Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 10th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Kerala - Highest projected percentage of elderly population by 2036: This is correctly matched. Kerala is projected to have a significant demographic shift with the highest elderly population percentage (22.8%) by 2036.

2. Bihar - Lowest fertility rate among northern states: This is incorrectly matched. Bihar has a relatively high fertility rate (around 3), indicating a slower demographic transition and a younger population structure compared to other northern states.

3. Tamil Nadu - Already surpassed the old age dependency ratio threshold of 15%: This is correctly matched. Tamil Nadu had an old age dependency ratio of 20.5 in 2021, indicating it has surpassed the threshold.

4. Uttar Pradesh - Expected to lose Lok Sabha seats due to slower population growth: This is incorrectly matched. Uttar Pradesh is expected to gain seats because of its higher population growth, not lose them.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Shimoga District of Karnataka and was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary on November 23, 1974.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The sanctuary predominantly features Dry and Moist Deciduous Forests in its eastern and central regions, and Semi-evergreen Forests towards the western side due to increased rainfall. It is not predominantly covered by Evergreen Forests.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. The Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary is a part of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary and is located on a small island in the River Tunga.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in Shimoga District, Karnataka: This pair is correctly matched. The Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Shimoga District of Karnataka.

2. Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary - Located on a small island in River Tunga: This pair is correctly matched. The Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary is situated on a small island in the River Tunga.

3. TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) - Caused by excess of enzyme ADAMTS13: This pair is incorrectly matched. TTP is caused by a deficiency, not an excess, of the enzyme ADAMTS13, which leads to the formation of excessive blood clots.

4. CoronaVac Vaccine - Linked to immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: This pair is correctly matched. Recent studies have identified a link between the CoronaVac vaccine and immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Statement-I correctly defines Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) as a blood disorder characterized by the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body. This is an accurate description of TTP.
However, Statement-II is incorrect. While TTP can lead to complications such as the depletion of platelets and may cause internal bleeding, it is not directly associated with hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a separate condition characterized by the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells, often caused by factors such as autoimmune disorders, infections, or certain medications.

The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are worried about the declining fertility rates in their states. This demographic trend could have significant implications for future economic growth and social stability. Addressing this concern involves understanding the impact of decreasing birth rates on various aspects of society, including workforce dynamics, healthcare services, and overall population structure.

- Statement-I is correct. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) was indeed established on June 1, 2016, as a quasi-judicial body under the Companies Act, 2013, to adjudicate corporate disputes.
- Statement-II is also correct. The NCLT functions by adhering to principles of natural justice and follows the procedural rules outlined in the Companies Act, 2013, to ensure efficient resolution of corporate disputes.
- Both statements are correct, but Statement-II provides a procedural detail rather than explaining the establishment of NCLT in Statement-I. Thus, option B is correct.

Statement-I is accurate as snakebite envenoming is indeed a significant health concern that predominantly affects vulnerable groups in areas where venomous snakes are prevalent, such as rural regions. Statement-II correctly describes the caterpillar fungus, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, highlighting its habitat in the Himalayan regions and its chemical, Cordycepin, which has shown promise in disrupting cancer cell growth signals. However, there is no direct explanatory link between the two statements. Hence, both statements are correct individually but not interrelated to explain each other.

- Statement 1 is correct. A menhir is indeed defined as a large upright standing stone and can be found either as isolated monoliths or as part of a group of similar stones.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The highest concentration of menhirs is found in Western Europe, not Eastern Europe. This geographical distribution includes regions like France, where such stone arrangements are most prevalent.

- Statement 3 is correct. Menhirs are often arranged in various formations, including circles, semicircles, or in lines known as alignments. The most famous menhir alignment is located in Carnac, France, which is known for its extensive array of 2,935 menhirs.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Ophiocordyceps Sinensis - Caterpillar fungus found in the Amazon Rainforest: This pair is incorrectly matched. Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, also known as caterpillar fungus, is found primarily in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding high Himalayan regions, not in the Amazon Rainforest.

2. Cordycepin - Chemical associated with disrupting cancer cell growth: This pair is correctly matched. Cordycepin is a chemical found in the caterpillar fungus and is known for its potential to disrupt the overactive cell growth signals associated with cancer.

3. Antivenom - Treatment recognized by WHO for snakebite envenoming: This pair is correctly matched. Antivenoms are indeed recognized by the World Health Organization as essential medicines for treating snakebite envenoming.

4. Snakebite Envenoming - Notifiable disease in Tamil Nadu under Public Health Act: This pair is correctly matched. Snakebite envenoming has been classified as a notifiable disease by the Tamil Nadu government under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act of 1939.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is characterized by a lower-than-normal count of platelets in the blood. This condition involves the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body, which can lead to serious complications by restricting or obstructing blood flow to essential organs. Platelets are crucial for clot formation, and a decreased count can result in bleeding issues and bruising. TTP is a rare but severe blood disorder that requires prompt medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.