Agriculture & Rural Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
India signed an MoU on technical cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors in August 2025 with which country, in its capital Thimphu?
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Correct answer: D — Bhutan
The India–Bhutan MoU was signed in Thimphu, followed by the first Joint Technical Working Group meeting.
Consider the following statements about the India–Bhutan agriculture MoU (August 2025): 1. It was signed at the level of Agriculture Secretaries of the two countries. 2. A Joint Technical Working Group met for the first time after the signing. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Secretaries Devesh Chaturvedi and Thinley Namgyel signed it, and the first JTWG session followed.
On 28 August 2025, the Centre extended the import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) till:
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Correct answer: C — 31 December 2025
The exemption, originally from 19 August to 30 September 2025, was extended till 31 December 2025.
The temporary import duty exemption on cotton, later extended in August 2025, had originally come into force on:
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Correct answer: D — 19 August 2025
The Centre had temporarily exempted cotton from import duty from 19 August 2025 till 30 September 2025.
As stated by the Union Agriculture Minister at the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers' Workshop (August 2025), India's wheat production in the past 10–11 years has risen from 86.5 million tonnes to:
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Correct answer: C — 117.5 million tonnes
Wheat production rose from 86.5 million tonnes to 117.5 million tonnes, an increase of about 44%.
Glanders, the equine disease targeted by a Revised National Action Plan in August 2025, is caused by:
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Correct answer: B — Burkholderia mallei
Glanders is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and primarily affects horses, mules and donkeys.
Under the revised wheat stock limits announced on 26 August 2025, the limit for traders/wholesalers has been reduced to:
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Correct answer: A — 2,000 MT
The limit for traders/wholesalers was cut from 3,000 MT to 2,000 MT, applicable until 31 March 2026.
Wheat stockists violating the revised stock limits (August 2025) face punitive action under which law?
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Correct answer: D — Essential Commodities Act, 1955
Violators are subject to punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Which meeting of the India–South Africa Joint Working Group on Agriculture was held virtually on 26 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5th
The 5th meeting of the India–South Africa JWG on Agriculture was held in virtual mode on 26 August 2025.
Under the Letter of Intent signed between India and the World Food Programme on 25 August 2025, India offers WFP the opportunity to supply which commodity?
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Correct answer: B — Fortified rice
Under the LoI, the Department of Food and Public Distribution offers WFP the opportunity to supply fortified rice from India for vulnerable populations in crisis zones.
Consider the following statements about the India–WFP Letter of Intent of 25 August 2025: 1. On the Indian side, the initiative is offered by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. 2. The LoI followed discussions at a February 2025 WFP Executive Board side event held in Geneva. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Department of Food and Public Distribution offers WFP the opportunity to supply fortified rice. Statement 2 is incorrect: the February 2025 Executive Board side event was held in Rome, not Geneva.
Which body released India's first national 'Guidelines and SOPs for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals in India' in August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying released the guidelines and SOPs.
Consider the following statements about the national Guidelines/SOPs for animal blood transfusion released in August 2025: 1. They make blood typing and cross-matching mandatory to prevent incompatibility reactions. 2. They lay out a roadmap for a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Key highlights include mandatory blood typing and cross-matching to prevent incompatibility reactions and a roadmap for a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN) with digital registries, real-time inventories and an emergency helpline.
In August 2025, the Centre announced a pilot project including the 'one fish one paddy' initiative and biofloc farming to revive diversified fish farming in which region?
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Correct answer: D — Kuttanad, Kerala
MoS George Kurian announced the pilot project to revive diversified fish farming in the Kuttanad region of Kerala, including integrated, cage, 'one fish one paddy' and biofloc farming.
Which initiative was discussed at the 28th PM-STIAC meeting chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood on 21 August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — National Plant Health Initiative
The 28th PM-STIAC meeting at NASC, New Delhi, was held to discuss the National Plant Health Initiative (NPHI).
