1st January 2025

Consider the following statements about the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Transformative Change Report:
1. It defines transformative change as incremental adjustments to existing systems without fundamental alterations.
2. The report identifies equity and justice as one of the four principles to guide transformative change for global sustainability.
3. It suggests that over 75% of annual global GDP depends moderately to highly on nature.
4. The report recommends the Galapagos Marine Reserve as an example of ecosystem-based governance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), consider the following statements:
1. It was established as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
2. The FSDC is chaired by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. It aims to strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism for maintaining financial stability.
4. The council includes heads of all financial sector regulators as its members.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) furnace and titanium production, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. VAR is primarily used for purifying copper and aluminum alloys under atmospheric conditions.
2. Titanium is primarily extracted from bauxite and cassiterite ores.
3. India recently commissioned its first private sector VAR furnace for producing aerospace-grade titanium alloy.
4. Titanium alloys are widely used in medical implants due to their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In the context of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Transformative Change Report, consider the following statements:
1. The report defines transformative change as incremental adjustments to existing systems without fundamental alterations.
2. It identifies equity and justice as one of the four principles to guide transformative change for global sustainability.
3. The report suggests that over 75% of annual global GDP depends moderately to highly on nature.
4. It recommends the Galapagos Marine Reserve as an example of sector-based governance rather than ecosystem-based governance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It was initiated in 1990 to fill skill gaps in the U.S. labor market by allowing employers to hire immigrant workers in specialized occupations.
2. The visa is valid for up to ten years, after which the holder must either leave the U.S. or apply for permanent residency.
3. India has consistently been the largest recipient of H1-B visas, accounting for over 70% of total approvals in recent years.
4. The program is exclusively designed for high-skilled workers in the technology and engineering sectors.
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With reference to the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas (DTVSV) scheme, 2024, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The scheme is applicable only to indirect tax disputes pending before various appellate forums.
2. It allows complete waiver of interest and penalty for taxpayers who pay the disputed tax amount by March 31, 2025.
3. The scheme covers disputes related to undisclosed foreign income and assets under the Black Money Act.
4. Taxpayers opting for the scheme are required to withdraw any pending appeals or arbitration proceedings.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: