November Agriculture Current Affairs 2024 Best For Exams

Explanation:

The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme is designed to empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drones for agricultural use. Part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), this initiative provides 80% financial assistance and training for SHGs, enabling women to offer drone-based services for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, which improves crop yield and efficiency. Targeting 14,500 SHGs, the scheme not only supports agricultural productivity but also creates sustainable income opportunities for women, aligning with the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment in rural areas.

Explanation:

Madhya Pradesh, one of India’s largest producers of Kodo millet, witnessed the tragic death of 10 elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The elephants’ demise was linked to the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet containing cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a toxic mycotoxin produced by fungal infection. The incident highlights concerns about food safety and the potential risks associated with fungal-infected crops, particularly in regions with poor soil quality. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a significant conservation area, and this incident underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of wildlife habitats and food sources.

Explanation:

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has expanded its offerings by introducing 170 seed categories, enabling central and state public sector units to procure seeds efficiently for nationwide distribution. This initiative promotes transparency and streamlines public procurement processes. By leveraging the GeM platform, launched in 2016, the government aims to enhance accessibility and accountability in procurement services. The addition of seed categories demonstrates the platform’s growing relevance in supporting India’s agricultural sector and ensuring the timely availability of quality seeds.

Explanation:

The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) report reveals a concerning 10% surge in greenhouse gas levels over the past two decades. This significant increase is primarily attributed to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and cement production. The report highlights record-high levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, underscoring their impact on climate change. Carbon dioxide remains the dominant greenhouse gas, responsible for approximately 64% of the anthropogenic warming effect. The WMO’s findings emphasize the urgent need for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

Explanation:

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) is a hardy, drought-tolerant crop with high yield potential. It is widely cultivated in India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh. However, it is also associated with mycotoxins, specifically Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), which can cause Kodo poisoning. This condition affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, with symptoms including vomiting, giddiness, and unconsciousness. The potential link between Kodo millet and elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve highlights the importance of monitoring crop safety and addressing environmental factors contributing to mycotoxin production.

Explanation:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels from January to September. This increase is largely driven by the El Niño phenomenon, which has amplified the effects of climate change. Although this temporary breach of the 1.5°C threshold does not necessarily mean failure to meet the Paris Agreement goal, it underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action to mitigate severe impacts and maintain a safe global temperature.

Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh model of natural farming has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its potential to double employment opportunities for farmers and increase their incomes. Natural farming, a chemical-free method promoting traditional indigenous practices, aims to make farming aspirational by rejuvenating soil health and increasing net incomes. The FAO’s ‘AgroEco2050’ initiative suggests that adopting natural farming can provide sustainable and economic benefits to agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, offering lessons for other regions to follow.

Explanation:

The Indian Farmers and Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) successfully developed Nano Urea Liquid in 2022, marking a significant breakthrough in nano fertilizer technology. This innovation enhances nutrient use efficiency and reduces conventional urea requirements by 50%. Nano Urea Liquid’s controlled-release mechanism ensures crops receive steady nutrient supplies, making it a highly efficient fertilizer. IFFCO’s development has the potential to transform agricultural practices, promote sustainability, and increase crop productivity.

Explanation:

India strengthened its diplomatic ties with Suriname by dispatching a significant consignment of food grains and edibles to support Suriname’s Social Welfare Programme. This gesture underscores the historical connections between the two nations, rooted in the Indian diaspora. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1976, India and Suriname have fostered cooperation through embassy establishments in Paramaribo (1977) and New Delhi (2000). This humanitarian assistance highlights India’s commitment to supporting the welfare initiatives of its partner nations, particularly in the Caribbean region. This move also reinforces the bilateral bond between India and Suriname.

Explanation:

India has secured the 10th position in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, published jointly by Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International. This ranking reflects India’s efforts to address climate change. Denmark tops the list, followed closely by the Netherlands and the UK. In contrast, major emitters like China and the USA rank 55th and 57th, respectively. The CCPI evaluates countries’ climate policies, renewable energy deployment, and greenhouse gas emissions, providing valuable insights into global climate change mitigation strategies.

Explanation:

Ecuador has declared a national emergency due to the devastating impact of forest fires, water shortages, and drought. The emergency, approved by the Environment Ministry, will last for 60 days. The country is facing its worst drought in six decades, resulting in significant losses, including 40,000 hectares of crops and over 44,000 farm animals. This declaration aims to address the crisis and provide relief to affected areas.

Explanation:

World Fisheries Day is observed annually on November 21 to emphasize the significance of sustainable fisheries, the protection of aquatic ecosystems, and the livelihoods of fishing communities. This global celebration aims to raise awareness about the threats faced by the fisheries sector, such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices. In 2024, the theme “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries” highlights India’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable practices in the sector. By marking this day, the international community reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable fishing practices and empowering small-scale fishers worldwide.

Explanation:

The Marine Fisheries Census, announced on World Fisheries Day, is set to be conducted in 2025. This digital initiative aims to survey 1.2 million households along India’s coastline within 45 days. Utilizing mobile apps and virtual servers, the census process is 80% faster and gathers data on socio-economic conditions, household size, and fisherfolk engagement. This effort supports the blue economy initiative under Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, enhancing data-driven policy-making for sustainable marine development.

Explanation:

Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture technique that uses beneficial bacteria to recycle organic waste in a closed tank system. These bacteria, like Bacillus and Pseudomonas, convert waste into microbial biomass that fish can consume, providing both water quality management and nutrition. This method reduces the need for frequent water changes and external chemicals, making it cost-effective, especially for small-scale farms. It also helps prevent diseases by maintaining a clean environment and reducing the need for antibiotics.

Explanation:

National Milk Day is celebrated annually on November 26 in India to honour Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, on his birth anniversary. This day recognizes his pivotal role in transforming India into the largest milk producer in the world through initiatives like Operation Flood. It also celebrates the contributions of the dairy industry and its role in improving rural livelihoods, nutritional standards, and economic development across the country

Explanation:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan agreement with India to support the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. This initiative aims to enhance access to certified disease-free planting materials, boosting crop yield, quality, and climate resilience. By collaborating with nurseries, researchers, and growers, the program promotes sustainable practices and addresses climate challenges in horticulture plant health management.