Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct – INS Sagardhwani is a specialised marine acoustic research vessel.
• It aims to serve as a key platform for ocean observations and marine research for more than 3 decades, contributing significantly to India's maritime scientific capabilities.
• Statement 2 is incorrect – It was designed by NPOL and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and commissioned in July 1994.

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Explanation

• Option b is the correct answer.
• Sagar Maitri is a flagship collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO.
• Under this programme, INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna, which participated in the International Indian Ocean Expedition during 1962–65.
• It aims to promote closer cooperation in socio-economic aspects and greater scientific interaction, especially in ocean research, among IOR countries.

Explanation

• Option b is the correct answer.
• Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) is situated in Kochi, is a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Its objective is to engage in the development of Sound Navigation And Ranging (SONAR) and allied technologies.
• Its areas of R&D includes Signal processing, electronics, engineering systems, transducers, materials, and oceanography.

Explanation

• Statement 1 is incorrect – Clean Toilet Picture Challenge is launched by NHAI, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
  • It is open to All National Highway commuters.
• Statement 2 is correct – Its objective is to encourage National Highway users to actively report unclean toilet facilities at the toll plazas along National Highways.
• Uploading clear, geo-tagged, and time-stamped photographs of unclean toilets through the latest version of the Rajmargyatra mobile application.
• A reward of Rs.1,000 (Rupees One Thousand only) in the form of a FASTag recharge credited to the linked vehicle registration number (VRN).

Explanation

• Option c is correct – Orobanche Aegyptiaca a parasitic weed that has inflicted damage in major mustard-growing areas of Rajasthan and Haryana.
• It comes under the category Holoparasite, does not photosynthesize and is completely dependent on host-provided nutrition.
• It connects to the host’s roots, drains essential resources, resulting in stunted development and plant wilting.
• Seed Longevity i.e one shoot produces 40–45 flowers; the resulting seeds persist in soil for as long as 20 years.