In News: The recent H5N1 outbreak has underscored significant weaknesses in the industrial livestock sector, emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough reevaluation of animal welfare standards within India's environmental and legal frameworks.

Challenges Faced by the Indian Poultry Industry

• Disease Outbreaks and Biosecurity
  • Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease pose significant threats, leading to bird culling and market disruptions.
  • Inadequate biosecurity measures contribute to disease spread, especially in crowded farm and market environments.
• Market Fluctuations and Price Volatility
  • Volatile feed prices and fluctuating consumer demand during disease outbreaks affect production costs and market stability.
• Infrastructure and Supply Chain Challenges
  • Limited cold chain infrastructure results in spoilage and wastage, while a disorganised supply chain raises transaction costs and hampers product movement.
• Policy and Regulatory Issues
  • Fragmented regulations and limited access to credit hinder industry growth and modernisation efforts.
  • Labour shortages and environmental concerns also pose challenges to sustainable development.

Provisions Related to the Poultry Sector in India

• Status of Poultry Birds
  • India has a large poultry population, with significant contributions from small and marginal farmers.
• Legal Status and Guidelines
  • New guidelines categorise poultry farmers based on flock size and require regulatory approvals for medium-sized farms.
  • Existing laws address animal welfare and pollution control but require better enforcement and implementation.

Initiatives for the Poultry Industry

• Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF) and National Livestock Mission (NLM) provide financial support and assistance for disease control and productivity enhancement.
• Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) Scheme focuses on disease control and containment efforts.

Steps Needed to Support the Poultry Industry

• Focus on Biosecurity
  • Implement compartmentalisation and vaccination programs to minimise disease spread.
  • Encourage the adoption of advanced feeding and environmental monitoring technologies.
• Strengthen Supply Chain and Regulations
  • Promote contract farming and invest in cold chain infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce wastage.
  • Streamline regulations and provide better access to credit for industry players.

Conclusion

By addressing key challenges and implementing strategic initiatives, the Indian poultry industry can achieve sustainable growth, enhance biosecurity measures, and strengthen its competitiveness in the global market.

Source: TH

In News: The Indian spice export industry is facing a crisis of confidence as at least five countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S., have initiated investigations into potential contamination of spice blends from leading Indian brands such as MDH and Everest.

Countries Concerned About Safety of Indian Spices

• Hong Kong's Action: On April 5th, the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong suspended the sale of certain MDH and Everest spice blends due to high levels of ethylene oxide, a prohibited pesticide.
• Singapore's Recall: Following suit, Singapore ordered a recall of Everest spice mix, citing the presence of ethylene oxide, a pesticide unauthorized for use in food.
• U.S. FDA's Response: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), previously cautious of Indian food imports, is gathering information on the situation.
• Global Concerns: Regulatory bodies in Maldives, Australia, and Bangladesh have announced similar measures, reflecting global apprehensions regarding Indian spices' safety.

Health Concerns Related to Ethylene Oxide Contamination

• Prohibited Pesticide: Ethylene oxide (ETO) is a banned pesticide used in industrial settings and agriculture, posing health risks if residues are present in food products.
• Potential Health Risks: Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide is linked to various health issues, including cancer, prompting regulatory action globally.
• Previous Warnings: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has previously flagged ETO contamination in Indian spices, citing concerns about consumer safety.

Responses and Measures Taken

• MDH's Rebuttal: MDH denied allegations of ETO contamination, asserting that they do not use ethylene oxide in any stage of their spice processing.
• Spices Board's Actions: The Spices Board announced mandatory testing of consignments to Singapore and Hong Kong, and collaborated with exporters to address concerns.
• FSSAI's Initiatives: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directed state regulators to test major spice brands for ETO presence and planned nationwide surveillance.

Challenges in Ensuring Food Safety in India

• Operational Challenges: India's diverse food landscape and inadequate recordkeeping hinder efficient tracing of ingredients and risk assessment, particularly for smaller businesses.
• Logistical Barriers: Insufficient food testing labs across states and territories, coupled with resource constraints, impede effective enforcement of food safety regulations.
• Transparency Issues: Lack of transparency in FSSAI operations and dissemination of testing results undermines accountability and fails to address rampant food adulteration practices.

