Pushpa is twice as old as Rita was two years ago. If the difference between their present ages is 2 years, how old is Pushpa today?

Introduction / Context:
This problem mixes a “twice as old as” condition referring to the past with a present-age difference. We form two equations in two unknowns.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Let Pushpa = P, Rita = R (present ages).
• P = 2(R − 2)
• P − R = 2

Concept / Approach:
Direct substitution is simplest: solve the two simultaneous linear equations to obtain integer ages.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 6 years is Rita's present age, not Pushpa's.
• 10 and 12 do not satisfy both conditions simultaneously.
• None of these: 8 works perfectly.

Common Pitfalls:
Applying “twice as old” to the present age of Rita rather than her age two years ago; or assuming the older person is not specified by the difference (here, difference confirms who is older).

Final Answer:
8 years