2020

231. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to b

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture ?

  1. Crop diversification
  2. Legume intensification
  3. Tensiometer use
  4. Vertical farming

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option4″]

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All four practices are considered to be practices of eco-friendly agriculture.
Crop diversification enhances soil health and reduces reliance on synthetic inputs by breaking pest/disease cycles and utilizing nutrients more efficiently. Legume intensification improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Tensiometer use aids in precise irrigation scheduling, conserving water and energy. Vertical farming, when implemented sustainably (e.g., using renewable energy, closed-loop systems), reduces land use, water consumption, and transport emissions compared to conventional farming.
Eco-friendly agriculture encompasses a range of practices aimed at minimizing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and promoting biodiversity while maintaining agricultural productivity. These practices often focus on soil health, water management, reduced chemical use, and resource efficiency.

232. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane i

With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:

  • A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
  • When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
  • If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
  • Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”1 and 4 only” option4=”2, 3 and 4 only” correct=”option3″]

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Statements 1 and 4 are correct. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because bud chip settlings (using small cane pieces with just one bud grown in a nursery) significantly reduce the amount of seed cane required compared to traditional methods. Statement 4 is correct as tissue culture is a viable method for producing disease-free sugarcane planting material. Statement 2 is incorrect; traditional direct planting uses multi-bud setts (typically 2-3 buds) for better germination and survival compared to single-budded setts. Statement 3 is incorrect; larger setts with more buds and reserves are generally more resilient to adverse weather conditions than smaller single-budded setts when planted directly.
Modern techniques like bud chip technology and tissue culture propagation aim to improve the efficiency and health of sugarcane cultivation. They help in conserving planting material, reducing disease spread, and achieving better crop stands.

233. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements :

  • 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
  • 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option4″]

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Neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
Solar power technology is widely used to run various types of water pumps, including both surface and submersible pumps. Submersible solar pumps are commonly used for drawing water from borewells or deep wells. Similarly, solar power systems can drive different types of pumps, including both centrifugal and positive displacement pumps like piston pumps, depending on the specific system design and application.
Solar water pumps are increasingly popular in agriculture and for rural water supply due to their sustainability and reduced dependence on grid electricity or diesel. They are available in various configurations to suit different head and flow requirements.

234. “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. I

“The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Cotton” option2=”Jute” option3=”Sugarcane” option4=”Tea” correct=”option1″]

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Cotton fits the given agro-climatic description most accurately.
The description highlights several key requirements: subtropical nature, sensitivity to hard frost, a minimum period of frost-free days, moderate rainfall (50-100 cm), and specific soil conditions (light, well-drained, moisture-retentive). Cotton is a subtropical crop highly sensitive to frost. It requires a long growing season with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. The mentioned rainfall range and soil type (like black cotton soil or alluvial soil) are suitable for cotton cultivation.
Other options like Jute and Tea require higher rainfall (typically above 150 cm). Sugarcane requires 75-150 cm rainfall and often supplemental irrigation; while subtropical, the specific combination of 50-100 cm rainfall and soil description points more towards cotton, especially varieties grown in rainfed conditions or areas with limited irrigation.

235. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following st

With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

  • 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
  • 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
  • 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option1″]

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Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 and 3 are incorrect.
Black gram (Urad) is a flexible crop grown in both Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (winter) seasons depending on the region. Green gram (Moong) is important but does not constitute half of the total pulse production; other pulses like Chickpea (Gram) and Pigeonpea (Arhar) are also major contributors. Over the last three decades, overall pulse production in India has generally increased for both Kharif and Rabi seasons, driven by factors like increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) and improved varieties, although annual variations exist.
India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses in the world. Major Kharif pulses include Arhar (Pigeonpea), Urad (Black gram), and Moong (Green gram). Major Rabi pulses include Gram (Chickpea), Lentil (Masoor), and Peas.

236. Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social

Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’?
It is a measure, in monetary value, of the

[amp_mcq option1=”long-term damage done by a tonne of CO₂ emissions in a given year.” option2=”requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.” option3=”efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.” option4=”contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.” correct=”option1″]

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The term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’ is best described as a measure, in monetary value, of the long-term damage done by a tonne of CO₂ emissions in a given year.
The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) is an economic metric used to estimate the full cost of carbon emissions, including the future impacts of climate change such as changes in agricultural productivity, human health effects, property damage from increased flood risk, and the value of ecosystem services. It attempts to put a monetary value on the future harm caused by emitting one additional unit (typically a tonne) of carbon dioxide today.
SCC estimates are complex and involve predicting future climate impacts and discounting future damages to their present value. They are used by policymakers to evaluate the costs and benefits of policies that affect greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes, or regulations on pollution.

237. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the followi

According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels ?
1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2, 5 and 6 only” option2=”1, 3, 4 and 6 only” option3=”2, 3, 4 and 5 only” option4=”1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6″ correct=”option1″]

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According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, raw materials like Cassava, Damaged wheat grains, Rotten potatoes, and Sugar beet can be used for the production of biofuels.
India’s National Policy on Biofuels (e.g., the 2018 policy) promotes the use of diverse feedstocks for biofuel production, particularly focusing on non-food based feedstocks (2nd generation) and utilizing damaged/surplus food grains and crops (1st generation under specific conditions). The policy explicitly lists “Sugarcane, Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, etc.” as potential feedstocks for ethanol production. Damaged edible oilseeds and non-edible oilseeds are listed for biodiesel production.
From the given list:
1. Cassava: Starch-containing material, listed as a potential feedstock for ethanol.
2. Damaged wheat grains: Explicitly listed as an allowed feedstock for ethanol when unfit for human consumption.
3. Groundnut seeds: Edible oilseed. While damaged edible oilseeds can be used for biodiesel, groundnut is primarily a food crop, and the policy prioritizes non-edible sources or damaged edible sources. It’s less certain as a primary listed source compared to others for bulk biofuel production unless specifically damaged.
4. Horse gram: Pulse (edible). Not typically listed as a primary biofuel feedstock under the policy unless damaged or surplus, similar to other edible grains/pulses.
5. Rotten potatoes: Damaged food crop, explicitly listed as a potential feedstock for ethanol.
6. Sugar beet: Sugar crop, explicitly listed as a potential feedstock for ethanol.
The policy aims to encourage the production of biofuels from a wide range of feedstocks to improve energy security, reduce import bills, manage surplus agricultural produce, and reduce environmental pollution. The focus is increasingly on 2G biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass, but 1G from specified sources like damaged food grains and sugar/starch crops like sugar beet and cassava is also allowed.

238. What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?

What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?

  • Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop.
  • Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the soil is possible.
  • Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

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All three statements describe advantages of zero tillage in agriculture.
Statement 1 is correct. Zero tillage allows direct sowing of seeds into the soil without plowing or tilling. This method can be used after harvesting the previous crop (e.g., rice) without needing to remove or burn the residue, as the seeds are sown directly through the stubble using specialized equipment. This helps in managing crop residue and prevents environmental pollution caused by burning.
Statement 2 is correct. Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) is a technique where rice seeds are sown directly into the field, bypassing the need for raising seedlings in a nursery and then transplanting them. Zero tillage systems are compatible with DSR, allowing farmers to transition away from the traditional transplanting method which requires significant water and nursery preparation.
Statement 3 is correct. Zero tillage reduces soil disturbance. Less disturbance helps in retaining soil organic carbon. Over time, this can lead to an increase in the soil’s organic matter content and facilitate carbon sequestration, potentially helping to mitigate climate change.
Other advantages of zero tillage include reduced fuel consumption (less machinery use), lower labor costs, improved soil structure over the long term, better water infiltration, and reduced soil erosion.

239. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the to

With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as

[amp_mcq option1=”ports handling foreign trade” option2=”capitals of powerful kingdoms” option3=”places of exquisite stone art and architecture” option4=”important Buddhist pilgrimage centres” correct=”option1″]

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During the Gupta period in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were well known as important ports handling foreign trade.
The Gupta period (c. 320 to 550 CE) was a time of flourishing trade, both internal and external. Coastal towns like Ghantasala (on the east coast, modern Andhra Pradesh), Kadura (potentially another port on the east or west coast), and Chaul (on the west coast, modern Maharashtra) served as vital links in India’s trade network with the Roman Empire, Southeast Asia, and other regions. These ports facilitated the export of goods like textiles, spices, precious stones, and ivory, and the import of items like gold, silver, horses, and luxury goods.
While some of these locations might have had other significance (e.g., religious sites), their primary renown during this period, especially when mentioned together in the context of trade routes, was due to their function as ports. The Gupta economy benefited significantly from this maritime trade.

240. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildl

If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

[amp_mcq option1=”A licence is required to cultivate that plant.” option2=”Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.” option3=”It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.” option4=”Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.” correct=”option1″]

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If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it implies that a license is required to cultivate that plant.
Schedule VI of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 lists specific plant species. The cultivation, collection, extraction, and sale of these plants and their derivatives require a license from the Chief Wild Life Warden or an authorized officer. Without a license, such activities are prohibited.
The purpose of placing plants under Schedule VI is generally to protect certain rare, endangered, or commercially important plant species from unsustainable exploitation. Examples of plants listed under Schedule VI include Pitcher Plant, Blue Vanda, Red Vanda, Kuth, Lady’s Slipper Orchid, and plants of the genus Renanthera.
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