Stage 4 of the demographic transition model is characterized by both low birth and death rates, leading to a stable or aging population. In this stage, the population tends to have a balance between the birth and death rates, resulting in a relatively stable population size over time. This stage typically reflects the demographic characteristics of developed nations where birth rates are low, and life expectancies are high, contributing to an aging population structure.

Let's evaluate each statement based on the information provided:

1. The support ratio in India, which measures the number of working-age individuals per senior aged 65 or older, is projected to decrease significantly by 2050.

This statement is correct. The support ratio in India has been decreasing, and it is projected to decline from 10:1 in 2023 to 4.6:1 by 2050, indicating a significant decrease. This reflects the demographic challenge of an increasing elderly population relative to the working-age population.

2. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India is currently above the replacement level of 2.1.

This statement is incorrect. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India is reported to be 2.0, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates a decline in birth rates, which is a characteristic of the demographic transition stage India is currently in.

3. By 2050, seniors are expected to account for 15% of total consumption in India, up from the current 8%.

This statement is correct. It is projected that by 2050, seniors will make up 15% of total consumption, increasing from the current 8%. This indicates a growing economic burden due to the increasing elderly population.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. The Deccan Volcanism period did lead to mass extinctions of various fauna, including dinosaurs. The intense volcanic activity that formed the Deccan Traps is believed to have played a critical role in the mass extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago. The volcanic eruptions associated with the Deccan Traps are thought to have contributed to significant environmental changes that impacted global biodiversity and led to mass extinctions.

High child marriage rates in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan play a significant role in contributing to teenage pregnancies in India. Child marriage is closely linked to teenage pregnancy, and despite a decrease in child marriage rates, certain states still exhibit high rates, which perpetuate the issue of adolescent pregnancies. This connection underscores the importance of addressing child marriage as a key factor in combating teenage pregnancies and promoting the well-being of adolescents.

Statement 1 is correct. Teenage pregnancy in India is indeed influenced by societal and economic factors, with poverty and lack of reproductive education playing significant roles. These factors contribute to the persistence of teenage pregnancies, as they limit the opportunities and awareness that could help prevent early pregnancies.

Statement 2 is correct. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), it was reported that 6.8% of women aged 15-19 were either pregnant or had given birth. This statistic highlights the prevalence of teenage pregnancies despite efforts to reduce such instances.

Statement 3 is correct. There are policy gaps in existing welfare schemes where teenage mothers are often excluded due to age-based eligibility criteria. This exclusion further exacerbates the socio-economic challenges faced by teenage mothers, as they are unable to access necessary support and resources.

Thus, all three statements are accurate, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage - Incorrectly matched. While child marriage rates have declined, teenage pregnancies remain high in certain states like West Bengal and Bihar. The decline in child marriage has not directly led to a decrease in teenage pregnancies across all states.

2. Maternal Health Risks - Correctly matched. Adolescent mothers indeed face increased risks of anaemia, preterm labor, and maternal mortality due to their young age and often inadequate access to essential healthcare services.

3. Climate Change and Children - Correctly matched. It is accurately stated that only 2.4% of global climate finance is directed towards child-responsive initiatives, highlighting the insufficient allocation of resources towards children 's needs in the context of climate change.

4. Education and Juvenile Crimes - Correctly matched. Lack of education is a significant factor contributing to juvenile crimes in India, as insufficient educational opportunities often lead to socio-economic challenges that can result in criminal behavior among minors.

Both statements are correct. Statement-I highlights the correlation between teenage pregnancy and child marriage, emphasizing how they are linked to each other and gender inequality. Statement-II elaborates on the persistent issue of teenage pregnancies despite a reduction in child marriage rates, attributing it to broader societal and economic factors such as poverty and lack of reproductive education. While both statements are accurate, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but provides additional context to the issue of teenage pregnancies in India. Thus, option B is the correct answer.

The Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) initiative aims at enhancing the global standing of rubber. This initiative focuses on complying with European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards, promoting sustainable rubber production, and positioning Indian natural rubber competitively in the global market.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The share of Central transfers in States' total revenue has indeed increased to 23-30% in the past decade, up from 20-24% in the 2000s. This reflects the growing dependence of states on central financial support.

