Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance for up to one million people affected by the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The World Food Programme is a United Nations agency that works to fight hunger and promote food security around the world. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The World Food Programme has been operating in India since 1963 with the mission to ensure access to enough nutritious food for everyone. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work to provide food assistance in conflict areas and to prevent the use of food as a weapon of war. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Crew-9 mission is a joint NASA-SpaceX spaceflight mission. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

This mission aims to bring astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for a five-month science mission and return Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore in 2025. The mission was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, a study suggested that giant woolly mammoths may have gone extinct due to pollen allergies. Pollen is a vital reproductive substance used by many plants for reproduction, delivering male gametes to the stigma of seed-producing plants. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is considered a gametophyte, a multicellular organism involved in the fertilization process. Each pollen grain consists of reproductive cells (which form sperm) and non-reproductive cells (which produce the pollen tube). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Pollen grains appear as a powder when aggregated and are protected by a natural polymer called sporopollenin, which shields them during transport and environmental conditions. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Pollen from anemophilous plants (e.g., birch, hickory) can cause allergic reactions, with grass pollen leading to hay fever. The study of pollen is known as palynology. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Indian Cultural Association, in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, continued Onam celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, south of India, separated by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. The official capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, while Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the first successful treatment using chemically induced pluripotent stem cells was conducted. Stem cells are unique cells that have the remarkable ability to develop into various specialized cell types in the body. They play a crucial role in the processes of growth, development, and tissue repair. Stem cells can divide and replicate indefinitely, helping to replenish other cells within the body. They have the ability to be induced or transformed into specialized cells, such as muscle cells, brain cells, or other specific cell types needed for the body's functioning. Here, statements I and II both are correct but statement II is not the correct explanation for statement I. Hence, option (c) is correct.