Answer: C

Explanation:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued the Scheme Guidelines for the implementation of the ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme was launched on February 15, 2024, to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households. The scheme encourages urban local bodies and Panchayats to promote rooftop solar systems, with the possibility of using solar power to supply the free electricity. Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.

Beneficiaries of the scheme will not face any financial burden, as direct subsidies and affordable loans are available to cover installation costs. The scheme offers Central Financial Assistance (CFA), which includes a 60% subsidy for 2 kW systems and an additional 40% subsidy for systems between 2-3 kW, capped at 3 kW. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, BHEL revealed that it secured a 1,600 MW thermal power project from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is a state-owned engineering and manufacturing company in India that designs, manufactures and installs products and services for a variety of industries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

BHEL was founded in 1956 with the help of Soviet technology and is based in New Delhi. It is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully reconstructed the Indrani Bridge in Sikkim, reconnecting the northern region of the state to the rest of India after it was severely damaged by flash floods in October 2023. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is an executive force under the Ministry of Defence in India that is responsible for the development and maintenance of road networks in border areas and neighboring countries. Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.

The Border Roads Organisation was established in 1960 to create roads along the northern and northeastern border zones to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas. In November 2021, the BRO received a Guinness World Record for the "highest altitude road" following construction at Umling La in Ladakh. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the former Chief Minister of Odisha urged the Centre not to discontinue UNESCO Kalinga Prize. The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is an award given by UNESCO to individuals, institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or other entities that have contributed to popularizing science or technology.  This Prize is a prestigious international award in the field of science. Hence, statement I is correct.

The UNESCO Kalinga Prize was created in 1951 by Bijoyanand Patnaik, the founder and president of the Kalinga Foundation Trust in India, after he donated 1,000 pounds to UNESCO in Paris. The award ceremony takes place during the World Science Day celebration in Budapest in alternate years, where the recipient is a guest of UNESCO and India. 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.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, One India-One Ticket was launched to boost tourism. The "One India-One Ticket" initiative is a collaboration between the Indian Railways, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and CRIS (Centre for Railway Information System). One India-One Ticket will allow passengers to book Namo Bharat tickets through IRCTC platform with flexible cancellation and payment. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Each ticket will have a unique QR code printed on the electronic reservation slip (ERS). The initiative includes QR-coded tickets, 120-day advance booking, SMS/email confirmation with QR details, four-day ticket validity and booking available on the IRCTC website and Android app. Hence, statement 2 is correct.