UPSC Prelims MCQs — Urban Malaria & Anopheles stephensi

 

UPSC Prelims MCQs — Urban Malaria & Anopheles stephensi

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Q1. With reference to Anopheles stephensi, consider the following statements:

1. It is an invasive mosquito vector adapted to urban environments.

2. It breeds primarily in artificial water containers such as tanks and tyres.

3. It transmits both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: ⭐ D

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Q2. India has set a target of achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by:

A. 2025

B. 2027

C. 2028

D. 2030

Answer: ⭐ B

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Q3. Which of the following factors contribute to urban malaria transmission in India?

1. Asymptomatic infections

2. Construction site water stagnation

3. High population density

4. Fragmented healthcare delivery

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: ⭐ D

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Q4. The spread of Anopheles stephensi is considered a global concern primarily because:

A. It is resistant to all known insecticides

B. It adapts efficiently to urban habitats

C. It feeds during daytime only

D. It transmits zoonotic malaria parasites

Answer: ⭐ B

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Q5. Cross-border malaria transmission affecting northeastern India is primarily linked with which of the following countries?

1. Bhutan

2. Myanmar

3. Bangladesh

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: ⭐ B

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Q6. Which of the following states currently contain high-burden malaria pockets according to the Malaria Elimination Technical Report 2025?

1. Odisha

2. Tripura

3. Mizoram

4. Gujarat

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 2, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: ⭐ B

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Q7. Consider the following challenges identified for malaria elimination in India:

1. Inconsistent private-sector reporting

2. Drug and insecticide resistance

3. Shortage of diagnostics and treatment commodities

4. Lack of active surveillance in tribal areas

How many of the above are correct?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. Only three

D. All four

Answer: ⭐ D

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Q8. In the context of malaria control, “operational research” refers to:

A. Laboratory testing of malaria vaccines

B. Clinical trials of new anti-malarial drugs

C. Field-based studies to improve programme implementation

D. Genetic modification of mosquito populations

Answer: ⭐ C

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Q9. Which of the following best describes the pre-elimination phase of malaria?

A. Malaria transmission is widespread across large regions

B. The disease persists only in limited high-risk pockets

C. No locally acquired malaria cases occur

D. Only imported malaria cases are reported

Answer: ⭐ B

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Q10. Which of the following policy priorities were emphasised in the Malaria Elimination Report 2025?

1. Strengthening surveillance systems

2. Enhancing vector monitoring

3. Improving supply-chain reliability

4. Universal immunisation against malaria

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: ⭐ A