From which place did Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan digitally transfer PMFBY claim payouts on 11 August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
Shivraj Singh Chouhan transferred the crop insurance payouts under PMFBY directly to farmers' bank accounts from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
About how much was disbursed under PMFBY to nearly 35 lakh farmers on 11 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,900 crore
Around ₹3,900 crore was disbursed to the accounts of nearly 35 lakh farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
The first M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, presented on 7 August 2025, went to a scientist from which country?
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Correct answer: C — Nigeria
The Prime Minister congratulated Professor Adenle of Nigeria, the first recipient of the award.
What was the theme of the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference held in August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Evergreen Revolution, The Pathway to Biohappiness
The theme of the conference was 'Evergreen Revolution, The Pathway to Biohappiness', reflecting Professor Swaminathan's ideas.
Consider the following statements about the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace: 1. It was launched by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and The World Academy of Sciences. 2. It is meant only for Indian agricultural scientists. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the award was launched by the MSSRF and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Statement 2 is incorrect: it recognises individuals from developing countries who have contributed to food security, climate justice, equity and peace.
Which instalment of PM-KISAN did Prime Minister Narendra Modi release from Varanasi on 2 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 20th
The Prime Minister released the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN, transferring more than ₹20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers.
Approximately how much money was transferred to farmers with the PM-KISAN instalment released on 2 August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — More than ₹20,500 crore
More than ₹20,500 crore was transferred to over 9.7 crore farmers with the 20th instalment.
From which city did the Prime Minister release the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN in August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Varanasi
The 20th instalment was released by the Prime Minister in Varanasi, where he also launched development works worth about ₹2,200 crore.
Consider the following statements about PM-KISAN, as reported in August 2025: 1. The scheme was launched on 24 February 2019. 2. Over ₹3,77,000 crore has so far been transferred directly to farmers' accounts under the scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. PM-KISAN was launched on 24 February 2019, and the Agriculture Minister said over ₹3,77,000 crore has been transferred directly to farmers so far.
What total outlay did the Union Cabinet approve on 31 July 2025 for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana for 2021-22 to 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — ₹6,520 crore
The Cabinet approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore, including an additional ₹1,920 crore.
How many multi-product food irradiation units are to be supported under PMKSY as per the Cabinet decision of 31 July 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 50
₹1,000 crore will support 50 multi-product food irradiation units and 100 NABL-accredited food testing labs.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): 1. The food irradiation units will be supported under its Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) component. 2. The NABL-accredited food testing labs will be supported under its Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Cabinet release; both components are demand-driven.
Where has the Commission for Air Quality Management set up a dedicated year-round cell for paddy stubble management, as announced on 29 July 2025?
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Correct answer: D — SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab
PIB (29 July 2025): CAQM established a Dedicated CAQM Cell at Kisan Vikas Chamber, Kalkat Bhawan, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab.
Besides paddy stubble management, the new CAQM cell in Mohali will monitor pollution control in identified thermal power plants with a focus on:
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Correct answer: C — Biomass co-firing
PIB: the cell will also monitor and coordinate air pollution control measures in identified thermal power plants, particularly biomass co-firing.
Under Section 3(2)(c) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, the five ex officio State Members of CAQM come from:
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Correct answer: A — Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
CAQM Act, 2021 (Act 29 of 2021), Section 3(2)(c): five ex officio Members who are Chief Secretaries or Secretaries in charge of environment in the NCT of Delhi and the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
As per kharif sowing data as on 25 July 2025, rice area was 245.13 lakh hectare. By how much was this higher than a year earlier?
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Correct answer: A — 28.97 lakh hectare
PIB (28 July 2025): rice area was 245.13 lakh ha against 216.16 lakh ha in 2024-25, an increase of 28.97 lakh ha.
Which kharif crop group showed a decline in area coverage as on 25 July 2025 compared with a year earlier?
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Correct answer: D — Oilseeds
PIB: oilseeds area fell by 3.83 lakh ha (soybean down 4.68), while rice, pulses and coarse cereals rose.
