Explanation

• ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) maintains the barley gene bank.
• It preserves genetic diversity of barley and other crops for research and breeding.

Additional information:

• CIMMYT: Focuses on wheat and maize improvement.
• ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, national-level organization.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an example of an organochlorine pesticide.
• It is used to control insects in agriculture and for malaria control.

Additional information:

• Malathion: Organophosphate pesticide.
• Imidacloprid: Neonicotinoid pesticide.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Cotton contributes around 2% to Pakistan’s GDP.
• It is a major cash crop.
• It forms the backbone of the textile industry.
• It is a key part of the economy.

Additional information:

• Cotton supports millions of farmers and workers in Pakistan.
• Pakistan is among the top cotton-producing countries in the world.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

EPIDEM was the first computerized simulation model developed to predict and study plant disease epidemics.

It helps in planning control measures and understanding disease spread.

Additional information:

• DSSAT: Crop growth and yield simulation.
• APSIM: Agricultural Production Systems Simulator for cropping systems.
• CROPGRO: Part of DSSAT, for legume crops modeling.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Apricot rootstock “Hari” is commonly used in Pakistan for grafting apricot trees.
• It provides strong roots and better adaptability to local soil and climate.

Additional information:

• Helps in increased fruit yield and disease resistance.
• Also used in horticulture programs to improve apricot cultivation.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Indian National Congress – headed by Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• All-India Muslim League – led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah

• Congress adopted the pact at Lucknow session on 29 December 1916.
• Muslim League approved it on 31 December 1916.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Cotton is Pakistan’s major export commodity.
• It contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
• It is used in the textile industry for making fabrics, garments, and yarn.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• The word “since” refers to a specific point in the past, so the past simple tense is required.
• Correct sentence: “We haven’t seen each other since he left.”

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• In PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), the first step is denaturation, where the double-stranded DNA is heated to separate into single strands.
• This allows primers to bind in the next step.

Additional information:

• Second step: Annealing – primers attach to single-stranded DNA.
• Third step: Extension/Replication – DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Maize (corn) completes its life cycle in one year, from sowing to harvest.
• It grows, flowers, produces seeds, and dies within a single season.

Additional information:

• Biennial crops: Take two years to complete life cycle (e.g., carrot, beetroot).
• Perennial crops: Live and produce for multiple years (e.g., apple, sugarcane).

Last verified on 19-01-2026