Correct Answer: Enhance irrigation efficiency and water use in agriculture
 

Solution : The correct answer is b) Enhance irrigation efficiency and water use in agriculture.

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship program of the Government of India that aims to improve irrigation infrastructure and water management in agriculture. The primary objective of PMKSY is to enhance water use efficiency, expand irrigation coverage, and improve the productivity of agricultural water resources.

Under PMKSY, various components and strategies are implemented to achieve these objectives. This includes the promotion of precision irrigation methods such as micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler irrigation) to reduce water wastage, the construction and renovation of water storage structures like dams and reservoirs, the development of water distribution networks, and the adoption of efficient water management practices.

PMKSY also emphasizes the convergence of resources and efforts from multiple ministries and departments to ensure integrated and holistic development of irrigation infrastructure. The program aims to address the challenges of water scarcity, uneven distribution of water resources, and inefficient irrigation practices in agriculture, ultimately leading to sustainable water use and increased agricultural productivity.

Correct Answer: dependence

Solution : The correct choice is the fourth option.

Among the options provided, dependence best fits the context of relying heavily on borewells for water in the absence of adequate rainfall.

Correct Answer: high, 210

Solution : The correct answer is high, 210

In the drier areas of the Deccan Plateau's black cotton soil, cotton thrives well. It needs high temperatures, little irrigation or rainfall, 210 days without frost, and bright sunlight for growth.

Correct Answer: Water generated is primarily used in washing.

Solution : The correct answer is option 1.

Water generated is primarily used in washing. 

Explanation:

Let's look at the following passage lines:

-- There has however been hardly any attempt at questioning the extent of damage caused or in evaluating whether the promises of food, water and prosperity for all have actually been realised.

- The cost of the project is so stupendous that any water made available will cost so much that governments will have to be forever subsidizing farmers.

- What long-term impact this massive borrowing will have on the economy is difficult to foresee.

- First option is false as the passage does not state that water will be used only for washing.

- Second option is correct because the cost of water made available through dams is high and the government must constantly subsidise farmers.

- Third option is correct because the passage mentions promises of food, water, and prosperity, implying that the water will be used primarily in agriculture.

- Fourth option is correct because, as stated in the passage, the cost of dam construction is high.

Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The Green Revolution did indeed play a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity in India. The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds, modern agricultural techniques, and better irrigation facilities were key components of the Green Revolution and contributed to increased food production.

During the 1960s and 1970s, India faced a severe food shortage and was heavily dependent on food imports. To address this challenge, the Indian government, with the help of agricultural scientists and researchers, implemented the Green Revolution. This initiative focused on developing and disseminating improved seeds, such as dwarf wheat and high-yielding rice varieties, that had higher yields and were more resistant to pests and diseases.

The reason provided in the assertion correctly explains how the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds, modern agricultural techniques, and better irrigation facilities contributed to increased agricultural productivity in India during the Green Revolution.

Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
 

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Diversification of agricultural activities does promote the use of renewable energy, and the reason for this is that it encourages the adoption of technologies like solar pumps and biogas plants for irrigation and energy needs.

Diversification of agricultural activities refers to the practice of engaging in multiple types of agricultural production or incorporating non-traditional activities alongside traditional farming. This can include activities such as horticulture, livestock rearing, agroforestry, and aquaculture.

Solar pumps utilize solar energy to power water pumps for irrigation purposes, reducing reliance on conventional electricity or fossil fuel-powered pumps. This helps in conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas plants utilize organic waste, such as animal manure and crop residues, to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion. The biogas can be used for cooking, heating, and generating electricity on the farm, providing a renewable and sustainable source of energy.

By diversifying their agricultural activities, farmers can generate the organic waste needed for biogas production and create a self-sustaining energy system. This promotes the use of renewable energy and contributes to reducing the dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Therefore, the assertion that diversification of agricultural activities promotes the use of renewable energy is true, and the reason that it encourages the adoption of technologies like solar pumps and biogas plants for irrigation and energy needs is the correct explanation for this assertion.

Correct Answer: Aqueducts

Solution : Correct Option: 2
Explanation: The advanced irrigation system in Vijayanagar included aqueducts, which were used to transport water over long distances to agricultural fields.

Correct Answer: led

Solution : The correct choice is the second option.

The sentence structure in the passage indicates that it discusses actions that have already occurred in the past. The past tense of the verb lead is led, making it the correct choice to maintain the consistency of the sentence's tense and meaning.

Correct Answer: 20%

Solution : The correct answer is 20%.

On September 19, 1960, Pakistan's President Ayub Khan and the country's then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru signed the Indus Waters Treaty. India is permitted to use 20% of its water for irrigation, electricity production, and transportation. 80% of it can be used by Pakistan.

Correct Answer: Rivers

Solution : Correct Option: 3
Explanation: The primary source of water for irrigation in Vijayanagar was rivers, with the Tungabhadra River playing a crucial role in the region's agriculture.