Ans: C

Exp:

A recent report released by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), in collaboration with Parallel, a product design studio, highlights the use of deceptive patterns by many leading Indian apps.

• Statement 1 is correct: The term Dark Patterns was introduced by Harry Brignull, in 2010 to characterise deceptive strategies used to trick clients. 
• Statement 2 is correct:A dark pattern refers to a design or user interface technique that is intentionally crafted to manipulate or deceive users into making certain choices or taking specific actions that may not be in their best interest. 
• • It is a deceptive practice employed to influence user behaviour in a way that benefits the company implementing it.
  • It compromises user autonomy and decision-making while benefiting the company.
• Dark patterns have serious implications for user experience and data privacy, leaving individuals vulnerable to financial and data exploitation by large technology companies. 

Ans: A

Exp:

The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, officially launched the SOP for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). 

• Option (a) is correct: Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) as a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’
• The GTTP is designed to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels.
• During this phase 1, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, based on standardised designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). 
• The first set of tugs will be battery-electric, with provisions for adopting other emerging green technologies such as hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen as the industry evolves.

Ans: C

Exp:

The Indian contingent of 106 personnel represented by a battalion of Rajputana Rifles is participating in Exercise Mitra Shakti.

• Statement 3 is not  correct:The 10th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti is being held from August 12-25 at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.
• Statement 1 is not correct: It is a joint military exercise between India and the Sri Lankan army.
• Statement 2 is  correct: The armies of India and Sri Lanka have deployed canines — ”K9s”. 
• The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army.
• The aim of the exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.

Answer: D

Exp: 

Comprehensive digitisation of land records for both rural and urban areas was announced in the Union Budget 2024.

About Bhu-Aadhar or ULPIN: 

• Statement 1 is correct: Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). 
• Statement 2 ans 3 are correct: It is a 14-digit identification number accorded to a land parcel based on the longitude and latitude coordinates of the land parcel and depends on detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps. 
• ULPIN is a Single, Authoritative Source of Truth for information on any parcel of land or property to provide Integrated Land Services to the citizens as well as all stakeholders. 
• The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) system is based on an international standard which complies with Electronic Commerce Code Management Association (ECCMA) standard and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standard.
• Generation of ULPIN:
  • There is a formula to generate and assign ECCMA (Electronic Commerce Code Management Association) Standard prescribed 14 digit Unique ID “Property Natural Identifier Unit” (PNIU) using the parcel Geo Referenced coordinate of vertices
  • This computationally generated Unique ID would be organically dependent on Parcel vertices expressed in Lat/Long coordinates “property Natural Identifier Lot” (PNIL) and Unique ID (PNIU) would spatially be pointing to the surface of the parcel.

Answer: B

Exp:

The Kerala High Court recently launched a first-of-its-kind virtual court called ‘24×7 ON Courts — Open and Networked Courts’ in Kollam district.

Virtual Courts in India:

• Concept and Purpose:
  • Statement 1 is correct: Virtual Courts aim to eliminate the physical presence of litigants and lawyers in courtrooms.
  • They facilitate the adjudication of cases on a virtual platform using Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
  • The concept is designed to efficiently utilize court resources and provide litigants with an effective avenue to settle petty disputes.
• Functionality:
  • Virtual Courts can be administered by a judge over a virtual electronic platform, functioning 24/7.
  • Communication and proceedings are conducted entirely in electronic form, including sentencing and payment of fines or compensation.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Current Implementation:
  • Virtual Courts are currently used for specific types of cases:
    • Offences under the Motor Vehicle Act (e.g., traffic challans).
    • Petty offences where summons can be issued under Section 206 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
• Statement 3 is correct: The concept was particularly emphasised during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when the Supreme Court of India directed all courts to extensively use video conferencing for judicial proceedings under Article 142 of the Constitution.