Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a significant decision to repeal certain circulars related to the allotment of securities through a private placement route. Private Placement refers to the issuance of securities by a company to a select group of investors without making a public offer. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Placement is governed by regulations set forth by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the Companies Act, 2013. Under the Companies Act, 1956, the limit for private placement was issuance of securities to 49 people.  This was increased to up to 200 investors under the Companies Act, 2013. It is commonly used by companies to raise capital for various purposes, such as expansion, debt repayment or working capital needs. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Companies engaging in Private Placement must comply with disclosure requirements specified by SEBI to ensure transparency and protection of investors' interests. Non-compliance with the regulations governing Private Placement may result in penalties imposed by SEBI or other regulatory authorities. In certain cases, SEBI may provide relaxation for companies issuing securities to more than the specified limit of investors, subject to meeting specific conditions such as providing investors with options for refund or higher returns. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, a study published in the Lancet Neurology revealed that in 2021, 3.40 billion individuals (43.1% of the global population) lived with a neurological condition, leading to 11.1 million deaths attributed to nervous system conditions. A neurological disorder affects a significant portion of the global population, with billions of individuals worldwide living with this condition. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

A neurological disorder contributes to a substantial number of deaths globally. This disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an individual's ability to lead a productive and fulfilling life. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are commonly used to measure the burden of a neurological disorder, reflecting the years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It encompasses a wide range of conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine, neuropathy, meningitis and nervous system cancers. A neurological disorder ranks among the top causes of DALYs globally, underscoring its significant impact on population health. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

While the prevalence of a neurological disorder may remain relatively stable over time, improvements in medical care and interventions have led to reductions in mortality rates and DALYs in some cases. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often bear a disproportionate burden of a neurological disorder due to limited access to specialized healthcare services and resources. Some neurological disorders exhibit gender disparities, with variations in prevalence and impact across different age groups. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The government has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, aiming to enhance the film certification process significantly. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has introduced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, superseding the 1983 rules, to modernize the film certification process. The rules aim to modernize the film certification process for the digital age, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The rules embrace online certification processes to enhance transparency, efficiency and ease of doing business for the film industry. This shift towards online processes aligns with modern technological advancements and facilitates a smoother certification experience for filmmakers. The rules introduce age-based categories of certification to ensure age-appropriate content consumption. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Former Navy Chief Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas (5 September 1933-15 March 2024) was born in Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra. As the 13th Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ramdas initiated the historic induction of women into the Indian Navy. He served as the commander of INS Beas, a vessel that played a crucial role in the blockade of East Pakistan. He also served as the Indian Naval Attaché in Bonn, West Germany, from 1973 to 1976. Ramdas won the Vir Chakra (the country’s third-highest gallantry award) for his bravery during the 1971 war as commander of INS Beas. He won the Ramon Magsaysay award in 2004 for advocating peace between the two nuclear armed neighbours. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, there has been a notable shift in discussions regarding illegal immigration to the US, with increased attention directed towards the Darien Gap in the south. The Darien Gap is located between northern Colombia and southern Panama. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Darien Gap disrupts the continuity of the Pan-American Highway, a road system connecting North and South America. This gap creates a significant obstacle for completing the highway. It serves as a natural barrier between Central and South America. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Despite its challenges, the Darien Gap has become a major route for global human migration, especially for individuals seeking asylum in the United States. Migrants often rely on paid guides to navigate through the jungle.

The region is known to be controlled by criminal organizations involved in human trafficking and smuggling. Hence, statement 3 is correct.