Xylem is a type of vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transportation of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the stems and leaves. The upward movement of water through xylem vessels occurs due to processes like transpiration pull, root pressure, and capillary action. Xylem also provides mechanical support to the plant.

Other options (for context)

• Food: Transported by phloem, not xylem.
• Nutrient: Minerals are carried along with water but the primary function of xylem is water transport.
• Both food and water: Incorrect — only phloem transports food; xylem transports water.

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.

Chandrayaan-2, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22 July 2019, was designed to explore the South Pole region of the Moon. This area is of great scientific interest because it is permanently shadowed and may contain water ice and other valuable minerals. The mission included an orbiter, a lander (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan), making it India’s first attempt at a soft landing on the lunar surface near the south pole.

Other options (for context)

• Moon North Pole: Not the target area of Chandrayaan-2.
• Moon North-West part: Incorrect — Chandrayaan-2 focused specifically on the South Pole.
• Unexplored part of the Moon: Partly true, but specifically, the unexplored South Pole region was chosen.

Explanation: Anaemia is a condition caused by a deficiency of iron in the body, leading to reduced formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells. As a result, the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen decreases, causing fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pale skin. Iron is essential for haemoglobin synthesis, and deficiency can result from poor diet, blood loss, or malabsorption. Foods rich in iron include green leafy vegetables, liver, red meat, legumes, and jaggery.

In India, the most widely used form of renewable energy is Solar Energy. Due to the country’s tropical location, India receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making solar power a highly viable and sustainable energy source. It is harnessed using solar panels for electricity generation and heating applications under initiatives like National Solar Mission.

• Geothermal energy: Used only in limited pilot projects.
• Hydro-electric energy: Important but not as rapidly expanding as solar.
• Thermal energy: Usually refers to non-renewable coal-based power plants.

Explanation: When a man inside a moving train tosses a coin and it falls behind him, it means the train is moving forward with acceleration. The coin, after being tossed, continues to move with the train’s initial velocity, but since the train speeds up, the coin appears to fall backward relative to the man.

Explanation: A sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff, a mercury or aneroid gauge, and a bulb for inflation. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated to temporarily stop blood flow. As pressure is slowly released, readings are taken for systolic (maximum) and diastolic (minimum) pressure. Normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is about 120/80 mmHg.