Answer: B

Explanation:

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit's last day in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, July 4th, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Founded in 2001 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the SCO is an intergovernmental alliance focusing on political, economic and security cooperation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This organization upholds the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, equality, consultation and respect for cultural diversity. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It aims to promote collaboration in trade, investment, energy, transportation, and security among member states. Official languages of the SCO Secretariat are Russian and Chinese. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017; Iran announced its intention to become a full member in 2021. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Indian Army has restated to its personnel the importance of complying with official regulations regarding the wearing of trinkets and religious symbols in uniform. Regarding the wearing of religious articles with the uniform, no unauthorized ornaments or emblems are permitted, except for a signet ring. Trinkets and visible watch chains are strictly prohibited. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Specific instructions for women personnel include discreetly wearing the mangalsutra around their neck if married. Makeup rules are stringent, prohibiting lipstick, colored nail polish, or bindis. Vermillion (sindoor) may be applied on the hair parting if not visible with a beret/peak cap. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

In terms of jewellery, aside from small earrings and specified rings (engagement/wedding/signet), wearing jewellery while in uniform is not allowed. Female personnel are restricted to one set of ear piercings, with earrings limited to a single pair not exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The two-day Global INDIAai Summit 2024 concluded successfully yesterday (4^th July 2024) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The summit saw an oversubscribed registration with 2,000 AI experts and practitioners attending physically, while virtual participation exceeded 10,000. India highlighted its commitment to democratizing AI and ensuring accessibility for all through government initiatives. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

OECD and GPAI announced a new integrated partnership on AI during the summit, highlighting collaborative efforts on AI ethics and governance. The summit provided deep insights into the implementation aspects of the INDIAai Mission, focusing on multi-model approaches, AI-ready data platformization, and stakeholder collaboration across various sectors. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, former Chief Economic Advisor Subramanian emphasized that GST (Goods and Services Tax) remains complex and challenging to implement effectively. Goods and Services Tax is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services across India. Hence, statement I is incorrect.

Goods and Services Tax was implemented in India on July 1, 2017, subsuming various indirect taxes like central excise duty, service tax, VAT, etc. The Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes the Union Minister of State for Finance and the Finance Ministers of all the states. Hence, statement II is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, the Centre has issued guidelines for funding of testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support for development of Standards and Regulatory framework under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a government initiative launched on January 4, 2023, to make India a global hub for the production, use and export of green hydrogen. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The mission aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide a reliable source of energy through the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is administered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct.