The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) underlying the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is by far one of the largest social safety-net programmes launched anywhere in the developing world. Maharashtra became the first state in India to guarantee work in 1979 following a severe drought. The EGS began in 1972 during the drought period. However, it received statutory basis in 1977 when the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously voted it as a law of the land. The law became operative from January 26, 1979 with the consent of the President of India.

Correct Option: B

The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) underlying the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is by far one of the largest social safety-net programmes launched anywhere in the developing world. Maharashtra became the first state in India to guarantee work in 1979 following a severe drought. The EGS began in 1972 during the drought period. However, it received statutory basis in 1977 when the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously voted it as a law of the land. The law became operative from January 26, 1979 with the consent of the President of India.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (frequently abbreviated SEBI) is the regulator for the securities market in India. SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market: the issuers of securities; the investors; and the market intermediaries. It is entrusted with regulating the business in stock exchanges and any other securities markets; registering and regulating the working of stock brokers, sub-brokers, share transfer agents, bankers to an issue, trustees of trust deeds, registrars to an issue, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers and such other intermediaries who may be associated with securities markets in any manner; registering and regulating the working of [venture capital funds and collective investment schemes], including mutual funds; etc.

Correct Option: C

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (frequently abbreviated SEBI) is the regulator for the securities market in India. SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market: the issuers of securities; the investors; and the market intermediaries. It is entrusted with regulating the business in stock exchanges and any other securities markets; registering and regulating the working of stock brokers, sub-brokers, share transfer agents, bankers to an issue, trustees of trust deeds, registrars to an issue, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers and such other intermediaries who may be associated with securities markets in any manner; registering and regulating the working of [venture capital funds and collective investment schemes], including mutual funds; etc.

A country devalues its currency in order to promote exports. A key effect of devaluation is that it makes the domestic currency cheaper relative to other currencies. There are two implications of devaluation. First, devaluation makes the country’s exports relatively less expensive for foreigners. Second, the devaluation makes foreign products relatively more expensive for domestic consumers, thus discouraging imports. This may help to increase the country’s exports and decrease imports, and may therefore help to reduce the current account deficit. One typical example is Thailand in 1998 Asian financial crisis. The baht was pegged at 25 to the US dollar before the crisis. During the crisis, the slowdown in export growth caused Thailand to abandon the dollar peg and devalue its currency in order to promote exports.

Correct Option: C

A country devalues its currency in order to promote exports. A key effect of devaluation is that it makes the domestic currency cheaper relative to other currencies. There are two implications of devaluation. First, devaluation makes the country’s exports relatively less expensive for foreigners. Second, the devaluation makes foreign products relatively more expensive for domestic consumers, thus discouraging imports. This may help to increase the country’s exports and decrease imports, and may therefore help to reduce the current account deficit. One typical example is Thailand in 1998 Asian financial crisis. The baht was pegged at 25 to the US dollar before the crisis. During the crisis, the slowdown in export growth caused Thailand to abandon the dollar peg and devalue its currency in order to promote exports.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched on December 2000 for one crore of the poorest families. It is on the lookout for the ‘poorest of the poor’ by providing them 35 kilos of rice and wheat at Rs.2 per kg.

Correct Option: D

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched on December 2000 for one crore of the poorest families. It is on the lookout for the ‘poorest of the poor’ by providing them 35 kilos of rice and wheat at Rs.2 per kg.

A currency is deemed convertible on the current account if it can be freely converted into other convertible currencies for purchase and sale of commodities and services. For example, if the rupee is convertible on the current account an Indian firm should be able to freely convert rupee into Yen (JPY) to purchase from a Japanese Company. Since August 20, 1994, the rupee has been made a freely convertible currency on current account.

Correct Option: C

A currency is deemed convertible on the current account if it can be freely converted into other convertible currencies for purchase and sale of commodities and services. For example, if the rupee is convertible on the current account an Indian firm should be able to freely convert rupee into Yen (JPY) to purchase from a Japanese Company. Since August 20, 1994, the rupee has been made a freely convertible currency on current account.