Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched an initiative to monetize its infrastructure, seeking investments from the UAE to sustain and enhance India’s expanding national highway network. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was established in 1988 as an autonomous agency under the Government of India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is responsible for the development, maintenance and management of national highways in India. It plans, constructs and upgrades national highways across India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It comprises a full-time Chairman, along with no more than five full-time Members and four part-time Members appointed by the Central Government. Golden Quadrilateral project connects the major industrial, agricultural and cultural centers of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

It has increased the length of national highways from 70,000 km to 140,000 km within a decade. Advanced digitization of toll collection systems has resulted in 98-99% of toll collections being electronic. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, Agnikul Cosmos, a startup from IIT Madras, achieved a remarkable feat by launching the world’s first rocket engine, Agnibaan SOrTeD. Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is the world’s first rocket with a single-piece three-dimensional (3D) printed engine. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It is India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch that was completely designed and manufactured indigenously. It was launched from India’s first privately developed launchpad called ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It is structured in two stages and can carry payloads weighing up to 300 kg. Its operational range extends to altitudes of up to 700 km. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Karnataka government to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in Sharavathi river coastal zone. Sharavati river originates at Ambuthirtha in the Western Ghats in Kerala and flows towards the west before joining the Arabian Sea. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This river is famous for creating the Jog Falls, one of India's highest waterfalls. It is fed by tributaries including the Haridravati, Savitri, Varahi, Yagachi and Kundapur rivers. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has released the Global Food Policy Report 2024, focusing on "Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition." Malnutrition Prevalence: 16.6% of India's population suffers from malnutrition due to poor diet. The consumption patterns (2021–2022) revealed that at least 38% of the Indian population consumed unhealthy foods. Only 28% consumed all five recommended food groups: starchy staples, vegetables, fruits, pulses/nuts/seeds and animal-source foods. Here, statements I and II both are correct but statement II is not the correct explanation of statement-I. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, Spain approved a significant Catalan amnesty bill, poised to redefine the Prime Minister's term.

Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain shares its borders with Portugal to the west and France to the northeast. Madrid is the capital of Spain. It has extensive coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the northwest. Spain includes the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Teide Peak is the highest point of Spain. The Ebro River is one of the significant rivers in Spain. This country is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO and the World Trade Organization. Hence, option (a) is correct.