Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Department of Commerce has extended the Interest Equalisation Scheme for pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit for Micro, Small and Mediumscale (MSME) exporters till August 31. The Interest equalisation Scheme (IES) is a government program that helps exporters access bank credit at a subsidized rate.  The scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2015. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The scheme provides subsidies for pre-and post-shipment rupee export credit to exporters in identified sectors and all MSME manufacturer exporters. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Under this scheme, the interest subsidy is provided directly to banks, which then pass on the benefit to exporters by reducing the interest rate on export credit. It is administered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and implemented through scheduled banks. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, amid the stand-of between the Raj Bhavan and the West Bengal government, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has called upon Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to table a White Paper on the State’s financial situation. A white paper is a blueprint for future policy that provides information, analysis and proposals on a specific issue. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

White paper can also be a detailed assessment of economic indicators and reforms and their implications for various sectors. It serves to provide transparency and clarity on specific topics, such as financial status, policies, or future plans, to stakeholders and the public. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the President of India paid her tributes to all the immortal fighters of the Santhal rebellion on ‘Hool Diwas’.  Hool Diwas marks the anniversary of the Santhal rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hul, which began on June 30, 1855. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Hool Diwas is celebrated every year on June 30 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Santhal rebels. The rebellion was led by the Santhal tribal leaders and heoros like Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav and Phoolo-Jhano against the oppressive British colonial authorities and the exploitative practices of landlords and moneylenders. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, five Indian soldiers lost their lives after a tank was swept away by strong water currents in the Shyok river during military training in Ladakh. The Shyok River flows through the Ladakh region in the northern part of India and also crosses parts of Gilgit-Baltistan (a region administered by Pakistan). Hence, statement I is correct.

The Shyok River is a right bank tributary of the Indus River, one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent. It originates from the Rimo Glacier, which is part of the Karakoram Range. Hence, statement II is correct.

Hence, statements I and II both are correct and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the researchers at the Government College for Women in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a method to produce activated carbon from coconut husks. Activated carbon is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It is typically produced from carbonaceous materials such as coconut shells, coal, wood or peat, through processes like carbonization and activation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It is known for its high surface area, which enables it to adsorb a wide range of substances including gases, liquids and impurities. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Activated carbon is utilized in water purification, air filtration, chemical processes, medical filters and energy storage applications. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Prototype supercapacitors made from coconut husk-derived activated carbon were found to be four times more efficient than existing supercapacitors. Hence, statement 5 is incorrect.

The coconut husk-derived activated carbon offers promising sustainable and efficient green solutions for high-performance supercapacitors, owing to its availability, low cost and eco-friendly nature. Hence, statement 6 is correct.