Correct Answer: Lack of healthcare professionals

Solution : The correct answer is (D) lack of healthcare professionals.

One of the major challenges faced by the health infrastructure in India is the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. This shortage is especially prominent in rural areas where the doctor-patient ratio is significantly low. The limited availability of healthcare professionals poses a barrier to providing timely and quality healthcare services to the population. It leads to increased workload and burnout among the existing healthcare workforce, compromised patient care, and reduced access to healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. Addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals through measures such as increased recruitment, retention strategies, improving training and education, and creating incentives for healthcare professionals to work in rural areas are essential to strengthen the health infrastructure in India.

Correct Answer: Assam

Solution : The correct option is Assam.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Assam remains the largest producer of natural gas in India as of 2021–2022. Their official reports state Assam consistently leads with a production of approximately 8.3 million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per Day (MMSCMD). This figure solidifies Assam's crucial role in meeting India's natural gas needs.

Correct Answer: Nepal

Solution : The correct option is Nepal.

People of Indian descent living in Nepal's Terai are referred to as Madheshi people. The Madheshi people include many different cultural groupings, including Terai natives and traders. Many of these communities have cultural ties to those in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Correct Answer: Regional development

Solution : Correct Option: Option 3
Explanation: Regional parties in India are primarily concerned with regional development and addressing the specific needs and issues of their respective regions.

Correct Answer: Both statements are true.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both statements are true.

Statement 1 states that India, Pakistan, and China have experienced a decline in the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP, which is true. These countries have undergone a structural transformation where the share of agriculture in GDP has decreased over time.

Statement 2 provides an explanation for the decline in the agricultural sector's contribution by stating that the shift from agriculture to industry and services has resulted in a reduced share of agriculture in these countries' GDP. This shift is a common pattern observed during the process of economic development.

Therefore, both statements are true and are consistent with each other.

Correct Answer: State

Solution : The correct option is State

The State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Indian Constitution lists taxes that apply to both land and buildings. It indicates that state governments are authorised to pass legislation and tax properties and buildings inside their borders. The State List enumerates subjects over which only state governments have legislative authority. It includes police, public health, education, agriculture and municipal government.

Correct Answer: Cotton

Solution : The correct option is Cotton.

Cotton is primarily grown during the Kharif season in India. The Kharif season, also known as the monsoon season, starts with the onset of the southwest monsoon in June and extends until September. It is the most suitable time for cotton cultivation in India because cotton plants require warm temperatures and a sufficient amount of moisture for optimal growth.

Correct Answer: Steel Authority of India Limited

Solution : The correct answer is Steel Authority of India Limited.

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of the largest state-owned steel-making Maharatna companies in India. It was established in 1973 and is headquartered in New Delhi. SAIL produces a wide range of steel products, including hot and cold rolled sheets and coils, galvanized sheets, electrical sheets and structural and railway products, among others.