Ans: A

Exp:

Russia has declared a federal-level emergency following a massive oil spill along the Black Sea coast near the Kerch Strait.

• The Kerch Strait is a vital shipping route connecting the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. This area has been a point of geopolitical tension, especially annexation of Crimea in 2014. 

About Sea of Azov:

• • The Sea of Azov  is located in Eastern Europe and the shallowest sea in the world.  Hence, Statement 1 is Correct.

• The average depth of the Sea of Azov is approximately 7 meters (23 feet).

• It is connected to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait. Hence, Statement 2 is Correct.
• While the Sea of Azov is bordered by Russia and Ukraine, it is not bordered by Georgia. Georgia lies further south along the eastern Black Sea coast. Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.

Ans: C

Exp:

From 2022 to 2024, CPGRAMS successfully resolved over 70 lakh grievances, helping to create a more responsive and efficient India.

About CPGRAMS:

• The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an online platform established by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). Hence Statement 2 is Correct.
• It is designed to facilitate the filing, tracking, and resolution of public grievances in India.

Key Features

• 24/7 Accessibility: Available round-the-clock for citizens across India. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
• Integration Across Governance: Links all Ministries, Departments, and various State Governments for a unified grievance redressal process. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.
• Unique Registration ID: Complaints receive a unique ID for status tracking and ensuring accountability.
• Multi-Platform Accessibility: Accessible via:Web Portal, Mobile App (available on the Google Play Store) UMANG App
• My Grievance App: Provides an independent platform for filing and tracking complaints, complementing CPGRAMS.

Ans: D

Exp:

According to an analysis by PRS Legislative Research, during the five-year term of the 17th Lok Sabha, which ended in 2024, only 9.08 hours were spent discussing Private Members’ Bills. In comparison, the Rajya Sabha spent 27.01 hours on these bills during the same period.

About Private Member’s Bill

• • Statement 1 is Correct: A Private Member’s Bill is a proposed legislation introduced in Parliament by a member (from ruling or opposition party ) who is not part of the government (i.e., not a Minister).

• Purpose of a Private Member Bill:

• • Offers a platform for MPs to propose laws, express individual views, and highlight public issues independently of party or government directives.
  • Encourages discussion and debate on important matters not prioritized by the government.

Statement 2 is Correct: A Constitution Amendment Bill can be introduced by either a Minister or a Private Member, as per the procedure outlined in Article 368 of the Constitution.

Statement 3 is Correct: Money Bills are exclusively government bills and can only be introduced by a Minister, as they deal with taxation, public expenditure, and other financial matters.

Ans: B

Exp:

Prime Minister during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, announced that India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time in 2025. 

• The event is a significant platform to showcase India’s creative talent to a global audience.
• WAVES is envisioned to be a landmark event akin to the World Economic Forum for the media and entertainment industry.
• It underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in content creation and innovation.  Hence Option B is Correct.
• It focuses on showcasing India’s capabilities in content creation and innovation across various sectors like animation, gaming, visual effects, and cinema, while celebrating its cultural heritage.
• PM underscored the pivotal role of young creators in preparing for WAVES, highlighting their enthusiasm and contributions to India’s growing creator economy.
•  This aligns with India’s ambitions to strengthen its economy and achieve the milestone of becoming a $5 trillion economy.

Ans: C

Exp:

On December 24, 2024, NASA’s  Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach (perihelion) at just 6.1 million kilometers (3.8 million miles) from the solar surface.

• The spacecraft achieved a record-breaking speed of 700,000 km/h (430,000 mph), making it the fastest human-made object in history. Hence Statement 1  is Correct.

About Parker Solar Probe (2018)

• • Launch: It  was launched in 2018 by NASA to study the Sun and its atmosphere.
  • Mission objectives: To study the structure and dynamics of the Sun’s corona, the Sun’s magnetic field, and the solar wind.
  • Features:
    • Scientific Instruments: Fields Experiment (FIELDS), Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS), Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) and Wide Field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR).

• Trajectory:

• • • The spacecraft has conducted 21 close approaches to the Sun so far, with three more planned for even closer proximity.

• Gravity-Assist Maneuvers:

• • It used Venus’ gravity seven times to adjust its orbit and refine its trajectory for closer approaches. Hence Statement 2  is Correct.
  • The final gravity-assist maneuver occurred on November 6, 2024, bringing the probe within 387 kilometers of Venus’ surface.
• Parker Solar Probe and its instruments are protected from the Sun by a 4.5-inch-thick (11.43 cm) carbon-composite shield, which can withstand temperatures reaching nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,377 Celsius).