Ans: B

Exp:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Ocean Sutra is a Mahayana Buddhist manuscript with Tantric influences but was composed around 1,500 years ago.
• Statement 2 is correct:  The Ocean Sutra is noted for its influence on Chinese politics, particularly aiding in the ascent of Lady Wu of the Tang dynasty, who reimagined Buddhist ideals in a patriarchal Confucian society.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Ocean Sutra does not celebrate Vedic traditions; rather, it reflects a narrative where Buddhism was evolving in response to the Vedic dominance and Shaiva-Vaishnava countercurrents.

Ans: A

Exp:

Anusandhan National Research Foundation announces the launch of the ‘Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research’ (PAIR) programme to transform research and innovation in Indian Universities.

• The programme would help stimulate innovation in emerging institutions by leveraging mentorship from high-ranking institutions, drive impactful, internationally competitive research with significant outcomes and establish collaborative networks, enhancing research quality through advanced infrastructure and best practices.
• Statement 1 is correct: The PAIR programme is explicitly aligned with the objectives of the NEP 2020, aiming to foster research excellence in universities.
• Statement 2 is correct: The programme adopts a hub-and-spoke model, where top-tier institutions (hubs) mentor emerging institutions (spokes) to enhance research capabilities.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: In the first phase, hub institutions include those within the top 25 NIRF overall rankings and Institutions of National Importance within the top 50 NIRF rankings, rather than exclusively private universities.
• Each PAIR network would consist of one hub and up to seven spoke institutions. Only one proposal per hub institution is allowed, with a mandatory involvement of multi-departmental faculty teams from spoke institutions. Regional diversity among participants will also be ensured.

Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 1st Bodoland Mohotsav, a two day mega event on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society.

• Statement 1 is Correct:  The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) was established as part of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020, aiming to resolve long-standing conflicts in the region.
• Statement 2 is Correct: The BTR replaced the earlier Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD), providing enhanced autonomy and expanded geographical governance for the region.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect: The BTR is governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, not the Fifth Schedule. The Sixth Schedule provides autonomy to tribal regions in the Northeast.

Ans: C

Exp:

From December 2024, Australia will open a new scheme which allows talented young people from India to work in the country. 

• Statement 1 is  Incorrect: The MATES scheme allows Indian graduates and professionals to work in Australia for up to two years without the requirement of employer sponsorship.
• Statement 2 is  Correct: Eligibility is restricted to graduates from the top 100 Indian universities as per the NIRF ranking 2024.
• Statement 3 is incorrect:  While the scheme encourages participants to expand skills and networks in specific sectors (such as renewable energy, AI, FinTech, etc.), there is no strict requirement for visa holders to work in their nominated field of study.

Ans: D

Exp:

• Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue is a flagship initiative launched by India to foster international collaboration for sustainable development of oceans and the blue economy. Hence option d is the correct answer.
• The inaugural edition is scheduled to be held in Mumbai in November 2024 and will focus on themes like connectivity, infrastructure, blue growth, sustainability, and the social impact of maritime governance.