Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

1. Which state government bans the sale of Endosulfan and 19 other insecticides, which are harmful for human beings as well as from the environmental sustainability and economic viability aspects?(Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018)
1. Haryana
2. Punjab
3. Uttarakhand
4. Gujarat
5. Kerala

Answer –2. Punjab

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh approved a ban on the sale of Endosulfan and 19 other insecticides. These insecticides have been reported to be harmful for human beings as well as from the environmental sustainability and economic viability aspects. Recommendation to ban these insecticides was made by Registration Committee, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission (PSFC). 19 other insecticides that have been banned include: Phosphamidon, Benfuracarb, Tricholorofon, Dicofol, Thiophanate Methyl, Methomyl, Bifenthrin, Chlorfenapyr, Dazomet, Diflubenzuron, Carbosulfan, Fenitrothion, Kasugamycin, Ethofenprox (Etofenprox), Metaldehyde, Phorate, Triazophos, Alachior and Monocrotophos. The ban will be effective from February 1, 2018.(Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018)

2. Central Government has sanctioned Rs 1500 crore to promote organic farming in which state?
1. Punjab
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Bihar
4. Jharkhand
5. Uttarakhand

Answer -5. Uttarakhand

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
Central Government has sanctioned Rs 1500 crore to promote organic farming in Uttarakhand. The amount was sanctioned by Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh during his meeting with Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat in New Delhi on January 30, 2018. The amount of Rs. 1500 crore will be disbursed over a period of three years. This decision is to manifest Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to develop Uttarakhand as an organic state.

3. Which State Government launched four schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors among the economically backward segments of the state?
1. Madhya Pradesh
2. Bihar
3. Assam
4. Manipur
5. Maharashtra

Answer 5. Maharashtra

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
Maharashtra State Government launched four schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors among the economically backward segments of the state. One of the scheme is about extending loan along with interest subsidy while second scheme is for promoting group farming. Third scheme is for group projects related to agro-industries and small and medium scale entrepreneurs while fourth scheme relates to skill development training in agriculture under which, training will be imparted to 2.5 lakh youths across rural Maharashtra. Beneficiaries of all the above stated schemes would be in 18 – 41 years age group.

4. Government has announced how many crore for the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme which is aimed at promoting use of solar energy for pumps and encourage use of barren land for setting up decentralised solar power plants?
1. Rs 170000 crore
2. Rs 160000 crore
3. Rs 150000 crore
4. Rs 140000 crore
5. Rs 145000 crore

Answer – 4. Rs 140000 crore

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
On February 2, 2018, Power and Renewable Energy Minister, R K Singh stated that, government will implement a Rs 140000-crore Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme as announced in Union Budget 2018. KUSUM is aimed at promoting use of solar energy for pumps and encourage use of barren land for setting up decentralised solar power plants. This scheme will not only lead to increase in farmers’ income by giving them option to sell additional power to the grid but will also reduce their dependence on diesel pumps. The scheme envisages setting up 10000-mw solar plants on barren lands and incentivising discoms to buy the produced electricity, solarising existing pumps of 7250-mw and government tube wells of 8250-mw capacity and distributing 17.5 lakh solar pumps. A central financial assistance of Rs. 48000 crore (in phased manner) has been announced for this project in Union Budget 2018. The balance will be raised by the states.

5. Where is the India’s largest Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) inaugurated?
1. Mumbai
2. Hyderabad
3. Bhubaneshwar
4. Kolkata
5. Patna

Answer – 2. Hyderabad

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
On 2nd February 2018, the Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) on Neknampur Lake was inaugurated in Hyderabad. The Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) on Neknampur Lake was inaugurated on World Wetlands Day (February 2). The size of the FTW is 3,000 sq. ft. It has been formed by the joint efforts of Dhruvansh, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, the Ranga Reddy district administration and other organisations. It has been named the largest FTW in India by the India Book of Records. It has been developed based on soil-less hydroponics technique. The FTW is planted with cleaning agents like vetivers, canna, cattalis, bulrush, citronella, hibiscus, fountain grass, flowering herbs, tulsi and ashvagandha.

6. In which State the first ever Butterfly Park was inaugurated?
1. Karnataka
2. Uttar Pradesh
3. Maharashtra
4. Punjab
5. Uttarakhand

Answer – 2. Uttar Pradesh

Explanation :
Uttar Pradesh State Government inaugurated state’s first ever butterfly park in Kanpur. Estimated cost for constructing this butterfly park is Rs. 1 crore. In order to attract butterflies, 100 species of flowers have been planted in the park. So far, more than 50 species of butterflies have already been spotted in this park. The Butterfly Park in Kanpur will open for public by March 2018. Butterfly parks are pollution-free spaces which do not have chemicals/pesticides and play an important role in conserving endangered butterfly species.