Source: TH

In News: An employee at Kolkata's Raj Bhavan accused West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose of sexual harassment. Despite this, Article 361 grants him immunity from criminal proceedings.

Understanding Article 361 of the Constitution

• Overview
  • Article 361 of the Constitution pertains to the immunity granted to the President and Governors of states in India.
• Immunity Clause
• According to this article, the President and Governors are not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of their powers and duties in office. 
• Nor can they be held accountable for any acts done in the course of exercising their official duties.

Key Sub-Clauses

• No criminal proceedings whatsoever can be initiated or continued against the President or Governor of a state during their term of office.
• No process for the arrest or imprisonment of the President or Governor shall be issued from any court during their term in office.

Summary of Article 361

• Article 361 provides immunity to the Governor of a state from legal liability for their official acts and personal acts during their term in office. 
• This means they cannot be held accountable to any court for their official duties, and no criminal proceedings can be initiated against them during their tenure. 
• However, civil proceedings can be initiated for their personal acts after two months' notice. 
• Additionally, the Governor cannot be arrested or imprisoned while in office. If a Governor commits a criminal offense during their term, they can be prosecuted once their term ends, ensuring they are not above the law.

Supreme Court's Interpretation

• In the case of Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that Governors enjoy complete immunity, even on allegations of personal malfeasance. 
• This immunity extends to their discretionary constitutional powers.

Precedents

• In past cases, criminal action against a Governor has been halted until they complete their term in office. 
• For instance, in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case, criminal charges were allowed against several leaders except for former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, who was serving as the Governor of Rajasthan at the time.

Source: TH

In News: The UN Secretary-General has recently established a panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals tasked with devising universal, voluntary principles for the minerals value chain. 

Key Facts About the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals

• Objective and Scope
  • The panel aims to address issues concerning equity, transparency, investment, sustainability, and human rights in the context of critical minerals for renewable energy technologies.
  • It seeks to align its objectives with global sustainability agendas like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.
• Utilization of Past Efforts
  • The panel builds upon previous UN initiatives such as the Working Group on Sustainable Extractive Industries.
  • It particularly draws from the initiative titled 'Harnessing Critical Energy Transition Minerals for Sustainable Development.'
• Principles Development
• One of the key functions of the panel is to develop principles ensuring fairness and transparency globally and locally in the entire value chain of critical minerals.
• These principles are aimed at upholding the highest sustainability and human development standards.

Significance of Critical Minerals

• Definition and Importance
  • Critical minerals are essential for economic development and national security, and their scarcity or concentration in a few regions may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
  • Different countries maintain their lists of critical minerals based on their specific needs and priorities.
• Critical Minerals for India
  • India has identified 30 critical minerals crucial for its economic growth and technological advancement.
  • These include elements like lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others, essential for various industries and sectors.
• Significance for Economic Self-Reliance
  • Critical minerals play a vital role in sectors such as high-tech electronics, telecommunications, and electric vehicles, fostering economic self-reliance and technological innovation in India.

Challenges and Implications for India

• Supply Chain Disruptions
  • Conflicts and geopolitical tensions in mineral-rich regions like Russia and Ukraine disrupt established supply chains, posing challenges for India's access to critical minerals.
• Limited Domestic Reserves
  • India faces a shortage of domestic reserves for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, necessitating heavy reliance on imports.
• Heavy Reliance on Imports
  • India's dependence on imported critical minerals exposes it to risks such as price fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions.
• Growing Demand and Climate Goals
• India's ambitious renewable energy and electric vehicle targets drive an increasing demand for critical minerals, exacerbating its import dependence.

Conclusion

The UN initiative on critical minerals underscores the importance of international cooperation in ensuring sustainable access to these resources.

As India pursues its renewable energy goals, collaboration on critical minerals becomes crucial for achieving economic development and environmental sustainability.

Source: UN

In News: Researchers at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have named a newly discovered species of marine tardigrade found off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu as Batillipes chandrayaani, in honor of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.

About Batillipes Chandrayaani

Batillipes Chandrayaani was discovered in the intertidal beach sediments at Mandapam in Tamil Nadu, India.

Features

• This newly discovered species shares a similar size to other tardigrades, measuring approximately 0.15 millimeters in length and 0.04 millimeters in width.
• It possesses a trapezoid-shaped head and is characterized by four pairs of legs equipped with sharp-tipped sensory spines.
• Both male and female individuals exhibit similar morphology and size characteristics.
• Batillipes Chandrayaani represents the 39th species described within the genus Batillipes.

