• Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are a key component of PM Janman for promoting sustainable livelihoods among PVTGs. These centres focus on value addition, processing, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) collected by tribal communities, providing them entrepreneurial opportunities while preserving traditional forest-based livelihoods. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
• While Minimum Support Price exists for Minor Forest Produce under PMJVM, PM Janman does not provide MSP for agricultural crops. The scheme focuses on forest-based livelihoods rather than conventional agriculture, aligning with the traditional practices of PVTGs who primarily depend on forest resources. Hence Statement 2 is Incorrect.

Off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh PVTG households is indeed part of PM Janman, addressing the energy needs of remote habitations where grid connectivity is not feasible. This also includes provision of solar street lights to improve safety and quality of life in PVTG areas. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.

• Solution (c)

Explanation:

INS Aridhaman is India’s third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at Visakhapatnam. It is an upgraded variant of the Arihant-class with a displacement of approximately 7,000 tonnes and powered by an 83 MW Compact Light Water Reactor. The submarine features eight vertical launch tubes capable of carrying up to 24 K-15 missiles or eight K-4 missiles with a 3,500 km range, significantly enhancing India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent capability and completing the nuclear triad.

• Solution (b)

Explanation:

• NCPOR is indeed headquartered at Headland Sada, Vasco da Gama, Goa, but it functions as an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (not Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change). It was established on May 25, 1998, and renamed from NCAOR to NCPOR in July 2018. Hence Statement 1 is Incorrect.

NCPOR maintains three operational research stations: Bharati (established 2012) and Maitri (operational since 1989) in Antarctica, and Himadri (established 2008) located at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway in the Arctic region. Additionally, NCPOR also operates Himansh research station in the Himalayas. Hence Statement 2 is Correct.

• Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra near the confluence of Wardha and Wainganga rivers, which together form the Pranhita River that flows along its western boundary. The sanctuary is flanked by Markhanda and Pedigundam hills. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
• The sanctuary was officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary on February 25, 1986, covering approximately 134.78 square kilometers. Among the notable fauna, the sanctuary is home to the Giant Indian squirrel, which is indeed the state animal of Maharashtra, though its numbers are declining. Hence Statement 2 is Correct.

• Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Chaolung Sukapha was a Tai prince from Mong Mao (present-day Yunnan, China) who crossed the Patkai hills and founded the Ahom Kingdom in 1228 after a 13-year journey. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
• He established Charaideo as his permanent capital in 1253, which remained the symbolic and spiritual center of Ahom power throughout the kingdom’s 600-year existence. Hence Statement 2 is Correct.

The name “Assam” evolved from “Ha-Cham,” the term used by indigenous Tibeto-Burman speaking tribes like Barahi and Moran to describe Sukapha’s Tai people. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.