Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Siachen glacier and carried out on-the-ground assessment of the security situation and also interacted with soldiers deployed there. Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalayas, forming the northernmost part of the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. It runs from northwest to southeast, originating at an altitude of 6,115 meters at the base of the Indira Col West and descending to 3,570 meters. It is the world's highest battlefield, situated at altitudes ranging from 16,000 to 20,000 feet. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Siachen Glacier is the second-longest glacier in the world's non-polar areas, following the Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Control over Siachen Glacier provides a strategic advantage due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. It serves as a crucial barrier against any potential threat from Pakistan and China. Operation Meghdoot, launched by the Indian Army on April 13, 1984, aimed to secure control over the Siachen Glacier, thwarting Pakistan's attempts to occupy the region. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Both India and Pakistan have maintained military presence in the area, resulting in a prolonged conflict known as the Siachen Conflict. The Nubra River originates from the Siachen Glacier, contributing to the region's hydrology. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

All organ transplants, from living or deceased donors, will receive a unique NOTTO-ID for both donor and recipient. All organ transplants, from living or deceased donors, will be assigned a unique NOTTO-ID. Hospitals must generate this ID from the NOTTO website. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The directive aims to curb commercial organ dealing, particularly involving foreign citizens. The Union Health Ministry issued the directive to all States and Union Territories in response to reports of malpractice and an increase in organ transplants related to foreigners in India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Appropriate Authority of each State, as per the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, must investigate transplants involving foreign nationals. NOTTO-ID is mandatory for organ allocation in deceased donor transplants and should be generated within 48 hours for living donor transplants. Regular inspections of registered hospitals for transplant/retrieval are mandated by the appropriate State authority. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, Bihar’s blackbucks faced water scarcity, but efforts by forest officials to fill waterholes aim to prevent them from straying into human habitats and becoming vulnerable to poaching. Blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) are antelopes native to the Indian subcontinent. Blackbucks are listed as 'endangered' in the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), categorized under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and included in Appendix III of CITES. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Males (bucks) are distinguished by their black coat, while females (does) have a lighter brown coat. India's protected areas for blackbucks include Gir National Park in Gujarat, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary in Karnataka, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Supreme Court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do “complete justice” to permit the medical termination of pregnancy of a 14-year-old rape survivor in Maharashtra. Article 142 of the Indian Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to pass orders and decrees to ensure "complete justice" in any case. It empowers the Court to go beyond its usual limits to settle disputes in a manner that suits the specifics of the case. Orders issued under Article 142 are enforceable throughout India as prescribed by law or order of the President.

Here, statements I and II both are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

English Language Day is celebrated on April 23rd every year. English Language Day was established in 2010 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to recognize the importance of the English language and to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. The day commemorates the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, a famous English playwright and poet. The theme for English Language Day in 2024 is "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities". Hence, option (b) is correct.