UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — West Asia crisis chokes A.P. mango pulp trade

Q1. In the mango pulp export trade affected by the West Asia shipping disruption, consignments are stored and transported in 'aseptic barrels'. What does aseptic packaging of mango pulp essentially denote?

  • A. A commercially sterile filling-and-sealing process that allows pulp to be stored at ambient temperature without refrigeration or preservatives
  • B. A vacuum-sealed cold-chain process requiring continuous sub-zero refrigeration throughout transit
  • C. A chemical-preservative-based bottling process certified only for fresh-cut mango slices
  • D. A modified-atmosphere packaging that injects inert gas to ripen the fruit during shipment

Q2. Approximately how many mango pulp processing units, with backward linkage to Alphonso and Totapuri varieties, form the production base of India's two main clusters at Chittoor and Krishnagiri?

  • A. About 25 units
  • B. About 65 units
  • C. About 150 units
  • D. About 300 units

Q3. The nodal agency promoting India's mango and mango pulp exports, whose Gulf shipments were hit by the West Asia crisis, was established under which one of the following statutes?

  • A. The APEDA Act, 1985
  • B. The Spices Board Act, 1986
  • C. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
  • D. The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937

Q4. APEDA, which operationalises the promotion of mango pulp exports affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruption, functions under which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • B. Ministry of Food Processing Industries
  • C. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
  • D. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Q5. With reference to India's mango pulp exports in the financial year 2024-25 (the trade impacted by the West Asia crisis), consider the following statements: 1. India's mango pulp exports were valued at roughly USD 80 million during 2024-25. 2. The United States was the single largest destination for India's mango pulp exports in 2024-25. 3. The Chittoor and Krishnagiri clusters together form the principal processing base for India's mango pulp. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India's mango pulp exports were valued at roughly USD 80 million during 2024-25.
  2. The United States was the single largest destination for India's mango pulp exports in 2024-25.
  3. The Chittoor and Krishnagiri clusters together form the principal processing base for India's mango pulp.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3