The recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) highlights a significant decline in poverty rates across both rural and urban India. Specifically, rural poverty has reduced to 4.86% in FY24 from 25.7% in 2011-12, showcasing a substantial improvement in poverty alleviation efforts. This decline is attributed to various factors such as government interventions, infrastructure development, and enhanced consumption patterns among lower-income groups.

The Karnataka High Court's ruling in the Ms. X vs State of Karnataka Case is significant as it affirms transgender individuals' right to change their name and gender on birth certificates, aligning with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. This decision underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting gender identity, setting a precedent for future cases and reinforcing the legal standing of transgender rights in India.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was indeed an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. It was significant because it called for increased Indian representation in legislative councils and accepted separate electorates for Muslims, which was a major point of compromise between the two parties.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Lahore Resolution of 1940 did not emphasize the demand for a single independent state for Muslims, but rather called for "Independent States" in the northwestern and eastern zones of India where Muslims were in the majority. This laid the groundwork for the demand for Pakistan, which was conceived as a separate nation for Muslims.

- Statement 3 is correct. Direct Action Day, observed on August 16, 1946, did indeed lead to significant communal violence, particularly in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This event deepened the Hindu-Muslim divide and was a pivotal moment that accelerated the partition process as it highlighted the communal tensions that were becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The primary objective of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) is to digitize and modernize land records in India. This initiative focuses on enhancing transparency, accessibility, and minimizing disputes related to agricultural land records. By digitizing land records, the program aims to ensure clear ownership rights, reduce litigation, and promote efficient land markets, ultimately supporting the nation's land reform efforts.

The main goal of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is to provide affordable housing for the rural poor and help create poverty-free villages. This initiative aims to improve living conditions in rural areas by ensuring that economically disadvantaged families have access to safe and adequate housing. An interesting fact is that the scheme not only provides housing but also integrates other support systems such as toilet construction and cooking fuel assistance, thereby addressing multiple aspects of rural poverty alleviation.

The primary objective behind the formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906 was to secure separate representation for Muslims in legislative bodies. This objective was aimed at safeguarding the political and religious rights of the Muslim community in the Indian political scenario. Over time, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the League evolved into a significant political force advocating for the creation of Pakistan, culminating in the Partition of India in 1947.

1. Artesian Well: Water naturally rises due to pressure in confined aquifers.
This pair is correctly matched. Artesian wells allow water to rise naturally to the surface due to pressure from the surrounding geological formations. The water is trapped in a confined aquifer, which is under pressure from the weight above, allowing it to rise without the need for pumping.

2. Tethys Sea: Formed during the Triassic period, part of the early Mesozoic Era.
This pair is correctly matched. The Tethys Sea indeed formed during the early Mesozoic Era, particularly in the Triassic period, which occurred approximately 250 to 201 million years ago.

3. Artesian Well: Requires mechanical pumps to bring water to the surface.
This pair is incorrectly matched. Artesian wells do not require mechanical pumps to bring water to the surface, as they rely on natural pressure. When the pressure is sufficient, water can flow freely to the surface.

4. Tethys Sea: Known for its freshwater marine life.
This pair is incorrectly matched. The Tethys Sea was a saltwater body, and it was known for its diverse marine life, including early sharks and marine reptiles, contributing to the development of petroleum basins in the region.

Correctly matched pairs: 1 and 2. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. The Karnataka High Court's ruling indeed allowed changes to birth certificates based on gender identity, which aligns with the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. This Act provides the legal framework to protect transgender individuals' rights, including the recognition of their gender identity in official documents. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

2. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, traditionally allowed changes to birth certificates only in cases of erroneous or fraudulent information. It did not specifically provide for changes based on gender identity, thereby posing a legal challenge that was addressed by the Karnataka High Court's ruling. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

