TLDR;
This session covers important current affairs from the past six months (May to October), focusing on topics relevant to various agricultural exams like IBPS AFO, NABARD, DDA, and state-level exams. The session includes previous year questions (PYQs) analysis, government schemes, and important agricultural updates. Key points include:
- Government schemes and related initiatives are major focus areas.
- Understanding the objectives, budget allocations, and key features of these schemes is crucial.
- Knowledge of important dates, themes, books, and awards related to agriculture is also essential.
Introduction [0:12]
The session will cover important current affairs from the past six months, specifically from May to October. This session is important for various upcoming examinations such as IBPS AFO, NABARD, DDA, Rajasthan Supervisor, and Bihar Agriculture Coordinator. The session will include PYQs and expected questions, focusing on government schemes.
Telegram Channel and Discussion Group [1:54]
The presenter shares information about where to find the PDF of the session and where to ask questions. The PDF will be available on the Telegram channel "Shagun Ma'am PW." For any queries, students can join the discussion group "Shagun Ma'am PW Discussion Group."
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) [3:23]
The session starts with a discussion of previous year questions (PYQs) to give aspirants an idea of the type of questions asked in the examinations. The questions are primarily scheme-based, focusing on government initiatives and their objectives.
- PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana: The scheme provides an assured monthly pension of ₹3,000.
- PM Kusum: The scheme provides a 60% subsidy to farmers for the installation of solar pumps.
- PM Kisan Sampada Yojana: The sub-scheme related to infrastructure is the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure.
- Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): The approved FRP for sugarcane for the 2021-22 season was ₹290 per quintal.
- e-NAM: Online electronic trading of agriculture commodities is done through the e-NAM platform.
May Month Current Affairs - Genome Edited Rice Varieties [11:17]
India launched two genome-edited rice varieties to increase yield and climate resilience. The names of the rice varieties are 'Kamala DRR Dhan 45' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1'. The 'DRR Dhan 45' rice variety was developed by targeting the GN1A gene, which is related to increased grain yield.
May Month Current Affairs - First Gene Edited Sheep [18:21]
India's first gene-edited sheep was developed at the SKUAST University in Kashmir using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The objective was to enhance muscle mass in sheep, which can lead to better meat production and livestock quality. The myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth, was targeted. Professor Riaz Ahmad Shah led the research team.
May Month Current Affairs - MSP for Kharif Crops [23:30]
The government increased the MSP for all mandated Kharif crops for the 2025-26 season. The highest increase in MSP was for Niger seed, with an increase of ₹820 per quintal. The MSP for paddy (common) was increased by ₹69, bringing the price to ₹2,369 per quintal. The MSP increase for pulses and oilseeds was 9%.
May Month Current Affairs - Clean Plant Program [28:56]
The Central Government announced the Clean Plant Program to ensure disease-free and productive plants in the horticulture sector. Nine clean plant projects were planned to be launched across India, with three of them set up in Maharashtra. The budget allocated for Maharashtra was ₹300 crore.
May Month Current Affairs - Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan [36:04]
During the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, the government aimed to educate and assist approximately 1 to 1.5 crore farmers. The campaign coincided with the Kharif season. The campaign's tagline was "Jahan Khet Wahan Vigyan Shodh Hoga Ab Seedhe Kisan Ke Naam."
May Month Current Affairs - Fifth Marine Fishery Census [41:58]
The main objective of the Fifth Marine Fishery Census, released in April 2025, was to document every marine fisher family and related infrastructure. The nodal agency for implementing the census in India was ICAR-CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute). The census was conducted using the Vyas Nava app for real-time data collection.
May Month Current Affairs - Rice Allocation for Ethanol Production [49:22]
The government increased rice allocation for ethanol production to 52 lakh tonnes to promote the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program. The conversion rate was 470 liters of ethanol per ton of rice. The fixed issue price of rice for ethanol production was ₹22.5 per kg.
