Answer:  Option C -  Frogs

Explanation:

• Minervarya cepfi and Minervarya gomantaki are species of frogs found in the Western Ghats of India.
• The study highlighted the negative impact of converting plateau habitats into agroforestry lands (like mango and cashew orchards) on these frog species.
• This conversion leads to habitat loss and reduced amphibian diversity.

Answer:  Option B - Lower valuation of South Korean stocks due to geopolitical and domestic risks.

Explanation:

• The "Korea Discount" refers to the undervaluation of South Korean stocks in the global market.
• This discount is primarily attributed to heightened geopolitical risks stemming from tensions with North Korea, as well as internal political uncertainties and corporate governance concerns related to family-controlled conglomerates (chaebols).
• These factors contribute to investor apprehension and result in lower valuations compared to similar companies in other developed economies.

Answer:  Option B - To study the Earth's ecosystems, ice, sea levels, and natural hazards

Explanation:

• The main goal of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is to study Earth's ecosystems, forests, ice, sea levels, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.
• By using advanced radar technology with two different bands (L-Band from NASA and S-Band from ISRO), NISAR will provide high-resolution data for climate change monitoring and disaster management.
• The satellite will map the Earth every 12 days, offering critical insights for environmental studies.

Answer:  Option D - Improving socio-economic indicators in SC-dominated villages.

Explanation:

• The main objective of the PM-AJAY scheme is to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by improving socio-economic indicators in SC-dominated villages.
• It focuses on enhancing infrastructure, providing employment opportunities through skill development, and promoting education by providing residential facilities.
• The scheme aims to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of SC communities, contributing to their social and economic empowerment.

Answer:  Option D - Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

Explanation:

• PM VIKAS is a flagship scheme launched in 2024 that converges five existing schemes—Nai Manzil, USTTAD, Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Roshni, and Hamari Dharohar—aiming to uplift minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and educational support.
• However, Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), which focuses on infrastructure development in minority-concentrated areas, is not part of PM VIKAS and thus is the correct answer in the question.