Economics Mock Test- 2 - Class 9 MCQ

Statement: Calories requirements in rural areas are considered to be higher than urban areas.

Reasons supporting the statement:

• Physical work: People living in rural areas engage themselves in more physical work compared to urban areas.


• Agricultural activities: People living in rural areas are often engaged in agriculture, which requires physical labor and leads to higher calorie requirements.

Explanation:
The statement suggests that calorie requirements in rural areas are higher than urban areas. This can be attributed to the following reasons:

• Physical work: People living in rural areas often engage in physically demanding activities such as farming, livestock management, and manual labor. These activities require more energy expenditure, resulting in higher calorie needs.


• Agricultural activities: Rural areas are typically characterized by agricultural practices. People involved in farming activities spend significant time and effort in cultivating crops, tending to livestock, and performing other agricultural tasks. These activities demand a higher level of physical exertion, leading to increased calorie requirements.

In contrast, urban areas are more likely to have sedentary lifestyles due to the nature of work, availability of modern conveniences, and transportation facilities. This generally results in lower physical activity levels and therefore lower calorie requirements compared to rural areas.
Overall, the higher calorie requirements in rural areas can be attributed to the physical work and agricultural activities that are prevalent in these regions.

Women, elderly people and female infants are the poorest of the poor is society. Women, elderly people and the girl child are systematically denied equal access to the resources available in the family. That is why they and considered the poorest of the poor.

B is the correct option.around 32.49% percent of Odisha's population living below the poverty line

State with High Agricultural Growth and Reduced Poverty: Punjab
Explanation:
- Punjab is a state in northern India known for its high agricultural growth.
- The state has made significant progress in reducing poverty due to its focus on agricultural development.
- Here are the reasons why Punjab's agricultural growth has helped in reducing poverty:
- Green Revolution: Punjab became the epicenter of the Green Revolution in India during the 1960s and 1970s. This led to the adoption of modern farming techniques, including the use of high-yielding crop varieties, irrigation facilities, and chemical fertilizers, resulting in increased agricultural productivity.
- Increased Employment Opportunities: The agricultural sector in Punjab has created numerous employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Farmers, agricultural laborers, and workers in related industries have benefited from these opportunities, leading to a decrease in poverty levels.
- Improved Rural Infrastructure: The agricultural growth in Punjab has also led to the development of rural infrastructure, such as irrigation canals, roads, and storage facilities. This has improved connectivity and accessibility, benefiting farmers and facilitating the growth of the agricultural sector.
- Diversification of Crops: Punjab has diversified its crop production by promoting the cultivation of high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and floriculture. This has provided additional income sources for farmers, reducing their reliance on traditional crops.
- Government Initiatives: The state government has implemented various initiatives to support agricultural growth and reduce poverty. These include providing subsidies for agricultural inputs, improving access to credit, and implementing social welfare programs targeted at farmers and rural communities.
- Overall, Punjab's high agricultural growth has played a crucial role in reducing poverty levels in the state, improving the standard of living for its rural population.

Calorie requirement per person per day is different in rural and urban areas. People in rural areas require more calories because they do more physical work. Main occupation of the people in rural areas is farming which requires strenous physical activity. Women in villages also require more calories because they do all house hold work without the help of any gadgets or  electronic equipments.

The method used by them:

(i)They set up tubewells for irrigation.

(ii)They made use of HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming.

(iii)They made ploughing and harvesting easier by using tractors and threshers.

Labour being the most abundant factor of production, it would be ideal if new ways of farming used much more labour. Unfortunately, such a thing has not happened. The use of labour on farms is limited. The labour, looking for opportunities is thus migrating to neighbouring villages, towns and cities. Some labour has entered the non-farm sector in the village.

1000 per person per month respectively. It is higher in urban areas because of high prices of many essential commodities in urban areas. The accepted average of calories requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories in urban areas.

Seasonal hunger is the hunger that cycles around the harvest and sowing season of seasonal activities like agriculture. Seasonal hunger is found in rural areas in some cases and in urban areas also. This type of hunger exists when a person is unable to get work for the entire year.

