Question 1

Which company was listed as one of the world most valuable privately held companies, reflecting its high valuation despite not being publicly traded?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Company valuation questions test your understanding of basic corporate structure and major global firms. A privately held company is not listed on public stock exchanges, yet can still have a very high estimated value. This question asks about a company recognised as one of the most valuable privately held firms in the world. Given Data / Assumptions: - The focus is on a company that is privately held but extremely valuable. - The options are Space X, Tata Steels, Facebook and Apple. - We must identify which among these matches the description of a highly valued private company. Concept / Approach: Facebook and Apple are publicly traded corporations. Their shares are listed on stock exchanges, so they are not privately held. Tata Steels is part of a major Indian group and also listed in stock markets. Space X, on the other hand, is a private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. Its valuation has grown rapidly due to its successful launch services, reusable rocket technology and satellite projects. Because it is not publicly traded yet has a very high estimated value, it fits the description of one of the world most valuable privately held companies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the term privately held company, which refers to a firm whose shares are not available for public trading. Step 2: Examine each option and identify whether it is publicly listed or privately held. Step 3: Note that Facebook and Apple are well known public companies listed on major stock exchanges. Step 4: Recognise that Tata Steels is also part of a listed entity and therefore not a private firm in this sense. Step 5: Identify Space X as the only company in the list that is privately held and known for a very high valuation, and select it. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify from your general knowledge that Space X is funded through private investment rounds and is not available for trading on stock exchanges. News articles often describe it as one of the most valuable private companies in the world because investors are willing to pay high prices for shares in private funding rounds. This contrasts clearly with the public status of Facebook and Apple. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Tata Steels) is part of a public group and trades on stock exchanges, so it is not a privately held company in the sense used in the question. Option C (Facebook) is a very valuable company but is publicly listed, which makes it a public corporation rather than a private one. Option D (Apple) is also a publicly traded technology giant and therefore does not meet the private company condition. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates ignore the key phrase privately held and simply choose the company they know is very valuable, such as Apple. This leads to an incorrect answer. Always read such questions carefully and focus on the exact qualifiers, especially when they involve corporate structure. Knowing the difference between public and private companies is essential for business awareness. Final Answer: The correct answer is Space X, which is a privately held aerospace company considered one of the most valuable private firms in the world.

Question 2

Country first unmanned tank, developed by an Indian defence laboratory in Chennai, was rolled out under which name?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Defence technology developments, especially first in the country achievements, are common topics in general awareness. An unmanned tank is an armoured vehicle that can be remotely operated, reducing risk to soldiers in dangerous environments. India first such unmanned tank was developed by a defence laboratory in Chennai and received a specific name, which you are expected to remember. Given Data / Assumptions: - The question refers to the country first unmanned tank. - It was developed in a defence laboratory located in Chennai. - The options are Muntra, Lira, Santra and Myntra. - We must select the correct name of this unmanned tank. Concept / Approach: The Defence Research and Development Organisation developed an unmanned tank called Muntra, designed for operations such as mine detection and nuclear or chemical contamination monitoring. The name Muntra stands out among the options because Lira and Santra sound more like generic words, and Myntra is a well known online fashion portal, not a defence platform. Associating Muntra with unmanned tank and Chennai laboratory is the best way to remember this fact. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the question is about an unmanned, remotely operated tank developed in India. Step 2: Recall that news reports highlighted Muntra as the name of this first unmanned tank being rolled out from a Chennai lab. Step 3: Compare the options and eliminate Myntra, which you may know as an e commerce brand unrelated to defence. Step 4: Recognise that Lira and Santra do not have any known connection to Indian unmanned tank development. Step 5: Conclude that Muntra is the correct name and select it. Verification / Alternative check: If you recall watching defence news or reading about India first unmanned tank, you might remember that multiple variants were mentioned, such as Muntra S and Muntra M, aimed at different roles. This naming pattern is a strong cue that Muntra is indeed the unmanned tank platform developed in the Chennai based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Lira) is the name of a currency and does not relate to Indian armoured vehicles. Option C (Santra) is a common word for orange fruit in some Indian languages and has no connection to defence platforms. Option D (Myntra) is a popular fashion e commerce site and appears as a distractor here. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes get confused by similar sounding names or by brand names they have heard more frequently, such as Myntra. To avoid this, always link defence platforms with their role and organisation, for example Muntra with unmanned tanks and DRDO. Maintaining a list of first in India defence projects can also make revision easier. Final Answer: The correct answer is Muntra, the name given to the country first unmanned tank developed in a Chennai defence laboratory.

Question 3

YUVA is a skill development programme launched under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana as an initiative of which organisation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Skill development initiatives often involve collaboration between security agencies and government schemes to provide better opportunities for youth. YUVA is one such programme implemented under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The aim is to channel the energy of young people in vulnerable areas into productive employment. This question checks whether you know which organisation took the lead in launching YUVA. Given Data / Assumptions: - YUVA is a skill development programme under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. - The options list Delhi Police, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Forces and Maharashtra Police. - We must identify which organisation launched YUVA as its initiative. Concept / Approach: Delhi Police launched YUVA to engage youth, especially from economically weaker and at risk backgrounds, and provide them with training in various trades. The aim was to reduce crime by offering constructive alternatives and employable skills. Although other forces have their own community outreach schemes, the name YUVA is strongly associated with Delhi Police and skill development centres run in partnership with National Skill Development Corporation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the key parts of the question: YUVA, skill development and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Step 2: Recall that Delhi Police designed YUVA as a community policing and social development initiative. Step 3: Align this with news about Delhi Police tying up with National Skill Development Corporation to implement this scheme. Step 4: Recognise that Border Security Force and Central Industrial Security Forces usually operate in different contexts such as borders and industrial security rather than urban youth engagement. Step 5: Select Delhi Police as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by remembering photographs and reports showing Delhi Police officers inaugurating YUVA centres and interacting with trainees. Many current affairs capsules describe YUVA specifically as a Delhi Police initiative, often highlighting that it is run under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana to give formal certification to the participants. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Border Security Force) manages border protection and has different welfare schemes but is not identified with the YUVA skill initiative. Option C (Central Industrial Security Forces) focuses on industrial and infrastructure security and does not lead this particular programme. Option D (Maharashtra Police) may run its own youth related schemes but YUVA under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is associated with Delhi Police. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to assume that any youth oriented scheme named YUVA must be state government based and then guess a large state police force like Maharashtra Police. Another mistake is not reading the question carefully and ignoring the specific mention of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, which hints towards a high visibility metropolitan force like Delhi Police. Always link scheme names with the implementing agency you have seen in news. Final Answer: The correct answer is Delhi Police, which launched the YUVA skill development programme under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

