Ans: A

Exp:

Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no-waste, closed-loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture studies and applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts at any scale. It is a multidisciplinary toolbox including agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy, natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics and community development.

It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way. Without permanent agriculture there is no possibility of a stable social order.

Permaculture design is a system of assembling conceptual, material, and strategic components in a pattern which functions to benefit life in all its forms. The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless action; of looking at systems in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them; and allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolutions.

Ans: A

Exp:

Drip irrigation is an efficient and economical way to water your yard and garden. Used commonly in drier areas of the country, drip irrigation is becoming more popular in the Northeast.  Unlike other forms of irrigation, such as sprinklers that are only 65-75% efficient, drip irrigation 90% efficient at allowing plants to use the water applied.  And, it reduces runoff and evaporation. Drip irrigation applies the water slowly at the plant root zone where it is needed most.

Advantages:

Option 1 is correct: Reduced Water Usage – By directly targeting the root zone, water isn’t wasted on areas that won’t benefit the plant.

Option 2 is incorrect: Prevents Soil Erosion – Drip irrigation is a gentle, steady drip and reduces the amount of runoff, therefor reducing soil erosion.

Option 3 is incorrect: Nutrient Runoff Minimized – When there’s a large volume of water running off the soils surface it depletes nutrients in that soil. Since drip irrigation reduces runoff it reduces the loss of nutrients.

Option 4 is correct: Healthier Foliage – Overhead watering means the leaves of the plant stay wet long after irrigating. Wet leaves causes discoloring and spotting. With drip irrigation, the plants leaves remain dry.

Ans: C

Exp:

Government of India (GoI) set up a High Level Committee (HLC) in August 2014 with Shri Shanta Kumar as the Chairman, six members and a special invitee to suggest restructuring or unbundling of FCI with a view to improve its operational efficiency and financial management. GoI also asked HLC to suggest measures for overall improvement in management of foodgrains by FCI; to suggest reorienting the role and functions of FCI in MSP operations, storage and distribution of foodgrains and food security systems of the country; and to suggest cost effective models for storage and movement of grains and integration of supply chain of foodgrains in the country.

Ans: D

Exp:

The new high-yielding variety Co – 18009 (Punnagai) of sugarcane was in veryu high demand. It was developed by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) through a tie-up with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, for planting during 2024. The non-flowering ‘punnagai’ variety preferred by farmers ensures yield of up to 160 tonnes per hectare.

Ans: A

Exp:

The question of Land Reforms was discussed at the highest political level in the year 1949 and an Agrarian Reforms Committee was constituted with Shri J.C. Kumarappa as its chairman. The Committee as constituted in 1949 under the Chairmanship of J.C.Kumarappa made the following recommendations-:

• elimination of scope of exploitation of poor cultivators by rich landlord
• to inculcate in the minds of farmers a sense of self assertion
• Abolition of all intermediaries between the state and the tiller
• prohibition of subletting of land and transfer of agricultural land to non-agriculturist
• the setting up of an administrative machinery with dedicated officers for proper implementation of land reforms measures.