Answer: (a)
Supriyo versus Union of India (2023): It refers to how State should not interfere with the freedom of consenting adults to form legitimate “intimate associations”.
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/uttarakhand-ucc-dares-right-to-form-intimate-associations/

Answer: (c)
Both statements are correct.
Biodiversity Management Committees:
• Establishment: BMCs are local-level committees established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which aims to conserve India’s biodiversity and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use.
• Composition: BMCs consist of representatives from local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and other relevant stakeholders. They typically include members with knowledge of traditional practices, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.
• Jurisdiction: BMCs are formed at the local level, specifically in biodiversity-rich areas such as villages or districts, to ensure effective management and conservation of biological resources within their jurisdiction.
• Functions: BMCs are responsible for various key functions, including the documentation of biodiversity, preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), conservation planning, promoting sustainable use of resources, and undertaking initiatives for biodiversity awareness and education.
• Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS): One of the critical roles of BMCs is to facilitate access and benefit sharing in line with the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol, an international agreement on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. They determine access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge and negotiate fair and equitable benefit sharing agreements. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• Collection Fees: BMCs have the authority to levy collection fees on the access and utilization of biological resources within their jurisdiction. These fees are used to support biodiversity conservation activities, sustainable livelihoods, and the development of local communities. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• Community Participation: BMCs ensure active involvement and participation of local communities in biodiversity management and decision-making processes. This participatory approach enhances the conservation of biodiversity and promotes the sustainable use of biological resources.

Answer: (b)
Statement 3 is not correct.
Appointment and Tenure of Commissioners
• The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• Article 324(2) says appointment of CEC and other ECs shall be subject to provisions of any law made by the Parliament.
• Thus the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 was enacted. Hence statement 3 is NOT CORRECT.
• The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
• They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
• The CEC can be removed from office except in same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
• The Constitution has not debarred the retiring Election Commissioners from any further appointment by the Government.
The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 seeks to replace the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.

Answer: (d)
Fraternity and Brotherhood does not form part of the Agreement.
5 Principles of Panchsheel Agreement of 1954
1. Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
2. Mutual non-aggression
3. Mutual non-interference in internal matters
4. Equality and mutual benefit
5. Peaceful co-existence
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-china-bilateral-trade-hit-a-new-record-in-2023-chinese-envoy/

Answer: (a)
Only Statement 3 is NOT CORRECT.
International Energy Agency (IEA)
• IEA is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation. It was established in 1974 as per the framework of the OECD. Hence statement 1 is CORRECT.
• It is headquartered at Paris, France.
• Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide. Hence statement 2 is CORRECT.
• A candidate country must be a member country of the OECD.
• But all OECD members are not IEA members. Hence statement 3 is NOT CORRECT.
• India became an Associate member of IEA in March 2017 but it was in engagement with IEA long before its association with the organization. Hence statement 4 is CORRECT.