Correct Answer: For its insights into religious, social, and cultural life

Solution : The Bhakti-Sufi tradition is considered a rich source for understanding Indian history and culture because it provides insights into religious, social, and cultural life, including beliefs, practices, and values.

Correct Answer: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
  

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched by the Government of India. It aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient farming systems to ensure food security and enhance the income of farmers while minimizing the impact on the environment.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is responsible for the implementation of various agricultural development programs and policies in India, including the NMSA. It formulates strategies, provides technical guidance, and allocates resources for the effective implementation of the mission.

Correct Answer: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

APEDA is an apex government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is responsible for the promotion and development of export-oriented agricultural and processed food products. APEDA plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian agricultural products in the global market.

Some of the key functions of APEDA include:

1. Registration and regulation of exporters of agricultural and processed food products.

2. Promotion and development of export-oriented production and processing of agricultural commodities.

3. Quality control and certification of agricultural products for export.

4. Market research and analysis to identify export potential and opportunities.

5. Facilitating market access and trade promotion for agricultural products.

6. Providing financial assistance and incentives to exporters.

APEDA works closely with various stakeholders, including farmers, growers, processors, exporters, and industry associations, to facilitate the marketing and export of agricultural products from India. It aims to boost the export of agricultural commodities and enhance India's presence in the global market.

Correct Answer: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
   

Solution : The correct answer is (b) National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is responsible for the promotion and development of agricultural marketing cooperatives in India. It provides financial assistance and support to various cooperatives, including agricultural marketing cooperatives, to enhance their capabilities and promote their growth.

NCDC offers financial resources, technical assistance, training, and other support services to cooperatives involved in agricultural marketing activities. It aims to strengthen the cooperative movement in India and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector.

Correct Answer: Promote self-reliance and economic sovereignty  
 

Solution : The focus on heavy industries during planned industrialization in India was intended to promote self-reliance and economic sovereignty by developing a strong industrial base that could support other sectors of the economy.  

Correct Answer: Processing agricultural products  

Solution : The agro-processing industry involves processing agricultural products to add value and extend their shelf life, such as turning milk into cheese or tomatoes into tomato sauce.

Correct Answer: Biomedical waste

Solution : Biomedical waste is a type of urban waste generated from healthcare facilities, hospitals, and laboratories.

Correct Answer: Regulating agricultural marketing in specified areas

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Regulating agricultural marketing in specified areas.

APMC is a statutory body established by state governments in India to regulate and supervise the marketing of agricultural produce within designated market areas. The main objective of APMC is to ensure fair trade practices, protect the interests of farmers, and provide a transparent platform for buying and selling agricultural commodities.

The key functions of the APMC include:

1. Regulating market practices: APMCs regulate the buying, selling, and storage of agricultural produce in designated market yards or mandis. They enforce rules and regulations to prevent unfair practices, ensure transparency in transactions, and protect farmers from exploitation.

2. Setting up market infrastructure: APMCs establish and maintain market yards, auction platforms, warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other necessary infrastructure for the smooth functioning of agricultural markets.

3. Price discovery: APMCs facilitate price discovery mechanisms through transparent auctions, negotiations, and competitive bidding processes. They provide a platform where buyers and sellers can interact and determine fair prices for agricultural produce.

4. Quality control and grading: APMCs enforce quality standards for agricultural commodities and provide grading services to ensure consistency and reliability in the quality of produce traded in the markets.

5. Collection of market fees and charges: APMCs collect market fees, levies, and charges from buyers and sellers as per the state regulations. These fees contribute to the maintenance and development of market infrastructure.

Correct Answer: It reduced the reliance on subsistence farming
 

Solution : Commercial agriculture played a significant role in the economic changes of the 19th-century rural society by reducing the reliance on subsistence farming, as farmers increasingly grew cash crops for export rather than food crops for local consumption.

Correct Answer: It caused a reduction in agricultural biodiversity.

Solution : A major criticism of the focus on wheat and rice in the Green Revolution was that it caused a reduction in agricultural biodiversity, as farmers shifted away from traditional and diverse cropping patterns.