Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The SCO originated from the “Shanghai Five,” formed in 1996, consisting of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. It was established on 15th June 2001, in Shanghai, adding Uzbekistan as a sixth member. The current SCO members include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. India and Pakistan both officially joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as full members in 2017. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

The Organization’s secretariat or headquarter is located in Beijing, China. It operates on a consensus-based decision-making system, where all members must agree for any resolution to pass. This mechanism, while ensuring inclusivity, can also lead to diplomatic deadlocks when national interests clash. Hence, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approves large-scale use and release of GMOs. It was established under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It aims to strengthen the biosafety management system in India to ensure adequate protection of human health and biodiversity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Presently, the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India. Bt Brinjal was approved by GEAC in 2009 but later environment ministry imposed a moratorium, citing the need for more studies and public consultations. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The UIDAI is a statutory authority established on 12th July 2016 by the Government of India under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, following the provisions of the Aadhaar Act 2016. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

The UIDAI is mandated to assign a 12-digit unique identification (UID) number (Aadhaar) to all the residents of India. The number is linked to the resident’s basic demographic and biometric information such as a photograph, ten fingerprints, and two iris scans, which are stored in a centralised database. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) was founded in 1999 based on recommendations of Malhotra Committee. It is a statutory body under the IRDA Act 1999 and is under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• The powers and functions of the IRDAI are laid down in the IRDAI Act, 1999 and Insurance Act, 1938. It was created as a regulatory body with the aim of protecting the interests of insurance customers. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty establishes the principle of collective defence within NATO. It states that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against them all. This means that if one NATO ally is attacked, the others are obligated to assist the attacked ally, taking actions, they deem necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. Hence, option c is the correct answer.