Correct Answer: d) J. J. Thomson

Explanation:
J. J. Thomson was the first to propose a model for the structure of an atom. In 1897, after discovering the electron, he proposed the “Plum Pudding Model” of the atom. According to this model, the atom was envisioned as a sphere of positive charge in which negatively charged electrons were embedded, much like raisins in a pudding or seeds in a watermelon.

The other options are incorrect because:
– a) E. Goldstein: He discovered canal rays (positively charged particles) but did not propose a model for the atom.
– b) Rutherford: He proposed the nuclear model of the atom in 1911, which came after J. J. Thomson’s model. Rutherford’s model suggested that the atom has a dense, positively charged nucleus with electrons orbiting around it.
– c) Neils Bohr: He refined Rutherford’s model in 1913 by introducing the concept of quantized electron orbits, leading to the Bohr model of the atom.

Thus, J. J. Thomson was the first to propose a model for the structure of an atom.

Correct Answer: a) Southern Hilly Region

Explanation:
The Munger Hilly region is part of the Southern Hilly Region in Bihar, India. This region is characterized by rugged terrain, hills, and plateaus. It is located in the southern part of Bihar and forms part of the Chotanagpur Plateau’s extension. The Southern Hilly Region includes areas like Munger, Jamui, and Banka, which are known for their undulating topography and forested landscapes.

The other options are incorrect because:
– b) North Bihar Plain: This is a flat alluvial plain located in the northern part of Bihar, not associated with hilly terrain.
– c) Someshwar Hilly Range: This is a separate hilly range located in the northwestern part of Bihar, near the Nepal border.
– d) South Bihar Plain: This is a plain region in the southern part of Bihar, distinct from the hilly areas.

Correct Answer: b) Burning of fossil fuels

Explanation: The burning of fossil fuels is a major cause of air pollution. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

1. Pollutants Released:
– Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM).
– These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, respiratory problems, and global warming.

2. Impact on Air Quality:
– The release of particulate matter and toxic gases significantly degrades air quality, leading to health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.

Other Options:
– a) Disposal of plastics: Improper disposal of plastics contributes to land and water pollution but is not a major cause of air pollution.
– c) Deforestation: While deforestation impacts carbon sequestration and contributes indirectly to climate change, it is not a direct cause of air pollution.
– d) Excessive use of pesticides: This primarily affects soil and water quality rather than air pollution.

Correct Answer: d) High Court

Explanation: The disqualification of members of a State Legislative Assembly, for matters other than those covered under the Tenth Schedule (which deals with anti-defection), is decided by the High Court.

1. Tenth Schedule: The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution deals with disqualification on the grounds of defection. In such cases, the decision is made by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or the Chairman of the Legislative Council, as applicable.

2. Other Disqualifications: For disqualifications not related to defection (e.g., holding an office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, or not meeting eligibility criteria), the matter is adjudicated by the judiciary. Specifically, the High Court has the jurisdiction to decide such cases.

3. Constitutional Provision: Article 191 of the Indian Constitution specifies the grounds for disqualification of a member of the State Legislature. If there is any dispute regarding these grounds (other than defection), it is taken to the High Court.

Thus, the correct answer is High Court.

Correct Answer: b) Sonepur Mela

Explanation: The Sonepur Mela, also known as the Harihar Kshetra Mela, is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia. It is held annually in the town of Sonepur, Bihar, at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers. This fair is famous for its historical and cultural significance, attracting traders and visitors from across India and even abroad. The fair typically lasts for about a month and features the sale of animals, cultural events, and traditional crafts.

The correct answer is: b) China

Explanation: In June 2024, China became the first country to successfully bring back soil from the far side of the moon. The mission was conducted by the Chang’e-6 lunar probe, which collected samples and returned them to Earth after a 53-day mission. This achievement marks a significant milestone in lunar exploration, as it is the first time any nation has retrieved material from this unexplored region of the moon.

The correct answer is: a) Dhirubhai Ambani

Explanation: The “Bombay Plan” was a set of economic proposals put forward by a group of leading Indian industrialists in 1944. It was aimed at outlining a strategy for the economic development of India after independence. The plan emphasized the importance of state intervention in economic development, industrialization, and infrastructure building.

The key architects of the Bombay Plan included prominent industrialists such as:
– J. R. D. Tata
– G. D. Birla
– Lala Sri Ram
– Other notable figures like Purshottamdas Thakurdas, Kasturbhai Lalbhai, and Ardeshir Dalal.

Dhirubhai Ambani, however, was not involved in the Bombay Plan. At the time (1944), he was not yet a prominent industrialist, as his rise to fame and success came much later, in the 1970s and 1980s, with the establishment of Reliance Industries.

The correct answer is: c) Decomposition

Explanation: Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms feed on dead plants, animals, and other organic material, breaking them down into nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are then recycled back into the ecosystem.

– a) Respiration: This refers to the process by which living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. It is not related to breaking down dead organic matter.

– b) Photosynthesis: This is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize food (glucose) from carbon dioxide and water. It is unrelated to the breakdown of organic matter.

– d) Fermentation: This is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen. While it involves microorganisms, it is not the same as decomposition.

The correct answer is: d) E rickshaw driver

Explanation:

Arti, the young woman from Uttar Pradesh who was awarded the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award by King Charles III in May 2024, is currently an e-rickshaw driver. At just 18 years old, she has become a pioneering figure in her community by driving a pink e-rickshaw, which not only provides safe transportation for women but also serves as an inspiration for other girls in her locality to pursue their independence and empowerment through non-traditional roles.

Correct Answer: c) No time limit

Explanation: The Indian Constitution does not prescribe any specific time limit within which the Governor must return an ordinary bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration. The Governor can either give assent to the bill, withhold assent, or return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration by the legislature. However, there is no stipulated time frame for the Governor to act on the bill. This lack of a time limit has sometimes led to delays in the legislative process.