Q1. The Enforcement Directorate primarily functions under which Ministry of the Government of India?
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of Law and Justice
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Explanation:
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
- Although ED deals with economic offences, money laundering, and transnational crime (which appear law-and-order related), it does not come under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- This is because its core mandate involves economic regulation and financial crimes, not policing.
Q2. Which of the following powers are common to both the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981?
- Power to inspect industrial premises
- Power to issue closure directions
- Power to prescribe ambient environmental quality standards
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✔️:
- Both Acts empower SPCBs/CPCB to inspect industrial premises, collect samples, and verify compliance.
- Statement 2 ✔️:
- Closure and stoppage powers exist under:
- Section 33A of the Water Act
- Section 31A of the Air Act
- Closure and stoppage powers exist under:
- Statement 3 ✖️:
- Ambient environmental quality standards (air & water quality norms) are not prescribed directly under these Acts.
- They are primarily notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Q3.
With reference to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), consider the following statements:
- DGCA is the statutory authority for regulating civil aviation safety in India.
- DGCA issues licences to pilots and certifies aircraft airworthiness.
- DGCA conducts investigations into aircraft accidents.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Only Three
D. None
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✔️:
- DGCA is the statutory aviation safety regulator under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937.
- Statement 2 ✔️:
- DGCA licenses pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and certifies aircraft airworthiness.
- Statement 3 ✖️:
- Accident investigations are conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), an independent body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Q4.
With reference to the Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967, consider the following statements:
- Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by sovereignty.
- The Moon and other celestial bodies can be claimed through long-term occupation.
- Outer space shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Only Three
D. None
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✔️:
- Article II of OST clearly establishes the non-appropriation principle.
- Statement 2 ✖️:
- Occupation, use, or exploration does not confer sovereignty over the Moon or celestial bodies.
- Statement 3 ✖️:
- “Peaceful purposes” applies mainly to celestial bodies.
- Military activities like satellites, reconnaissance, and communication systems are permitted in outer space, as long as weapons of mass destruction are not deployed.
Q5.
With reference to mental illness among youth in India, consider the following statements:
- Nearly half of mental illnesses begin before the age of 25 years.
- Mental disorders are increasingly replacing communicable diseases as a major contributor to DALYs among working-age populations.
- Mental health disorders predominantly affect elderly populations in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Only Three
D. None
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✔️:
- Epidemiological studies show ~50% of mental illnesses begin before 25 years, many before 18.
- Statement 2 ✔️:
- Mental disorders are now a major contributor to DALYs, especially among the working-age population.
- Statement 3 ✖️:
- Mental health burden is higher among adolescents and young adults, not predominantly among the elderly.
