Answer: C

Explanation:

In its first meeting after the Union Budget, the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for the ninth consecutive time. The repo rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks or financial institutions in India against government securities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The primary purpose of the repo rate is to regulate liquidity in the economy by influencing the cost of borrowing for commercial banks. An increase in the repo rate raises borrowing costs and leads to higher loan interest rates, while a decrease lowers borrowing costs, boosts liquidity, and supports economic growth. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to reactivate its Anti-Romeo Squads, which were meant to provide security to women and curb incidents of harassment. Anti-Romeo Squads are special police teams formed by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2017 to prevent harassment of women in public places. The primary aim is to ensure the safety and security of women by curbing eve-teasing and other forms of sexual harassment in public areas like schools, colleges, and markets. Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, Manipur Chief Minister assured the Manipur Assembly that the State Government will convince the centre for removal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) 1958 from the hill areas of Manipur. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was enacted in 1958 to grant special powers to the armed forces in "disturbed areas" to maintain public order. Hence, statement I is correct.

AFSPA was known initially as the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958. It is typically enforced in regions facing significant internal security challenges or insurgency, primarily in the Northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Chhattisgarh government announced the establishment of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is situated in the northern part of Chhattisgarh, bordering Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve will be the fourth tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh, following the Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar and Indravati Reserves. The reserve encompasses the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, the first comprehensive survey in 50 years of Lake Turkana, led by UNESCO and the World Food Programme (WFP), revealed the lake's high fish potential. Lake Turkana is located in the remote northern region of Kenya, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The lake is the world's largest permanent desert lake and alkaline water body, and is also Africa's fourth largest lake by volume. Lake Turkana is known for its unique greenish-blue color and is sometimes called the Jade Sea. Hence, statement 2 is correct.