ONLINE TPSC · READING MODE

Science

Enable JavaScript for interactive practice, saved questions, and progress tracking.

Questions from the existing database. Please report any answers that need review.

Question 1754

Insecticides usually act upon:

AMuscular system

BDigestive system

CNervous system

Dnone of these

Show answer

C. Nervous systemInsecticides primarily act upon the nervous system of insects. They interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. Common insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing continuous nerve stimulation. Some others, like pyrethroids, disrupt sodium channel functioning in nerve cells. Other options (for context) Muscular system: Indirectly affected due to nerve failure, but not the primary target. Digestive system: Rarely affected — insecticides mainly disrupt neural signaling, not digestion.

Question 1753

Atom bomb is based on:

AChemical reaction

BNuclear fission

CNuclear fusion

DAtomic collision

Show answer

B. Nuclear fissionAn Atom bomb works on the principle of nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a heavy atom such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 splits into two or more smaller nuclei when bombarded with a neutron. This splitting releases a tremendous amount of energy along with more neutrons, which further cause chain reactions — leading to a massive explosion. Other options (for context) Chemical reaction: Produces far less energy; used in conventional explosives, not atomic bombs. Nuclear fusion: Powers hydrogen bombs (thermonuclear bombs), not atomic bombs. Atomic collision: General term — does not describe the chain reaction mechanism in fission.

Question 1752

Which of the following is/are not associated with the reduction of Greenhouse gases ? i) Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol ii) Stockholm convention iii) Kyoto Protocol

A(ii) only

B(i) and (ii) only

C(i) and (iii) only

D(i), (ii) and (iii)

Show answer

A. (ii) onlyThe Stockholm Convention is not associated with the reduction of greenhouse gases. It focuses on eliminating or restricting the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) — toxic chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, such as DDT and PCBs. It does not directly address greenhouse gas emissions or climate change. Other options (for context) Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol: Aims to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerants — hence it helps reduce global warming. Kyoto Protocol: An international treaty adopted in 1997 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developed countries, directly targeting climate change.

Question 1746

PINAKA often seen in news, is a / an:

AAnti-submarine torpedo and research vehicle

BAircraft carrier

CMulti barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system

DGuided missile frigate submarine warship

Show answer

C. Multi barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) systemPINAKA is an indigenously developed Multi Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system designed and produced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is capable of firing a salvo of rockets to deliver explosive warheads over large areas with high accuracy. Pinaka is primarily used by the Indian Army for long-range artillery support and has a range of up to 75 km in its upgraded version (Pinaka Mk-II). Other options (for context) Anti-submarine torpedo and research vehicle: Refers to underwater weapon systems, not related to Pinaka. Aircraft carrier: A large naval vessel capable of carrying aircraft; Pinaka is not a ship. Guided missile frigate submarine warship: Refers to naval warships, not a land-based rocket launcher.

Question 1689

Who is the first man to land on the Moon ?

AAldrin

BNeil Armstrong

CMichael Collins

DGagarin

Show answer

B. Neil ArmstrongNeil Armstrong was the first man to land on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. He became the first human to step onto the lunar surface, famously saying, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." His historic achievement marked a major milestone in space exploration. Other options (for context) Aldrin: Refers to Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, who accompanied Armstrong on Apollo 11. Michael Collins: The third member of the Apollo 11 crew, who orbited the Moon in the command module but did not land. Gagarin: Refers to Yuri Gagarin, the first human to travel into space in 1961, but he never landed on the Moon.

Question 1688

Which of the following is not an element ?

AOxygen

BNitrogen

CHydrogen

DMarble

Show answer

D. MarbleMarble 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.

Question 1683

When Lunar Eclipse occurs ?

AWhen Sun is between Earth and Moon

BWhen Earth is between Sun and Moon

CWhen Moon is between Earth and Sun

DWhen Earth is between Sun and other celestial bodies.

Show answer

B. When Earth is between Sun and MoonA Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. This alignment blocks the sunlight that normally reflects off the Moon’s surface, making it appear dark or reddish (known as a Blood Moon). Lunar eclipses only occur during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line (or nearly so). Other options (for context) When Sun is between Earth and Moon: Incorrect — this alignment causes no eclipse. When Moon is between Earth and Sun: This alignment causes a solar eclipse, not a lunar one. When Earth is between Sun and other celestial bodies: Too general — lunar eclipse specifically involves the Moon.

Question 1682

What is Air Quality Index ?

AIt tells about sound pollution.

BIt measures air pollution mainly sulphur content in the air.

CIt measures ozone levels in the selected area.

DIt checks the colour of the air.

Show answer

C. It measures ozone levels in the selected area.The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used to measure and report the quality of air in a particular area. It primarily indicates the level of air pollution and its potential impact on human health. The AQI is calculated based on concentrations of key air pollutants — including ozone (O₃), particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). Higher AQI values indicate poorer air quality and greater health risks. Other options (for context) It tells about sound pollution: Incorrect — AQI is unrelated to noise levels. It measures air pollution mainly sulphur content in the air: Partly true, but AQI includes multiple pollutants, not just sulphur dioxide. It checks the colour of the air: Inc

Question 1681

Who among the following is considered as the father of artificial intelligence ?

ACharles Babbage

BLee De Forest

CJohn McCarthy

DJ. P. Eckert

Show answer

C. John McCarthyJohn McCarthy is regarded as the father of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He coined the term “Artificial Intelligence” in 1956 during the Dartmouth Conference, which is considered the founding event of AI as a research field. McCarthy also developed the LISP programming language, one of the earliest languages used for AI programming. His contributions laid the foundation for modern AI research, machine learning, and robotics. Other options (for context) Charles Babbage: Known as the “Father of the Computer” for designing the Analytical Engine. Lee De Forest: Invented the triode vacuum tube, which advanced early electronics. J. P. Eckert: Co-inventor of ENIAC, one of the first electronic general-purpose computers.

Question 1680

Which of the following is the first calculating device ?

AAbacus

BCalculator

CTuring machine

DPascaline

Show answer

A. AbacusThe Abacus is considered the first calculating device in human history. It was invented around 2500 BCE and used in ancient civilizations such as China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. The Abacus consists of beads that slide on rods or wires, representing numbers, and is used to perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It laid the foundation for modern computing and calculating tools. Other options (for context) Calculator: A modern electronic device for computation, developed much later. Turing machine: A theoretical computational model proposed by Alan Turing in 1936. Pascaline: A mechanical calculator invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642, long after the Abacus.

Preparing your study space

Science

Insecticides usually act upon:

Atom bomb is based on:

Which of the following is/are not associated with the reduction of Greenhouse gases ? i) Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol ii) Stockholm convention iii) Kyoto Protocol

PINAKA often seen in news, is a / an:

Who is the first man to land on the Moon ?

Which of the following is not an element ?

When Lunar Eclipse occurs ?

What is Air Quality Index ?

Who among the following is considered as the father of artificial intelligence ?

Which of the following is the first calculating device ?

You have a session in progress.

A useful place to practise.

Your progress belongs to you.