How much did the Ministry of Rural Development release to Rajasthan under MGNREGA, as stated by Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 28 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹4,384 crore
PIB (28 July 2025): Chouhan said the Ministry of Rural Development had recently released ₹4,384 crore to Rajasthan under MGNREGA.
With which country/territory does India have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products, as stated by APEDA in July 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Taiwan
PIB (27 July 2025): NPOP crop standards are recognised by the European Commission and Switzerland and accepted by Great Britain; there is an MRA for organic products with Taiwan.
Consider the following statements about the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): 1. It was launched in 2001 by the Department of Commerce, with APEDA as its Secretariat. 2. Grower group certification under it began in 2005 for small and marginal farmers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
PIB: NPOP was launched in 2001 by the Department of Commerce, APEDA is its Secretariat, and grower group certification was launched in 2005. Both correct.
Who chaired the committee that drafted the National Cooperation Policy 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Suresh Prabhu
PIB (24 July 2025): a 40-member committee under former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu presented the policy.
By which year does the National Cooperation Policy 2025 aim to triple the cooperative sector's contribution to GDP?
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Correct answer: A — 2034
PIB: by 2034, the policy aims to triple the cooperative sector's contribution to GDP and bring 50 crore active members into the fold.
India's first national cooperative policy, preceding the National Cooperation Policy 2025, was introduced in:
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Correct answer: C — 2002
PIB (24 July 2025): Amit Shah said that in 2002, for the first time, the Government of India introduced a Cooperation Policy; the 2025 policy is the second.
Consider the following objectives of the National Cooperation Policy 2025: 1. A 30% increase in the number of cooperative societies. 2. Five model cooperative villages in every tehsil. 3. 50 crore active members by 2034. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
PIB: objectives include a 30% increase in cooperative societies, five model cooperative villages in every tehsil and bringing 50 crore active members into the fold by 2034. All correct.
Bose Institute researchers identified the AcSERK3 gene in pineapple (reported July 2025) as a defence against which disease?
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Correct answer: B — Fusariosis
PIB (22 July 2025): the AcSERK3 gene can activate host defences against Fusariosis, caused by Fusarium moniliforme.
The ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, visited by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 19 July 2025, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Junagadh
PIB (Rural Development): Chouhan visited the ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research in Junagadh, Gujarat.
At Junagadh on 19 July 2025, Shivraj Singh Chouhan released a compilation of how many success stories of Lakhpati Didis?
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Correct answer: C — 50
PIB (Rural Development): the minister released a compilation of 50 inspiring success stories of Lakhpati Didis under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
Where was the 88th session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88) held in July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Rome
PIB (Health): CCEXEC88 was held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, from 14 to 18 July 2025.
India chairs the Codex work on a group standard for which product, with Mali, Nigeria and Senegal as co-chairs?
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Correct answer: A — Whole millet grains
PIB (Health): the work on a group standard for whole millet grains is chaired by India with Mali, Nigeria and Senegal as co-chairs.
Consider the following statements about CCEXEC88 (July 2025): 1. India will co-chair new work proposals on standards for fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli. 2. The new standards for fresh dates were given final adoption at CCEXEC88 itself. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Health): India will co-chair new work on fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli, so 1 is correct; the fresh dates standards were endorsed for further approval at CAC48 in November 2025, so 2 is wrong.
In which city was the 'Sahkar & Rojgar Utsav' addressed by Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on 17 July 2025 held?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): Amit Shah addressed the 'Sahkar & Rojgar Utsav' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where appointment letters were distributed to over 8,000 youth.
As stated by Amit Shah in Jaipur on 17 July 2025, how many of the targeted two lakh new PACS have been created?
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Correct answer: B — 40 thousand
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): Shah said the aim is to create two lakh new PACS, of which 40 thousand have been created.
Consider the following statements: 1. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. 2. As per the Union Minister of Cooperation in July 2025, the Ministry of Cooperation had taken 61 initiatives within four years of its establishment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): Shah said the UNGA declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives and that within four years of its establishment the ministry strengthened cooperatives through 61 initiatives. Both are correct.
