Indian Economy MCQs

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Planning Commission was set up by a Government of India Resolution in 1950 as an advisory and specialized institution. It was charged with the responsibility to formulate a strategy of development for independent India in a long-term perspective and for making assessment of all resources of the country, augmenting deficient resources, formulating plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of resources and determining priorities.

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Disinflation means the decrease in the rate of inflation. It is a slowdown in the rate of increase of price levels of goods and services. This is different from deflation, in the way that Disinflation is only a marginal and short term decrease in rate of inflation.

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The correct answer is Merit Goods. Merit goods are products or services that the government believes are beneficial for individuals and society, and thus should be available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. Examples include education and healthcare. Governments often subsidize these goods to ensure equitable access, as they can lead to positive externalities, such as a more educated workforce and improved public health.

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Interest Rate Risk falls under Market Risk. Market risk encompasses the potential for financial loss due to fluctuations in market prices, including interest rates. Interest rate changes can affect the value of investments, particularly fixed-income securities. For example, when interest rates rise, the prices of existing bonds typically fall, leading to potential losses for investors. This risk is a critical consideration for financial institutions and investors alike.

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The correct answer is “Invisible Export.” Income from tourism is classified as an invisible export because it involves services provided to foreign visitors, generating revenue without the physical transfer of goods. This aligns with the economic concept where exports of services (like tourism) contribute to a country’s balance of payments.

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The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) was renamed in 2018 from CBEC. CBIC is a statutory body under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It is responsible for administration of GST, customs, excise and service tax in India. The board was originally established in 1964 by the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963.

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Inflation Indexed Bonds (IIBs) are pegged to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This means their interest payments and principal value adjust based on changes in the CPI, which measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. IIBs aim to protect investors from inflation, ensuring that the purchasing power of their returns is maintained. In India, the CPI is the primary measure for these bonds, while the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures price changes at the wholesale level and is not used for IIBs.

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In economics, deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and services. Deflation occurs when the inflation rate falls below 0% (a negative inflation rate). This should not be confused with disinflation, a slow-down in the inflation rate (i.e. when inflation declines to lower levels) Inflation reduces the real value of money over time; conversely, deflation increases the real value of money – the currency of a national or regional economy. This allows one to buy more goods with the same amount of money over time.

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When an unlisted company makes either a fresh issue of securities or an offer for sale of its existing securities or both for the first time to the public, it is called Initial Public Offering or IPO. In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), the best offering price and the time to bring it to market.

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The guiding principle of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) concept is “non-discrimination among trading partners.” This principle, established in international trade agreements, ensures that any favorable trading terms offered by one country to another must be extended to all other trading partners. This concept is a cornerstone of the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, promoting equality and preventing trade discrimination. The MFN principle aims to create a level playing field in international trade, fostering global economic cooperation.