Answer: C

Explanation:

Activist and environmentalist groups deemed the conclusion of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations as "disappointing." The negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty were held in Ottawa, Canada. The primary objective of these negotiations was to develop a legally binding agreement aimed at "ending plastic pollution" on a global scale. Hence, statement I is correct.

Nearly 192 member countries participated in the discussions, representing a diverse range of geographical regions and interests. The negotiations encountered significant challenges due to the intricate connections between plastics and oil economies, the substantial presence of manufacturing businesses and the limited availability of affordable alternatives.  India opposed restrictions on producing so called primary plastic polymers or virgin plastics, arguing that production reductions exceed the scope of UNEA (United Nations Environment Assembly) resolutions. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, a study revealed the importance of conserving Red Colobus monkeys in Africa's tropical forests, suggesting that their preservation could significantly contribute to safeguarding these ecosystems. Red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus spp.) are a group of Old World monkeys that are native to equatorial Africa. They are reddish orange to reddish brown in color, and either black or black and white. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

They have no thumbs or only vestigial thumbs and are closely related to the black-and-white colobus monkeys (genus Colobus). They are the most threatened group of African monkeys, with every form of the species listed as threatened with extinction in 2020. They serve as primary indicators of biodiversity decline in Africa's tropical forests. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru filmed the moon using an eight-inch telescope equipped with a camera, passing in front of a bright red star Antares. Antares is a bright red star located in the constellation of Scorpius and is about 550 light-years away from Earth. Antares is visible in the Northern Hemisphere on summer evenings with a bright red sparkle, and in the Southern Hemisphere on winter evenings as a red beacon. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Antares is the brightest star in the Scorpius constellation, often ref erred to as "Jyeshtha" or Alpha Scorpii in Indian astronomy. It holds a prominent position in the night sky, particularly visible during the summer months in the southern hemisphere. Due to its brightness and the moon's occasional passage in its path, Antares undergoes occultations, where it is briefly hidden by the moon, creating a notable celestial event. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, in a first, a migrant whose asylum application was rejected by the United Kingdom was sent to Rwanda under a voluntary scheme. Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Africa. Rwanda share its borders with Tanzania (East), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (West), Uganda (North) and Burundi (South). Kigali is the capital of this country. The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, located in the volcanic Virunga Mountains range. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, amid soaring temperatures in Karnataka, tourists sought refuge from the extreme heat by flocking to Vibhuti Falls in the Western Ghats. Vibhuti Falls is a waterfall in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and is considered to be one of the most beautiful falls in the region.  The name "Vibhuti" means "ashes of glory" in Hindu mythology. The falls are located near a large limestone rock formation, which makes the water pure and rich in minerals. Hence, option (c) is correct.