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GRASSROOTAGADEMY .IN

Monthly Newsletter of Agademy.inAgriculture | Environment | Science | Technology

SEP 2019 | ISSUE #02

Why Agri graduates deny choosing Agriculture as their UPSC optionals ? - Karthikeyani IFS (AIR 12)

How CHAMAN is changing the Horticulture Assessment methodology ?

Agriculture Topic of the Month - Aerobic Rice Cultivation.

Environmental Topic of the Month - Land Degradation NeutralityImage credit: PMO Media

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GRASSROOT | NewsletterSep - 2019

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Integrated Farming System

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What is Integrated Farming System ?

Components of IFS

The essential components of in-tegrated farming systems are keeping the soil alive and provide sustainable support to farm and fam-ily through effective management of natural resources. They are as followsEnrichment of soil: need based use of chemicals, use of crop residue as mulch, use of organic and biological fertilizers, adopt crop rotation and multiple crop-ping, avoid excessive tilling and keep soil covered with green cover or biolog-ical mulch.

Management of temperature: keep soil covered, plant trees, orchards and bush-es on bund.Conservation of soil and rain water: create percolation tanks, maintain contour bunds in sloppy land & adopt contour row cultivation, create farm ponds, maintain low height plantation on bunds.Harvesting of sun energy: main-tain green stand throughout the year through combination of different crop-ping systems and other plantations.Self reliance in inputs: develop own seed to the maximum extend, on-farm production of compost, vermicompost, vermiwash, liquid manures and botan-ical extracts.Maintenance of life forms: develop habitat for sustenance of life forms, minimal use of permitted chemicals and create enough diversity.Integration of animals: animals are important components of farm man-agement and not only provide animal products but also provide enough dung and urine for use in soil.

“A judicious mix of two or more com-ponents using cardinal principles of minimum competition and maximum complementary with advanced agro-nomic management tools aiming for sustainable and environment friendly improvement of farm income, family nutrition and ecosystem services”. Preservation of bio-diversity, diversi-fication of cropping/farming system and maximum recycling is the base for success of the systems approach.

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`IFS resilient to Climate variability

Use of renewable energy: use solar energy, biogas and other eco-friendly machines.Recycling: on-farm recycling of wastes as input to other enterprises.Meeting the basic needs of family: create and integrate components for meeting the family needs such as food, fodder, feed, fibre, fuel and fertilizer (6Fs) to maximum extent within the farm boundaries in a sustainable way.Round the year income for meeting social need: create marketable surplus and integrate allied activities such as bee keeping, mushroom production, on-farm processing & value addition, tailoring, carpeting etc to get round the year income for the family to meet so-cial needs such as education and family functions besides health.

One of the best approach is building farm resilience through spreading risks and creating buffers, i.e. not putting ‘all eggs in one basket’. The farming sys-tems approach is considered as import-ant and relevant, especially for the small and marginal farmers as location-specif-ic IFS will be more resilient and adap-tive to climate variability. Integration of livestock rearing with crop production gave higher economic returns com-pared to crop production alone for both marginal and small farmers.On-station and on-farm research in different regions of the country has resulted in identification of many sus-tainable and profitable IFS models for rainfed areas. In general, in regions with rainfall of 500 to 700 mm, the farming systems should be based on livestock with promotion of low-water requir-ing grasses, trees and bushes to meet

fodder, fuel and timber requirements of the farmers. In 700 to 1,100 mm rainfall regions, crops, horticulture and livestock-based farming systems can be adopted depending on the soil type and the marketability factors. Runoff harvesting is a major component in this region in the watershed-based farming system. In areas where the rainfall is more than 1,100 mm, IFS module integrating pad-dy with fisheries is ideal. Under irrigat-ed areas, the following IFS models are most suitable to maintain soil fertility and productivity.In order to help achieve the world’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Integrated Farming System helps in promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture that de-livers healthy diets, that is resilient to climate shocks, and is supportive of biodiversity conservation.

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Subash Chandra, Bio Informatics studentTamil Nadu Agricultural University.

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How CHAMAN is changing the Horticulture Assessment methodology ?

`Objectives

CHAMAN Between 2001-02 and 2017-18, production of horticulture crops increased from 146 million tonnes to 312 million tonnes. This implies that the horticulture production increased at an average rate of 4.9%. Production of foodgrains increased at a rate of 1.7% during the same period. With raising production, assessment of Horticulture crops becomes necessary. In 2014, De-partment of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) has launched a new project under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) called CHAMAN (Coordi-nated programme on Horticulture Assess-ment Management using geoiNformatics).Under this project methods for estima-tion of Horticulture crops is being de-veloped and implemented on the basis of Sample Survey methodology and Remote Sensing technology. It has two components.1. IASRI (Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute) is responsible for the survey component of the project enti-tled “Study of alternative methodology

of area and production of horticultural crops” which involves simple survey procedures with low cost.

2. The Remote Sensing component of the project was implemented by Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) in collaboration with ISRO/DOS Centres.

The nature of horticulture crops is such that it is not easy to make assessment of their production. These crops, especial-ly vegetables are grown in small plots, fields or in the back of the houses, do not have single harvesting in most of the cases which makes their assessment difficult. Many horticulture crops have multiple pickings in a single season. Similarly many fruit trees are scattered, which do not count for assessment.

In view of above difficulties several research studies were taken up by agri-cultural scientists in the past. Recently Department of Agriculture, Coopera-tion & Farmers Welfare has launched a this project called CHAMAN.

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Under this project sound methodology for estimation of Horticulture crops is being developed and implemented on pilot basis using Sample Survey meth-odology and Remote Sensing technol-ogy.

- It can help in identifying areas of high Post-harvest losses which can be reduced by creation of desired Post Harvest Infrastructures like cold storages.- It also ensures nutritional security of consumers.Under this project sound

methodology for estimation of Horticulture crops is being

developed and implemented on pilot basis using Sample Survey

methodology and Remote Sensing technology.

Image credits: Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC)`

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Objective of Phase 1 CHAMAN project

CHAMAN Phase-1 Working Areas

- Area assessment and Production fore-casting using Remote sensing technol-ogy of horticultural crops in selected districts of major states.- Using sample survey methods to es-timate the horticulture crops area and production.- It is also used to identify scientific field level studies for developing technology for crop Identification, Yield modelling and Disease assessment and Precision farming.- It creates a digital inventory of all horticultural zones in the country.

- The study has been taken up in 7 major horticulture crops in selected states (12 states).- Two districts from the rest of the districts covering about 20-30% of total area under Fruit and vegetables are taken as low productivity districts.- The 7 major crops covered are Mango, Banana, Citrus, Potato, Onion , Tomato and Chilly.- For assessment 3 stage stratified random sampling method used, they are 1.Tehsil level 2.Village level 3.Operational holding.

- In each of states, about 40% districts out of total no.of districts covering about 70-80% of the total area under fruits and vegetables are taken as high productivity districts.

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Achievements of Phase 1

CHAMAN Phase 2

- Area assessment and production fore-casting of 7 major horticultural crops in selected districts of major states (12 states)- Horticulture area expansion into the seven sisters (North Eastern States) jhum cultivation areas.- Capacity building to Horticulture and Extension officers.

CHAMAN Phase-II are operational-ization of the technologies developed during the Phase-I, taking up new crops and research & development studies, especially the crop yield modelling.- Operational implementation of project increased to 15 states from 12 states.- Pilot mode assessment of the crops included for the technique develop-ment for area assessment and produc-tion forecasting are Coriander, Cumin, Mentha, Grapes, Pomegranate, Apple, Coconut.- Geospatial applications for horticul-tural developments and management planning, Use of SAR data for kharif vegetable crops assessment, Improve-ment of Yield modelling, Precision Farming Studies. Shri Radha Mohan Singh, then Agricul-ture Minister said during a presentation on CHAMAN in October 2017 that the income of farmers will increase by growing selected crops in the high suit-able areas identified under CHAMAN in the current Jhum /waste lands. Be-sides this, the Post-Harvest damages of farmers would be significantly reduced by creation of desired Post Harvest Infrastructures like cold storages etc. thereby increasing their income. In ad-dition the Geo-Spatial Studies like crop intensification, orchard rejuvenation and aqua-horticulture would further help the farmers’ to grow their horticul-tural crops in a profitable manner which will help doubling their income.

The DAC&FW, GOI, New Delhi has approved the Phase-II of CHAMAN project for the period 2018-19 & 2019-20 based on the success of CHA-MAN Phase-1. The major goals of the

Aaron, Horticulture Officer of Thiruvarankulam, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu.

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Agriculture NewsAugust - 2019

- Union Food Minister reveals that gov-ernment will prepare a road map for distribution of Fortified rice. Centre has approved the centrally sponsored pilot scheme on Rice and its Distribution un-der Public Distribution System .- This scheme focuses on rice fortified with Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Iron.Scheme has been approved for three years beginning 2019-20. - During initial phase of implementa-tion one district per state is preferred and now possibilities of rolling out through the Nations will be explored.

Road map for Fortified rice Distribution

- Operational responsibilities will lie within the states under PublicDistribution System.- FSSAI standards for fortification of riceIRON - 20 mg • Ferric pyrophosphate • Sodium Iron (III) Ethylene diamine tetra Acetate, Trihydrate (NaFeEDTA)FOLIC ACID - 1300 µg • Folic AcidVITAMIN B12 - 10 µg • Cyanocobalamine, • Hydroxycobalamine

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seed germplasm for long-term conservation in its National Gene bank (NGB). - Seeds are stored at -20° C.

Seed Bankers for Conserving Native Crops

- Protection of Plant Varieties &Farmers Right Authority registers 1597 farm-ers varieties and issued certification.Through PPV&FR Act, 2001annually confers 35 Awards amounting to Rs.85 lakhs to farmer(s)/ farming communi-ties engaged in conservation of plant genetic resources and which have been used as donor of genes in varieties registrable under the Act. - ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi has the responsibility of conservation of plant genetic resources and is conserving

Registration opens for PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana

- Registration for the PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana begins 09/08/2019 said Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Video conference has been conducted by Union Agriculture Secretary with the States to ensure proper information dissemination and speedy implementation. Features of Scheme,- Farmers across the country to join the old age pension Scheme.- This scheme aims to improve the lives of small and marginal farmers of the country.- Scheme is voluntary and con-tributory for farmers in the age group of 18 to 40. - The Central Government will make an equal contribution of the same amount in the pension fund. - The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) shall be the Pension Fund Manager and responsible for Pension pay out.

