NITI Aayog & Planning — Set 2
Economy Advanced · नीति आयोग और नियोजन · Questions 11–20 of 120
Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, who shaped Indian planning, was the founder of which institution?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Statistical Institute
Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata in 1931. He served as the Honorary Statistical Adviser to the Government of India. Mahalanobis developed the two-sector model that formed the basis of the Second Five Year Plan. The Mahalanobis distance in statistics is also named after him.
During which period did India implement 'Annual Plans' instead of a Five Year Plan due to the Indo-Pak war and economic difficulties?
Correct Answer: A. 1966-69
India implemented Annual Plans from 1966 to 1969 (three annual plans) instead of a Five Year Plan. This happened due to the drought of 1965-66, the Indo-Pak wars of 1962 and 1965, and the devaluation of the rupee in 1966. The Fourth Five Year Plan was delayed as a result and started only in 1969. These are called 'Plan Holidays'.
Which Five Year Plan had the highest average growth rate, achieving approximately 8% GDP growth?
Correct Answer: C. Eleventh Plan
The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) achieved the highest average GDP growth rate of approximately 7.9-8%, coming closest to its target of 9%. This was partly driven by the pre-global financial crisis growth momentum. The Eleventh Plan focused on 'Faster and More Inclusive Growth'. The Twelfth Plan (2012-17) targeted 8% but achieved around 6.7%.
The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) had the theme of:
Correct Answer: B. Faster, Sustainable, and More Inclusive Growth
The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) had the theme 'Faster, Sustainable, and More Inclusive Growth'. It targeted 8% GDP growth but achieved approximately 6.7% due to global economic headwinds. This was the last Five Year Plan as the Planning Commission was dissolved in 2015. The plan placed emphasis on health, education, and infrastructure.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative of which organization?
Correct Answer: C. NITI Aayog
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative of NITI Aayog, established to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. It manages the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools to foster scientific thinking among students. AIM also supports Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) for startups. It was named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The Aspirational Districts Programme launched by NITI Aayog was initially called:
Correct Answer: C. Transformation of Aspirational Districts
The Aspirational Districts Programme was initially called 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts (TAD)'. It was launched in January 2018 by Prime Minister Modi. It covers 112 districts across India that were identified as the most underdeveloped. The programme focuses on five key sectors: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure.
How many districts are covered under the Aspirational Districts Programme?
Correct Answer: C. 112
The Aspirational Districts Programme covers 112 districts across 28 states of India. These districts were identified based on composite indicators across health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. The programme uses 'competitive and cooperative federalism' to accelerate progress. States like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar have the highest concentration of aspirational districts.
SDG India Index is published by which body?
Correct Answer: B. NITI Aayog
The SDG India Index is published by NITI Aayog to track India's progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was first released in 2018 and has been updated annually. The index scores states and UTs on their progress toward the SDGs. NITI Aayog acts as the nodal agency for coordinating SDG implementation in India.
India's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is released by which institution in collaboration with NITI Aayog?
Correct Answer: B. UNDP and OPHI
India's National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is released by NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). The index measures poverty across three dimensions: health, education, and standard of living. According to India's MPI report 2023, approximately 415 million Indians escaped multidimensional poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
The First Five Year Plan prioritized which sector?
Correct Answer: B. Agriculture and Irrigation
The First Five Year Plan (1951-56) prioritized agriculture, irrigation, and power development. India was facing severe food shortages at the time of independence, making agricultural development a top priority. The plan also focused on rehabilitation of refugees from the partition. It was largely successful, achieving 3.6% growth against a target of 2.1%.