Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites (Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale) that are transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Statement 2 is incorrect:  The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde) as a malaria-free country, becoming the third country to acquire the status in the global health organisation’s African region. The country has now joined Mauritius and Algeria, who were certified in 1973 and 2019, respectively.

Ans: D

Exp:

Non-attainment cities are designated as such if they consistently fail to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM10 that has a diameter of 10 microns or less) or nitrogen dioxide over a five-year period.

The National Clean Action Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019 with a target of reducing 20 to 30 per cent particulate pollution by 2024, which was then further increased to 40 per cent by 2026. However, most major cities in the country are way behind the 2024 benchmark, according to a recently released study.

Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The Himalayan Wolf has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. It is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Himalayan Wolf has been categorised as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.

According to the Red List assessment, all individuals were in one subpopulation stretching across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and across the Tibetan Plateau.

Statement 3 is correct: According to the Red List assessment: “Depredation conflict is a major conservation concern, given a seasonal or permanent high livestock abundance in wolf habitats that often form summer pasture land for livestock grazing. Habitat modification and encroachment and depletion of wild prey populations are important drivers of this conflict,” 

It highlighted that hybridisation with dogs was an emerging threat to the Himalayan wolf population in Ladakh and Spiti “where increasing populations of feral dogs pose a growing challenge”.

The wolf is also illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, and other parts. However, hunting of these wolves is not legal in all range states, the assessment noted.

Ans: C

Exp:

The Global Risks Report is published by the World Economic Forum.

• The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
• The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
• It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. 

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The HPV Vaccine is not  covered under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Under UIP, following vaccines are provided:

1. BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin)
2. DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus Toxoid)
3. OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)
4. Measles 
5. Hepatitis B
6. TT (Tetanus Toxoid)
7. JE vaccination (in selected high disease burden districts)
8. Hib containing Pentavalent vaccine (DPT+HepB+Hib) (In selected States)

Statement 2 is correct: The HPV vaccine is given in two to three doses and the best time to start is when a girl is between 9 and 14 years but can be given beyond 14 years also with a doctor’s advice.