May Month Current Affairs - Biochar Center of Excellence [58:21]
India's first Biochar Center of Excellence was inaugurated at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad to promote rural entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth. The center aims to empower rural entrepreneurs by providing training and support for biochar-related products. The technology used is CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology.
May Month Current Affairs - Important Dates and Themes [1:05:40]
- International Bee Day (May 20): Theme - B inspired by nature to nurture all.
- International Tea Day (May 21): Theme - Tea for better life.
- International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22): Theme - Harmony with nature and sustainable development.
June Month Current Affairs - Tripura Queen Pineapple [1:08:21]
The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DONER) approved a ₹132 crore project to brand Tripura's Queen Pineapple globally. Tripura has approximately 11,862 hectares under pineapple production, yielding 1.74 lakh metric tons.
June Month Current Affairs - New Moth Species in Kerala [1:14:43]
Seven new moth species were identified in the Ranipuram Forest of Kasaragod, Kerala. Dr. Susan led the discovery.
June Month Current Affairs - Goa Feni GI Tag [1:19:08]
Goa's traditional liquor, Feni, received its first Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Feni is made from cashew. The Conformity Assessment Board (CAB) will conduct inspections to ensure adherence to traditional distillation methods.
June Month Current Affairs - Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet 2025 [1:24:48]
The Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet 2025 was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh chaired the meet. The government is investing ₹52 crore in fisheries and aquaculture projects across seven inland states under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana.
June Month Current Affairs - Duty Cut on Crude Edible Oil [1:30:27]
The central government reduced the Basic Custom Duty (BCD) on crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oil to 10%. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued an advisory to edible oil industry stakeholders to pass on the full benefit of the duty cut to consumers.
June Month Current Affairs - Spices Board India and Spices Scheme [1:37:56]
The Spices Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, operates the Spices scheme. The primary beneficiaries of the scheme are FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) and farmer groups.
June Month Current Affairs - International Buyer Seller Meet in Bihar [1:43:11]
Bihar's first International Buyer Seller Meet was held in Gyan Bhawan, Patna. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries organized it in partnership with APEDA, TPCI, and the Bihar government. The focus was on GI-tagged products like Makhana, Shahi Litchi, Zardalu Mango, and Katarni Rice.
June Month Current Affairs - Kozhikode Declares Biodiversity Icons [1:49:08]
Kozhikode became the first district in Kerala to officially declare emblem species across eight biodiversity categories. The official district flower of Kozhikode is Atharani (Melastoma malabathricum).
June Month Current Affairs - Important Dates and Themes [1:55:40]
- World Milk Day (June 1): Theme - Let's celebrate the power of dairy.
- World Environment Day (June 5): Theme - Beat Plastic Pollution.
- World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17): Theme - Her Land. Her Rights.
- World Micro biome Day (June 27): Theme - Bio Homes 1.
July Month Current Affairs - Weather Derivative Market [1:56:00]
NCDEX (National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange) launched India's first weather derivative market in partnership with IMD (India Meteorological Department). Weather derivative payouts are based on measurable weather variables such as temperature and rainfall.
July Month Current Affairs - International Potato Center in India [2:00:21]
The South Asia Regional Center of the International Potato Center (CIP) will be established in Signa, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The center aims to enhance the productivity of potatoes and sweet potatoes.
July Month Current Affairs - Beej Utsav 2025 [2:04:08]
The main focus of Beej Utsav 2025, held at the tribal tri-junction of Rajasthan, MP, and Gujarat, was to celebrate indigenous seed diversity and tribal agricultural heritage.
July Month Current Affairs - Nano Fertilizer Plant in Brazil [2:09:56]
IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative) is establishing India's first overseas nano fertilizer manufacturing plant in Brazil in collaboration with Brazilian firm Nanofert. The plant will manufacture 4.5 million liters of nano fertilizer annually.
July Month Current Affairs - PM Dhan Dhan Yojana [2:12:10]
Districts with low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit access will be selected under the PM Dhan Dhan Krishi Yojana. Approximately 1.7 crore farmers are expected to benefit from this scheme.
