Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Recently, the Southern Bench of National Green Tribunal queried the Tamil Nadu government and Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited about an oil spill in Pulicat backwaters. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body that handles environmental disputes in India. It was established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010. It deals with civil cases related to environmental protection, forest conservation and other natural resources. It comprises a Chairperson, Judicial Members and Expert Members, all of whom serve a nonrenewable 5-year term. The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, while a Selection Committee is responsible for the appointment of Judicial and Expert Members. Hence, all statements are correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently, the water level at Mullaperiyar dam hit 138.05 feet, prompting the decision is to open its spillway shutters today. Mullaperiyar dam is a gravity dam located on the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers in Idukki district of Kerala. It was built in 1895 by the British administration and is the first dam in Kerala. However, the dam is operated and maintained by the Tamil Nadu for meeting the requirements of five (Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Dindigul and Ramnad) of its southern districts. The dam is entirely in Kerala but was given on lease to Tamil Nadu on October 29, 1886 for 999 years. According to a 999-year lease agreement made during the British rule the operational rights were handed over to Tamil Nadu. Hence, option (a) is correct

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19 in Kerala has triggered several responses and concerns. The JN.1 sub-variant, currently spreading in the US and China was identified in Kerala through routine surveillance by INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium). JN.1 is derived from the BA.2.86 (Pirola) variant and was first identified in the United States in September. It possesses one additional mutation on the spike protein compared to Pirola, which is critical for viral cell entry. Both Pirola and JN.1 were effectively neutralized by serum from previously infected or vaccinated individuals, as per WHO assessments. Symptoms associated with JN.1 are similar to those caused by previous strains of the virus, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache and mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Solar prominences are large, loop-like structures visible on the edge of the solar disk against the dark background of space. They are anchored to the Sun’s surface in the photosphere and extend into the corona. They are cooler and denser than the surrounding plasma in the Sun’s corona and are shaped by the Sun’s magnetic field. Prominences can extend for thousands of kilometers and can last for several days or up to several months. Some prominences erupt and give rise to coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Union minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha. The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 aims to amend and consolidate laws related to the development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services and networks, spectrum assignment, and related matters. It replaces the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950. The statement of objectives and reasons highlights the telecommunications sector's role in economic and social development, serving as a gateway to digital services. The Bill grants the government the authority to take temporary control of telecom services and intercept messages in the interest of national security and during emergencies. In cases of public emergencies or disaster management, the Central or State Government, or authorized officers, can, by notification, take possession of telecommunication services or networks from authorized entities. The Bill allows for the interception, detention, or non-transmission of messages during public emergencies or for public safety, safeguarding the sovereignty, integrity, defense, and security of the state. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.