**Question:** Given below are two statements: Statement I: Bab el-Mandeb strait off the tip of Yemen is a maritime choke point in the Red Sea crisis. Statement II: Bab el-Mandeb strait forms the western entrance to the Red Sea. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
**Options:**
(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(B) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
(C) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect
(D) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct
**Correct Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Statement I is correct: The Bab el-Mandeb strait is indeed a critical maritime choke point. Statement II is incorrect: The Bab el-Mandeb strait forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea, not the western entrance.
*Published: September 05, 2025 at 10:06 AM*
*Tags: HPAS 2024, Prelims, General Studies, Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service*