3rd October 2025

Explanation – The National Pulses Mission (2025–31) is a six-year central programme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare designed to achieve self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses production. The mission aims to raise domestic production from 242 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31, with a yield target of 1,130 kg/ha. However, the 100% procurement at MSP is for Tur, Urad, and Masoor for four years, not all major pulses for the entire mission duration, making statement 2 incorrect. 

Explanation – The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks (not borrows), making statement 1 incorrect. The reverse repo rate is the rate at which commercial banks can park their money with the RBI (not borrow), making statement 2 incorrect. While the repo rate is typically the benchmark interest rate, under certain conditions (like when the banking system has excess liquidity), the reverse repo rate can become the more influential rate in the economy, making statement 3 incorrect. 

Explanation – The National Culture Fund (NCF) was established by the Government of India to mobilize resources for the preservation and promotion of Indian culture and heritage. However, the NCF operates as a trust under the Ministry of Culture, not the Ministry of Tourism, making statement 2 incorrect. Both private and public sector organisations, as well as individuals, can contribute to the NCF. 

Explanation – The Archaeological Survey of India was established in 1861 as an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, dedicated to the protection and preservation of national monuments. It is the successor of 'The Asiatic Society of India', and was founded in its current form by Sir Alexander Cunningham with the help of the then Viceroy Canning. 

Explanation – The Ministry of Women and Child Development has restructured its schemes into three umbrella schemes: Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 (for nutrition programmes), Mission Vatsalya (for child protection services), and Mission Shakti (for protection and empowerment for women). Therefore, Mission Shakti focuses on women's empowerment, not nutrition, making statement 1 incorrect. Mission Vatsalya correctly aims at the protection and welfare of children.