Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 7th October 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The WHO's recommendation to vaccinate pregnant women and administer an antibody to infants is aimed specifically at preventing severe RSV infection in newborns. RSV is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses in young children, and severe cases can lead to hospitalization and other serious health issues. By immunizing pregnant women, antibodies can be passed to the fetus, providing protection during the critical early months of life.

The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure is designed specifically to assess and approve unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics, and in vitro diagnostic tests in the context of public health emergencies. Its primary goal is to expedite the availability of critical medical products to those affected by crises, ensuring that they meet essential criteria for quality, safety, efficacy, and performance. This approach helps facilitate quicker access to necessary tools during outbreaks. An interesting fact is that the EUL can significantly reduce the time it takes for essential medical products to reach populations in urgent need, thereby potentially saving lives during outbreaks.

The Indian Wild Buffalo is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status indicates that the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching, and reduced population sizes. Interestingly, the Indian Wild Buffalo is also recognized as the state animal of Chhattisgarh, highlighting its cultural significance in addition to its ecological importance.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is primarily caused by a minor genetic mutation. This mutation affects the production of a protein called lamin A, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell nucleus. As a result, children with progeria experience rapid aging, leading to various physical and health issues that resemble those of much older individuals. Interestingly, progeria is so rare that it occurs in approximately 1 in every 4 million newborns.

The English Channel is crucial in global maritime trade as it facilitates a significant portion of international shipping, accounting for up to 20% of global maritime trade. This busy shipping route connects the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea, making it an essential link for transportation between southern England and northern France. An interesting fact is that the channel, at its narrowest point, is only 21 miles wide, making it a challenging yet vital route for vessels.

The Dravidian style of architecture is distinguished by its elaborate gateway towers known as gopurams, which serve as the main entrance to the temple complex. Unlike the curved shikhara found in North Indian temples, the Dravidian vimana (main tower) typically rises in a stepped pyramid-like structure. This style flourished predominantly in South India from the 8th century to the 14th century and is notable for its intricate carvings and enclosed temple compounds.

The EnviStats India 2024 report highlighted an 8% increase in mangrove cover from 2013 to 2021. This positive trend reflects ongoing efforts to protect coastal ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity, climate regulation, and as natural barriers against storms and erosion. Mangroves also play a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change effects.

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by stiff muscles and challenges with movement, and it represents the most prevalent type of cerebral palsy, accounting for approximately 70-80% of all cases. Individuals with spastic CP may experience increased muscle tone, which can hinder their ability to move freely. Understanding the types of cerebral palsy is crucial for tailoring therapies and interventions. An additional fact is that early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy, helping them achieve greater independence and mobility.

Offering trade discounts is not a method typically associated with the weaponization of trade. Instead, the weaponization of trade involves strategic actions like imposing trade embargoes, selectively restricting imports or exports, and using trade as leverage to achieve political or economic objectives. This shift in trade dynamics reflects a broader trend where economic interactions are increasingly viewed through the lens of national security and foreign policy.

Commercial mining is prohibited in Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ). These zones are established to protect delicate ecosystems surrounding national parks and wildlife sanctuaries by minimizing human impact. While certain activities like organic farming and rainwater harvesting are allowed, more destructive practices, such as mining and polluting industries, are banned to preserve the environmental integrity of these areas. This regulatory framework helps maintain biodiversity and protects wildlife habitats.

The recent recommendation by the World Health Organization to vaccinate pregnant women and administer infants with an antibody to prevent severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection primarily aims to reduce the occurrence of severe infections and fatalities among infants and older adults caused by RSV. RSV is known to lead to cold-like symptoms but can also result in serious conditions such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in vulnerable populations like premature infants and individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccinating pregnant women and providing antibodies to infants can help enhance immunity and protect against severe outcomes associated with RSV infection.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. RSV does not only cause severe infections in infants; it can also lead to severe respiratory diseases in adults, particularly those over 65 years of age and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions. Infants and older adults are both at high risk, making this statement inaccurate.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. RSV can indeed be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals and by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, which aligns with the known modes of transmission of the virus.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. People infected with RSV are generally contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, infants and immunocompromised individuals may spread the virus for up to 4 weeks, making this statement accurate.