- The initial enrollment to the Scheme is being done through the Common Service centers in various states and later alternative facility will be settled up and enrollment will be free of cost.- Target under the Pradhan MantriKisan Samman Nidhi is 10 crore beneficiaries.

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- The tag protects prohibits use of the name ‘hill garlic’ for other varieties. - With this the number of GI tags for Tamil Nadu has gone up to 28 and behind only to Karnataka and Maharashtra.

GI Tag for Hill Garlic

- GI Tag has been announced for hill garlic locally known as Malai Poondu which has been a long-time fame of Kodaikanal, a hilly town in Dindigul district OF Tamil Nadu. - Hill garlic - white or pale yellow, pun-gent, raindrop shaped bulb, and each bulb weighs 20-30g. - It is rich in antioxidant and antimicro-bial potential. The richness of medicinal properties is due to the presence of higher number of organosulfur com-pounds, phenols and flavonoids com-pared to other garlic varieties.

- Various measures were also taken by the government to ensure the opening stock of 142 LMT and buffers stocks have been created.

- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has approved for export subsidy @Rs.10,448/MT to sugar mills for the season of 2019-20. - The export subsidy will be including the expenses on marketing costs, handling, up-grading, and other processing costs. Transport charges will be limited to 60 Lakh Metric Ton. - On behalf of mills the subsidy will be directly credited into the account of mills. - The subsidy shall be in con-formity with the provisions of Article 9.1 (d) & (e) of the Agreementon Agriculture (AoA) , of WTO which deals with the reduction of subsidy cost of marketing exports of agricul-tural products including handling, upgrading and other processing costs, and the costs of international transport and freight.

Sugar export policy 2019-20

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Golden Butterfly Tea

- A tea variety Golden Butterfly grown in Dibrugarh of Assam by Dikom tea estate set a record as it was auctioned for Rs.75000 per Kg Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.- Golden Butterfly is of tea buds and leaves are not included.- Bud lends bright yellowish color- Name of the variety comes as the buds are plucked from the bushes in the evening when swarms of butterflies descend them to rest.

National workshop on tribal enterprise with focus on honey, bamboo & lac

- Union Minister for Tribal Affairs in-augurated the National Workshop and released the Reports on (1) Bamboo and Bamboo Nomics; (2) Lac; and (3) Honey.Bamboo: - India is the world’s second largest cultivator of bamboo (maximal yield range of 10-15 MT/ha) after China (average yield of 50 MT/Ha)- This shows that there is a lot of scope for bamboo enterprise based on the good stock. The Bamboo Enterprises can give immediate results leading to substantial increase income of tribal artisans.

Honey:- Total honey production in 2017-18 was 1.05 lakh metric tons (main-ly from Apis dorsata) and exports nearly 50%.- Large scale employment gen-eration estimate is around 3 lakh man-working days by maintaining 10,000 beecolonies.

- TRIFED is committed towards Prime Minister’s vision of a “Sweet Revolu-tion” by way of making people prosper through production and trade in honey.

Lac:- Lac cultivation is confined to Jharkhand (57% of the total production), followed by Madhya Pradesh (24%) and Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal (collectively 19%)- Lac is mostly cultivated by poor tribal to supplement their agricultural income, needs export revival.

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- A study using data from NASA’s “Grace” mission found that India’s In-dus Basin aquifer to be one of the most overstressed aquifers in the world.

Reason:- Consecutive years of weak monsoons, massive deforestation, poor rainwater harvesting and pollution of rivers and lakes have led the country to depend on groundwater.- More than 90% of the rice-wheat areas in north-west India are irrigated using groundwater.

Ground Water Year Book - India 2017-18

- According to the latest Ground water year book - India 2017-18, India is see-ing levels declining across the country. - Groundwater, the source of 40% of India’s water needs, is depleting at an unsustainable rate, according to NITI Aayog.- India, the world’s largest groundwater user, is seeing levels declining across the country. India accounts for 12% of global groundwater extraction, pump-ing some 230 billion cubic meters each year. At this rate, by 2030, nearly 60% of the aquifers will be in a critical state.- Farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan are facing the prospect of having no groundwater left for irriga-tion by 2025.

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Meghdoot - New mobile app launched to assist farmers

- The Ministries of Earth Sciences and Agriculture have launched a mobile application that will provide location, and crop and livestock-specific weath-er-based agro advisories to farmers in local languages.- The service would be available for 150 districts in different parts of the coun-try. It will be extended to rest of the country in a phased manner over the next one year. - The Ministries will provide forecast to farmers relating to temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind speed and direction, which play critical roles in agricultural operations and how to take care of the crops and livestock. The information would be updated twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Biodiesel made from used Cooking Oil (UCO)

- It has been developed by experts from the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical meteo-rology and the Indian Council of Agri-cultural Research.- The app would provide information in the form of images, maps and pictures to help the farmer to have a clearer picture of what is in store. It has been integrated with WhatsApp and Face-book as well to help farmers share in-formation among themselves. It will also be integrated with YouTube in the future.

- On the Occasion of the World Biofuel Day, the Minister of Petro-leum and Natural Gas released the Expression of Interest (EOI) by Na-tional Oil Marketing Companies (IOC, HPCL and BPCL) for procurement of Biodiesel made from Used Cooking Oil (UCO). - The entrepreneurs setting up Biodies-el plants are assured complete offtake of production by the OMCs — Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum The EOI will ensure that Rs 51/ liter is paid for Biodiesel for the first year, Rs 52.7 for the second year and Rs 54.5 for the third year.- The Oil companies will also bear the cost of transportation and GST for the first year.

- The scheme is being launched in 100 cities across the country- He also launched a sticker on RUCO viz., Repurpose Used Cooking Oil and a mobile app to facilitate the col-lection of UCO, and it implies that the establishment does not reuse the cooking oil.

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- In terms of incremental change in in-dex (over 2016-17 level), Haryana holds number one position in general States and Uttarakhand ranks at first position amongst North Eastern and Himalayan States. - On an average, 80% of the states assessed on the Index over the last three years have improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of +5.2 points.

Composite Water Management Index 2.0

- NITI Aayog has released the second Round of Composite Water Manage-ment Index (CWMI 2.0).- To assess and improve the perfor-mance of States/ UTs in efficient man-agement of water resources.- This has been done by NITI Aayog in partnership with Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Rural Development and all the States/ Union Territories.- CWMI 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as against the base year 2016-17.- Gujarat hold on to its rank one in the reference year (2017-18), In North Eastern and Himalayan States, Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged rank one and the Union Territories have first time submit-ted their data and Puducherry has been declared as the top ranker.

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Stubble burning incidents are reducing : DG ICAR

- According to Director General, ICAR, India achieved considerable reduction in crop residue burning incidents in 2018.- Promotion of Agricultural Mechani-zation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the State of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh & NCT of Delhi: - It is a Central Sector Scheme launched by Government of India for the period from 2018-19 to 2019-20.Objective: - To tackle air pollution and to subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi.- It involves distribution of in-situ crop residue management machinery to the farmers on subsidy, establishment of Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) of in- situ crop residue management ma-chinery and undertaking Information,

Education and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness among farmers.- ICAR is implementing the scheme through 60 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Punjab (22), Haryana (14), Delhi (1) and UP (23).- The paddy residue burning events have reduced by 15% and 41% in 2018 as compared to that in 2017 and 2016, respectively in all these States.- More than 4500 villages in Punjab and Haryana were declared as Zero Stubble Burning Villages during 2018 as not a single crop burning incident was re-ported from these villages during the year.- In addition to the above Scheme, separate funds are being allocated to the States for crop residue management under Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization by the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.

Prepared by Pavithran, graduate in Agriculture, interested in contemporary politics. Sathees kumar, graduate in Sericulture interested in reading and traveling.

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Environmental NewsAugust - 2019


India pledges to restore 50 lakh hectares of degraded land by 2030

- India will be hosting the 14th Con-ference of Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2-13 September 2019 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.- Desertification is a worldwide prob-lem directly affecting 250 million people and a third of the earth’s land surface.- To fight this menace, India will convert degraded land of nearly 50 lakh hectares to fertile land in the next 10 years.- India became a signatory to UNCCD on 14th October 1994 and ratified it on 17th December 1996.- The UNCCD (197 parties) is particu-larly committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in drylands and restore soil productivity.

MAIN OBJECTIVE:- Mitigate the effects of drought in coun-tries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification.- Involving long-term integrated strat-egies that focus simultaneously, in af-fected areas, on improved productivity of land.- Rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources, leading to improved living conditions, in particular at the community level.

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Amazon Fires

Tigers in India Face Lurking Threat from Canine Distemper Virus

- The Amazon rainforest has been burn-ing – mostly caused by farmers clear-ing land – at a rate that has alarmed environmentalists and governments worldwide.- There have been more than 72,800 fires in Brazil this year (80% increase com-pared with last year) -- according to the country’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). - Brazil’s Amazon has lost more than 344,500 hectares (1,330 square miles) of forest cover between January and June, according to INPE. - Forest fires occur in the Amazon in the dry season (July to October) due to naturally occurring events, such as by lightning strikes, but also by farmers and loggers clearing land for crops or grazing.- However, activists also blame present Brazil’s President has encouraged such tree-clearing activities for agriculture and mining.

