Answer: (a)
Project Seabird involves construction of a naval base over an area of 11,169 acres.
Phase I comprised construction of a deep-sea harbour, breakwaters dredging, a township, a naval hospital, a dockyard uplift centre and a ship lift. It was completed in 2005.
Phase-II of Project Seabird was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2012. It envisages expanding facilities to house additional warships and set up a new Naval Air Station, among other plans.

Answer: (c)
All the statements are correct.
• Methane, organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
• It is the second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
• Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substance relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
• Methane GWP100: 28, nitrous oxide 265, sulphur hexafluoride 23,500.
• Short-lived climate pollutant, breaks down in a few years unlike carbon dioxide.
• Sources: Cattle-farming, landfills, wastewater treatment, rice cultivation, industrial processes.
• Energy, agriculture, waste sectors primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
• Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused methane emissions.
• Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by United States and European Union (India not signed up).

Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is not correct.
Cavum Clouds
• Formation Process: Cavum clouds are formed when airplanes traverse through layers of altocumulus clouds, which are mid-level clouds containing supercooled water droplets (water below freezing temperature but still in liquid form).
• Adiabatic Expansion: As the aircraft moves through, a phenomenon called adiabatic expansion can occur, causing the water droplets to freeze into ice crystals.
• Creation of Holes: These ice crystals eventually become too heavy and fall out of the cloud layer, resulting in the formation of a hole in the clouds.
• Steep Angle Formation: Cavum clouds are typically formed when planes pass through at a relatively steep angle.

Answer: (b)
3 and 4 are correctly matched.
1. Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft: Originating from Narasapur, AP, this handcrafted lace-making technique uses fine threads to create intricate patterns inspired by nature and traditional motifs, providing livelihoods to local artisans and protecting against imitation with its GI tag.
2. Mukha Shilpa of Majuli: Hailing from Majuli, Assam, this traditional mask-making art form depicts mythological characters and animals, deeply rooted in Assamese culture, promoting tourism, empowering local artisans, and supporting conservation efforts with its GI recognition.
3. Traditional Tribal Attire ‘Risa’: Originating from Tripura, the Risa attire, handwoven with vibrant colors and intricate designs, represents tribal identity and is integral to Tripuri culture, fostering economic opportunities for weavers and promoting preservation efforts through its GI tag.
4. Riyawan Garlic (Madhya Pradesh): Cultivated organically in Riyawan village, Madhya Pradesh, this special garlic variety is renowned for its unique taste and medicinal properties, contributing to local agriculture, providing economic opportunities, and ensuring authenticity with its GI recognition

Answer: (a)
The Indian Navy in 2008 chaired the inaugural IONS Seminar. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
It is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region by providing inclusive and an open forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues. Hence, statement 2 is correct.