Explanation

• Option a is correct – Australia has the largest known uranium reserves in the world, holding roughly 28% of the global total, followed by Kazakhstan and Canada.

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct – The Danube is Europe's second-longest river, and unusually low water levels in Romania have exposed sandbanks, suspended ferry services, and disrupted navigation.
• Statement 2 is correct – Low water levels in the Rhine reduce the carrying capacity of cargo ships, forcing them to sail only partially loaded.
• This increases transport and shipping costs rather than lowering them.

Explanation

• Option a is correct – The Rhine, Elbe, and Loire are rivers.
• They are major European waterways that have recently made news for drying up during severe summer heatwaves and droughts.

Explanation

• Statement 1 is incorrect – The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
• Statement 2 is correct – According to Article 124(1) of the Constitution, the Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice of India and other judges unless Parliament prescribes by law.
• Parliament exercises this power by amending the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

Explanation

• Option b is correct – Kharchi Puja is a major festival of Tripura.
• It is observed after the Ama Pechi (Ambu Bachi) period, believed to represent the menstruation of Mother Earth.
• The festival marks the ritual purification of Mother Earth, during which ploughing, digging, and certain auspicious activities are avoided.