Answer: C

Explanation:

The 18th Lok Sabha's first session will take place from June 24 to July 3, during which the new Speaker of the House will be elected.  The term 'pro-tem' signifies 'for the time being' or 'temporarily'. A Pro-tem Speaker is an individual who temporarily assumes the responsibilities of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha until a new Speaker is elected. The Pro-tem Speaker's main duty is to oversee the day-to-day proceedings of the Lok Sabha until a new Speaker is elected. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

According to Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker remains in office until immediately before the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha. In the absence of a Speaker after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha or after the retirement of the incumbent Speaker, the President appoints a Pro-tem Speaker from among the members of the Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The primary duty of the Pro-tem Speaker is to administer oaths or affirmations to the new MPs as mandated by Article 99 of the Constitution, which requires every member to make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before taking their seat in the Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, a team of scientists in the South Korean capital is injecting cultured beef cells into individual grains of rice, in a process they hope will revolutionise how the world eats. Cultured beef cells, also known as lab-grown meat, cell-cultivated meat, or clean meat, are real meat grown in a lab from animal cells without the need to slaughter animals. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Instead of being raised inside the body of an animal, this meat is generated in cell culture. It tastes, smells, looks and feels the same as traditional animal flesh and is nutritionally similar. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

In November 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the process, concluding that lab-grown meat is safe to eat. It is said that cultured meat is better for the environment and animals because it doesn't require land to be cleared for grazing or growing feed. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, India aims to start large-scale production of bio-bitumen from agricultural waste. Bio-bitumen is a sustainable, bio-based alternative to traditional petroleum-based bitumen. It is made using non-petroleum-based renewable resources and can be made from vegetable oils, synthetic polymers, or both, making it a more sustainable model long term. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Bio-bitumen production has a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional bitumen. Bio-bitumen is primarily used in road construction (asphalt), roofing materials and waterproofing products. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, a portion of the 182-metre bridge over the Bakra river collapsed in Araria district of Bihar. The Bakra River, also known as the Bakra Nadi, is an important river that flows primarily through the state of Bihar. It is a tributary of the Ghaghara River, which itself is a major left-bank tributary of the Ganges. It originates in the hills of Nepal and flows through the Champaran district of Bihar. Here, statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia. Thailand shares its borders with Myanmar to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, the Andaman Sea to the southwest. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Thailand boasts numerous islands in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao. The highest point in Thailand is Doi Inthanon, located in the Chiang Mai Province in the northern part of the country. Hence, option (a) is correct.