The worst affected groups in rural areas facing food insecurity are:
- Landless people: Landless individuals or families who do not have access to agricultural land face significant challenges in ensuring food security for themselves and their families. Without the means to cultivate their own food, they are highly dependent on other sources for their food supply.
- Traditional artisans: Many traditional artisans in rural areas, such as weavers, potters, or blacksmiths, often face food insecurity due to limited income opportunities and fluctuating demand for their products. These artisans may struggle to earn a stable income, making it difficult for them to afford nutritious and sufficient food for themselves and their families.
- Beggars: Beggars in rural areas often experience extreme food insecurity as they rely on the generosity of others for their daily sustenance. Their lack of stable income or social support systems makes it challenging for them to meet their basic nutritional needs.
- All the above: All of the mentioned groups, including landless people, traditional artisans, and beggars, are worst affected by food insecurity in rural areas. They face various economic and social barriers that hinder their access to sufficient and nutritious food.
In conclusion, these vulnerable groups in rural areas are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, which poses significant challenges to their well-being and livelihoods. Efforts should be made to address these issues through targeted interventions and policies that promote inclusive and sustainable development in rural communities.

Definition of MSP:
- MSP stands for Minimum Support Price.
- It is a form of agricultural market intervention by the government of India to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their produce.
Explanation:
- The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price at which the government buys crops from farmers.
- It is set by the government to protect farmers from any sharp fall in crop prices.
- MSP acts as a safety net for farmers and provides them with an assured income for their produce.
- The MSP is determined by taking into consideration various factors such as the cost of production, market demand, and supply situation.
- The government announces MSP for various crops before the sowing season to provide farmers with a price benchmark.
- It helps in stabilizing the agricultural economy and ensuring food security in the country.
- The procurement of crops at MSP is done through government agencies such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies.
- MSP is primarily applicable to major food crops such as wheat, rice, pulses, and oilseeds.
Conclusion:
- MSP refers to Minimum Support Price and is an important policy tool used by the government to support farmers and ensure their economic well-being.

Academy of Development Science has facilitated a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks in different regions.
ADS organises training and capacity building programmes on food security for NGOs. Grain Bank are now slowly taking shape in different parts of Maharashtra.
ADS efforts to set up the Grain Bank is paying rich dividends.
 

Minimum Support Price (MSP) and its purpose

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a price set by the government to provide support and incentives to farmers for raising agricultural production. It is an important policy tool used to stabilize agricultural markets and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce.

Purpose of MSP:

1. Incentives to farmers for raising production: The primary objective of MSP is to encourage farmers to increase their agricultural production. By providing a guaranteed minimum price for their crops, farmers are motivated to invest in modern farming techniques, use better seeds, and adopt efficient agricultural practices.


2. Price stability and market intervention: MSP helps in maintaining price stability in the market. By setting a floor price for crops, the government ensures that farmers do not suffer from drastic price fluctuations and market uncertainties. It acts as a safety net for farmers.


3. Income support: MSP provides income support to farmers by assuring them a fair price for their produce. This helps in improving the economic condition of farmers and reducing their dependence on loans and moneylenders.


4. Food security: MSP plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the nation. By providing incentives to farmers, it promotes the production of essential food crops, which helps in maintaining a stable supply of food in the market.


5. Rural development: MSP contributes to rural development by increasing the income of farmers, improving their living standards, and reducing rural-urban migration. It also helps in the overall development of rural areas through increased agricultural activities.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: incentives to farmers for raising production. MSP is not meant to provide incentives to traders or moneylenders, but rather to support and uplift the agricultural community.

Farmers of Palampur mainly grow two main crops every season. Some farmers are growing potato as the third crop every season. Crops grown by farmers during the rainy season (kharif) farmers are jowar and bajra. Crops grown by farmers during the winter season (rabi), are wheat.

Mishrilal sells his jaggery to traders in Shahpur and not in his village because the market for jaggery in Shahpur is big in comparison to his village, where he can earn more profit.

Social scientists use different types of indicators to understand poverty. The most commonly used indicators relate to the levels of income of people and their consumption of goods. Poverty is also observed using other social indicators like lack of education, healthcare, sanitation and safe drinking water.

There are many visible facets of poverty, including disposable income and literacy levels. In the Lao PDR, poverty can also be measured by the type of material - grass, wood, bamboo, corrugated zinc or tiles - used to construct house roofs.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) specifies daily calorie requirements for each person. The ICMR sets up an advisory committee that decides the amount of nutrition an individual of various age groups requires.

I) The government of India has allotted a calorie intake or nutritional content of 2400 calories per day for people living in rural areas in India.

II) According to the nutritional guidelines in India, the calorie requirement of 2100 calories is accredited to the people living in urban areas due to the lesser amount of physical activities per day.

III) A large-framed male who seeks to lose weight is usually recommended a 2200 calorie meal plan per day and the average male’s calorie requirement in India is 2500 calories.

the requirement per person living in rural areas per day is 2400 calories.

Hence, ICMR advises 2400 Kcal for people living in rural areas and 2100 Kcal for those residing in urban areas. The rural population are allotted higher calorie content due to the excessive physical activity these populations engage themselves in.

