Answer: (a)

Explanation:

A National Geographic expedition in the Amazon rainforest has led to the reclassification of the world’s largest snake as two genetically distinct species: the southern green anaconda and the newly-discovered northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima).

Green Anaconda is the largest snake in the world, when both weight and length are considered. It can reach a length of 30 feet (9 meters) and weigh up to 227 kilograms. It has two species: southern green anaconda and the northern green anaconda. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

They are native to South America east of the Andes, and can be found in several countries, including Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, the island of Trinidad, and as far south as northern Paraguay. They generally live in tropical rainforests and tend to prefer shallow, slow-moving waters, such as streams, rivers, and flooded grasslands. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

The green anaconda is a member of a family of snakes called constrictors. Constrictors are not venomous snakes. They don't kill prey by delivering venom through a bite. Instead, constrictors wrap their bodies around their prey and squeeze until it stops breathing. They are well adapted to aquatic life. They are listed as Least Concern in IUCN Red List. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Recently, the union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana, in Sambalpur, Odisha. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

It is tailored specifically for beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme, this unique National Entrepreneurship Development Project underscores the government's steadfast commitment to nurturing job providers across the nation. It aims to equip individuals with comprehensive entrepreneurship training, creating job providers rather than job seekers. This initiative focuses on reskilling and upskilling employees to enhance their competitiveness and adaptability in an era of disruptive technology. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It will offer comprehensive entrepreneurship training over a period of 22 weeks, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure through experiential learning. The training will be conducted through offline, online and hybrid modes, with certificates awarded upon completion, enhancing the course's credibility and value. The Government of India has partnered with Flipkart to skill street vendors and small shopkeepers. Under the pilot program, street vendors of 10 big cities of the country will be given a stipend along with training to expand their businesses. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is making efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual 'Paruveta' festival.

Paruveta Festival also known as the ‘mock hunting festival’, is celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in the town of Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated by all sections of people, irrespective of their caste. It is a festival of communal hormony, as devotees from other religious communities like muslims also offer prayers to the Lord. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) a new fast-breeding protocol is likely to make it easier for scientists to develop better quality varieties of the pigeonpea crop at a faster rate.

Pigeonpea is also called as arhar and tur in India. It is an important legume crop and protein-rich food which is primarily consumed as dal in India. It is predominantly a crop of tropical areas mainly cultivated in semi arid regions of India. It requires 600-650mm of annual rainfall along with moist conditions for the initial eight weeks and dry conditions during its flowering and pod development phase. It can be grown on all types of soil, however, sandy loam or loam soil is most suitable for its cultivation. It has low glycaemic index and is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Major Pigeon pea producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved ₹340/quintal as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2024-25 at sugar recovery rate of 10.25%.

Fair and Remunerative Price is the price declared by the government, which mills are legally bound to pay to farmers for the cane procured from them. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The FRP is fixed by the Union government (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)) on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The payment of FRP across the country is governed by the Sugarcane Control order, 1966 which mandates payment within 14 days of the date of delivery of the cane. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.