- Transmitted from CDV- infected dogs living in and around the sanctuaries- Found 86% of tested dogs around Ran-thambore National Park in Rajasthan CDV antibodies in their bloodstream, increased risk of disease transfer from the dogs to tigers and leopards live in that park.- 2018- 20 lions from Gir wildlife sanctu-ary had died due to CANINE DISTEM-PER VIRUS infection.CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS - high-ly contagious viral disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, central

- Carbon intake by the Amazon basin matches the emissions released by nations in the basin. The burning of forests, therefore, implies additional carbon emissions.- Amazon rainforest influences the water cycle not only on a regional scale, but also on a global scale. The rain produced by the Amazon travels through the region and even reaches the Andes mountain range.

nervous system, immune system and other vital organs of a wide variety of animal species, including dogs, coyotes, foxes, pandas and wolves.- Infection is fatal and known as hard-pad disease, wipes out 30% of the pop-ulation of African lions in East African Forests.- Caused by single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae(same family – viruses that cause mumps, measles, and bronchiolitis in humans, also similar to rinderpest virus that affects cattle).

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Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2019:

- To raise regional and global climate ambition includes offsetting all unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions from air travel to and from the confer-ence.- Looking at the different aspects of sustainability – including transport, waste management, catering, building energy use and offsetting of unavoid-able emissions.- which specializes in pro-moting carbon neutrality and carbon offsetting to individu-als, is the first Chinese com-pany to partner with Climate Neutral Now.- Infinite Solution is an Environment and Sustainabil-ity consultant from Indore,

- Transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment , highly conta-gious via inhalation.- There is no cure, but treatment – supportive care and generic efforts to prevent infections- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) prepared guidelines to prevent the spillover of this viral disease to wild animals. Free-ranging and domestic dogs in the area around national parks should be vaccinated .

India and volunteered to retire 1,000 CERs in advance for Asia-Pacific Cli-mate Week 2019.- Once the meeting is over, organizers will calculate the overall carbon foot-print of Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2019 and adjust the amount with offset made in advance.

- Infinite Solution is an Environment and Sustainability consultant from Indore, India and volunteered to retire 1,000 CERs in advance for Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2019.- Once the meeting is over, organizers will calculate the overall carbon foot-print of Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2019 and adjust the amount with offset made in advance.

IMPORTANT DAYS

DAY DATE

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples August 9

World Biofuel Day August 10

World Honey Bee Day August 17

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International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Indian Army plans to drive E-cars in New Delhi

POLLUTION AND ECO TECHNOLOGIES

- The Union Cabinet has approved the Establishment of an International Coali-tion for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) along with its supporting Secre-tariat Office in New Delhi.- The CDRI is proposed to be launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, USA on 23rd September 2019. - The approval is for the following ini-tiatives: • Establishment of the CDRI along with its supporting Secretariat office in New Delhi. • Establishment of the Secretariat of the CDRI as a Society under The Societ-ies Registration Act,1860.

- The Indian Army has initiated a eco-drive to use E Cars for use of its of-ficials in New Delhi in partnership with Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).- It was visualised on World Environ-ment Day and launched on 01 Aug 2019.-- Army plans to operate the first batch of 10 E-Cars as a pilot project and develop further by increasing the number of E Cars in Delhi to ensure economy, efficiency and minimal emissions.- EESL is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO) under Union Ministry of Power, which imple-ments Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), under the Prime

• In-principle approval for Govern-ment of India support of Rs. 480 crore over a period of 5 years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

Minister’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.- EESL is a joint venture of four nation-al Public-Sector Undertakings namely NTPC Limited, Power Finance Cor-poration Limited, Rural Electrification Corporation Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited

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Intelights

Ocean Energy

- Mohali traffic police have launched 3-D Smart Traffic Signal devised by the students of a Chandigarh university.- The wireless system, called ‘Intelights’, proposes an Intelligent Traffic Tim-er Control by using dynamic signal control technology to adjust the tim-ers of red, yellow and green lights according to the traffic density at an intersection.- The system uses existing CCTV cam-eras to gather live traffic video feed, and automatically evaluates the traffic density using Artificial Intelligence, and sets the signal timers accordingly.

- Minister of New and Renewable Ener-gy has approved a proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy.- The New and Renewable Energy Min-istry has clarified that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion will be considered as Renewable Energy.- It will be eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase Obliga-tions (RPO).- The decision will give a boost to ocean energy in the country.

- This process is repeated for every cycle of traffic lights to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

- Ocean energy is mostly exploited following technologies – • Tidal Energy: The tidal cycle occurs every 12 hours due to the gravitational force of the moon. The difference in water height from low tide and high tide is potential energy.• Wave Energy: Wave energy is generated by the move-ment of a device either floating on the surface of the ocean or moored to the ocean floor.

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• Current Energy: Marine current is ocean water moving in one direction. This ocean current is known as the Gulf Stream. Tides also create currents that flow in two direc-tions. Kinetic energy can be captured from the Gulf Stream and other tidal currents with submerged turbines

• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): OTEC, uses ocean temperature differ-ences from the surface to depths lower than 1,000 meters, to extract energy. A temperature difference of only 20°C can yield usable energy.

Air Quality Monitoring Sensors

Plant to Convert Plastic Waste into Diesel

- The Union Environment Ministry has tasked the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research –National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) with certifying air quality monitoring instruments.- CSIR-NPL is designated as the national verification agency for certify-ing instruments and equip-ments for monitoring emis-sions and ambient air.- CSIR-NPL shall develop the necessary infrastructure, management system, testing and certification facilities conforming to international standards.

-Union Minister for Science and Technology inaugurated a waste plastic to diesel plant in CSIR- Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) in Dehradun.- It has the capacity to produce 800- litre diesel from one tonne of plastic. The fuel will be of automotive grade. It meets the specifications for use in vehicles. This will be made available to government, police and army vehicles for regular use.- Using the technology, polyolefinic waste can be converted into diesel. This type of waste accounts for about 70 % of total plastic waste in the country and is the least biodegradable.

- This step is in anticipation of a ris-ing demand by States — against the backdrop of the National Clean Air Campaign — for low cost air quality monitoring instruments that can moni-tor levels of nitrous oxides, ozone and particulate matter.

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- Bodies involved: The technology has been developed by the scientists of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun under the GAIL’s sponsor-ship. GAIL (India) has sponsored the technology development and provided technical support for the endeavour.

- IIP and GAIL have planned to roll out the technology nation-wide after six months of operation of the pilot plant.

20 more cities added to CPCB’s ‘polluted’ list

- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has added 20 more cities from eight states to the list of polluted cities which do not meet the National Ambi-ent Air Quality Standards.- These additions, including eight from Andhra Pradesh and six from West Bengal, have expanded the list of non -attainment cities (NACs) from 102 to 122.- The previous list contained all major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Luc-know, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna and Hyder-abad, the additional 20 are those which remained outside the ambit of the NACs despite being severely polluted.

- The Centre, under its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in January to take dedicated action in 102 cities, had set a national target of reduc-ing key air pollutants PM10 and PM2.5 (particulate matters) by 20-30% by 2024 taking 2017 as the base year.- Analysis of high pollution levels in many NACs, Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Varanasi, Kanpur, Mumbai, Kolkata will continue to remain polluted even if the target of reducing 20-30% of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations is achieved in the next five years.

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Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy

Draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

- Under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF-CC) the draft policy aims to stream-line the efficient use of these resources with minimum negative impact on environment.- Objective: The draft policy intends to minimize this inherent cost of economic growth on the natural environment by transforming country’s waste manage-ment sector into a secondary resource recovery sector.- National Resource Efficiency Authority (NREA) under MoEFCC, will be developing and implementing resource efficient strategies for material

- The Environment Ministry has unveiled a draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for coastal zone management, funded by the World Bank. It was prepared by the Society for Integrated Coastal Man-agement, an Environment Ministry- affiliated body.- So far three coastal States, namely Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal, have prepared Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plans with support from the World Bank. Such plans would be prepared for the selected coastal stretches in other States/UT.- It lays guidelines for coastal States to approve and regulate projects in coastal zones.- The key activities proposed are investments by States in mangrove afforestation/ shelter

recycling, reuse and land-filling targets for various sectors and set standards for reuse of secondary raw materials.- Inter-Ministerial National Resource Ef-ficiency Board supports NERA to guide on the implementation.- It is also planned to offer tax benefits on recycled materials, green loans to small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and soft loans to construct waste dis-posal facilities, apart from setting up Material Recovery Facilities (MRF).- Manufacturers and service providers would be required to use more recycled or renewable materials.

beds, habitat conservation activities such as restoration of sea-grass mead-ows, rearing/rescue centres for turtles and other marine animals, creation of infrastructure for tourism, beach clean-ing and development etc.- Livelihood improvement projects include demonstration of salinity resis-tant agriculture, water harvesting and recharge/storage, community-based small-scale mariculture, aquaponics, and value addition to other livelihood activities.

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CoP of Citesheld in Geneva:

Re-Invest 2019

MEETINGS

- Smooth-coated otter (Lutrgale Perspicillata) was moved from CITES Appendix II to CITES Appendix I, giving it the highest level of internation-al protection from commercial trade.- Indian Star Tortoise was also Moved to CITES APPENDIX I.- TOKAY GECKO will be included in CITES Appendix II.- The proposal to prohibit commercial international trade in species of otter

- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy organised Curtain Raiser ceremony for the 3rd Edition of Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2019).

native to subcontinent and some other parts of Asia was put by India, Nepal and Bangladesh.SMOOTH-COATED OTTER: consid-ered to facing high risk of extinction and is detrimentally affected by interna-tional trade, as well as habitat loss and degradation and persecution associated with conflict by people for fisheries. Its numbers in the wild has fallen by at least 30% over the past 30 years.

- RE-INVEST 2019 will be organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy from 30th October to 2nd November 2019 in India, coinciding with the Second Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

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- Objective is to attract the right invest-ments in renewable energy (RE) - To accelerate the worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy and connect the global investment community with - Indian energy stakeholders. The 2nd Global RE-INVEST, was held from 2-5 October, 2018.

- In 2015, India had set a target of 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022. Thus, India offers one of the largest investment opportunities in the renew-able space.- The Government of India allows 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route for projects of renewable power genera-tion and distribution.

