UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Telangana seeks 100% MSP procurement amid drought

Q1. Suppose that in a particular year, sea-surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific stay well above average for several consecutive months, and the equatorial easterly trade winds are weaker than average. In the same year, a State in peninsular India reports a rainfall deficit across about half of its sub-districts. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

  1. The equatorial Pacific is showing conditions of the cold phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation.
  2. The equatorial Walker circulation is likely to be weaker than average in that year.
  3. The State's rainfall deficit must have been caused by the conditions in the Pacific.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q2. Consider the following facts: Telangana has sought 100% procurement of maize and jowar at MSP by lifting the 25% cap under MSP-PSS operations. Under PM-AASHA, the Price Support Scheme covers physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds and copra. For 2024-25, the Centre decided to procure tur, urad and masur up to 100% of production. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

  1. Because tur, urad and masur were procured up to 100% of production, MSP for these pulses became a legally enforceable entitlement of every grower.
  2. Removing the PSS ceiling would not by itself bring maize and jowar growers within MSP procurement under PSS.
  3. The Centre has previously relaxed the PSS ceiling for particular crops.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Under the Price Support Scheme, a substantial part of a season's output of a notified pulse or oilseed can remain outside procurement at MSP.
  2. Under the Price Support Scheme, physical procurement is carried out by Central Nodal Agencies, with a proactive role for State governments.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. During an El Niño, convective rainfall over Indonesia and the western equatorial Pacific tends to be suppressed.
  2. During an El Niño, the equatorial easterly trade winds weaken and the Pacific warm pool, along with its convective rainfall, shifts eastward.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q5. With reference to the two phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. During El Niño, surface air pressure over northern Australia tends to be above average.
  2. La Niña is marked by periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.
  3. During La Niña, the Pacific warm pool and equatorial convective rainfall are confined to the extreme western part of the basin.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q6. Which one of the following correctly describes how Minimum Support Prices are determined for the mandated agricultural crops in India?

  • A. The Union Government fixes them on the basis of CACP recommendations, after considering views of States and Central Ministries.
  • B. Each State Government fixes them on the basis of CACP cost estimates, subject to approval of the Union Cabinet.
  • C. The CACP fixes them on its own authority, and its notified prices bind both the Union Government and the States.
  • D. The Union Government fixes them on the basis of FCI recommendations, after considering procurement capacity in each State.

Q7. In a drought year, Telangana wants jowar growers to be able to sell their crop at the Minimum Support Price. Under the existing procurement framework, which one of the following is the appropriate route for this crop?

  • A. Payment of the MSP–modal price gap under the deficiency payment scheme, within a ceiling linked to MSP
  • B. Physical procurement by central nodal agencies under the Price Support Scheme, within a ceiling on production
  • C. Purchase by private stockists under the pilot scheme run in selected districts or APMCs of the State
  • D. Procurement at MSP by State agencies, with the Central Government reimbursing the costs incurred