Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 7th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The EnviStats India 2024 Report actually highlights an 8% increase in mangrove cover between 2013 and 2021, showcasing positive trends in coastal ecosystem protection. This information contradicts Statement-I, making it incorrect. On the other hand, Statement-II accurately reflects that the EnviStats India 2024 Report introduces Ocean Accounts for the first time, providing detailed information about ocean ecosystems. Therefore, Statement-II is correct.

1. Channel Islands - Located within the English Channel: Correct. The Channel Islands, including Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark, are located within the English Channel.

2. Strait of Dover - Connects the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea: Incorrect. The Strait of Dover connects the English Channel to the North Sea, not the Mediterranean Sea.

3. La Manche - French name for the English Channel: Correct. "La Manche" is indeed the French name for the English Channel, meaning "the Sleeve."

4. Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest - Primary vegetation type in the English Channel area: Incorrect. The English Channel does not have Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest as its primary vegetation. This vegetation type is associated with areas like the Kawal Tiger Reserve in India.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. It is flanked by the Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi rivers, providing a crucial ecosystem for various wildlife species.

1. The English Channel is the smallest shallow sea over the continental shelf of Europe. This statement is correct. The English Channel spans an area of approximately 29,000 square miles (75,000 square kilometers) and is indeed the smallest shallow sea over the continental shelf of Europe.

2. It connects to the North Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar. This statement is incorrect. The English Channel connects to the North Sea through the Strait of Dover, not the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Dover is located at the eastern end of the English Channel.

3. The narrowest point of the English Channel is known as the Strait of Dover. This statement is correct. The narrowest point of the English Channel is indeed the Strait of Dover, which measures just 21 miles (34 kilometers) across.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

- Statement-I correctly describes the English Channel's area of approximately 29,000 square miles, making it the smallest shallow sea over the continental shelf of Europe.
- However, Statement-II is incorrect as the English Channel connects to the North Sea through the Strait of Dover, not the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, far from the English Channel.
Therefore, Statement-I is correct regarding the area of the English Channel, while Statement-II is inaccurate regarding its connection to the North Sea.

1. Statement 1: Correct. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. The sanctuary is flanked by the Balmedhi and Jonk rivers, which are crucial for its ecosystem. This makes Statement 1 correct.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The Indian Wild Buffalo is classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List, not Vulnerable. This is a critical distinction in understanding the conservation status of the species. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

3. Statement 3: Correct. Significant populations of the Indian Wild Buffalo are found in northeastern India, particularly in Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, among others. This makes Statement 3 correct.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure, established by the World Health Organization, is primarily designed to accelerate the availability of unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics, and In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) tests during public health emergencies. This mechanism aims to provide quicker access to critical medical tools for those affected by serious diseases or outbreaks, ensuring a more rapid response to emerging health crises.

Statement-I mentions that the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, which is incorrect. The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is actually located in Gujarat, not in Chhattisgarh. Statement-II Suggests that the  Indian Wild Buffalo is recognized as the state animal of Chhattisgarh, being a substantial bovine species endemic to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia which is correct.

- Statement 1: Correct. RSV is spread through respiratory droplets by direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

- Statement 2: Correct. Premature infants, older adults with heart or lung conditions, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe RSV infections.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. RSV can be contagious for more than 8 days, especially in young children or those with weakened immune systems.

Thus, the correct answer is B: 1 and 2 Only.

The English Channel acts as a natural boundary between the southern coast of England (part of Great Britain) and the northern coast of France. This geographic feature has played a significant role historically and geographically in shaping relationships and trade between these two regions.