Basic 28th Ministerial on Climate Change

Samagra Shiksha-jal Suraksha

- In the run-up to the UNFCCC Confer-ence of Parties (COP-25) meet to be held in December 2019, the BASIC countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China - held its 28th Ministerial meeting on Climate Change from 14th to 16th August in Sao Paulo, Brazil.- The BASIC nations jointly urged developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments of mobi-lizing $100 billion annually by 2020 for developing countries.- This support should be new and addi-tional, and over and above their 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) commit-ment with respect to Official Develop-ment Assistance (ODA).

- Union HRD Minister and Union Minister for Jal Shakti launched ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha’ drive for School Students, which comes under The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of HRD. Five Major Objectives of this drive: - To educate Students learn about conser-vation of water.- To sensitize Students about the impact of scarcity of water.

- Under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) mechanism, developed countries are expected to jointly mobilize $100 bil-lion per year by 2020, from a variety of sources, to address the mitigation and adaptation needs of developing countries

SCHEMES

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- To empower Students to learn to protect the natural sources of water. - To help every Student to save at least one litre of water per day. - To encourage Students towards judicious use and minimum wastage of water at home and school level.

Target: This mega drive targets to con-nect more than 10 crore students with this programme. - One Student - One Day - To Save One Litre of Water. - One Student - One Year - To Save 365 Litres of Water. - One Student - 10 Years - To Save 3650 Litres of Water.

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U)

- Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs launched the Swachh Survek-shan 2020 (SS 2020), the SBM Water PLUS Protocol and Toolkit, Swachh Nagar – an integrated waste manage-ment app and AI enabled mSBM App.- Swachh Survekshan 2020 (SS 2020) will be an annual cleanliness survey (fifth edition) starting on January 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).- SBM Water PLUS Protocol provides guidelines for cities and towns to ensure that no untreated wastewater is released into the environment thereby enabling sustainability of the sanitation value chain.

- Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs launched the Swachh Survek-shan 2020 (SS 2020), the SBM Water PLUS Protocol and Toolkit, Swachh Nagar – an integrated waste manage-ment app and AI enabled mSBM App.- Swachh Survekshan 2020 (SS 2020) will be an annual cleanliness survey (fifth edition) starting on January 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).- SBM Water PLUS Protocol provides guidelines for cities and towns to en-sure that no untreated wastewater is released into the environment thereby enabling sustainability of the sanitation value chain.

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Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2019 (SSG 2019)

‘San-Sadhan’ Hackathon

- Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2019 (SSG 2019) in the capital and will be conducted from August 14 to September 30, 2019, SSG 2019.- It will cover 17,450 villages in 698 districts across India and include 87,250 public places namely schools, anganwa-di centers, public health centres, haat/bazaars/religious places, making it In-dia’s largest rural sanitation survey.- An independent survey agency will conduct the survey in all districts and the results will be announced based on quantitative and qualitative sanitation parameters.- ODF+ will have four main verticals — solid waste management divided into biodegradable waste and plastic waste,

- The Government of India has invited applications for its latest initiative called the ‘San-Sad-han’ Hackathon – for Divyangjan accessible toilets. - ‘San-Sadhan’ Hackathon is an initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission to ease lives of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) by making toilets smarter, more accessible, and easier to use. - Bodies involved: Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and

and liquid waste management divided into grey water, or kitchen waste water, and faecal waste.

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Strategy: - In this hackathon, the government is looking for smart, scalable and innova-tive solutions for economical toilets forindividual and community use in rural and urban contexts.- Technology enthusiasts have been called to apply by or before August 28th, 2019. The shortlisted applicants

- Union Minister for Housing and Ur-ban Affairs launched an e-Course on Vulnerability Atlas of India.- The objective of the course is to create awareness and understanding about natural hazards and help in identifica-tion of regions with high vulnerability such as earthquakes, and landslides.- The e-course would be a tool for effec-tive and efficient disaster mitigation and management in the field of architecture, civil engineering, urban and regional planning, housing and infrastructure planning, construction engineering.

- Union Power Minister launched the State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index (SARAL) during the Review Plan-ning and Monitoring (RPM) Meeting with States and State Power Utilities.- Its aim is to incentivize rooftop solar by creating healthy competition among the States.- Bodies involved are SARAL has been designed collaboratively by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF), Associated

- Technology enthusiasts have been called to apply by or before August 28th, 2019. The shortlisted applicants will work to develop their proto-type during the two-day Hackathon scheduled to be held in the month of September in New Delhi.

- The course would be offered by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in collaboration with School of Planning & Architecture (SPA), New Delhi and Building Materials & Tech-nology Promotion Council (BMTPC).

e-Course on Vulnerability Atlas

State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index (SARAL)

REPORT & INDEX

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Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY).- The Index evaluates Indian states based on their attractiveness for rooftop development. SARAL currently captures five key aspects –

• Robustness of policy framework

• Implementation environment

• Investment climate

• Consumer experience

• Business ecosystem- Karnataka has been placed at the first rank in the Index. Telangana, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have got 2nd, 3rd and 4th rank respectively.

- A new report by the Intergovernmen-tal Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents the evidence on how the differ-ent uses of land — forests, agriculture, urbanisation — are affecting and get-ting affected by climate change - The report is “Climate Change and Land, an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degrada-tion, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems”. - It is one of three special reports that the IPCC is preparing during the current Sixth Assessment Report cycle. - This is the first time that the IPCC has focused its attention solely on the land sector.

Key Findings: - Land is a critical resource: Agricul-ture, forestry and other types of land use account for 23% of human green-house gas emissions. At the same time natural land processes absorb carbon dioxide equivalent to almost a third of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry. - Desertification and land degradation: When land is degraded, it becomes less productive, restricting what can be grown and reducing the soil’s ability to

absorb carbon. This exacerbates climate change, while climate change in turn exacerbates land degradation in many ways. - Food Security: Climate change is affecting all four pillars of food securi-ty: availability (yield and production), access (prices and ability to ob-tain food), utilization (nutrition and cooking), and stability (disruptions to availability). Land and climate change responses: Focus should be more sustainable land use, reducing over-consumption and waste of food, eliminating the clear-ing and burning of forests, preventing over-harvesting of fuelwood, and re-ducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping to address land related climate change issues.

IPCC Report: Land and Climate Change

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- A new report prepared by Greenpeace India, using NASA data shows that India is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide in the world.

- India is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide in the world, with more than 15% of all the anthropogenic sulphur dioxide hotspots detected by the NASA OMI satellite.- It is because the majority of coal-based power plants in India lack flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology to reduce air pollution.

• The Union Ministry of Environment introduced, for the first time, sulphur

- In a new World Bank report that looks at the impact of water pollution worldwide, one aspect covered is the long-term impact of nitrate exposure experienced during infancy.- Nitrate levels in groundwater aquifers in India exceeded permissible levels in more than 50 % of the districts across 19 states.-While short-term exposure to nitrates has almost negligible effect on adult height, cumulative exposure over the first 3 years of life has considerable impact.- An infant girl who has been exposed to nitrate levels above the safety threshold

in the first three years experiences a 1-2 cm decrease in her adult height.- Given that female adult height in In-dia has increased by approximately 4 cm over the last century, a 1-2 cm loss means that nitrate exposure in infancy can wipe out almost half of this gain in height.- Nitrate pollution is caused by the over-use of nitrogenous fertilisers which, while boosting yields, can be harmful if they leach into water or air.- In India, the Green Revolution of the 1960s kick-started the use of synthetic fertilisers, the report notes.

dioxide emission limits for coal-fired power plants in December 2015.

• But the deadline for the installation of flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) in power plants has been extended from 2017 to 2022.- The Singrauli, Neyveli, Talcher, Jharsuguda, Korba, Kutch, Chennai, Ramagundam, Chandrapur and Koradi thermal power plants or clusters are the major emission hotspots in India.- Of the world’s major emitters, China and the United States have been able to reduce emissions rapidly by switching to clean energy sources and enforce-ment for sulphur dioxide control.

Sulphur Dioxide Emission

Impact of Nitrate Exposure in Infancy on Indian Women’s Height

Prepared by

Abaraajitha Loganathan, B.S (AgriBusiness Management), an agri-learner and reader;

Nivetha.P, Horticulture graduate, shares her free time with yoga and music;

Abinaya.G, graduate in English Literature interested in reading and exploring.

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Science & Technology NewsAugust - 2019


Lunar Orbit Insertion - Chandrayaan-2

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

- Insertion into lunar orbit means, just like it was going around the Earth at the start of its journey, Chandrayaan-2 is now orbiting the Moon.- After being launched, Chandrayaan-2 had been put in an elliptical orbit around the Earth.- It spent nearly a week in that orbit, be-fore firing a booster once again to break free from the Earth orbit and begin its journey towards the Moon.- After five days of this journey, Chan-drayaan-2 came sufficiently close to the Moon to experience its gravity. And on August 20, it entered into an orbit around the Moon.

- Following this, a series of orbit maneuvers will be performed on Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft to enable it to enter its final orbit passing over the lunar poles at a distance of about 100 km from the Moon’s surface.- Subsequently, the Vikram lander will separate from the Orbiter and enters into a 100 km X 30 km orbit around the Moon. Then, it will perform a series of complex braking maneuvers to soft land in the South polar region of the Moon on September 7, 2019.

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Nomenclature of Lunar Features

ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow

- ISRO released images of the lunar surface captured by the Terrain Map-ping Camera-2 of the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft orbiting the Moon.- The images show impact craters named after various scientists — (Ar-nold) Sommerfeld (Germany), (Daniel) Kirkwood (US), Mitra (India), (Charles) Hermite (France) etc.- Mitra (1890-1963), born in Bengal, was a physicist and Padma Bhushan winner.- The system of nomenclature of lunar features is now standardized. - According to a resolution by the International Astronomical Union in 1973- Crater and crater-like formations are given the names of astronomers or eminent scientists, posthumously.

- The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) in Moscow, Russia.- Department of Space has instituted technical Liaison Units, namely ISRO Technical Liaison Units (ITLU) at Wash-ington, USA and Paris, France with the prime objective to liaise with various Government and space agencies in the USA and Europe, respectively.- Space cooperation has been one of the major links between India and Russia almost from the beginning of the space era and currently both sides are actively pursuing interactions in diversified ar-eas of space Programme- Apart from intensifying cooperation with Russia, India has expanded its space cooperation with countries near

- Mountains are given names cor-responding to the geographical names of mountains of the Earth and Extensive dark surfaces are given names that correspond to the mental states of humans.

