17. Consider the following statements about Criteria for ‘medium’ units to be revised is correct?

      (a) A company with an investment of up to ₹10 crore and a turnover of up to ₹50 crore will be classified as medium

      (b) A firm with an investment of up to ₹20 crore and a turnover under ₹100 crore will be classified as medium

      (c) Any firm with an investment of up to ₹1 crore and turnover under ₹5 crore will be classified as medium

      (d) Any government recognised firm by state agencies are part of medium enterprises

 

 

 

18. Consider the following statements about Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities:

1. Recently the NITI Aayog has launched the Star Ratating Garbage Free Cities.
2. It is one of the various initiatives which intends to make Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) as a successful project.
3. The rating protocol is an outcome-based long-lasting tool to evaluate and compensate cities on the basis of this single rating.

Which of the given statements is/are not correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 3

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

 

 

19. Consider the following statements about PM- Matsya Sampada Yojana:

1. It is a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in Coastal states especially North India.
2. The scheme has five components by which the scheme will work.
3. The scheme has a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crore.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 3 only

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

20. Consider the following statements about PM-  Vaya Vandana Yojana:

1. It is a Pension Scheme exclusively for the senior citizens above the age of 65 years.
2. The scheme has exempted from GST.
3. The scheme provides initially an assured rate of return of 7.40 % per annum for the year 2020-21.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1and 2

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 1 and 3

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

21. Consider the following statements about Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana:

1. Under the scheme, based on registered area and area under cultivation the farmers will be identified for proper land mapping for best crops.
2. The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane farmers to begin with, and would expand to other crops.
3. For rice and maize farmers would get ₹10,000 an acre while sugarcane farmers would get ₹13,000.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 2 and 3

      (d) 1 and 2

 

22. Consider the following statements about Credit Rating:

1. It is an assessment of the borrower that and credit giver.
2. It is an assessment of the borrower that determines whether the borrower will be able to pay the loan back on time, as per the loan agreement
3. This credit rating influences the bank’s decision of approving an applicant’s loan application at a considerate rate of interest.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 2 and 3

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

23. Which of the following is/are objectives of the Scheme for formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises:

1. Increase in access to finance by micro food processing units
2. Special focus on women entrepreneurs and Aspirational districts.
3. Focus on minor forest produce in Tribal Districts

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 1 and 3

      (d) 3 only

 

24. ECLGS is an acronym of which of the following scheme:

      (a) Empowered Credit Line Guarantee Scheme

      (b) Emergency Credit Loan Guarantee Scheme

      (c) Empowered Credit Lone Guarantee Scheme

      (d) Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme

 

 

25. Consider the following statements about Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Kisan Nyay Yojana:

1. The scheme aims to ensure minimum income availability to farmers of the state through direct bank transfer.
2. Farmers of Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan would get up to ₹13,000 an acre a year under a new income support programme.
3. The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 2 only

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

26. Consider the following statements about Geo Textiles

1. These synthetic includes polyester and polypropylene or man-made materials that have varying degrees of permeability.
2. These synthetic cannot separate, but these can reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.
3. It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches.
4. It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 1, 3 and 4

      (c) 2, 3 and 4

      (d) All of the above

 

Answers

 

17. Consider the following statements about Criteria for ‘medium’ units to be revised is correct?

      (a) A company with an investment of up to ₹10 crore and a turnover of up to ₹50 crore will be classified as medium

      (b) A firm with an investment of up to ₹20 crore and a turnover under ₹100 crore will be classified as medium

      (c) Any firm with an investment of up to ₹1 crore and turnover under ₹5 crore will be classified as medium

      (d) Any government recognised firm by state agencies are part of medium enterprises

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The option (b) is correct rest are incorrect about medium enterprises.

 

For more information read the following:

 

Criteria for ‘medium’ units to be revised

• The government has decided to further revise the criteria for medium-sized units after changing the definition of MSMEs.

Background:

• Unveiling the contours of the ₹20-lakh-crore stimulus package, the Finance Minister had announced a change in the definition of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• After the revision, the investment limit has been revised upwards and an additional criterion of turnover has been introduced.
• As per the revised definition:

• • MICRO: Any firm with an investment of up to ₹1 crore and turnover under ₹5 crore will be classified as ‘micro.’
  • SMALL: A company with an investment of up to ₹10 crore and a turnover of up to ₹50 crore will be classified as ‘small’.
  • MEDIUM: A firm with an investment of up to ₹20 crore and a turnover under ₹100 crore will be classified as ‘medium.’

