Correct Answer: d) West Coast of South America

Explanation: The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the west coast of South America. It spans seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The Andes is known for its high peaks, including Mount Aconcagua, which is the highest peak in the range and in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Andes plays a significant role in the geography, climate, and culture of South America. It is also home to diverse ecosystems and ancient civilizations, such as the Inca Empire. The range runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, making it a prominent feature of the western part of the continent.

Correct Answer: a) AgNO3 solution and copper metal

Explanation: Displacement reactions occur when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound (usually a solution of its salt). The reactivity of metals is determined by their position in the reactivity series.

1. a) AgNO3 solution and copper metal:

Copper is more reactive than silver. Therefore, copper will displace silver from silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution, forming copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) and silver metal.

Reaction:

Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)

This is a displacement reaction.

2. b) NaCl solution and copper metal:

Copper is less reactive than sodium. Hence, copper cannot displace sodium from sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. No reaction occurs.

3. c) FeSO4 solution and silver metal:

Silver is less reactive than iron. Therefore, silver cannot displace iron from iron sulfate (FeSO4) solution. No reaction occurs.

4. d) MgCl2 solution and aluminium metal:

Aluminium is less reactive than magnesium. Hence, aluminium cannot displace magnesium from magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solution. No reaction occurs.

Correct Answer: c) 1877

Explanation: Queen Victoria was proclaimed the Empress of India in 1877 during the Delhi Durbar, which was organized by Lord Lytton, the then Viceroy of India. This proclamation was made under the Royal Titles Act of 1876, which was passed by the British Parliament. The act allowed Queen Victoria to adopt the title “Empress of India” to emphasize British authority over India and strengthen the symbolic connection between the British Crown and its Indian empire. The formal declaration took place on January 1, 1877.

The correct answer is: b) Alok Shukla, India

Explanation:

The winner of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize 2024 from the region of Asia is Alok Shukla from India. He received this honor for his significant efforts in protecting the Hasdeo Arand Forest, which is crucial for biodiversity and local communities in Chhattisgarh. His activism led to the cancellation of plans for 21 coal mines in the area, preserving approximately 445,000 acres of forest.

Correct Answer: c) 91st Amendment

Explanation: The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, introduced a restriction on the size of the Council of Ministers. According to this amendment, the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Union Council of Ministers cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. Similarly, in the states, the size of the Council of Ministers is restricted to 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly, with a minimum of 12 ministers. This amendment was introduced to curb excessive expansion of the Council of Ministers and ensure efficient governance.

Correct Answer: d) 22 July 1947

Explanation: The Indian National Flag, also known as the “Tricolour” (Tiranga), was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22 July 1947, just a few weeks before India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, with the Ashoka Chakra (a 24-spoke wheel) in navy blue at the center. This flag became the official flag of independent India and symbolizes the country’s unity, heritage, and aspirations.

Correct Answer: c) Small intestine

Explanation:

The small intestine, specifically the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), receives bile from the liver. Here’s how it works:

– The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder.

– When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile through the bile duct into the duodenum.

– Bile helps in the digestion and absorption of fats by emulsifying them, making it easier for enzymes like lipase to break them down.

The other options are incorrect:

– a) Stomach: The stomach does not receive bile; it primarily secretes gastric juices for protein digestion.

– b) Oesophagus: The oesophagus is a passage for food and does not play a role in digestion or bile secretion.

– d) Large intestine: The large intestine is involved in water absorption and does not receive bile.

The correct answer is: a) All We Imagine as Light

Explanation:

Payal Kapadia became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix Award at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 for her film All We Imagine as Light. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time an Indian film has received this prestigious award, and it is also the first Indian feature directed by a woman to compete in Cannes’ main competition section in over three decades.

Correct Answer: d) 9

Explanation: In October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose established the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) in Singapore. This government was recognized by 9 countries, including Japan. The countries that recognized the Azad Hind Government were:

1. Japan

2. Germany

3. Italy

4. Thailand

5. Burma (now Myanmar)

6. Croatia

7. Philippines

8. Manchukuo (a puppet state of Japan in Manchuria)

9. Nanking China (a Japanese-controlled government in China)

Correct Answer: c) Petroleum Conservation Research Association

Explanation: The full form of PCRA is Petroleum Conservation Research Association.

– PCRA is an organization established in India in 1978 under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

– Its primary objective is to promote energy efficiency and conservation of petroleum products in various sectors such as transport, industry, agriculture, and households.

– PCRA conducts awareness campaigns, research, and training programs to encourage the efficient use of petroleum resources and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.