40. In which year was the National Youth Policy launched?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 23 Sep, Shift 1 – 2024]
A. 2015
B. 2014
C. 2013
D. 2012
Answer: B. 2014
Explanation: India’s National Youth Policy 2014 was launched in February 2014 and defines youth broadly as persons aged fifteen to twenty-nine. Its framework addresses education, employment, skills, health and civic participation. The launch year must be distinguished from earlier national youth-policy versions.
39. Which state allocated ₹11,728 crore for Aasara pensions in its 2022–23 budget?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 23 Sep, Shift 1 – 2024]
A. Telangana
B. Odisha
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Gujarat
Answer: A. Telangana
Explanation: Telangana’s Aasara pension programme provides social-security assistance to eligible older persons, widows, persons with disabilities and other beneficiaries. The state allocated ₹11,728 crore to the initiative during 2022–23. The scheme exemplifies state-level income support rather than a central pension programme.
38. Which state launched the Ankur tree-plantation scheme in May 2021?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 19 Sep, Shift 3 – 2024]
A. West Bengal
B. Bihar
C. Uttarakhand
D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: D. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh introduced Ankur in May 2021 to encourage citizens to plant and maintain saplings. The scheme recognised participation through the Pranvayu Award. Rewarding the continued care of planted trees was intended to improve environmental awareness and longer-term survival of saplings.
37. What is the joint digital-skills initiative of National Career Service and Microsoft India called?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 19 Sep, Shift 2 – 2024]
A. Shiksha Vani
B. Vidyadaan
C. SWAYAM
D. DigiSaksham
Answer: D. DigiSaksham
Explanation: DigiSaksham emerged from collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s National Career Service and Microsoft India. Launched in 2021, it provides digital-skills learning opportunities to jobseekers. Training seeks to improve employability, particularly among candidates facing barriers to digital education.
36. Which state launched Kaushalya Matritva Yojana providing ₹5,000 for the birth of a second girl child?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 19 Sep, Shift 2 – 2024]
A. Rajasthan
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Chhattisgarh
Explanation: Chhattisgarh launched the Kaushalya Matritva Yojana in 2022 to provide financial support to women delivering a second girl child. The assistance of ₹5,000 was linked to maternal welfare and social support. It is distinct from nationally administered maternity benefit schemes.
35. For Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, which statements are INCORRECT:
1. Based on NFSA 2003;
2. Centrally sponsored by Women and Child Development Ministry;
3. Covers only under-six children;
4. All six services are delivered through NHM?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 18 Sep, Shift 3 – 2024]
A. Only 1, 3 and 4
B. Only 1, 2 and 3
C. Only 2 and 3
D. Only 4
Answer: A. Only 1, 3 and 4
Explanation: The applicable National Food Security Act is from 2013, not 2003. Poshan 2.0 covers pregnant and lactating women and adolescent girls alongside young children. Also, only certain health-related services, rather than all six Anganwadi services, operate through health infrastructure.
34. During which Five-Year Plan did the Drought Prone Areas Programme begin?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 18 Sep, Shift 2 – 2024]
A. Fourth Five-Year Plan
B. Seventh Five-Year Plan
C. Third Five-Year Plan
D. Sixth Five-Year Plan
Answer: A. Fourth Five-Year Plan
Explanation: The Drought Prone Areas Programme began in 1973–74, within the Fourth Five-Year Plan period of 1969–74. Its development approach combined employment creation with land and water conservation. Measures included afforestation, pasture development and interventions to limit drought vulnerability.
33. In which year was Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana introduced for below-poverty-line families?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 18 Sep, Shift 1 – 2024]
A. 2014
B. 2008
C. 2017
D. 2009
Answer: B. 2008
Explanation: Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana was introduced in 2008 as a health-insurance mechanism for designated poorer households. Beneficiaries could access cashless hospital treatment through smart-card arrangements. It preceded the wider health-protection framework introduced under Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY in 2018.
32. What is the main purpose of Stand-Up India?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 17 Sep, Shift 3 – 2024]
A. Expand nationwide digital payments
B. Assist all categories of startups indiscriminately
C. Facilitate bank credit for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
D. Promote manufacturing alone
Answer: C. Facilitate bank credit for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
Explanation: Launched in April 2016, Stand-Up India aimed to facilitate loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for greenfield businesses established by eligible Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and women entrepreneurs. The design sought to widen formal bank-credit access for historically underserved entrepreneurs.
31. How much monthly financial assistance does Tamil Nadu’s Pudhumai Penn scheme provide to eligible students?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 17 Sep, Shift 3 – 2024]
A. ₹2,000
B. ₹500
C. ₹3,000
D. ₹1,000
Answer: D. ₹1,000
Explanation: Under the Pudhumai Penn scheme, eligible young women who completed specified classes in Tamil Nadu government schools receive ₹1,000 per month while undertaking higher education. The programme aims to encourage continuing education and reduce financial obstacles to college or other qualifying study.
