Answer: D

Explanation:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to chair 54th GST Council meeting in New Delhi today on 9th of September. The GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A (1) of the Indian Constitution by the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

As per Article 279A (1) of the amended Constitution, the GST Council has to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of Article 279A. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

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 3 is correct.

This Council is a joint forum of the Centre and the states and responsible for making recommendations to the Union and State governments on important issues related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including tax rates, exemptions, threshold limits and model GST laws. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Riyadh today on 9^th of September. The Gulf Cooperation Council is a political, economic, social and regional organization of six Arab countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Gulf Cooperation Council was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 1981 and has held a summit meeting every year since its establishment. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The Gulf Cooperation Council consists of two councils: the Supreme Council, comprising heads of state and meeting annually with decisions made unanimously and the Ministerial Council, made up of foreign ministers, meeting quarterly to develop policies and promote collaboration. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The International Literacy Day was celebrated on 8th of September 2024. International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated annually on 8 September since its inception in 1967. The theme for 2024 is "Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace." This day was first proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government announced that it will host Semicon India 2024 at Greater Noida's India Expo Mart from September 11 to 13. The Semicon India program, also known as the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), is a program that aims to develop a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India. The program was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2021 with a financial outlay of INR 76,000 crore. Hence, statement I is correct.

Semicon India 2024 will be held alongside Electronica India and Productronica India, which are the largest electronics fairs in Southeast Asia. It is going to being organized by the Uttar Pradesh government in collaboration with SEMI, Messe Muenchen India and the Electronic Industries Association of India. Hence, statement II is correct.

Hence, statements I and II both are correct and statement II is not  the correct explanation for statement I. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

India's first teal carbon study at Keoladeo National Park underscores wetland conservation for climate resilience. Teal carbon refers to carbon sequestered in non-tidal freshwater wetlands. This includes carbon stored in vegetation, which comprises the biomass of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Wetlands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, as they store large amounts of carbon, thereby reducing atmospheric CO₂. They also contribute to methane emission, as wetlands are a significant source of methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas, making effective management essential. Hence, statement 2 is correct.