3. The court invoked the legal principle of generalia specialibus non-derogant, which means that specific laws (like the Transgender Persons Act) take precedence over general laws (such as the Registration of Births and Deaths Act) when there is a conflict. This principle was crucial in ensuring that the Transgender Persons Act was applied to the case, allowing for the change in documentation. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, all three statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly states that India's wind energy potential exceeds 300 GW and is primarily found in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. This aligns with the information provided in the news piece. However, Statement-II is incorrect as it provides inaccurate information about India's current renewable energy capacity and its ambitions for the future. The renewable energy capacity mentioned in Statement-II does not match the actual figures provided in the news content.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. Statement 1 is correct. The water from artesian wells in Rajasthan is indeed believed to be remnants from the Tethys Sea, which existed during the early Mesozoic Era (around 250 to 201 million years ago). This connection is supported by the high salinity of the water, akin to ancient seas, which suggests its origin from such geological times.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Artesian wells are characterized by water rising to the surface naturally due to pressure, without the need for mechanical pumps. This occurs when water is trapped in a confined aquifer, and the pressure from the overlying layers forces it upward through the well. Therefore, the statement that they require mechanical pumps contradicts the natural mechanism of artesian wells.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The discovery of fine white marine clay with skeletal remains in Rajasthan indeed supports the theory that groundwater in this region is connected to ancient marine environments. This evidence aligns with the geological history of the area, which was once part of the Tethys Sea.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement-I emphasizes the need for urgent shifts in societal interactions with nature to prevent biodiversity loss, which aligns with the idea that transformative change is essential for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Statement-II supports this by highlighting the potential economic benefits of immediate actions, including significant business opportunities and job creation. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing an explanation for the urgency outlined in Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly highlights that PMAY-G utilizes the SECC 2011 data for selecting beneficiaries. This process ensures that housing assistance is targeted towards those identified as economically disadvantaged. However, Statement-II is incorrect as PMAY-G provides financial assistance through a cost-sharing pattern between the Centre and States, varying based on the geographical region, contrary to the claim of exclusive state government funding mentioned in the statement. The accurate depiction is that cost-sharing patterns are employed, as detailed in the key takeaways section of the provided content.

The rural population in India heavily relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, which exposes them to challenges such as climate change and inadequate irrigation. These factors significantly limit their ability to generate income and improve their living conditions. It is important to note that agriculture is often vulnerable to environmental changes, which can lead to poor crop yields and economic instability for farming families. Interestingly, agricultural dependency is not unique to India; many developing countries face similar challenges as they strive to diversify their economies and reduce poverty.

1. Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) - Incorrect. ULPIN is a 14-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each land parcel based on its geo-coordinates for aiding in property transactions and dispute resolutions, not specifically for updating cadastral maps.
2. National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) - Correct. NGDRS standardizes the registration process across India, facilitating online entry and payments.
3. e-Court Integration - Incorrect. e-Court Integration links land records with e-Courts to streamline access to authentic land information for faster judicial resolutions, not for providing a conclusive land-titling system.
4. Transliteration of Land Records - Correct. This initiative allows land documents to be available in any of the 22 languages listed in the Indian Constitution, thus breaking language barriers.
Thus, two pairs are correctly matched: pair 2 and pair 4.

Statement 1: The estimated poverty line in FY24 for rural areas is indeed Rs 1,632, adjusted for inflation. This is correctly mentioned as part of the details regarding poverty line definitions in the SBI report.

Statement 2: According to the SBI report, rural poverty in India decreased significantly, from 25.7% in 2011-12 to 4.86% in FY24. This statement accurately reflects the data provided in the report regarding the decline in rural poverty rates.

Statement 3: The IPBES Transformative Change Assessment does identify the concentration of power and wealth as a key driver of biodiversity loss. This is consistent with the report's analysis of the causes of biodiversity loss, highlighting how economic and power imbalances contribute to environmental degradation.

All statements are correct as they accurately reflect the information from the reports mentioned. Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

The primary objective of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is to counter China's expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This strategic forum, comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, while specifically working to counterbalance China's growing assertiveness in the region.

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is to create poverty-free villages by providing affordable housing specifically for the rural poor. This initiative aims to enhance the living conditions of rural households, ensuring that everyone has access to basic housing. An interesting fact is that PMAY-G was introduced in 2016 with a target of initially providing 2.95 crore houses, which was later expanded to include an additional 2 crore houses, reflecting the government's commitment to rural development.

Statement-I is accurate as the Muslim League was indeed founded to safeguard the political and religious rights of Muslims in India. This organization aimed to provide a platform for Muslims to voice their concerns and protect their interests in the political landscape of the country.

