Explanation: The pairing Louis Pasteur : Blood groups is not correctly matched. Louis Pasteur is known for his work on pasteurization and germ theory of disease, not for discovering blood groups. The discovery of blood groups was made by Karl Landsteiner in 1900. Other matches are correct.

Explanation: ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory launched by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) on September 28, 2015. It is designed for astronomy research and studies celestial objects like stars, galaxies, black holes, and neutron stars in different wavelengths — including visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray bands. ASTROSAT helps scientists study high-energy astrophysical phenomena and provides data comparable to international missions such as NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.

Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of Folic Acid (Vitamin B₉). Folic acid is essential for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and proper cell growth. It is particularly important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Vegetables like spinach, kale, lettuce, and fenugreek leaves are excellent sources of folic acid.

Other options (for context)

• Citric acid: Found mainly in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
• Malic acid: Commonly present in apples and other fruits, not in leafy greens.
• None of these: Incorrect — folic acid is the correct nutrient associated with green leafy vegetables.

Explanation: Dialysis is a medical procedure prescribed for patients suffering from kidney failure or severe kidney disease. When the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products, excess salts, and water from the blood, dialysis performs this function artificially. It helps maintain the body’s chemical balance and remove toxins such as urea and creatinine. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis (using a dialysis machine and artificial kidney) and peritoneal dialysis (using the lining of the abdomen as a filter).

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: In GM food, the term GM stands for Genetically Modified. These are foods produced from organisms (plants or animals) whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using modern biotechnology or genetic engineering techniques. This modification is done to introduce desirable traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, higher yield, or improved nutritional value. A common example is Bt cotton, which contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that provides resistance to insect pests.

Explanation: Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals once used in insulation and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes severe lung disorders such as asbestosis and emphysema, leading to breathing difficulty, chest pain, and even lung cancer (mesothelioma). The fibers lodge in lung tissue and trigger inflammation and fibrosis over time.

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: Gamma rays are the most dangerous type of radiation because they have very high energy and strong penetrating power. They can pass through most materials, including human tissue, and may cause serious cellular and genetic damage. Proper shielding with dense materials like lead is required for protection.