What is the definition of disinvestment?
A. Sale or liquidation of assets by the government
B. Investment in public assets
C. Increase in assets by the government
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A. Sale or liquidation of assets by the government Explanation: Disinvestment means the sale or liquidation of assets by the government like Central public sector enterprises (CPSE) and state public sector enterprises, projects, or other fixed assets.
What is the disinvestment target set by the government in the Union Budget 2023-24?
A. Rs. 51,000 crore
B. Rs. 7,000 crore
C. Rs. 1,00,000 crore
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A. Rs. 51,000 crore Explanation: In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government has set a disinvestment target of Rs. 51,000 crore.
What is the difference between disinvestment and strategic disinvestment?
A. In disinvestment, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise, while in strategic disinvestment/sale, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well.
B. In disinvestment, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well, while in strategic disinvestment/sale, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise.
C. There is no difference between disinvestment and strategic disinvestment.
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A. In disinvestment, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise, while in strategic disinvestment/sale, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well. Explanation: In Disinvestment, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise, while in Strategic Disinvestment, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well.
What is Article 356 of the Indian Constitution?
A. It contains provisions for the imposition of “President’s Rule” in a state
B. It guarantees the right to free speech
C. It outlines the procedure for impeaching the President
D. It establishes the Supreme Court of India
Correct Answer: A. It contains provisions for the imposition of “President’s Rule” in a state Explanation: Article 356 of the Indian Constitution contains provisions for the imposition of “President’s Rule” in a state and removing an elected government in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States.
What is the ground for imposing President’s Rule in a state under Article 356?
A. If the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution
B. If there is a natural disaster in the state
C. If there is a pandemic outbreak in the state
D. If there is a political crisis in the state
Correct Answer: A. If the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution Explanation: Article 356 empowers the President to withdraw to the Union the executive and legislative powers of any state “if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution”.
What is the maximum duration for which President’s Rule can be imposed in a state?
A. Three years
B. Five years
C. One year
D. Two years
Correct Answer: A. Three years Explanation: President’s Rule in a state can be imposed for six months at a time for a maximum duration of three years. Every six months, Parliamentary approval to impose President’s Rule will be required again.
What led to the nationalization of private firms in India?
A. Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951
B. Air Corporations Act, 1953
C. Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956
D. Banking Companies (Acquisition and transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970
Correct Answer: A. Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951 Explanation: The government passed the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951, following which nationalization of private firms became a standard policy tool by the government.
What is the task assigned to NITI Aayog under the New Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Policy, 2021?
A. To work out the next list of Central Public Sector companies that would be taken up for strategic disinvestment
B. To incentivize states to take up disinvestment of their Public Sector Companies
C. To monetize idle land through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
D. To classify public sector commercial enterprises into Strategic and Non-Strategic sectors
Correct Answer: A. To work out the next list of Central Public Sector companies that would be taken up for strategic disinvestment Explanation: Further to fast forward the policy, NITI Aayog has been asked to work out the next list of Central Public Sector companies that would be taken up for strategic disinvestment.
What is the main purpose of establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?
A. To conserve and protect marine biodiversity
B. To provide employment opportunities for local communities
C. To promote industrial fishing activities
D. To support oil and gas exploration in the oceans
Correct Answer: A. To conserve and protect marine biodiversity Explanation: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are established to conserve and protect marine biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems from overfishing, pollution, and other threats. They are important tools for maintaining healthy oceans and promoting sustainable development. Source
What are the different categories of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?
A. No-take, Multiple-use, and Ecosystem
B. Industrial, Recreational, and Educational
C. Coastal, Offshore, and Pelagic
D. International, National, and Regional
Correct Answer: A. No-take, Multiple-use, and Ecosystem Explanation: There are different categories of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including no-take zones, multiple-use areas, and ecosystem reserves. No-take zones are areas where fishing and other extractive activities are prohibited, while multiple-use areas allow certain activities but with some restrictions. Ecosystem reserves are designed to protect the overall ecosystem and its ecological processes. Source