, what is India’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
a. 15
b. 20
c. 28
d. 30
e. 32

Ans. c

SAMPLE REGISTRATION SYSTEM (SRS)-STATISTICAL REPORT 2020

 OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL & CENSUS COMMISSIONER, INDIA MINISTRY OF

HOME AFFAIRS released the report.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has also registered 2-point decline to 28 per 1000 live births in 2020
(Maximum in Madhya Pradesh and lowest in Kerala)
INDICATOR SRS 2020

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Crude Birth Rate (CBR) 19.5

Total Fertility Rate 2.0

Early Neonatal Mortality Rate (ENMR) – 0- 7 days 15

Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) 20

(SDG target <=12 by 2030)

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) 28

Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) 32

((SDG target <=25 by 2030)

In case of about 82.6 percent live births, the mothers have received the medical attention at
delivery either at Government hospital or at Private hospital in 2020

The Office of the Registrar General, India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, apart from
conducting Population Census and monitoring the implementation of Registration of Births and
Deaths Act in the country, has been giving estimates on fertility and mortality using the Sample
Registration System (SRS).
 It is heartening that the Maternal Mortality Ratio in India has declined over the years to 97
in 2018-20 from 103 in 2017-19 and 130 in 2014-2016
 The MMR was the highest in Assam.
 eight states had achieved the SDG target
 The target 3.1 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by United Nations aims at
reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births

44. As per 2021/2022 Human Development Report, India has been ranked ……. in
Gender Inequality Index:
a. 118th
b. 122nd
c. 132nd
d. 134th
e. 136th

Ans. b

The 2021/2022 Human Development Report of 191 countries is the latest in the series of
global Human Development Reports published by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) since 1990
India has been ranked 132 in the latest report.

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India’s HDI value stood at 0.633 in 2021 attributed to falling life expectancy - 69.7 to
67.2 year
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) India is ranked at 134 in IHDI
Gender Inequality Index: 122nd rank out of 170
Planetary pressures-adjusted Human Development Index: India gained in global
rankings by six points (132nd rank under HDI and 126th rank under PHDI)
The PHDI value can be interpreted as the level of human development adjusted by
carbon dioxide emissions per person (production-based) and material footprint per
person to account for excessive human pressure on the planet.

 Human Development Index is a composite index given by the report that

measures average achievement in human development taking into account three
HDI components/dimensions: life expectancy, education (with two indicators)
and income per capita based on four indicators:
 Life expectancy at birth (Sustainable Development Goal 3);
 Expected years of schooling (SDG 4.3);
 Mean years of schooling (SDG 4.4); and
 Gross national income (GNI) per capita (2017 PPP$) (SDG 8.5)

45. According to World Bank Logistics Performance Index 2023, India ranked ….. among
139 nations with a score of 3.4 out of 5 on the latest Logistics Performance Index.
a. 38th
b. 46th
c. 63rd
d. 101st
e. 132nd

Ans. a
 India ranked 38th among 139 nations with a score of 3.4 out of 5 on the latest
Logistics Performance Index.
 India excelled in the areas of logistics competence, quality, and timeliness.
 India did poorly in customs
 Singapore had the best score.

46. According to 5th State Food Safety Index, which of the following state has secured the
top rank among larger states:
a. Karnataka
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Telangana
d. Uttar Pradesh
e. Kerala

Ans. e
 the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India releases the State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
annually for each financial year on 7th June on the occasion of World Food Safety Day
 The theme for World Food Safety Day 2023 is “Food Standards Save Lives
 Among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking.
 Among the smaller states, Goa emerged as the leader
 Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir secured the first.

