Q1. The ‘Noise Pollution’ (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 were notified under the:
(a) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
(b) Environment Protection Act, 1986
(c) Biological Diversity Act, 2002
(d) None of the above
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000under the Environment Protection Act 1986 mandate that firecrackers cannot be used in ‘silence zones’, and anywhere after 10 PM.
- Section 2 (a) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 considers noise as ‘air pollutant’.
- From 6 AM to 10 PM, firecracker noise cannot exceed 75 dB. The thresholds in commercial and residential areas are 65 dB and 55 dB, respectively.
- The rules allow people to register a complaint if the noise overshoots by 10 dB during daytime.
- Central Pollution Control Boardhas listed fines for the violation of noise pollution norms, including the use of loudspeakers or public addresses that can result in a fine of Rs 10,000.
- Exemption: The state government can provide exemption during any cultural or religious festive occasion of a limited duration not exceeding 15 days in all during a calendar year.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN or ICERT):
- It is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing.
- It works under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN or ICERT) is an office within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India.
- It is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing.
- It strengthens security-related defence of the Indian Internet domain.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Internet protocol address (IP address) helps law enforcement agencies track down individual users and their accurate location.
- A virtual private network (VPN) creates several proxy identities for user’s data and delivers it safely without disturbing the content of the data.
How many of the above options are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or Cert-In, a wing of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- What is a VPN and how do these networks function?
- Any and all devices connected to the internet are a part of a large network of computers, servers and other devices spread across the world. To identify each device connected to the internet, service providers globally assign a unique address to each such device called the internet protocol address or IP address. It is this IP address that helps websites, law enforcement agencies and even companies track down individual users and their accurate location.
- A virtual private network, when switched on, essentially creates a safe network within the larger global network of the internet and masks the IP address of the user by rerouting the data. Acting as a tunnel, a VPN takes data originating from one server and masks it in a different identity before delivering it to the destination server. In essence, a VPN creates several proxy identities for your data and delivers it safely without disturbing the content of the data.
Q4. The “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign” launched by the:
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) Central Ground Water Authority
(c) National Commission for Women
(d) None of the above
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- Context: The “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign” launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aims to empower women in water governance.
- Under it, women will visit water treatment plants to learn about water treatment processes and quality testing protocols. The campaign focuses on instilling a sense of ownership among women towards water infrastructure, with over 15,000 Self Help Groups (SHG) women participating.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- A ban on online betting is issued under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
- The ‘Betting and Gambling’ are part of the State List under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- A ban on online betting is issued under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000.
- Section 69A empowers the central government to block websites or apps threatening national interests.
- Betting and gambling are part of the State List under the 7th Schedule. Online betting often operates in several states with different rules. This creates regulation and governance challenges.
- Amendments to Information Technology Rules 2021 prohibit online real money gaming or betting websites.
- Self-regulatory body oversight is mandated to ensure responsible gaming practices (games do not involve wagering outcomes)
- User Verification: Online game intermediaries must obtain user KYC details and prevent third-party financing.
- Advertisement Restrictions: Direct or surrogate advertisements of betting or gambling are prohibited.
- Sikkim permits online gambling, while Telangana maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of gambling.
- The Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022, aim to restrict gambling activities and their promotion in various media.
