Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, a pair of Kashmiri hangul spotted at the Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar. It has been a protected area since 1910 under the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and was declared a National Park in 1981. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It has diverse flora including trees like wild cherry, apple, pear, walnut, oak, pine, birch and more. This park is also home to various endangered and vulnerable species such as the Hangul, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Indian leopard, Himalayan grey langur and a wide range of avian species. Hangul (Cervus hanglu), also known as the Kashmir Stag is a subspecies of the Central Asian red deer. Hangul, the Kashmir stag, is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN and listed under CITES Appendix I. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

During the final day of the 2024 Raisina Dialogue on February 24, General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, remarked that "grey zone warfare" represents the latest form of informal warfare. Grey zone warfare refers to a middle ground between direct conflict and peace in international relations. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It involves a range of activities that are covert or indirect, making responses challenging in terms of scale. Activities in the grey zone include economic actions, influence operations, cyberattacks, mercenary operations, assassinations, disinformation campaigns and more. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Recent actions by Russia and China are often cited as examples of grey zone warfare. China's activities in the South China Sea, including its territorial claims and military presence, are seen as instances of grey zone tactics. Chinese military actions near Taiwan, such as regular fighter flights over the strait, exemplify the use of grey zone strategies. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, the Government of Sri Lanka and Indian company U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions signed the contract for building “Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems” in Delft or Neduntheevu, Nainativu and Analaitivu islands off the Jaffna peninsula. Nainativu Island is located off the Jaffna Peninsula in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is one of the smaller islands in the region and is situated in the Palk Strait, which separates Sri Lanka from the Indian mainland. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It is renowned for its religious significance, being home to the Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Nagapooshani (also known as Bhuvaneswari). The island is also known for its archaeological sites, including remnants of ancient Buddhist stupas and ruins dating back to ancient times. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

On March 2, 2024, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named 'Ocean Grace' and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) virtually. The Ocean Grace is the first 'make in India' ASTDS Tug developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW. It reflects the commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative of PM Modi. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the tug has a remarkable bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Hence, statement I is correct.

In Gurugram, Haryana, India's first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) was inaugurated. The event also marked the launch of the Green Tugs Transition Programme (GTTP) aimed at operating green tugs in all major ports by 2025. India aims to become a 'Global Hub for Green Ship' building by 2030, driven by the launch of GTTP. Green Hybrid Tugs will utilize Green Hybrid Propulsion systems and eventually adopt non-fossil fuel solutions such as Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen. The goal is to convert at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030. Hence, statement II is correct.

Since Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I, hence,  hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Sarojini Naidu, an Indian independence activist, poet and politician was born in a Bengali family in Hyderabad, Telangana. She was affectionately known by several nicknames including "The Nightingale of India"  and "Bulbul-e-Hind." Sarojini Naidu actively participated in various movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha. She accompanied Gandhiji to London for the inconclusive second session of the Round Table Conference for Indian–British cooperation in 1931. Naidu made history as the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress (INC) as its president in 1925. After India gained independence, she became the first woman to hold the office of Governor in India, serving as the Governor of the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh). Naidu authored works in both English and Urdu, including notable poems like "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" (1912) and "The Golden Threshold (1905)", "The Bird of Time (1912)" and "The Broken Wing (1912)". Hence, option (b) is correct.