Option (c) is correct

Explanation:

• The Indian Ocean Dipole turns positive, which may prove too late for monsoon.
• Statement 1 is correct:The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as the Indian Nino, is a periodic oscillation of sea surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer (positive phase) and then colder (negative phase) than the eastern Indian Ocean.
• A positive IOD helps rainfall along the African coastline and also over the Indian subcontinent.
• Statement 2 is correct: Its impact is more pronounced between the Indonesian and Malaysian coastline in the east and the African coastline near Somalia in the west.
• A positive IOD event is often seen developing at times of an El Nino, while a negative IOD is sometimes associated with La Nina.
• It involves a temperature difference between the western and eastern sides of the Indian Ocean.

Option (a) is correct

Explanation:

• The Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s assurance that it does not intend to “touch” the special constitutional provisions protecting the interests of the people of the northeastern States.
• Article 371 of the Constitution guarantees protection of the cultural and economic interests, as well as ensures the rule of law, for the people of Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland,  Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur.

Option (b) is correct

Explanation:

• Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, a mercenary leader belonging to the Wagner group died in a plane crash.
• He had launched a failed coup against Russian president Vladimir Putin in June 2023.
• The Wagner Group is a private army of mercenaries that has been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine.
• The Wagner group played a key role during Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Option (a) is correct

Explanation:

• Recently, Tejas LCA successfully test-fired the ASTRA missile at an altitude of about 20,000 feet off the coast of Goa according to the Ministry of Defence.
• Statement 1 is not correct: ASTRA is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) class of Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) system designed to be mounted on fighter aircraft.
• Statement 2 is not correct: the range for Astra Mk-1 is around 110 km, the Mk-2 with a range over 150 km is under development and Mk-3 version with a longer range is being envisaged. One more version of Astra, with a range smaller than Mk-1 is also under development.
• Statement 3 is correct: The missile is designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft. The missile has all weather day and night capability.

Option (c) is correct

Explanation: 

• According to the Central Vigilance Commission’s latest annual report, the highest number of corruption complaints last year were against employees of the Union home ministry, followed by those working for the railways and in banks.
• Statement 1 is not correct: It is a multi-member body consisting of a Central Vigilance Commissioner (chairperson) and not more than two vigilance commissioners.
• Statement 2 is correct: They hold office for a term of four years or until they attain the age of sixty five years, whichever is earlier. After their tenure, they are not eligible for further employment under the Central or a state government.
• Statement 3 is not correct: The CVC has to present annually to the President a report on its performance. The President places this report before each House of Parliament.