Question 4

Solar energy services company Freyr Energy has tied up with which bank to offer term loans for customers installing solar projects?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Renewable energy companies often collaborate with banks to make financing easier for customers who want to install solar panels or related systems. Such tie ups support the growth of clean energy and are frequently covered in business and environment news. This question focuses on Freyr Energy, a solar energy services company, and asks which bank it partnered with to provide term loans. Given Data / Assumptions: - The company is Freyr Energy, which focuses on solar energy services. - The purpose of the tie up is to offer term loans for solar projects. - The options are Axis Bank, United Bank, SBI and Union Bank. - We must recall the specific bank that entered this partnership. Concept / Approach: Axis Bank has been active in financing renewable energy and green projects. Freyr Energy partnered with Axis Bank to provide easier credit access for individuals and small businesses installing rooftop solar systems. By combining Freyr Energy technical expertise and Axis Bank financial products, the partnership aimed to accelerate adoption of solar energy in India. Knowing this fact helps in answering questions at the intersection of banking and sustainable development. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the question is about a bank partnership, not about government subsidies directly. Step 2: Remember that Freyr Energy is a private solar energy services company and that it sought a banking partner to offer term loans. Step 3: Recall from current affairs that Axis Bank was named as the partner bank in this tie up. Step 4: Check that no major news connected Freyr Energy with United Bank, SBI or Union Bank in the same way. Step 5: Choose Axis Bank as the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of how this information appears in environment and banking awareness compilations. Many notes frame it as Freyr Energy partners with Axis Bank to provide term loans for solar projects. If you maintain a list of green finance initiatives, you might already have this entry, which confirms that Axis Bank is the relevant partner. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (United Bank) is not prominently known for a specific tie up with Freyr Energy. Option C (SBI) is involved in many renewable energy projects but is not the bank named in this particular collaboration. Option D (Union Bank) also finances various sectors but does not match the specific Freyr Energy partnership described in common current affairs sources. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick SBI automatically for any bank related question because it is the largest public sector bank. Others may choose a bank at random when they do not recall the news. To avoid this, pay attention to specific company and bank combinations when reading business news. Writing them down in a dedicated notebook for corporate tie ups can make revision more reliable. Final Answer: The correct answer is Axis Bank, which tied up with Freyr Energy to offer term loans for solar energy projects.

Question 5

Who became the first wicketkeeper in world cricket to effect 100 stumpings in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the year 2017?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cricket records are frequently tested in sports related general knowledge questions, particularly in countries where cricket is very popular. Stumpings are dismissals made by wicketkeepers when they remove the bails while the batsman is out of the crease. Reaching 100 stumpings in One Day Internationals is a rare achievement, and the first wicketkeeper to reach this milestone did so in 2017. Given Data / Assumptions: - The record is for 100 stumpings in ODIs. - The milestone was reached in 2017. - The options are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist. - We must choose the wicketkeeper who first achieved this record at the international level. Concept / Approach: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeeper batsmen in limited overs cricket. His quick hands and sharp game sense led to many stumpings, especially against spin bowling. By 2017, he became the first wicketkeeper in ODI history to record 100 stumpings. Other great wicketkeepers such as Sangakkara, Boucher and Gilchrist took many catches and stumpings too, but none reached this exact landmark before Dhoni did. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the achievement concerns stumpings, not total dismissals or catches. Step 2: Recall that Dhoni had a reputation for very fast stumpings and was closing in on a century of stumpings around 2017. Step 3: Remember that news reports celebrated Dhoni becoming the first wicketkeeper to reach 100 stumpings in ODIs. Step 4: Recognise that while Sangakkara, Boucher and Gilchrist have impressive records, they did not reach the same stumpings milestone before Dhoni. Step 5: Select Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify from cricket statistics summaries that Dhoni total stumpings crossed 100 during an ODI series in 2017. Many sports news outlets highlighted this as a unique record at that time, using headlines such as Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper with 100 ODI stumpings. If you follow cricket closely, this would have been a memorable achievement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Kumar Sangakkara) has a large number of dismissals and stumpings but did not reach 100 stumpings before Dhoni achieved it. Option C (Mark Boucher) is known more for catches and total dismissals rather than stumpings alone. Option D (Adam Gilchrist) was an aggressive wicketkeeper batsman but did not hold this particular stumpings record. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to mix up the record for total dismissals with the record for stumpings, or to assume that earlier generation wicketkeepers must hold every record. Another mistake is to underestimate Dhoni keeping skills because he is also famous for his batting and captaincy. When answering sports record questions, always read the exact type of record mentioned and recall specific news items about it. Final Answer: The correct answer is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who became the first wicketkeeper in world cricket to effect 100 stumpings in ODIs in 2017.

Question 6

In Indian banking awards, which bank has bagged the Best Bank award in the small banks category?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Awards for Best Bank in different size categories are an important part of Indian banking awareness. Business magazines and financial research groups periodically rank banks based on growth, profitability, risk management and service quality. The category of small banks usually covers institutions with a relatively modest balance sheet size compared to very large public or private sector banks. This question tests whether the candidate can recall which specific institution was recognised with a Best Bank award among the small banks category in one such well known ranking exercise. Given Data / Assumptions: The question refers to a Best Bank award specifically among small banks. The options include Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bank of India and Karnataka Bank. We assume that the award mentioned is from a widely cited business publication and research based ranking for a particular financial year, which is commonly used in competitive exam material. The task is to identify which bank from the list actually received this recognition in the small bank segment. Concept / Approach: Banking awareness questions of this type are largely based on factual memory rather than calculation. The approach is to connect the phrase Best Bank among small banks with standard GK notes that summarise award winners. In those summaries, Karur Vysya Bank is repeatedly mentioned as the winner of the Best Bank award in the small banks category in a major ranking exercise. The other banks listed are either in different size categories or known for other distinctions, so they serve as distractors. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that Kotak Mahindra Bank is generally classified among larger private sector banks, and Bank of India is a large public sector bank, so both are unlikely to be placed in a small bank category. Step 2: Karnataka Bank and Karur Vysya Bank are both older private sector banks that fall into the small to mid size bracket, so either might appear in such a ranking. Step 3: Consult remembered exam notes which state that Karur Vysya Bank received the Best Bank award among small banks in a respected annual survey. Step 4: Recognise that Karnataka Bank has also received awards but is not the bank highlighted in this particular Best Bank among small banks citation. Step 5: Therefore, select Karur Vysya Bank as the bank that bagged the award in question. Verification / Alternative check: Banking awareness booklets and online GK capsules that summarise awards for a given year typically present a table of Best Bank winners in large, mid size and small categories. In these tables, Karur Vysya Bank appears consistently in the row that represents small banks. Cross checking multiple such sources reinforces the association between this bank and the specific award, while the other options tend to appear in different contexts such as best large bank, most innovative product or customer service awards. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Kotak Mahindra Bank is usually grouped with larger private sector banks and is more likely to compete in the large bank or mid to large bank categories, not strictly as a small bank. Bank of India is a major public sector institution and would be judged in a large bank segment rather than a small bank segment. Karnataka Bank is indeed a smaller private sector bank but, in the context of this particular award and year, it was not the institution recognised as Best Bank among small banks. Hence these options do not match the specific award reference in the question. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to guess based purely on the perceived size of the bank, leading some candidates to select Karnataka Bank because it is clearly not a large public or private giant. Another pitfall is confusing multiple award lists from different years or different magazines, which can cause the names to blur together. To avoid this, aspirants should maintain concise notes of major award winners and revise them regularly, with clear headings for large, mid size and small bank categories. Final Answer: The bank that bagged the Best Bank award among small banks in the referenced ranking is Karur Vysya Bank.

