Answer: (D)

Explanation:

The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a non-profit conservation organisation dedicated to safeguarding India’s natural heritage. WTI is a registered charity in India (under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961). WTI was founded in November 1998 in New Delhi, in response to the rapidly deteriorating state of wildlife in India. WTI uses more than 80% of the funds raised directly for Conservation Action. A team of 3 members set out on a mission to save the environment which has now increased to 150 full time professionals. They work on a variety of projects ranging from species rehabilitation to the prevention of illegal wildlife trade. It handles wildlife emergencies, aids law enforcement against wildlife crime, preserves habitats, raises conservation awareness, promotes green livelihoods and assists grassroots conservation. Hence, both statements are not correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) added the R21/Matrix­M malaria vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, to its list of prequalified vaccines. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine is a malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect children from malaria in at-risk countries. The vaccine targets the first form of the malaria parasite to enter the body after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The vaccine is not administered orally, but rather through intramuscular injection. It is the first malaria vaccine to reach the WHO’s target of 75% efficacy. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by the WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently, the Namdapha Flying Squirrel has been found resurfaces in Arunachal Pradesh (Rediscovery after 42 Years). The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus Biswasi) is a nocturnal and arboreal flying squirrel that is endemic to Arunachal Pradesh. The species is known from a single specimen collected in Nam dapha National Park in 1981. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
It is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. It is among the 25 “most wanted lost” species that are the focus of Global Wildlife Conservation’s “Search for Lost Species” initiative. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
The Namdapha Flying Squirrel is not hunted specifically for medicines. It is primarily hunted for its meat, which is considered a delicacy by the local tribes residing in the region. The hunting of this squirrel for food poses a threat to its population and conservation efforts, as it is a species of conservation concern. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister introduced the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to replace the existing Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act 1867, which governs the registration of print and publishing industry in the country. The Bill seeks to simplify the registration process for periodicals. The Bill will make it mandatory for digital news platforms to do a “one-time registration” in order to operate. The Bill empowers the PRG to suspend/cancel registration. As per the new Bill, a person who has been convicted by any court for an offence involving terrorist act or unlawful activity or having done anything against the security of the state shall not be permitted to bring out a periodical. The Bill also seeks to do away with two provisions that required publishers and printers to file a declaration before the DM. Only an online intimation has to be filed before PRG and DM. It aims to bring transparency and ease of doing business by providing for a simple process that will help small and medium publishers. It brings digital news media under its purview, which is expected to weed out apps, websites and social media accounts spreading fake news. Hence, all statements are correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Ashfaqulla Khan (1900 – 1927) born in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was a freedom fighter who actively fought against the British forces. He helped in the formation of Hindustan Republican Association (later, Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) in 1924 to organize an armed revolution to achieve freedom. He was a poet who wrote under the pen names of Hasrat and Warsi. He was arrested for his involvement in Kakori Train Robbery and sentenced to death. Hence, option (a) is correct.