Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, Agri-solutions provider Coromandel International has forayed into new-generation fertilizers by commissioning a ₹50 crore nano-fertilizers plant at its Kakinada complex in Andhra Pradesh. Nano-fertilizers (NFs) are highly efficient types of fertilizers that can improve soil quality and plant growth. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

They are made up of nanoparticles that contain macro and micronutrients, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) that are delivered to the plant in a controlled manner. These fertilizers can be applied to the soil or leaves of plants as a powder or liquid. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

They are also eco-friendly and low-cost and they can help protect the environment from pollution and water contamination. The Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has patented liquid nano-urea, which is the world's first nano-fertilizer. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, India welcomed Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia as new BRICS members during a key meeting hosted by Russia. 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." Hence, statement 2 is correct.

South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya, China on 14 April 2011. 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:

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Monday (June 10, 2024) that its Aditya-L1 spacecraft's two onboard remote sensing instruments have captured recent solar activity.

The Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VLEC) is the largest payload that would fly on the Aditya-L1 mission. It is an internally occulted solar coronagraph capable of simultaneous imaging, spectroscopy and spectro-polarimetry close to the solar limb. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.

The Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) is an instrument on the Aditya-L1 spacecraft that analyzes solar wind particles, including protons and heavier ions. Its main goal is to understand the processes that accelerate and energize solar wind particles from the Lagrange point 1 (L1) between the Earth and the Sun. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.

The Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) is an instrument on board the Aditya-L1 satellite that studies the composition, distribution, temperature and velocity of solar winds. It's an energy and mass analyzer that's designed to take in-situ measurements of solar wind ions and electrons in the low energy range. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Quality Council of India celebrated World Accreditation Day on recently across more than 20 cities in India. The Quality Council of India (QCI) is an autonomous, non-profit organization that was established in 1997 to promote quality and improve the lives of Indian citizens. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Its main objectives are to establish and operate a national accreditation structure, monitor the National Quality Campaign and promote quality through third-party assessments of products, services and processes. This organization was registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest monetary policy review, retained the repo rate for the eighth consecutive time due to concerns about sticky inflation. Sticky inflation refers to the situation where inflation rates remain consistently high over a prolonged period, resisting efforts to bring them down to target levels. Hence, statement I is correct.

This inflation is caused by a wage-price spiral, supply chain disruptions and persistent expectations of high inflation among businesses and consumers. It erodes purchasing power, creates uncertainty in business planning and may prompt central banks to raise interest rates, impacting borrowing costs and economic growth. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I. Hence, option (a) is correct.