Q: Where is 'Dakshin Gangotri' located ?

A: South Pole

B: Himalaya

C: Uttarakhand

D: Antarctica



Correct Option: D  [ Antarctica ]

Remark:

Explanation: Dakshin Gangotri is India’s first scientific research station established in Antarctica in 1983–84. It was set up by the Indian Antarctic Programme under the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). Located about 2,500 km from the South Pole, it served as a base for scientific studies related to glaciology, meteorology, and environmental sciences. Though it is now buried under ice and functions as a supply base, it marked India’s permanent presence in Antarctica. Later stations include Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).


Q: Thyroid gland is located

A: near the heart

B: at the base of the brain

C: below the liver

D: in the neck region



Correct Option: D  [ in the neck region ]

Remark:

Explanation: The thyroid gland is located in the neck region, just below the larynx (voice box) and in front of the trachea (windpipe). It is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that secretes the hormones thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃). These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and energy production in the body. The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which helps control calcium levels in the blood. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.


Q: The largest artery in human body is:

A: Aorta

B: Capillary

C: Vena cava

D: Pulmonary vein



Correct Option: A  [ Aorta ]

Remark:

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and distributes oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through its various branches. The aorta has thick, elastic walls that can withstand the high pressure of blood pumped directly from the heart. It is divided into parts such as the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta.

Other options (for context)

  • Capillary: The smallest blood vessels where exchange of gases and nutrients occurs.
  • Vena cava: The largest vein, not an artery; it carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
  • Pulmonary vein: Carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart but is not the largest vessel.


Q: If we add salt to pure water, its boiling point will

A: increase

B: decrease

C: remains same

D: None of the above



Correct Option: A  [ increase ]

Remark:

Explanation: When salt is added to pure water, its boiling point increases. This phenomenon is known as boiling point elevation, a colligative property. The presence of dissolved salt particles reduces the vapor pressure of water, requiring a higher temperature for it to boil.


Q: Cuscuta is a :

A: Parasite

B: Saprophyte

C: Epiphyte

D: Xerophyte



Correct Option: A  [ Parasite ]

Remark:

Explanation: Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder plant or amarbel, is a total stem parasite. It lacks chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, it attaches itself to the host plant using specialized structures called haustoria that penetrate the host’s vascular tissues to absorb nutrients and water. Cuscuta is usually seen twining around host plants such as lucerne, hedg


Q: Brass gets discoloured in air due to constant exposure in presence of:

A: Aluminium sulphide

B: Aluminium phosphide

C: Hydrogen sulphide

D: Hydrogenated wafers



Correct Option: C  [ Hydrogen sulphide ]

Remark:

Explanation: Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, gets discoloured when exposed to air containing hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). The H₂S reacts with the metal surface to form a dark layer of metal sulphides (mainly copper sulphide), causing tarnishing and loss of shine.


Q: ATM means:

A: All Time Money

B: Automatic Teller Machine

C: Automated Teller Machine

D: Any Time Money



Correct Option: C  [ Automated Teller Machine ]

Remark:

ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine. It is an electronic banking device that allows customers to perform financial transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, fund transfers, and balance inquiries without the need for a human teller.

  • All Time/Any Time Money: Common informal phrases, not the actual full form.
  • Automatic Teller Machine: Incorrect; the correct term is Automated, not Automatic.


Q: Purity of milk is tested by:

A: Electrometer

B: Lactometer

C: Radiometer

D: Refractometer



Correct Option: B  [ Lactometer ]

Remark:

The purity of milk is tested using a Lactometer. It works on the principle of Archimedes’ principle and is used to measure the specific gravity (density) of milk. Pure milk has a specific gravity ranging between 1.026 and 1.032. If water or other substances are added, the density decreases, indicating adulteration. The lactometer thus helps determine whether the milk is pure or diluted.

Other options (for context)

  • Electrometer: Measures electric potential or charge, not related to milk testing.
  • Radiometer: Measures radiant energy or light intensity.
  • Refractometer: Used to measure refractive index, commonly for sugar solutions, not milk purity.


Q: The pH of human blood is:

A: 7.2

B: 7.8

C: 6.6

D: 7.4



Correct Option: D  [ 7.4 ]

Remark:

Explanation: Human blood is maintained at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.4 (range 7.35–7.45). This balance is vital for the proper functioning of enzymes and biochemical reactions in the body. The buffer systems in blood — primarily the bicarbonate buffer system (H₂CO₃ / HCO₃⁻) — help maintain this stable pH. A small deviation from this range can lead to severe physiological disturbances.

Imbalances:

  • Acidosis: pH below 7.35 — causes drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory distress.
  • Alkalosis: pH above 7.45 — causes muscle twitching, irritability, and convulsions.


Q: Which of the following is used in pencils ?

A: Graphite

B: Silicon

C: Charcoal

D: Phosphorous



Correct Option: A  [ Graphite ]

Remark:

Graphite is used in pencils. It is a soft form of carbon that leaves a dark mark on paper due to its layered structure, where carbon atoms are arranged in sheets that slide easily over each other. Though commonly called “lead,” pencils actually contain graphite mixed with clay to adjust hardness.

  • Silicon: Used in electronics, not pencils.
  • Charcoal: Used in art drawing but not regular pencils.
  • Phosphorous: Used in safety matches and fertilizers, not pencils.
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