Given the analysis, the correct statements are 2 and 3. However, since the options provided do not include a combination of 2 and 3 only, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, recognizing a mistake in the initial identification, as we should have concluded that the statement 1 was incorrect and only 2 and 3 are correct, thus leaving the preferable option as none of the above. The options need further correction.

1. Transmission of RSV - Direct contact with contaminated surfaces: This is correctly matched. RSV can be transmitted by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching one's face.

2. Individuals at high risk of RSV - Adults over 65 years old: This is correctly matched. Adults over 65, along with those with weakened immune systems and chronic health conditions, are at high risk of severe RSV infection.

3. EnviStats India 2024 - Ocean Accounts - Details on marine biodiversity only: This is incorrectly matched. The Ocean Accounts in EnviStats India 2024 provide details on the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems, not just marine biodiversity.

4. Protected Areas in EnviStats India 2024 - 72% increase in number from 2000 to 2023: This is correctly matched. EnviStats India 2024 reports a 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas from 2000 to 2023.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is not. Hence, two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement-I: RSV is indeed a virus that causes cold-like symptoms but can result in severe infections and fatalities, particularly among infants and older adults. This statement is accurate.

- Statement-II: The EnviStats India 2024 Report's claim of a 72% increase in Protected Areas from 2000 to 2023 indicates significant biodiversity conservation efforts. This statement is accurate.

- Both statements are true individually, but they address different topics without a direct relationship. Therefore, the correct response is option B: ERROR, as the connection between the two statements is not established.
 

The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure is designed to accelerate the availability of unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics, and In Vitro Diagnostic tests during public health emergencies. This process helps in quickening access to critical medical tools for those affected by a health crisis, ensuring timely responses and interventions.

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The EUL procedure is not limited to just vaccines and therapeutics; it also includes In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs). This is evident from the recent Emergency Use Listing for an IVD test for mpox, which highlights the inclusion of diagnostics under the EUL procedure.
2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. Products listed under the EUL must indeed be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for medicines and vaccines. However, the statement does not mention IVDs, which must be manufactured under a functional Quality Management System (QMS). Since the statement is about GMP specifically, it is technically correct.
3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. The EUL is explicitly aimed at accelerating the availability of medical products during public health emergencies by providing a mechanism to quickly assess their quality, safety, and efficacy.
Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3. Although the provided answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, a careful review shows that the answer should actually be based on correctly understanding the details of the WHO's EUL procedure. Therefore, the correct option should be based on statements 2 and 3 being correct, not 1. Thus, the correct answer should be corrected if needed to reflect these points accurately.

1. Emergency Use Listing (EUL): Incorrect. The EUL is a process by the WHO to assess and approve unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics, and IVDs in emergency situations, not for non-emergency situations.

2. Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Incorrect. Spastic Cerebral Palsy is characterized by stiff muscles and challenges with movement, not involuntary movements.

3. Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme: Correct. This scheme provides insurance coverage for individuals with disabilities, including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.

4. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Incorrect. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy involves uncontrollable movements that impact the limbs, not stiff muscles and movement challenges.

The correctly matched pairs are pair 3 and none of the others, making it only one correctly matched pair.

Statement-I correctly describes the purpose and process of the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizing its role in expediting the approval of critical medical products during public health emergencies. Statement-II accurately captures the essence of World Cerebral Palsy Day, which focuses on acknowledging the uniqueness of individuals with cerebral palsy beyond their disabilities. Furthermore, Statement-II complements Statement-I by providing additional context about a distinct public health initiative. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II effectively elucidates the significance of Statement-I in their respective contexts.

The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. It is flanked by the Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi rivers, which play vital roles in the ecosystem of the sanctuary. Chhattisgarh, known for its rich biodiversity, hosts this sanctuary to conserve various species, including the critically endangered Indian Wild Buffalo.

Statement 1 is correct. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, and it is bordered by the Balamdehi River on its western edge and the Jonk River on its northeastern boundary. These geographical features are crucial for defining the sanctuary's ecosystem.

Statement 2 is correct. The Indian Wild Buffalo is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its declining population and habitat loss. Furthermore, it is provided the highest level of legal protection in India under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which aims to safeguard threatened species.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian Wild Buffalo primarily inhabits alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, and river valleys, not dry deciduous forests. Its significant populations are mainly found in the northeastern parts of India, such as Kaziranga National Park and other protected areas, rather than central India.

