Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, rising water levels in the Krishna River due to continuous rain have partially submerged the Sangameswara Temple in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh. The Sangameswara Temple, formerly known as Vijayeswara Temple, was constructed around 733 AD by the Chalukya king Vijayaditya Satyashraya. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Sangameswara Temple is considered one of the oldest temples in India and the oldest in the Pattadakal region. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The temple is an east-facing Dravidian structure and is square in shape. Excavations in 1969 and 1971 revealed a brick temple structure beneath the ruined hall, suggesting that Sangameswara was built over an older temple, possibly dating from the third century CE. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the body of Leading Seaman who went missing after the fire incident onboard INS Brahmaputra was found. The INS Brahmaputra is the first of India's indigenously built Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigates. Hence, statement I is correct.

The INS Brahmaputra was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 14 April 2000. The ship is powered by two diesel engines and two gas turbines in a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration, allowing for speeds up to 30 knots. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct and statement II is not the correct explanation for statement I. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court issued a split verdict on the approval of the “environmental release” of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard. On September 15, 2015, Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) sought Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approval for DMH-11, a GM mustard. GEAC recommended environmental release on May 11, 2017, but re-examined due to further representations in March 2018. In May 2022, CGMCP urged approval. The proposal was accepted by the Centre on October 25, 2022. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Genetically Modified crops, or genetically engineered (GE) crops, have altered genetic material to gain specific traits not found naturally. Modifications aim to improve pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, nutritional content, or shelf life. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Supreme Court called for balancing railway development in Haldwani, Uttrakhand with the right to shelter for nearly 50,000 people living on railway land, noting their fundamental human rights. The Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution, specifically in Articles 12 to 35.  This section is often described as the Magna Carta of India, drawing inspiration from the Magna Carta of 1215. The categories of Fundamental Rights provided by the constitution of Inda include: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights and Right to Constitutional Remedies. Fundamental Rights can be suspended during a National Emergency, except for those guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21, while the six rights under Article 19 can only be suspended during an external emergency, not an internal one. Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Christopher Thomas Kurien (2 July 1931–23 July 2024), was a distinguished economist and former Professor at Madras Christian. He served as president of Indian Economic Association in 2000. He authored 15 books that focused on various aspects of economics, with a particular emphasis on poverty eradication. He was known for his criticism of mainstream economics for not addressing poverty effectively and advocated for economic policies aimed at reducing poverty. Hence, option (c) is correct.