Answer: C

Explanation:

Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually inaugurated India's inaugural Green Hydrogen Plant within the Stainless Steel Sector situated at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar. India's steel sector transitioned from a net importer to a net exporter, targeting to become the world's largest crude steel producer. The NGHM, launched with ₹20,000 crore, aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage and export. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Pilot projects in the steel sector receive support from the NGHM with a budget of ₹500 crore until FY 2029-30. The Minister lauded Hygenco and Jindal Stainless for commissioning India's first off-grid green hydrogen plant, aligning with the government's sustainability vision. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The project creates employment opportunities while promoting responsible industrial practices. Industry stakeholders are urged to embrace clean technologies, contributing to India's journey towards a greener economy.

Robust national green policies and 13 task forces focus on green steel production. Implementation of the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy enhances domestically generated scrap availability. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Union Environment Ministry's 'Status of Leopards in India, 2022' report reveals a notable surge in the country's leopard population, reaching an estimated 13,874 compared to 12,852 in 2018. Indian leopards, apex predators in forested habitats across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan, contribute significantly to ecosystem balance. Central India and Eastern Ghats host the highest leopard population (8,820), followed by the Western Ghats (3,596), and the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains (1,109). Madhya Pradesh leads in leopard numbers (3,907), followed by Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879), and Tamil Nadu (1,070). Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Despite marginal overall population growth, maintaining the status quo is deemed satisfactory due to ongoing threats like poaching. Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains experienced a 3.4% annual decline, dropping from 1,253 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2022. States like Odisha, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Goa also reported population decreases. Contributing factors include habitat loss, poaching, road accidents, and the rise in tiger populations, especially impacting areas like the Ramnagar Forest Division in Uttarakhand. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Southern Region of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) celebrated its 174th foundation day at its headquarters in Hyderabad. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a scientific agency that conducts geological surveys and studies of India.  It was established in 1851 as a Government of India organization under the Ministry of Mines. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is one of the oldest such organizations in the world and the second oldest survey in India after the Survey of India in 1767. Initially focused on coal exploration, GSI expanded its scope under the leadership of Sir Thomas Oldham to include mapping of rock types, geological structures and relative ages of different rock types. In 2017, GSI initiated the first-ever aerial survey of mineral stocks, mapping mineral stocks up to a depth of 20 km using specially-equipped aircraft. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recent research suggests that an infant's diet as young as one year old can influence their future risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to disorders characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract lining. There are two main types of IBD: ulcerative colitis affecting the large intestine and rectum and Crohn's disease primarily affecting the small intestine. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Factors contributing to the development or worsening of IBD include diet, age, family history, cigarette smoking and certain medications. Changing diet patterns have been linked to changing prevalence patterns of IBD, with processed food consumption associated with higher incidence. High intake of vegetables and fish in infancy is associated with lower future risk, while consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to higher risk. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, five people were hospitalized after being mistakenly served 'dry ice' as mouth freshener, at Gurgaon in Haryana. Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), created by compressing and cooling gaseous carbon dioxide. It is a lethal substance that must never be touched or ingested, as it can cause severe damage to skin and internal organs. Contact with dry ice can cause chemical burns and frostbite due to its extremely low temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Ingestion or inhalation of dry ice can lead to respiratory issues and potentially fatal carbon dioxide poisoning. It is commonly used as a cooling agent for preserving food items, such as ice cream and frozen desserts, without the need for mechanical cooling. Regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issue warnings and guidelines regarding the safe handling of dry ice in food service establishments. Hence, all statements are correct.