Explanation

Explanation

The UK Air Safety Committee officially removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List in July 2025,

Lifting a five-year ban on Pakistani carriers

Background: A ban was imposed in 2020 following a scandal involving fake pilot licenses.

Explanation

• Saline-sodic and sodic soils have excess sodium, which harms soil structure and crop growth.
• These soils require chemical amendments to replace sodium with calcium.
• Gypsum, sulfur, and sulfuric acid are commonly used for reclamation.

Additional information:

Amendments used for sodic soil reclamation:

• Gypsum – supplies calcium directly
• Sulfur – converts into sulfuric acid in soil
• Sulfuric acid – reacts with calcium carbonate
• Pyrite – slow-release sulfur source
• Organic matter – improves soil structure

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Seed treatment involves applying chemicals or bio-agents to seeds before sowing.
• It helps protect seeds from fungi, bacteria, and viruses, ensuring healthy germination.

Additional information:

• Treated seeds germinate uniformly and reduce early crop losses, improving overall yield.

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Puddling is the process of plowing rice fields under standing water to create a soft, muddy layer.
• It helps to reduce deep water percolation, keeping water near the root zone for better crop growth.

Additional information:

• Puddling also breaks soil clods and improves seedbed for transplanting rice seedlings efficiently.

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Winnowing is the process of separating lighter chaff from heavier grains using wind or air flow.
• It is usually done after threshing to clean the harvested crop.

Additional information:

• Threshing: Separates grain from the stalk or husk
• Sieving: Removes dust or smaller particles from grains

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Ratooning is a method where after harvesting the mature cane, the stubbles are left in the field to produce new shoots (ratoons).
• It reduces the need for replanting and saves time and labor.

Additional information:

• Ratooning can produce 2–3 additional crops before replanting becomes necessary.

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Field capacity is the amount of water a soil can hold after excess water has drained.
• Clay soil has fine particles and high water-holding capacity, making it retain more water.

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Tillage is the mechanical preparation of soil to loosen, aerate, and level it for planting.
• It primarily improves soil structure, allowing better root growth and water infiltration.

Additional information:

• Proper tillage also helps in weed control and residue incorporation, contributing to overall crop health.

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Adding organic matter improves soil structure, making it looser, more porous, and better for root growth.
• It also enhances water retention, aeration, and microbial activity.

Additional information:

• Organic matter also supplies nutrients slowly and helps prevent soil erosion.

Last verified on 27-01-2026