Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility at Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a SAKHI app. SAKHI (Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction) is a multi-purpose app developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) for assisting astronauts during the Gaganyaan spaceflight mission. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.

VSSC has successfully tested an engineering model of the custom-built, hand-held smart device featuring SAKHI. The functionality of the SAKHI App enables astronauts to access vital technical information, communicate with crew members, monitor their health and receive alerts about their dietary schedules during the mission. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The star-rating system proposed by the Environment Ministry aims to evaluate the efficiency of State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) in granting environmental clearances to projects. The proposal faced legal challenges in the NGT by Meenava Thanthai K R Selvaraj Kumar Meenavar Nala Sangam, with concerns raised about its potential arbitrariness and its impact on environmental scrutiny mandated by the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The system, introduced on January 17, 2022, rates SEIAAs on a scale of 0 to 7 points based on their efficiency and timeliness in granting clearances. SEIAAs receive points for clearing projects within specific timeframes: two points for clearances granted in under 80 days, one point for 80 to 105 days, and 0.5 points for 105 to 120 days. Zero points are awarded if clearances exceed 120 days. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The 37th Foundation Day of Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA) will be celebrated from March 19, 2024 at the IGNCA premises in New Delhi. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is a national institution that studies the arts and culture and their connections to other fields of study.  It was established in 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture and is dedicated to research, academic pursuit and dissemination in the arts.  The IGNCA explores various art forms, encompassing creative literature, visual arts, material culture, photography, film and performing arts such as music, dance and theater. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the scientists from the University of California, Riverside, confirm the presence of a dog-killing flatworm parasite (Liver Fluke) in the Colorado River in southern California, previously believed to be confined to the southeastern United States but now found in western parts of the country. Heterobilharzia americana, also known as the liver fluke parasite, is a flatworm that infects mammals, particularly dogs and raccoons. Dogs become infected when they wade or swim in freshwater habitats containing infected snails, which act as intermediate hosts for the parasite. Infection with H. americana can lead to canine schistosomiasis, characterized by symptoms such as liver damage, intestinal issues, debilitation and, in severe cases, death. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) is a military project by the US Department of Defense. It involves military collaboration for transporting cargo by sea when ports are unavailable. The main objective of JLOTS is to improve the military's capacity for logistics operations in regions without adequate fixed port facilities. Hence, statement I is correct.

JLOTS is especially useful during humanitarian and disaster relief efforts when quick delivery of aid is essential. The US has used JLOTS as a transportation technique to move personnel and equipment to locations without suitable ports, from the invasion of Normandy to humanitarian operations in Haiti. Hence, statement II is incorrect.