Answer: A

Explanation:

The State Bank of India (SBI) recently introduced the SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD) scheme to mobilize funds to support environment friendly initiatives and projects. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

The deposit scheme is open to resident individuals, non-individuals, and non-resident Indian (NRI) customers. The current framework permits green deposits to be denominated in rupees only. It offers investors the flexibility to choose from three distinct tenors: 1,111 days, 1,777 days, and 2,222 days. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Pre-mature withdrawals are allowed under the scheme. Loan/ overdraft facility will be available against the deposit. Senior Citizens/ Staff/ Staff Senior Citizens are eligible for an additional interest rate over the applicable rate for the public. The benefit of additional interest shall not be available to NRI Senior Citizens/NRI Staff. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

ANUBHAV Awards recognizes the contribution made by Retired Officials to Nation building while working in Government and to document the administrative history of India by written narratives. The ANUBHAV Portal, established in March 2015, serves as an online platform for retiring and retired government employees to share their experiences. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The portal was launched by the Government of India, Ministry of personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners' welfare. To participate in the scheme, retiring Central Government employees/pensioners are required to submit their Anubhav write ups, 8 months prior to retirement and up to 1 year after their retirement. Each ANUBHAV Awardees will be felicitated with a medal and certificate and a Prize of 10,000 rupees, whereas a Jury certificate Winner will be presented with a medal and a certificate. Till date, 54 ANUBHAV awards have been conferred from 2016 to 2023. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The High Court of Karnataka recently banned all types of mining and quarrying activities within a 20-km radius of the historic Krishnarajasagar (KRS) dam in Mandya district. It is a type of gravity dam located below the confluence of the river Kaveri with its tributaries, Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha, in the district of Mandya in Karnataka. The dam was constructed during the rule of the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, and it was named in his honor. The construction of the KRS Dam began in 1911 and was completed in 1931. The dam was designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a famous Indian engineer (often referred to as the ‘architect of modern Mysore’ or ‘father of planning in India’). The water from the dam is used for irrigation in Mysore and Mandya and is the main source of drinking water for Mysore, Mandya, and Bengaluru city. It also ensures power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station. The water released from this dam flows into the state of Tamil Nadu and is stored in the Mettur dam in the Salem district. It was the first dam to install automated crest gates. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. It is a surface-to-air new generation missile. The missile intercepted the high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude. This was the first trial of the missile against a live target, which was successfully intercepted and destroyed.  It is a new generation state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to destroy high manoeuvring low radar cross section agile aerial threats. It can defend an area 10 times better compared to any short-range SAM and is capable of engaging up to 10 targets simultaneously. It can strike targets up to 40 km as against the earlier variant’s maximum range of 30 km.  The weight of the rocket has been brought down from 700 kg to 350 kg. This not just increases range, but also lets the vehicle carry more missiles. Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) has been conceived as a 30-metre diameter primary-mirror optical and infrared telescope that will enable observations into deep space. It is a joint venture of 5 countries- India, Canada, USA, Japan and China. It is being installed at Mauna Kea in Hawaii. TMT would be able to resolve objects 12 times better than the Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the world’s most advanced and capable ground-based optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared observatory. Hence, option (a) is correct.