Explanation: Carpal bones are the eight small bones that make up the wrist (also known as the carpus) in the human skeletal system. These bones are arranged in two rows — a proximal row (closer to the forearm) and a distal row (closer to the hand). They connect the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) to the bones of the hand (metacarpals) and allow for the flexibility and movement of the wrist. The carpals are essential for various hand motions like bending, rotation, and gripping.

Explanation: Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani. It is transmitted through the bite of the female Phlebotomus sandfly. The disease primarily affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, leading to symptoms such as fever, anemia, weight loss, and darkening of the skin. The term “Kala-azar” literally means “black fever.”

Explanation: The gas used for artificial ripening of green fruits is ethylene (C₂H₄). Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening by stimulating the conversion of starches into sugars, making the fruit softer and sweeter. In artificial ripening, ethylene gas is introduced in controlled amounts to uniformly ripen fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. However, the use of harmful chemicals like calcium carbide for ripening is banned because it produces toxic substances like acetylene.

Mountaineers carry oxygen cylinders because the amount of air (and oxygen) available at high altitudes is much less than that at ground level. As altitude increases, air pressure and oxygen concentration decrease, making breathing difficult and leading to altitude sickness. Supplemental oxygen helps them breathe properly and maintain body function.

• No air above 5 km: Incorrect — air exists but is thinner.
• Lower temperature: True but not the reason for carrying oxygen.
• Higher air pressure: Incorrect — pressure decreases with height.

Explanation: Acids do not turn red litmus to blue; they turn blue litmus paper red. Acids are sour in taste, corrosive in nature, and have a pH value less than 7. The statement that acids turn red litmus to blue is incorrect.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is commonly used as a fire extinguisher gas. It works by displacing oxygen around the fire and forming a blanket of gas that cuts off the oxygen supply, thereby stopping the combustion process. Additionally, CO₂ is non-flammable and leaves no residue, making it ideal for use on electrical and electronic fires where water cannot be used safely.

Other options (for context)

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): A toxic gas, not suitable for firefighting.
• Carbon monoxide (CO): A poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion, not used in extinguishers.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): Commonly known as laughing gas, used as an anesthetic, not a fire suppressant.

Explanation: The full form of GPS is Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate information about the location, speed, and time anywhere on Earth. Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, GPS uses a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. It is widely used in navigation, mapping, military operations, aviation, and smartphone tracking applications.

Explanation: Insulin is a hormone secreted by the beta (β) cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Its main function is to regulate the blood glucose level by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and converting excess glucose into glycogen in the liver and muscles. A deficiency or lack of insulin causes diabetes mellitus, leading to high blood sugar levels. The pancreas also secretes glucagon, which performs the opposite function by increasing blood glucose levels.