The correct answer is D as a buffer stock scheme is an attempt to use commodity storage for the purposes of stabilising prices in an entire economy or, more commonly, an individual (commodity) market. Specifically, commodities are bought when there is a surplus in the economy, stored, and are then sold from these stores when there are economic shortages in the economy.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and its target age group
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is a flagship program launched by the Government of India to provide universal access to quality elementary education. It aims to promote education among children in a specific age group.
Target Age Group: 6-14 years
Explanation:
- The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan aims to provide education to children in the age group of 6-14 years.
- This age group is considered the elementary education stage, which includes primary education (classes 1-5) and upper primary education (classes 6-8).
- The program focuses on ensuring that all children in this age group have access to free and compulsory education.
- It aims to bridge gender and social gaps in education and promote inclusive education for all children.
- The SSA also focuses on improving the quality of education, enhancing learning outcomes, and providing necessary infrastructure and facilities in schools.
- Through various interventions and initiatives, the program aims to achieve universalization of elementary education.
Note: The correct answer to the given question is option A - 6-14 years.

Explanation:

• Definition of Famine: A famine is a widespread scarcity of food caused by several factors including crop failure, population imbalance, or government policies. It leads to starvation and death among a large number of people.


• Characteristics of a Famine:
  
  
  
  • Famines are characterised by widespread deaths due to starvation.
  
  
  • Epidemics can occur due to the forced use of contaminated water or decaying food.
  
  
  • Loss of body resistance occurs due to weakening from starvation, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
  
  
  
  


• Impact of Famine:
  
  
  
  • Famine leads to severe malnutrition, which weakens the immune system and increases the risk of diseases.
  
  
  • It can result in long-term health consequences for survivors, including stunted growth and developmental issues.
  
  
  • Famines can have social, economic, and political repercussions, destabilising communities and governments.
  
  
  
  


• Prevention and Mitigation:
  
  
  
  • Early warning systems and monitoring can help identify regions at risk of famine and allow for timely intervention.
  
  
  • Efforts to improve agricultural practices, food security, and access to clean water can help prevent famines.
  
  
  • International aid and cooperation are essential in providing relief to affected populations during a famine.
  
  
  
  

Public Distribution System

• Fair Price Shop: The Public Distribution System (PDS) is associated with fair price shops where essential commodities are distributed to the public at subsidized rates.


• Cooperative Stores: Some PDS systems also work through cooperative stores where the distribution of goods is managed by cooperatives.


• Super Bazaars: In some places, super bazaars are also part of the PDS system where people can access essential commodities at affordable prices.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A: Fair Price Shop, as it is a crucial component of the Public Distribution System.

India's Aim since Independence:

• Self-sufficiency in food grains: One of the main aims of India since independence has been to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains. This is crucial for ensuring food security for the growing population.


• Reduce dependency on imports: By focusing on increasing domestic production of food grains, India aims to reduce its dependency on imports and strengthen its agricultural sector.


• Promote agricultural growth: Achieving self-sufficiency in food grains also involves promoting agricultural growth, increasing productivity, and ensuring farmers have access to necessary resources.


• Food security: Self-sufficiency in food grains will help in ensuring food security for the population, especially in times of crisis or natural disasters.


• Economic stability: By becoming self-sufficient in food grains, India aims to achieve economic stability, reduce food inflation, and create a more sustainable agricultural sector.

To provide elementary education to all children in the age group of 6-14 years, the following steps have been taken:
1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): SSA is a government program launched in 2001 with the aim of providing universal elementary education. It focuses on improving access, quality, and equity in education. Some of its key features include:
- Free and compulsory education for all children in the age group of 6-14 years.
- Special emphasis on the education of girls and children from disadvantaged groups.
- Infrastructure development of schools, including classrooms, toilets, libraries, etc.
- Provision of free textbooks, uniforms, and other learning materials.
- Teacher training and recruitment to ensure quality education.
2. Mid-day meal scheme: The mid-day meal scheme is another significant step towards providing elementary education to all children. It aims to improve the nutritional status of children and encourage school attendance. Key features include:
- Provision of free cooked meals to all children studying in government and government-aided schools.
- Ensuring a balanced diet by including proteins, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
- Encouraging children from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend school regularly.
- Improving overall health and well-being, leading to better learning outcomes.
3. Navodaya Vidyalaya: Navodaya Vidyalayas are residential schools established by the government to provide quality education to rural children. Key features include:
- Admitting talented children from rural areas through a competitive entrance examination.
- Providing free education, including boarding and lodging facilities.
- Emphasizing both academic and co-curricular activities for holistic development.
- Ensuring a conducive learning environment with well-equipped classrooms and libraries.
4. Sainik School: Sainik Schools are specialized schools that aim to prepare students for a career in the defense services. While they contribute to education, they are not directly focused on providing elementary education to all children in the age group of 6-14 years.
In conclusion, the most significant step towards providing elementary education to all children in the age group of 6-14 years is the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program. It addresses various aspects of education such as access, quality, and equity, ensuring that every child receives free and compulsory education. The mid-day meal scheme, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools also contribute to education but have specific objectives beyond elementary education for all.

