Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance digital payment services on the eMigrate portal. The eMigrate portal is a digital platform that helps to make the emigration process for Indian workers more transparent and online. It was launched by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in 2014. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The portal also allows emigrants with ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) category passports to register voluntarily for overseas employment. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to help blue-collar workers who want to work in countries that require emigration checks (ECR). Its goal is to make the emigration process easier and safer online and to protect the rights of migrant workers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) rescued nearly 50 tourists from Lachung in north Sikkim, relocating them to Mangan town after restoring connectivity between Chungthang and Mangan via the new Toong bridge over the Teesta River. The Teesta River is a significant river that flows through the states of West Bengal and Sikkim before entering Bangladesh. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The river originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in the northern Sikkim Himalayas. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

This river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

The major tributaries of the Teesta River include left-bank tributaries like Lachung Chhu, Rani Khola, Dik Chhu, Chakung Chhu and Rangpo Chhu and right-bank tributaries such as Zemu Chhu, Rangit River and Rangyong Chhu. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, Brazil’s Pantanal wetland engulfed in an unprecedented wave of fires, setting grim new records for June. The Pantanal is a seasonally flooded wetland in South America that's the world's largest freshwater wetland and tropical wetland. It's located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as parts of Mato Grosso, Bolivia and Paraguay. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is more than 20 times the size of the Everglades and covers an estimated 68,000 square miles. It is a mosaic of ecosystems with abundant water and is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Pantanal has been recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 and designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Punjab government is promoting direct seeding of rice (DSR), which uses 15-20% less water than the traditional method requiring 3,600 to 4,125 liters per kilo. Direct seeding of rice is a modern technique where rice seeds are directly sown into the field, replacing the traditional method of transplanting rice seedlings. This method is efficient and sustainable, offering numerous benefits for farmers, the environment and the economy.

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:

BJP veteran and former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) case. The POCSO Act was established to protect children from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. It was passed in 2012 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. In 2019, the Act was amended to enhance punishments for various offences, aiming to deter perpetrators and ensure the safety and security of children. The Act protects children under 18 from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.