(d) It is a breed of buffalo found primarily in the Gujarat
India’s first In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) calf of Banni breed of buffaloes was born at a farmer’s house in Gir Somnath district, Gujarat.
• They are also known as “Kutchi” or “Kundi”. It is a breed of buffalo found primarily in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
• This breed of buffaloes is usually bred and preserved by a local community found in Kutch, called the ‘Maldharis‘.
• Banni Buffaloes has higher milk production potentials and is also more disease resilient when compared to other common breeds.
• Hence, they were chosen to help the country to multiply the population of genetically superior buffaloes, resulting in higher milk yield.
• They are also well-adapted to survive extreme weather conditions such as water scarcity, frequent droughts, low humidity and high temperatures.

(d) None
The Mithun, also known as the Gayal (Bos frontalis), is an important animal for UPSC aspirants due to its cultural, socio-economic, and ecological significance, particularly in the Northeast India region.
Culturally: Holds immense value in tribal communities like Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, and Adi. Used in rituals, festivals, and as a symbol of wealth and status.
Economically: Traditionally reared for meat, milk, and hide. Recently recognized as a “food animal” by FSSAI, opening avenues for commercialization and livelihood improvement.
Ecologically: Plays a crucial role in mountain ecosystems by grazing and maintaining grasslands.

(b) Only two
Uranium is used to power nuclear reactors and to produce isotopes for medical, industrial, and defense purposes. In India, the Central Government and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) are permitted to explore, mine, and process uranium.
• India has major uranium deposits in the following geological basins:
• Singhbhum shear zone (Jharkhand)
• Cuddapah basin (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)
• Mahadek basin (Meghalaya)
• Delhi Supergroup of rocks (Rajasthan)
• Bhima basin (Karnataka)

(c) Only three
World Bank introduces innovative USD 100 million plastic waste reduction-linked bond to tackle plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Reduction-Linked Bond introduces a new approach to financing plastic collection and recycling operations, emphasizing the prevention of plastic waste leakage into the ocean. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• According to the World Bank, this innovative financial instrument ties investor returns to Plastic Waste Collection Credits, Plastic Waste Recycling Credits, and Voluntary Carbon Units expected to be generated by projects in Ghana and Indonesia. Notably, the plastic collection and recycling projects in Ghana and Indonesia are not World Bank projects.
• The bond is 100 per cent principal protected, with the USD 100 million proceeds supporting the World Bank’s sustainable development activities globally.
• The selected projects aim to reduce and recycle plastic waste in vulnerable communities, addressing the global challenge of plastics leaking into nature and oceans.
• Citi served as the Lead Manager for this pioneering outcome bond, mobilizing private capital to support projects with positive climate and development impacts.
• Investors in the bond will forego a portion of ordinary coupon payments. Instead, equivalent amounts will be provided, through a hedge transaction with Citi, to support the financing of the projects managed by Plastic Collective UK.
• In return, investors will receive annual coupons composed of a fixed amount and payments linked to the sale of a portion of the plastic and carbon credits produced by the projects.

(b) Nitrogen Oxides
Photochemical smog is produced when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. The main constituent of photochemical smog is nitrous oxide.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that can vaporize into the air. They have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility.
Nitrogen oxides are primary pollutants in photochemical smog and come from car exhaust, coal power plants, and factory emissions. VOCs are released from gasoline, paints, and many cleaning solvents