3rd November 2024

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct; central banks are increasing gold reserves
to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and as a hedge against inflation and currency
fluctuations. Statement 3 is incorrect; the information provided doesn't specify when this
trend began. Statement 4 is incorrect; the information suggests that India has purchased
gold at a faster pace than other G20 countries, implying that the increase is not uniform
across all G20 nations.

Explanation - All statements are incorrect. PMEAC is a non-constitutional and non-
statutory,
non-permanent and independent body. It is constituted with the prime and sole aim to
analyse
all critical issues, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the Prime Minister and advising
him
thereon. It is mandated to give advice to the Prime Minister on economic matters such as
inflation, GDP changes, export-import changes, creating supporting environment for
increased
trade and commerce.

Explanation - It was established in the year of 1969 by the Government of India to
promote
research in social sciences in the country on the recommendation of Prof. V. K. R. V.
Rao
Committee. It is an autonomous organisation funded by the Ministry of Education.
Functions —
It provides grants for projects, fellowships, international collaboration, capacity building,
surveys,
publications etc., to promote research in social sciences in India. The Council aims to —
Review
the progress of social science research and give advice to its users; Sponsor social
science
research programmes and projects and administer grants to institutions and individuals
for
research in social sciences.

Explanation - Prefecture, Japan, starting around 1912. Cadmium poisoning can also
cause softening of the bones and kidney failure. Minamata disease is a neurological
syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. Minamata disease was first discovered
in Minamata city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, in 1956. The most common cause of
blue baby syndrome is water contaminated with nitrates.