47. As per India’s first water bodies census, which of the following state is the leading state
for water conservation schemes
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a. Karnataka
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Telangana
d. Uttar Pradesh
e. Maharashtra

Ans. e
 The DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION,
Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 1st Census of Water Bodies in convergence with the 6th
Minor Irrigation (MI) Census under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Irrigation Census
 First census of water bodies was conducted with reference year 2017-18 across the country in 33
States/UTs except Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep
 West Bengal has highest number of ponds & reservoirs, whereas Andhra Pradesh has highest
number of tanks, Tamil Nadu has highest number of lakes and Maharashtra is the leading state for
water conservation scheme.
 According to the Jal Shakti ministry's census of water bodies, there are 2.4 million water bodies in
the country, 2.3 million (97.1%) of which are in rural areas and 69,485 (2.9%) of which are in urban
areas.
 The five states with the highest percentages of water bodies i.e., 63%, are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam
 According to the Jal Shakti ministry's census on water bodies report, ponds make up about 59.5%
of all water bodies.

State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22:

 4th edition of State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22 (SEEI 2021-22) has been developed by Bureau
of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under Ministry of Power, in collaboration with Alliance for an Energy
Efficient Economy (AEEE).
 SEEI 2021-22 consists of 50 indicators (common and programme-specific) spanning 7 sectors –
buildings, industry, municipal services, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-sector.
 36 states and union territories have been assessed for their energy efficiency progress in FY 2020-
21 and FY 2021-22 in SEEI 2021-22
 Karnataka is the top-performing state in SEEI 2021-22

NITI Aayog released the third edition of the report titled ‘Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022’
 Prepared by NITI AAYOG with the help of Institute for Competitiveness
 4 UTs not covered are Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, Ladakh and
Lakshadweep.
 The EPI 2022 Report evaluates the performance of the states across four pillars – Policy, Business
Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem, and Export Performance further based on ten sub-pillars. The
index uses 56 indicators

 Overall Ranking in EPI 2022: Highest score of Tamil Nadu (80.89)

 Lakshadweep is at the bottom.

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 Business Ecosystem has the highest weightage (40%) and remaining 3 equla weightage of 20%
each.
48. NITI Aayog released National Multidimensional Poverty Index [NMPI], In terms of number of MPI
poor, which of the following state has the highest multidimensional poor:
a. Bihar
b. Odisha
c. Jharkhand
d. Uttar Pradesh
e. Assam

Ans. d

In terms of number of MPI poor, Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 3.43 crore people exiting
multidimensional poverty in the last five years, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

Bihar has the highest multidimensional poor (33.76%) in terms of % of total population followed by
Jharkhand (2nd).

The MPI estimates highlight a near-halving of India’s national MPI value (0.066 from 0.117) and decline
in the proportion of population in multidimensional poverty from 24.85% to 14.96% between 2015-16 and
2019-21.

o This reduction of 9.89 percentage points in multidimensional poverty indicates that, at the level of
projected population in 2021, about 135.5 million persons have exited poverty between 2015-16
and 2019-21.
o It is a major contribution towards achieving SDG target 1.2 that aims to reduce “at least by half the
proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according
to national definitions” by 2030.
o This indicates that India is well on course to achieve the SDG target 1.2 much ahead of 2030.
o The incidence of poverty fell from 32.59% to 19.28% in rural areas

NATIONAL MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (MPI):

 NITI Aayog took a significant step in 2021 by releasing the first ever Multidimensional Poverty Index
[MPI] for India (based on NFHS 4).
 Released by NITI Aayog with technical partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
 Like the global MPI, India’s national MPI has three equally weighted dimensions – Health, Education,
and Standard of living – which are represented by 12 indicators.
 Maternal health and bank account are 2 additional indicators in National MPI as compared to
Global MPI (10 indicators)
 These estimates have been computed using data from the 5th round of the NFHS (NFHS-5)
conducted in 2019-21

49. As per Global Gender Gap 2023, What is India’s rank in political empowerment:
a. 26th
b. 59th
c. 127th
d. 135th
e. 142nd

Ans. b

Global Gender Gap Report 2023:

 Released by World Economic Forum (WEF)

 Since its inception in 2006 it is 17th edition
 This year, the Global Gender Gap Index benchmarks 146 countries

