1. Which of the following criteria have been identified by the United Nations for a country to be classified as a Least Developed Country?
- The country should be vulnerable to natural disasters.
- It must perform poorly on a composite human assets index.
- It must have a gross national income (GNI) per capita below the threshold of USD 1,230 over a five-year average.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
The UN classifies Least Developed Countries (LDCs) based on: (1) Economic vulnerability (such as susceptibility to natural disasters); (2) Poor performance on a composite human assets index (nutrition, health, education); and (3) GNI per capita below a certain threshold averaged over three years. The option provided incorrectly uses a five-year average for GNI instead of three.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for Least Developed Countries (LDCs):
- It is a 10-year programme (2021-2030).
- It aims to make countries competent to achieve net zero emissions.
- Its focus areas include climate change, environmental degradation, and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 3]
Notes:
The Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for LDCs is a 10-year plan from 2022 to 2031 (not 2021-2030). It does not specifically aim for net zero emissions, but its focus areas include climate change, environmental degradation, and recovery from COVID-19. Therefore, only statement 3 is correct; statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
3. Consider the following statements with reference to the Lead Bank Scheme:
- It was introduced during the Fourth Five-Year Plan.
- It was based on the recommendation of the Usha Thorat Committee.
- Block was identified as the smallest geographical unit for the scheme.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
The Lead Bank Scheme was introduced during the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969) based on the recommendations of the Gadgil Study Group, not the Usha Thorat Committee. The scheme identified the district—not the block—as the smallest geographical unit for its implementation. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.
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