Question 7

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018, which university secured the top position in the global list?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: World university rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings are widely used indicators of global academic reputation and research impact. These rankings compare institutions on teaching, research, citations, industry income and international outlook. Competitive exams often ask which university topped a particular year's global rankings to test awareness of international education and research trends. For the 2018 edition of the Times Higher Education list, the top spot was closely watched and widely reported in education news. Given Data / Assumptions: The ranking referred to is the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the year 2018. We are asked which university secured the number one position globally. Options include Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, University of Oxford, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and University of Cambridge. We assume that the candidate is expected to recall the global topper, not the top ranked Indian institution. Concept / Approach: The approach is to remember that for several consecutive years around this period, the University of Oxford held the top position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Cambridge also ranked very high, but usually at or near the second position. Leading Indian institutions such as IISc Bangalore and IIT Kanpur were ranked much lower in the global list and could not have been number one worldwide. Therefore, by comparing known positions, we can identify the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 placed the University of Oxford at the top of the table. Step 2: Remember that the University of Cambridge generally appears close behind Oxford, often in the second or third position but not at number one for the specified year. Step 3: Note that Indian Institute of Science Bangalore and IIT Kanpur were the highest ranked Indian institutions in some subject areas but nowhere near the global number one spot. Step 4: Compare all options and recognise that only the University of Oxford matches the widely reported fact of being the top ranked university in the 2018 list. Step 5: Select the University of Oxford as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Education news articles, official Times Higher Education releases and exam oriented current affairs capsules all emphasised that Oxford retained its number one ranking in the 2018 edition. Cambridge, although very highly ranked, was listed slightly below Oxford. Indian institutions were mentioned mainly in the context of their improved yet still modest global positions. Checking these independent sources reinforces the conclusion that Oxford was indeed the global topper in that year's rankings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Indian Institute of Science Bangalore and IIT Kanpur are premium Indian institutions but they do not feature near the very top of the global rankings. Listing them as possible answers is intended to test whether candidates can distinguish between national excellence and global rank one status. The University of Cambridge is an outstanding institution and a close competitor to Oxford, but according to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it did not hold the top spot that year. Therefore these options do not correctly answer the question. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to assume that Cambridge must have topped the list at least once and to mix up the years, leading to an incorrect choice. Another pitfall is to focus only on Indian institutions and mistakenly think that the question asks which Indian university topped among Indian entries in the ranking. Carefully reading the phrase topped the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 and remembering that Oxford held the global number one position helps avoid this misunderstanding. Final Answer: In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018, the top position went to the University of Oxford.

Question 8

In basic environmental science, which common greenhouse gas is made up only of hydrogen and oxygen atoms?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Greenhouse gases are substances in the atmosphere that trap heat and keep the planet warm enough to support life. Common examples include carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane and ozone. Many school level questions test whether candidates can identify the chemical composition of these gases and distinguish between them based on their constituent elements. Here the focus is on recognising which greenhouse gas is composed solely of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks specifically about a greenhouse gas that contains only hydrogen and oxygen. The options given are methane (CH4), ozone (O3), water vapour (H2O) and nitric oxide (NO). We assume standard chemical formulae where C stands for carbon, H for hydrogen, O for oxygen and N for nitrogen. We also assume that the student is aware that water vapour is an important greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere. Concept / Approach: The approach is to examine the chemical formula of each option and check which one has only hydrogen and oxygen as elements. Methane contains carbon and hydrogen, ozone consists only of oxygen, and nitric oxide contains nitrogen and oxygen. Water, represented by H2O in its vapour form in the atmosphere, is the only gas among the options where the formula includes hydrogen and oxygen but no other element. Since water vapour is also a well known greenhouse gas, this double check confirms the choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write down the chemical formula for each option: CH4 for methane, O3 for ozone, H2O for water, and NO for nitric oxide. Step 2: Identify the elements in methane, which are carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). This includes carbon, so it does not meet the condition of only hydrogen and oxygen. Step 3: Look at ozone, O3, which contains only oxygen atoms and no hydrogen. This fails the condition of containing hydrogen. Step 4: Examine nitric oxide, NO, which is made of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O), with no hydrogen present. Step 5: Check water vapour, H2O, which clearly contains hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) only, fully satisfying the requirement of the question. Therefore, water vapour is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: From environmental science, we know that water vapour is actually the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, even though carbon dioxide receives more attention in policy discussions. Its formula H2O is universally taught in chemistry and is easy to recognise. Cross referencing with basic chemistry confirms that none of the other listed gases meet the condition of containing only hydrogen and oxygen. This consistency in both chemistry and climate science notes verifies that water vapour is the intended answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Methane (CH4) contains carbon in addition to hydrogen, so it fails the only hydrogen and oxygen requirement. Ozone (O3) consists solely of oxygen and does not contain hydrogen at all. Nitric oxide (NO) is made up of nitrogen and oxygen, again violating the condition because it includes nitrogen rather than hydrogen. Although all of these gases can play roles in atmospheric chemistry, they do not match the specific elemental condition stated in the question. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to see the word greenhouse gas and immediately think of carbon dioxide or methane without reading the condition about chemical composition carefully. Another pitfall is to overlook water vapour as a greenhouse gas because it is often associated with the water cycle rather than greenhouse effect in everyday discussion. Students should remember that water vapour is a powerful greenhouse gas and that its simple formula helps identify it quickly in such questions. Final Answer: The common greenhouse gas that contains only hydrogen and oxygen atoms is water vapour (H2O).