July Month Current Affairs - New Begonia Species in Arunachal Pradesh [2:22:56]
A new flowering plant species, Begonia mishorensis, was discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
July Month Current Affairs - Assam Milk Subsidy Scheme [2:25:56]
The Assam government is offering a ₹5 per liter subsidy to dairy farmers under the new Milk Subsidy Scheme. NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) is partnering with Assam to expand the largest dairy processing facility in the state.
July Month Current Affairs - UP Government Launches WINDS Project [2:38:59]
The UP government launched the WINDS (Weather Information Network and Data System) project. The full form of WINDS is Weather Information Network and Data System. The UP government allocated ₹9.77 crore for this project.
July Month Current Affairs - Important Dates and Themes [2:43:55]
- International Fruit Day (July 1): N/A
- World Chocolate Day (July 7): N/A
- National Fish Farmers Day (July 10): N/A
- NA BARD Foundation Day (July 12): N/A
- ICAR Foundation Day (July 16): N/A
August Month Current Affairs - AI-Driven Initiative for Climate Resilient Agriculture [2:45:19]
ICRISAT launched an AI-driven initiative named "AI-Powered Context-Specific Agromet Advisory Service for Climate Resilient Agriculture at Scale." This initiative is being implemented under the Indian Monsoon Mission Three.
August Month Current Affairs - New Rice Varieties in Democratic Republic of Congo [2:50:21]
IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) released four new rice varieties in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the Quizz Visa project. The key characteristic of these new rice varieties is high yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant.
August Month Current Affairs - PM Kisan Sampada Yojana [2:54:40]
The total outlay approved by the Union Cabinet for the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana during the 15th Finance Commission cycle is ₹6,520 crore. The annual food preservation capacity expected in the new irradiation units is 20 to 30 lakh metric tons.
August Month Current Affairs - Agriculture Revolution 4.0 [3:00:38]
The primary goal of India's Agriculture Revolution 4.0 is to increase productivity and strengthen sustainability through AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). Kisan e-Mitra is an AI-powered chatbot that handles farmer queries about the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
August Month Current Affairs - Sterility Mosaic Disease Resistant Gene in Pigeon Pea [3:06:24]
A newly discovered resistance gene, CCSMD04, protects pigeon pea crops from Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD). ICRISAT and ICAR collaborated to develop this SMD-resistant gene.
August Month Current Affairs - Drone-Based Rain Trial in Rajasthan [3:11:00]
JXAI, a technology firm, collaborated with the Rajasthan Agriculture Department for a drone-based rain trial. Sixty drones were deployed for the artificial rain experiment in Rajasthan.
August Month Current Affairs - Annadata Sukhi Bhava PM Kisan Scheme in Andhra Pradesh [3:15:30]
The Annadata Sukhi Bhava PM Kisan scheme was launched by Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu to empower farmers. A total amount of ₹3,175 crore will be disbursed to farmers under the first phase.
August Month Current Affairs - Crop Insurance Claim Disbursement [3:22:57]
₹3,200 crore in crop insurance claims will be distributed by the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Approximately 30 lakh farmers across the country will benefit from this crop insurance claim disbursement.
September Month Current Affairs - GST Reforms [3:29:57]
Fertilizer raw materials, previously taxed at 18%, now have a reduced GST of 5% to correct the inverted duty structure. The GST for bio-pesticides and micronutrients for sustainable farming was revised to 5%.
September Month Current Affairs - Revised National Action Plan on Glanders [3:33:55]
The main focus of the revised National Action Plan (NAP) on Glanders is prevention, control, surveillance, and ultimately, complete elimination of the disease from equines. The causative agent of Glanders is Burkholderia mallei.
September Month Current Affairs - Bhartiya Initiative by APEDA [3:40:50]
APEDA launched the Bhartiya Initiative. The full form of Bhartiya is Bharat Hub for AgriTech Reliance, Advancement, and Incubation for Export. The primary aim is to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups and increase agri-food exports to $50 billion by 2030.
