Answer: c

Explanation:

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is a yearly event that showcases cinematic excellence and promotes cultural exchange. It has been held annually in Goa since 2004 and is jointly organized by the Government of Goa and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The festival was established in 1952 by the Government of India's Films Division with the support of India's first Prime Minister.  It is one of Asia's most important film festivals and is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It is one of only 14 festivals worldwide to receive this accreditation, along with Cannes, Venice and Berlin. The festival's first edition was held in Mumbai in 1952 and has since been held in Delhi, Madras, Trivandrum and Calcutta. The 55th IFFI will be held in Goa from November 20–28, 2024. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, water surged through the Old Courtallam falls amidst a sudden downpour, leading to flash floods in Tamil Nadu. Courtallam is located at the Western Ghats in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu. The falls are also known as the "Spa of South India" due to the believed health benefits of bathing in their waters. Hence, statement I is correct.

The famous waterfalls on rocks and tiny droplets are sprinkled in the air. The falls have a height of about 60 meters (approximately 200 feet). The water falls of Courtallam have medicinal value as they run through forest and herbs before their decent. The falls are fed by the Chittar River, which is a tributary of the Tamiraparani River. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, Sukhdev Thapar (15 May 1907–23 March 1931) was remembered on his birth anniversary. Sukhdev Thapar, an Indian freedom fighter who fought against the British government for the freedom of India was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, British India. He was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization led by Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. The day is celebrated as Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs' Day in India, honouring the memory of Sukhdev Thapar, along with Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru, who were all executed on 23 March1931 for their roles in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the 12th Joint Working Group meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia concluded today in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mongolia shares its borders with Russia to the north and China to the east, west and south. Mongolia is a landlocked country in East Asia. Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia. The highest point in Mongolia is Khoten Peak (also known as Khuiten Peak or Nayramdal Peak), which is part of the Tavan Bogd massif in the Altai Mountains. The Gobi Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world and extends across southern Mongolia and northern China. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

China's High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), Asia's first fourth-generation synchrotron light source, will start operating by the year's end. Synchrotron is a cyclic particle accelerator derived from the cyclotron. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It operates by guiding a particle beam along a closed-loop path with a magnetic field that increases with time to synchronize with the particles' increasing kinetic energy. Synchrotron accelerators facilitate large-scale facilities due to the separation of bending, beam focusing, and acceleration components. Hence, statement 2 is correct.