Running water is the source of hydel power (also called hydroelectric power). The energy of flowing or falling water is converted into electrical energy using turbines and generators in dams. It is a renewable, clean, and sustainable source of energy widely used in India and worldwide.

• Thermal power: Generated by burning coal or other fuels.
• Nuclear power: Produced from nuclear fission reactions.
• None of the above: Incorrect — running water directly produces hydel power.

Explanation: A parity bit is added to binary data in a computer system for error detection. It helps identify whether data has been altered during transmission or storage. The parity bit makes the total number of 1s either even (even parity) or odd (odd parity), allowing simple error checking.

India’s first successful atomic device was tested at Pokhran in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan on 18th May 1974. The operation was code-named "Smiling Buddha" and was conducted by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under the leadership of scientists like Dr. Raja Ramanna. This event marked India’s entry into the group of nuclear-capable nations.

Other options (for context)

• Bikaner: A city in Rajasthan, but no nuclear tests were conducted there.
• Barmer: Located near the Pakistan border, not the site of India’s nuclear test.
• Jaisalmer: Close to Pokhran geographically, but not the test location.

An Atom bomb works on the principle of nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a heavy atom such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 splits into two or more smaller nuclei when bombarded with a neutron. This splitting releases a tremendous amount of energy along with more neutrons, which further cause chain reactions — leading to a massive explosion.

Other options (for context)

• Chemical reaction: Produces far less energy; used in conventional explosives, not atomic bombs.
• Nuclear fusion: Powers hydrogen bombs (thermonuclear bombs), not atomic bombs.
• Atomic collision: General term — does not describe the chain reaction mechanism in fission.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a major cause of acid rain. When released into the atmosphere from vehicle exhausts and industrial emissions, it reacts with water vapor to form nitric acid (HNO₃). Along with sulfur dioxide forming sulfuric acid, it contributes to acid rain, which damages vegetation, aquatic life, and buildings.

• Carbon dioxide: Causes global warming, not acid rain.
• Carbon monoxide: A toxic gas but not acidic.
• Oxygen: Essential for respiration, not a pollutant.

Explanation: White lung disease, scientifically known as byssinosis, is an occupational lung disorder caused by prolonged inhalation of cotton dust in textile and cotton processing industries. The inhaled dust irritates the airways, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure can result in chronic bronchitis and reduced lung capacity.

Preventive Measures:

• Proper ventilation and dust control in textile mills
• Use of protective masks by workers
• Regular health check-ups and dust monitoring