Answer: (a)
Only statement 1 is correct.
The Indian Ocean Conference is an annual international event that addresses the geopolitical, economic, and strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region.
It serves as a platform for policymakers, scholars, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss security, trade, and collaboration in the Indian Ocean area.
The inaugural conference was held in Singapore in 2016, and the sixth edition took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2023.
The India Foundation, along with regional partners, organizes the event.

Answer: (c)
Both statements are correct.
Aadi Mahotsav is an annual Tribal Festival initiated in 2017.
It is organized jointly by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
The festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse craftsmanship of tribal communities in a single venue.

Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is not correct, 2 is correct.
Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)
• Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a technology designed to eradicate sulphur dioxide (SO2) from exhaust emissions.
• During combustion, approximately 95% or more of the sulphur in these fuels is converted into sulphur dioxide, emitted as flue gas.
• Sulphur dioxide is a significant air pollutant with adverse effects on various life forms.
• It serves as a precursor to acid rain, which can severely impact forests, freshwater bodies, and soil quality.
FGD Process
• The FGD process involves the addition of absorbents capable of removing up to 95% of the sulphur dioxide from the flue gas.
• Various substances such as ammonia, sodium sulphite, lime, or limestone slurry are utilized as absorbents.
• In the wet limestone scrubbing method, the uncleaned flue gas is directed into a scrubber tower, also known as an absorber tower.
• Here, it is sprayed with a mixture of water and limestone (scrubbing slurry), facilitating a chemical reaction that binds most of the sulphur dioxide.

Answer: (c)
Statement 4 is NOT correct.
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)
• Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) were launched in 2005-06 as part of the National Rural Health Mission.
• The program was later extended to urban areas with the introduction of the National Urban Health Mission in 2013.
• ASHA is the largest community health worker program globally, serving as health care facilitators, service providers, and health awareness generators.
• As of June 2022, there are over 10.52 Lakh ASHAs across all states/UTs (except Goa).
• ASHAs provide maternal and child health services, family planning, and services under the National Disease Control Programme.
• They serve populations of approximately 1,000 in rural areas and 2,000 in urban areas, with local adjustments based on workload.
• The selection criteria for ASHAs primarily focus on women residents of the village, preferably aged 25 to 45, with literacy preferred.
• Relaxed standards are applied for tribal, hilly, or desert areas to ensure inclusivity.
• ASHAs are considered honorary/volunteer positions rather than government workers, emphasizing their community-oriented role.

Answer: (a)
Anganwadi Program
Anganwadi is a rural mother and child care center in India. They were launched by the Government of India in 1975, as part of the Integrated Child Development Services program to combat child hunger and malnutrition. Anganwadi means “courtyard shelter”.
This type of Anganwadi center provides basic health care in Indian villages. It is a part of the Indian public health care system. Basic health care activities include contraceptive counseling and supplies, nutrition education and supplements, as well as pre-school activities. The centers can be used as depots for oral rehydration salts, basic medications, and contraceptives.