Facilitation of Grain Banks by Academy of Development Science

• State: Maharashtra


• NGO Network: Academy of Development Science facilitated a network of NGOs in Maharashtra for setting up grain banks in different regions.


• Objective: The primary goal of these grain banks is to provide food security to vulnerable communities by storing grains during times of surplus and distributing them during times of scarcity.


• Impact: This initiative has helped to address food insecurity issues in Maharashtra and has provided a sustainable solution to ensure access to food for those in need.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Subsidised Rate for Wheat:
Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), which is a government initiative to provide food security to the poorest of the poor, subsidised rates are offered for essential food items such as wheat. The subsidised rate for wheat under AAY is:
Option B: Rs 2/- per kg
Explanation:
Here are the key points to understand why the correct answer is option B:
1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): It is a scheme launched by the Government of India aimed at providing highly subsidised food to the poorest households in the country. The scheme was introduced in December 2000.
2. Wheat: Wheat is one of the essential food grains provided under AAY. It is a staple food item for a large population in India.
3. Subsidised Rate: Under AAY, wheat is made available to eligible beneficiaries at a subsidised rate. This means that the government provides financial assistance to reduce the cost of wheat for the beneficiaries.
4. Subsidised Rate for Wheat: The correct answer is option B, which states that the subsidised rate for wheat under AAY is Rs 2/- per kg. This means that eligible beneficiaries can purchase wheat at this reduced price.
In conclusion, under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the subsidised rate for wheat is Rs 2/- per kg. This initiative aims to ensure food security for the poorest households in India.

Food security means ensuring that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It is a complex issue that involves multiple dimensions, including availability, accessibility, and affordability of food.
Availability of food:
- Refers to the presence of an adequate supply of food in a given area or region.
- It involves the production, distribution, and storage of food to meet the demand of the population.
- Availability is influenced by factors such as agricultural productivity, trade policies, infrastructure, and food waste.
Accessibility of food:
- Refers to the ability of individuals to obtain food physically and economically.
- It includes factors such as proximity to food sources, transportation, and the ability to afford food.
- Accessibility is influenced by factors such as income levels, employment opportunities, social safety nets, and infrastructure.
Affordability of food:
- Refers to the ability of individuals to purchase food at a reasonable cost.
- It is influenced by factors such as income levels, food prices, inflation rates, and availability of food subsidies or assistance programs.
- Affordability is particularly important for vulnerable populations with limited financial resources.
All of the above:
- Food security cannot be achieved without addressing all three dimensions: availability, accessibility, and affordability of food.
- All individuals need not only access to food but also the ability to obtain it physically, economically, and without compromising their health and well-being.
In conclusion, food security encompasses the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food. It is a complex issue that requires addressing various factors to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Meteorologists predict drought based on precipitation patterns, stream flow, and moisture of soil over long periods of time. In the United States, droughts are most likely to occur in the Midwest and the South.

Answer:
Explanation:
The activity that is not typically done by women at home is:
- Doing tuition work by teaching students
Women commonly perform the following tasks at home:
- Cooking food: Women are often responsible for preparing meals for the family.
- Cleaning utensils: Women usually clean dishes, pots, and pans after meals.
- Washing clothes: Women frequently handle the laundry and ensure clean clothes for the family.
However, the specific task of doing tuition work by teaching students is not typically associated with women's responsibilities at home. This task is more commonly performed by professional tutors or educators outside the home.
It is important to note that gender roles and responsibilities vary across cultures and households. While the listed tasks are commonly associated with women, it is not an exhaustive or exclusive list.

The correct option is B.
In Maharashtra, a co-operative called the Academy of Development Studies (ADS) has organised training and capacity building programmes on food security for NGOs. This is done to set up grain banks to facilitate replication through other NGOs and to influence the government's policy on food security.

In 1981, Amartya Sen published Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation (1981), a book in which he argued that famine occurs not only from a lack of food, but from inequalities built into mechanisms for distributing food. Sen also argued that the Bengal famine was caused by an urban economic boom that raised food prices, thereby causing millions of rural workers to starve to death when their wages did not keep up.