Answer: (d)

Explanation: India has invoked the peace clause at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the fifth consecutive time for the marketing year 2022-23 (October-September) due to breaching the prescribed subsidy limit for rice offered to its farmers.

• While India’s rice production was valued at $52.8 billion in 2022-23, farmers received a subsidy worth $6.39 billion during the year. 
• Thus, the rice subsidy was 12 percent of the value of production, thereby breaching the 10 per cent domestic support ceiling, which is in accordance with global trade rules.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: It was established in 2013 under the Bali Agreement.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It permits developing nations to exceed the 10 per cent ceiling without facing legal action by other members temporarily. 

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine was damaged recently in a drone attack.

Mexico has ended its diplomatic ties with the South American nation of Ecuador, following the raid of  Mexico’s embassy by the Ecuador police.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Catalonia is located in Spain, bordered by France and Andorra in the north, the  Mediterranean Sea to the east, the autonomous  community of Valencia to the south, and the 

the autonomous community of Aragon to the west.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Mindanao is an island located in the Philippines. It is surrounded by the Bohol, Philippine, Celebes, and Sulu seas.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Oromia is a regional state of Ethiopia. Also, it is to be remembered that Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in Eastern Africa.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Zaporizhzhia is one of five nuclear power stations in Ukraine, which meets almost half of its electricity demand through nuclear energy. 

Pair 5 is incorrectly matched: Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador, bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west, Colombia in the north and Peru in the southeast and south. The country shares maritime borders with Costa Rica.

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The government has appointed Manoj Panda, former director at the Institute of Economic Growth, as a full-time member of the 16th Finance Commission.

• The chairman must have experience in public affairs, while the other four members should be selected from amongst the following criteria:
  • A High Court judge or one qualified to become one;
  • An individual having specialized knowledge of finance and accounts of the government;
  • A person who possesses experience in financial matters and administration;
  • A person who has special knowledge of economics.
• Hence, all statements are correct.

Ans: Option (c)

Exp: The Indian Army has initiated the induction of control and reporting systems under ‘Project Akashteer’ to bolster its air defense capabilities. 

• This project aims to deliver an unprecedented level of situational awareness and control for the force to ensure the safety of friendly aircraft and engage hostile aircraft in contested airspace.
• Project Akashteer’ is a cutting-edge initiative designed to automate air defense control and reporting processes by digitizing them. 
• By integrating radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, ‘Akashteer’ aims to deliver an unprecedented level of situational awareness and control.

Project-75: It aims to procure diesel-electric attack submarines with fuel cells and Air-Independent Propulsion System (AIP) for the Indian Navy to build India’s naval strength and develop indigenous submarine-building capabilities.

Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):  It aims to design and develop India’s fifth-generation fighter jet, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Answer: (b)

Explanation: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the “right against the adverse effects of climate change.”

• Article 21 recognises the right to life and personal liberty, while Article 14 indicates that all persons shall have equality before the law and the equal protection of laws. 
• Article 48A: It provides that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. 
• Clause (g) of Article 51A: It stipulates that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. 
• M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case (1988): The Supreme Court, in this case emphasized the right to a wholesome environment as an integral part of the right to life promoting sustainable development and conservation.
• Virender Gaur vs. State of Haryana (1995): The Supreme Court stated that protection and preservation of the environment, ecological balance free from pollution as part of Article 21.