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

1. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary: This is correctly matched. It is indeed located in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.

2. Rivers Flanking the Sanctuary: This is incorrectly matched. The sanctuary is flanked by the Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi rivers, not the Sabari.

3. Flora in the Sanctuary: This is correctly matched. The sanctuary is characterized by significant vegetation, including Teak and Sal.

4. Fauna in the Sanctuary: This is correctly matched. The wildlife commonly observed includes Cheetal (spotted deer) and Dhole (Wild Dog).

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly states that the Indian Wild Buffalo is classified as Endangered according to the IUCN, which is accurate based on the information provided in the text. On the other hand, Statement-II incorrectly mentions that the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Karnataka, which is inaccurate. The sanctuary is actually situated in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, as mentioned in the source material. Therefore, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect, making option (c) the accurate choice.

One of the physical characteristics associated with Progeria is hair loss, leading to baldness. This condition, formally known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, manifests in various ways, including prominent and large eyes, skin that appears aged and wrinkled, a thin, beaked nose structure, and a face that is disproportionately small in comparison to head size. The decreased fat beneath the skin gives individuals with Progeria a gaunt appearance, but hair loss is a notable feature indicating the condition's progression.

1. Statement 1: "Progeria is caused by a major genetic mutation that affects cognitive development in children." This statement is incorrect. Progeria is caused by a minor genetic mutation, not a major one. Importantly, progeria does not impact cognitive development; it primarily affects physical characteristics and aging.
2. Statement 2: "Children with progeria typically show signs of premature aging within the first one to two years of life." This statement is correct. Infants with progeria may appear healthy at birth, but they begin to show signs of premature aging within the first one to two years.
3. Statement 3: "Lonafarnib is a medication that has been shown to slow the progression of progeria." This statement is correct. Lonafarnib has been demonstrated to slow the progression of the disease, although there is currently no cure.
Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option C: 2 and 3 Only, the correct answer.

1. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome: Rapid aging in children - This is correctly matched. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is indeed a rare genetic condition that causes rapid aging in children.

2. Lonafarnib: Cure for Progeria - This is incorrectly matched. Lonafarnib is not a cure for Progeria; it is a medication that has shown the ability to slow the progression of the disease but does not cure it.

3. Primary Cause of Death: Heart complications or strokes - This is correctly matched. Heart complications or strokes are indeed the primary causes of death in individuals with Progeria.

4. Cognitive Development: Affected severely in children with Progeria - This is incorrectly matched. Progeria does not impact a child’s cognitive abilities or brain development; thus, their cognitive development is not severely affected by the condition.

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

Statement-I is correct as it accurately describes Progeria, a rare genetic condition causing rapid aging in children. On the other hand, Statement-II is incorrect as it does not accurately describe Eco-Sensitive Zones. Instead, ESZs function as buffer areas around Protected Areas to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on fragile ecosystems, rather than specifically providing a transition zone for wildlife.

The primary vegetation type in the Kawal Tiger Reserve is Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest. This type of forest is characterized by trees that shed their leaves during a specific season to conserve water and survive dry periods. The presence of this vegetation plays a crucial role in supporting a diverse array of wildlife within the reserve, including various species of deer, bears, bison, panthers, and tigers.

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

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Channel Islands are located in the English Channel, the Isle of Wight is not considered part of the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands include Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The English Channel connects to the North Sea through the Strait of Dover, which is located to the east of the Channel.

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

1. English Channel: Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea
- Incorrect. The English Channel connects the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea, through the Strait of Dover, and not to the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Kawal Tiger Reserve: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh
- Incorrect. Kawal Tiger Reserve is located in Telangana, not Andhra Pradesh.

3. Dravidian Style of Architecture: Features include Gopuram and Vimana
- Correct. The Dravidian style of architecture is characterized by features such as the Gopuram (entrance gateway) and Vimana (main tower).

4. Maldives: Located in the Pacific Ocean
- Incorrect. The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, not the Pacific Ocean.

Hence, only one pair is correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly states that the English Channel serves as a natural boundary between England and France. Statement-II is also accurate in mentioning the average depth of the English Channel. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation or further detail that directly relates to Statement-I. While both statements are individually correct, they do not form a sequential or explanatory relationship, hence option (b) is the correct answer.