7. What is the campaign that has been launched by Environment Ministry to sensitise students about climate change and global warming? (Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018)
1. Clean Environment
2. Clean and Green
3. No Global Warming
4. Go Green
5. Green Good Deeds

Answer – 5.Green Good Deeds

Explanation :
On February 3, 2018, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr Harsh Vardhan appealed to the teaching community to join the ‘Green Good Deeds’ campaign. This campaign has been launched by Environment Ministry to sensitise students about climate change and global warming. ’Green Good Deeds’ campaign is based on the premise that it is the moral responsibility of current generation to restore and return the clean and green environment to the next generation. A mobile application – ‘Dr Harsh Vardhan’ has also been launched to reach out to people across India and provide information about ‘Green Good Deeds’ campaign.

8. In which Indian city, Kala Ghoda Arts festival 2018 was inaugurated?
1. Mumbai
2. Chennai
3. Bhubaneswar
4. Indore
5. Patna

Answer – 1. Mumbai

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual multicultural festival held in the Kala Ghoda area of South Mumbai. Kala Ghoda Arts festival 2018, which is the 20th edition of this festival, began on February 3, 2018. This year’s theme is ‘Hara Ghoda’ (Green Horse) focusing on sustainability and environment-friendliness. Art enthusiasts can witness an amalgamation of contemporary art illustrations, dance, theatre, music, literature and food during the course of this 9-day art festival. This festival is organised by Kala Ghoda Association, which was formed in 1998 with an objective of maintaining and preserving the heritage and art district of South Mumbai.

9. In which state, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has sanctioned a new project to control pollution in river Sal?
1. Odisha
2. Goa
3. Karnataka
4. Maharashtra
5. Madhya Pradesh

Answer – 2. Goa

Explanation :
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has sanctioned a new project to control pollution in River Sal at Navelim town in Goa. This project has been sanctioned under National River Conservation Plan. It envisages construction of 32 kms of sewers and sewage treatment plant of 3 million litres per day (MLD). Estimated cost for this project is Rs. 61.74 crore, which will be shared by Centre and State in 60:40 ratio. Post completion (by January 2021), this project will not only will help in reduction of pollution load in the river and improve its water quality, but will also improve environment and sanitation in the town.

10. Who is the author of the book ‘Exam Warriors’?
1. Sumitra Mahajan
2. Ram Nath Kovind
3. Arvind Kejriwal
4. Sushma Swaraj
5. Narendra Modi

Answer – 5. Narendra Modi

Explanation :
On 3rd February 2018, ‘Exam Warriors’, a book written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was launched. The book ‘Exam Warriors’ was released by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the release. This book has been published by Penguin India. It consists of 208 pages. This book has been written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in order to inspire youth and help them face difficult situations like examinations, with fresh and new energy.

11. Which country has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with United Nations World Food Programme by giving an aid of 370 million dollars to World Food Programme (WFP) for the next 4 years?
1.Norway
2.China
3. Japan
4.Sweden
5. USA

Answer – 4. Sweden

Explanation :
On 2nd February 2018, Sweden signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with United Nations World Food Programme, committing 370 million dollars to World Food Programme (WFP) for the next 4 years. Sweden’s contribution for the 2018-2021 period is the biggest contribution made by a donor within the WFP Strategic Partnership Agreement. The Swedish government has been the largest donor of flexible funds to WFP for nearly 10 years. This is the first time in a decade, the number of hungry people in the world is on the rise. Out of the total hungry people in the world, majority of them live in conflict affected countries.World Food Programme (WFP) has said that, ten out of thirteen largest food crises in the world are created by conflict.

12. The first ever ‘Pelican Bird Festival’ was held at ___?
1. Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
2. Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
3. PulicatBird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
4. Neelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
5. Majira Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

Answer – 1. Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

Explanation :
On 4th February 2018, ‘Pelican Bird Festival-2018’ was held at the Atapaka Bird Sanctuary on Kolleru Lake, in Andhra Pradesh. The Pelican Bird Festival-2018 was jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) and Krishna district administration. Andhra Pradesh Tourism minister BhumaAkhilaPriya and Krishna District collector B Lakshmikantham inaugurated the Pelican Bird Festival-2018. A rally was organized from Kaikaluru town to Atapaka bird sanctuary during the festival. Thousands of artists, students and officials of the tourism department participated in the rally. A musical night was also arranged as a part of the Pelican Bird Festival. Various film stars took part in the musical night.