Source: TH

In News: Escaping amidst a sex abuse scandal, a Member of Parliament (MP) from an Indian political party absconded to Germany using a diplomatic passport.

Overview of Diplomatic Passport

• Diplomatic passports have maroon covers and are typically valid for up to five years.
• Holders of diplomatic passports are granted specific privileges and immunities under international law, including immunity from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings in the host country.
• The Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) Consular, Passport & Visa Division issues diplomatic passports, known as 'Type D' passports, to individuals falling into various categories.

Categories Eligible for Diplomatic Passports

• Individuals with diplomatic status.
• Government-appointed personnel traveling abroad for official business.
• Officers serving under branches A and B of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), usually at the rank of Joint Secretary and above.
• Relatives and immediate family members of officers employed in IFS and MEA.
• Select individuals authorized to undertake official travel on behalf of the government.

Visa Notes and Official Travel

• The MEA issues visa notes to government officials traveling abroad for official assignments or visits.
• These visa notes facilitate official travel on behalf of the Indian government.

Revocation Procedures

• According to the Passport Act 1967, the passport authority, with prior approval from the Central government, may cancel a passport or travel document.
• Grounds for impounding or revoking a passport include wrongful possession, obtaining the passport through suppression of material information or based on false information, or if there's a court order prohibiting departure from India or summoning the individual.
• A diplomatic passport can be revoked by court order during criminal proceedings against the passport holder.

Operational Visa Exemption Agreements

• India has operational visa exemption agreements with 34 countries for holders of diplomatic passports.
• Germany is one of these countries, and under a reciprocal deal signed in 2011, holders of Indian diplomatic passports can visit Germany without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
• Similar agreements exist with countries such as France, Austria, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Iran, and Switzerland.
• Additionally, India has agreements with 99 other countries where holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports can enjoy visa exemption for stays up to 90 days.

Source: IE

In News: India has strongly objected to China's construction activities in the Shaksgam Valley, denouncing them as an unlawful endeavor to change the ground situation.

Overview of the Shaksgam Valley

• The Shaksgam Valley, also known as the Trans Karakoram Tract, is situated within the Hunza-Gilgit region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and remains a disputed territory.
• India lays claim to this area, although it is currently under the control of Pakistan.

Geographical Features

• The valley shares borders with Xinjiang Province of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the north, the Northern Areas of POK to the south and west, and the Siachen Glacier region to the east.

Historical Background

• In 1963, Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley to China as part of a boundary agreement between the two countries aimed at resolving border disputes.
• This agreement was instrumental in the establishment of the Karakoram Highway, constructed collaboratively by Chinese and Pakistani engineers during the 1970s.

Provisions of the Boundary Agreement

• Article 6 of the 1963 agreement outlined that negotiations concerning the Shaksgam Valley would be reopened between the concerned sovereign authority and the Government of the People's Republic of China following the resolution of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India.
• The agreement set the groundwork for the construction of the Karakoram Highway, a significant infrastructure project connecting Pakistan and China.

Source: IE

In News: Explorers from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) achieved a significant discovery by unearthing ancient fossils in Tolegre, located in the South Garo Hills of Meghalaya. These fossils are estimated to date back approximately 35-40 million years.

Introduction to Garo Hills

• The Garo Hills constitute the western part of Meghalaya State and span an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers.
• This region is part of the Meghalaya subtropical forests eco-region and is known for its lush greenery.

Geographical Features

• Positioned near the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Garo Hills are a segment of the Patkai hill range, which extends across the Indo-Myanmar border.
• It is recognized as one of the wettest places globally and is characterized by numerous tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.

Administrative Division

• Garo Hills is divided into five districts: North Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and South-West Garo Hills.

Ethnicity and Culture

• The Garo Hills are predominantly inhabited by the Garo tribe, who refer to themselves as Achik-mande.
• The Garos constitute the second largest tribe in Meghalaya and are renowned for being one of the few remaining matrilineal tribes globally.

Cultural Festivals and Beliefs

• The primary festival celebrated by the Garo community is the Wangala festival, a harvest festival predominantly observed by adherents of the traditional animistic religion.
• The region is traversed by two mountain ranges, namely the Arabella range and the Tura range, which create the expansive Balpakram valley in between.
• Balpakram is revered by the Garo community as a sacred site where they believe the spirits of the deceased reside.

