Dr. Linus Pauling is a unique figure in scientific history. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 for his work on the nature of the chemical bond and subsequently received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his activism against nuclear weapons testing.
232
Besides India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which other nations are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan was the latest country to join the organization in 2007, completing the current list of eight member nations.
233
Which edition of the SAARC summit was hosted in Islamabad in 2004?
The 12th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summit was held in Islamabad, Pakistan, in January 2004. This summit was a significant diplomatic event, as it facilitated a thaw in relations between India and Pakistan and led to the signing of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) framework agreement, which aimed to promote economic integration among the member nations of South Asia.
234
Which of the following inequalities is satisfied when x = 1?
To determine the correct inequality, we substitute x = 1 into each option. For option A, 1 - 2 = -1, which is less than 0, making the statement true. Testing the others: 1 + 2 = 3 (not < 0), 3(1) + 5 = 8 (not < 0), and 1 is not greater than 2. Thus, only option A holds true.
235
What is the meaning of the Latin phrase 'viva voce'?
The phrase 'viva voce' translates literally from Latin as 'with the living voice.' In modern usage, it refers to an oral examination or a test conducted by spoken word rather than in writing. The provided explanation contained a contradiction regarding the option letter, which has been noted.
236
In which country is the famous Dasht-e-Lut desert located?
The Dasht-e-Lut, also known as the Lut Desert, is a large salt desert located in the provinces of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan in southeastern Iran. It is recognized as one of the hottest places on Earth.
237
Where is the 'Dasht-e-Lut' desert geographically situated?
Dasht-e Lut, also known as the Lut Desert, is a large salt desert located in the provinces of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan in southeastern Iran. It is recognized as one of the hottest places on Earth, with surface temperatures frequently reaching extreme levels due to its unique geological composition.
238
Which star is recognized as the brightest star visible in the night sky from Earth?
Sirius, often referred to as the 'Dog Star', is the brightest star in the night sky. Located in the constellation Canis Major, its high apparent magnitude is due to both its intrinsic luminosity and its relative proximity to the Solar System. It has been observed and documented by various ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, who used its rising to predict the flooding of the Nile.
239
Which celestial object is widely considered the brightest comet observed in modern history?
Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered in 1995, became one of the most widely observed and brightest comets of the 20th century. It remained visible to the naked eye for a record-breaking 18 months, peaking in brightness during 1997. Its exceptional size and proximity to Earth made it a significant astronomical event.
240
During which orbital position does the Earth travel at its highest velocity around the Sun?
According to Kepler's Second Law of Planetary Motion, a planet moves fastest when it is closest to the Sun, a point known as perihelion. For Earth, perihelion occurs in early January, which corresponds to the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, near the time of the winter solstice.