13. Name the Nepali beverage, which has finally received its own brand logo or trademark in the international market after 154-year long cultivation.
1. Nepalese Tea
2. Seabuckthorn juice
3. Arag
4. Tonga
5. Tibetan Tea

Answer – 1.Nepalese Tea

Explanation :
Nepalese tea has finally received its own brand logo or trademark in the international market after 154-year long cultivation. The logo has been developed and registered by National Tea and Coffee Development Board under Nepal’s Ministry of Agricultural Development. The trademark has an image of mountains with “Nepal Tea: Quality from the Himalayas” written below it. It will be formally unveiled during the 3rd International Tea Festival in Nepal in March 2018. Nepali tea producers, who were so far using respective companies names or logos for exporting tea, would now sell the tea in international market with a common logo, representing their national identity. Tea cultivation is spread across 27688 hectares of land in 44 districts of Nepal. It has been exporting tea to various countries including India.

14. Which state Government launched ‘Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran’, a farmers’ welfare department which will be entrusted with the responsibility to make agriculture remunerative by enhancing productivity and thereby mitigate the distress of farm households and landless workers?
1. Punjab
2. Haryana
3. Bihar
4. Karnataka
5. Gujarat

Answer – 2. Haryana

Agriculture Current Affairs February 2018

Explanation :
On February 6, 2018, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated that the State Government will establish ‘Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran’, a farmers’ welfare department which will be entrusted with the responsibility to make agriculture remunerative by enhancing productivity and thereby mitigate the distress of farm households and landless workers. This announcement was made by Mr. Khattar while interacting with farmers during the ‘Ek Aur Sudhar’ programme in Chandigarh. Chief Minister of Haryana would be the ex-officio chairperson of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran, while State’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister would be the ex-officio vice- chairman. Besides handling its primary responsibility of making agriculture remunerative, Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran will also synergise with various departments for implementation and monitoring of schemes, programmes and projects thorough the Agriculture Advisory Council.

15. Which country has temporarily banned imports of live birds, hatching eggs and chicken from India after a form of bird flu (that is highly lethal for poultry) was found?
1. Saudi Arabia
2. USA
3. Bhutan
4. Srilanka
5. Myanmar

Answer – 1. Saudi Arabia

Explanation :
Saudi Arabia’s Agriculture Ministry announced that it has temporarily banned imports of live birds, hatching eggs and chicken from India after a form of bird flu (that is highly lethal for poultry) was found. This ban has been imposed on basis of World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) report, which stated that an outbreak of a highly contagious bird flu virus near Bengaluru in Karnataka was reported in December 2017. As per OIE report, H5N8 virus was detected in December 2017 among birds in the village of Dasarahalli, Bengaluru killing nine out of 951 birds.

16. Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) scheme, how many total houses are approved by the Government for the urban poor people?
1. 40.25 lakhs
2. 39.25 lakhs
3. 38.25 lakhs
4. 37.75 lakhs
5. 36.50 lakhs

Answer – 2. 39.25 lakhs

Explanation :
On February 8, 2018, Central Government announced that it has approved the construction of over 1.86 lakh more houses for urban poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) scheme. With this approval, total number of affordable houses sanctioned under this scheme has reached 39.25 lakhs. Construction of these 1.86 lakh affordable houses entails a total investment of Rs 11169 crore, in which, Rs 2797 crore will come as central assistance. In this latest round of approval, Haryana has been sanctioned the maximum number of houses (53290 houses). Haryana is followed by Tamil Nadu (40623 houses) and Karnataka (32656 houses).

17. Scientists have successfully accomplished growing of _ eggs in a laboratory environment for the first time.
1. Human
2. Mammal
3. Dinosaurs
4. Hippopotamus
5. Angel Shark

Answer – 1. Human

Explanation :
Scientists have successfully accomplished growing of human eggs in a laboratory environment for the first time. Scientists have achieved successful growth of human egg from the earliest stage in ovarian
tissue till maturity for the first time in laboratory. Earlier, this process had been achieved in mice. The results of this process were published in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction. Scientists from two research hospitals in Edinburgh and the Center for Human Reproduction in New York were involved in this research. Earlier, human eggs were grown in laboratory only from later stage of development. This process will help in regenerative medicine therapies and developing new infertility treatments.

