Answer: (a)

Explanation:

An invasive weed Cuscuta dodder is slowly choking the Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, threatening the local vegetation, ecology and habitat of migratory birds. It is a parasitic vine without roots, has already infested acres of trees in the reserve forests and has begun to spread inside India’s oldest bird sanctuary. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is native to North America. As per a technical paper published by the National Research Centre for Weed Science, in India, Cuscuta poses a serious problem in oilseeds, pulses and fodder crops in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Orissa, West Bengal and parts of Madhya Pradesh under rain fed as well as irrigated conditions. Legislation in 25 countries has listed the dodder as a ‘declared noxious weed’ with seeds and plant material denied entrance. In United States, it is the only weed seed whose movement is prohibited in every state. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species is also known as the Bonn Convention, is an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme. It provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. It was signed in Bonn, Germany, on 23 June 1979. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is the only global and UN-based intergovernmental organisation established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. The parties to the convention acknowledge the importance of conserving migratory species, and the need to pay special attention to species whose conservation status is unfavourable. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14) will be hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, in Samarkand from 12-17 February 2024. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Prime Minister of India launched PM Surya GharMuft Bijli Yojana to provide free electricity to its beneficiaries. In this scheme, the central government will provide 300 units of free electricity per month to its beneficiaries by investing worth ₹75,000 crores. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

The free electricity scheme was earlier announced by the Finance Minister in an interim budget speech. It aims to light up 1 crore households. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Under the scheme Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions. The Central Government will guarantee no financial burden on the people by providing significant subsidies directly to their bank accounts and offering highly concessional bank loans. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh government recently imposed a month-long ban on fishing in the 5-km radius of Hope Island to prevent the death of Olive Ridley turtles off Kakinada coast. Hope Island is a tadpole-shaped island, located off the coast of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, in the Bay of Bengal. Hope Island is so named for providing a natural haven to sailors against the forces of wind and tide against the weary traveler. This island is young, as it was formed in the late 18th century, by the waters of the Koringa River, which is a distributary of the River Godavari. The area between Kakinada coast and Hope Island is known as Kakinada Bay. It acts as a natural barrier from storm surges and is a natural breakwater for the Kakinada coast. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Recently, the Consumer Affairs Secretary emphasized that integrating artificial intelligence into the 'e-Jagriti' portal will aid in reducing the backlog of pending cases in consumer courts. The e-Jagriti Portal is an initiative of the Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. It serves as a dedicated portal for consumer commissions, facilitating the resolution of consumer disputes and grievances. The portal is designed to improve the overall customer experience by providing a user-friendly interface and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. It offers a simple, fast and cost-effective software solution for consumer dispute redressal at all levels. Its aim is to integrate various consumer grievance platforms, including the Online Case Monitoring System (OCMS), E-Daakhil, National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC), Case Monitoring System, CONFONET website and mediation application. Hence, both statements are correct.