Correct Answer: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
 

Solution : The correct answer is (a) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

NABARD is a specialized development bank in India that focuses on the agricultural and rural sectors. It provides long-term credit to farmers for various agricultural activities, including crop production, land development, farm mechanization, irrigation, and other allied activities.

NABARD offers credit facilities to farmers through its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and other agricultural development programs. It provides loans to farmers through cooperative banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), and other financial institutions.

In addition to providing credit, NABARD also plays a crucial role in promoting rural development, rural infrastructure, agricultural research and development, and capacity building among farmers and rural communities.

While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India and plays a regulatory role in the overall banking system, including setting monetary policies, it is NABARD that specifically focuses on providing long-term credit to farmers and rural development.

Correct Answer: IRDAI

Solution : The correct option is IRDAI.

The regulatory organization in charge of observing and controlling the insurance sector in India is the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The protection of policyholder interests and the steady development of India's insurance industry are the responsibilities of IRDAI. It accomplishes this by establishing and enforcing rules and regulations for insurance providers, brokers, and other industry participants.

Correct Answer: Farmers

Solution : The correct answer is (b) farmers.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India. It aims to provide financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, diseases, and other risks.

Under PMFBY, farmers are eligible to obtain insurance coverage for their crops by paying a nominal premium. The scheme covers all stages of the crop cycle, from sowing to post-harvest, and provides compensation to farmers in case of crop failure or yield losses.

The insurance coverage provided by PMFBY helps farmers mitigate the financial risks associated with agricultural activities. It provides them with a safety net and supports them in recovering from crop losses, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring their economic stability.

Correct Answer: Statement 1 is true, statement 2 is false.

Solution : The correct answer is (c). Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.

The Unemployment Insurance Scheme (UIS) is a government-run program that provides financial assistance to unemployed individuals in India. The UIS is funded by the central government, not by contributions from employers and employees.

The amount of the assistance is $50 \%$ of the individual's previous wage, and it is payable for a maximum period of two years. To be eligible for the UIS, individuals must have been employed for at least 12 months in the previous year. They must also be actively seeking employment.

The UIS is a valuable program that helps to protect unemployed individuals from financial hardship. The program is also a good investment for the government, as it helps to reduce social unrest and improve economic stability.

Correct Answer: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Solution : The correct answer is (a). Reserve Bank of India (RBI). 

The Reserve Bank of India is the regulatory authority responsible for regulating and supervising the functioning of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India. NBFCs are financial institutions that provide various financial services, such as loans, credit facilities, investments, and asset financing, but do not hold a full banking license. The RBI regulates and supervises NBFCs to ensure their stability, compliance with regulations, and protection of the interests of depositors and borrowers. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regulates and supervises insurance companies, while the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) oversees the securities market in India.

Correct Answer: Regulating agricultural marketing in specified areas

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Regulating agricultural marketing in specified areas.

APMC is a statutory body established by state governments in India to regulate and supervise the marketing of agricultural produce within designated market areas. The main objective of APMC is to ensure fair trade practices, protect the interests of farmers, and provide a transparent platform for buying and selling agricultural commodities.

The key functions of the APMC include:

1. Regulating market practices: APMCs regulate the buying, selling, and storage of agricultural produce in designated market yards or mandis. They enforce rules and regulations to prevent unfair practices, ensure transparency in transactions, and protect farmers from exploitation.

2. Setting up market infrastructure: APMCs establish and maintain market yards, auction platforms, warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other necessary infrastructure for the smooth functioning of agricultural markets.

3. Price discovery: APMCs facilitate price discovery mechanisms through transparent auctions, negotiations, and competitive bidding processes. They provide a platform where buyers and sellers can interact and determine fair prices for agricultural produce.

4. Quality control and grading: APMCs enforce quality standards for agricultural commodities and provide grading services to ensure consistency and reliability in the quality of produce traded in the markets.

5. Collection of market fees and charges: APMCs collect market fees, levies, and charges from buyers and sellers as per the state regulations. These fees contribute to the maintenance and development of market infrastructure.

Correct Answer: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
   

Solution : The correct answer is (b) SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is the regulatory authority for the Indian stock market. It is an independent statutory regulatory body established in 1988 and operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. SEBI's primary objective is to protect the interests of investors and promote the development and regulation of the securities market in India.

SEBI plays a vital role in regulating various participants in the Indian securities market, including stock exchanges, brokers, merchant bankers, portfolio managers, and other market intermediaries. 

Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion that the Employee State Insurance (ESI) Act provides social security and health insurance benefits to workers is true. The ESI Act is a social security and health insurance scheme in India that provides medical benefits, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, and various other benefits to employees.

The reason provided is also true. The ESI Act is applicable to establishments with ten or more employees. This means that if an establishment meets the criteria of having ten or more employees, it is mandated to provide ESI benefits to its workers as per the provisions of the ESI Act.

Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the ESI Act provides social security and health insurance benefits to workers in establishments with ten or more employees.

Correct Answer: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
   

Solution : The correct answer is (b) SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is the regulatory authority for the Indian stock market. It is an independent statutory regulatory body established in 1988 and operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. SEBI's primary objective is to protect the interests of investors and promote the development and regulation of the securities market in India.

SEBI plays a vital role in regulating various participants in the Indian securities market, including stock exchanges, brokers, merchant bankers, portfolio managers, and other market intermediaries. 

Correct Answer: Assisting companies in mergers and acquisitions
  

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Assisting companies in mergers and acquisitions.

The main role of an investment bank in the capital market is to assist companies in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities. Investment banks provide advisory services and support to companies involved in buying, selling, or merging with other companies.Investment banks play a crucial role in M&A transactions by providing expertise and guidance throughout the entire process. They help companies assess potential targets, evaluate the financial and strategic implications of the transaction, and negotiate the terms of the deal. Investment banks also assist in structuring the transaction, raising capital, and facilitating the necessary regulatory approvals.