Answer: C

Explanation:

World Bee Day is celebrated annually on May 20 to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Anton Jansa, an 18th-century Slovenian pioneer of modern beekeeping techniques, recognizing his contributions to the field. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared World Bee Day following a proposal by Slovenia, with support from 115 countries. The Government of India has also launched the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) in 2020 to promote and develop scientific beekeeping. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

India is a significant producer and consumer of honey, with an estimated annual production of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes and exports to over 83 countries. Top honey-producing states include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Rajasthan, contributing to the country's agricultural economy. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Artara’24 has made its mark in Dubai as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging artistic talents from the country. Artara'24 is a fine arts exhibition and competition held in Dubai, specifically at the Al Jalila Cultural Center and was organized by Jazzrockers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The primary objective of Artara'24 was to uncover and nurture emerging artistic talents, especially focusing on the Indian talent residing in Dubai. In addition to the main exhibition, Artara'24 included a fine arts competition for children called Expressions’24. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Indian Army has begun receiving the Russian AK-203 assault rifles after facing delays in the deal, partly due to the conflict in Ukraine and payment issues. The AK-203 assault rifle is a variant of the AK-100 series rifles, developed by Kalashnikov Concern in Russia. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This rifle is to be manufactured under license in India as part of a joint venture between India and Russia. It is an improved version of the AK-47, known for its reliability, simplicity and durability. The AK-203 rifle is intended to replace the indigenous INSAS rifle, addressing the Army's need for modernization and standardization of weaponry. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a stern warning to traders, fruit handlers and Food Business Operators (FBOs) against using calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, particularly during the mango season. Calcium Carbide is a chemical compound with the formula CaC₂. It consists of a calcium cation (Ca²⁺) and a carbide anion (C₂²⁻). Hence, statement I is correct.

Calcium Carbide is a grayish-black or brownish solid. It is used to manufacture calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), an important fertilizer and chemical feedstock. It is also used (illegally in many places) to artificially ripen fruits due to its ability to release acetylene, which acts similarly to ethylene, a natural ripening agent. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct and statement –II is the correct explanation of statement-I. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, the President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to former President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (19 May 1913-1 June 1996), an Indian politician who served as the sixth President of India from 25th July 1977 to 25th July 1982 was born in Illur, Andhra Pradesh. He joined the Indian freedom struggle, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942. He became the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1956 to 1960. He played a key role in the formation of the state by merging the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State with the Andhra State. Hence, option (d) is correct.