Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional grouping that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its member countries. It includes ten Southeast Asian countries, which are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Established on August 8, 1967, ASEAN aims to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its members. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

ASEAN originated with the formation of the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) in 1961 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand to promote economic, cultural and social cooperation. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, UNESCO listed the Saint Hilarion Monastery as endangered due to "imminent threats" from the Gaza conflict, following a request from Palestinian authorities. The Saint Hilarion Monastery, also known as Tell Umm Amer, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Middle East, dating back to the fourth century. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The monastery was destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD and abandoned, but was uncovered by local archaeologists in 1999. In December, UNESCO granted the monastery "provisional enhanced protection," which is the highest level of immunity under the 1954 Hague Convention. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, India has assumed the Chair of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) and Rajendra Singh, a member, of the National Disaster Management Authority took over the Chair of ADPC from China for the year 2024-25 in Bangkok, Thailand. Asian Disaster Preparedness Center is an autonomous international organization for cooperation in and implementation of disaster risk reduction and building climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. It was established in 1986 as a regional disaster preparedness center (DMC) in Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok, Thailand. Hence, statement I is correct.

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre works to build the resilience of people and institutions to disasters and climate change impacts in Asia and the Pacific region. Its international Charter was signed by nine founding member countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The Charter was put into effect in 2018 through the ratification by all the founding members. Hence, statement II is also correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Assam's Charaideo Moidams burial sites have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Charaideo Moidams are royal burial sites of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam and the North East from 1228 to 1826 AD. Located about 30 km from Sivasagar town in eastern Assam, these tumuli are still considered sacred by locals. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

A moidam is a tumulus, or earthen mound, raised over the grave of Ahom royalty and aristocracy. Charaideo exclusively contains moidams of Ahom royals, while other moidams are found in Eastern Assam between Jorhat and Dibrugarh. Established as the first capital in 1253 AD by King Sukaphaa, Charaideo remained a symbolic and ritual center of power throughout Ahom rule. After Sukaphaa’s burial there in 1856, it continued to be a preferred resting place for subsequent royals. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Nation is paying tribute to the country’s former president and renowned scientist Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931-27 July 2015) on his 9th death anniversary today. Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, an esteemed Indian scientist and the 11th President of India was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. In 1982, Kalam oversaw the development of several successful missiles, including the Agni and Prithvi missiles, earning him the title of "Missile Man of India." He was also a key figure in the country's nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, known as Operation Shakti. Dr. Kalam authored several influential books, including "Wings of Fire," "India 2020," and "Ignited Minds."  Hence, option (b) is correct answer.