Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct): Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal zoonotic illness (transmitted from animals to humans) caused by viruses belonging to the genus Orthoebolavirus. Wild animals like fruit bats are its natural reservoirs.

Statement 2 is Incorrect): The present outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is caused by the Bundibugyo strain. This is a rare type of Ebola virus for which no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics currently exist.

Statement 3 is Incorrect): When declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO explicitly advises countries against imposing international travel or border restrictions. Such measures can disrupt vital trade and humanitarian assistance routes needed to.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct): Laboratory confirmation is vital for EVD. The major diagnostic pathways include molecular tests like RT-PCR, serological tests like Antibody-Capture ELISA, antigen detection tests, and virus isolation by cell culture techniques.

Statement 2 is Correct): The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends specific monoclonal antibody treatments for Ebola virus disease, which include mAb114 (Ansuvimab) and REGN-EB3 (Inmazeb), alongside other key containment and supportive care procedures.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Netherlands on 16–17 May 2026, both countries officially upgraded their bilateral ties to a "Strategic Partnership". This new framework outlines a five-year strategic roadmap (2026–2030) covering critical minerals, AI, quantum computing, and climate adaptation.

Statement 2 is correct: India's Tata Electronics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASML, the Dutch global giant that holds a global monopoly in manufacturing advanced lithography machines. This technology transfer and collaboration will significantly strengthen India's upcoming commercial semiconductor fab plant in Dholera, Gujarat.

Statement 3 is correct: As part of a major success in cultural diplomacy, the Dutch government formally handed over 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India. These historical artefacts were taken to Europe from Nagapattinam in 1712.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Under Article 124(1) of the Constitution of India, the authority to determine the number of judges in the Supreme Court lies exclusively with Parliament, not the President or the Chief Justice. Parliament exercises this power by enacting or amending laws, such as the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

Statement 2 is correct: When the Supreme Court of India was established and began functioning in 1950, it operated with a total strength of eight judges—seven puisne judges and one Chief Justice of India.

Statement 3 is correct: Recently, President Droupadi Murmu approved the “Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026”. This Ordinance amended Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, increasing the total sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges (comprising 37 judges and 1 Chief Justice).

Answer: C

Explanation:

Article 145(3) is correct: This article states that the minimum number of Judges who are to sit for the purpose of deciding any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution (commonly referred to as Constitution Benches) shall be five. Increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court is tied to the need to form larger and more frequent Constitution Benches without hampering the day-to-day operations of regular benches.

Article 124(3) is incorrect: This article deals with the qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court.

Article 131 is incorrect: This article pertains to the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, particularly in disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, or between States.

Article 143 is incorrect: This article grants the President of India the power to consult the Supreme Court and seek its advisory opinion on questions of law or fact of public importance.