El Nino effect: Centre says 111 districts with ‘poor irrigation facilities’ are a concern

Consider the following statements:

1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

1. A. measurement of land
2. B. coins of different monetary value
3. C. classification of urban land
4. D. religious rituals

Consider the following statements : 

Statement-I : According to the United Nation's 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year. 

Statement-II :India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world's population living in its territory.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following:

1. Areca nut
2. Barley
3. Coffee
4. Finger millet
5. Groundnut
6. Sesamum
7. Turmeric

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affair, has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above?

1. A. 1, 2, 3 and 7 only
2. B. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
3. C. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Consider the following statements:
1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinicia) seeds.
2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and "Blue Transformation".

Which of the following combinations about the "Four Betters" proposed by FAO for "Blue Transformation" is correct ?

1. A. Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean
2. B. Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life
3. C. Better coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better life
4. D. Better estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?

1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2
3. C. 2 and 3
4. D. 3 only

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

1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabicrop.
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?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Programme/ Project Ministry
1. Drought-Prone Area Programme: Ministry of Agriculture
2. Desert Development Programme: Ministry of Environment and Forests
3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas: Ministry of Rural Development

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1, 2 and 3
4. D. None

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

According to the recent assessment by the Union Agriculture Ministry regarding the El Nino situation, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. 111 districts have been identified as high priority due to irrigation coverage below 25%. 2. 76 districts fall under the medium-priority category with irrigation coverage between 25% and 50%. 3. 128 districts have been classified as low priority with relatively better irrigation facilities. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

In response to the potential impact of the El Nino situation on agriculture, the Centre has outlined several proactive measures. Which of the following statements correctly describes these measures or involved agencies?

1. A. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is primarily responsible for preparing district-specific agricultural contingency plans.
2. B. Water conservation and harvesting works are mainly being promoted through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
3. C. Plans are being prepared to transport fodder from surplus regions to deficit areas to mitigate shortages for livestock.
4. D. The government's strategy focuses solely on providing financial aid to farmers in affected rainfed regions.

Regarding the El Nino situation and its potential impact on Indian agriculture as discussed in the article, consider the following statements: 1. The monsoon rainfall has been around 43% below normal so far. 2. Kharif crops, particularly in rainfed regions, are expected to be directly affected. 3. Maharashtra has been identified as the state with the highest number of high-priority districts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. 1 and 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

The Centre's proactive approach to mitigate the El Nino impact, focusing on district-specific contingency plans and water conservation, signifies a shift in disaster preparedness. Analyze the effectiveness of such measures in safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and food security, particularly in rainfed regions with poor irrigation facilities.

Introduce the El Nino challenge and the government's proactive stance. Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of district-specific plans, water conservation, and fodder management. Highlight challenges in implementation, especially in vulnerable regions, and conclude with suggestions for long-term resilience.

In light of increasing climatic variability, the article highlights the critical role of improving irrigation facilities and promoting water conservation through programs like MGNREGA. Discuss how these interventions are crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience, ensuring farmer livelihoods, and fostering inclusive growth in rural India.

Begin by establishing the context of climate variability and its impact on agriculture. Elaborate on how improved irrigation and water conservation (mentioning MGNREGA) directly contribute to resilience, income stability, and broader rural development, linking it to inclusive growth. Conclude with the need for integrated strategies.