Answer: (b) Comprehensive understanding of Earth systems through observation and modeling

Explanation:

• (b) Correct: The Prithvi Vigyan Mission aims to unify weather, climate, ocean, and seismic research under one umbrella for better Earth system science.

• (a) Incorrect: Space exploration is not the focus; that is ISRO’s domain.

• (c) Incorrect: While agriculture benefits from weather data, the mission doesn’t directly aim at agricultural innovation.

(d) Incorrect: This relates to programs like BharatNet, not Earth sciences.

Answer: (b) Because state appointments violate UGC norms on qualifications and selection process

Explanation:

• (b) Correct: UGC norms specify a transparent search-cum-selection committee process which has been bypassed by some states.

• (a) Incorrect: VCs need not be from the central civil service.

• (c) Incorrect: This isn’t a financial dispute.

• (d) Incorrect: There’s no such blanket ban.
  

Answer: (d) The government aims to expand EV manufacturing hubs across multiple states

Explanation:

• (d) Correct: Recent announcements highlight the plan to scale up EV hubs and production-linked incentives.

• (a) Incorrect: FAME was not scrapped; it’s being extended and revised.

• (b) Incorrect: FAME-III may focus on multiple segments, not just two-wheelers.

(c) Incorrect: While there's progress, fossil fuel demand has not dropped significantly yet.

Answer: (c) India’s strategic military preparedness in northern borders

Explanation:

• (c) Correct: Operation SINDOOR reflects India’s enhanced strategic posture near China-Pak borders.

• (a) Incorrect: Cultural diplomacy is conducted by ICCR, not under this name.

• (b) Incorrect: Cyber defense has other missions like IDEX, not SINDOOR.

(d) Incorrect: The term ‘Sindoor’ here is not linked to health programs.

Answer: (c) Climate change’s impact on vulnerable nations

Explanation:

• (c) Correct: ‘Loss and damage’ is a key issue for climate-vulnerable countries under UN climate negotiations.

• (a) Incorrect: Though biodiversity is affected, this term is more about climate compensation.

• (b) Incorrect: Refugee crises are separate from the climate compensation framework.

• (d) Incorrect: Economic inequality is discussed under SDGs, not ‘loss and damage’.