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The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.
What is PDS and what was its origin?
  • a)
    Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.
  • b)
    Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.
  • c)
    Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.
  • d)
    Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The P...
The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period.
Hence, the correct option is (A).
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Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The P...
Understanding PDS in India
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a crucial program in India aimed at providing essential commodities to the population at subsidized rates. Its origin is tied to the historical context of food shortages during World War II.
Origin of PDS
- The PDS was established during the Second World War period primarily as a rationing system.
- Its initial purpose was to address the severe food shortages that were prevalent at that time.
Key Features of PDS
- Expanded in 1965 into a universal system for distributing cheap food grains such as wheat and rice.
- Besides food grains, it also includes essential items like sugar, edible oil, and kerosene.
Objectives of PDS
- Acts as a welfare measure by providing goods at prices lower than market rates.
- Functions as a mechanism to counteract price speculation by profit-oriented traders.
- Supports farmers by serving as a major outlet for grain procured by government agencies.
Importance of PDS
- Maintains buffer stocks to ensure price stability and food self-sufficiency.
- Plays a vital role in safeguarding the economic sovereignty of the country during adverse conditions, such as droughts.
Conclusion
Thus, option 'A' accurately captures the essence of the PDS as it emphasizes its role in supplying food during a time of crisis, aligning with its historical origins.
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Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.A step backward can reverse years of progress. Such a threat looms large over India's efforts to tackle malnutrition. Data from the latest National Family Health Survey reveal that in the last four years the share of stunted, wasted and underweight children in India has increased in the majority of the states and Union territories that were surveyed. Even states like Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, which had made progress earlier, have registered a stark rise in stunting. Interestingly, some of these states have also experienced an increase in obesity among children under the age of five. This apparent contradiction seems to highlight a deeper problem — accessibility to and affordability and awareness of nutrition remain uneven across socio-economic constituencies. This has resulted in a dual burden. India has the highest number of obese children in the world after China; a recent national survey also found a drastic reduction in the intake of food among such marginalized communities as Dalits, tribal people and backward classes on account of diminished household income during the lockdown. Laws alone cannot resolve this crisis. Stunting and wasting are on the rise in spite of the existence of the National Food Security Act and a public distribution system that has a wide reach. Policy interventions are wanting; this perhaps explains the regression. The PDS infrastructure remains porous, mired in irregularities like leakages, corruption and the diversion of subsidized foodgrains for profiteering. There is also the problem of exclusion. A number of needy citizens, particularly from the underprivileged sections, are yet to be enrolled as beneficiaries. The lack of access to digital technology — Aadhaar linkage is mandatory for procuring foodgrains from PDS — has aggravated their plight in other ways. For instance, even though rations were doubled under the NFSA during the pandemic, economists estimate that around 100 million names have not been updated in the NFSA lists.Starvation or malnutrition is not caused by undernourishment alone. There is convergence with interlinked, but less conspicuous, issues such as maternal nutrition; education — research shows that educated mothers bring up healthier children; hygiene; regularized, locally sourced mid-day meals; food wastage. Governments must make the provision of foodgrains equitable for all citizens. But this will not be enough. Policy must mull the need for piecemeal measures and targeted, community-based interventions in order to tackle this growing problem.Q. Which of the following would the author agree with the most in context of Public Distribution System?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question:A step backward can reverse years of progress. Such a threat looms large over India's efforts to tackle malnutrition. Data from the latest National Family Health Survey reveal that in the last four years the share of stunted, wasted and underweight children in India has increased in the majority of the states and Union territories that were surveyed. Even states like Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, which had made progress earlier, have registered a stark rise in stunting. Interestingly, some of these states have also experienced an increase in obesity among children under the age of five. This apparent contradiction seems to highlight a deeper problem — accessibility to and affordability and awareness of nutrition remain uneven across socio-economic constituencies. This has resulted in a dual burden. India has the highest number of obese children in the world after China; a recent national survey also found a drastic reduction in the intake of food among such marginalized communities as Dalits, tribal people and backward classes on account of diminished household income during the lockdown. Laws alone cannot resolve this crisis. Stunting and wasting are on the rise in spite of the existence of the National Food Security Act and a public distribution system that has a wide reach. Policy interventions are wanting; this perhaps explains the regression. The PDS infrastructure remains porous, mired in irregularities like leakages, corruption and the diversion of subsidized food grains for profiteering. There is also the problem of exclusion. A number of needy citizens, particularly from the underprivileged sections, are yet to be enrolled as beneficiaries. The lack of access to digital technology — Aadhaar linkage is mandatory for procuring foodgrains from PDS — has aggravated their plight in other ways. For instance, even though rations were doubled under the NFSA during the pandemic, economists estimate that around 100 million names have not been updated in the NFSA lists.Starvation or malnutrition is not caused by undernourishment alone. There is convergence with interlinked, but less conspicuous, issues such as maternal nutrition; education — research shows that educated mothers bring up healthier children; hygiene; regularized, locally sourced mid-day meals; food wastage. Governments must make the provision of foodgrains equitable for all citizens. But this will not be enough. Policy must mull the need for piecemeal measures and targeted, community-based interventions in order to tackle this growing problem.Q. Which of the following would the author agree with the most in context of Public Distribution System?

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Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2024 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Direction: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.The Public Distribution System (PDS) was set up in India originally as a rationing system to cope with the food shortages during the Second World War period. From 1965, it was expanded into a universal system for delivering cheap food grain such as wheat and rice and certain other essential commodities such as sugar, edible oil, and kerosene. While the major objective of the PDS has been to act as a welfare measure to provide these goods at prices that are relatively lower than the market, it has also acted as a countervailing force to prevent speculation in prices by profit-oriented private traders. Since the PDS constitutes a major outlet for the sale of grain procured by the procurement agencies, it is an important link in the support system provided to farmers by the government. Over the years, the buffer stocks maintained by the PDS have served to ensure price stability and self-sufficiency in food even in years of severe drought and thereby helped to maintain the economic sovereignty of the country.What is PDS and what was its origin?a)Public Distribution System was set up in the Second World War period to supply food.b)Public Distribution System was a system supplying food in fixed quantity during Second World War.c)Public Distribution System was a food-giving system to all during Second World War.d)Public Distribution System was a system distributing all essentials in Second World War.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CLAT tests.
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