Question 9

In animal breeding, what is the term for hybrids produced by crossing a donkey and a horse, depending on which parent is the sire or the dam?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Hybrid animals are produced when two different but closely related species are crossed, often within the same genus. One of the most familiar examples is the hybrid between a donkey and a horse. These hybrids have been used for centuries as working animals because they combine desirable traits from both parents. General knowledge and biology questions frequently ask about the specific terms used for such hybrids, especially when the names differ depending on which species is the male and which is the female parent. Given Data / Assumptions: The question mentions hybrids of a donkey and a horse. It also implies that there are distinct names depending on which animal is the sire (male parent) and which is the dam (female parent). Options list pairs like Panthera and mules, mules and hinnies, ligers and hinnies, and wholphins and mules. We assume basic zoological naming conventions are being tested, not rare or speculative hybrids. Concept / Approach: When a male donkey mates with a female horse, the hybrid offspring is called a mule. When a male horse mates with a female donkey, the offspring is called a hinny. Both animals are generally sterile but are widely known examples of interspecific hybrids. Other names in the options, such as liger and wholphin, refer to very different crosses like lion tiger or whale dolphin and have nothing to do with donkey horse hybrids. Therefore, the correct pair of names must be mules and hinnies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the well known hybrid mule, which is produced from a male donkey and a female horse. Step 2: Remember that the reverse cross, with a male horse and a female donkey, produces a different hybrid called a hinny. Step 3: Note that both mule and hinny are offspring of donkey and horse, differing only in the direction of the cross. Step 4: Examine the options and identify which pair correctly names these two hybrids. Step 5: Recognise that only the option mules and hinnies correctly refers to both possible hybrids of a donkey and a horse. Verification / Alternative check: Standard zoology books and credible encyclopedias describe the mule as the offspring of a jack donkey and a mare horse, and the hinny as the offspring of a stallion horse and a jenny donkey. Both hybrids are usually sterile and valued for their strength and endurance. None of the other animal names in the options share this specific parentage. Checking these sources confirms that the correct terms for donkey horse hybrids are mule and hinny, taken together as mules and hinnies when referring to both directions of the cross. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Panthera refers to a genus that includes big cats like lions and tigers and is not a hybrid of donkey and horse. Liger is the hybrid of a male lion and a female tiger, again unrelated to equines. Wholphin is a rare hybrid of a false killer whale and a dolphin. These examples are interesting in their own right but have no connection to donkey horse crossings. Therefore, any option that pairs these names with mule or hinny is incorrect for this specific question. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may recognise the word mule but may not be familiar with the term hinny, leading them to hesitate when a second name appears in the options. Others may be distracted by exotic hybrid names such as liger or wholphin, which are often featured in popular media. To avoid confusion, it is useful to remember that donkey horse hybrids specifically produce mules in one direction and hinnies in the reverse direction, and that these are the standard terms tested in exams. Final Answer: The hybrids produced by crossing a donkey and a horse are called mules and hinnies, depending on which animal is the male and which is the female parent.

Question 10

In atmospheric science, communication satellites in near Earth space typically orbit within which major layer of the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Earth's atmosphere is divided into several major layers based on temperature variation with height. These include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. Artificial satellites, especially those used for communication, weather monitoring and navigation, orbit at altitudes that place them primarily in the upper layers of the atmosphere or beyond. General knowledge questions often ask which of these layers hosts most communication satellites, because this connects basic geography with space technology. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks specifically about communication satellites, not low altitude aircraft or weather balloons. The options are thermosphere, troposphere, mesosphere and stratosphere. We assume standard definitions of atmospheric layers, where the thermosphere lies above the mesosphere and below the exosphere. We also assume that the question refers to the broad region where satellite orbits begin, rather than a precise orbital shell like geostationary orbit described in kilometres. Concept / Approach: Communication satellites generally operate at altitudes ranging from a few hundred kilometres for some low Earth orbits up to about thirty six thousand kilometres for geostationary orbits. The thermosphere extends from roughly eighty kilometres to several hundred kilometres and overlaps with the ionosphere, which contains charged particles important for radio communication. Although higher orbits reach into the exosphere and beyond the classical atmosphere, school level geography usually associates artificial satellites with the thermosphere or ionosphere. Among the listed layers, thermosphere is therefore the best answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the approximate order of layers from the ground upward: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. Step 2: Note that the troposphere and stratosphere are relatively low altitude layers containing most of the weather and commercial air traffic, but not satellites. Step 3: Recognise that the mesosphere lies above the stratosphere and is known for meteor burning, but satellites typically orbit even higher than this region. Step 4: Understand that the thermosphere covers the range where the ionosphere resides and where many low Earth orbit and some communication satellites operate. Step 5: Conclude that, among the given options, thermosphere is the correct layer to associate with communication satellites. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks and exam guides often state that radio communication and satellite orbits are associated with the ionosphere and thermosphere, which share overlapping altitude ranges. They also mention that above the thermosphere lies the exosphere, where atmospheric gases become extremely thin and the concept of a defined layer becomes fuzzy. Since the troposphere and stratosphere are confined to the lower tens of kilometres and host weather and aviation rather than satellites, and the mesosphere still lies too low for stable satellite orbits, the thermosphere remains the most appropriate choice among the layers offered in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The troposphere is the lowest layer, extending up to about twelve kilometres, and contains clouds, weather systems and aircraft but not satellites. The stratosphere, above the troposphere, houses the ozone layer and high altitude jets but still lies far below typical satellite altitudes. The mesosphere, while higher, is still largely a region where meteors burn up and is not where stable communication satellite orbits are usually placed. Hence these layers do not match the altitude zone commonly associated with communication satellites in basic geography. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to choose stratosphere because students associate it with modern jet travel and assume satellites must be just above that. Others may be confused by the term ionosphere and not realise it largely overlaps with the thermosphere. To avoid such confusion, it helps to remember that satellites are substantially higher than regular aircraft and that school level questions typically connect them with the thermosphere, sometimes mentioning the ionosphere as part of that region. Final Answer: Communication satellites are generally associated with orbits that lie within the thermosphere region of the atmosphere and above.

Question 11

In scientific terminology, a specialist who studies water in all its forms, movement and distribution on Earth is called what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Water is a fundamental natural resource that supports ecosystems, agriculture, industry and human life. The scientific study of water, including its distribution, movement, quality and interaction with land and the atmosphere, is a recognised discipline. General knowledge and environmental science questions often test whether students know the correct term for a scientist who specialises in this field, differentiating it from other branches of science with similar sounding names. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for the correct professional term for a scientist who studies water. The options include geographer, herpetologist, archeologist and hydrologist. We assume the focus is on water in rivers, groundwater, rainfall and related systems, not only on ocean water or marine biology. The task is to match each term to its usual scientific meaning and select the one that corresponds to water study. Concept / Approach: The key concept is that hydrology is the science of water, especially its occurrence, circulation and distribution on and below the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere. A person who works in this field is called a hydrologist. By contrast, a geographer studies the Earth's landscapes, environments and human spatial relationships more broadly, a herpetologist studies reptiles and amphibians, and an archeologist studies human history and prehistory through material remains. Understanding each term allows us to eliminate the incorrect options and choose the right one. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine the word hydrologist and recognise the prefix hydro, which is commonly associated with water in terms like hydropower and hydrosphere. Step 2: Recall that hydrology focuses on the water cycle, including rainfall, rivers, groundwater and evaporation, making hydrologist the specialist in water studies. Step 3: Consider the term geographer, which covers a wide range of topics such as landforms, climate, population and economic activities, not exclusively water. Step 4: Identify herpetologist as a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians like snakes, lizards and frogs, again not directly tied to water science. Step 5: Recognise archeologist as someone who studies ancient cultures through excavation of artefacts, which is unrelated to the physical science of water. Thus, the only correct term for a scientist who studies water is hydrologist. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks in geography and environmental science define hydrology as the scientific study of the movement, distribution and quality of water on Earth. Professional organisations and university departments that deal with water resources management, flood forecasting and watershed studies also use the term hydrologist for experts in this field. This consistent terminology across academic and practical contexts confirms that hydrologist is the accepted term, whereas the other options belong to different scientific specialties. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Geographers may examine rivers, lakes and oceans as part of broader spatial studies, but their discipline is not restricted to water alone, so the term geographer is less precise than hydrologist for this question. Herpetologists focus on a group of animals and may sometimes work in aquatic habitats, but their main subject is reptiles and amphibians, not water itself. Archeologists investigate human past through material remains and only incidentally deal with water related questions such as ancient irrigation. None of these titles describes a scientist whose primary focus is water. Common Pitfalls: Some students may choose geographer because they have learned about rivers and oceans in geography classes and therefore associate the subject with water. Others may be misled by the similarity between words like hydrologist and other scientific terms if they have not encountered them often. To avoid these errors, it helps to link the prefix hydro with water in many contexts and remember that hydrology is the dedicated science of water resources. Final Answer: A scientist who studies water, including its distribution and movement on Earth, is called a hydrologist.

