Ans: B

Exp:

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has launched a concerted effort to assess and potentially uplift the population of the Nilgiri Tahr.

Statement 1 is correct: Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species and the sole Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India.

• Bovines (subfamily Bovinae) comprise a diverse group of 10 genera of medium to large-sized ungulates, including cattle, bison, African buffalo, water buffalos, and the four-horned and spiral-horned antelopes.
• Nilgiri hills  includes the largest known population of two endangered animal species, namely the Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion-tailed macaque and the largest South Indian population of elephant, tiger, gaur, sambar, and chital.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Nilgiri Tahr has been listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which provides absolute protection and offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties.

• Animals under schedule II t  list are also accorded high protection with the prohibition on their trade. 
• Some of the animals listed under Schedule II include Assamese Macaque, Himalayan Black Bear and Indian Cobra.

Statement 3 is correct: The Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri tahr. The Park covers an area of 97 sq.km.

• The highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi (2695 meters), is situated on the southern side of the park.

This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once every twelve years.

Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refused 11 shipments of  MDH products labelled as “spices, flavours, and salts on grounds of Salmonella contamination.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. 

• Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through stool (feces). Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated  food.

Statement 2 is correct: Salmonellosis in humans is generally contracted through the consumption of contaminated water or food of animal origin (mainly eggs, meat, poultry, and milk).

• Although other foods, including green vegetables contaminated by manure, have been implicated in its transmission. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through the faecal-oral route.

Ans: B

Exp:

The city of Madurai comes alive each year during the vibrant Chithirai Festival, held in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May).

Statement 1 is incorrect: Alagar Temple is also known with the name of Azhagar Kovil is one of the prominent temples situated at the foothills of Alagar hills in the state of Tamil Nadu. 

• It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its intricate sculpting and mandapams. It was mentioned in epics such as Silappathikaram.

Statement 2 is correct: There are also inscriptions dating back to King Ashoka rule. It is said that great Jain monk Ajjanandi had resided here along with his disciples. 

• King Thirumalai Naickar of Nayaka dynasty also added many artistic features to this temple during his reign. The kalyan mandapam of the temple, especially showcases Nayaka art.

Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, AstraZeneca has admitted for the first time in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine may lead to a rare side-effect called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).

Statement 1 is incorrect: Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colourless blood cells that help blood clot. 

• Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries.

Statement 2 is correct: Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. 

• Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.

Statement 3 is correct: AstraZeneca has admitted for the first time in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine, sold globally under the brand names Covishield and Vaxzevria among others, may lead to a rare side-effect. 

• The company stated in the document that a rare side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) can happen even if there is no vaccination, adding that expert testimony will be required to determine causation in every individual case.

Ans: C

Exp:

Sierra Madre, the navy ship was deliberately marooned on the shoal in 1999 and now serves as a fragile symbol of Philippines territorial claim over South China Sea.

Statement 1 is correct: The South China Sea  is connected by Taiwan Strait with the East China Sea and by Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea. 

• The major rivers draining into the South China Sea are the tributaries of the Pearl (Zhu) River Delta including the Xi River, the Red River and the Mekong River.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands and the Hoang Sa Archipelago are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. 

• The Paracel Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam

Statement 3 is correct: The nine-dash line demarcates China’s territorial claims in the sea on Chinese maps. It was initially the “eleven-dash line” but in 1953, the CCP-led government removed “the portion encompassing the Gulf of Tonkin, simplifying the border to nine dashes.