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.
252
Which landmark is depicted on the reverse side of the Pakistani 5000-rupee banknote?
The 5000-rupee banknote, introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan in 2006, features an image of the Parliament House building in Islamabad on its reverse side. This design choice highlights the importance of the legislative institution in the country's governance.
253
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.
254
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.
255
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.
256
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.
257
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.
258
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.
259
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.
260
Which planet is recognized as the hottest in our solar system?
Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, despite not being the closest to the Sun. This is due to its thick atmosphere, which is composed primarily of carbon dioxide and clouds of sulfuric acid. This atmosphere creates a runaway greenhouse effect, trapping heat and maintaining surface temperatures high enough to melt lead, making it significantly hotter than Mercury.