Information:

• The government has now decided to further revise the criteria for ‘Medium sized units’ by enhancing the investment and turnover limits to up to ₹50 crore and ₹200 crore respectively.
• The government plans to raise MSMEs’ contribution to India’s exports to 60% from the 48% at present, and also boost the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP from 29% currently to 50%.
• It is also intended to create five crore new jobs.
• The government plans to take advantage of the ‘blessing in disguise’ posed by the global ‘hatred against China’.

Significance:

• Upward revision in their investment limit will help in the seamless expansion of small and medium businesses in the country. A robust MSME sector is key to improving the economic strength and resilience of the country and making it highly self-reliant and globally competitive.
• There are around 6.3 crore MSME units in the country, with over 99 per cent categorised as small units.
• The old definition that had a lower threshold prevented the companies to grow, thus, translating into losing out on benefits.
• The new higher limits in investment and turnover may help companies grow.
• It will help bring an increased number of MSME units access to institutional working capital.
• This change matters for enterprises because there are benefits linked to it. These benefits range from loans under the priority sector lending scheme, a 25 per cent share in procurement by government and government-owned companies, promoters being allowed to bid for stressed assets under insolvency law as well as relief from the government and regulators from time to time.

 

18. Consider the following statements about Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities:

1. Recently the NITI Aayog has launched the Star Ratating Garbage Free Cities.
2. It is one of the various initiatives which intends to make Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) as a successful project.
3. The rating protocol is an outcome-based long-lasting tool to evaluate and compensate cities on the basis of this single rating.

Which of the given statements is/are not correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 3

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: he Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MOHUA) has announced the results of the Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities.
2. Statement 2 is correct: It is one of the various initiatives which intends to make Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) as a successful project.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The rating protocol is an outcome-based tool that helps MoHUA and other stakeholders to evaluate cities on the basis of this single rating.

 

 

Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities

• Recently, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MOHUA) has announced the results of the Star Rating of Garbage Free Cities for the assessment year 2019-2020.

More Information

• The Star Rating Protocol was launched by the Ministry in 2018 to institutionalize a mechanism for cities to achieve Garbage Free status, and to motivate cities to achieve higher degrees of sustainable cleanliness.
• It is one of the various initiatives which intends to make Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) as a successful project.
• It is based on 12 parameters which follow a SMART framework – Single metric, Measurable, Achievable, Rigorous verification mechanism and Targeted towards outcomes.
• It is a comprehensive framework that assesses cities across 24 different components of Solid Waste Management (SWM) and is graded based on overall marks received.
• The Star Rating is supported by self-assessment and self-verification for achieving a certain star rating. It also ensures the involvement of citizen groups for a transparent system of self-declaration.
• Further, the self-declaration is further verified through an independent third party agency appointed by MoHUA.
• Under the new report a total of six cities have been certified as 5-Star, 65 cities as 3-Star and 70 cities as 1-Star.
• The 5-Star cities include Ambikapur (Chattisgarh), Surat and Rajkot (Gujarat), Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra).
• The performance of cities under the Star Rating Protocol is crucial as it carries significant weightage for their final assessment in Swachh Survekshan.
• The rating protocol is an outcome-based tool that helps MoHUA and other stakeholders to evaluate cities on the basis of this single rating.

 

 

 

19. Consider the following statements about PM- Matsya Sampada Yojana:

1. It is a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in Coastal states especially North India.
2. The scheme has five components by which the scheme will work.
3. The scheme has a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crore.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 3 only

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: It is a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: development of fisheries sector in India under two components namely, Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
3. Statement 3 is correct: has a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crore.

 

For more details read the following information

 

PM- Matsya Sampada Yojana

• Union Cabinet has given its approval for implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• It is a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India under two components namely, Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS.
• It has a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crore comprising of

1. Central share of Rs. 9,407 crore,
2. State share of Rs. 4,880 crore,
3. Beneficiaries’ share of Rs. 5,763 crore.

• The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Component is further segregated into Non-beneficiary oriented and Beneficiary orientated sub­components/activities under the following three broad heads:

1. Enhancement of Production and Productivity
2. Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Management
3. Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework

• The Scheme will be implemented during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
• Funding Pattern of PMMSY will be implemented with the following funding pattern:
• Central Sector Scheme (CS) – The entire project/unit cost will be borne by the Central government (i.e. 100% central funding).
• Wherever direct beneficiary oriented i.e. individual/group activities are undertaken by the entities of central government including National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the central assistance will be up to 40% of the unit/project cost for General category and 60% for SC/ST/Women category.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) – For the Non-beneficiary orientated sub-components/activities under CSS component to be implemented by the States/UTs, the entire project/unit cost will be shared between Centre and State as detailed below:

1. North Eastern & Himalayan States– 90% Central share and 10% State share.
2. Other States– 60% Central share and 40% State share.
3. Union Territories(with legislature and without legislature) – 100% Central share.

