RAS question
AFRI (Arid Forest Research Institute) is located at:
Correct answer: (C) Jodhpur.
AFRI, the Arid Forest Research Institute under ICFRE, is located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
Explanation
AFRI stands for Arid Forest Research Institute and works under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. The official AFRI page states that ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute is situated at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, with its campus on New Pali Road. That location also fits the institute's role: it conducts forestry research for hot arid and semi-arid areas, including work linked to vegetative cover, biodiversity conservation, arid and semi-arid vegetation, desertification and eco-restoration. AFRI is not just associated with desert ecology in general; the institute itself is based in Jodhpur.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jaisalmer is an arid district, but the official AFRI page places the institute at Jodhpur, not Jaisalmer.
- (B) Jaipur may host other institutions, but ICFRE identifies AFRI as situated at Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
- (D) Bikaner is associated with NRCC, whereas AFRI is the ICFRE institute located at Jodhpur.
Concept
Institutional geography within Rajasthan requires matching specialised research institutes with their correct cities. RAS Geography often covers AFRI because arid-zone forestry, biodiversity and desertification are central Rajasthan-environment themes.