Russia. This calls for extensive uninter-rupted coordination & interface sup-port for increased level international technical collaboration.AdvantagesISRO will be able to collaborate with Space agencies/industries in Russia and neighboring countries for mutually synergistic outcomes.

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- ISRO’s Gaganyaan Programme requires development of some of the key technologies and establishment of specialized facilities, which are essential to support life in space.- Keeping in view the 15th August, 2022 timeline for realization of the Gaganyaan human space Programme, it is prudent to avail technical cooperation from International space agencies, who have already demonstrated their techni-cal capabilities in specific areas.- Russia, being one of the space-faring nations, it is envisaged to collaborate with Russia extensively in various fields of relevance.

Space Debris

- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is setting up a network of tele-scopes and radar to develop its own system to monitor space debris to safe-guard its space assets.- Currently, ISRO has 50 functional satellites, including communication, navigation and surveillance satellites, in space.- Till now, ISRO was dependent on NORAD (North America Aerospace Defense Command) data, which is available in public domain, for keeping track of space debris and monitoring our active and passive (dead) satellites.- However, this global data is not accu-rate. Norad also keeps accurate data, which is exclusively available to those that are members of its network. There-fore, ISRO can’t access this data.

Proposed network by ISRO:Objective: To get accurate data about the movement of space debris to avoid collision with its satellites, ISRO has

decided to set up telescopes and radars in four corners of the country.Components: ISRO has decided to set up telescopes and radars in four corners of the countryThe multi-object tracking radarinstalled in Nellore will be part of this project.Location: ISRO will also set up a telescope in Ponmudi (Thiruvanantha-puram), Mount Abu (Rajasthan) and third one in deep north. ISRO will also install a radar in the northeast.

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Juno Mission

Parker Solar Probe

- According to an analysis of data collected by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, Jupiter may have been smacked head-on by an embryonic planet 10 times Earth’s mass not long after being formed, which had lasting effects on the Jovian core.- Jupiter, a gas giant planet covered in thick red, brown, yellow and white clouds, boasts a diameter of about 89,000 miles (1,43,000 km).- Interior models based on Juno data indicated Jupiter has a large “diluted” core representing about 5 to 15 % of the planet’s mass comprised rocky and icy material unexpectedly mixed with light elements like hydrogen and helium.- Computer models indicated that a head-on collision with a protoplanet - a planet in its formative stages - of rough-ly 10 Earth masses would have broken apart Jupiter’s dense core and mixed light and heavy elements, explaining Juno’s findings.Juno :- Juno is a NASA space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter.

- On August 12, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe completed a year in service.- Parker Solar Probe is part of NASA’s “Living With a Star” programme that explores different aspects of the Sun-Earth system.- The probe seeks to gather information about the Sun’s outermost layer, known as the corona.- Scientists are curious as to why the corona is over a million degrees

- The spacecraft was launched in 2011 as part of the New Frontiers program, and entered a polar orbit of Jupiter in 2016, to begin a scientific investigation of the planet.- Juno’s mission is to measure Jupiter’s composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere.- Juno is the second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter, after the nuclear powered Galileo orbiter, which orbited from 1995 to 2003. Unlike all earlier spacecraft sent to the outer planets, Juno is powered by solar arrays.

Fahrenheit (over 555,000 degrees Celsius), while the solar layers below are only a few thousand degrees Fahrenheit each.- It is the closest a human-made object has ever gone to the Sun.- The mission is likely to last for seven years during which it will complete 24 orbits.

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Akademik Lomonosov

Kala Azar (Visceral leishmaniasis)

NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH

Akademik Lomonosov, a Russian ship that has floating nuclear units, started its first journey from the Russian port of Murmansk to the arctic town of Pevek despite opposition from environmental groups.- It the world’s only floating power unit and the world’s northernmost nuclear installation.- Significance of a floating nuclear plant.- It is suited for powering remote areas and island states that require stable, green sources of energy.- It will power the extraction of natural resources in the Arctic region.- The portable nuclear plants will help to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, thus help in mitigating climate change.China and the US are also working on sea-based nuclear power plants, and France has explored the possibility.

Kala Azar, the second largest parasitic killer in the world (after malaria).

Indian scenario:

- Endemic to four states: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern U.P- Under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Government of India along with endemic states coordinating to eliminate the disease.- Medication exist to kill the parasite.

- However, the environmental group Greenpeace has called the plan “Chernobyl on Ice”.- Chernobyl accident is the 1986 nucle-ar power plant meltdown in erstwhile USSR, which released large levels of nuclear radiation into the atmosphere, forced thousands to flee their homes and sparked long-term fears of health and environmental repercussions.

- Now, IIT Hyderabad achieved sustained release of the drug ( Ampho-tericin B) for trial.

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Leprosy

Rotavac

Pretomanid

Recent initiatives by government:- Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC)- ASHA based surveillance for Lepro-sy Suspects (ABSULS) for early case detection- Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Cam-paign (SLAC) to reduce stigma against persons affected by Leprosy in the community.- In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October 2019, the NLEP has prepared a

comprehensive plan to reduce the grade to disability to less than one case per million people by October 2019.

- Union Minister for Health wrote a letter to the Ministers of Law, Minister of Social Justice and Chief Ministers for amending 108 discriminatory laws against persons affected by Leprosy.- In addition, the target of Global Lep-rosy Strategy, 2016-2020 is to reduce the number of countries with laws allowing discrimination on the ground of leprosy to zero.- India’s first indigenously developed vaccine for rotavirus infection included in India’s immunization programme.

- Rotavirus is a leading cause of diar-rhoea in children less than 5 years of age.

Food and Drug Administration approved Pretomanid Tablets, when used alongside with two other an-tibiotics Bedaquiline and Linezolid collectively known as BPaL regimen to treat an extremely drug resistant XDR (extensively Drug Resistant) TB strain

- In January 2018, Rotavac vaccine was “prequalified” by WHO i.e., the vaccine can be sold internationally to several countries in Africa and South America.

by drastically shortening the treatment period.Success rate of this combination 89% Before After

30 pills/day 5 pills/day for18 months for 6 months

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Genome India Initiative

National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)

Jan Aushadhi Sugam; Jan Aushadhi Suvidha

- Under this Department of Biotechnol-ogy (DBT) plans to scan nearly 20,000 Indian genomes over the next 5 years, in two phase and develop diagnostic tests that can be used to test for cancer.- This would be through National Bio-logical Data.- Centre envisaged in a policy called the ‘Biological Data Storage, Access and Sharing Policy’.

- India got its first NEDL finalised by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). - NEDL aims to bridge the currentregulatory system’s gap that does not cover all the medical devices and in- vitro diagnostic device (IVD).- India has become the first country to compile such a list that would pro-vide guidance to the government for deciding the kind of diagnostic tests that different healthcare facilities in vil-lages and remote areas require.- NEDL builds upon the Free Diagnos-tics Service Initiative and other diag-nostics initiatives of the Health Ministry to provide an expanded basket of tests at different levels of the public health system.

- WHO released 1st edition of EDL in 2018, May and it acts as a reference point for development of national EDL.

available in PMBJP Kendras across the country.

- Announcement by Union Minister for Chemicals- Jan Aushadhi Sugam – an app to enable people to search Jan Aushadhi generic medicine stores.- Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxy- Biode-gradable Sanitary Napkin @ Rs.1/pad

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Lifeline Express

Rashtriya Poshan Maah

- Inaugurated at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) by the Cen-tral Railway (CR) for its latest project, which involves providing medical treatment to poor patients.- Also known as Hospital on Wheels.- World’s first Hospital on Wheels in 1991, launched by the Indian Rail-ways in partnership with Impact India Foundation from CSMT.- Till now it travelled across 19 states covering 201 rural locations providing treatment to 12.32 lakh patients.

- The entire month of September 2019 is being celebrated as the Rashtriya Posh-an Maah.- This year the theme is Complementary Feeding.- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development and NITI Aayog to give a push to Poshan Abhiyan.- During Poshan Maah, activities like Prabhat Pheri, Poshan Melas, Nukkad Nataks, School Based events will be held to take the message of the impor-tance of nutrition to every household.

It focuses on 8 themes:

(1) Antenatal Care,

(2) Optimal Breastfeeding,

(3) Complementary Feeding,

(4) Anemia,

(5) Growth Monitoring, (6) Girls-education, diet, right age of Marriage,

(7) Hygiene & Sanitation,

(8) Food Fortification.

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Microdot Technology

Big Data and Disaster Management

- Ministry of Road Transport issued draft notification to amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, allowing motor vehicles and their parts to be affixed with permanent and invisible micro-dots.What is ? Technology involves spraying the body and parts of the vehicle or any other machine with microscopic dots, which gives a unique identification. Permanent which cannot be removed without damaging assets, i.e., vehicle itself.

According to a report by the U.N.’s Asia-Pacific social agency (UNES-CAP), use of big data can better predict increasingly complex disasters in the Asia-Pacific region.Key findings of the report:- However, big data innovations reveal patterns of complex disaster risks which helps to understand and predict the risk of extreme and slow-onset events.

- Flood and cyclone forecasting now relies on computer simulations. Sensor webs and the Internet of Things have enabled efficient earthquake early-warning systems.- Remote sensing via satellites and drones provide quick assessments of damage and people affected, and help in relief efforts.

Use: Will help check theft of vehicles and also use of fake parts.

World Breastfeeding Week - 1st to 7th August, organized by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), WHO, UNICEF.

Breastfeeding Report Card – Union Health and Family Welfare Minister- Manipur has topped the rank in Breast-feeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in the country.

DAYS AND REPORTS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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IN LCU L – 56 commissioned into the Indian Navy.