• The scheme aims to address the critical gaps in the fisheries sector and realize its potential by improving availability of certified quality fish seed and feed, traceability in fish and including effective aquatic health management.

It also promises to create direct gainful employment opportunities to about 15 lakh fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, fish vendors and other rural/urban populations in fishing and allied activities and about thrice this number as indirect employment opportunities including enhancement of their incomes.

 

20. Consider the following statements about PM-  Vaya Vandana Yojana:

1. It is a Pension Scheme exclusively for the senior citizens above the age of 65 years.
2. The scheme has exempted from GST.
3. The scheme provides initially an assured rate of return of 7.40 % per annum for the year 2020-21.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1and 2

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 1 and 3

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: is a Pension Scheme exclusively for the senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
2. Statement 2 is correct: The scheme is exempted from GST
3. Statement 3 is correct: Scheme provides initially an assured rate of return of 7.40 % per annum for the year 2020-21

 

For more details read the following information

 

PM-  Vaya Vandana Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is a Pension Scheme exclusively for the senior citizens aged 60 years and above which was available from 4th May, 2017 to 31st March, 2020.
• Union government recently extended the scheme up to 31st March, 2023 for a further period of three years beyond 31st March, 2020.
• Scheme provides initially an assured rate of return of 7.40 % per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum and thereafter to be reset every year.
• Pension is payable at the end of each period, during the policy term of 10 years, as per the frequency of monthly/ quarterly/ half-yearly/ yearly as chosen by the pensioner at the time of purchase.
• The scheme is exempted from GST.
• On survival of the pensioner to the end of the policy term of 10 years, Purchase price along with final pension instalment shall be payable.

 

21. Consider the following statements about Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana:

1. Under the scheme, based on registered area and area under cultivation the farmers will be identified for proper land mapping for best crops.
2. The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane farmers to begin with, and would expand to other crops.
3. For rice and maize farmers would get ₹10,000 an acre while sugarcane farmers would get ₹13,000.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 2 and 3

      (d) 1 and 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: Under the scheme, based on registered area and area under cultivation during Kharif crop season 2019, Rs. 10,000 per acre will be deposited in the bank accounts of farmers as agriculture assistance grant for sowing crops such as paddy, maize and sugarcane.
2. Statement 2 is correct: The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane farmers to begin with, and would expand to other crops later.
3. Statement 3 is correct: Rice and maize farmers would get ₹10,000 an acre while sugarcane farmers would get ₹13,000

 

For more details read the following information

 

Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana

• Chhattisgarh government is set to launch the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana to encourage farmers to produce more crops and help them get the right price.

More information

• The scheme will formally be launched in the state on May 21, the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• Under the scheme, based on registered area and area under cultivation during Kharif crop season 2019, Rs. 10,000 per acre will be deposited in the bank accounts of farmers as agriculture assistance grant for sowing crops such as paddy, maize and sugarcane.
• According to the government, at least 19 lakh farmers will benefit from the scheme, for which the state government had allocated Rs 5,756 crore in the budget 2020-21.
• The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane farmers to begin with, and would expand to other crops later.
• Rice and maize farmers would get ₹10,000 an acre while sugarcane farmers would get ₹13,000.
• The money would be distributed in four instalments.

 

22. Consider the following statements about Credit Rating:

1. It is an assessment of the borrower that and credit giver.
2. It is an assessment of the borrower that determines whether the borrower will be able to pay the loan back on time, as per the loan agreement
3. This credit rating influences the bank’s decision of approving an applicant’s loan application at a considerate rate of interest.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 2 and 3

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: Credit Rating is an assessment of the borrower (be it an individual, group or company).
2. Statement 2 is correct: Credit Rating is an assessment of the borrower (be it an individual, group or company) that determines whether the borrower will be able to pay the loan back on time, as per the loan agreement.
3. Statement 3 is correct: This credit rating influences the bank’s decision of approving an applicant’s loan application at a considerate rate of interest

 

For more details read the following information

 

Rating agencies can bypass curing period

• Taking into account the practical issues faced by companies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed credit rating agencies (CRAs) to bypass the 90-day curing period to revise ratings from default to non-investment grade.

