Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) released its Food Waste Index Report, revealing that in 2022, the world wasted an estimated 19% of the food produced globally, amounting to 783 million tons. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 as a specialized agency of the United Nations to address environmental issues at the global level. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It works to catalyze action on issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention and ecosystem management, aiming to safeguard the environment for present and future generations. It serves as the custodian agency for several Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators, including SDG 12.3.1 (b), which aims to halve per-capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It leads and supports numerous global initiatives and campaigns, such as the Clean Seas campaign to combat marine pollution, UN75, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Global Environment Outlook reports. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

It collaborates closely with governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses and other UN agencies to achieve its environmental goals and objectives. Its headquarter is located in Nairobi, Kenya. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Today (March 23, 2024), the President of India will present the Bharat Ratna Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan to the former Prime Minister’s Chaudhary Charan Singh and P V Narasimha Rao, former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, Eminent Scientist M. S. Swaminathan and former Deputy Prime Minister and Veteran BJP leader L K Advani. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award. The recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a peepal leaf-shaped medallion with no monetary grant associated with the award. It was established in 1954 and is given to people without regard to race, occupation, position or sex. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The first recipients of the award in 1954 were Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Sir C.V. Raman and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari.  According to Article 18(1) of the Constitution, awards cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to a recipient's name. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, it has been found that the Moyar valley or Maayar (invisible river) valley located in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve hosts the biggest nesting colony of Gyps vultures.  The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is a medium-sized vulture with white feathers and a black body, native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a keystone species in its habitat, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by removing rotting meat that would otherwise spread disease. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is usually found in savannas and Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in India. This vulture has suffered a 97-99% population decrease due to poisoning caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac.  India has taken measures to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006 and other drugs like Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac have also been banned in 2023. The species is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act-1972. Hence, statement 2 is also correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A successfully completed its maiden flight from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facility in Bengaluru. The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), equipped with state-of-the-art electronic RADAR, warfare systems, communication systems and combat capabilities. Hence, statement I is correct.

It features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, enhancing its detection and tracking capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with an Electronic Warfare Suite, providing defensive capabilities against enemy threats. It is armed with beyond-visual-range missiles, allowing it to engage targets at long distances. It also features Air-to-Air refueling capability, extending its operational range and endurance. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India and Mauritania convened their inaugural Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott. Mauritania, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a sovereign country in Northwest Africa. Nouakchott is the capital of this country. Mauritania shares its borders with Mali to the East and Southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the West, Western Sahara to the North and Northwest, Algeria to the Northeast and Senegal to the Southwest. The highest point in Mauritania is Mount Ijill, also known as Kediet Ijill. The Senegal River, which forms its border with Senegal, is the major river in Mauritania. Hence, option (a) is correct.