Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 8th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The Khorlochhu Hydropower Project is situated in Eastern Bhutan, specifically in the Trashiyangtse district. This project, valued at approximately Rs 6,900 crore, marks a significant collaboration between India and Bhutan to address the region's electricity needs and promote renewable energy initiatives.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is indeed predominantly found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with approximately 99.7% of its population residing there. This information highlights the bird's specific habitat preferences and the concentration of its population, which is crucial for targeted conservation efforts.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Laysan albatross is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, not Endangered. This classification reflects concerns regarding its conservation status due to threats like habitat degradation and plastic pollution, but it does not indicate the critical urgency associated with the Endangered category.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Laysan albatrosses are known for their monogamous mating behavior, forming strong pair bonds that often last for life. This characteristic is a notable aspect of their social and reproductive behavior, contributing to their life history strategy in the wild.

Thus, the correct combination of true statements is 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the accurate answer.

• Statement-I: The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) primarily nests on Midway Atoll and Laysan Island in the Pacific Ocean. These locations are critical breeding grounds for the species. Hence, Statement-I is correct.

• Statement-II: Laysan albatrosses do not have predominantly black plumage. Instead, they have a distinctive plumage with white bodies and heads, and black upper wings and backs, along with some white flashes on their wings. Hence, Statement-II is incorrect.

Sacred groves in India hold significant importance as they serve as crucial reservoirs of biodiversity. These groves are dedicated to ancestral spirits or deities and play a vital role in conserving unique flora and fauna. By preserving these sacred groves, India can safeguard endemic species and maintain ecological balance, underscoring their pivotal role in biodiversity conservation efforts.

1. Sacred Groves in Kerala - Known as Devarakadu: Incorrect. In Kerala, sacred groves are referred to as Kavu or Sarpa Kavu, not Devarakadu. Devarakadu is the term used in Karnataka for sacred groves.

2. Sacred Groves in Karnataka - Known as Sarpa Kavu: Incorrect. In Karnataka, the sacred groves are known as Devarakadu. Sarpa Kavu is specific to Kerala.

3. Sacred Groves in Maharashtra - Known as Devrai: Correct. In Maharashtra, sacred groves are indeed referred to as Devrai.

4. Sacred Groves in Northeast India - Complete human interference allowed: Incorrect. The Garo and Khasi tribes in northeastern India typically restrict human interference in their sacred groves, maintaining their sanctity.

One of the main goals of treating Kawasaki disease in children is to reduce inflammation. This is typically achieved through the administration of intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin (IVIG) antibodies. By reducing inflammation, healthcare providers aim to alleviate symptoms, lower fever, and potentially prevent heart damage, promoting a quicker recovery and better outcomes for affected children.

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. Kawasaki Disease primarily affects children under five years of age, making this statement false. It is known as one of the most common forms of acquired heart disease in children, primarily affecting those under five.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The precise cause of Kawasaki Disease remains unknown. However, it is noted that there is a higher incidence of the disease during late winter and early spring, suggesting potential environmental or infectious factors that vary seasonally.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Kawasaki Disease was first identified in Japan by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967. The first reported cases outside Japan occurred in Hawaii in 1976, thus verifying the statement as true.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D the correct answer.

- Statement-I: Correct
- Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under the age of five. It is a pediatric inflammatory condition that can lead to serious heart complications if not treated promptly.

- Statement-II: Incorrect
- The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. While some theories suggest an infectious trigger, it has not been definitively identified as a bacterial infection.

- Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct answer is C: Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

1. Wet Evergreen Forests - Found in Anamalai Tiger Reserve: Correct. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve includes a variety of habitats, including wet evergreen forests.

2. Kurinchi - Species of Orchid found in ATR: Incorrect. Kurinchi is not a species of orchid. In the context of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Kurinchi refers to the famous flowering shrub Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), known for blooming every 12 years in the Western Ghats, not specifically an orchid.

3. Asiatic Elephant - Inhabitant of Anamalai Tiger Reserve: Correct. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is home to a variety of fauna, including the Asiatic Elephant.

4. Tungsten Mining - Recently started in Anamalai Tiger Reserve: Incorrect. The controversy over tungsten mining rights pertains to the Melur region near Madurai, not the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

• Statement-I: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is indeed located in the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi and Coimbatore districts in Tamil Nadu. It spans altitudes ranging from 340 meters to over 2,400 meters. The mention of an altitude of 1,400 meters is within this range. Hence, Statement-I is correct.

• Statement-II: Tungsten is a rare, heavy metal with exceptional properties, including the highest melting point of all metals (3,422°C) and remarkable hardness. Hence, Statement-II is correct.

However, there is no causal relationship between the two statements, so Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.