23rd December 2024

Explanation: Option b is correct. India has indeed proposed supporting the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission in Sri Lanka to address the legacy of the civil war and promote healing for the Tamil community. Option a is incorrect as the ETCA has not been fully implemented yet. Option c is inaccurate; while there are discussions on energy cooperation, Sri Lanka has not granted exclusive rights to India for oil and gas exploration in the Palk Strait. Option d is also incorrect; there is no signed defense pact allowing for the permanent stationing of Indian troops in Sri Lanka.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The MRCC in Colombo was built with a USD 6 million grant from India, not China. Statement 2 is correct. India provided approximately USD 4 billion in financial assistance to Sri Lanka during its recent economic crisis. Statement 3 is correct. The Colombo Security Conclave includes India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius as full members, with Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers.

Explanation: Both statements are correct. Statement 1 is accurate as the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the "Chicken's Neck," is indeed the only land connection between mainland India and its northeastern states. Statement 2 is also correct, as the corridor is flanked by Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the north, with Bangladesh to the south.

Explanation: All three statements are correct. Statement 1 is accurate as the NQM plans to launch a quantum satellite within 2-3 years for quantum communications. Statement 2 is correct as QKD uses quantum entanglement to detect eavesdropping, ensuring unconditional security. Statement 3 is also accurate, as India's planned quantum satellite will indeed transmit signals at the specified wavelengths: 810 nm (main), 532 nm (uplink), and 1550 nm (downlink).

Explanation: Both statements are correct. Statement 1 is accurate as the India State of Forest Report 2023 shows a total increase of 1,445 sq. km in forest and tree cover since 2021, with forest cover specifically accounting for 21.76% of India's geographical area.
Statement 2 is also correct, as the report lists Lakshadweep (91.33%), Mizoram (85.34%), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (81.62%) as the top three in terms of forest cover by geographical area.