Question 12

In Indian defence technology, Prahaar is the name of which type of weapon system?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India has developed several indigenous weapon systems as part of its defence modernisation programme, many of them designed and tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Each system has a specific role, such as surface-to-surface missiles, air defence missiles, tanks, submarines or naval ships. General knowledge questions often focus on matching the name of a weapon with its correct category. Prahaar is one such system whose role and type are important for defence awareness. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks what Prahaar is in terms of weapon type. Options include a surface-to-surface missile, an aircraft carrier, a submarine and a battle tank. We assume that Prahaar refers to an Indian system developed under the missile development programme rather than a foreign platform. The candidate needs to identify the correct category based on defence news and standard GK references. Concept / Approach: Prahaar is known as a quick reaction, short range, solid fuelled surface-to-surface missile designed to provide a tactical strike capability. It is not a naval carrier, submarine or armoured vehicle. The approach is therefore to recall that its name appears in lists of Indian missile systems along with others such as Prithvi, Agni and Akash. Recognising this class of weapon allows us to associate Prahaar with the surface-to-surface missile category and eliminate the naval and armoured options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall from defence news that Prahaar is described as a tactical missile system capable of striking targets at short ranges with high precision. Step 2: Note that aircraft carriers are large naval ships designed to carry fighter jets and helicopters, and their names in India are usually things like Vikramaditya or Vikrant, not Prahaar. Step 3: Recognise that submarines are underwater naval vessels and have distinctive class names, while Prahaar does not appear in submarine lists. Step 4: Understand that battle tanks are armoured land vehicles like Arjun or T-90 and again, Prahaar does not match this category. Step 5: Conclude that the only option that fits the known description of Prahaar is a surface-to-surface missile. Verification / Alternative check: Defence reference materials and major news reports on missile tests explicitly identify Prahaar as a solid fuelled, road mobile, short range surface-to-surface missile system developed by DRDO. It is said to be capable of carrying different types of warheads and offers quick reaction capability to support tactical operations. No credible source defines it as a ship, submarine or tank. This clear and repeated description verifies that Prahaar belongs to the missile category given in option A. Why Other Options Are Wrong: An aircraft carrier is a huge warship and would be discussed in the context of naval fleet composition, not missile development. A submarine is an underwater platform and has a completely different design and naming convention. A battle tank is an armoured ground vehicle used in land warfare, with names that appear in armoured corps discussions. Prahaar does not fit any of these categories, and assigning it to them would contradict standard defence information. Common Pitfalls: Candidates who are not familiar with India's missile programme may confuse Prahaar with other names and guess incorrectly. Another pitfall is to rely on the literal meaning of the word, which suggests an attack or strike, but not to recall the context in which the word has been used in news. To avoid this, aspirants should group defence items by type, such as listing Indian missiles separately from warships, submarines and tanks, and revising them periodically. Final Answer: Prahaar is a surface-to-surface missile developed to give India a quick reaction tactical strike capability.

Question 13

In January 2017, which country launched the world’s longest high speed bullet train line covering a distance of about 2252 kilometres?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: High speed rail, often referred to as bullet train service, has become a symbol of advanced transport infrastructure. Countries that invest heavily in these networks often feature in current affairs questions, especially when they set new records. In January 2017, one country opened what was described as the longest bullet train line in the world, stretching more than two thousand kilometres. Knowledge of which country achieved this milestone is a common topic in general awareness sections of exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The distance covered by the bullet train line is about 2252 kilometres. The line was launched in January 2017. Options are Japan, China, Afghanistan and Myanmar. We assume standard definitions of high speed rail and that the question references widely reported international news from that period. Concept / Approach: China has built the world's largest high speed rail network, including several very long routes connecting major regions. The 2252 kilometre line connecting eastern and southwestern parts of the country was frequently described as the longest bullet train route at the time it opened. Japan pioneered bullet trains earlier but its individual lines are generally shorter than this massive Chinese route. Afghanistan and Myanmar do not have comparable high speed rail systems. Therefore, by combining knowledge of global high speed rail development with the specific distance mentioned, we can identify China as the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that China has rapidly expanded its high speed rail network over the last two decades and regularly features in news about record setting train lines. Step 2: Recognise that Japan, while the original creator of bullet trains, has shorter lines such as the Tokaido Shinkansen and does not operate a single 2252 kilometre stretch described in this way. Step 3: Consider that Afghanistan and Myanmar lack the infrastructure and investment level needed for such an extensive high speed line, making them unlikely candidates. Step 4: Match the distance of roughly 2252 kilometres and the date January 2017 with reports of a new Chinese high speed line connecting eastern coastal regions with inland provinces. Step 5: Conclude that China is the country that launched this record length bullet train line. Verification / Alternative check: Transport and economic news services covering railway developments highlighted that China inaugurated a high speed line of about 2252 kilometres, often calling it the world's longest high speed railway line at that time. The line improved connectivity between regions and was part of a broader strategy to stimulate growth and regional integration. Japan, Afghanistan and Myanmar were not mentioned in relation to this specific record. This consistent reporting confirms that China is the correct answer to the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Japan indeed runs advanced Shinkansen trains and is associated with the term bullet train, but the distances of its individual lines are shorter and are not described as 2252 kilometre records in 2017. Afghanistan and Myanmar have far less developed rail networks and certainly did not launch the world's longest high speed train line in that year. Choosing any of these options would contradict the widely documented facts about global high speed rail development. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may reflexively choose Japan whenever they see the phrase bullet train, because Japan was historically the first to build such trains. Others may not pay attention to the date or the distance and simply rely on older associations. To avoid these errors, aspirants should link China with recent record breaking high speed lines and remember that Japan pioneered the technology but does not currently dominate in total network length or individual route distance in the same way China does. Final Answer: The country that launched the 2252 kilometre long record breaking bullet train line in January 2017 is China.

