Cyber scam hubs across Southeast Asia fuelled by human trafficking: APG report

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details:

| Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union Ministry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) | To coordinate between various law enforcement agencies | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| 2. | Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) | To investigate complex corporate frauds | Ministry of Finance |
| 3. | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | To preserve values in public life and ensure the health of the national economy | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension |

In how many of the above rows are the given details correctly matched ?

1. A. 1
2. B. 2
3. C. 3
4. D. None

Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct?

1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.
2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry.
3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 only
4. D. 2 only

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board's Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. 1 and 3
2. B. 2 and 4
3. C. 3 and 4
4. D. 1 and 4

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information:

| Organization      | Some of its Functions     | It Works Under      |
|--------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Directorate of Enforcement    | Enforcement of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018     | Internal Security Division-I, Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  | Enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962    | Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance  |
| Directorate General of Systems and Data Management | Carrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evaders | Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance     |

In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All the three
4. D. None

How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023?

1. A. One
2. B. Two
3. C. Three
4. D. Four

Consider the following statements:
1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in public interest.
3. The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

With reference to India, consider the following:

I. The Inter-State Council
II. The National Security Council
III. Zonal Councils

How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All the three
4. D. None

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

1. A. C. Rajagopalachari
2. B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
3. C. T.T. Krishnamachari
4. D. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Consider the following statements:

1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by Reserve Bank of India.
2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company.
3. Brickwork Rating is an Indian credit rating agecy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

With reference to India, consider the following statements:

1. Government law officers and legal firms are recognised as advocates, but corporate lawyers and patent attorneys are excluded from recognition as advocates.
2. Bar Councils have the power to lay down the rules relating to legal education and recognition of law colleges.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

The Asia/Pacific Group (APG) Yearly Typologies Report 2025, recently in news, primarily highlighted which of the following issues?

1. A. The rise of maritime piracy in the South China Sea.
2. B. The increasing use of AI in military applications by Southeast Asian nations.
3. C. The operation of cyber scam hubs in Southeast Asia fueled by human trafficking and money laundering.
4. D. The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the APG report, cyber scam hubs in Southeast Asia exploit several vulnerabilities to operate and expand. Which of the following is NOT identified as a key vulnerability exploited by these hubs?

1. A. Low regulatory oversight in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
2. B. Use of complex corporate structures like shell companies.
3. C. Reliance on traditional banking channels for large-scale illicit transactions.
4. D. Complicity of public officials due to corruption or limited capacity.

Regarding India's response to its citizens being trapped in cyber scam hubs in Southeast Asia, consider the following statements: 1. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are actively probing cases related to human trafficking agents involved. 2. The Indian government has rescued thousands of citizens from these centers since 2022. 3. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is primarily focused on the physical abuse aspects rather than money laundering. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

The rise of cyber scam hubs in Southeast Asia, fueled by human trafficking, poses significant challenges for India's internal security and its citizens abroad. In light of this statement, discuss the multifaceted challenges posed by these hubs and suggest measures for enhanced international cooperation to combat this menace.

Introduce the problem of cyber scam hubs and human trafficking. Detail the multifaceted challenges for India (human trafficking of citizens, cybercrime, money laundering, national security implications, reputational damage). Then, outline specific measures for enhanced international cooperation (intelligence sharing, joint law enforcement operations, strengthening AML/CFT frameworks, extradition treaties, diplomatic efforts, victim rescue and rehabilitation).

Examine the role of various Indian agencies and government policies in addressing the issue of Indian citizens being trapped in cyber scam hubs abroad. What further institutional and policy reforms are needed to effectively tackle this transnational crime?

Begin by outlining the current efforts by Indian agencies (NIA, CBI, ED) and the government's rescue operations. Discuss existing policies or their limitations. Then, suggest further institutional reforms (e.g., dedicated task forces, enhanced inter-agency coordination, capacity building) and policy reforms (e.g., stronger legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, international agreements, victim support mechanisms) to combat this transnational crime.