Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) alerted the coastal States of Goa, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, about the possibility of high-energy swell waves over the weekend. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a division of the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) in New Delhi. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It was established in 1998 and is located in Pragathi Nagar, Hyderabad.  Its mission is to provide ocean information and advisory services to the scientific community, government, business and society through continuous ocean observations and research. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It provides round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for coastal populations regarding tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc., through the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC). It has been designated as the National Oceanographic Data Centre by the International Oceanographic Data Exchange Programme (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued an Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. This Act regulates the removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes. The act was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on February 4, 1994. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The aim of this Act is to prevent commercial dealings in human organs and tissues. The act authorizes living donations from close relatives such as siblings, parents, kids, partners, grandmothers and grandfathers and grandkids in the majority of situations. The Act also allows for the donation of almost 37 different organs and tissues after brain stem death, including vital organs such as kidneys, heart, liver and lungs. In 2022, a total of 16,041 organs were donated in India, with kidneys being the most commonly donated organs. Delhi recorded the highest number of donations with 3,818 organs donated. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, a male Orangutan, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, has been recorded on video by German and Indonesian scientists using a medicinal plant to treat a wound on his face. Orangutans are one of the extant species of great apes, along with common chimpanzees, gorillas and bonobos. They are known as the "Man of the forest" in Malay due to their habitat preference. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

They are found in the islands of Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo (divided between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

There are three types of orangutans: Sumatran, Bornean and Tapanuli. They are the largest tree-dwelling mammals and are closely related to humans, sharing 97% of their DNA. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

They have long arms, brown skin and long, sparse reddish-brown hair. Each type is distinct in terms of genetics, morphology and behaviour. Orangutans are classified as critically endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, deforestation, and illegal hunting. Orangutans are highly intelligent and exhibit complex social behaviours. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Delhi High Court addressed concerns about the rampant use of oxytocin hormone in dairy colonies in the national capital, calling it "animal cruelty" and called for action against its misuse. Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including childbirth, lactation and social bonding. Hence, statement I is correct.

It is used medically to induce labour and manage postpartum hemorrhage during childbirth.

It has been misused in livestock farming to increase milk production in dairy cattle. Misuse of oxytocin in dairy farming can lead to adverse health effects in animals, including uterine infections and reproductive disorders. Consumption of milk from animals treated with oxytocin may pose health risks to humans, such as hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions. It was banned for veterinary use in India by the Centre in April 2018 due to concerns about its misuse in dairy farming. Hence, statement II is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the 12th India-Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations were held in The Hague, Netherlands. Netherlands, also known as Holland is a country located in northwestern Europe. Netherlands shares its borders with Germany to the east, North Sea to the north & west and Belgium to the south. Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands. The highest natural point in the Netherlands is the Vaalserberg. This country is intersected by rivers such as the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. India and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1947, completing 75 years of diplomatic engagement in 2022. Hence, option (c) is correct.