Question 14

In a certain coding system, the word PUBLIC is written as MWYNFE using a specific letter shifting pattern. Using the same pattern, how will the word SYSTEM be written in that code?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is from the topic of coding and decoding in logical reasoning. In such questions, a word is transformed into a coded form according to some hidden pattern, and candidates must identify that pattern to code another word correctly. Here the word PUBLIC is written as MWYNFE. The task is to work out how each letter has been changed and then apply the same systematic changes to the word SYSTEM. These problems test pattern recognition, attention to detail and comfort with letter positions in the English alphabet. Given Data / Assumptions: The original word is PUBLIC and its code is MWYNFE. The new word to be coded using the same rule is SYSTEM. We assume that each letter is transformed individually according to a consistent pattern based on its position in the word and its position in the alphabet. The alphabet is taken in order from A to Z, with wrapping allowed when moving backwards or forwards beyond the ends. Concept / Approach: A standard way to approach such questions is to compare each letter in the original word with the corresponding letter in the coded word and calculate how many positions forward or backward in the alphabet have been applied. For PUBLIC to become MWYNFE, we analyse P to M, U to W, B to Y, L to N, I to F and C to E. This reveals a pattern of alternating shifts: the first letter moves three positions backward, the second moves two positions forward, the third moves three positions backward again, and so on, following a minus three, plus two, minus three, plus two sequence. Once we confirm this pattern, we can apply the same alternating shifts to the letters of SYSTEM to obtain the required code. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Assign numerical positions to letters where A is 1, B is 2, C is 3, and so on up to Z as 26. Step 2: For PUBLIC to MWYNFE, compute the shifts: P(16) to M(13) is minus 3; U(21) to W(23) is plus 2; B(2) to Y(25) is minus 3 with wrapping; L(12) to N(14) is plus 2; I(9) to F(6) is minus 3; C(3) to E(5) is plus 2. This confirms an alternating pattern of minus 3, plus 2, repeated for each successive letter. Step 3: Now write SYSTEM and apply the same shifts. For S, position 19, applying minus 3 gives 16, which is P. For Y, position 25, applying plus 2 gives 27, which wraps around to 1 (27 minus 26), corresponding to A. Step 4: For the third letter S at position 19, apply minus 3 to get 16, which is again P. For the fourth letter T at position 20, apply plus 2 to get 22, which is V. Step 5: For the fifth letter E at position 5, apply minus 3 to get 2, which is B. For the sixth letter M at position 13, apply plus 2 to get 15, which is O. Putting these coded letters together gives PAPVBO as the final code for SYSTEM. Verification / Alternative check: As a quick verification, one can reverse the pattern to decode the result. Starting from PAPVBO, apply the opposite shifts, that is plus 3, minus 2, plus 3, minus 2, plus 3 and minus 2 to each successive letter. P(16) plus 3 gives S(19), A(1) minus 2 wraps to Y(25), P(16) plus 3 gives S(19), V(22) minus 2 gives T(20), B(2) plus 3 gives E(5) and O(15) minus 2 gives M(13). The decoded word is SYSTEM, which matches the original, confirming that the coding and decoding pattern has been applied consistently. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The other options do not satisfy the established pattern. If you apply the reverse shifts of plus 3, minus 2 alternately to option B, C or D, you do not obtain the original word SYSTEM. They may resemble the correct code superficially, but they fail when tested letter by letter against the minus three plus two pattern discovered from the PUBLIC to MWYNFE example. This makes them deliberate distractors designed to trap candidates who guess rather than fully work out the transformation rule. Common Pitfalls: Many learners look only at the first or last pair of letters and guess a uniform shift, such as assuming that every letter is moved by the same number of positions. This does not work here because the pattern alternates between minus three and plus two. Another common pitfall is forgetting to wrap around the alphabet when moving beyond A or Z, which can cause mistakes when dealing with letters like Y or B. To avoid these errors, candidates should carefully compute the shift for each position, check that the pattern holds across all letters and only then apply the rule to the new word. Final Answer: Using the same alternating minus three and plus two letter shift pattern, the word SYSTEM is written in the code language as PAPVBO.

Question 15

Which American born artist is best known for a famous portrait of his mother that has become an iconic painting in art history?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Art history includes several famous portraits that have become cultural icons. One such work is commonly referred to as Whistler's Mother, a painting whose formal title is Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1. The question asks which American born artist painted this celebrated portrait of his mother. Knowing the names of key artists and the works they are associated with is a frequent requirement in general knowledge exams, especially when the work has a widely recognised nickname. Given Data / Assumptions: The question focuses on an American artist whose most famous portrait is that of his mother. The options are Rembrandt, Whistler, Vincent van Gogh and Salvador Dali. We assume that the question refers to the painting popularly known as Whistler's Mother, which has an older formal title but is universally linked to its painter's name. We also assume that the test taker is expected to distinguish between European masters and American born artists. Concept / Approach: James McNeill Whistler was an American born artist who spent much of his career in Europe, especially in London. His painting Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, popularly called Whistler's Mother, depicts his mother seated in side profile and has become a symbol of motherhood and domestic life. The other artists listed in the options are major figures, but they are not American born and are not primarily known for a portrait of their own mother. Therefore, the approach is to recognise Whistler as the only name that fits both the nationality clue and the subject of the iconic painting. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Whistler's Mother is an informal title widely used for a portrait of an elderly woman seated in profile, painted by James McNeill Whistler. Step 2: Note that Whistler was born in the United States but spent a significant part of his artistic career in Britain and France, making him an American born artist with strong European connections. Step 3: Recognise that Rembrandt was a Dutch painter of the seventeenth century and is famous for many portraits, including self portraits, but is not an American born artist. Step 4: Remember that Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post impressionist and Salvador Dali was a Spanish surrealist, neither of whom is primarily associated with a famous portrait of his mother in the way Whistler is. Step 5: Therefore, identify Whistler as the correct answer from the options provided. Verification / Alternative check: Art history references and museum catalogues list Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 as a major work by James McNeill Whistler, now housed in the Musee d Orsay in Paris. The painting is almost universally known to the public as Whistler's Mother. This nickname appears in textbooks, general knowledge books and many cultural references. As none of the other listed artists is linked to such a widely recognised portrait of his own mother, the identification of Whistler as the correct answer is well supported. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rembrandt, van Gogh and Dali are all great European artists but they do not meet both conditions in the question. Rembrandt and van Gogh are Dutch and Dali is Spanish, so none of them is American born. While they painted many portraits and imaginative works, none of them is popularly associated with a single iconic painting titled or nicknamed after his mother in the same way as Whistler. Selecting any of these alternatives would therefore misrepresent both the artist's nationality and his most famous work. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may ignore the American artist clue and focus solely on general fame, which might tempt them to choose van Gogh or Rembrandt because those names are very familiar. Others may not recall Whistler's full name and hesitate. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to remember a simple association: Whistler equals Whistler's Mother, one of the most recognisable portraits of a parent in Western art, painted by an American born artist working in Europe. Final Answer: The American born artist best known for the famous portrait of his mother is Whistler, that is, James McNeill Whistler.

