Correct Answer: Agricultural products

Solution : The correct option is Agricultural products.

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) operates as an independent entity within India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, tasked with the crucial role of proposing minimum support prices (MSPs) for a range of vital agricultural products. This includes staple crops such as wheat and rice, essential cash crops like sugarcane and cotton, as well as protein-rich pulses like gram, masur, and moong, along with oilseeds including groundnut, mustard, and sunflower. Additionally, CACP extends its recommendations to encompass barley and jute. Through its recommendations, CACP plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the income of farmers and ensuring the availability of these key agricultural products in the market.

Correct Answer: Second

Solution : The correct option is Second.

The second five-year plan (1956–1961) in India emphasised the development of industries, and the industrial base in the country. This plan aimed to promote industrialisation, and economic growth by focusing on sectors like heavy industries, infrastructure development, and scientific research and development. The plan also laid the foundation for the establishment of public sector enterprises and the development of a mixed economy in India, combining both public and private sector initiatives in industrial development.

Correct Answer: Enhancement in tariffs

Solution : The correct option is Enhancement in tariffs.

Enhancement in tariffs is generally not a step towards liberalisation; in fact, it is a measure that moves away from liberalisation. Liberalisation typically involves reducing or eliminating trade barriers, including tariffs. Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and increasing them goes against the principles of free trade and economic liberalisation, as it can hinder international trade and limit market access.

Correct Answer: The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities

Solution : The correct answer is (a) The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities

The 'License Raj' in India refers to the system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities. During the period of economic regulation and control in India, which lasted from the 1950s to the 1990s, the government implemented a complex system of licenses and permits for industrial activities. This system involved extensive government intervention and control over the private sector, including regulations on investment, production, pricing, and capacity expansion. The 'License Raj' created a bureaucratic and restrictive environment for businesses, leading to inefficiencies and hindering economic growth.

Correct Answer: 37

Solution : The correct answer is 37.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), recognised for its advanced research and development expertise across various science and technology domains, is a modern R&D institution. CSIR operates an active network comprising 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 1 innovation complex, and three units with a nationwide presence.

Correct Answer: Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)

Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) is a financial institution that specializes in providing loans for purchasing homes in India. It is one of the largest housing finance companies in India and offers a range of home loan products to individuals and families.

HDFC provides home loans for various purposes, including buying a new home, constructing a house, purchasing land for construction, renovating or improving an existing home, and refinancing existing home loans. They offer competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and personalized customer service to cater to the diverse needs of homebuyers.

Correct Answer: the population

Solution : The correct option is the population.

Comprehensive demographic and socioeconomic information about India's population is provided by the Census of India. It takes place every ten years and covers a lot of ground. The census yields the aggregate population of India as well as the population distribution among the states, districts, and towns. Demographic data is gathered, such as the distribution of ages, the sex ratio, the literacy rate, and the level of schooling.

Correct Answer: Environmental Movement  
 

Solution : The Bhopal gas tragedy led to the emergence of the Environmental Movement in India, highlighting the need for industrial safety and environmental protection.

Correct Answer: Agricultural mismanagement

Solution : A major cause of famine in India during the era of planned development was agricultural mismanagement, which led to inadequate food production and distribution.

Correct Answer: Predominance of small and marginal farmers  

Solution : The agrarian class structure in pre-independence India was characterized by the predominance of small and marginal farmers, along with a hierarchical system of landownership and tenancy.