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, approved by the Cabinet on 16 July 2025, will cover how many districts?
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Correct answer: B — 100
PIB (Cabinet): the Cabinet approved the scheme for a period of six years, beginning with 2025-26, to cover 100 districts.
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from which programme?
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Correct answer: D — NITI Aayog's Aspirational District Programme
PIB (Cabinet): the scheme draws inspiration from NITI Aayog's Aspirational District Programme and is the first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.
Consider the following statements about the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: 1. Districts will be identified on low productivity, low cropping intensity and less credit disbursement. 2. At least one district will be selected from each state. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Cabinet): 100 districts will be identified based on low productivity, low cropping intensity and less credit disbursement, and a minimum of 1 district will be selected from each state. Both are correct.
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will be implemented through convergence of how many existing schemes, and its progress monitored monthly on how many key performance indicators?
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Correct answer: A — 36 schemes across 11 departments; 117 KPIs
PIB (Cabinet): the scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 departments, and progress in each district will be monitored on 117 KPIs through a dashboard on a monthly basis.
Which foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was celebrated on 16 July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 97th
PIB (MoA&FW): Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the 97th Foundation Day celebration of ICAR at NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi.
India held the 2nd Joint Working Group meeting on agriculture cooperation on 15 July 2025 with which country?
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Correct answer: C — Argentina
PIB (MoA&FW): the 2nd JWG meeting on Agriculture between India and Argentina was held, co-chaired by Devesh Chaturvedi and Argentina's Sergio Iraeta.
Under the long-term agreements signed on 13 July 2025, how much DAP will Saudi Arabia's Maaden supply to Indian companies per annum from 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — 3.1 million metric tonnes
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers: overall enhanced 3.1 million MT of DAP per annum for five years from 2025-26. (1.9 MMT was India's 2024-25 import from Saudi Arabia.)
Which Saudi company signed long-term DAP supply agreements with IPL, KRIBHCO and CIL during J.P. Nadda's visit in July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Maaden
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers: the two Ministers witnessed the signing of Long-Term Agreements between Maaden and Indian companies IPL, KRIBHCO and CIL.
Consider the following statements about J.P. Nadda's July 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia: 1. The DAP supply agreements run for five years from 2025-26 and can be extended by five more years by mutual consent. 2. A joint team led by India's Secretary (Fertilizer) and Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Mining Affairs was set up. 3. India's DAP imports from Saudi Arabia fell in 2024-25 compared with the previous year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: imports rose about 17%, from 1.6 million MT to 1.9 million MT in 2024-25.
During his July 2025 visit, J.P. Nadda toured Maaden's phosphate production facilities at which Saudi location?
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Correct answer: D — Ras Al Khair
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers: on 12 July, Nadda and the delegation visited Maaden facilities at Ras Al Khair and toured the phosphate production plant.
To whom did Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan write, as announced on 13 July 2025, seeking a campaign against fake fertilizers?
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Correct answer: B — Chief Ministers of all States and UTs
Agriculture Ministry: the Union Minister wrote to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories.
The sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is issued under which Act?
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Correct answer: D — Essential Commodities Act, 1955
Agriculture Ministry: sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Consider the following directions issued to States in the Agriculture Minister's letter (July 2025): 1. Forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulants with conventional fertilizers should be stopped immediately. 2. All sales of nano-fertilizers should be banned. 3. States should procure fertilizers directly from manufacturers abroad. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is in the letter. The letter asks States to stop forced tagging, not to ban nano-fertilizers, and says nothing about direct procurement abroad.
The 'Workshop on Breed Development in India', chaired by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on 12 July 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
Ministry of FAHD: the workshop was held on 12 July 2025 at Indira Gandhi Convention Centre, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The meeting on boosting cotton productivity chaired by Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 11 July 2025 was held at which institute?
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Correct answer: D — ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore
Agriculture Ministry: the meeting was convened at the ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Which Union Minister of Textiles took part in the cotton productivity meeting in Coimbatore on 11 July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Giriraj Singh
Agriculture Ministry: Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh was present.