Answer: C

Explanation:

The Election Commission (EC) is expected to fill the two vacancies left by the unexpected resignation of Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey by March 15. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. Article 324 grants the ECI the authority for the "superintendence, direction and control of elections." Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The President appoints the CEC and ECs based on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. The appointment process for the CEC and ECs is not specifically outlined in the Constitution but is based on established practices. The Law Minister recommends suitable candidates to the Prime Minister, who advises the President for the appointment. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Election Commission has the authority to conduct, control, and supervise elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice-President. It is responsible for enforcing the Model Code of Conduct during elections to ensure fair campaigning practices. The Election Commission's role in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections is crucial for upholding India's democratic principles and ensuring the people's right to vote. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Concerns have arisen about the functionality of Voyager 1, the farthest human-made object in space, as it has been transmitting nonsensical data since November. Voyager 1 made significant discoveries during its mission, including identifying a thin ring around Jupiter, two new moons of Jupiter, five new moons of Saturn and a new ring around Saturn known as the G-ring. Hence, statement I is correct.

Launched in 1977 along with Voyager 2, the spacecraft was originally planned for a two-planet mission but extended to explore Uranus and Neptune as well. Despite being initially designed for a five-year mission, the Voyager spacecraft have continued to operate and transmit valuable data for over four decades. NASA asserts that even if the mission had ended after the Jupiter and Saturn flybys, the information gathered would have significantly impacted astronomy and our understanding of the solar system. Voyager 1, part of NASA's Voyager program, launched on September 5, 1977, to explore the outer Solar System and interstellar space. Hence, statement II is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, India has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with four European countries-Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, with a goal of reaching $100 billion in investments in India and one million jobs within 15 years. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a treaty between two or more countries that aims to reduce or eliminate trade and investment barriers. It also facilitates stronger trade and commercial ties between the participating countries. It deals with the determination of tariffs and duties that are imposed by the countries on imports. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

With Free Trade Agreements, goods and services can be exchanged across international borders with limited or no government tariffs, quotas or subsidies. There are three types of trade agreements: unilateral, bilateral and multilateral. An example of free trade is the agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada, known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  NAFTA was established January 1, 1994. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Connectome is a comprehensive map of connections, or synapses, between neurons in the brain. It represents the intricate network of neural pathways responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals. It serves as a blueprint of the brain's neural architecture, depicting how neurons are interconnected and communicate with each other. It plays a crucial role in understanding brain function, cognition and behavior. Mapping the Connectome involves tracing and visualizing the connections between individual neurons and neural circuits using advanced imaging techniques and computational methods. Hence, option (c) is correct.           

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the scientists in Catalhoyuk, Turkey have discovered the ‘oldest bread’ in the world. Çatalhoyuk is situated in Anatolia, specifically within the Asiatic part of Turkey, in the Çumra district of Konya Province. Catalhoyuk in southern Anatolia is among the largest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in the world. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, Çatalhoyuk provides invaluable insights into early human settlements during the Neolithic period. The oldest bread was found within a furnace-like structure identified as "Mekan 66" at Çatalhoyuk. Analysis revealed that the bread loaf was made from a mixture of wheat, barley and peas. Scientists conducted radiocarbon dating on the bread residue, dating it to 6600 BC, indicating an age of approximately 8,600 years. Hence, option (c) is correct.