Skill Development and Gig Economy

Q1.With reference to skill development initiatives in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya - Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to cater to the career aspirations of rural youth. 2. The 'Nai Roshni' scheme, a leadership program for minority women, is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, which sets up dedicated training centres for its execution. 3. The Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) project is a Government of India initiative exclusively funded by the World Bank to improve the performance of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). How many of the above statements are correct?

Q2.Consider the following statements regarding skill development schemes in India: 1. The target age group for the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya - Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is women belonging to minority communities in the age group of 18 to 65 years. 2. Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs) are Bank-led institutions that provide non-residential, free training to promote entrepreneurship among rural youth. 3. Skill Hubs are nodal centres exclusively aimed at providing academic credit and mainstreaming school dropouts back into education. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q3.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India's demographic advantage is not self-realizing and requires targeted interventions to be converted into an economic benefit. Statement-II: A substantial majority of India's working-age population has not received any formal vocational or technical training, creating a gap between academic knowledge and industry-required skills. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q4.With reference to the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the challenges of the gig economy, consider the following statements: 1. The Code mandates that the financial responsibility for providing fundamental welfare measures to platform workers rests exclusively with the platform aggregators. 2. The Code ensures that once a platform worker is deemed eligible for benefits such as maternity leave or old age protection, the provision of these benefits is guaranteed. 3. A key challenge for workers in the gig sector is the necessity to personally fund their own skill upgradation, a cost often covered by employers in traditional jobs. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q5.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In the context of India's gig economy, a continuous increase in the supply of prospective online independent workers is likely to improve their wage levels and bargaining power over time. Statement-II: The structural dynamics of the gig economy often lead to a situation where the number of individuals seeking work surpasses the number of available jobs, creating a significant demand-supply mismatch. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q6.With reference to the gender dimensions of the gig economy in India, consider the following statements: 1. The gig economy effectively mitigates the gender wage gap, often resulting in more profitable outcomes for women compared to traditional employment. 2. Occupational segregation based on gender stereotypes is a persistent issue, with men and women typically concentrating in different sectors of platform work. 3. The 'on-demand' work schedules and reward systems on platforms are generally structured to be neutral and do not inherently disadvantage women's participation patterns. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q7.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The digital divide is a significant structural impediment to women's full participation in the gig economy. Statement-II: The GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2020 indicates that a vast majority of Indian women have access to and use mobile internet, which is a prerequisite for the platform economy. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q8.Consider the following statements regarding labour codes in India: 1. The Code on Social Security, 2020, is the primary legislation that stipulates a universal minimum pay and floor wage for gig workers. 2. The Code on Wages, 2019, is the first instance in Indian labour codes where gig workers are formally acknowledged as a new occupational category. 3. A NITI Aayog report suggests that companies with a significant female workforce in the gig economy may be eligible for fiscal advantages like tax rebates. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q9.Consider the following statements regarding the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023: 1. It mandates the establishment of a dedicated board to oversee the registration and welfare of gig workers. 2. The Act provides for a social security fund financed through a fee levied on each transaction conducted via gig platforms. 3. The board established under this Act is designated as the sole authority for collective negotiation and bargaining on behalf of all gig workers in the state. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q10.Consider the following statements regarding the institutional framework for skill development in India: 1. The Prime Minister of India chairs the Steering Committee of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM). 2. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is a public-private partnership where the private sector holds a minority stake of 49%. 3. A public trust, established by the Government of India, acts as the custodian for the National Skill Development Fund (NSDF). How many of the above statements are correct?

Q11.Consider the following statements: 1. The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) was subsumed into the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) in 2019. 2. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is an autonomous body set up for resolving inter-ministerial and inter-departmental issues in skill development. 3. The first National Policy on Skill Development was formulated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2009. How many of the above statements are incorrect?