18. Which state government and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) together launched the ‘Clean Air Campaign 2018?’
1. Maharashtra
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Bihar
4. Delhi
5. Kerala

Answer – 4. Delhi

Explanation :
Delhi government and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) together launched the ‘Clean Air Campaign’ for Delhi. The ‘Clean Air Campaign’ campaign will be carried out for two weeks till 23rd February 2018. This campaign will focus on improvement of air quality in Delhi. 70 teams have been formed as a part of the campaign. The teams consist of one senior officer from MoEF&CC and one official from Delhi government as co-leaders. Also, one member from CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), one from Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and one from concerned Municipal Corporation will also be present in the teams. As a part of the campaign, interactions will be held with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), civil society citizens, academic and R&D institutions.

19. As per a report published in Water Resources Research, Phosphorus levels in freshwater bodies across the world are escalating and this could pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. Which country ranks first in global phosphorus pollution by human activity?
1. USA
2. India
3. China
4. Japan
5. Canada

Answer – 3. China

Explanation :
As per a report published in Water Resources Research, Phosphorus levels in freshwater bodies across the world are escalating and this could pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. The report outlined that globally, on account of human activities, about 1.5 teragrams of phosphorus (one teragram is equal to one billion kilograms) was dumped into the freshwater systems every year. Breaking it down by country, China contributed the most with 30%, followed by India (8%), the USA (7%) and Spain and Brazil (6% each). The researchers also assessed the phosphorus-related water pollution levels in 20 river basins
across the world. In the assessment, Huang He river basin of China was found to be having highest phosphorus-related water pollution. Ganges basin (in India) ranked fourth in this list.

20. As per India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 released by Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on February 12, 2018, What is the total % of forest cover in India?
1. 18.4%
2. 19.5%
3. 20 %
4. 21.54%
5. 21.94%

Answer – 4. 21.54%

Explanation :
As per ISFR 2017, total forest cover in India is 708273 sq km, which is 21.54 per cent of the total geographical area. In terms of area, Madhya Pradesh (77414 sq km) has the largest forest cover among all Indian states and Union Territories. In terms of forest cover as percentage of total geographical area, Lakshadweep has topped with 90.33 per cent geographical areas under forest cover. Mizoram (531 sq km), Nagaland (450 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (190 sq km), Tripura (164 sq km) and Meghalaya (116 sq km) are the five states where forest cover has decreased most. Shifting cultivation, diversion of forest lands for developmental activities and agriculture expansion have been identified as main reasons for decrease in forest cover in these states. It is to be noted that ISFR is released every two years. ISFR 2017 has been prepared by physically surveying 18000 points with the help of scientific tools.

21. Which city inaugurated the India-Russia Agriculture Business Summit 2018?
1. Moscow
2. Vladivostok
3. Mumbai
4. New Delhi
5. Kolkata]

Answer – 4. New Delhi

Explanation :
On 13th February 2018, India-Russia Agriculture Business Summit was held in New Delhi. India-Russia Agriculture Business Summit was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Gajender Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Sergey Beletskiy, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Russia, spoke at the summit. Heads of various business associations in agriculture sector of India and Russia attended the summit. This summit would strengthen business ties between India and Russia. Presentations were made by India and Russia highlighting agricultural trade opportunities.

22. Which state government issued a notification announcing ban on the sale of loose cigarettes in the state?
1. Jharkhand
2. Bihar
3. Punjab
4. West Bengal
5. Karnataka

Answer – 2. Bihar

Explanation :
Bihar government issued a notification announcing ban on the sale of loose cigarettes in Bihar. The notification regarding this ban was issued by Bihar’s health department’s special secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh. Lokesh Kumar Singh is also the executive director of Bihar Health Society. Bihar has become the 12th state in India to ban the sale of loose cigarettes. The notification specifies that as per Section 7 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, pictorial warnings of harmful effects of tobacco consumption should be made on the packets of tobacco products. Section 20 of COTPA, 2003, mentions that sale, purchase, distribution and promotion of tobacco products without these pictorial warnings is a punishable offence. Since, loose cigarettes don’t contain these pictorial warnings, its sale is banned.

