Explanation: Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic derivative of penicillin and belongs to the β-lactam group of antibiotics. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, it is classified as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Paracetamol is not an antibiotic, and penicillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic.

Explanation: Organic farming is an agricultural method that emphasizes the use of natural inputs and eco-friendly techniques. It avoids chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it uses organic manures (compost, green manure, and farmyard manure), crop rotation, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and productivity. Chemical fertilizers are excluded because they degrade soil quality and harm beneficial soil organisms over time.

Explanation: Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress, fear, anger, or excitement. It prepares the body for “fight or flight” by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, and by dilating the air passages to supply more oxygen. Because it helps the body respond instantly to emergencies, it is called the “emergency hormone.”

Explanation: The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is an international agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. It is one of the most successful environmental treaties in history.

Explanation: Oncology is a branch of medical science that focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancers and tumours. The term is derived from the Greek word “onkos” meaning mass or tumour. A specialist in this field is called an Oncologist.

Major Branches of Oncology:

• Medical Oncology: Treatment using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Surgical Oncology: Removal of tumours through surgery.
• Radiation Oncology: Treatment of cancer using radiation therapy.

Common Cancers Studied in Oncology: Lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, leukemia (blood cancer), and prostate cancer.

Explanation: The longest day in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on 22nd December, which marks the Summer Solstice in that hemisphere. On this date, the South Pole is tilted toward the Sun, resulting in longer daylight hours and shorter nights. Conversely, at the same time, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its winter solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year. After 22nd December, the days in the Southern Hemisphere gradually begin to shorten.

A rocket functions based on Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which states that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” The rocket expels gases downward at high speed (action), and in response, the rocket is propelled upward (reaction). This principle enables space rockets to move even in the vacuum of space where no air resistance exists.

• Newton’s First Law: Deals with inertia, not propulsion.
• Newton’s Second Law: Explains force and acceleration but doesn’t directly describe rocket thrust.

Explanation: Ecology is a branch of biology that deals with the relationships of living organisms with one another and with their physical surroundings. It examines how organisms adapt to their environment, how energy flows through ecosystems, and how matter cycles within the biosphere. The term “Ecology” was first coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.