Answer: C

Explanation:

India is set to launch its first quantum computer under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). India's National Quantum Mission is an eight-year program that aims to make the country a leader in quantum science and technology. The mission was announced in 2023 and approved by the Union Cabinet on April 19, 2023. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This initiative, managed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, will be implemented over an eight-year period from 2023 to 2031. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The mission will establish Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and national R&D institutes across the country. These T-Hubs will focus on four key domains including Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das announced that the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) will be launched nationwide in the future. The Unified Lending Interface is designed to revolutionize the lending landscape by enhancing efficiency in credit processes, reducing costs, accelerating disbursements and improving scalability. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Launched by the RBI as a pilot project in August last year, it aims to create a public tech platform for frictionless credit. The Unified Lending Interface facilitates a seamless, consent-based flow of digital information from multiple data service providers to lenders, using standardized APIs for easy access to diverse data sources. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The benefits of the Unified Lending Interface include reducing the time required for credit appraisal, particularly for smaller and rural borrowers, and minimizing the complexity of technical integrations, thereby enabling quicker credit delivery with less documentation. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) attributed that the 150 meters at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam due to the natural shift of ocean currents from north to south. The National Institute of Oceanography is an Indian research organization that studies the oceans and their role in the Earth's system. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The National Institute of Oceanography is one of the 37 laboratories under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. It was established on January 1, 1966, following the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) of the 1960s. Its headquarter is located in Dona Paula, Goa. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a six-month plan to combat the Mpox outbreak with a $135 million budget, focusing on reducing transmission and strategic vaccination from September 2024 to February 2025. The World Health Organisation was established in 1948 and is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Hence, statement I is incorrect.

The World Health Organisation is an organization of 194 Member States and works with all them to support them to achieve the highest standard of health for all people. Its headquarter is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Hence, statement II is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, a 35-foot statue of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was unveiled by Prime Minister of India (Narendra Modi) on December 4 last year as part of Navy Day celebrations at a fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, collapsed on 26th of August 2024. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (19th February 1630-3rd April 1680), an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle dynasty, was born at Shivneri Fort, located in the Pune district of present-day Maharashtra. Shivaji Maharaj abolished the Jagirdari System and introduced the Ryotwari System, which included reforms in the roles of hereditary revenue officials like Deshmukhs, Deshpandes, Patils and Kulkarnis. He established a centralized administration with eight ministers, divided his kingdom into four provinces. Hence, option (b) is correct.