Answer: C

Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India's inaugural domestically produced hydrogen fuel cell ferry. The vessel, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), is designated for service in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.  It is a 24-meter-long catamaran design and can accommodate up to 50 passengers in its air-conditioned area. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel operates without conventional batteries. It houses five hydrogen cylinders capable of carrying 40kg of hydrogen, facilitating eight hours of operation. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by harnessing the chemical energy stored in hydrogen, emitting only pure water as a byproduct. The vessel aligns with the 'Harit Nauka' initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aiming for a greener transition in inland water transportation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which will have its headquarters located in India. The Prime Minister of India emphasized India's conservation efforts for big cats during Global Tiger Day in 2019 and the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger in April 2023. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The IBCA is envisioned as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition consisting of 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and business groups. Its objective is to establish networks and develop synergies to centralize successful conservation practices, personnel, and financial support for the conservation of big cats. By including various stakeholders, the alliance aims to replicate India's pioneering conservation practices in other range countries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered a new species of head-shield sea slug with a ruby red spot, naming it Melanochlamys droupadi in honour of President Droupadi Murmu. The species, named Melanochlamys Droupadi, was discovered along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Morphological traits include hort, blunt, cylindrical body with smooth dorsal surface and two dorsal shields - anterior cephalic and posterior shield. It is a small invertebrate with a maximum length up to 7 mm with brownish black with a prominent ruby red spot at the hind end. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The reproductive cycle of Melanochlamys droupadi is observed to occur between the months of November and January. Species of this group are generally distributed in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm but three species are truly tropical distributed, Melanochlamys papillata from the Gulf of Thailand, Melanochlamys bengalensis from West Bengal and Odisha coast and the present species. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam is a gravity dam in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It's located below the confluence of the Kaveri River and its tributaries, the Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The construction of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam began in 1911 and it was completed in 1931 during the rule of Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV Maharaj of Mysore. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The dam was designed by a famous Indian engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya (his birthday on15th September is celebrated as Engineer Day). Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Krishnaraja Sagar Dam is made of surki mortar instead of cement because cement was not manufactured in India at the time. The dam is 2,621 meters (8,600 ft) long, 40 meters (130 ft) high and has arch type 177 Iron sluices. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, a herpetofaunal survey conducted in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve recorded 82 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) is a national park in the Nilgiris Mountains of Tamil Nadu.  It's located at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The reserve is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, India's first Biosphere Reserve, which was established in 1986. It shares a border with the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to the west and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka to the north. The flora includes tall grasses, known as "Elephant Grass," giant bamboo and valuable timber species such as Teak and Rosewood. This reserve has Tiger, Elephant, Indian Gaur, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Mangoose, Malabar Giant Squirrel and more. Hence, option (c) is correct.