Inauguration of FCP AND Launching of Mobile Application “Indian Air Force : a cut above”

DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY

- IN LCU L56, the sixth ship of the Land-ing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain.- It is the first shipyard in the country to have built the 100th warship.- The Induction of LCU 56 will add to Maritime and HADR capability of ANC as the ship will be deployed for multirole activities such as Beach-ing Operations , Search and Rescue Missions, Disaster relief Operations, Coastal Patrol and Surveillance Oper-ations along the Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands.

- Minister of Human Resource Develop-ment , Dr.Ramesh pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the ‘Fecilitation Cum Pub-licity Pavilion (FCP) ‘ at the National Bal Bhavan.- Later , Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa launched the upgraded 3D Air Combat Mobile Game “ Indian Air Force : A cut above” at the same venue.- The FCP is an endeavor to connect to more than 7.5 lakh children that visit the Bal Bhavan annually.- It is a unique technologically advanced setup which has been conceptualized on the premise of “look and feel” norm for tender aged children of class IV – X to connect to the IAF.-It broadly comprises of a Flying Simulator , a self – interactive career information kiosk wherein the child can navigate amongst branch wise

- LCU 56 is an Amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation and deployment of main battle tanks , Armoured vehicles , Troops and Equip-ment from ship to shore.

career prospects , a selfie point with fore drop of pilots in G – Suit and flying overall , mannequins with flying and special clothing , LED display running video of various Operations / exercises showcasing the might of IAF , miniature models of IAF aircraft , digital flexes etc.- The mobile application would high-light various Missions and air combat scenarios undertaken by the IAF in an appealing manner , so as to help immerse the player in a game with a “having been there” sensation.

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Drones to undertake Large Scale Mapping of Village areas in Maharashtra

DRDO successfully flight – test state – of – the – art Quick Reaction Surface – to – Air Missiles against live aerial

- Survey of India , the National Mapping Agency of the country under the Min of Science and Technology has signed an MoU with the Department of Revenue & Land Records , Govt of Maharashtra to undertake the Large Scale Mapping of Village Gaothan (Aabadi) areas in the state of Maharashtra using drones.- This survey grade Drone covering more than 40,000 village Gaothan (Aabadi) areas in Maharashtra state.- These village Gaothan areas not been surveyed earlier will be mapped at 1:500 scale covering all land parcels in the village for preparing the accurate Revenue maps and GIS database.- Drone survey will be pivotal to fix lo-cations of Village boundaries , Canals , Canal limits and roads in these villages.

- Defence Research Development Or-ganisation (DRDO) successfully flight – tested its state – of – the – art Quick Reaction Surface – to – Air Missiles (QR-SAM) against live aerial targets from In-tegrated Test Range (ITR) , Chandipur.

- QRSAM , with many state of the art technologies , engaged the targets at different ranges and altitudes.- The systems have been tested in final configuration with RADAR mounted on a Vehicle & Missiles on the launcher.

- A detailed presentation about this Large Scale Mapping project was also made in the National workshop and conference of Sarpanch and Upsar-panch organized jointly by Depart-ment of Rural Development , Govt of Maharashtra and All India Sarpanch Association.

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- The systems are equipped with Indige-nously – developed phased array radar , Inertial Navigation system , Radar sys-tems and Telemetry systems.

- The system is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reac-tion time.

DRDO hands over Design of Mobile Metallic Ramp to Indian Army- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the design of Mobile Metallic Ramp (MMR) to the Indian Army.- The MMR has been designed and de-veloped by DRDO’s premier research laboratory , Centre for Fire , Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) on the requirements projected by Army for reducing the strategic Mobility time of Mobilizing Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

- The Ramp with load bearing capacity of 70 Metric Ton (MT) , will provide the strategic Mobility for Armoured and Mechanized units and formation of the Army.- It is portable , Modular in design , which can be easily assembled and dis-assembled.

Prepared by M. Zakira Kanam, graduate in Agriculture, interested in Reading, browsing, craft and jewellery making; G.Indumathi B.E, interested in Drawing, Reading; D. Elakiyaa, Agricultural graduate interested in reading books and numismatics.

43www.agademy.in


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Agriculture Topic of the Month - Aerobic Rice Cultivation

What is aerobic rice? Suitable areasAerobic rice is a production system in which especially developed “aerobic rice” varieties are grown in well-drained, non-puddled,and nonsaturated soils. With a good management, the system aims for yields of at least 4-6 tons per hectare.

Aerobic rice can be found, or can be a suitable technology, in the following areas:

- “Favorable uplands”: these are areas where the land is flat, and where rainfall with or without supplemental irrigation is sufficient to frequently bring the soil water content close to field capacity, and where farmers have access to exter-nal inputs such as fertilizers.

- Fields on upper slopes or terraces in undulating, rainfed lowlands: quite often, soils in these areas are relative-ly coarse-textured and well-drained, so that ponding of water occurs only briefly or not at all during the growing season.

- Water-short irrigated lowlands: these are areas where farmers do not have access to sufficient water anymore to keep rice fields flooded for a substantial period of time.

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Recommended Rice varieties for Aerobic rice cultivationFour varieties viz., CR Dhan 200 / Pi-yari (suitable for Odisha), CR Dhan 201 (suitable for Chhattisgarh and Bihar), CR Dhan 202 (suitable for Jharkhand and Odisha), CR Dhan 204 (suitable for Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu), are suit-able for aerobic rice cultivation, released from Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack. Similarly, University of Ag-ricultural Sciences, Bangalore has released ARB 6, MAS 26 and MAS 946-1 for Karnataka state.

The usual establishment method is dry direct seeding. Aerobic rice also allows practices of conservation agriculture as used in upland crops, such as mulching and minimum tillage.

Management

Benefits of aerobic method of rice cultivation

Aerobic rice can be rainfed or irrigat-ed. Irrigation can be applied through flash-flooding, furrow irrigation (or raised beds), or sprinklers.Unlike flooded rice, irrigation—when applied—is not used to flood the soil but to just bring the soil water content in the root zone up to field capacity.Site-specific nutrient management can be used to determine the optimal man-agement of fertilizers. In the absence of SSNM, 70−90 kg N/ha could be a useful starting point to obtain a yield of 4−6 t/ha. The first split can best be given 10−12 days after emer-gence, the second at active tillering, and the third at panicle initiation. The application of Phosphorus fertilizer can be more critical to aerobic rice than to flooded rice.Rice fields that are not permanently flooded tend to experience high growth and more species of weed. Appropriate herbicide use and additional manual or mechanical weeding in the early phase of crop growth, are therefore needed to control weeds.

1. Puddling of soil is not required.2. Nursery rising is not necessary.3. Direct seeding in the main field andhence, transplanting of seedlings is notnecessary4. Saving of seeds to an extent of about 80 per cent5. Saving of water up to 40-50 per cent.6. More area can be brought under irrigation with the available water.7. Labour requirement is less. 8. Soil structure is not spoiled.9. Nitrogen use efficiency is more. B

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10. Fewer incidences of pests and diseases because of more aeration, sunlight and less humidity.11. More number of productive tillers.12. Higher yield.13. More profit with reduced cost of cultivation 14. Less methane production as moisture is maintained at field capacity. Hence, less effect on pollution.15. Mosquito’s production is reduced.

DisadvantageSoil-borne pests and diseases such as nematodes, root aphids, and fungi are known to occur more in aerobic rice than in flooded rice, especially in the tropics. It is recommended to grow aer-obic rice in rotation with upland crops suitable in the area.

Source: IRRI - Rice knowledge Bank, IASRI e-course online.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsI4uPNyznpniGRvWA_Xn_A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR0clwJzZEU&t=8s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kioh6dzKKzU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB1GeuIg71w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci1w_rv2ae4

46www.agademy.in


Environmental Topic of the Month - Land Degradation Neutrality

LDN and SDG

LDN and climate change

Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) has been defined by the Parties to the Convention as:“A state whereby the amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosys-tem functions and services and enhance food security, remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems.”LDN is a simple idea and a powerful tool. It means securing enough healthy and productive natural resources by avoiding degradation whenever pos-sible and restoring land that has a lready been degraded. At its core are better land management practices and better land use planning that will im-prove economic, social and ecological sustainability for present and future generations.

LDN provides significant benefits in terms of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Halting and reversing land degradation can transform land from being a source of greenhouse gas emissions to a carbon sink, by

increasing carbon stocks in soils and vegetation. Furthermore, LDN plays a key role in strengthening the resilience of rural communities against climate shocks by securing and improving the provision of vital ecosystem services.

As per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, land degradation neutrality (LDN) (SDG 15.3) was outlined as a target to achieve by nations. The core agenda at this year’s UNCCD explores ways to reverse land degradation and its outcomes while accelerating positive achievements for people and for ecosys-tems with a view to delivering on SDGs.

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CoP 14 deliberations on LDNTo achieve land degradation neutral-ity, experts in 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) being hosted in India argued, an enabling atmosphere needs to be created that goes beyond individual sustainable land management (SLM) practices, one that requires positive interventions by diverse stakeholders including farmers, government institu-tions, corporates and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).The experts further said that one of the biggest barriers to achieving land degradation neutrality target is the absence of gender equality in the con-text of land use and economic oppor-tunities. Without normalising gender mainstreaming into land related issues, we aren’t going to achieve LDN targets any faster.Nishtha Satyam, Deputy Representa-tive, UN Women India MCO, under-stands that this is a big impediment to addressing land degradation. “Unequal power relations and gender-based dis-crimination in legal and customary systems in many societies even deny

women user rights to plant, control soil degradation and enhance soil fertility. Gender-responsive LDN transforma-tive projects and programmes strategi-cally contribute to the achievement of land degradation neutrality, which is important also for climate mitigation,” she said.

Source: UNCCD, UNDP India

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Horticulture OfficerAssistant Director of Horticulture

Exam Quiz


1) Number of Acid lime accommodat-ed in square system?

5) Plant Growing Structure Also known as

6) The N content of FYM is

8) Citrus Decline is Due to

3) Soil depth should be _____ for most of the fruit crop for normal Growth and development

2) In which country High Density Planting Introduced?

7) Hexogonal Planting System is also called as?

