Explanation: The term "Ozone hole" does not mean an actual hole but refers to a significant decrease in the thickness of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere. This thinning occurs mainly over the Antarctic region during spring (September–November) due to chemical reactions involving chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. These chemicals release chlorine and bromine atoms, which destroy ozone (O₃) molecules. The thinning allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth's surface, causing health and environmental hazards.

Explanation: Mucor is not a biofertilizer; it is a saprophytic fungus that grows on decaying organic matter. Biofertilizers are living microorganisms that enhance soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or solubilizing nutrients. Examples include Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and Anabaena.

The Taj Mahal is threatened primarily due to sulphur dioxide (SO₂) pollution. When sulphur dioxide released from nearby industries and vehicles mixes with moisture in the air, it forms sulphuric acid, leading to acid rain. This acid rain reacts with the white marble of the Taj Mahal, causing it to turn yellow and deteriorate — a phenomenon known as “Marble Cancer.”

Other options (for context)

• Carbon dioxide: Contributes to global warming but does not directly damage marble.
• Carbon monoxide: Harmful to health but has minimal effect on marble structures.
• Water vapour: Naturally present in the atmosphere and not harmful to monuments.

Explanation: Vitamin B₂ is also known as Riboflavin. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in the body’s energy production and cellular function. Riboflavin acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, helping to convert food into energy. It is also essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nerve functions. A deficiency of Vitamin B₂ can lead to cracked lips, sore throat, and inflammation of the tongue (a condition known as ariboflavinosis).

Explanation: Every computer connected to the Internet is identified by a unique numerical label called an IP Address (Internet Protocol Address). It consists of four numeric parts separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and is used to locate and communicate with devices over the network.

Explanation: The flow of electrons through a metallic wire constitutes an electric current. In metals, free electrons move from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a power source, while the conventional direction of current is taken as opposite — from positive to negative.

Explanation: 1 Gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1024 Megabytes (MB). Computer memory and storage are measured in powers of 2 (binary system), where 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, and 1 GB = 1024 MB.

Explanation: Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the photoelectric effect, not for his famous theory of relativity. In the photoelectric effect, when light of a certain frequency falls on a metal surface, it emits electrons. Einstein explained this phenomenon by proposing that light is made up of discrete packets of energy called photons. The energy of each photon is given by E = hν, where h is Planck’s constant and ν is the frequency of light. This discovery laid the foundation for quantum physics and modern electronics.

Explanation: The Sinoatrial (SA) node is a specialized group of modified cardiac muscle fibers located in the right atrium of the heart, near the opening of the superior vena cava. It generates electrical impulses (action potentials) that initiate each heartbeat. Therefore, it is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart.

The impulses from the SA node spread across the atria, causing them to contract, and are then transmitted to the Atrioventricular (AV) node, Bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers to coordinate ventricular contraction.

Normal rate of SA node firing: ~70–75 impulses per minute (in a healthy adult at rest).

In case of SA node failure: Artificial pacemakers are implanted to maintain normal rhythm.