Answer: A

Explanation:

In the question, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Statement 1 is correct because the objective of Vibrant Village Programme-II is to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in villages of border areas, so that development and population stability in these regions can be ensured. Statement 2 is also correct because recently some villages located along the international border in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir have been included under this scheme, which reflects the expansion and strategic importance of this programme.

However, statement 3 is incorrect because this scheme is not limited only to tourism, rather it includes multiple dimensions such as roads, communication, employment, skill development, and overall socio-economic development.

In recent developments, under this scheme, special emphasis has been given on infrastructure development, livelihood generation, and security-based stability in sensitive border areas like Kathua, which makes it clear that this initiative is working as an integrated model of “Development + Security”. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Only 1 and 2.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, a Free Trade Agreement has been signed between India and New Zealand, which is an important part of India’s Indo-Pacific trade strategy. Under this agreement, India has received zero-tariff access on most of its exports, which will provide Indian exporters a competitive advantage in the global market.

However, it is important to understand that India has not fully opened its market; rather, sensitive sectors like dairy and other agricultural products have been kept outside the agreement to protect the interests of domestic farmers and industries.

At the same time, the objective of this agreement is not only to increase trade but also to strengthen bilateral trade, investment flows, and economic cooperation. Therefore, it is clear that statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect, because India has not eliminated tariffs on all agricultural products.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, in the official information released under the NAMASTE Scheme, it has been clarified that this scheme is being implemented with the objective of eliminating the hazardous practice of manual scavenging and providing sanitation workers with a safe and dignified working environment.

Under this scheme, the government is providing machine-based cleaning systems (mechanization), safety equipment (PPE kits), health insurance, and skill development support, so that the entire sanitation ecosystem can be modernized.

The main focus of the scheme is the transition from manual to mechanized cleaning, so that human intervention in the cleaning of sewers and septic tanks can be eliminated.

At the same time, this scheme is not limited only to urban areas, but attempts to cover the sanitation ecosystem at a broader level. The most important aspect of this initiative is that it is not limited only to welfare, but is a major step towards ensuring “dignity through safety, technology, and social justice,” under which identification, training and financial assistance are also being provided to thousands of sanitation workers.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research has upgraded its institute NARFBR and developed it as the National Institute for Pre-Clinical Research, which is an important step towards strengthening India’s biomedical research ecosystem.

The objective of this institute is to function as a bridge between laboratory research and human clinical trials, so that new drugs, vaccines, and medical devices can be tested in a safe and effective manner.

It is important to note that this institute is not limited only to traditional animal-based testing, but also uses modern and ethical technologies such as New Approach Methodologies and Micro Physiological Systems.

Therefore, it is clear that statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the World Health Organization has, for the first time, approved a special malaria treatment for infants (children weighing 2–5 kilograms), which is considered a significant achievement in the global health sector, because the most affected group by malaria is children below 5 years of age.

Earlier, the situation was such that there was no separate standardized medicine available for infants, due to which doctors had to give adjusted doses of medicines meant for older children, which increased the risk of incorrect dosage, toxicity, and side effects.

To address this critical gap, an infant-specific drug has now been approved, which will make treatment safer, more precise, and more effective. Therefore, it is clear that both Statement (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and the reason correctly explains the statement.