Answer: c

Explanation:

The government introduced CDP-SURAKSHA, a platform for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). The platform aims to boost India's horticulture sector, which contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA). CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform acronym for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.” It enables instant subsidy disbursal to farmers' bank accounts using e-RUPI vouchers from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Features include database integration with PM-KISAN, UIDAI validation, e-RUPI integration, and geo-tagging. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), and cluster development agencies (CDA) have access to the platform. Farmers can order planting material based on their requirements and contribute their share of the cost. Upon payment, an e-RUPI voucher is generated, which the vendor receives for supplying the material. Farmers verify delivery, after which the IA releases payment to the vendor. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor (CCRM) 2024 report by New Climate Institute evaluated climate goals of 51 major global companies. These companies collectively generated $6.1 trillion in revenue in 2022. They self-reported greenhouse gas emissions of 8.8 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022. This amount roughly equals the combined annual emissions of India, Russia, and Brazil. Their emissions represent approximately 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. The collective emissions reduction target for 2030 is only 30% compared to 2019 levels. Only 7 companies have targets to reduce emissions by more than 50% by 2030. Hence, statement I is correct.

Some companies, such as Walmart and Volkswagen, lack updated or clear emission reduction plans. Conversely, companies like Danone, Iberdrola, Mars, and Volvo Group have relatively robust emission reduction plans. Companies may rely on contentious solutions and carbon offsets to meet their targets. The proposed Voluntary Carbon Market Initiative and Science Based Targets initiative may provide loopholes for companies to bypass Scope 3 emissions accountability. Testing flexible offsetting showed that it could erase accountability for Scope 3 emissions. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, EA-Earth Action published a report projecting that approximately 220 million tonnes of plastic waste will be generated worldwide in 2024. EA-Earth Action is a Swiss-based research consultancy that provides solutions and initiatives to address the plastic pollution crisis. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It annually publishes the Plastic Overshoot Day Report, which provides crucial insights into the global plastic pollution crisis. The organization employs data-driven methodologies to assess plastic consumption patterns, waste management capacities and environmental impacts. According to EA, India ranks fourth in MWI, with 98.55% of generated waste being mismanaged.  Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, Russia achieved a significant milestone with the test launch of Angara-A5, its first post-Soviet space rocket, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region. Angara-A5 is a significant space rocket developed by Russia to replace the Proton M as its heavy-lift launch vehicle. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is a three-stage rocket with a weight of approximately 773 tonnes and can carry payloads of up to 24.5 tonnes into space. It is designed to be more environmentally friendly, utilizing less damaging fuels and Russian-made components. The Angara project is of utmost national importance for Russia as it ensures independent access to space without relying on foreign launch sites like Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, severe flooding in the Ural mountains on the continental borders of Asia and Europe has led to questions about its connection to climate change. The Ural Mountains serve as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia, extending from the Arctic Ocean to the Ural River and into Kazakhstan.  They are considered one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, with significant geological and cultural importance. They are known for their rich mineral deposits, including gold, platinum and coal.  The region is one of the largest centers of metallurgy and heavy industry production in Russia. These Mountains are divided into five parts: Southern, Middle, Northern, Pre-Polar (the highest) and Polar. The average altitudes of the Urals are around 1,000–1,300 meters (3,300–4,300 ft), with the highest point being Mount Narodnaya which reaches a height of 1,894 meters (6,214 ft). Hence, all statements are correct.