1. With reference to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur.
- It is a functional organisation of the Ministry of Information & Electronics Technology, Government of India, with the objective of securing Indian cyberspace.
- It is empowered to call for information and issue directions to service providers, intermediaries, data centres, body corporates, and any other person.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur. Correct: It is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur.
- It is a functional organisation of the Ministry of Information & Electronics Technology, Government of India, with the objective of securing Indian cyberspace. Correct: It is a functional organisation of the Ministry of Information & Electronics Technology, Government of India, with the objective of securing Indian cyberspace. CERT-In has been operational since January 2004.
- It is empowered to call for information and issue directions to service providers, intermediaries, data centres, body corporates, and any other person. Correct: To perform functions, CERT-In is empowered to call for informationand issue directions to service providers, intermediaries, data centres, body corporates, and any other person.
2. In the context of the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minority Communities, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The programme aims to ensure equal opportunities for only six centrally notified minority communities.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Incorrect: It is an overarching programme which covers various schemes/initiatives of the participating Ministries/Departments with an aim to ensure that the underprivileged and weaker sections of six centrally notified minority communities have equal opportunities for availing the various Government welfare Schemes and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Country.
- The programme aims to ensure equal opportunities for only six centrally notified minority communities. Correct: The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme aims to ensure equal opportunities for six centrally notified minority communities, including Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Muslims, Buddhists, and Parsis.
3. Regarding the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, consider the following statements:
- It is a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- It makes reports to the Central or State Governments on any matter concerning Safai Karamcharis.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- It is a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Incorrect: National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, was enacted in September, 1993 and a statutory National Commission for Safai Karmcharis was first constituted in August, 1994.
- It makes reports to the Central or State Governments on any matter concerning Safai Karamcharis. Correct: It tender advice for its effective implementation to the Centre and State Governments, and enquire into complaints regarding contravention/non-implementation of the provisions of the Act.
4. In the context of the PM YASASVI Scheme, Consider the following statements:
- It aims to uplift SC/ST students by providing access to quality education during their formative years.
- It is implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- It aims to uplift SC/ST students by providing access to quality education during their formative years. Incorrect: PM-YASASVI Scheme: It is a comprehensive umbrella scheme aimed at uplifting students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing them with access to quality education during their formative years. It has consolidated and enhanced several earlier initiatives, including the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for EBCs and the Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for DNTs, which were subsumed under this program starting from 2021-22.
- It is implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Correct: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the implementing agency for this scheme.
5. What is the name of the innovative digital platform recently launched by Ministry of Education to empower educators in India?
[A] TeacherApp
[B] TeachNow
[C] LearnSmart
[D] EduTech Hub
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [TeacherApp]
Notes:
The TeacherApp, launched by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to revolutionize education in India by equipping teachers with essential skills for modern classrooms. Developed by Bharti Airtel Foundation, it offers over 260 hours of resources including courses, videos, and interactive sessions. The platform aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing the importance of continuous teacher development to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. By fostering a community of educators, the app supports innovative teaching practices and aims to transform schools into effective learning environments.
6. Recently, Ministry of Power has inaugurated Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT)-Power facility in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Chennai
[D] Gandhinagar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Power inaugurated the CSIRT-POWER facility in New Delhi. It was launched by the Ministry of Power following the National Cyber Security Policy, in collaboration with CERT-In. CSIRT-POWER is equipped with advanced infrastructure and cybersecurity tools to address emerging threats. Its goal is to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in India’s power sector through a coordinated approach. It is set up under the Central Electricity Authority, with CERT-In leading efforts to manage incidents and cybersecurity activities in the power sector.
7. Which organization developed the online platforms PROMPT, DRIPS, and JAL VIDYUT DPR, recently launched by Ministry of Power?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
[C] Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
[D] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Central Electricity Authority (CEA)]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Power launched three new online platforms: PROMPT (Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects—Thermal), DRIPS (Disaster Resource Inventory for Power Sector), and JAL VIDYUT DPR, to improve the power sector’s efficiency. It has developed by the Central Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Power with NTPC’s help for PROMPT, these platforms aim to improve efficiency and transparency in the power sector. PROMPT tracks and analyzes thermal power projects in real-time to address construction delays. JAL VIDYUT DPR monitors the status of hydroelectric and pumped storage projects to ensure better management. DRIPS helps identify and manage power disruptions from natural disasters by linking nodal officers and agencies.
8. Which ministry recently organised the ‘Global Wind Day’ event with a central theme of ‘Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India’?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[D] Ministry of Urban Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of New and Renewable Energy]
Notes:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) celebrated Global Wind Day on June 15, 2024, highlighting India’s wind energy achievements and future potential. With the theme “Pawan–Urja: Powering the Future of India,” the event featured discussions on wind energy’s role in meeting power demand, accelerating onshore adoption, and offshore development. India, with 46.4 GW of installed wind power capacity, aims to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030 and net zero by 2070.
9. National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), recently seen in news, functions under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Women & Child Development
[B] Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment]
Notes:
The Union government plans to introduce a new test developed by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) to diagnose specific learning disabilities (SLDs) in Indian adults. NIEPID, established in 1984, operates under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, focusing on services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. With headquarters in Secunderabad, Telangana, it offers training, research, and rehabilitation services nationwide.
10. Power Ministry has asked which institution to initiate the process of coupling multiple power exchanges?
[A] BEE
[B] CERC
[C] DRDO
[D] BHEL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CERC]
Notes:
Union Power ministry has asked Central Electricity Regulatory Authority (CERC) to initiate the process of coupling multiple power exchanges.
The mechanism seeks to ensure uniformity in price discovery of energy at trading platforms. At present India has three power exchanges — Indian Electricity Exchange (IEX), Power Exchange of India (PXIL) and Hindustan Power Exchange (HPX).