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321. Which state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has recently partnered with Iceland for Geothermal Energy?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
In a pivotal move towards realizing carbon neutrality by 2070, the government of Uttarakhand has embarked on a partnership with Iceland, recognized as a global frontrunner in geothermal energy. This collaboration seeks to tap into the extensive geothermal resources available in Uttarakhand, thereby facilitating the advancement of sustainable energy alternatives. By entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Verkis Consulting Engineers from Iceland, the state aims to utilize geothermal energy for electricity production, representing a significant advancement in the evolution of renewable energy resources within India.
322. Which of the following IIT has identified specific bacterial strains from contaminated soils and agricultural fields?
[A] IIT Roorkee
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Bombay
Correct Answer: D [IIT Bombay]
Notes:
Prashant Phale, affiliated with the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay, has successfully isolated particular bacterial strains from soils and agricultural areas that are contaminated. The identified bacteria, predominantly belonging to the Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter genera, utilize harmful pollutants as a food source, effectively degrading them into non-toxic and innocuous substances.
323. Which of the following states has seen a decline in the Kharif rice procurement for 2024-25?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Both A & B
[D] Neither A nor B
Correct Answer: C [Both A & B]
Notes:
Recently, the Kharif rice procurement situation has varied across different states in India. Punjab and Haryana, which are known for their strong agricultural production, have seen lower procurement numbers than in past years. However, the total Kharif rice production is expected to hit a record 119.93 million tonnes, reflecting a 6% rise from last year. The Agriculture Ministry’s efforts, such as promoting crop diversification, have contributed to these results. The procurement goal for Kharif rice in 2024-25 is set at 492.11 lakh tonnes. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has already reached 64% of this goal in just three months, mainly due to strong procurement efforts in Punjab and Haryana. From October to December, rice procurement increased by 4.3%, reaching 313.13 lakh tonnes, up from 300.15 lakh tonnes last year.
324. Which of the following has successfully conducted the first trial blast of the Dozer Push Mining Method in India?
[A] CSIR-CIMFR
[B] CSIR-AMPRI
[C] CSIR-CBRI
[D] CSIR-CCMB
Correct Answer: A [CSIR-CIMFR]
Notes:
The Dozer Push Mining Method is a new technique developed by CSIR-CIMFR. The CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research has made significant progress in the mining industry. They recently completed the first trial blast of this method in India. This innovative approach uses advanced digital technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in mining operations. The trial was conducted at the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Coal Mine, which is run by Adani Enterprises Limited in Chhattisgarh.
325. Which state Government has reactivated a 1978 Act aimed at preventing forced religious conversions?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The government of Arunachal Pradesh is taking steps to revive a legislative measure from 1978 that seeks to curb forced religious conversions. This initiative comes almost fifty years after the original enactment by the inaugural Legislative Assembly of the former Union Territory. The legislation explicitly forbids conversions achieved through coercive tactics, inducements, or deceptive practices, and stipulates penalties that may include imprisonment and monetary fines. Currently, the government is in the process of developing regulations to facilitate the enforcement of this previously inactive law.
326. Which state government has recently with partnered of Google Cloud to introduce a groundbreaking agricultural network?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] West Bengal
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government has teamed up with Google Cloud to launch an innovative agricultural network. This project uses Google’s Gemini framework and the Beckn Protocol to give farmers easy access to important services. The UP Open Network for Agriculture will offer advisory services, credit options, machinery access, and market connections. This network aims to support millions of farmers by removing obstacles to using technology and improving their productivity.
327. Who has been launched 8th Edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) recently?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Piyush Goyal
[C] Nirmala Sitharaman
[D] Amit Shah
Correct Answer: B [Piyush Goyal]
Notes:
India’s organic farming sector is on the verge of significant expansion, with total export values anticipated to reach Rs 20,000 crore by 2028. This forecast was presented by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, during the inauguration of the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
The NPOP Portal enhances operational efficiency and visibility for organic producers and exporters. The Organic Promotion Portal serves to link farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with international buyers, offering resources for capacity building. TraceNet 2.0 guarantees traceability and adherence to global certification standards. The revamped APEDA Portal streamlines processes for exporters of agricultural and processed food products. The AgriXchange Portal delivers trade insights and facilitates connections between exporters and global buyers.
Recent Reforms in Organic Certification include a simplified certification process that grants legal recognition to organic grower groups, a potential reduction of up to three years in the conversion period for land to organic farming, and enhanced monitoring through the use of IT tools, which provide public access to farmer information.
328. Which country has recently reported its first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [Germany]
Notes:
Germany has confirmed its first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in almost four decades. This outbreak was identified in a herd of water buffalo located near Berlin, posing significant challenges for the local agricultural sector. In reaction to this situation, authorities have implemented euthanasia for the infected animals and have created a 3-kilometre exclusion zone, along with a 10-kilometre monitoring area. These actions are intended to mitigate the risk of further disease transmission. Nevertheless, at this time, there are no plans for national or international interventions, as both Germany and the European Union continue to be recognized as free from the disease.
329. The Extraordinary African Union Summit has adopted the Kampala Declaration, which sets a transformative agenda for which field of Africa?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Science
[C] Commerce
[D] Communications
Correct Answer: A [Agriculture]
Notes:
The Exceptional African Union Summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda, on January 11, 2025. During this summit, the Kampala Declaration was ratified, establishing a transformative framework for Africa’s agri-food systems for the period spanning 2026 to 2035. This declaration builds upon the Malabo Declaration, signifying a transition towards a holistic agri-food systems strategy aimed at addressing the challenges of food security and agricultural productivity throughout the continent.
330. Which Indian state farmers to a call for India to withdraw from the WTO?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Kerala
[D] Punjab
Correct Answer: D [Punjab]
Notes:
Farmers in India continue to protest against the World Trade Organization (WTO) policies, claiming these rules threaten their livelihoods. The demonstrations, especially strong in Punjab, have shifted from seeking legal recognition of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to a wider call for India to withdraw from the WTO. Farmers believe that WTO regulations benefit wealthy countries, endangering food security and the earnings of small farmers in India.
