Explanation : 

Statement-I: India does not import apples from the United States of America.

Incorrect. India does import apples from the U.S. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in imports following the removal of tariffs, with projections for the current marketing year suggesting imports could reach nearly 20,000 tonnes.

Statement-II: In India, the law prohibits the import of genetically modified food without the approval of the competent authority.

Correct. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires that any genetically modified food products must receive prior approval before being imported. This regulation ensures safety and compliance with food standards.

Explanation : 

1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
– This statement is incorrect. The bill’s provisions will not take effect until after a new census and delimitation exercise are completed, which is expected to occur post-2024 elections, meaning it will not be applicable to the current 18th Lok Sabha.

2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
– This statement is correct. The reservation for women is set to last for 15 years from the date the bill becomes an Act.

3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
– This statement is also correct. The bill stipulates that one-third of the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be allocated specifically for women from those groups.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer to the query is: (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation : 

The Delimitation Commission of India is a body established to draw the boundaries of electoral constituencies.

Listing all Delimitation Commissions chronologically:
– First Delimitation Commission: 1952-1955
– Second Delimitation Commission: 1962-1965
– Third Delimitation Commission: 1972-1975
– Fourth Delimitation Commission: 2002-2008

Therefore, the answer is (d) Four.

Explanation : 

1. “The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form”

– This statement is correct. The Red Sea is located in one of the most arid regions of the world
– The area experiences extremely low rainfall, typically less than 60mm per year
– There is very little precipitation in any form (rain, snow, etc.)

2. “No water enters the Red Sea from rivers”

– This statement is also correct
– The Red Sea has no permanent rivers flowing into it
– The surrounding areas are desert regions with no significant river systems
– The only freshwater input comes from occasional wadis (dry riverbeds) during rare rain events

Since both statements are correct, the answer is (c) Both 1 and 2.

Explanation : 

Sumed Pipeline

1. Statement-I asserts that the Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. This is accurate as the pipeline serves as a major conduit for transporting crude oil from the Middle East to European markets, bypassing the limitations of the Suez Canal for fully loaded supertankers.

2. Statement-II states that the Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. This is also true; the pipeline runs from Ain Sukhna on the Gulf of Suez to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean coast, providing a crucial link for oil shipments.

Thus, the correct answer is: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Explanation : 

1. Argentina – Worst economic crisis

✓ CORRECT: Argentina has been experiencing a severe economic crisis with inflation over 200%, currency devaluation, and significant economic reforms under President Javier Milei.

2. Sudan – War between the country’s regular army and paramilitary forces

✓ CORRECT: Sudan has been experiencing a civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo since April 2023.

3. Turkey – Rescinded its membership of NATO

✗ INCORRECT: Turkey (now officially known as Türkiye) has not rescinded its NATO membership. In fact, Turkey remains a NATO member and recently approved Sweden’s NATO membership in January 2024.

Therefore, the answer is (b) Only two Pairs.

Explanation : 

Statement 1: “Thea Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament.”

– This is INCORRECT
– As per Article 112 of the Constitution, the Annual Financial Statement (Budget) is laid before Parliament by the President
– The Finance Minister presents the budget on behalf of the President, not the Prime Minister
– This is because the executive authority of the Union is vested in the President

Statement 2: “At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.”

– This is CORRECT
– According to Article 113(3) of the Constitution, no demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President
– This is a constitutional safeguard to ensure fiscal discipline
– The President’s recommendation is mandatory for any money bill or demand for grants

Explanation : 

Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, is the author of both books:

1. “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” (2020)
– This book outlines India’s foreign policy approach and strategic thinking
– It discusses how India can navigate the changing global order and advance its interests

2. “Why Bharat Matters” (2024)
– This is his more recent book
– It explores India’s growing global role and influence
– Discusses India’s perspectives on international relations and geopolitical developments

Explanation : 

What is a Writ ofa Prohibition?

– It is a judicial writ issued by a superior court to a lower court or tribunal
– The main purpose is to prevent the lower court from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting outside its authority

Key characteristics:

– It is preventive in nature (stops something from happening)
– Can only be issued to judicial or quasi-judicial authorities
– Cannot be issued against administrative authorities
– Works to prevent excess or abuse of jurisdiction

Explanation : 

Statement 1: “It is the Governor of thae State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.”

– This is INCORRECT
– Only the President of India has the power to specify which communities are Scheduled Tribes
– This is done through a Presidential Order under Article 342 of the Constitution
– The Parliament can then modify this list through legislation
– The Governor does not have the constitutional authority to declare Scheduled Tribes

Statement 2: “A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.”

– This is CORRECT
– The same community can be a Scheduled Tribe in one state but not in another
– ST status is state/UT-specific
– This reflects the fact that tribal characteristics and socio-economic conditions of communities can vary across states
– Example: The Gond tribe is recognized as ST in some states but not in others