Answer: A

Explanation:

In Indore, the NOTA (None Of The Above) option received the highest number of votes ever recorded in any constituency to date. NOTA is a ballot option enabling voters to express disapproval of all candidates in a voting system. Its implementation in India followed the 2013 Supreme Court ruling in the People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India case. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Despite its introduction, NOTA in India does not grant a 'right to reject.' The Election Commission of India (ECI) supported NOTA in 2001 and 2004 to address concerns about voter secrecy with EVMs, proposing to add "NOTA" as an option. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

In case of Commissioner & Ors. (2018), the Supreme Court of India eliminated NOTA from Rajya Sabha elections, expressing concerns about its impact on democracy and potential corruption. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The World Environment Day is being celebrated across the globe on June 5 every year. World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It has been celebrated since 1973 as part of the United Nations Environment Programme to build awareness to save life on planet Earth. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 2024 Environment Day celebration this year. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

World Environment Day 2024's theme, "Our Land. Our Future. We are #Generation Restoration", underscores the global urgency for land restoration, desertification mitigation and drought resilience. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, experts have noted that "greedflation" is contributing to high rates of inflation in Western countries. Greedflation is a term used to describe a situation where inflation is driven not by genuine economic factors but by speculative greed and excessive risk-taking in financial markets. It occurs when investors and financial institutions engage in excessive speculation, seeking quick profits without regard for the underlying economic fundamentals. Hence, statement I is correct.

Greedflation can be fueled by the formation of asset bubbles, such as in real estate or stock markets, where prices are driven higher by speculative demand rather than intrinsic value. It contributes to inflationary pressures in the economy, as excessive speculation drives up prices of goods, services and assets. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, an SU-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Nashik, Maharashtra. The Su-30MKI, a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30 is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi. It is built under license by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter with multirole capabilities. Hence, statement 1 is correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar was celebrated. Ahilya Bai Holkar (31 May 1725-13 August 1795), the Maratha queen and a prominent ruler of the Holkar dynasty was born in the Chaundi village (present-time Ahmednagar district) of Maharashtra. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Ahilya Bai Holkar was renowned for her wisdom, courage and administrative abilities. She established the Maheshwari saree industry in Maheshwar, contributing to economic development. She sponsored the construction of numerous temples, including the famous Maheshwar temple on the banks of the Narmada river. She revered as 'The Philosopher Queen' by British historian John Keay for her enlightened rule and governance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.