Explanation: The Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the smallest and most abundant species of sea turtle found primarily in warm and tropical waters, including the Indian Ocean. It is named for the olive color of its shell. These turtles are famous for their unique mass nesting phenomenon known as “arribada”, where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs. In India, large nesting sites are found along the coast of Odisha, especially at Gahirmatha Beach and the Rushikulya River mouth.

Explanation: In India, the largest share of electricity generation comes from thermal power. Thermal power plants generate electricity by using heat energy, primarily produced by burning coal, natural gas, or oil. Among these, coal-based thermal power contributes the majority. Although renewable sources like solar and hydro power are growing rapidly, thermal energy still accounts for over 70% of India’s total electricity production. This dominance is due to the abundant availability of coal and the extensive infrastructure built around it.

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.

Marble is not an element; it is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It forms when limestone is subjected to high pressure and temperature, causing recrystallization. Being a compound and mixture of minerals, marble does not consist of a single type of atom, unlike elements.

Other options (for context)

• Oxygen (O₂): A chemical element essential for respiration and combustion.
• Nitrogen (N₂): A chemical element that makes up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere.
• Hydrogen (H₂): The lightest chemical element and the main component of stars.

Explanation: Malaria is caused by a parasitic infection of the genus Plasmodium. The disease spreads to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites, it injects Plasmodium sporozoites into the bloodstream, which travel to the liver, multiply, and infect red blood cells. Common species causing malaria include P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, and P. ovale. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, and anemia. It can be prevented by mosquito control and use of antimalarial drugs.

Explanation: The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the body. It is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the neck region, just below the larynx. It secretes the hormones thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃), which control metabolism, growth, and energy utilization. The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Functions of the Thyroid Gland:

• Regulates metabolic rate (BMR)
• Influences growth and development
• Maintains body temperature and energy balance
• Regulates calcium metabolism via calcitonin

Disorders:

• Hypothyroidism: Leads to goitre, myxedema, or cretinism
• Hyperthyroidism: Leads to weight loss, anxiety, and increased heart rate

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.