23. According to India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017, India holds which position in terms of land area under forest and tree cover?
1. 6th
2. 7th
3. 8th
4. 9th
5. 10th

Answer – 5. 10th

Explanation :
At the time of releasing India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 on February 12, 2018, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that in terms of land area under forest and tree cover, India has ranked 10th in the world. As per ISFR 2017, Forest and tree cover in India is 802088 sq km i.e. 24.39 per cent of the total geographical area. In terms of land area under forest and tree cover, India is a stand out case as none of the other 9 countries in the Top 10 has a population density of more than 150 persons per sq km, compared to India. Mr. Harsh Vardhan added that as per the latest Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, India is placed 8th in the list of Top Ten nations reporting the greatest annual net gain in forest area. As per ISFR 2017, Andhra Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Kerala have shown the maximum increase in forest cover since 2015.

24. In which city, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the international conference ‘Agricon 2018’ and ‘Agriexpo 2018’?
1. Ranchi
2. Kanpur
3. Gandhinagar
4. Kolkata
5. Pune

Answer – 2. Kanpur

Explanation :
On February 14, 2018, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the international conference ‘Agricon 2018’ and ‘Agriexpo 2018’ atChandrashekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology (CSAUT), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi were also present at the inauguration ceremony. The conference has been organised under the joint auspices of The Society of Agricultural Professionals, Kanpur and Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. Organisations like National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (referred to as NAAS) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research are partnering in this conference. During this four-day event, discussions will be held on various themes including Sustainable Farming Systems, Conservation and Utilisation of Genetic Resources and Managing Change in Agriculture.

25. In which state the first butterfly park was opened for public on February 15, 2018?
1. Maharashtra
2. Kerala
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Karnataka
5. Tamil Nadu

Answer – 3. Madhya Pradesh

Explanation :
Madhya Pradesh’s first butterfly park, at Gopalpur in Raisen district opened for public on February 15, 2018. The park is spread over three hectares of land. It houses 65 species of butterflies and nearly 137 plant varieties. Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar expressed hope that this park will give a new identity to the state in the field of eco tourism. Butterfly parks are pollution-free spaces which do not have chemicals/pesticides and play an important role in conserving and breeding of butterfly species.

26. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced that is has prepared area development plans worth Rs 1918 crore for farmers of which state?
1. Bihar
2. Jharkhand
3. Gujarat
4. Karnataka
5. Punjab

Answer – 5. Punjab

Explanation :
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced that is has prepared area development plans worth Rs 1918 crore for farmers of Punjab. Announcement in this regard was made by NABARD Chief General Manager (Punjab), Deepak Kumar at the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting in Chandigarh. The plan envisages to promote activities like dairy, vegetable cultivation, mushroom growing and bee keeping to provide income to farmers on sustainable basis. Mr. Kumar has raised concerns over the shortage of investment credit in Punjab, and has urged banks to focus on the area.

27. National Conference under the title of “Agriculture 2022 – Doubling Farmers’ Income” will be organised by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in which Indian city?
1. Mumbai
2. Pune
3. Patna
4. New Delhi
5. Dispur

Answer – 4. New Delhi

Explanation :
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is organizing a National Conference under the title of “Agriculture 2022 – Doubling Farmers’ Income” in New Delhi on 19th and 20th February, 2018. The main objective of this conference is to build a consensus and arrive at actionable points on measures to be taken for shaping and sharpening Central Government’s vision on Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022. Seven broad themes have been identified for this conference. Some of these themes also have sub-themes. Discussions/deliberations on every theme will be held by a group of participants comprising farmers, farmers’ associations, economists, scientists, academics, professional associations, NGOs and policy makers.

28. Which State Government has decided to geotag the houses and farms of over 10 lakh livestock and poultry farmers in the state?
1. Bihar
2. Karnataka
3. Jharkhand
4. West Bengal
5. Kerala

Answer – 5. Kerala

Explanation :
Kerala State Government has decided to geotag the houses and farms of over 10 lakh livestock and poultry farmers in the state. Objective behind this activity is to compile a comprehensive digital repository of the information of animal husbandry and dairying in Kerala and integrate the data using the Geographical Information System (GIS). This repository will not only help State Government at the time of financial planning but will also be useful during the time of the outbreak of any diseases among domestic animals and birds. Data collection and uploading will be done by veterinarians and livestock inspectors with the help of digital gadgets.

