Answer: (B)

Explanation:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the term for a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and the presence of repetitive behavior and restricted interests. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive, emotional and physical health of the affected individual. The effect of autism can be minimized by early diagnosis and with the right interventions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear as early as 18 months. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• There is no cure for autism. There are many forms of therapy, such as speech and occupational therapy that may help autistic people. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• "Virtual autism" refers to the effects of excessive screen time on children aged 0-3 years. It leads to sensory-motor and socio-affective deprivation, resembling behaviours found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism affects speech, sociability, play, and skill development.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of key business variables as compared with the previous month. It is an index of the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors. PMI is compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide. IHS Markit is a global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It ranges from 0 to 100, with above 50 indicating expansion, below 50 denoting contraction. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• PMI is released monthly and serves as a leading indicator of economic activity. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• According to S&P Global Survey, manufacturing PMI in May has hit a 31-month high of 58.7 in May.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• The ICC is an independent international organization and is not part of the UN system. It is the first permanent treaty-based court established to help end impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, and started its operations in 2002.Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The court does not have the power to arrest sitting heads of state or bring them to trial. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The court's work involves investigations, prosecutions, and trials of individuals accused of the most serious international crimes, aiming to ensure justice and accountability for the perpetrators and promote the rule of law at the international level. The court is meant to complement, not replace, national criminal justice systems.
• It can only prosecute cases when national court systems do not conduct proceedings, or when they claim to do so but are in fact unwilling or unable to actually conduct such proceedings. This basic principle is known as the principle of complementarity. India is not a member of ICC. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Currently, South Africa is looking for legal options about the pressure to arrest Vladimir Putin due to ICC Warrant. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's commissioner for children's rights, Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Lithium is a highly reactive alkali metal. It has the lowest density of all metals. It is referred to as ‘white gold’. Lithium is widely used in the production of rechargeable batteries, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices. It possesses unique chemical properties, including a high electrochemical potential, low atomic weight, and the ability to store and release electrical energy efficiently. Lithium batteries are preferred due to their high energy density, longer lifespan, and lighter weight compared to other battery types. Apart from batteries, lithium finds applications in various industries, including ceramics, glass manufacturing, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. India currently imports all its lithium needs. Australia, Chile, China and Argentina are the world’s top four lithium-producing countries. The Lithium Triangle is a region of the Andes rich in lithium reserves around the borders of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. The discovery of lithium has been made in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. This is the first major lithium reserve that has been found in India. Hence, all statements are correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Mekedatu project aims to create a multipurpose reservoir for electricity generation and drinking water supply in Karnataka on River Cauvery. The project was initially planned in 1996 and a detailed project report was submitted in 2019. The proposed reservoir would be located in the Ramanagara district, about 90km from Bengaluru. The estimated budget for the project is Rs 9,000 crore, with a planned capacity of 66,000 million cubic feet of water and the ability to generate 400MW of hydroelectric power. The Tamil Nadu government opposes the project, citing the need for its consent as the lower riparian state and concerns about water hoarding and unfair sharing of Cauvery water. Tamil Nadu argues that Karnataka should release water from various sources, and the Mekedatu dam could potentially block the free flow of water into Tamil Nadu. Hence, option (d) is correct.