Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the 14th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue between the European Union and India was convened in New Delhi. The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. 19 European Union member states use the euro (€) as their official currency, while 8 do not use the euro. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It plays a role in external relations and defense through the Common Foreign and Security Policy. It maintains diplomatic missions worldwide and participates in international organizations like the UN, WTO, G7 and G20. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The EU was officially established with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, achieving full legal personality with the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. The EU was formed to promote peace and unity in Europe after World War II to prevent future conflicts. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

On Tuesday (May 7), the Kerala government announced that instances of West Nile fever have been identified in three districts of the state: Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. West Nile Virus is found globally in regions including North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. It's the most common mosquito-borne virus in the United States, with cases reported in 49 states since 1999. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted through mosquito bites. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but about 1 in 5 develop symptoms resembling flu, known as West Nile fever. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe neurological conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) is a reddish-brown gas with a pungent odor, comprising nitrogen and oxygen molecules. Its emissions originate from combustion processes in vehicles, power plants, industrial facilities and residential heating systems. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is a hazardous air pollutant known to cause respiratory issues, exacerbate asthma and diminish lung function. It participates in the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and particulate matter, deteriorating air quality. It can harm vegetation, degrade water quality and contribute to acid rain formation when reacting with atmospheric moisture. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, a team of four scientists from the University of Kashmir, Srinagar and the National Development Foundation, Jammu, successfully captured images of four snow leopards in the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is situated in the Kishtwar district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It was established on February 4, 1981 to protect snow leopards, which are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The park is bordered by the Rinnay River to the north, Kibar Nala catchment to the south, the Great Himalayas to the east and the Marwa River to the west. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

An mRNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses a copy of messenger RNA (mRNA) to create an immune response. mRNA vaccines have been used in the past, present and future in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

mRNA vaccine works by using a copy of a molecule called messenger RNA to produce an immune response. A new messenger-RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccine has been developed to address the challenges of treating brain cancer in children. Hence, statement 2 is correct.