Question 16

For the term 2017 to 2018, who served as the president of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) in India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The News Broadcasters Association, or NBA, is an industry body representing private television news and current affairs broadcasters in India. Its president plays an important role in articulating the collective position of member channels on issues related to regulation, ethics and media policy. Questions on current affairs and media institutions sometimes ask who held the post of NBA president for a particular year, as this reflects awareness of figures who influence news broadcasting standards. Given Data / Assumptions: We are asked to identify the president of the News Broadcasters Association for the year 2017 to 2018. The options include Barun Das, K. V. L. Narayan Rao, Ashok Venkatramani and Rajat Sharma. We assume that the question refers to the office bearer elected by the NBA board for that specific term and reported in media industry news. Concept / Approach: Rajat Sharma is a well known television journalist and chairman of India TV. He has served as president of the News Broadcasters Association for multiple terms. For the 2017 to 2018 term, he was once again elected or continued as president. Other names in the list, such as K. V. L. Narayan Rao and Ashok Venkatramani, have also been associated with NBA leadership in different years, which can cause confusion. The approach is to recall that for the 2017 to 2018 period specifically, exam focused current affairs material identifies Rajat Sharma as the president. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Rajat Sharma, known for his show and his role at India TV, has been repeatedly in the news as president of the NBA. Step 2: Remember that K. V. L. Narayan Rao and Ashok Venkatramani have previously served as president or office bearers of the association in earlier terms. Step 3: Check exam oriented current affairs notes for 2017 and 2018, which mention that Rajat Sharma held the position of NBA president for that year. Step 4: Compare this recollection with the list of names in the options and identify Rajat Sharma as the correct match for the 2017 to 2018 term. Step 5: Select Rajat Sharma as the answer and eliminate the other names as belonging to different periods or roles. Verification / Alternative check: Reports in media industry publications and general news outlets confirm that Rajat Sharma, as chairman and editor in chief of India TV, was elected president of the News Broadcasters Association for the 2017 to 2018 term. NBA press statements from that time also list him as president, with other senior executives serving as vice presidents and office bearers. These independent confirmations align with the information presented in competitive exam material and support the selection of his name as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: K. V. L. Narayan Rao of NDTV and Ashok Venkatramani of ABP News have significant roles in the Indian news broadcasting sector and have occupied leadership positions in the NBA or related bodies in previous years. However, they are not listed as presidents for the 2017 to 2018 term referenced in this question. Barun Das is associated with media management but is not recorded as the NBA president in that period. Therefore, none of these alternatives correctly answer the specific question about the 2017 to 2018 presidency. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes mix up different terms of office and attribute the role to the wrong person because several of the names in the options have been prominent in the association at various times. Another pitfall is to select a familiar senior media figure without checking the exact year mentioned in the question. To avoid such confusion, aspirants should maintain a simple timeline of major office bearers in important industry associations, especially for the years they are likely to be tested on. Final Answer: For the term 2017 to 2018, the president of the News Broadcasters Association was Rajat Sharma.

Question 17

The long awaited Extradition Treaty between India and Bangladesh formally came into effect from which of the following dates?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: An extradition treaty is a legal agreement between two countries that allows them to hand over individuals accused or convicted of crimes so that they can face trial or serve sentences in the requesting country. The Extradition Treaty between India and Bangladesh was an important step in deepening cooperation on security and law enforcement between the two neighbours. Current affairs questions often ask when such treaties came into effect, because the date marks the start of formal legal cooperation under the agreed framework. Given Data / Assumptions: The question concerns the Extradition Treaty between India and Bangladesh. We are asked on which date it came into effect, not the date of signing alone. The options are October 2012, December 2012, October 2013 and December 2013. We assume that the treaty required ratification and notification by both sides before it became operative. Concept / Approach: International treaties typically go through two main stages: signing and entry into force. The treaty may be signed at a summit or state visit, but it only comes into effect after both governments complete internal approval procedures and exchange instruments of ratification. For the India Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, news reports and exam oriented notes specify that, although it was signed earlier, it formally came into force in October 2013 after these steps were completed. Therefore, we must distinguish between the year of signature and the year and month when it actually became effective. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that India and Bangladesh signed an extradition agreement around early 2013, as part of a broader package of security cooperation. Step 2: Note that ratification and completion of legal formalities took some months after the initial signing. Step 3: Remember from current affairs capsules that the treaty was reported as coming into effect in October 2013, following the exchange of diplomatic notifications that both sides had completed their internal processes. Step 4: Compare the options and identify October 2013 as the only one that matches this timeline. Step 5: Choose October 2013 and rule out the earlier 2012 dates and the later December 2013 date as inaccurate for the actual entry into force. Verification / Alternative check: Explanatory notes in competitive exam books and official press releases from the time mention that the India Bangladesh Extradition Treaty came into force in October 2013. They describe how this allowed the two countries to request the return of certain categories of offenders under a formal legal process, improving cooperation against cross border crime. Since neither October 2012 nor December 2012 matches the widely reported timeline, and December 2013 would be too late given the publicised implementation, these sources support October 2013 as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: October 2012 and December 2012 precede the period in which the treaty was even signed, so they cannot be correct dates for its entry into force. December 2013 is after October 2013 and does not correspond to the moment when the treaty was first implemented, even if work continued under its provisions. Selecting any of these dates would therefore misrepresent the documented sequence of signing, ratification and coming into effect. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates confuse the date of signing with the date of entry into force and may incorrectly pick a 2012 option based on partial memory. Others may see 2013 in two options and guess the later month without recalling the specific reference to October. To avoid these mistakes, it is useful to remember that treaties often have a lag between signing and implementation, and that exam questions typically ask about the legally significant date when the agreement actually started operating. Final Answer: The Extradition Treaty between India and Bangladesh formally came into effect from October 2013.

Question 18

In which Indian railway city has Indian Railways installed Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) signalling system?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Solid State Interlocking, often abbreviated as SSI, is an advanced electronic signalling system used in railways to control the movement of trains safely through complex junctions and yards. Installing a large SSI system at a major railway location increases efficiency and safety by reducing the scope for human error and enabling more flexible routing. When Indian Railways commissioned Asia's largest SSI system, it attracted attention in current affairs, and exam questions commonly ask at which station or city this milestone occurred. Given Data / Assumptions: The question refers to Asia's largest Solid State Interlocking system installed by Indian Railways. Options include Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Kharagpur. We assume that the reference is to a widely reported commissioning at a major junction on a busy route, and that the scale of the yard and number of routes justify the term largest. Concept / Approach: Kharagpur, located in West Bengal, is home to one of the longest railway platforms in the world and is a major junction of the South Eastern Railway. Because of its large yard and complex layout, it was chosen for the installation of a massive Solid State Interlocking system, which was described in news reports as the largest in Asia. Other cities listed in the options are important railway centres but were not associated with this particular superlative for SSI at the time referred to in the question. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Kharagpur is a key railway junction handling heavy traffic between eastern, southern and central India. Step 2: Remember that Indian Railways news highlighted the commissioning of Asia's largest Solid State Interlocking system at Kharagpur, due to the large number of routes and points it needed to control. Step 3: Consider Kolkata, Lucknow and Hyderabad, which also have major stations, but are not cited in current affairs snippets as hosting this particular largest SSI installation. Step 4: Match this recollection with the options and recognise that Kharagpur is the correct city associated with Asia's largest SSI system. Step 5: Select Kharagpur and eliminate the other three options as not fitting the specific superlative described. Verification / Alternative check: Railway technology news and competitive exam notes mention that the Solid State Interlocking system at Kharagpur station was commissioned to manage an exceptionally complex yard layout, making it the largest of its kind in Asia. They also emphasise that this upgrade increases safety and allows for more efficient handling of train movements through the junction. No similar claim is made for Kolkata, Lucknow or Hyderabad in relation to SSI size, which confirms that Kharagpur is the station concerned. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Kolkata and Lucknow are important railway hubs and may have sophisticated signalling, but they were not highlighted as having Asia's largest Solid State Interlocking at the time of the widely reported commissioning. Hyderabad is also a significant urban centre with busy stations, yet it does not match the specific claim in question. Choosing any of these cities would therefore contradict the particular superlative used in the official and media reports. Common Pitfalls: Some students may be tempted to choose a large metro city like Kolkata or Hyderabad simply because they are more famous, without recalling the detailed news about Kharagpur's long platform and complex yard. Others may not be familiar with Kharagpur's importance beyond the presence of an engineering institute. To avoid such mistakes, aspirants should pay attention to details when reading railway related current affairs, especially when record breaking or largest in Asia type phrases appear. Final Answer: Asia's largest Solid State Interlocking system installed by Indian Railways is located at Kharagpur.