2. Statement 2 is also correct. The debt-to-GDP ratio for states has reached 28.5% as of March 2024, which exceeds the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) committee's recommended limit of 20%. This indicates a significant fiscal strain on the states.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Grants from the Centre now represent 65-70% of States' non-tax revenue, not 55-60% as was the case previously. This change shows an increased reliance on central grants compared to earlier periods.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the accurate choice.

1. Debt-to-GDP ratio for states as of March 2024 - 20%: Incorrect. The debt-to-GDP ratio for states is actually 28.5% as of March 2024, which exceeds the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management committee's recommended limit of 20%.

2. Central transfers' share of total state revenue in recent years - 23-30%: Correct. Central transfers now account for 23-30% of total state revenue, highlighting an increase from the previous range of 20-24% in the 2000s.

3. Grants from the Centre as a share of States' non-tax revenue - 65-70%: Correct. Grants from the Centre represent 65-70% of States' non-tax revenue, up from 55-60% previously.

4. INR Konnect Platform - connects rubber growers with EU regulators: Incorrect. The INR Konnect Platform is designed to connect rubber growers with potential adopters to boost productivity, not with EU regulators.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, so the answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

Indian maritime trade played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia by serving as a conduit for Buddhist missionaries and scholars. Through maritime routes, Buddhist teachings, texts, and ideas were carried to various regions, contributing to the dissemination of Buddhism beyond Indian borders. This facilitated cultural exchanges and the establishment of Buddhist communities in distant lands, showcasing the interconnectedness of trade and the transmission of religious beliefs.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. While the EU is a major trading partner for India, contributing significantly to India's FDI inflow, it is not stated that it is the largest in services. The EU is, however, India's largest trading partner in goods, not specifically in services.

- Statement 2 is correct. Geopolitical differences between India and the EU are indeed influenced by India's reliance on Russian defence systems, which complicates deeper defence collaboration with Europe.

- Statement 3 is correct. Strengthening relations through an FTA is seen as a means to counter authoritarianism while also driving economic growth for both regions, which aligns with the shared values of democracy and multilateralism between India and the EU.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

1. India-EU Relations:

- A. India is the EU's largest trading partner in goods.

This pair is incorrectly matched. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, not the other way around.

- B. The EU accounts for 17% of total FDI inflow into India.

This pair is correctly matched. The EU is a major investor in India, accounting for 17% of total FDI inflow.

- C. India provides strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific to the EU.

This pair is correctly matched. India acts as a strategic partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific region.

- D. EU-India bilateral trade in services is valued at USD 51.45 billion in 2023-24.

This pair is correctly matched. The trade in services between the EU and India is indeed valued at USD 51.45 billion for the year 2023-24.

Thus, three pairs (B, C, and D) are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct because India and the European Union do indeed share common values such as democracy, multilateralism, and prosperity. Statement-II is also correct as India serves as a strategic partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific region and provides access to a growing market. Furthermore, Statement-II explains how India's role as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific is connected to the shared values between India and the EU. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

The primary significance of India's first indigenous surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, lies in facilitating expert surgical care in underserved regions. This system has been designed to overcome geographical barriers and ensure that world-class surgical expertise is accessible even in remote locations, thereby enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality in such regions.

1. SSI Mantra - India's first indigenous surgical robotic system for cardiac surgeries : Correct. SSI Mantra is indeed India's first indigenous surgical robotic system, developed for cardiac surgeries among other applications. It represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgeries in India.

2. Forest Rights Act, 2006 - Allows eviction of forest-dwelling communities without legal recognition : Incorrect. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, actually ensures that forest-dwelling communities cannot be evicted without the legal recognition of their rights. It protects the rights of these communities by requiring legal processes before any eviction.

3. Ultra-low Latency - Operates at a latency of 35-40 milliseconds for remote surgeries : Correct. The SSI Mantra system is designed to operate with ultra-low latency of 35-40 milliseconds, which is crucial for performing seamless remote surgeries.

