Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, India has reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Pacific partner countries and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Pacific Islands Forum was established in 1971 as a platform for regional cooperation among Pacific nations. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Pacific Islands Forum consists of 18 member countries, including India, USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and several other members of the EU. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The Pacific Islands Forum operates under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism, which outlines its strategic visions and objectives, guiding the Forum's work and priorities. It advocates for global climate action and funds resilience efforts through the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) to support vulnerable Pacific nations. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the She-Box portal was launched by Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi in New Delhi. She-Box Portal is a centralized platform for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace. It provides a facility to file complaints, track their status and ensure time-bound processing by Internal Committees. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The She-Box portal is aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive working environment for women in the country. Complaints can be registered safely without making personal information publicly accessible. Hence, statement 2 is also correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The ‘INS Arighaat’ submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29th of August, 2024 at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. The Indian Naval Ship Arighaat is the second Arihant-Class submarine. It strengthens India's nuclear triad, enhancing its nuclear deterrence and strategic balance in the region. Hence, statement I is correct.

The submarine features indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists, industry, and Naval personnel, reflecting India’s push for ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence. It is more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant, due to the use of advanced design, manufacturing technology and special materials. Hence, statement II is correct.

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, more than 50 illnesses and nine deaths have been reported due Listeria outbreak in US. Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes) is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and the faeces of animals and humans. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The bacteria can remain in the infected person's system for up to two months before symptoms appear, making it challenging to link the infection to specific food consumption. Symptoms of listeriosis may include vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, severe headache, constipation and fever. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

In a judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), bail is the norm and imprisonment is the exception. Money laundering involves any attempt to present the proceeds of crime as clean or untainted. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The punishment for money laundering includes imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, along with fines. Offences under PMLA include violations of various acts, serious crimes involving Rs 1 crore or more, and money laundering related to trans-border crimes. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.