Question 19

In Earth science, the lithosphere refers mainly to which solid material forming the rigid outer layer of the Earth?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The term lithosphere is widely used in geography and geology to describe a particular part of the Earth. Understanding what this term refers to helps students distinguish between different components of the Earth system, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Exam questions often test whether candidates can correctly connect lithosphere with the type of material that makes up the Earth's outer rigid shell. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks what the lithosphere is made of in general terms. The options provided are soil, rocks, loose dirt and water. We assume that the lithosphere is being discussed in its standard sense as the rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and uppermost mantle. We also assume the focus is on the primary solid material rather than minor surface coverings. Concept / Approach: The word lithosphere comes from the Greek word lithos, meaning rock, and sphaira, meaning sphere. It is defined as the rigid, rocky outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and the solid upper portion of the mantle. Although soil and dirt sit on top of this layer and water covers much of the surface in oceans, the fundamental composition of the lithosphere is rock. Therefore, in a simplified multiple choice setting, rocks is the correct choice that best represents what the lithosphere is made of. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Earth has several spheres: atmosphere for air, hydrosphere for water, biosphere for life, and lithosphere for the rocky outer shell. Step 2: Recognise that the lithosphere includes the crust, which is made primarily of solid rock types such as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and the rigid upper mantle. Step 3: Note that soil and loose dirt are relatively thin surface layers formed by weathering of rocks and organic matter, and are not themselves the deep, continuous layer referred to as lithosphere. Step 4: Understand that water belongs to the hydrosphere and does not describe the solid framework of the Earth. Step 5: Therefore, conclude that rocks is the best description of what the lithosphere is made of. Verification / Alternative check: Geography textbooks define lithosphere as the solid, rocky outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and uppermost mantle. Diagrams show tectonic plates made of solid rock moving slowly over a more ductile layer beneath. Soil thickness is shown as very tiny compared to the total depth of this rigid shell. Hydrosphere diagrams separately depict oceans and surface waters. These standard explanations confirm that the lithosphere is fundamentally composed of rocks, not water, soil or generic dirt. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Soil is formed from the weathering of rocks plus organic material and is a relatively thin layer on top of the lithosphere, not the entire lithosphere itself. Loose dirt is a casual term for unconsolidated surface material and again describes a superficial layer rather than the deep, rigid outer shell. Water does not fit because it belongs to the hydrosphere and is liquid, whereas the lithosphere is specifically about solid rock. Thus these options misrepresent the basic definition of lithosphere in Earth science. Common Pitfalls: Some students may confuse lithosphere with crust and think primarily of soil because it is what we can see and touch on land surfaces. Others might be misled by the fact that much of the crust lies under the oceans and therefore think of water first. To avoid these misunderstandings, it helps to focus on the root word lithos for rock and remember that lithosphere refers to the solid, rocky structure of the Earth's outer part, regardless of whether it is covered by soil or water. Final Answer: The lithosphere is mainly made of solid rocks, forming the rigid outer layer of the Earth.

Question 20

In physics, what is the scientific name for the branch that deals with the study of sound and its properties?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sound is a form of energy that travels as mechanical waves through different media such as air, water and solids. The study of how sound is produced, transmitted and received, as well as its effects on humans and materials, forms an important branch of physics. This branch has a specific scientific name, which is often tested in basic science and general knowledge questions. Recognising this term helps candidates connect physical concepts with their appropriate subfields. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for the proper name of the scientific study of sound. The options include agronomy, acoustics, aesthetics and aeronautics. We assume that the context is physical science, specifically wave behaviour, resonance, musical instruments and related topics. We also assume that the question is not about artistic appreciation of music but about the physical properties of sound. Concept / Approach: The correct term for the study of sound is acoustics. This field covers sound generation, propagation, absorption, reflection and control, and is applied in areas such as architectural acoustics, audio engineering and noise reduction. Agronomy is the science of crop production and soil management, aesthetics concerns the philosophy of beauty and art, and aeronautics deals with the science of flight and aircraft. None of these alternatives directly relates to the physics of sound waves, so acoustics is the only accurate choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall from physics classes that sound waves and their behaviour are discussed under the heading of acoustics. Step 2: Understand that acoustics includes topics such as pitch, loudness, timbre, resonance, echoes and the design of concert halls to manage sound reflections. Step 3: Examine the option agronomy and recognise that it refers to agricultural science, focusing on crop and soil, not sound. Step 4: Consider aesthetics, which is a branch of philosophy related to beauty, art and taste, and may include musical appreciation but not the physical study of sound waves. Step 5: Look at aeronautics, which is about the science and operation of aircraft and atmospheric flight, again unrelated to the direct study of sound. Therefore, the correct term among the options is acoustics. Verification / Alternative check: Physics textbooks, engineering courses and audio technology programmes all use the term acoustics when describing the study of sound and vibration. Professional organisations that deal with noise control, audio engineering and room design also include the word acoustics in their names. The repeated and consistent use of this term in technical and educational contexts confirms that it is the accepted name for the scientific study of sound, unlike the other listed options which refer to completely different fields. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Agronomy focuses on improving crop yields and soil health in agriculture and has no direct connection to sound waves. Aesthetics deals with subjective perceptions of beauty and taste in art and nature rather than the physical properties of sound, even though it may discuss music in a philosophical sense. Aeronautics concerns aircraft design, flight dynamics and related technologies, and while sound can be a secondary factor in aviation, the field is not defined as the study of sound. Hence, these terms do not accurately name the branch of science devoted to sound. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to confuse the appreciation of music and beauty with the physics of sound, leading some students to choose aesthetics instead of acoustics. Others might guess based on partial familiarity with the word roots without confirming the meaning. To avoid this, learners should remember that acoustics is always used in technical contexts like acoustic engineering, acoustic panels and acoustic measurement when the topic is sound, making it the correct term for this question. Final Answer: The scientific branch that deals with the study of sound and its properties is called acoustics.

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