4) Recent improvements in soilless cul-ture includes

a) 277 b) 100 c) 204 d) 400

a) Conservatory

b) Fernery

c) Both A & B

d) Protected Structure

a) 1 - 1.5% b) 0.05 - 0.07% c) 2 - 2.5% d) 0.5 - 0.7%

a) Ph

b) Structure

c) Hard Pan

d) All the Above

a) 1.5m b) 1.8m c) 2m d) 2.2m

a) Australia b) America c) Europe d) New Zealand

a) Cluster b) Septule c) Diagonal d) Vertical Row planting

a) NFT b) Aeroponicsc) Tube Culture d) All the Above

1)d 2) c 3) c 4) d

5) d 6) d 7) b 8) d

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16) Match 1. NRC for Oil palm - a) Putlur, Karnataka2. NRC for Banan. - b) Trichy, Tamil Nadu3. NRC for Grape - c) Eluru, Andhra Pradesh 4. NRC for Cashew - d) Pune, Maharashtra

17) NRC For Medical and Aromatic plants

18) ALFT-2 is the variety of released from,

19) National Medical and Aromatic Plant Board Located at,

15) Konkan shrimanti is the variety of released from,

11) PLD - 2 is the variety released from

12) NRC for Seed Spices Situated at,

13) Cardamom Research Center situated at,

14) Citrus Decline is Due to,

a) d c b a

b) a b c d

c) c b d a

d) d c a b

a) Lucknow

b) Rajasthan

c) Gujarat

d) New Delhi

a) CIMAP, Lucknow b) NRC for Medical and Aromatic plants c) Gujarat Agriculture University d) TNAU, Coimbatore

a) New Delhi b) Gujarat c) Lucknow d) Jammu

a) BSKKV, Dapoli.

b) IISR, Calicut

c) Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurla

d)Regional Coconut Research Station, Ratbagiri

a) Pepper Research Station, Panniyur.

b)NRC, Oilpalm, Regional Research Station , Palode

c)IISR, Calicut

d)High Altitude Research Station, Patlongi.

a) Gujarat

b) Rajasthan

c) Maharashtra

d) Andhra Pradesh

a) Pampadumpara

b) Myladumpara

c) Appangala

d) Mudigree

a) Ph

b) Structure

c) Hard Pan

d) All the Above

9) d 10) d 11)b 12) b 13) c 14) d

15) a 16) c 17) c 18) c 19) a

9) Bone manure are especially benefi-cial to the soil deficiency in

10) Name of the fruit crop having highest fat content?

a) Potassium b) Phosphorus c) Iron d) Lime

a) Walnut b) Almond c) Cashew d) Pistachio nut

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20) Which of the following Guava variety fruits have Pyriform shape

24) which of the following Grape Variety used for both table purpose and raisin purpose,

25) Which of the following environ-ment condition produces more female flowers in papaya,

23) Which of the following Grape Variety used for both table purpose and juice purpose,

21) Hard Pan Due to,

22) Which of the following Virus disease cause citrus decline,

a) Sardarb) Lucknow 46c) Lucknow 49d) Both a and b

a) Thompson Seedless b) Black Champa c) Bangalore Blue d) Both a and b

a) Low temperature with long dayb) High Temperature with short day c) Low Temperature with short Dayd) High Temperature with long day

a) Thompson Seedless b) Black Champa c) Bangalore Blue d) Both a and b

a) Calcium carbonate b) Permeabilityc) Aeration d) All the Above

a) Citrus cankerb) Exocortisc) Pink Disease d) All the Above

20) b 21)d 22) b

23) c 24) a 25) c

prepared by Jeevanantham, Horticultural graduate.

www.imotforum.com

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Agriculture OfficerExam Quiz


1) Arrange the following greenhouse gases in descending order based on their contribution to greenhouse effect

5.Concept of available water is given by _____

A.CH4>CFC>N2O>CO2B.CO2>N20>CH4>CFCC.CH4>CO2>N20>CFCD.CO2>CH4>CFC>N2O

A.Veihmayer and HendricksonB.Briggs and ShantzC.ThornthwaiteD.Penman

1. D 2. B 3. D 4. B5. A 6. B 7. C 8. C

2.Reclamation disease is associated with ___A.IronB.CopperC.PotassiumD.Nitrogen3.Parboiling of rice conserve the ____ vitaminA.Vitamin B1B.Vitamin B2C.Vitamin B5D.Vitamin B12

6.Sprinkler pressure is ____

A.2-4 kg/cm2B.2.5-4.5 kg/cm2C.3-5 kg/cm2D.3.5-5.5 kg/cm2

4.Identify the correct characteristics of Rice Japonica speciesA.Tall stature, Weak stem, Elongate,grains, Droopy leaves.B.Short stature, Sturdy stem, Narrow erect erect, Dark green leavesC.Short stature, Weak stem, Wide erect, Droopy leavesD.Tall stature, Sturdy stem, Few tillers, Low productivity

7.’Malavika’ & ‘Jairaj’ are varieties of

A.Triticum aestivumB.Triticum diccocumC.Triticum durumD.Triticum monococcum

A.DevineB.BiophosC.CollegoD.Biopolaris

8. Pathogen ‘Colletotrichum gleospo-riodes’ is related to which of the following product

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A.India and China

B.China and Taiwan

C.India and Taiwan

D.China only

A.AvrodhiB.C-235C.AparnaD.Gourav

A.Dolma

B.Kailash

C.Amber

D.Azad

A.Ground nutB.Buck wheatC.Rape seedD.Berseem

A.Chick peaB.TobaccoC.TeaD.Barley

A.40 DASB.45 DASC.50 DASD.55 DAS

A.25-30%B.29-34%C.30-35%D.34-40%

9.Ascochyta blight resistant variety of desi Bengal gram is

10.Ribboning is commonly practiced in which of the following country

11.Huskless variety of barley is ____

16.Alkaloid ‘Rutin’ is related to

15.Imperata cylindrica is important weed of ____

13.In cotton, the percentage of ginning is ranges from

12.Which crop is known as ‘Camel of desert’A.Jowar

B.Bajra

C.Horse millet

D.Foxtail millet

14.In groundnut crop, pegging stage comes after

17.’Agropyron repens’ is act as host for ____

A.RustB.WiltC.ErgotD.Downy mildew

9. D 10. B 11. A 12. A 13. C 14. D 15. C 16. B 17. A 18. D 19. D

A.Leersia oryzoidesB.Chenopodium albumC.Imperta cylindericaD.Phalaris minor

18.Which of the following is ‘Mimicry weed of wheat’

A.AmidesB.TriazinesC.Dinitro anilinesD.Phenoxy acids

19.’MCPA’ herbicide is fall in the Group of ____

prepared by Bharathi Agricultural graduate.

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Current AffairsExam Quiz


1. Lunar library is recently in the news is associated withI) NASA’s Data archive of human culture and civilization that dropped in moon.II) It got files of 30 million pages of documents with audio files.Which of the following is/are correct ?A. 1 onlyB. 2 onlyC. NoneD. Both 1 and 2

Ans : B . Beresheet is by Israel not by NASA. It contains data of human culture and civilization, if human kind extinct it act as a backup to know our past culture. India send soil and Bodhi tree leaf with that.

2. Which of the following statement is NOT correct?

A.Chandrayaan 1 was launched by GSLV MK-III and Chandrayaan 2 was launched by PSLV C11.B.Chandrayaan1 is an international collobarative mission and Chandrayaan 2 is completely indegineous.C.Chandrayaan1 includes lunar orbiter only and Chandrayaan 2 includes lunar orbiter ,lander and rover.D. Chandrayaan1 aims in chemical and minerological mapping of lunar surface whereas Chandrayaan 2 aims in exploring the moon’s south polar region.

Ans A. Chandrayaan 1-PSLV C11 whereas Chandrayaan 2 launched by GSLV MKIII

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3. Consider the statements regarding ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2019’. Identify the INCORRECT statement.

A. The Assembly will have a term of five years, and the Lieutenant Governor must summon the Assembly at least once in six months. B. The Legislative Council of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be abolished.C. The bill repeals 153 state laws of Jammu and Kashmir.D. Lieutenant Governor of J&K may nominate two members to the Legislative Assembly to give representation to Dalits, if they are not adequately represented.

Ans : D. Nomination is for women.

A. Except IB. Except IIIC. Only IVD. All the above

Ans : D. All the above are part of Motor vehicles Amendment

4. Consider regarding The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Which of the following mechanism are proposed to be set up, according to the bill.I. Compulsory insuranceII. National Transportation PolicyIII. Road Safety BoardIV. Motor Vehicle Accident Fund

Select from the following options

5.Find the correct statement regarding Chief of Defense Staff(CDS):1. CDS will act as the single point advisor to the Government of India related to all the three services-Army, Navy, Air Force.2.CDS will be a five star military officer.Choose the correct answer :

A. 1 onlyB. 2 onlyC. BothD. None

Ans A. CDS will be first among equals having four star.

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6. Which of the following statement (s) is/are correct regarding Space Museum in India?1. India’s first Space Science Museum opened in Bangalore.2. It’s a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the B M Birla Science Centre.

9.Land and climate change is a special report released by

8. Which of the following are GI tag product correctly matched?1. Pathamadai Silk Mat- Kerala2. Tawlhlohpuan fabric-Mizoram3. Tirur Betel leaf- Odisha4. Palani Panchamirtham- Tamilnadu

7. Bedaquiline, Protemanid, Linezolid (BPaL) is a drug treated for which of the following disease?

Ans : B. It is opened in Hyderabad

A. 1 onlyB. 2 onlyC. Both 1 and 2D. None of the above.

A. HIVB. MDR-TBC. Hepatitis CD. None.

Ans: B. Pretomanid has recently approved by FDA to treat TB. It is effective only when treated with Bedaquiline and Linezolid.

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

Ans C. 2 and 4

A. UNCCDB. UNEPC. IPCCD. UNFCCC

Ans C. IPCC

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10.Which of the following are features of assymetric federalism in India ?I. Article 371II. Sixth schedule areasIII. Autonomous Hill development councilsSelect the CORRECT features from the following options

A. I onlyB. Except IIC. Except IIID. All the above

Ans : D

11. Which of the following statements correct regarding United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ?1. It is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address desertification.2. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.3. UNCCD COP meeting held annually, and India is hosting COP 14.A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 2 and 3 only

Ans A . UNCCD COP meeting held biennially, India is hosting COP 14.