Natural Features and Conservation Efforts

• Nokrek Peak, standing at an elevation of 1412 meters, is the highest point in the Garo Hills and is enveloped by dense forests.
• The region is home to the esteemed Nokrek National Park, which safeguards a rich variety of flora and fauna. In recognition of its ecological significance, UNESCO designated the park as a biosphere reserve in 2009.

Source: IT

In News: Recently, the Russian government released new footage purportedly demonstrating the targeting of two Ukrainian High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) shortly after the United States authorized a substantial increase in military aid for Ukraine.

• Overview of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
  • HIMARS is a lightweight, multiple rocket launcher system designed to engage various targets, including artillery, air defense concentrations, vehicles, and personnel carriers. 
• Manufacturing and Manufacturer
  • The system is manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, a prominent US-based security and aerospace company.
• Features of HIMARS
  • It is mounted on a 5-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), making it air-transportable and highly mobile.
  • HIMARS can carry either a launcher pod containing six rockets or one MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles).
  • With a rapid preparation time of less than 20 seconds, HIMARS can fire a full launcher load of six rockets within 45 seconds.
  • After firing, the system swiftly moves away from the launch site at high speed to evade detection by enemy forces.
• Protection and Safety Measures
  • HIMARS is equipped with the Increased Crew Protection cabin, designed to safeguard the three-man operating crew from plume gases, rocket launch debris, and small arms fire.

Source: NW

In News: India's telecom manufacturing sector is under threat from technology companies leveraging 'standard essential patents' (SEPs), posing a risk to the country's domestic phone manufacturing goals. 

Overview of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)

• SEPs cover technologies adopted as industry standards, ensuring interoperability and compatibility among devices.
• They are crucial for various sectors, including telecommunications, where standards like CDMA, GSM, and LTE are essential.

Challenges Surrounding SEPs

• Patent Holdup Problem
  • Companies holding SEPs can demand high royalties, creating barriers to competition and innovation.
  • Self-regulation mechanisms like FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) licensing have failed to address anti-competitive practices effectively.
• Legal Issues and Judicial Lethargy
  • CCI Investigation and Litigation
    • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) initiated an investigation into Ericsson's alleged abuse of dominant position in demanding excessive royalties.
    • Legal battles ensued, delaying resolution and leaving India as the only major economy yet to address SEP licensing practices.
  • Delhi High Court's Role
    • The Delhi High Court's handling of SEP-related lawsuits and interim remedies has faced criticism for judicial activism and delays.
    • Court orders requiring defendants to deposit large sums during trials have raised concerns over fairness and impact on manufacturing.

Consequences and Government Intervention

• Impact on Manufacturing and Investment
  • Judicial delays and activism hinder India's efforts to attract investment and promote manufacturing.
  • While the government incentivizes manufacturing, judicial actions undermine these efforts by burdening companies with financial obligations.
• Call for Government Action
  • There's a need for government intervention to regulate SEPs and address related challenges.
  • Modelling after measures enacted by the European Parliament, India can safeguard its manufacturing ambitions and ensure fairness in SEP licensing.

Conclusion

India must address SEP-related challenges promptly to protect its manufacturing interests.

Given its limited influence in SEP selection and enforcement obligations, government intervention is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and fostering innovation in the country.

Source: TH

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Rupee's Performance

Statement-I: Global trade dynamics play a significant role in determining the strength or weakness of the Indian Rupee

Statement-II: The rupee's strength or weakness is solely determined by its exchange rate with the US dollar.

Select the correct answer using code given below:

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Chambal River

1. An important river in the Malwa plateau, serving as a principal tributary of the Yamuna River within the greater Gangetic drainage system.

2. Its main tributaries include the Banas and Mej rivers on the left, and the Parbati, KaliSindh, and Shipra rivers on the right

3. Gandhi Sagar Dam is an important dam on Chambal river.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)?

1. ATACMS is a non-conventional surface-to-air artillery weapon system designed to strike targets beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and missiles

2. They are powered by a single-stage, solid propellant engine

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q4. Consider the following statements

1. Pesticides are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971

2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2016

3. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q5. With reference to Critical Minerals Summit consider the following statements

1. The Ministry of Mines collaborates with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation to organise critical minerals summit.

