80. For the history of India’s census, which statement is correct:
(I) first all-India census began in 1871;
(II) decennial censuses became regular from 1881;
(III) urban share rose from 10% to 18% between 1900 and 1940?
[CGPSC 2021 Preliminary Paper I (held 13 February 2022) — 2022]
(A) I, II and III
(B) Only I
(C) Only II
(D) Only III
Answer: (C) Only II
Explanation: The first population exercise began in 1872, not 1871. The 1881 census marked the beginning of a regular decennial series. The third statement’s cited figures do not correctly describe urban-population history, leaving only statement II valid.
79. What were Rajasthan’s urban and rural population shares, respectively, in Census 2011?
[RPSC School Lecturer, General Awareness and General Studies (15 October) — 2022]
(A) 24.9% and 75.1%
(B) 29.4% and 71.5%
(C) 42.9% and 51.7%
(D) 29.2% and 70.1%
Answer: (A) 24.9% and 75.1%
Explanation: Rajasthan remained predominantly rural at the 2011 Census, with roughly three-quarters of residents in rural settlements and one-quarter in urban areas. State figures should not be confused with the all-India urban share, which was substantially higher.
78. Which institution offers the Extended Fund Facility to countries facing economic adjustment needs?
[CDS-II, General Knowledge (4 September) — 2022]
(A) International Fund for Agricultural Development
(B) International Monetary Fund
(C) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(D) United Nations Development Programme
Answer: (B) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The IMF’s Extended Fund Facility supports countries experiencing medium-term balance-of-payments difficulties linked to structural weaknesses. It typically involves an extended policy adjustment programme. IFAD and IBRD are development lenders with different mandates and lending arrangements.
77. India is described as a young country because its median population age was approximately in which range?
[CDS-II, General Knowledge (4 September) — 2022]
(A) Below 25 years
(B) 25–30 years
(C) 30–35 years
(D) 35–40 years
Answer: (B) 25–30 years
Explanation: Median age divides the population into two equally numerous groups, one younger and one older. India’s median age during the reference period was around 28 years, illustrating its large younger population relative to many ageing economies.
76. Which outcome follows necessarily from devaluing a currency:
(1) improved export price competitiveness;
(2) higher external value of domestic currency;
(3) an improved trade balance?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, GS Paper I — 2021]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2
(C) 3 only
(D) 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Devaluation lowers the foreign-currency price of exports, improving potential price competitiveness. It does not increase the currency’s external value. Whether the trade balance improves depends on trade elasticities, timing and the cost of imported inputs.
75. Which of the following may be treated as FDI under specified conditions:
(1) foreign-currency convertible bonds,
(2) qualifying foreign institutional investment,
(3) global depository receipts,
(4) non-resident external deposits?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, GS Paper I — 2021]
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 3 only
(C) 2 and 4
(D) 1 and 4
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Foreign equity ownership can arise through qualifying convertible instruments and depository receipts; portfolio holdings may become direct investment when relevant thresholds are crossed. Non-resident external bank deposits do not confer ownership or management interest in a business.
74. When was the World Bank founded?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I (9 February, Shift 1) — 2021]
(A) Before World War I
(B) After World War II
(C) During World War I
(D) During World War II
Answer: (D) During World War II
Explanation: The IBRD, the original World Bank institution, was established through the 1944 Bretton Woods negotiations while World War II was still underway. It was designed principally for reconstruction and later expanded its development-lending mandate.
73. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is commonly known as what?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I (4 March, Shift 2) — 2021]
(A) World Bank
(B) State Bank of India
(C) Reserve Bank of India
(D) International Monetary Fund
Answer: (A) World Bank
Explanation: The IBRD is the original lending arm of the World Bank and is frequently referred to by that name. It is institutionally separate from the IMF. Today the wider World Bank Group also contains several other development-finance agencies.
72. In which year was the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development established?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I (8 April, Shift 1) — 2021]
(A) 1946
(B) 1944
(C) 1943
(D) 1945
Answer: (B) 1944
Explanation: The IBRD’s founding agreement originated at the Bretton Woods Conference in July 1944. Its initial task was financing post-war reconstruction and, subsequently, development. Establishment should be distinguished from the dates on which operations and lending formally began.
71. Which country among the following is not a member of the World Bank Group?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I (10 February, Shift 2) — 2021]
(A) Canada
(B) China
(C) Cuba
(D) United States
Answer: (C) Cuba
Explanation: Cuba is not a World Bank Group member, unlike the other three listed countries. Membership and borrowing eligibility are separate questions. The institution’s development lending, grants and investment guarantees depend on the mandate of the particular World Bank Group agency.
