15 October 2024

Q1. With reference to the Great Nicobar Project, consider the following statements:

1. The project aims to develop an international container transshipment terminal and a greenfield airport.
2. The entire project is planned within the designated Tribal Reserve areas of the island.
3. Environmental clearance for the project was given despite the area being classified as a ‘No-Go Zone’ due to its ecological sensitivity.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The Great Nicobar Project includes the development of an international container transshipment terminal, a greenfield airport, a township, and a power plant. So, statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: The project does not entirely fall within the Tribal Reserve areas, but it does encroach upon them. However, the development is planned in multiple zones, including Tribal Reserve and forest areas. So, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3: The area has been classified as ecologically sensitive, but environmental clearance was given for the project, raising concerns about its impact on the environment. So, statement 3 is correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the environmental impact of the Great Nicobar Project:

1. The project will result in the diversion of over 130 square kilometers of forest land.
2. The area where the project is being developed is home to endemic and endangered species, including the Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles.
3. The project has received unanimous support from environmentalists due to its strategic importance for national security.

Which of the given above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The Great Nicobar Project will lead to the diversion of a significant area of forest land, estimated at over 130 square kilometers, for various infrastructure developments. So, statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: The project site is ecologically sensitive, hosting several endemic and endangered species, including the Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles. So, statement 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: The project has faced substantial opposition from environmentalists due to its potential ecological impact, despite its strategic importance for national security. So, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q3. With reference to the recent ransomware attack affecting banks in India, consider the following statements:

1. The ransomware attack primarily targeted C-Edge Technologies Ltd., impacting their services to cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
2. The attack was carried out by exploiting vulnerabilities in the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system.
3. Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) allows cybercriminals to use pre-developed ransomware in exchange for a share of the ransom.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The ransomware attack indeed targeted C-Edge Technologies Ltd., affecting their ability to service cooperative banks and RRBs. Thus, 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: The attack did not specifically exploit vulnerabilities in the UPI system. The disruption was more related to C-Edge Technologies’ services rather than the UPI system itself. Therefore, 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3: Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) allows cybercriminals to utilize ransomware developed by others in return for a portion of the ransom. This is an accurate description of RaaS. Thus, 3 is correct.

Q4. Which of the following statements accurately describes the nature and impact of ransomware attacks?

1. Ransomware attacks involve encrypting a victim’s data and demanding a ransom for the decryption key.
2. Double-extortion tactics in ransomware attacks involve threats to leak stolen data online if the ransom is not paid.
3. The punishment for ransomware attacks under the Information Technology Act, 2000, includes imprisonment for a term of up to ten years.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Ransomware attacks typically involve encrypting the victim’s data and demanding a ransom for the decryption key, which is an accurate description of the nature of such attacks. Thus, 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: Double-extortion tactics involve threatening to leak stolen data online if the ransom is not paid, which is a correct description of a modern ransomware strategy. Thus, 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: The punishment for ransomware attacks under the IT Act, 2000, ranges from three to seven years of imprisonment, not up to ten years. Therefore, 3 is incorrect.

Q5. With reference to cloudbursts and their impact, consider the following statements:

1. Cloudbursts are sudden, localized rainstorms where more than 10 cm of rain falls within an hour over an area of about 10 square kilometers.
2. Cloudbursts are typically predicted with high accuracy using satellite and ground monitoring techniques.
3. Flash floods and landslides are common consequences of cloudbursts, particularly in mountainous regions like the Himalayas.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Cloudbursts are indeed sudden, localized rainstorms where more than 10 cm of rain can fall within an hour over a small area, typically around 10 square kilometers. This makes Statement 1 correct.
• Statement 2: Predicting cloudbursts is challenging due to their small scale and sudden nature. Accurate prediction with current technology is not feasible, as extensive radar networks would be required, making Statement 2 incorrect.
• Statement 3: Cloudbursts frequently result in flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous regions such as the Himalayas. This is due to the intense and rapid rainfall causing sudden surges in water levels and destabilizing slopes. Thus, Statement 3 is correct.