Issue:

• While current norms bar CRAs from revising the ratings before 90 days, few companies were able to meet their payment obligations a few days after the due date due to COVID-19-related delays.
• The rating agencies were, however, not able to revise the ratings due to the regulatory framework.
• The rating could not be upgraded and continued to be under sub-investment grade due to the extant provisions on post-default curing period of:

• • 90 days for the rating to move from default to speculative grade.
  • Generally, 365 days for default to investment grade.

• SEBI has said that CRAs can deviate from the said period of 90 days on a case-to-case basis, subject to the agencies framing a detailed policy in this regard.

Credit Rating:

• Credit Rating is an assessment of the borrower (be it an individual, group or company) that determines whether the borrower will be able to pay the loan back on time, as per the loan agreement.
• A good credit rating depicts a good history of paying loans on time in the past.
• This credit rating influences the bank’s decision of approving an applicant’s loan application at a considerate rate of interest.

How does credit rating work?

• Every credit rating agency has their algorithm to evaluate the credit rating.
• Major factors considered are credit history, credit type and duration, credit utilization, credit exposure, etc. Every month, these credit rating agencies collect credit information from partner banks and other financial institutions.
• Once the request for credit rating has been made, these agencies dig out the information and prepare a report based on such factors. Based on that report, they grade every individual or company and give them a credit rating.

Credit Rating Agencies in India:

• CRISIL: Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited is the first credit rating agency of the country which was established in 1987.
• It offers 8 types of credit rating which are as follows:

• • AAA, AA, A – Good Credit Rating
  • BBB, BB – Average Credit Rating
  • B, C, D – Low Credit Rating

• ICRA: Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India was formed in 1991. It offers comprehensive ratings to corporates via a transparent rating system.
• CARE: Credit Analysis and Research Limited (CARE) offers a range of credit rating services in areas like debt, bank loan, corporate governance, recovery, financial sector and more. Its rating scale includes two categories – long term debt instruments and short term debt ratings.
• ONICRA: Onida Individual Credit Rating Agency of India, established in 1993, offers credit assessment and credit scoring services to both individuals and businesses.
• SMERA: Small Medium Enterprises Rating Agency of India Limited has two divisions – SME Ratings and Bond Ratings. It was established in 2011 and is a hub of financial professionals.

 

23. Which of the following is/are objectives of the Scheme for formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises:

1. Increase in access to finance by micro food processing units
2. Special focus on women entrepreneurs and Aspirational districts.
3. Focus on minor forest produce in Tribal Districts

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 1 and 3

      (d) 3 only

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: Increase in access to finance by micro food processing units.
2. Statement 2 is correct: Special focus on women entrepreneurs and Aspirational districts.
3. Statement 3 is correct: Focus on minor forest produce in Tribal Districts

 

For more details read the following information

 

Scheme for formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has given its approval to a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme– “Scheme for Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (FME)” for the Unorganised Sector on All India basis with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore. The expenditure will be shared by GOI and the States in ratio 60:40.

Objectives

• Increase in access to finance by micro food processing units.
• Increase in revenues of target enterprises.
• Enhanced compliance with food quality and safety standards.
• Strengthening capacities of support systems.
• Transition from the unorganised sector to the formal sector.
• Special focus on women entrepreneurs and Aspirational districts.
• Encourage Waste to Wealth activities.
• Focus on minor forest produce in Tribal Districts.

Salient Features

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Expenditure to be shared by Government of India and States at 60:40.
• 2,00,000 micro-enterprises are to be assisted with credit linked subsidy.
• Scheme will be implemented over a 5 year period from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
• Cluster approach.
• Focus on perishables.

Impact and employment generation

• Nearly eight lakh micro- enterprises will benefit through access to information, better exposure and formalisation.
• Credit linked subsidy support and hand-holding will be extended to 2,00,000 micro enterprises for expansion and upgradation.
• It will enable them to formalise, grow and become competitive.
• The project is likely to generate nine lakh skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
• Scheme envisages increased access to credit by existing micro food processing entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in the Aspirational Districts.
• Better integration with organised markets.
• Increased access to common services like sorting, grading, processing, packaging, storage etc.

Background

• There are about 25 lakh unregistered food processing enterprises which constitute 98% of the sector and are unorganised and informal. Nearly 66 % of these units are located in rural areas and about 80% of them are family-based enterprises.
• This sector faces a number of challenges including the inability to access credit, high cost of institutional credit, lack of access to modern technology, inability to integrate with the food supply chain and compliance with the health &safety standards.
• Strengthening this segment will lead to reduction in wastage, creation of off-farm job opportunities and aid in achieving the overarching Government objective of doubling farmers’ income.

