1. Question: Which pest outbreak was reported damaging chilli crops in southern India around 2024?
Options:
(A) Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on onions.
(B) Thrips parvispinus (chilli black thrips) attacking chillies in AP, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
(C) Potato tuber moth on wheat.
(D) Locusts on tea plantations.
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: From late 2023 into 2024, an invasive pest Thrips parvispinus (chilli black thrips) caused severe damage to chilli crops in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect or unrelated: Fall Armyworm mainly affects maize; locusts affect cereals; potato moth does not affect chillies.
2. Question: A recent Karnataka study found that for eco-friendly control of Fall Armyworm in maize, combining Beauveria bassiana (an insect-pathogenic fungus) with which of the following insecticides was highly compatible?
Options:
(A) Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + λ-cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC (at half dose).
(B) Glyphosate (herbicide).
(C) DDT (now banned).
(D) Pure neem oil only.
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The study reported that B. bassiana combined with Chlorantraniliprole + λ-cyhalothrin (at half the recommended dose) showed high compatibility – i.e., minimal inhibition of the fungus and effective FAW control. Options (B) and (C) are either a herbicide or banned, and (D) was not the identified compatible combo.
3. Question: In early 2024, what advisory did the ICAR’s Wheat & Barley Research Institute (Karnal) issue regarding wheat crop management?
Options:
(A) It advised monitoring for yellow (stripe) rust and applying recommended fungicides (e.g., propiconazole or tebuconazole mixes) if found.
(B) It banned any fungicide use during the season.
(C) It urged farmers to flood fields to kill pests.
(D) It advised switching completely to maize due to wheat failure.
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: In January 2024, IIWBR Karnal issued an advisory warning that current weather favored wheat yellow rust, and urged farmers to scout fields and spray specific fungicides (0.1% propiconazole or 0.06% tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin) in affected areas. The other options are false and contradictory to standard practice.
4. Question: Which of the following was a key outcome of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) approved in 2025?
Options:
(A) Reduction of all veterinary services.
(B) Introduction of the Pashu Aushadhi component (animal medicines) and more mobile veterinary units.
(C) Ending of vaccination programs.
(D) Privatization of animal health at all costs.
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Union Cabinet in 2025 approved a revised LHDCP (₹3,880 crore budget) that added Pashu Aushadhi (affordable veterinary medicines) and emphasized expanded vaccination, mobile vet units, and disease control. Options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect, as the reform strengthens rather than weakens veterinary services.
5. Question: What measure did India take in response to the avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks in early 2025?
Options:
(A) Banned poultry trade entirely nationwide.
(B) Asked states to intensify surveillance and biosecurity at poultry farms and live-bird markets.
(C) Recalled all chicken meat from markets.
(D) Advised farmers to burn poultry feed.
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: As bird flu (H5N1) cases emerged in early 2025, the Agriculture Ministry directed states to heighten surveillance of poultry farms and enforce the National Action Plan for Avian Influenza. Options (A), (C), and (D) are impractical and were not implemented.
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