Answer: (a)
G33 Coalition
• The G33 Coalition, also known as the Friends of Special Products in Agriculture, is a group of developing and least developed countries.
• It includes more than 33 countries, with key members like India, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Nigeria.
• The coalition focuses on agricultural agreements within the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations.
• Key issues addressed by the G33 include public stockholding and special safeguard mechanisms for food security.
• The group consists of 47 developing and least developed countries working collectively to secure fair outcomes at the WTO.

Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is not correct.
Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)
• The Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) were rolled out as part of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the IPCC in 2014.
• These are basically emission scenarios that depict pathways of greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions resulting from human activities over time, crucial for climate modelling and forecasting.
• These pathways were introduced to provide a consistent set of GHGs concentration trajectories for climate modelling and research purposes.
• The RCPs were officially selected and defined based on their total radiative forcing levels in the year 2100.
These pathways describe various climate change scenarios based on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.
1. RCP 2.6: Limits global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels while also attempting to keep ocean acidification under control. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced significantly compared to current levels.
2. RCP 4.5: Reflects an intermediate scenario where emissions peak around 2040 and then gradually decrease. Global mean temperature rise is projected to reach approximately 2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
3. RCP 6: Stabilizes radiative forcing at 6 watts per square meter (W/m²) after 2100 following peaking around mid-century. It aims to achieve a lower level of global warming but does not exclude temporary overshoots beyond 2°C.
4. RCP 8.5: Presents a high-emission scenario characterized by increasing radiative forcing throughout the century. By 2100, it results in a global mean temperature increase of over 4°C above pre-industrial levels.

Answer: (B)
Bitcoin halving is a significant event in the cryptocurrency world where the reward paid to Bitcoin miners for processing transactions is reduced by 50%.
This reduction is implemented to regulate the supply of Bitcoin and maintain its scarcity, similar to how precious metals like gold are limited in quantity.
Bitcoin miners, who use sophisticated computer equipment to solve complex mathematical puzzles through a process called ‘Proof of Work,’ play a crucial role in expanding and securing the Bitcoin blockchain.
The halving mechanism adjusts the rate at which new coins are created, ensuring controlled inflation and preserving the integrity of the blockchain.

Answer: (a)
Only statement 2 is correct.
Theyyam
• Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic performance art form native to the northern region of Kerala.
• It is believed to have evolved over centuries, combining elements of music, dance, and drama to honor various Hindu deities, especially Goddess Kali.
Key Features
• Unique format: Theyyam performances take place at village shrines or in joint-family homes rather than on stages.
• Lengthy duration: Performances can span from 12 to 24 hours, reflecting their importance within the community.
• Ritual: The chief dancers live near the shrine during the entire event and do not eat after sunset.
• Masks and costumes: Various types of masks and face paints are used, characterized by vibrant colors.
• Musical accompaniment: Traditional Kerala instruments like chenda (drum), tuti (flute), kuzhal (wind instrument), and veekni (percussion instrument) support the dancers.
• Dance steps: Specific dance steps called “Kalaasams” follow a structured sequence.
• Religious influence: Certain aspects of Theyyam, such as abstaining from eating after sunset, indicate religious influences from Jainism and Buddhism.

Answer: (d)
Custodian of the Constitution of India is the Supreme Court of India.
It serves as the guardian of fundamental rights, has the power of judicial review, interprets and safeguards the constitution, and ensures that all branches of government act in accordance with the constitution through checks and balances.