UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Centre to send expert group to study litchi crisis in Bihar

Q1. With reference to litchi cultivation in Bihar, consider the following districts. Which of the above are correctly identified as principal litchi-producing districts forming the State's traditional litchi belt?

  1. 1. Muzaffarpur
  2. 2. Vaishali
  3. 3. Samastipur
  4. 4. Bhagalpur
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. With reference to litchi production in India relative to the rest of the country, consider the following statements: 1. Bihar accounts for more than 80% of India's total litchi production. 2. Bihar has the largest area under litchi cultivation among all Indian States. 3. The 'Shahi' litchi of Muzaffarpur has been accorded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1. Bihar accounts for more than 80% of India's total litchi production.
  2. 2. Bihar has the largest area under litchi cultivation among all Indian States.
  3. 3. The 'Shahi' litchi of Muzaffarpur has been accorded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the central expert task force constituted in May 2026 on the litchi crisis in Bihar, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified?

  1. 1. It was constituted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  2. 2. It is chaired by the Director of the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur.
  3. 3. The pest implicated, Tessaratoma javanica, belongs to the Order Coleoptera.
  4. 4. The task force was directed to submit its report within one week of its constitution.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 3 and 4

Q4. The area under litchi cultivation in Bihar, as referenced by ICAR-NRC on Litchi during the 2026 crisis assessment, is approximately:

  • A. about 12,000 hectares
  • B. about 22,000 hectares
  • C. about 32,000 hectares
  • D. about 52,000 hectares

Q5. The expert task force constituted in May 2026 to study the litchi crop crisis in Bihar caused by the litchi stink bug was set up by which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
  • B. Ministry of Food Processing Industries
  • C. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change