Q: Which GS Paper does Environment & Ecology fall under for UPSC?

Environment & Ecology topics are covered under UPSC General Studies in the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus. Current affairs on Environment & Ecology are regularly tested in UPSC examinations and require understanding of both policy dimensions and current developments.

Q: How is this current affair relevant for UPSC Mains answer writing?

For UPSC Mains, "AYURFARM 2025 Certificate Course on Medicinal Herb Cultivation Concludes at AIIA, New Delhi" can be linked to General Studies questions on Environment & Ecology. Focus on the causes, government response, challenges, and way forward. Use data points and connect it with relevant schemes and constitutional provisions for a high-scoring Mains answer.

The AYURFARM 2025 certificate course highlighted government efforts to blend traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern agronomic techniques for sustainable medicinal plant cultivation. Its relevance spans environment, agriculture and health sectors, offering useful facts and analytical angles for UPSC prelims and mains preparation.

AYUSH AYURFARM 2025 Certificate Course on Medicinal Herb Cultivation Concludes at AIIA, New Delhi The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush, concluded its five-day certificate course, “AYURFARM 2025: Cultivation & Propagation of Ayurveda Herbs,” today. Organized by the Department of Dravyaguna from September 22 to 26, 2025, the program was part of the Ayurveda Day 2025 celebrations. The Inaugural Session was graced by Dr. Sameer Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Uttarakhand, who emphasized the need for conservation of forest resources and sustainable use of medicinal plants. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Sanwal, IFS, Former Deputy CEO, National Medicinal Plant Board, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the importance of policy frameworks and cultivation strategies to strengthen the supply chain of quality medicinal plants. The Valedictory Session was addressed by Dr. Mayaram Uniyal, senior Ayurvedic scholar, who stressed the importance of integrating classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern agronomical practices. A total of 27 participants from across India attended the course, which was conducted by six experts in their respective fields. Dr. Janhavi Mishra Rawat, Professor, Graphic Era University, Dehradun, trained participants in plant tissue culture, while Dr. K. Hima Bindhu, Principal Scientist, ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru, explained hydroponics and soilless cultivation. Dr. D. Kalaivanan, Senior Scientist, ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru, demonstrated cocoponics and good cultivation practices, and Dr. Kunal A. Kale, Assistant Professor, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha, shared propagation and conservation techniques. Dr. Saroj Kumar V., Assistant Professor, Kerala Agricultural University, Kollam, highlighted Vrikshayurveda and propagation methods, and Smt. S. Premlata, Agricultural Expert, trained participants on organic farming and soil health. During the program, participants received hands-on training in grafting, layering, soil evaluation, preparation of organic manures and vermicompost, and studied success stories of medicinal farming. AYURFARM 2025 provided intensive practical exposure and scientific training aligned with Good Cultivation Practices (GCP), enabling participants to master modern propagation techniques while remaining rooted in traditional Ayurvedic knowledge. The program strengthened the foundation for the sustainable availability of authentic, high-quality medicinal plants, directly benefiting Ayurveda education, research, and clinical practice, and contributing to the evidence-based growth of Ayurveda in the country. ***** RT/GS/SG (Release ID: 2172231)

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