September Month Current Affairs - National Agriculture Conference for Rabi Season [3:46:11]
The National Agriculture Conference for the Rabi season was held as part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.
September Month Current Affairs - AI Powered Monsoon Forecast [3:50:57]
Approximately 3.8 crore Indian farmers received AI-powered monsoon forecasts from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare via the mKisan portal. The AI-integrated monsoon forecasts were sent directly to Indian farmers through the mKisan SMS portal.
September Month Current Affairs - Kapas Kisan App [3:56:45]
Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh launched the Kapas Kisan app to modernize cotton MSP procurement.
September Month Current Affairs - APEDA Regional Office in Bihar [4:01:21]
APEDA opened its first regional office in Bihar in 2025 in Patna.
September Month Current Affairs - UNDP Equator Prize [4:06:30]
The UNDP Equator Prize is often referred to as the Nobel Prize for biodiversity conservation. The BB Fatima Self Help Group (SHG) is situated in Tirtha village, Dharwad district, Karnataka.
September Month Current Affairs - Important Dates and Themes [4:10:15]
- National Nutrition Week (First week of September): Theme - Eat Right for a Good Life.
- World Coconut Day (September 2): Theme - Growing Coconut for a Better Future and Life.
- World Ozone Day (September 16): Theme - Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.
- World Bamboo Day (September 18): Theme - Bamboo, a sustainable solution for the new climate era.
October Month Current Affairs - Maize Push in Punjab [4:12:55]
The key policy focus highlighted during the Minister's visit to Punjab was crop diversification with a push towards maize cultivation for rural prosperity. A financial relief of ₹74 crore is being provided to Punjab farmers through free wheat seed distribution as part of the government's holistic support package.
October Month Current Affairs - Sustainable Aquaculture Model in Sundarbans [4:21:15]
The name of the award-winning model developed for sustainable aquaculture in Sundarbans is SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem). The core feature of the SAIME model for aquaculture in Sundarbans is maintaining 5-30% mangrove cover within shrimp farming ponds.
October Month Current Affairs - Exporting Solar Agriculture Model to Africa [4:23:14]
India plans to export its solar agriculture model, PM Kusum, to Africa and island nations. As of September 2025, 70% of stand-alone solar pumps have been installed under PM Kusum.
October Month Current Affairs - Kapas Kranti Mission [4:39:07]
The total outlay of the newly launched Kapas Kranti Mission targeting cotton farmers is ₹600 crore. The high-density plantation model from Maharashtra is being replicated in other states through this mission.
October Month Current Affairs - e-NAM Expansion [4:44:31]
e-NAM expanded by adding nine new commodities. Soybean meal is not one of the nine new commodities added to e-NAM. The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) plays a role in formulating the tradable parameters and quality grades for new commodities.
October Month Current Affairs - New Begonia Species in Arunachal Pradesh [4:50:17]
The State Horticultural Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) discovered the newly discovered Begonia species in Arunachal Pradesh. The red-leafed Begonia was found in the Laparada district of Arunachal Pradesh.
October Month Current Affairs - Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme [4:54:15]
The total subsidy outlay approved by the Union Cabinet for the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme for Rabi 2025-26 is ₹37,952 crore. The approved subsidy rates for Rabi 2025-26 are:
- Nitrogen: ₹43.02 per kg
- Phosphorus: ₹47.02 per kg
- Potash: ₹2.38 per kg
- Sulfur: ₹1.70 per kg
October Month Current Affairs - Farm Schemes for 100 Districts [5:00:44]
The Prime Minister launched farm schemes worth ₹35,440 crore for 100 districts.
October Month Current Affairs - Important Dates and Themes [5:03:58]
- World Coffee Day (October 1): Theme - Embracing Collaboration for Collective Action.
- World Animal Welfare Day (October 4): Theme - Great or Small, Love Them All.
- World Egg Day (Second Friday of October): Theme - Eggs for a healthy future.
- National Women Farmer Day (October 15): N/A
- World Food Day (October 16): Theme - Leave NO ONE behind.
