21st November 2024

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct; NDRF conducts regular mock drills. Statement 2 is
incorrect; Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan doesn't involve all BIMSTEC countries. Statement
3 is correct; Indian Coast Guard conducts biennial oil spill response exercises.
Statement 4 is incorrect; SDRFs do participate in national-level exercises.
In the context of India's cybersecurity landscape, which of the following statements is/are
correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; the Bharat NCX is organized by NSCS in
collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University. Statement 2 is correct; the Cyber
Swachhta Kendra is indeed operated by CERT-In. Statement 3 is incorrect; NCCC has a

broader mandate beyond just critical infrastructure. Statement 4 is correct; the IT Act,
2000 provides a legal framework for addressing cybercrime.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct; the action plan was indeed unveiled during a
meeting at the G20 summit. Statement 2 is incorrect; the plan covers multiple sectors,
not just defence. Statement 3 is correct; it emphasizes trade and investment in green
technologies. Statement 4 is also correct; regular ministerial-level meetings are included
in the political dialogue framework.

Explanation - The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is an international treaty that
aims to eliminate cluster munitions and the harm they cause. It was adopted in Dublin on
30th May 2008
and opened for signature in Oslo on 3rd December the same year. It prohibits all use,
stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions.
Separate articles in the Convention concern destruction of stockpiles, clearance of
contaminated areas, assistance to victims, submission of transparency reports, and
adoption of domestic legislation. The Convention became binding international law when
it entered into force on 1 August 2010. Till date a total of 123 States have joined the
Convention – 111 States Parties and 12 Signatories. Apart from the United States, India
is also not a signatory to this convention.

Explanation - The EMC links Russia's east coast (Vladivostok) with South India
(Chennai), reducing the distance by approximately 40%, offering significant efficiency in
transportation. The EMC bypasses the traditional Suez Canal route, leading to a
considerable reduction in transit time and distance compared to the Mumbai-St.
Petersburg route. The route includes major ports such as Vladivostok, Ho Chi Minh City,
Singapore, and Chennai, among others, for logistical flexibility.

Explanation: Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct. Cloud seeding involves introducing
substances like silver iodide into clouds (statement 1), it can potentially reduce air
pollution by washing away particulate matter (statement 3), and it can be carried out
using various methods including ground-based generators, aircraft, and rockets
(statement 4). Statement 2 is incorrect as cloud seeding can be effective in various
atmospheric conditions, not just in regions with pre-existing high humidity levels. The
effectiveness depends on the presence of clouds with sufficient moisture, which can
occur in different climatic conditions.