Answer: B

Explanation:

A rare total solar eclipse will occur today, April 8, crossing North America and passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.  Solar eclipses happen when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking its view either partially or fully. They occur approximately every six months during the new moon phase, when the Moon's orbital plane aligns closely with Earth's. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Solar eclipses can be total, partial, annular, or hybrid, each with varying frequencies and characteristics. Total solar eclipses occur roughly every 18 months globally but are rare at any specific location, happening only once every few centuries. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The Moon's slight tilt causes its shadow to usually miss Earth, resulting in solar eclipses occurring during eclipse seasons. Cultural and historical perspectives often attributed solar eclipses to supernatural causes or considered them as bad omens. Astronomical predictions of eclipses have been made since ancient times, with modern forecasts accurately predicting eclipses hundreds of years in advance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) decided to cancel the Pashmina border march, which aimed to draw attention to the challenges faced by the Changpa nomadic tribes. The Changpa, also known as Champa, are a semi-nomadic Tibetan tribe. They live mainly in the Changtang plateau of southeastern Ladakh and some parts of Jammu and Kashmir. A smaller number of Changpa live in the western regions of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The Changpa are pastoralists who live at an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level. They are identified by their conical yak-skin tents called Reboo. They are known for raising yaks and goats, including the Changra goat, which produces the rare Pashmina (Cashmere) fiber. The Changpa's primary means of livelihood is raising animals and selling their produce. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

They share linguistic and cultural affinities with Tibetans and all Changpa families profess Tibetan Buddhism. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the neglected Satpula Dam has been restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to safeguard its historical and architectural importance. The Satpula Dam was commissioned in 1340 by Mohammad Bin Tughlaq, serving a dual role as both a water supply system for irrigation and a defensive fortification against potential threats. Notable for its seven arched openings, the dam regulated the flow of water while also functioning as a boundary wall for Jahapanah, the fourth city of Delhi. Hence, statement I is correct.

The engineering ingenuity of the structure is evident in its use of grooved side walls, facilitating the operation of sliding gates to control water flow. Documented in Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan's Asar-us-Sanadid, the Satpula Dam stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and strategic planning of the Tughlaq dynasty in medieval India.

The association of the dam with Sufi saint Nasiruddin Mahmud attributed healing properties to its canal water, fostering a belief in its spiritual significance. Constructed using Delhi quartz stone, the Satpula Dam exemplifies the advanced masonry skills of the Tughlaq era, contributing to Delhi's rich architectural legacy. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru launched a new sky theatre show titled "Indian Odyssey: Sounding Rockets to Gaganyaan," now open to the public. Sounding rockets are solid propellant rockets that are used to study the upper atmosphere, test new components and perform space research.  They are also used to launch instruments from 48 to 145 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The theme of the show centers on "Indian Space Odyssey: Sounding Rockets to Gaganyaan." Unlike a satellite launch vehicle, a sounding rocket performs an observation mission during its flight before impact and then dives into the sea along with its observation instruments. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been launching sounding rockets since 1965. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs spotlighted the contributions of freedom fighter Laxman Nayak. Laxman Nayak, belonged to Bhumia tribe of Odisha was a tribal civil rights activist of South Odisha in eastern India.  He lived from November 22, 1899, to March 29, 1943. Laxman Nayak led the Kandha tribal uprising known as the "Kalahandi Movement" against British colonial rule in Odisha in the early 20th century. Nayak actively participated in the individual Satyagraha movement in 1940, showcasing his commitment to nonviolent resistance against Bri tish colonial rule. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Nayak urged his fellow tribesmen to heed Gandhiji's call of "Do or die." He fervently advocated for the principle of Swaraj (self-governance) by promoting the use of the Charkha (spinning wheel) through extensive door-to-door campaigns, emphasizing self-reliance and the development of indigenous industries. Hence, option (c) is correct.