Q12.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015, seeks to connect entrepreneurs to mentors, incubators, and credit markets. Statement-II: A key thrust area of the 2015 policy is to align the supply and demand for skills by promoting industry engagement and operationalising a quality assurance framework. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q13.With reference to skill development initiatives in India, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Samagra Shiksha' scheme, which integrates vocational education in schools, is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 2. The Skill Management and Accreditation of Training Centres (SMART) is an IT initiative by the MSDE for monitoring Training Centres. 3. Skill India Digital (SID) is a digital platform that uses AI/ML to recommend skill sets and functions as a digital job exchange. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q14.Consider the following statements regarding digital skilling in India: 1. Digital skills are narrowly defined as specialist programming and development, excluding basic computer literacy skills like emailing. 2. The development of digital skills is considered synonymous with and equivalent to education in the classic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. 3. The Skill India Digital (SID) platform is built upon the framework of India Stack Global to ensure security and scalability. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q15.With reference to skill development schemes in India, consider the following statements: 1. The PM Vishwakarma scheme, which provides support to traditional artisans, is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 2. The SANKALP programme, aimed at improving short-term skill training, is fully funded by the Government of India. 3. The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme is a key component under the PM Vishwakarma scheme to impart skill training in rural areas. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q16.Consider the following statements regarding components of skill development schemes: 1. Under PMKVY, the Short-Term Training (STT) component targets candidates aged 18-59 years, while the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component is for those aged 15-45 years. 2. The PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) provides a fixed stipend of ₹1,500 per month to every apprentice through Direct Benefit Transfer. 3. Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, a toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000 is provided as a direct cash transfer to the beneficiary's bank account. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q17.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme aims to align the competencies of the unorganized workforce with the standardized National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). Statement-II: Under the RPL programme, individuals with prior learning experience undergo a brief orientation and bridge course, after which their existing skills are assessed and certified, a process which has been linked to increased income and employability. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q18.With reference to skill development infrastructure in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 2. Under the CTS, the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are under the direct administrative and financial control of the MSDE. 3. The CTS exclusively provides long-term training courses with a fixed duration of two years across all trades.

Q19.Consider the following statements regarding the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF): 1. The NSQF organizes qualifications into ten levels, defined by learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills, and aptitude. 2. Certification for a competency level under the NSQF can be acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning pathways. 3. The NSQF is anchored and operationalized by the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

Q20.Consider the following statements regarding international collaboration for skill development in India: 1. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is directly responsible for creating the Skill India International (SII) Network. 2. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed government-to-government MoUs with countries like Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. 3. The strategic partnership between NSDC and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is exclusively focused on advancing skill development within India. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q21.Statement-I: Despite having significant enrolment capacity, skill institutes like ITIs and polytechnics in India face low student mobilisation. Statement-II: The primary reason for low student enrolment in vocational training institutes is the underdeveloped infrastructure of these centres. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q22.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Platform Economy is considered a subset of the Gig Economy. Statement-II: The Gig Economy is primarily focused on the labour market involving short-term, freelance work, whereas the Platform Economy describes a broader system where digital platforms connect various economic actors, including but not limited to gig workers. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q23.Consider the following statements regarding different types of workers: 1. 'Red-Collar Worker' is a term used for employees who work remotely, often from home, using digital tools. 2. 'Grey-Collar Worker' can refer to individuals who are employed beyond the typical age of retirement. 3. 'Gold-Collar Worker' describes salaried professionals in general office and management roles. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q24.With reference to the Gig Economy, consider the following statements: 1. The Code on Social Security, 2020, defines a 'gig worker' as a person earning from work activities exclusively through online software apps or digital platforms. 2. In the context of the gig economy, 'Free agents' are individuals who engage in independent work primarily to supplement their income from other sources. 3. The gig economy is a recent phenomenon that emerged only after the proliferation of digital platforms and has no precedent in pre-industrial economies. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q25.Consider the following statements regarding the socio-economic implications of the gig economy in India: 1. It ensures a stable and predictable source of income, thereby reducing socio-economic inequality. 2. For women, it provides opportunities for flexibility and work-life balance without adverse effects on pay parity. 3. It strengthens institutionalised community life by fostering stable social networks among workers. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q26.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: From a business perspective, adopting a gig economy model is often considered a cost-effective strategy. Statement-II: The primary cost savings for companies arise from the increased productivity and motivation that result from the flexibility offered to gig workers. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q27.With reference to various reports on India's Gig Economy, consider the following statements: 1. A report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) indicates that the largest segment of the gig workforce is in high-skilled jobs. 2. The gig economy is projected to expand to 2.35 crore workers by the 2029-2030 period. 3. According to NITI Aayog, the gig economy has the potential to contribute 1.25 per cent to India’s GDP in the long run. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q28.Consider the following statements regarding the scale and nature of the gig economy: 1. The gig economy is estimated to be responsible for creating more than half of the new employment opportunities in India. 2. Research indicates that the adoption of the gig economy is more widespread in developed countries than in developing nations. 3. In India, the gig economy is predominantly concentrated in white-collar professions such as software development and consulting. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q29.Consider the following statements regarding the economic concept of 'demographic dividend': 1. A demographic dividend is primarily driven by a sustained increase in the overall dependency ratio. 2. The 'window of opportunity' for this dividend opens when the share of the working-age population starts to decline. 3. Realizing the dividend is contingent upon increasing the labor force participation rate, particularly among women. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q30.With reference to skill development for future-ready competencies, consider the following statements: Statement-I: A key government objective is to create a unified national credit framework allowing mobility between general and vocational education. Statement-II: The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) is the sole body managing this framework for both vocational institutions and universities.

Q31.India is experiencing a 'demographic prime' with a large working-age population, but also faces the dual challenges of significant youth unemployment and a growing elderly population requiring care. To convert this potential 'demographic dividend' into sustainable growth and avoid social instability, which of the following strategic shifts in the development model is most advocated?

Q32.Consider the following statements regarding the Code on Wages, 2019: 1. The Central Government is empowered to fix the national floor wage for the entire country. 2. State governments are prohibited from setting minimum wages below the national floor wage. 3. The new definition of 'wages' completely excludes house rent allowance for calculation purposes. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q33.With reference to the Labour Codes in India, consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Code on Social Security, 2020, enables framing social security schemes for 'gig workers' and 'platform workers'. Statement-II: The Code defines a 'platform worker' as a person in a work arrangement outside the traditional employer-employee relationship.

Q34.Consider the following statements regarding the Industrial Relations Code, 2020: 1. It increases the employee threshold for requiring prior government permission for retrenchment from 100 to 300 workers. 2. It mandates a 14-day notice period for strikes and lockouts across all industrial establishments. 3. It formalizes 'fixed-term employment', providing such employees with benefits available to permanent workers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q35.Consider the following statements regarding skill development and workforce formalization: Statement-I: Enhancing vocational training and skill certification is crucial for increasing the formalization of India's workforce. Statement-II: A formally skilled workforce generally exhibits lower productivity, making it less attractive to organized sector employers. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q36.Consider the following statements regarding the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): 1. It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament. 2. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Finance. 3. The private sector holds a minority equity share capital in it. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q37.Consider the following statements regarding skill development and demographic dividend in India: 1. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) primarily focuses on certifying the skills of new entrants to the workforce. 2. Leveraging the demographic dividend is automatically achieved with a large working-age population. 3. Industry 4.0 skills primarily encompass soft skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q38.With reference to the 'Growth-Employment Disconnect' often discussed in the context of the Indian economy, consider the following statements: Statement-I: India's recent high GDP growth has not translated into a proportional increase in formal employment. Statement-II: A consistently high and rising employment elasticity of growth has been a key feature of the Indian economy post-liberalization. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q39.Consider the following statements regarding Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India: 1. GCCs are primarily third-party service providers offering solutions to multiple unaffiliated global clients. 2. Revenue generated by GCCs is accounted for under India's merchandise export earnings. 3. The government's 'Special Economic Zones' policy provides significant incentives for establishing GCCs. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q40.In the context of the Indian economy, consider the following statements regarding Global Capability Centres (GCCs): 1. The expansion of GCCs in India primarily addresses the demand for low-skilled, labour-intensive services. 2. As per regulatory norms, GCCs can only be established as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) entities and cannot operate as liaison or branch offices. 3. The growth in GCCs is often cited as a factor that can partially mitigate the 'jobless growth' phenomenon by creating high-value formal sector employment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q41.With reference to the Code on Social Security, 2020, consider the following statements regarding gig and platform workers: 1. A 'gig worker' is defined as a person who performs work outside a traditional employer-employee relationship. 2. A 'platform worker' is a specific type of gig worker who uses an online platform to provide services. 3. The Code mandates that platform workers receive the same gratuity and provident fund benefits as organized sector employees. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q42.With reference to the regulatory framework for social security for gig and platform workers in India, consider the following statements: 1. NITI Aayog is the designated nodal agency responsible for the implementation of social security schemes for these workers. 2. The Code on Social Security, 2020, provides for social security benefits exclusively for platform workers, thereby excluding non-platform gig workers. 3. The Code mandates that aggregators shall contribute a specified percentage of their annual turnover to a social security fund. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q43.Consider the following statements regarding the economics of the gig economy: Statement-I: Increased formalization and social security mandates for gig workers may lead to a contraction in demand for such workers by platform aggregators. Statement-II: The primary competitive advantage of the gig economy model for businesses often stems from lower labour costs and regulatory arbitrage. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q44.With reference to the evolving social security landscape for gig and platform workers in India, consider the following statements: 1. Recent legislative reforms have established a legal framework that enables the central government to create specific social security schemes for this category of workers. 2. A predominant policy recommendation from government bodies has been to reclassify all gig workers as 'employees' to grant them access to all traditional labour benefits. 3. The new social security framework mandates automatic enrollment of all gig workers into schemes providing benefits comparable to the Employees' State Insurance (ESI). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q45.With reference to the characteristics and challenges of the gig economy in India, consider the following statements: 1. The process of 'platformisation' has consistently led to increased income stability for low-skilled gig workers. 2. The gig economy in India is predominantly concentrated in high-skilled, knowledge-intensive sectors. 3. Algorithmic management in gig platforms often reduces transparency in wage determination for workers. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q46.With reference to the Code on Social Security, 2020, consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Code legally defines 'gig workers' and 'platform workers' as distinct categories. Statement-II: This distinction is based on the principle that platform work is a subset of gig work, specifically mediated through an online platform.