 

24. ECLGS is an acronym of which of the following scheme:

      (a) Empowered Credit Line Guarantee Scheme

      (b) Emergency Credit Loan Guarantee Scheme

      (c) Empowered Credit Lone Guarantee Scheme

      (d) Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

All the options are incorrect except (d)

For more details read the following information

 

Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the following approvals –

• To enable additional funding of up to Rs. 3 lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested MUDRA borrowers by way of “Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme.”
• Under the Scheme, 100% guarantee coverage to be provided by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC)for additional funding of up to Rs. three lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested MUDRA. borrowers, in the form of a Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line (GECL) facility.

More information

• For this purpose, corpus of Rs. 41,600 crore shall be provided by Government of India spread over the current and the next three financial years.
• The Cabinet also approved that the Scheme would be applicable to all loans sanctioned under GECL Facility during the period from the date of announcement of the Scheme to 31.10.2020, or till an amount of Rs 3,00,000 crore is sanctioned under the GECL, whichever is earlier.

Salient features of the scheme

The salient features of the Scheme include –

• All MSME borrower accounts with outstanding credit of up to Rs. 25 crore as on 29.2.2020 which were less than or equal to 60 days past due as on that date and with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 100 crore would be eligible for GECL funding under the Scheme.
• The amount of GECL funding to eligible MSME borrowers either in the form of additional working capital term loans (in case of banks and FIs), or additional term loans (in case of NBFCs) would be up to 20% of their entire outstanding credit up to Rs. 25 crore as on 29th February, 2020.
• The entire funding provided under GECL shall be provided with a 100% credit guarantee by NCGTC to MLIs under ECLGS.
• Tenor of loan under Scheme shall be four years with moratorium period of one year on the principal amount.
• No Guarantee Fee shall be charged by NCGTC from the Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) under the Scheme.

Interest rates under the Scheme shall be capped at 9.25% for banks and FIs, and at 14% for NBFCs.

 

 

25. Consider the following statements about Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Kisan Nyay Yojana:

1. The scheme aims to ensure minimum income availability to farmers of the state through direct bank transfer.
2. Farmers of Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan would get up to ₹13,000 an acre a year under a new income support programme.
3. The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 2 only

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: The scheme aims to ensure “minimum income availability” to farmers of the state through direct bank
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: Farmers in Chhattisgarh would get up to ₹13,000 an acre a year under a new income support programme.
3. Statement 3 is correct: The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane.

 

For more details read the following information

 

Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Kisan Nyay Yojana

• Farmers in Chhattisgarh would get up to ₹13,000 an acre a year under a new income support programme announced by the State government.

About the scheme

• In the first instalment, ₹1,500 crore would be distributed among 18 lakh farmers, more than 80% of them small and marginal. The annual cost of the scheme would be ₹5,700 crore.
• The scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane farmers to begin with, and would expand to other crops later.
• Rice and maize farmers would get ₹10,000 an acre, while sugarcane farmers would get ₹13,000. The money would be distributed in four instalments.

Significance

• The scheme aims to ensure “minimum income availability” to farmers of the state through direct bank

 

26. Consider the following statements about Geo Textiles

1. These synthetic includes polyester and polypropylene or man-made materials that have varying degrees of permeability.
2. These synthetic cannot separate, but these can reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.
3. It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches.
4. It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 1, 3 and 4

      (c) 2, 3 and 4

      (d) All of the above

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: These are synthetic including polyester and polypropylene or man-made materials that have varying degrees of permeability.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: It has the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.
3. Statement 3 is correct: It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches
4. Statement 4 is correct: It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.

 

For more details read the following information

 

Geo Textiles

• These are synthetic including polyester and polypropylene or man-made materials that have varying degrees of permeability.
• Permeability means their surfaces have very small openings that allow liquid or gases to pass through.
• Special characteristics of geo-textiles

1. It has the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.
2. It drains areas where water pools while keeping soil in place.
3. It serves as effective filters, catching some materials to prevent drains from clogging.
4. It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.
5. It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches.

• These functions make Geo Textile fabrics useful in many industries, especially construction and civil engineering.

Coir Geo Textile

• Coir is a 100% natural fiber, obtained from a renewable source – the coconut husk.
• Coir Geo Textile is naturally resistant to rot, molds and moisture, and free from any microbial attack hence it needs no chemical treatment.
• It has a permeable, natural and strong fabric with high durability.
• It protects the land surface and promotes quick vegetation.
• It is totally biodegradable, and helps in soil stabilisation.
• It can dissipate the energy of flowing water and absorb the excess solar radiation.

The IRC has now accredited coir Geo textiles for construction of rural roads.