Answer: (B)

Explanation:

PM GatiShakti is based on six pillars:

1. Comprehensiveness
2. Prioritization
3. Optimization
4. Synchronization
5. Analytical
6. Dynamic (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)

• PM GatiShakti is the result of Prime Minister’s constant endeavour to build Next Generation Infrastructure which improves Ease of Living as well as Ease of Doing Business.
• The multi-modal connectivity will provide integrated and seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services from one mode of transport to another. It will facilitate the last mile connectivity of infrastructure and also reduce travel time for people.
• PM GatiShakti will provide the public and business community information regarding the upcoming connectivity projects, other business hubs, industrial areas and surrounding environment. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• This will enable the investors to plan their businesses at suitable locations leading to enhanced synergies. It will create multiple employment opportunities and give a boost to the economy. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• It will improve the global competitiveness of local products by cutting down the logistics costs and improving the supply chains, and also ensure proper linkages for local industry & consumers.

As only 2nd and 3rd statements are correct, the correct option is (b).

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

• International Seabed Authority (ISA) considers applications for exploration and exploitation of deep-sea resources from contractors, assesses environmental impact assessments, and supervises mining activities. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.
• India was the first country to receive the status of a ‘Pioneer Investor’ in 1987 and was given an area of about 1.5 lakh sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for nodule exploration. India’s exclusive rights to explore polymetallic nodules from the seabed in the Central Indian Ocean Basin was extended in 2017 for five years. These rights are over 75000 sq. km of area in international waters allocated by the International Seabed Authority for developmental activities for polymetallic nodules. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• Rare earth minerals are present on the seafloor in international waters. The sea floor of various oceans boasts one of the world’s largest untapped collections of rare-earth minerals. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

• Benguela Current: This is a cold ocean current that flows along the western coast of southern Africa, from Angola to South Africa. Option 1 is Not correct.
• North Pacific Current: This is a warm ocean current that flows from the western Pacific Ocean along the northern coast of Asia and North America, then across the Bering Strait to the Arctic Ocean. Option 2 is correct.
• Kuroshio Current: This is a warm ocean current that flows along the eastern coast of Japan, from the Pacific Ocean to the East China Sea. Option 3 is correct.
• California Current: This is a cold ocean current that flows along the western coast of North America, from Canada to Mexico. Option 4 is Not correct.
• North Equatorial Current: This is a warm ocean current that flows from east to west across the Pacific Ocean, between the equator and 10 degrees north latitude. Option 5 is correct.

Hence option (d) is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• India's higher education system is the world's third-largest in terms of students, next to China and the United States.

• Thus statement 1 is correct.

• Through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 Five subjects were transferred from State to Concurrent List. They are:

• Education
• Forests
• Weights & Measures
• Protection of Wild Animals and Birds
• Administration of Justice
• Hence statement 2 is NOT correct.