2. It addresses the rising demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) crucial for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles, aligning with India's strategic development objectives.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the paradox of savings

Statement-I: The paradox of savings posits that an increase in individual savings rates may paradoxically lead to a decrease rather than an increase in overall savings within an economy.

Statement-II: Keynesian economists advocate against higher savings rates, contending that stimulating consumer spending is crucial for economic growth.

Select the correct answer using code given below:

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance

1. The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance comprises world leaders and experts from various sectors collaborating to expedite political action on antimicrobial resistance

2. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the capability of bacteria and other microbes to withstand the effects of drugs intended to inhibit or kill them

3. While AMR is a natural occurrence, the primary cause of resistance to antimicrobials stems from deficient use of antimicrobial drugs

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Salmonella

1. Salmonella comprises a group of viruses known for causing gastrointestinal illness and fever, a condition referred to as salmonellosis.

2. Risks associated with Salmonella infection include symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding The Great Rift Valley

1. The Great Rift Valley stands as one of the most expansive rifts on Earth's surface, spanning a distance of approximately 4,000 miles across South Africa

2. The Great Rift Valley owes its existence to the convergence of three tectonic plates, originating approximately 40 million years ago when these plates split, initiating the formation of the African Rift

3. These valleys can be found on land and generally not found beneath the ocean.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q10. With reference to IMF's Stand-By Arrangement consider the following statements

1. The Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) is designed to offer Long-term financial aid to countries grappling with balance of payments challenges. It has historically been the preferred lending mechanism for both advanced and emerging market economies

2. IMF was established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, its primary objective was to reconstruct the international monetary system.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q11. Consider the following statements regarding Ocean Warming

Statement-I: The Indian Ocean has experienced a temperature rise of 1.2°C from 1950 to 2020, with projections indicating a further increase by 1.7°C to 3.8°C from 2020 to 2100.

Statement-II: Predictions suggest a surge in marine heatwave occurrences, potentially escalating from an average of 20 days per year to 220–250 days annually, which can expedite cyclone formation and lead to prolonged heatwave conditions in the tropical Indian Ocean, posing risks to coral reefs, seagrass, and kelp forests vital to fisheries.

Select the correct answer using code given below:

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q12. Consider the following statements

1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does

3. The Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q13. Consider the following statements regarding Front-running

1. Front-running is considered legal in India.

2. Front-running involves trading securities based on material, non-public information about a company.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q14. Consider the following statements regarding Essential Programme on Immunization

1. It was Launched as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1974

2. It Initially focused on six childhood vaccine-preventable diseases

3. India's Universal Immunization Programme was Launched in 1978 as part of the EPI and renamed UIP in 1985

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q15. With reference to La Cumbre Volcano and Galápagos Land Iguanas consider the following statements

1. La Cumbre Volcano is Situated on Fernandina Island, the third largest island in the Galápagos archipelago

2. Galápagos Land Iguanas are Classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q16. Consider the following statements regarding Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014

Statement-I: The Street Vendors Act aims to safeguard and regulate street vending activities across Indian cities, involving local authorities in establishing designated vending zones.

Statement-II: The Act establishes Town Vending Committees (TVCs), comprising street vendor representatives, with a mandated 33% representation of women vendors.

Select the correct answer using code given below:

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q17. Consider the following statements regarding SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedoes)

1. SMART is solely developed by the Indian Navy.

2. SMART involves launching torpedoes with the assistance of supersonic missiles.

3. SMART can only be deployed from coastal locations.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q18. Consider the following statements regarding International Labour Day

1. International Labour Day, also known as Workers Day or May Day, is celebrated globally on May 3rd each year

2. The origins of International Labour Day trace back to the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Q19. Consider the following statements regarding Antares

1. Antares is the brightest star in the Orion constellation

2. Antares is approximately 600 light-years away from Earth.

3. Antares has a surface temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Q20. With reference to Kutch Ajrakh consider the following statements

1. Kutch Ajrakh is a traditional textile craft deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of Gujarat, particularly prevalent in regions such as Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch, where its legacy spans thousands of years

2. Textiles undergo treatment with vegetable and mineral-based colors, followed by a series of about eight washing cycles to achieve the desired color fastness and vibrancy

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2