Tag: Sustainable agriculture

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Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026

Source: THSubject: Miscellaneous Context: Two grassroots women changemakers—P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal were honored with the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 at an event in Chennai. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 About Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026: What It Is? The Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment …

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Analyse the impact of rising temperatures on rice cultivation in India. Examine its implications for food security. Suggest suitable adaptation strategies.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); Q2. Analyse the impact of rising temperatures on rice cultivation in India. Examine its implications for food security. Suggest suitable adaptation strategies. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Recent scientific studies indicate that rising temperatures …

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Discuss how intensive livestock production influences the evolution and transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Examine its implications for public health. Suggest measures to build resilient food production systems.

Topic: Economics of animal-rearing Q5.  Discuss how intensive livestock production influences the evolution and transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Examine its implications for public health. Suggest measures to build resilient food production systems. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question The growing evidence linking industrial livestock production, zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) …

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India’s Rice Fields as Global Methane Hotspots

Subject: CME Context: A new Nature Food study found that India's irrigated paddy fields are among the world's largest methane hotspots, emitting about 3.9 million tonnes of methane annually. India's Rice Fields as Global Methane Hotspots About India's Rice Fields as Global Methane Hotspots: What It Is? A global assessment published in Nature Food examined …

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“The next phase of India’s agricultural transformation must shift from input intensification to resource-use efficiency.” Assess the challenges in achieving this transition.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country. Q6. “The next phase of India’s agricultural transformation must shift from input intensification to resource-use efficiency.” Assess the challenges in achieving this transition. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The growing concerns of soil degradation, climate change and stagnating agricultural …

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Biochar

Source: THSubject: Environment Context: Amid a severe agricultural paradox where valuable biomass is burned as open-field crop residue, biochar has emerged as a crucial carbon-negative solution to restore India's depleted soils. Biochar About Biochar: What It Is? Biochar is a highly porous, carbon-rich solid material produced from various biomass sources—including wood chips, crop residues, manure, …

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The BRICS Indore Declaration

Source: TOISubject: International Organisation Context: India’s BRICS Presidency culminated in the adoption of the BRICS Indore Declaration during the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Indore in June 2026. The BRICS Indore Declaration About The BRICS Indore Declaration: What is it? The BRICS Indore Declaration is a unanimous joint agricultural charter adopted by BRICS member countries …

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 JUNE 2026

The current affairs article highlights key developments in governance, environment, economy, history, and international affairs. It discusses the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy, emphasizing urban fire safety challenges and the need for stricter enforcement. The “Carry Me Back” policy at Kedarnath promotes sustainable waste management through public participation. India’s role in UN peacekeeping is showcased through …

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Khet Bachao Abhiyan

Subject: CME Context: The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will conduct the month-long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from 1–30 June 2026 across the country. Khet Bachao Abhiyan About Khet Bachao Abhiyan: What It Is? Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a nationwide agricultural awareness and outreach campaign led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare …

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Discuss the role of soil microorganisms in nutrient cycling and crop productivity. Explain how their decline affects fertiliser-use efficiency.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Discuss the role of soil microorganisms in nutrient cycling and crop productivity. Explain how their decline affects fertiliser-use efficiency. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Soil degradation and declining soil biodiversity have emerged as major concerns for sustainable agriculture, …

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Examine the role of bio-fortified crops in addressing micronutrient deficiencies in India. Evaluate their advantages and limitations. Suggest measures for large-scale adoption.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Examine the role of bio-fortified crops in addressing micronutrient deficiencies in India. Evaluate their advantages and limitations. Suggest measures for large-scale adoption. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect health, productivity and human capital formation …

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Discuss the ecological and economic significance of apiculture in India. Analyse the major challenges confronting the sector.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q6. Discuss the ecological and economic significance of apiculture in India. Analyse the major challenges confronting the sector. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Growing concerns regarding pollinator decline, climate stress, and sustainability of agricultural exports have brought apiculture into …

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Analyse the economic and fiscal implications of rising agricultural subsidies in India. How do they affect long-term development priorities?

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Q6. Analyse the economic and fiscal implications of rising agricultural subsidies in India. How do they affect long-term development priorities? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Due to rising concerns regarding the growing fiscal burden of agricultural subsidies …

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Explain the major agronomic differences between conventional transplanted paddy and Direct-Seeded Rice cultivation. Assess their implications for water use and weed management.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country. Q5. Explain the major agronomic differences between conventional transplanted paddy and Direct-Seeded Rice cultivation. Assess their implications for water use and weed management. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The growing challenge of balancing agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability, particularly …

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Examine the significance of organic farming in promoting ecological sustainability and soil health. To what extent can organic agriculture contribute to long-term agricultural resilience in India?

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country. Q5. Examine the significance of organic farming in promoting ecological sustainability and soil health. To what extent can organic agriculture contribute to long-term agricultural resilience in India? (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Rising concerns regarding soil degradation, climate vulnerability, …

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“Agrifood systems are both victims and drivers of biodiversity loss.” Analyse this paradox. Suggest policy recalibrations required to align agrifood systems with biodiversity targets.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “Agrifood systems are both victims and drivers of biodiversity loss.” Analyse this paradox. Suggest policy recalibrations required to align agrifood systems with biodiversity targets. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Recent CBD deliberations before COP17 (2026) have highlighted agrifood …

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Analyse the economic rationale behind fertiliser subsidies in India. Analyse how the present subsidy architecture influences farmer input behaviour and cropping choices. Propose reforms to improve efficiency without compromising affordability.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies Q6. Analyse the economic rationale behind fertiliser subsidies in India. Analyse how the present subsidy architecture influences farmer input behaviour and cropping choices. Propose reforms to improve efficiency without compromising affordability. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Fertiliser subsidies are among India’s …

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Rajasthan Panchayat Organic Pledge

Context: Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Rajasthan has become the first village body in the State to be certified as fully organic, marking a major grassroots milestone in India’s shift towards chemical-free and sustainable agriculture. About Rajasthan Panchayat Organic Pledge: What it is? Bamanwas Kankar panchayat, comprising seven hamlets in Kotputli–Behror district, has formally committed to …

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FAO released The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report

Syllabus: Forest and Environment Source:  FAO Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report titled “Addressing Land Degradation Across Landholding Scales,” highlighting how human-induced land degradation undermines global food production. About FAO released The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report: What it is? An annual flagship …

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“Repurposing harmful agricultural subsidies could be the single biggest lever for climate adaptation”. Comment.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country. Q6. “Repurposing harmful agricultural subsidies could be the single biggest lever for climate adaptation”. Comment. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: Agricultural subsidy reform with climate adaptation, a key policy debate highlighted in COP30 discussions and national fiscal realignment efforts. …

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