Explanation: The main cause of global warming is the rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat radiated from the Earth’s surface, creating the greenhouse effect and leading to an overall increase in the planet’s temperature.

Insecticides primarily act upon the nervous system of insects. They interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. Common insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing continuous nerve stimulation. Some others, like pyrethroids, disrupt sodium channel functioning in nerve cells.

Other options (for context)

• Muscular system: Indirectly affected due to nerve failure, but not the primary target.
• Digestive system: Rarely affected — insecticides mainly disrupt neural signaling, not digestion.

Explanation: A transformer is an electrical device used to increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) the voltage of alternating current (A.C.). It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and functions only with A.C., not with D.C. A transformer consists of two coils—primary and secondary—wound around a soft iron core. The voltage ratio between these coils depends on the number of turns in each winding. Transformers are used in power transmission, distribution, and electronic devices to regulate voltage levels efficiently.

Explanation: Acid rain is caused by the presence of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in the atmosphere. These gases are mainly released from the burning of coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels in industries and vehicles. When they combine with water vapor and oxygen in the air, they form sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). These acids mix with rainwater and fall as acid rain, which damages soil, crops, aquatic life, and even monuments like the Taj Mahal.

Explanation: Light from the Sun takes approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the Earth. The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 149.6 million kilometers (1 Astronomical Unit). Since light travels at a speed of 3 × 10⁸ meters per second in a vacuum, it covers this distance in roughly eight minutes. This means that when we see sunlight, we are actually seeing it as it was about eight minutes earlier.

Explanation: Humans first landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first and second humans to walk on the Moon, while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. Neil Armstrong’s famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” marked this historic achievement in space exploration.

Explanation: Ringworm (also known as Dermatophytosis or Tinea infection) is a fungal skin disease. It appears as red, circular, itchy patches on the skin, scalp, or nails. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm but by a fungus that grows on keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated objects.

Common Types:

• Tinea capitis: Ringworm of the scalp
• Tinea corporis: Ringworm of the body
• Tinea pedis: Athlete’s foot (infection of feet)
• Tinea cruris: Jock itch (infection of groin area)

Explanation: The filament of an electric bulb is made of tungsten because it has a very high melting point of about 3380°C and good tensile strength. When electric current passes through it, tungsten glows brightly without melting, converting electrical energy into light and heat. It also has low vapour pressure, which prevents quick evaporation of the filament even at high temperatures, ensuring longer bulb life.