4. Gram Sabha Consent - Required for relocation of communities under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Incorrect. While Gram Sabha consent is required for the relocation of communities, this requirement comes under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, not the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The FRA mandates obtaining consent from Gram Sabhas before relocation.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct as India's first indigenous surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, has indeed received regulatory approval for telesurgery, as mentioned in the text. Statement-II is also correct as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has issued directions related to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, particularly within tiger reserves. However, the two statements are not directly connected or explaining each other in any way. Statement-I talks about a technological advancement in healthcare, while Statement-II addresses tribal rights and forest conservation, making them two separate topics. Therefore, both statements are individually correct but are not explanatory of each other.

The global average surface temperature surpassing 1.5°C above the pre-industrial baseline in 2024 is significant as it marks the first instance of exceeding this threshold. This milestone is crucial in the context of climate change as it indicates a concerning rise in global temperatures, emphasizing the urgency for enhanced climate observation and mitigation strategies to combat the impacts of global warming.

Let us analyze each statement to determine its correctness:

1. The first statement is correct. The global average surface temperature in 2024 was indeed reported to be 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the first instance of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold. This information aligns with the data provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

2. The second statement is also correct. Aerosols and particulate matter in India do have a cooling effect by scattering solar radiation back into space. This phenomenon slightly mitigates the increase in temperature in India, as noted in the key takeaways of the report.

3. The third statement is incorrect. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted that the temperature increase in India is actually lower than the global average rise in temperature, not higher. Therefore, this statement contradicts the provided information.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.

1. Geographic Location: This pair is correctly matched. India is located in the tropical zone and experiences less noticeable temperature increases compared to higher latitudes, where the temperature rise is more pronounced.

2. Albedo Effect: This pair is correctly matched. The albedo effect is significant in the Arctic, leading to higher heating due to ice melt and reduced reflectivity. In India, the albedo effect is limited mainly to the Himalayan region.

3. Aerosols and Pollution: This pair is correctly matched. The presence of aerosols and particulate matter in India scatters solar radiation, thus having a cooling effect that slightly reduces temperature increase.

4. Sea Level Rise: This pair is incorrectly matched. Sea level rise primarily affects coastal areas, not inland areas, leading to inundation and potential displacement of communities living near coastlines.

Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is not. Hence, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

The projected support ratio in India by 2050 is 4.6 working-age individuals for every senior aged 65 or older. This significant decline from earlier years reflects the aging population and highlights the increasing demographic pressures on the economy. As the elderly population grows, the burden on the working-age population increases, which can lead to challenges in supporting social services and economic stability. Interestingly, many developed countries are experiencing similar trends, emphasizing the global nature of demographic transitions and their socioeconomic implications.

The demographic transition model primarily emphasizes the changes in birth and death rates that occur as societies progress economically and technologically. This model consists of several stages that depict the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates, ultimately leading to a stable or aging population. Understanding this model is crucial for policymakers as it helps them anticipate future demographic shifts and plan accordingly. Interestingly, many countries are currently navigating through these stages at different rates, influencing their economic and social policies.

The Deccan Volcanism Theory is closely linked to the Deccan Traps, which are a vast volcanic plateau in peninsular India formed by extensive fissure volcanic eruptions. This theory suggests that the volcanic activity associated with the Deccan Traps played a significant role in the mass extinction event approximately 66 million years ago. The Deccan Traps consist of numerous layers of basaltic lava flows, illustrating the intensity of volcanic activity in that region. Interestingly, the Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world, highlighting the scale of the geological processes involved.

Societal and economic factors, particularly poverty, play a significant role in driving the high rates of adolescent pregnancies in India. Many young girls face limited access to education and resources, which can lead to early sexual activity and unintended pregnancies. Despite a decrease in child marriage rates, the persistence of poverty and lack of reproductive education continue to challenge efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies. An interesting fact is that states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan exhibit notably high teenage pregnancy rates, reflecting regional disparities in social and economic conditions.

Many existing welfare schemes tend to exclude teenage mothers based on age-based eligibility criteria, which exacerbates their socio-economic challenges. This exclusion can lead to a lack of access to essential services and support systems that are crucial for young mothers and their children. Understanding how policy gaps impact vulnerable populations is key to developing more inclusive and effective welfare programs.