Answer: A

Explanation:

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will attend a three-day meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus high-level security officials beginning from September 10, 2014. BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

In 2006, Brazil, Russia, India and China formed the "Bric" group, with South Africa joining in 2010, thus renaming it to "Brics." South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya, China on 14 April 2011. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Annual BRICS Summits are held, where leaders discuss various global and regional issues. The first summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the joint doctrine for amphibious operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting held on 9th of September 2024. Amphibious operations are military operations that involve a coordinated attack on a hostile shore by a combination of naval, ground and air forces. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Amphibious operations are an important part of multi-domain operations and can be conducted during both peace and war. These operations require clear command relationships and close cooperation between all participating forces. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Two NASA Astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) due to a faulty propulsion system, including helium leaks. Helium is chemically non-reactive (inert) and does not combust, making it ideal for use in sensitive environments like rocket fuel systems. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

After hydrogen, helium is the second lightest element, which is useful in reducing the overall weight of pressurization systems. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Helium has an extremely low boiling point of -268.9°C, allowing it to remain a gas in super-cold environments, crucial for rockets that use cryogenic fuels. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Due to its low density, helium can escape through small gaps or seals, making leaks a common issue in space systems. Helium leaks are easily detectable due to the scarcity of helium in the Earth's atmosphere, which is beneficial for spotting faults in rockets. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar began a two-day visit to Germany from today (September 10, 2024) to meet with key leaders, including the German Federal Foreign Minister, to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation. Germany, situated in the western region of Central Europe, ranks as the second-most populous country in Europe, following Russia. Berlin is the capital of Germany. Germany shares its borders with Poland and Czech Republic to the east, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west, Denmark to the north, Austria and Switzerland to the south. Major rivers include the Rhine, Elbe, Danube and Weser. The highest point in Germany is the Zugspitze, located in the Bavarian Alps. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Ahead of PM’s US visit, The US State Department will partner with India under the CHIPS Act 2022's. The US State Department will partner with India's Semiconductor Mission under the ITSI Fund to boost the global semiconductor ecosystem. The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act of 2022 (CHIPS Act), signed into law on August 9, 2022, aims to boost US competitiveness, innovation and national security by increasing investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The act authorizes $52.7 billion over five years to strengthen US semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and security. The act focuses on creating regional high-tech hubs and expanding the STEM workforce. Hence, statement 2 is also correct.