• Solution (c) 

Explanation:

Microplastics 

Definition:
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size that originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are manufactured intentionally (like microbeads used in cosmetics and toothpaste).

Types of Microplastics:

1. Primary Microplastics:
   • Intentionally produced small-sized plastics.
   • Examples: microbeads in personal care products, industrial pellets (nurdles), synthetic fibres from clothing.
2. Secondary Microplastics:
   • Formed due to degradation of larger plastic materials by sunlight, waves, and physical abrasion.
   • Examples: fragments from plastic bottles, bags, or fishing nets.

Sources:

• Wear and tear of synthetic textiles
• Breakdown of packaging materials
• Tyre and road wear particles
• Cosmetic and cleaning products
• Plastic litter degradation

Environmental Impact:

• Marine Pollution: Ingested by plankton, fish, and other marine species → bioaccumulation and bio magnification.
• Soil Contamination: Micro plastics enter the soil through sewage sludge and agricultural films.
• Airborne Spread: Found in atmospheric fallout and even human lungs.

Human Health Risks: Potential toxic effects due to additives (phthalates, bisphenol-A); studies indicate traces in human blood, placenta, and lungs.

• Solution (b)

Explanation:

Digital Arrest 

Meaning:
“Digital Arrest” is not a legal term, but a popular phrase used in media to describe a cybercrime modus operandi where scammers impersonate law enforcement or government officials online and coerce victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.

How It Works:

• Cybercriminals contact victims through video calls, emails, or messaging apps, claiming the victim’s involvement in illegal activities (e.g., money laundering, narcotics, parcel scams).
• They may display fake ID cards, police logos, or official-looking documents, and sometimes even pretend to confine the victim digitally (“you are under digital arrest”).
• Victims are psychologically manipulated into staying on video call and paying money or sharing OTPs, fearing legal consequences.

Legal Status:

• The term “digital arrest” has no recognition in Indian law.
• The scam falls under offences defined in:
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 – sections on cheating by impersonation, identity theft, and online fraud.
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC) – provisions on criminal intimidation, extortion, and impersonation.

• Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The CDSCO functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, not under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Hence Statement 1 is Incorrect
• The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) heads CDSCO and oversees new drug approvals, clinical trials, and licensing. Hence Statement 2 is Correct

CDSCO is indeed the national regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India, ensuring drug quality and safety. Hence Statement 3 is Correct

• Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The National Security Guard Act, 1986 provides for constituting a federal anti-terrorism force. Hence Statement 1 is Correct

NSG is meant for exceptional counter-terror and emergency tasks, not regular substitution of state police in day-to-day law-and-order. Hence Statement 2 is Incorrect

• Solution (c)

Explanation:

• POCSO defines a child as any person below 18 years of age, irrespective of gender, making the Act gender-neutral. Hence Statement 1 is Correct

• The POCSO (Amendment) Act, 2019 added provisions allowing the death penalty for cases of aggravated penetrative sexual assault on minors. Hence Statement 2 is Correct

Under Section 19, the Act mandates any person to report known or suspected offences; failure attracts punishment under Section 21. Hence Statement 3 is Correct