UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 22 February 2025

Solution: B

The first statement is correct, as the NHA framework adheres to the System of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011 guidelines, facilitating a standardized methodology for tracking health expenditure.

The second statement is also correct, as this alignment with international standards helps in comparing healthcare spending across countries, improving transparency and accountability.

The third statement is incorrect because the NHA framework is not limited to pandemic-related costs but covers the overall financial structure of healthcare, making it a comprehensive tool for evaluating all health expenditures.

Solution: A

Mount Erebus is located on Ross Island, Antarctica. It is the southernmost active volcano on Earth, known for its persistent activity despite the extreme cold conditions.

Solution: B

The first statement is correct. The Greyhounds force, established by Andhra Pradesh, is a highly trained special forces unit specializing in guerrilla warfare tactics to counter the Naxalite threat.

The second statement is also correct. The Aspirational Districts Programme focuses on developing underdeveloped regions, including areas affected by Naxalism, by improving key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The third statement is incorrect because the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) does classify Naxalite groups as terrorist organizations, allowing for swift legal action against them.

Solution: A

The first and second statements are correct. Elephants are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, they are listed in Schedule I, providing them the highest level of protection.

The third statement is incorrect because elephants are included in Appendix I of CITES, not Appendix II, which prohibits international trade except in rare circumstances.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct because Article 14 ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the law.

Statement 2 is also correct, as Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specific grounds, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all citizens.

However, Statement 3 is incorrect. Article 23 prohibits both bonded and forced labor, as well as human trafficking, ensuring protection from exploitation. This provision is especially relevant for vulnerable communities, including prisoners, who may be subject to exploitation or coercive labor practices in certain instances.

Solution: C

• The Gulf of Mannar is located between Tamil Nadu, India, and the northern part of Sri Lanka, making Statement 1 correct.
• It is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, making it an important ecological zone, which validates Statement 2.
• Moreover, its proximity to international shipping routes in the Indian Ocean gives it strategic military importance, making Statement 3 correct.
• This region has been a focal point of conservation efforts, including the establishment of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, aimed at protecting its unique marine ecosystem.

Solution: A

The Sammakka-Saralamma Temple inside the sanctuary is of great religious significance, and it hosts annual religious gatherings. However, the temple is dedicated to the deities Sammakka and Saralamma, not Shiva, making statement 3 incorrect.

Solution: c)

• The Laccadive Sea is located between the southwestern coast of India and the Maldives, which makes Statement 1 correct.
• It is a crucial sea route for maritime trade between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, particularly through the Suez Canal, validating Statement 2.
• However, Statement 3 is incorrect because the Laccadive Sea is known for its rich biodiversity, including coral reefs, making it ecologically significant. Thus, the region is a focus for marine conservation efforts, particularly in and around the Lakshadweep Islands.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is correct. The new technique employs high-energy ultrasound to break off small portions of tissue and turn them into droplets that contain molecular markers like RNA, DNA, and proteins. These droplets are released into the bloodstream, where they can be analyzed to identify cancer types.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the technique is non-invasive, reducing the need for procedures like biopsies. It detects cancer through the biomarkers found in the blood, rather than requiring direct tissue samples.

Statement 3 is correct. The method increases the concentration of detectable biomarkers by over 100 times, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of early cancer detection.

Solution: C

Minicoy Island is indeed the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep group, making Statement 1 correct.

The Eight Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the Maldives, and the Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the rest of the Lakshadweep Islands, making Statements 2 and 3 correct.

These channels play an important role in maritime trade and the strategic positioning of India in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, Minicoy is culturally unique within the Lakshadweep group, with its distinct language and traditions, highlighting the diverse nature of India’s island territories.