Statement-II is also correct since the Lahore Resolution passed in 1940 at the All India Muslim League's session laid down the groundwork for the creation of Pakistan. It emphasized the demand for separate independent states for Muslims, setting the ideological foundation that eventually led to the establishment of Pakistan in 1947 under the leadership of the Muslim League.

Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II (the Lahore Resolution) logically explains the purpose and trajectory of the Muslim League as outlined in Statement-I. This makes Option A the accurate choice for this question.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) introduced in 2016 primarily aims to provide affordable housing for the rural poor. This scheme targets beneficiaries based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data and validates them through Gram Sabha approvals and geo-tagging. By offering financial assistance and support for housing construction, PMAY-G plays a crucial role in addressing rural poverty and housing challenges in India.

- Statement 1: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) indeed originated from collaborative tsunami relief efforts in 2004, officially formed as a strategic forum in 2007, and was revived in 2017. This statement is correct as it accurately describes the timeline of the Quad's formation and revival.

- Statement 2: The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) is indeed one of the key initiatives introduced by the Quad. This initiative is aimed at enhancing regional security, particularly in the maritime domain, which is a significant area of focus for the Quad. Therefore, this statement is correct.

- Statement 3: India plays a crucial role in the Quad by counterbalancing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad's approach includes promoting a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific, which aligns with India's strategic interests in the region. Thus, this statement is correct.

All three statements are accurate, making Option D the correct answer.

An artesian well is a geological formation where water rises to the surface naturally under pressure, without the requirement of pumping. This occurs when water is confined in an aquifer and is surrounded by impermeable layers, causing the water to rise through the wellbore due to the pressure exerted by the weight above. Artesian wells differ from tube wells, which necessitate external power for water extraction, as artesian wells rely on natural pressure for water flow.

1. Rural Poverty in FY24 - 4.86% : This pair is correctly matched. According to the SBI report, rural poverty has decreased to 4.86% in FY24.

2. Urban Poverty in FY24 - 13.7% : This pair is incorrectly matched. The report states that urban poverty is estimated at 4.09% in FY24, down from 13.7% in 2011-12.

3. Estimated Poverty Line in FY24 for Rural Areas - Rs 1,632 : This pair is correctly matched. The estimated poverty line for rural areas in FY24 is indeed Rs 1,632.

4. Estimated Poverty Line in FY24 for Urban Areas - Rs 1,944 : This pair is correctly matched. The estimated poverty line for urban areas in FY24 is Rs 1,944.

Thus, out of the four pairs, three are correctly matched.

- Statement 1: This is correct. The DILRMP includes the initiative of assigning a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), also referred to as "Bhu-Aadhar," which is a 14-digit alphanumeric code based on geo-coordinates for each land parcel. This aids in property transactions and dispute resolutions.

- Statement 2: This is correct. The National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) is indeed designed to standardize the registration process across the country, and it facilitates online data entry and payments, helping to streamline and modernize the system.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The transliteration of land records under DILRMP is not limited to just Hindi and English; it aims to make land documents available in any of the 22 languages listed in the Indian Constitution. This initiative is meant to break language barriers, thereby enhancing accessibility for people from various linguistic backgrounds across India.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

- Statement 1 is correct. Beneficiaries under PMAY-G are indeed selected based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, and this selection is further validated through Gram Sabha approvals and geo-tagging to ensure transparency and accuracy in beneficiary identification.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. The financial assistance provided to beneficiaries in plain areas under PMAY-G is Rs 1.20 lakh, not Rs 1.30 lakh. The Rs 1.30 lakh assistance is designated for select hill states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. The cost-sharing pattern for PMAY-G in plain areas is 60:40 (Centre: State), not 90:10. The 90:10 cost-sharing applies to northeastern and Himalayan states.
Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.

Statement-I is accurate as the primary aim of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) is to ensure transparency and accessibility in land records, enhancing efficiency and reducing disputes. This aligns with the core objective of the program. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The National Land Record Modernization Programme (NLRMP) was indeed revamped into DILRMP in 2016, but the specifics mentioned in Statement-II about a conclusive land-titling system with title guarantees do not directly relate to the transformation from NLRMP to DILRMP. The focus of the revamping was more on modernizing the land records system and not explicitly on implementing a conclusive land-titling system with title guarantees. Therefore, Statement-II does not accurately explain or relate to Statement-I.