13th January 2026

Explanation - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 was enacted to protect the children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. It defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age (not sixteen, making Statement 1 incorrect). It deems a sexual assault to be “aggravated” under certain circumstances, such as when the abused child is mentally ill or when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority like a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor (Statement 3 is correct). The Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed off within one year from the date the offence is reported (Statement 2 is correct). 

Explanation - It is an intergovernmental organisation mandated to facilitate cooperation, advance knowledge, and promote the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy (Statement 1 is correct). It is the first international organisation to focus exclusively on renewable energy, addressing needs in both industrialised and developing countries (Statement 2 is correct). It was founded in 2009 & its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010 and is headquartered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi (not Vienna, Austria, making Statement 3 incorrect). IRENA is an official United Nations observer. 

Explanation - Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) operating under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Statement 1 is correct). It is aimed at accelerating agricultural growth and improving farmers’ income. Features include a State-Led and Decentralised Approach where States have the flexibility to plan and implement agricultural projects according to local priorities (Statement 2 is correct). The scheme supports crop production, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, etc. (Statement 4 is incorrect as it covers allied sectors). Funding Pattern: General States: 60:40; North Eastern and Hilly States: 90:10 (Statement 3 is correct); Union Territories: 100% central funding. 

Explanation - Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon allotrope composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It has gained significant attention due to its exceptional properties, including high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal conductivity. These properties make it a potential candidate for various applications in electronics, materials science, and other fields. 

Explanation - Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is a multidisciplinary scientific organisation of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti (not Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, making Statement 4 incorrect). It was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tube wells Organisation (Statement 1 is correct). It is the National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation, and regulation of groundwater resources of the country through the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) (Statement 2 is correct). The major activities of the CGWB include National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM) programme and periodic assessment of the country’s groundwater resources (Statement 3 is correct).