Answer: (d)
Thr881 phosphorylation is crucial for stomatal opening in plants as it activates the enzyme H+-ATPase, which regulates stomatal aperture and facilitates gas exchange. Mutant studies confirm the significance of Thr881 phosphorylation in this process. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it accurately describes the role of Thr881 phosphorylation in the context of stomatal openings in plants.

Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct, 2 is not correct.
T+0 Settlement Cycle
• SEBI has planned to introduce the shorter cycle in two phases:
1. T+0 Settlement Details: In Phase 1, trades executed until 1:30 PM will be settled by 4:30 PM on the same day.
2. Instant Settlement Mechanics: Phase 2 envisages immediate trade-by-trade settlement, with trading continuing until 3:30 PM.
• Initially, the T+0 settlement will be available for the top 500 listed equity shares based on market capitalization, implemented in three tranches.
• The same surveillance measures applicable in the T+1 cycle will apply to the T+0 cycle.
• Trade-for-trade settlement securities will NOT be eligible for T+0.

Answer: (b)
Statement 3 is not correct.
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
• The SOHO is a spacecraft jointly operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
• Launched in December 1995, its primary mission is to study the Sun, particularly its outer atmosphere, known as the corona, and the solar wind.
• SOHO observes the Sun in various wavelengths of light, enabling scientists to study phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections.
• SOHO orbits the Sun at the Lagrange Point L1, about 1.5 million kilometers (nearly 1 million miles) from Earth, providing an uninterrupted view of the Sun.

Answer: (c)
Both the statements are correct.
Governor’s Role in Lawmaking
• Article 200 of the Constitution states that after a Bill is passed by the state legislature, the Governor has 4 options:
1. Assent: He may give assent.
2. Reconsider: He can send it back to the Assembly requesting it to reconsider some provisions of the Bill, or the Bill itself. In this case, if the Assembly passes the Bill without making any change and sends it back to the Governor, he will have to give assent to it.
3. Reserve: The third option is to reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President.
4. Withhold: The fourth option, of course, is to withhold the assent.
• Lack of a defined timeline in Article 200 has allowed Governors to withhold assent for extended periods, leading to uncertainty and legislative gridlock.
• As per Article 201 If a Bill is referred to the President, they can either give or withhold assent.
• If withheld, the Bill must be reconsidered by the state legislature within 6 months.

Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct, 2 is not correct.
International Seabed Authority (ISBA)
• The ISBA is an intergovernmental organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• It was established in 1994 and headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica.
• ISA is tasked with regulating mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction, which includes polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.
• The Authority issues exploration and exploitation contracts to countries and private entities for deep-sea mining activities, subject to certain regulations and environmental safeguards.
• ISA comprises various organs, including the Assembly, the Council, the Legal and Technical Commission, and the Secretariat, each with specific functions related to deep-sea mining regulation.
• According to Article 156(2) of the UNCLOS, all UNCLOS parties are members of ISBA.
• As of 2023 has 169 members, including 168 member states and the European Union.
• India became a member of the UNCLOS in 1994.