Ans: A

Exp: 

Recently, Ajrakh, a craft of resist-dyeing from Kutch, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, providing legal protection to arts from specific geographical regions.

About Ambaji White Marble: 

Pair 1 is incorrect: Ambaji White Marble is known for its stunning white appearance and unique natural patterns.

It is named after the town of Ambaji in the state of Gujarat, India, where it is predominantly quarried. Marble mined in Gujarat’s Ambaji has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication, or GI tag.

About Lakadong Turmeric:

Pair 2 is incorrect: It is considered to be one of the world’s best varieties of turmeric, with a curcumin content of around 6.8 to 7.5 per cent. It is darker in colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilisers. It is found in Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, has high curcumin content. Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Ajrakh:

Pair 3 is correct: Textile craft, deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural heritage, particularly in regions like Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch. Name “Ajrakh” originates from ‘Azrak,’ meaning indigo, a key dye used in the process.

Artistic Process:

• Involves meticulous hand-block printing on treated cotton cloth.
• Designs infused with intricate patterns and historical significance.

Ans: A

Exp: 

Marking the 124th death anniversary of revolutionary tribal leader Birsa Munda, Jharkhand Chief Minister paid his tributes on 9th June.

Statement 1 is incorrect: When the British introduced new land settlement systems like the zamindari system in Chota Nagpur and replaced the existing tribal system ‘Khuntkatti,’ which allowed the entire community to hold ownership of the land, the living and working conditions of tribals were significantly impacted.

About Birsa Munda:

• Birsa Munda (1875-1900) was an Indian tribal freedom fighter and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He led a millenarian movement that sought to reform tribal society and fight against British colonial rule in the late 19th century.
• Reason for Unrest: The British colonial policies of restricting traditional tribal rights over forest lands were a major cause of tribal unrest. 
• Stattenent 2 is correct: Birsa Munda launched the Ulgulan movement in 1899, using weapons and guerrilla warfare to drive out foreigners. He encouraged the tribals to follow the Birsa Raj and to not comply with colonial laws and rent payments.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: After the movement, The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) was passed which banned the passage of tribal land to non-tribal folks.

Ans: C

Exp:

One in four children under age 5 around the world is experiencing severe food poverty, according to the recently released Child Nutrition Report 2024.

About UNICEF:

• • UNICEF continued to use its original acronym even after its full name was changed to United Nations Children’s Fund in 1953. 
  • Statement 1 is correct: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), originally known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II. 
  • Funding: UNICEF is supported by government funding and individual voluntary donations. 
  • Guide: The Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, has been the guiding light for UNICEF. 
  • Awards:
    •  In 1965, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for ‘Promotion of Brotherhood among nations’.
    • Statement 2 is correct: The 1989 Indira Gandhi Prize was awarded to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) “for its outstanding contribution in safeguarding and developing the health of the World’s Children, through its expertise and activities extending direct and indirect assistance for the well-being of the future global community.”

• Important Reports by UNICEF:

• • • The State of the World’s Children
    • Children’s Climate Risk Index. 

• Statement 3 is correct: Child Nutrition Report is published by UNICEF.

Ans: B

Exp:

Recently, The UN General Assembly elected Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council.

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

• The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
• Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through Security Council resolutions.
• Statement 1 is correct: It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.
• The Security Council consists of fifteen members. Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United States—serve as the body’s five permanent members.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Security Council also has 10 non-permanent members, five of which are elected each year by the General Assembly for a two-year term. The body’s presidency rotates monthly among its members.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The UN General Assembly elected Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council for 2025/26. Currently, India is neither a member nor elected for 2025/26.

Ans: B

Exp: 

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government’s ambitious Agnipath scheme has faced opposition, from political parties and Armed Forces veterans alike, since it was announced in June 2022.

About Agnipath Scheme:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Agnipath was aimed at recruiting personnel below officer ranks — soldiers, airmen, and sailors who are not commissioned officers — to the Indian Armed Forces for a period of four years. 
• Statement 2 is correct: At the end of this tenure, upto 25% of these recruits, the so called ‘Agniveers’, can join the services on a permanent commission (another 15 years), subject to merit and organisational requirements.

Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 23 years are eligible to apply (the upper age limit was increased from 21), and the recruitment standards remain the same as with regular service, prior to Agnipath.