12. Recently automobile sales in India witnessed sharpest decline in nearly 19 years dropping 18.71 %.Reason for slump of automobile sale is1. BS VI compilance by 20202. Government incentives on E - vehicle3. High liquidity condition in economy4. High tax rate due to GST & road taxWhich of the following statement is/are correctA. 1,4 onlyB. 2,3,4 onlyC. 1,2,4 onlyD. 1,2,3,4

Ans C. 1,2,4 only

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13. The term ‘Fedor’ recently seen in news associated with

A. A militant outfit in HongkongB. A new financial policy of IMFC. Humanoid robot launched to spaceD. None of the above

13. Ans C. Launched by Russia.

14. Which of the following countries have Amazon forest reserve ?

A. Brazil, Bolivia, UruguayB. Brazil, Ecuador, ParaguayC. Brazil, Chile, ColombiaD. Brazil, Peru, Bolivia

14. Ans D. Brazil, Peru, Bolivia

15. ‘Daridra Narayana’ is an axiom enunciated by____

A. Rabindranath TagoreB. Dayanand SaraswatiC. Mahatma GandhiD. Swami Vivekananda

Ans . D. Swami Vivekananda

16. Which of the following statement is/are correct?1. Maharshi Badrayan was associated with Nyaya school of philosophy.2. Maharshi Badrayan vyas samman is awarded every year to honour contributors of all classical languages including tamil.

A. 1onlyB. 2 onlyC. Both 1 and 2D. Neither 1 nor 2

12. Ans: D. Neither 1 nor 2Maharshi Badrayan was associated with Vedanta school of philosophy. Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman is awarded every year in 15th August for the contributions in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Pali, Prakrit, Classical Oriya, Classical Kannada, Classi-cal Telugu and Classical Malayalam.

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17. Which of the following statement is NOT correct?A. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was set up in 1969 after the recommendations of Justice B. Mukherji

B. CISF is one among security force of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).

C. CISF comes under Ministry of Defense.

D. It provides security to public sector undertakings, power plants, space establishment, ports.

Ans C. CISF comes under Ministry of Home affairs

18. Which of the following statements is/are correct?1. G20 platform includes all the G7 nations2. 2019 G7 summit theme mainly focused on combating inqualities.3. Next ‘G7 summit 2020’ will be held in USA.

A. 2 and 3 onlyB. 3 onlyC. 1 onlyD. All are correct

Ans D. All are correct

19. Match the following1.Lord Athi varadar- a.Puri2. Lord Jagannath- b.Kancheepuram3. Mother godness Kamakhya-c. Shravanabelagola4. Lord Bahubali -d.Guwahati

A. 1-a 2-b 3-c 4-dB. 1-b 2-a 3-d 4-cC. 1-c 2-a 3-d 4-bD. 1-b 2-c 3-d 4-a Ans B. 1-b 2-a 3-d 4-c

20. Cities nearer to Tiger reserves in India, which of the following is/are correct match?1. Dehradun - Rajaji Tiger reserve 2. Mandla - Kanha Tiger reserve3. Bhopal - Ratapani Tiger reserve

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. All the above

D. 2 and 3 only Ans: C. All the above

Prepared by Agademy Quiz Team

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Why Agri graduates deny choosing Agricul-ture as their UPSC optionals ? - Karthikeyani

I am K. Karthikeyani from a village in Dindigul district. Occupation of my fami-ly is Agriculture. I did my high school in Veveaham Hr. Sec. School. I aimed for medicine after my schooling, fortunately due to lack of needed cut off mark, I was not eligible for any Government Medical College. And because of my inter-est in biology, I chose Agriculture. I did my graduation from TNAU’s Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (2011-2015). While doing my graduation, I got exposure to various career opportunities in agriculture. Madurai Agriculture College is home for many civil servants and this is also one reason for my orienta-tion towards civil services. And during my college days, my college gave me many opportunities like sports to test myself as an administrator. Hence I owe my entry into civil service preparation to my college and my professors. I cleared my Indian Forest Service in the year 2017 with All India Rank 12.

Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you enter this field of competitive exams?

Karthikeyani IFS, Tamil State topper and All India Rank 12 of Indian Forest Service examination, 2017 shares her strategy for Preparation of Agriculture and Botany optionals with Agademy.in. She shares the strategy for clearing UPSC Preliminary exam with IFS cutoff and tips to effectively focus on Paper 2 of

Agri Optionals. Agademy.in thanks her and wishes her a great future ahead.

Karthikeyani IFSAll India Rank - 12

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Prelims question paper is a combination of static and current affairs. Static part has to be made clear during every reading. Justify yourself each and every point that you read. Don’t neglect your doubt that arises in your mind. Don’t worry much about the time it takes for you to complete a chapter. Just go with your pace that makes subject clear for you. Regular revision is the key for clearing prelims - espe-cially IFS. And don’t entirely omit any subject like art and culture. When a direct simple question is asked from such subjects, we may miss it.

Follow any one current affairs website and revise the same. My strategy was at-tending minimum 85 questions, allowing to get wrong maximum 15 questions and aiming for net minimum 65 questions. During your test practice in your prelims preparation, ensure that no direct questions should be made wrong. The question which we think everyone will get right should never be made a mistake. Take guess for questions which has at least 2 options known to you. This will increase your number of questions attended. There is one more strategy that few aspirants prac-tice, which is precise marking of less number of questions and getting required net correct. Any strategy which works out for you can be followed.

Agriculture optional is the best optional for agriculture graduates. Taking IFS into consideration, not many non agriculture graduates have such advantage as agricul-ture graduate has. Because, one of IFS optionals (agriculture) is our already studied optional for UPSC CSE mains. Syllabus of agriculture second paper is similar to the syllabus of botany (the second optional that many candidates choose with agricul-ture) second paper.

And taking Agri optionals helps us to attend other state government exams related to agriculture like Agriculture Officer, Horticulture Officer and other exams related to forestry and Bank Specialist Officer exam.

Yes, the syllabus is vast, but it is certainly not new for an Agriculture graduate. Reading and Revision is the key. If you complete the second paper alone before prelims, its very easy to cover the syllabus comfortably during mains. There are also people with 300+ scores in Agri optionals who are presently undergoing training with me.

Our optional agriculture is more of static type. So there are a lot of theory portion to memorise especially second paper. Repeated revision of material is the key. In case of agriculture, one need not try to make a difference in the paper, but if we are

To clear IFS preliminary exam we need to score at least 10 marks over UPSC CSE prelims. How should one strategize their preliminary preparation to clear with IFS cutoff ?

There has been opinion among Agriculture graduates that Agriculture optional is vast syllabus difficult to cover and also a least scoring (less than 300/500). Is it So ?

The standard study material and reference books of Agriculture optional is com-mon. How could one differentiate their answer writing from others to score more?

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able to reproduce whatever we read, in our answer sheet and complete the paper, better score is assured.

And regarding first paper, the questions of first paper are of UPSC General studies like questions. But we have to write using agriculture terms not as layman terms. Add more diagram as much as possible in the first paper. Second paper naturally comes with diagrams. Don’t omit any minor subject like entomology, pathology. When that subject question may be the deciding question to choose a question set.

We can make ready made answers for those minor subject’s from previous year questions at least to manage in a better way. Prepare each and every word in the syllabus. Previous year questions are the key for Agriculture optional.

As I mentioned already, read as many times as possible. Understand the concept thoroughly. Then start memorizing. Practice diagrams, cycles, breeding selection flow chart regularly whenever we are bored of reading. We can have a separate notes for all the “differences between” topic in the second paper. So that we will get rid of confusion among differences. When there are many things to memorise, we find difficult. We can use mnemonics / own stories to memorise the points. Try to cover entire syllabus i.e., every word in Syllabus. Practice previous year questions.

Syllabus of agriculture second paper is somewhat similar to the syllabus of botany second paper. Practicing previous year questions for second paper is enough. Re-garding first paper, as I had only limited time, I restricted myself to Tamilnadu 11th botany book and Gupta IFS previous year solved book. My preparation for botany is not systematic due to paucity of time. And English in IFS is easy scoring paper and worth spending time for its preparation. Solve previous year English papers and keep reading according to the need.

Paper II of agriculture optional is generally a nightmare for many aspirants. Please share dos and don’ts for Paper II preparation based on your experience.

Botany is your second optional for IFS mains. Explain us the strategies for preparing this optional in limited time period available.

“Agriculture optional is the best

optional for agriculture graduates. Taking IFS into

consideration, not many non agriculture

graduates have such advantage as agriculture

graduate has”

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Read everything enthusiastically. Be curious to know new things. Boost yourself. Accept yourself. Keep trying. Be self confident, it costs nothing. There are many who aspire for the life that you are living now. So be grateful for what you have and there are people who suffer more than you. Maybe you do not know ! Introspect yourself. And this is one more job as any other job. Keep trying till you want. Accept whatever comes to you at last.

Finally, Your words of wisdom for aspirants

As Interviewed in mail by Ramsundar M IFS , The Founding Editor of Agademy.in

Agriculture basics (graduation knowledge) and agriculture issues (current) are ex-pected from an agriculture graduate. Still it varies with interview board. But this is what is generally expected. Go through all the current agriculture issues and have an opinion. Have a separate notebook for agriculture interview possible questions and start preparing answers. Prepare your DAF well in angles related to agriculture. For example, crops grown in your district, what is your plan for your district in enhancing agriculture etc.

How agriculture optional candidates have to equip themselves for interview preparation? What according to you will be the expectation of board from agri graduates?

Our Team

Founding Editor: Ramsundar M

Managing Editor: Jayalani

Design: Naveen & Iyappan

News Lead : Jayalani

Quiz Team Lead: Yugendiran

Executive Editor (Agademy.in) : Jeevanandham

Proof reading: Karthi, Chandini Cover Image: ©️ISRO

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