Answer: Option D - Fold Mountain

Explanation:

• The Caucasus Mountains, located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, are classified as fold mountains.
• These mountains were formed due to the tectonic forces that caused the Earth's crust to fold, resulting in the uplift of rock layers.
• Caucasus Mountains exhibit the features of fold mountains features, along with high peaks and deep valleys.

Answer: Option B - Brazil’s tropical savannas and dry shrub deserts

Explanation:

• The discovery of ultrablack pigmentation in female velvet ants was made in Brazil’s tropical savannas and dry shrub deserts.
• This pigmentation absorbs nearly all visible and ultraviolet light, helping the ants with camouflage, thermoregulation, and potentially mate attraction.
• Ultrablack pigmentation, first observed in this species, is a rare adaptation in the animal kingdom and has significant scientific implications for the study of colour production in insects.

Answer: Option A - A gas pipeline connecting Russia and Europe.

Explanation:

• The Brotherhood Pipeline is a significant natural gas pipeline system in Russia.
• It transports a substantial amount of Russian natural gas to various European countries.
• However, the pipeline's operations have been frequently disrupted by geopolitical tensions, particularly those stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.

Answer: Option B - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Explanation:

• The UNCCD COP16, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2-13, 2024, focused on land degradation neutrality and drought resilience.
• A key outcome was the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership to strengthen multilateral efforts.
• The conference emphasized a people-centered approach to land restoration, highlighting the role of local communities and indigenous peoples.
• It marked the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and was the first COP in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Answer: Option B - To offer access to international scholarly journals for researchers across India

Explanation:

• The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme aims to provide students, faculty, and researchers in India’s government higher education institutions and R&D centres access to international scholarly journals.
• The initiative seeks to enhance research quality by offering resources across various disciplines, including STEM, medicine, and social sciences.
• It promotes innovation and ensures equitable access, especially for institutions in remote areas.
• Ultimately, ONOS supports India’s vision of advancing global research participation and self-reliance.