1. What is the name of the nationwide agricultural campaign launched by the Union Agriculture Ministry in May 2025?
[A] Annadata Samman Abhiyan
[B] Food Security Mission
[C] Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
[D] Krishi Vikas Yatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan]
Notes:
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently launched the nationwide “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” to be held from May 29 to June 12, 2025. It aims to make agriculture modern and prosperous under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission for a developed India. Agriculture supports nearly half of India’s population and is key to national food security. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has a six-point strategy: increase production, reduce costs, ensure fair prices, compensate disaster losses, promote crop diversification and organic farming. India recorded its highest-ever agricultural output in 2024–25, with food grain production rising to 3309.18 lakh tonnes. The campaign seeks to make India the “Food Basket of the World” through sustainable and surplus farming.
2. Consider the following statements about the environmental impact of Agent Orange during and after the Vietnam War:
- Upland forests sprayed with Agent Orange were found unsuitable for agriculture due to coarse grass overgrowth.
- Dioxin persists in aquatic sediments and can enter the food chain through fish and other animals.
- Most of the environmental cleanup of dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam was completed by 1995.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] All Are Correct Statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct as a 1983 study documented that sprayed upland forests in Vietnam were overrun by coarse, deep-rooting grasses, making them unsuitable for agriculture. Statement 2 is correct as Dioxin, the toxic agent in Agent Orange, persists in aquatic sediments and enters the food chain through aquatic animals. However, statement 3 is incorrect as the environmental cleanup of dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam began only in 2006 and is still ongoing. Hence, the correct answer is 1 and 2 only.
3. Consider the following perspectives on the Neolithic Revolution, as seen in the findings from the prehistoric site at Ramalingalagudem:
- Introduction of pottery making and weaving, marking the start of settled life.
- Development of agriculture and domestication of animals for transport and farming.
- Use of polished and ground stone tools for more durable and precise implements.
- Establishment of large urban centers with complex social hierarchies.
- Emergence of religious ceremonies and temples as part of early civilization.
Which of the above statements correctly characterizes the Neolithic Revolution?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1, 2, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2, 4 and 5
[D] All Are Correct Statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The Neolithic Revolution is characterized by key technological and cultural advancements that signify a shift from nomadic to settled life. Among these are the introduction of pottery making and weaving, development of agriculture and animal domestication, and the use of polished and ground stone tools. However, establishment of large urban centers and emergence of religious ceremonies and temples are more reflective of later developments in human civilization, and thus not directly tied to the immediate changes during the Neolithic Revolution.
4. What is the name of the initiative launched by Uttar Pradesh government to boost agriculture and rural enterprises in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal?
[A] UP Krishi Mission
[B] UP AGREES
[C] Rural UP Vikas
[D] AgroNext UP
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UP AGREES]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently met World Bank President Ajay Banga in Lucknow to launch two major projects: Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP AGREES) and Artificial Intelligence Pragya (AI Pragya). UP AGREES will promote technology-based farming and improve agricultural productivity across 28 districts in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. AI Pragya will train 10 lakh youth in digital fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The initiative will be supported by departments like Education, Health, Agriculture, and Rural Development. These efforts aim to create jobs, support startups, and help Uttar Pradesh become a $1 trillion economy.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the yak and its role in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region:
- Yaks are native to both the terai and mountain regions of Nepal and play a vital role in agriculture and transport.
- Yak herding traditions in the Nepal Himalayas are predominantly maintained by indigenous communities such as the Sherpa and Tamang.
- The system of transhumance associated with yak herding has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:- Yaks indeed are vital to both the terai and mountain regions of Nepal for agriculture and transport. They provide meat, milk, fibre, manure, and draught power.
- The Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai, and Limbu communities predominantly maintain yak herding traditions in the Nepal Himalayas.
- The system of transhumance associated with yak herding has been acknowledged by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
6. With reference to the “BRICS Land Restoration Partnership”, consider the following statements:
- It was launched to address land degradation, desertification, and loss of soil fertility in the BRICS member countries.
- The initiative was adopted at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting held in South Africa.
- India emphasized the importance of placing small and marginal farmers at the center of global agricultural strategies during the meeting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 3 only]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct – the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership aims to address land degradation, desertification, and soil fertility loss. Statement 2 is incorrect – the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting was held in Brasilia, Brazil, not South Africa. Statement 3 is correct – India did emphasize the welfare of small and marginal farmers.
7. Consider the following statements about the agricultural priorities of BRICS as per the 15th Agriculture Ministers’ meeting:
- Ensuring fair and inclusive global agri-food systems
- Supporting public food stockholding and minimum support price mechanisms
- Promoting price volatility to attract investment in commodities
- Establishing value chains directly linking smallholders to consumers
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
[A] 1, 2 and 4 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2, 3 and 4 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2 and 4 only]
Notes:
The priorities of BRICS nations are in line with statements 1, 2 and 4. They aim to ensure fair and inclusive global agri-food systems, support public food stockholding and minimum support price mechanisms and establish value chains that connect smallholders and consumers directly. However, they seek to control, not promote, price volatility in commodities, rendering statement 3 incorrect.
8. Consider the following declarations emphasized during the 15th Agriculture Ministers’ meeting of BRICS:
- Sustainable development of fisheries and livestock
- Digital agriculture certification
- Climate adaptation and food security
- Promotion of monoculture over traditional farming practices
Which of the above statements was / were emphasized in the joint declaration?
[A] 1, 2 and 3 only
[B] 2 and 4 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2 and 3 only]
Notes:
In the joint declaration of the 15th Agriculture Ministers’ meeting of BRICS, sustainable development of fisheries and livestock, digital agriculture certification, and climate adaptation and food security were emphasized. However, the promotion of monoculture over traditional farming practices was not a part of the emphasized declarations, instead traditional practices and diversification were highlighted.
9. Consider the following sectors:
- Agriculture
- Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Housing
- Export Credit
- Real Estate and Luxury Retail
Which of the above sectors are typically considered Priority Sector Lending (PSL) segments in India?
[A] 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
[B] 2, 3 and 5 only
[C] 1, 3 and 5 only
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2, 3 and 4 only]
Notes:
PSL includes sectors that have a high impact on the socio-economic structure of the country and need credit support. Priority Sector Lending (PSL) in India typically includes segments like agriculture, MSMEs, Housing and Export Credit. Real Estate and Luxury Retail are not usually considered as Priority Sector as they do not significantly impact socio-economic development.
10. Where was the third BIMSTEC Agriculture Conference held in April 2025?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] Nepal
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nepal]
Notes:
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan represented India at the 3rd BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting (BAMM) held in Kathmandu, Nepal. BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Ministers and officials from member countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka participated. The meeting aimed to boost regional cooperation in agriculture, food security, fisheries, and livestock. India proposed setting up a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Agriculture Cooperation to focus on precision farming, climate risk, natural farming, gender equality, and artificial intelligence. The centre will help share knowledge on new technologies like drones and digital tools to improve food, nutrition, and livelihood security.
