Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Karaavali skittering frog is among the 200-odd new amphibian species discovered over the past few decades, many of which are in the biodiversity hotspots of the Western Ghats and the Indo-Burma region. This frog is named Euphlyctis karaavali after Karaavali, the coastal region of Karnataka. The Karaavali skittering frog is considered to be endangered due to its restricted geographic area. The frog belongs to a group known as “skittering frogs”, because of their habit of floating on water and skittering away when disturbed. Even as biologists celebrate the discovery of new species, they are aware of the grim reality facing amphibians, the most threatened vertebrate class in the world. Hence, all statements are correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Chungthang dam of Sikkim Urja’s 1,200-MW Teesta-III hydroelectric project on the Teesta River gave way on October 4, leading to the death of at least 94 people in the downstream areas of Sikkim and West Bengal. Sikkim’s biggest hydro power project Sikkim Urja (formerly Teesta Urja) has suffered massive damage due to the flash flood as the dam and the bridge connecting the powerhouse have been washed away. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Rasmussen’s encephalitis is an extremely rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease. The patient usually experiences frequent episodes of uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that cause epileptic seizures (epilepsy) and progressive cerebral destruction. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The exact cause of this disorder is not known. The two leading ideas are that brain inflammation might be a reaction of a foreign antigen (infection) or an autoimmune disease limited to one side of the brain resulting in brain damage. It occurs mostly, but not always, in children between the ages of two and ten years. After the peak inflammatory response is reached, the progression of this disorder appears to slow or stop, and the patient is left with permanent neurological deficits. It often results in permanent disabilities such as epilepsy, paralysis, and cognitive problems. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Treatment:-

1. Antiseizure Medications: These medications are often used to manage seizures, although they might not completely eliminate them.
2. Immunotherapy: Early use of immunotherapy may help control seizures or prevent further immune-related brain damage.
3. Brain Surgery (Hemispherectomy): It involves the removal or disconnection of half of the patient’s brain from the rest of the brain.

Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Supreme Court of India has been given extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution. By virtue of this Article, the court can grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order in any cause or matter, passed or made by any court or tribunal in the territory of India (with the exception of military tribunals and court martial). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Any aggrieved party can file SLP against judgement or order of refusal of grant of certificate for appeal to SC. An SLP can be filed for any civil or criminal matter, etc. It can be filed against any judgment of the High Court within 90 days from the date of judgment or it can be filed within 60 days against the order of the High Court refusing to grant the certificate of fitness for appeal to SC. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: GCP aims to incentivise environmentally conscious practices and promote a sustainable lifestyle through a market-based mechanism. As per the scheme, individuals, industries, farmers producer’s organisations (FPOs), urban local bodies (ULB), gram panchayats, and the private sector, among a host of other entities, will be able to earn green credit for undertaking environment-friendly actions. The green credits generated or procured by industries, companies and other entities to fulfil any legal obligation cannot be traded. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an autonomous organisation under the MoEFCC, is responsible for effectively implementing the Green Credit programme, including its management and operation. Hence, both statements are correct.