Answer: A

Explanation:

India is likely to soon sign the clean and fair economy agreements under the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), with Cabinet notes nearly finalized. US President Biden first introduced the concept of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity at the October 2021 East Asia Summit. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity is designed as an administrative arrangement and does not include market access commitments like lowering tariff barriers. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Launched in Tokyo in May 2023, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework aims to strengthen economic engagement among member countries to promote growth, peace, and prosperity in the region. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Kerala Finance Inspection wing under the State Finance Department will submit a detailed report soon on the alleged financial irregularities in the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation (PTCF) under the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady, Kerala. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala, India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This tiger reserve is located in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Southern Western Ghats. It was initially established as Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary in 1934. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Sanctuary was brought under Project Tiger in 1978 as the 10th Tiger Reserve in the country and named Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Periyar Tiger Reserve, named after the River Periyar, is traversed by the Mullayar and Periyar rivers. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Asia’s first health research "Pre-clinical Network Facility" at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology in Faridabad, under the CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations).  CEPI is a global partnership that works to develop vaccines and other biological countermeasures to prevent epidemics and pandemics. Hence, statement I is correct.

CEPI’s goal is to make these vaccines accessible to everyone in need, and its approach includes financial investments, partnerships, advocacy, and policy contributions. Its headquarter is located at Oslo in Norway. 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, a python is seen inside an enclosure at Closed Cycle Breeding International, a snake breeding farm that provides snake skins for the fashion market in Nam Phi in Thailand’s northern Uttaradit province. Python farms in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam, breed pythons primarily for their skins used in luxury fashion items like belts and handbags. Pythons are being reconsidered for their meat due to their ability to tolerate high temperatures, reproduce quickly and consume less food compared to traditional livestock, offering a potential sustainable protein source. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Indian Navy's warship INS Teg, engaged in a search-and-rescue operation, rescued nine crew members (eight Indians and one Sri Lankan) from the capsized Comoros-flagged oil tanker MV Prestige Falcon off the coast of Oman. Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman is located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, West Asia. Oman share its borders with Arabian Sea to the south and east, Saudi Arabia to the west, Gulf of Oman to the north, United Arab Emirates to the northwest and Yemen to the southwest. Muscat is the capital of Oman. The highest point in Oman is Jebel Shams, which translates to "Mountain of the Sun."  Hence, option (b) is correct.