Answer: B

Explanation:

The gender pay gap refers to the difference in average wage levels between all women and all men working in the labor market, irrespective of their job roles or qualifications. It is typically measured using various metrics such as monthly salary, hourly wage, or daily wage, highlighting disparities in earnings between genders. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

In 2023, self-employed men earned 2.8 times more than women, regular wage workers earned 24% more, and casual workers earned 48% more. The gap is especially large in the unorganized sector, especially in agriculture, where men's skills are more valued. Key factors include gender discrimination, occupational segregation, where women are concentrated in lower-paying jobs and differences in labor force participation rates between men and women. The gender earnings gap has increased for self-employed workers but decreased for regular wage workers, dropping to 24% in 2023 from 34% in 2019.  Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

According to the 2019 March Monster Salary Index (MSI), women in India earn 19% less than men. The 2022 World Inequality Report estimates that men earn 82% of India's labor income, while women earn 18%. Some jobs require employees to work irregular hours, such as overtime or night shifts, and women are unable to work these hours due to security reasons. This can result in women being passed over for promotions or being paid less than men who can work more flexible schedules. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The 6th Annual World Air Quality Report reveals troubling details of the world’s most polluted countries, territories and regions in 2023. For this year’s report, data from more than 30,000 air quality monitoring stations across 7,812 locations in 134 countries, territories, and regions were analyzed by IQAir’s air quality scientists.  In 2023, the top five most polluted countries exceeded the WHO PM2.5 guideline by more than 9 times on average, with Bangladesh (79.9 µg/m3), Pakistan (73.7 µg/m3), India (54.4 µg/m3), Tajikistan (49.0 µg/m3) and Burkina Faso (46.6 µg/m3) being the worst affected. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Seven countries met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline (annual average of 5 µg/m3 or less): Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Climate conditions and transboundary haze were major factors in Southeast Asia, where PM2.5 concentrations rose in nearly every country. The region of Central & South Asia was home to the top ten most polluted cities in the world. Begusarai, India was the most polluted metropolitan area of 2023. India was home to the four most polluted cities in the world. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The most polluted major U.S. city was Columbus, Ohio. Beloit, Wisconsin was the most polluted city in the U.S while Las Vegas, Nevada was the cleanest major city in the U.S. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Railway Protection Force have signed an MoU in New Delhi to prevent and combat human trafficking. The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body of the Government of India. It was established in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. The objectives of NCW encompass reviewing constitutional and legal protections, recommending legislative changes, facilitating grievance redressal, advising on government policy matters, and accelerating socio-economic development for women. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The National Commission for Women comprises a chairperson, five members and a member secretary and all nominated by the central government. The Chairperson and every Member hold office for a period of three years. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in Bihar has taken proactive steps by implementing green energy solutions to mitigate water scarcity for wildlife during the hot summer months. Valmiki tiger reserve is located at the India -Nepal border in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It is bordered by Nepal's Royal Chitwan National Park in the north and the Gandak River in the west, it encompasses Valmiki National Park and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, Russia replaced its Navy chief after reports emerged that the previous naval head was sacked for failing to prevent Black Sea warships from being repeatedly lost to Ukrainian attacks. The Black Sea, also known as the Euxine Sea is located at the southeastern tip of Europe, between Europe and Asia. It is a large inland sea that borders six countries including Georgia (East), Romania (West), Ukraine (North),  Russia (Northeast), Turkey (South) and Bulgaria (Southwest). Hence, statement I is correct.

The Black Sea is connected to the Mediterranean Sea by the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles Strait. It is also connected to the Sea of Azov by the Strait of Kerch. It receives freshwater inflows from the Danube, Dniepr and Dniestr rivers. It has numerous islands, with the biggest ones including Snake Island (Ukraine), Giresun Island (Turkey) and St. Ivan Island (Bulgaria). Hence, statement II is correct.

However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I, that is why option (b) will be correct answer.