29. Which State Government will be setting up 3 Terminal Mart for agricultural products in the state in order to give a boost to agricultural market in the state?
1. Manipur
2. Assam
3. Meghalaya
4. Mizoram
5. Sikkim

Answer – 2. Assam

Explanation :
Assam State Government will be setting up 3 Terminal Mart for agricultural products in the state in order to give a boost to agricultural market in the state. Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board is working towards setting up such marts at Silchar, Jorhat and Guwahati. Chairman of State Agricultural Marketing Board, Palit Kumar Bora has stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to develop Asia’s largest banana market at Darangiri in Goalpara district of Assam. Besides, 6 new Krishi Vigyan Kendras are being set up in Assam to help the farmers in various agro-based sectors.

30. Name the Island nation of South Pacific Ocean which signed a declaration of partnership with India’s The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for assistance in tackling climate change effects and achieving environmental sustainability?
1. Vancouver
2. Philippines
3. Fiji
4. Taiwan
5. Cockatoo

Answer – 3. Fiji

Explanation :
On February 17, 2018, Fiji (an island nation in South Pacific Ocean) signed a declaration of partnership with India’s The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for assistance in tackling climate change effects and achieving environmental sustainability. The declaration of partnership was signed on sidelines of the World Sustainable Development Conference (WSDS 2018) in New Delhi. As per the terms of this declaration, TERI will provide technical assistance to Fiji in a variety of areas including waste and pollution management, remote monitoring and reporting of environmental impact assessments, developing ‘green’ energy efficient buildings and aligning Fiji’s national policies with environmental aims. In context of this news, it is important to note that South Pacific region is prone to extreme weather conditions like cyclones and floods. Besides, these conditions likely to worsen due to climate change.

31. Which state celebrated the National Banana Festival 2018 from 17th to 21st February 2018?
1. Kerala
2. Karnataka
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Andhra Pradesh
5. Madhya Pradesh

Answer – 1. Kerala

Explanation :
On 17th to 21st February 2018, National Banana Festival 2018, is held at the Vellayani Devi Temple grounds at Kalliyoor, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated the National Banana Festival. This festival is organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) jointly with Kalliyoor panchayat, National Centre for Banana, Trichy, and several other government institutions associated with banana research and promotion. Chairman of the organising committee is Suresh Gopi, MP. Nearly 150 varieties of banana from the north-eastern States, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are displayed at the exhibition. Also, value-added products and processed goods made from banana are displayed.

32. Which country will host the World Environment Day 2018 celebrations with ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ theme?
1. China
2. Bangladesh
3. Japan
4. India
5. Australia

Answer – 4. India

Explanation :
On February 19, 2018, Union Minister of Environment, Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced that this year’s World Environment Day celebrations (on June 5, 2018) will be hosted by India. On February 19, 2018, Union Environment Secretary C K Mishra signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ to host the WED in India in presence of Erik Solheim, the head of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This year’s theme of WED will be ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ aimed at discouraging use of hazardous plastic. As a run up to the event, environmental awareness campaign and pollution mitigation activities are being planned in Delhi and other parts of India from 1st – 5th June 2018. Every year, a different country hosts the global celebration of the WED. India previously hosted WED global celebration in 2011.

33. To improve the user friendliness of e-NAM, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh, launched how many new features in National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Platform?
1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8
5. 9

Answer – 2. 6

Explanation :
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh, launched 6 new features of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Platform, aimed to improve its user friendliness.

6 new features of e-NAM platform:
1. e-NAM Mobile App
2. BHIM payment facility
3. New and improved Website with eLearning Module:
4. MIS Dashboard
5. Grievance Redressal Management System for Mandi Secretaries
6. Integration with Farmer Database

34. In which Indian state, “Centre for Agriculture”, with collaboration of Israeli expertise, is going to be inaugurated on March 7, 2018?
1. Assam
2. Mizoram
3. Gujarat
4. Odisha
5. Bihar

Answer – 2. Mizoram

Explanation :
Israeli Ambassador to India, Mr Daniel Carmon has stated that a Centre for Agriculture, with collaboration of Israeli expertise, is going to be inaugurated in Mizoram on March 7, 2018. This will be the first such centre in the North East region (NER) of India that is being established with Israeli collaboration. It has been set up at a cost of Rs 8-10 crore. This Centre has been set up with the tripartite collaboration of India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Israel and State Government of Mizoram and is exclusively for processing of citrus fruits. Although the Centre is located in Mizoram, it will cater to the whole North East Region (NER) of India.

35. Which state announced five lakh rupees health-cum-life insurance scheme for farmers in the state?
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Bihar
4. Punjab
5. Telangana

Answer – 5. Telangana