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 The Global Gender Gap Index benchmarks gender parity across four key dimensions or
sub-indices — economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and
survival, and political empowerment and 14 indicators.
 Iceland is the most gender-equal country in the world for the 14th consecutive year and the
only country to have closed more than 90% of its gender gap followed by Norway and
Finland.
 Afghanistan (146th) followed by Chad(145th) is the worst-performing country in the report.
 India has made significant progress, rising from 135th (in 2022) to 127th out of 146
countries in the report's 2023 edition, indicating an improvement in its ranking over last
year and improvement by 8 places.
o The country had closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap.
o India ranks:
 142 in health and survival (95% parity)
 142 in economic participation and opportunity (36.7% parity),
 26th in educational attainment and
 59th in political empowerment (25.3% parity)

50. 1st edition of ‘State Ranking Index for National Food Security Act (NFSA)’ released in 2022 by
Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution, which state has topped the index:

a. Bihar
b. Odisha
c. Jharkhand
d. Uttar Pradesh
e. Assam

Ans. b
State Ranking Index for NFSA 2022:
 1st edition of ‘State Ranking Index for National Food Security Act (NFSA)’ released in
2022 by Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
Food and Public Distribution in technical collaboration with MicroSave Consulting (MSC).
 3 pillars for ranking with weightage are:
o NFSA— Coverage, targeting and provisions of the Act,
o Delivery platform,
o and Nutrition initiatives.
 Odisha is ranked first followed by Uttar Pradesh. Goa is the worst performer
 Tripura ranks top among the special category states

States' Startup Ranking 2022:

 Released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Ministry of
Commerce and Industry Government of India
 The States’ Startup Ranking Framework 2020 is divided into 7 broad Reform Areas
 Gujarat (3rd time) as the Best Performers in A category of States which included NCT of
Delhi.

51. Agriculture credit target for FY2024 has been fixed at ₹20 lakh crore out of which highest
disbursement target is for:

a. Commercial banks
b. Rural Cooperative Banks
c. Regional Rural Banks
d. Urban Co-operative Banks
e. Local Area Banks

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Ans. a

 During FY2023, ₹21.7 lakh crore has been disbursed (provisional) against the target
of ₹18.5 lakh crore, registering 117% achievement. (Highest disbursement by
Commercial banks 16.1 lakh crores against target of 13.8 lakh crores)
 Agriculture credit target for FY2024 has been fixed at ₹20 lakh crore (12.1 lakh crore
crop loan + 7.9 lakh crore term loan):
o Commercial banks: 14.4 lakh crores
o Rural Cooperative Banks: 2.6 lakh crores
o Regional Rural Banks: 3.0 lakh crores

52. As per budget 2023-24, In line with the motto of Sahakar se Samriddhi (Cooperation for
Prosperity) computerisation of …… primary agricultural credit societies is aimed at with an
investment of ₹2,516 crore.

a. 13,000
b. 23,000
c. 33,000
d. 43,000
e. 63,000

Ans. e

In line with the motto of Sahakar se Samriddhi (Cooperation for Prosperity) computerisation
of 63,000 primary agricultural credit societies is aimed at with an investment of ₹2,516
crore

53. India rebranded nutrient-rich millets as ‘nutricereals’ and declared the year ….. as the
National Year of Millets:

a. 2014
b. 2016
c. 2018
d. 2020
e. 2023

Ans. c

In April 2018, India rebranded nutrient-rich millets as ‘nutricereals’ and declared the year
2018 as the National Year of Millets. India also sponsored the proposal for declaring 2023 as
International Year of Millets (IYM), which the United Nations General Assembly accepted

The proposal of India was supported by 72 countries and United Nation's General Assembly
(UNGA) declared 2023 as International Year of Millets on 5th March, 2021. This led to the
Hon’ble Union Finance Minister making a Budget announcement on 1st February 2022: “2023
has been announced as the International Year of Millets.

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