Option (c) is correct

Explanation:

• Recently, Indian scientists have developed the first ever low-pungent mustard.
• Statement 2 is correct:Gene-edited mustard refers to a variety of mustard plant that has been altered using gene editing techniques, specifically the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
  • CRISPR/Cas9 is a  gene editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA within living organisms. 
  • CRISPR stands for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats”.
  • Cas9 is an enzyme that acts as molecular scissors, guided by RNA molecules synthesised to match a specific DNA sequence
• Statement 1 is correct: Gene Edited Mustard is less pungent as normal mustard seeds have high levels of glucosinolates.
  • Glucosinolates is a group of sulphur and nitrogen-containing compounds contributing to the characteristic pungency of their oil.
• Gene-edited mustard can be engineered to be more resilient against pests and diseases, leading to increased crop yield and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.

Option (b) is correct

Explanation:

• The Solicitor General has denied any intention on the government’s part to modify the courts’ power of judicial review through the draft Standard Operating Procedures on judicial conduct in government cases.
• Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders of both the Central and State governments.
• On examination, if they are found to be violative of the Constitution (ultra vires), they can be declared as illegal, unconstitutional and invalid (null and void) by the judiciary. 
  • Consequently, they cannot be enforced by the Government
• Statement 1 is correct: Judicial review was considered a basic structure of the constitution in Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case , 1975.
• Statement 2 is not correct: In Bommai case (1994), the Supreme court outlined that the Presidential proclamation imposing President’s Rule is subject to judicial review.

Option (d) is correct

Explanation:

• American surgeons have reported successful functioning of a pig kidney transplanted into a brain-dead human patient’s body, with the organ performing effectively for over a month.
• Xenotransplantation involves  transplantation of cells, tissues or organs from one species to another, particularly from animals to humans.
• Pigs are easier to genetically modify. They also breed better with large litter, grow faster, and are less likely to transmit infections. The size of their organs is also similar to humans.

Option (a) is correct

Explanation: 

Recently, the Manipur Assembly failed to hold a Special Session to discuss the ongoing ethnic violence.

• According to Article 174 in The Constitution of India:
  • The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit. (Statement 1 is correct)
  • Six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. 
  • Article 168 of the constitution states that “For every State there shall be a Legislature which shall consist of the Governor”, hence the Governor forms an integral part of State Legislatures and wields Legislative powers.(Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1).
  • The Governor may from time to time:
    • Prorogue the House or either House.
    • Dissolve the Legislative Assembly.

Option (a) is correct

Explanation:

• A government-conducted study on social welfare programs has indicated that participants in the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) chose not to continue receiving refills primarily due to gender-related factors and the ready accessibility of traditional alternatives
• Statement 1 is not correct: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• Statement 2 is not correct: Release of LPG connection under this Scheme shall be in the name of the women belonging to the BPL family.
• Statement 3 is correct: All PMUY beneficiaries will be provided with first LPG refill and Stove both free of cost along with their deposit free connection by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• For the year 2023-24, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a subsidy of Rs. 200 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year to be provided to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).