Explanation

• Potato blight is a devastating plant disease caused by Phytophthora infestans.
• It led to the Great Irish Famine (1845–1852), causing mass starvation in Ireland.
• The disease affects potato leaves and tubers, causing rotting.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• China: Largest cotton-producing country.
• Textile Industry: 7,500 companies.
• Annual Production: US $73 billion of cotton cloth.

Additional information:

• India: Second largest cotton producer.
• USA: Third largest cotton producer.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Organic farming requires that soil be free from synthetic chemicals.
• Certification of soil as organic ensures it meets these standards.
• Typically, organic matter certification requires 3 years of organic management.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Royal jelly is a special secretion used to feed queen bees in a colony.
• It is produced by worker bees from glands in their heads.
• It is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
• It supporting the growth and reproduction of the queen.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Soybean is a leguminous crop that still requires nutrients from the soil for optimal growth.
• The nutrient requirement for producing 1 ton of soybean is approximately NPK 100 kg.
• N = Nitrogen, P = Phosphorus, K = Potassium.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• The main American issue with Ukraine concerns security and geopolitical alignment.
• The United States strongly supports Ukraine joining NATO as a defense against Russian aggression.

Additional information:

• NATO membership provides military support and collective defense for Ukraine.
• The issue is a central factor in US-Russia geopolitical tensions.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Diarchy = system of shared rule in provinces under British India.
  • Introduced by the Government of India Act 1919.
  • Meaning: “Double system of government” – two heads responsible for administration.
  • Introduced by Edwin Samuel Montagu and Lord Chelmsford.
  • Ended by Government of India Act 1935, which established provincial autonomy.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on natural methods.
• Compared to conventional farming, organic farming usually gives slightly less yield.

Additional information:

• Organic farming produces healthier crops with better nutritional quality.
• Yield gap can be reduced using improved organic techniques and crop rotation.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Tissue death can occur naturally or due to injury, infection, or stress.
• Necrosis is the death of living tissues, often uncontrolled.

Additional information:

• Apoptosis is programmed cell death, a controlled process at the cellular level.
• Plasmolysis is shrinkage of plant cells due to water loss.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Plants can respond to various stimuli like light, gravity, and touch.
• The response of plants to touch is called thigmotropism.
• It is commonly seen in climbing plants and vines, which coil around supports.

Last verified on 23-01-2026