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Question 491

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

An offshore terminal at Vadinar has been developed to reduce pressure from which of the following major ports in India?

  1. AOption (a)

    Kandla Port

  2. BOption (b)

    Cochin Port

  3. COption (c)

    Mormugao Port

  4. DOption (d)

    New Mangalore Port

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Kandla Port

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Kandla Port.

Key Points

  • The offshore terminal at Vadinar has been developed to reduce the operational pressure on Kandla Port, which is one of the busiest ports in India.
  • Kandla Port, also known as Deendayal Port, is located in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat and is a key hub for handling crude oil and petroleum products.
  • The Vadinar terminal primarily focuses on handling crude oil and petroleum products to meet the increasing demands of refineries and industries in the region.
  • The terminal has modern facilities like Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems, which facilitate large oil tankers to unload crude oil efficiently.
  • By diverting specific operations to Vadinar, Kandla Port has been able to focus on other cargo types and optimize its overall efficiency.

Additional Information

  • Kandla Port (Deendayal Port)
  • It was commissioned in 1950 and is one of the major ports in India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
  • The port handles a variety of cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, grains, and fertilizers.
  • It is strategically located near the Middle East oil-exporting countries, making it an important hub for crude oil imports.
  • Vadinar Offshore Terminal
  • Vadinar is home to one of the largest oil refineries in India, operated by Nayara Energy (formerly Essar Oil).
  • The terminal is equipped to handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and supports the operations of nearby refineries.
  • It is designed to enhance the efficiency of crude oil transportation and reduce turnaround time for tankers.
  • Gulf of Kutch
  • It is a vital maritime region on the western coast of India, hosting several ports like Kandla, Mundra, and Pipavav.
  • The region is known for its rich biodiversity and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangroves.
  • Single Point Mooring (SPM) System
  • An SPM system is a floating buoy or jetty anchored offshore, used for loading and unloading liquid cargo like crude oil.
  • It allows large tankers to operate without entering the port, reducing congestion and operational delays.

Question 492

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

As per the India State of Forest Report 2021, which one of the following Himalayan states has the highest percentage of its geographical area under forest?

  1. AOption (a)

    Arunachal Pradesh

  2. BOption (b)

    Himachal Pradesh

  3. COption (c)

    Sikkim

  4. DOption (d)

    Uttarakhand

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Arunachal Pradesh

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Points

  • According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Arunachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of its geographical area under forest among the Himalayan states.
  • Arunachal Pradesh has a forest cover of approximately 79.33% of its geographical area, making it the leading state in this regard.
  • The state is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and is home to diverse flora and fauna, which contributes to its extensive forest cover.
  • Other Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have lower percentages of forest cover compared to Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The forest cover in Arunachal Pradesh plays a critical role in climate regulation, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation in the region.

Additional Information

  • India State of Forest Report (ISFR):
  • Published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • ISFR provides comprehensive data on forest cover, tree cover, and the condition of forests in India.
  • The 2021 report highlights an increase in the total forest and tree cover of the country by 2,261 sq. km compared to the previous assessment.
  • Forest Cover Categories:
  • Very Dense Forest (VDF): Tree canopy density of 70% or above.
  • Moderately Dense Forest (MDF): Tree canopy density between 40%-70%.
  • Open Forest (OF): Tree canopy density between 10%-40%.
  • Biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh:
  • Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to rare and endangered species such as the red panda, clouded leopard, and mithun.
  • The state also has a wide variety of medicinal plants and orchids.
  • Role of Forests in Himalayan States:
  • Forests in the Himalayan region are crucial for water conservation, soil erosion prevention, and serving as carbon sinks.
  • They also support the livelihoods of indigenous communities and contribute to eco-tourism.
  • Challenges to Forest Conservation:
  • Deforestation due to infrastructure development, shifting cultivation, and illegal logging.
  • Climate change impacts such as glacial retreat and altered precipitation patterns.

Question 493

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Which of the following statements with reference to L-Wave or Long Wave generated by an earthquake is/are correct?

1.They follow the Earth's circumference

2.They travel at more or less at a constant rate

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. AOption (a)

    1 only

  2. BOption (b)

    2 only

  3. COption (c)

    Both 1 and 2

  4. DOption (d)

    Neither 1 nor 2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1 only

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 1 only.

Key Points

  • L-Waves (Long Waves) travel along the Earth's surface, following its circumference.
  • They are also known as surface waves and are generated during earthquakes.
  • L-Waves are slower compared to P-Waves (Primary Waves) and S-Waves (Secondary Waves).
  • The speed of L-Waves is not constant and depends on the Earth's material properties and the nature of the medium.
  • They cause significant destruction due to their high amplitude and horizontal motion.

Additional Information

  • P-Waves: Primary waves are the fastest seismic waves, traveling through solids, liquids, and gases.
  • S-Waves: Secondary waves are slower than P-Waves and can only travel through solids.
  • Seismic Wave Categories: Seismic waves generated during earthquakes are categorized as body waves (P and S waves) and surface waves (L and Rayleigh waves).
  • Rayleigh Waves: Another type of surface wave that travels in an elliptical motion and causes vertical displacement.
  • Earthquake Impact: Surface waves, including L-Waves, are primarily responsible for the damage to buildings and infrastructure during an earthquake.

Question 494

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Which one of the following is formed when volcanic ash is carried by running water and is deposited as a sedimentary layer?

  1. AOption (a)

    Basalt

  2. BOption (b)

    Lapilli

  3. COption (c)

    Slate

  4. DOption (d)

    Tuff

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Tuff

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Tuff.

Key Points

  • Tuff is a type of rock that forms from volcanic ash, which is ejected during a volcanic eruption and later compacted and cemented.
  • When volcanic ash is carried by running water and deposited as a sedimentary layer, it solidifies into tuff over time.
  • Tuff is categorized as a pyroclastic rock, which means it is formed from volcanic materials ejected during explosive eruptions.
  • It is commonly composed of fragments of volcanic glass, minerals, and rock particles, often cemented together by fine-grained ash.
  • Tuff is widely used in construction due to its light weight and ease of carving, and it has also been used historically for sculptures and buildings.

Additional Information

  • Volcanic Ash: Tiny fragments of volcanic glass and mineral particles created during explosive volcanic eruptions. It can be transported by wind or water over long distances.
  • Pyroclastic Deposits: These include any material ejected from a volcano during an eruption, such as ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs, which may accumulate to form rocks like tuff.
  • Basalt: A dense, dark-colored igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava at the Earth's surface. It is unrelated to tuff, as it forms directly from lava rather than volcanic ash.
  • Lapilli: Small, pea- to walnut-sized fragments of volcanic material that are ejected during an eruption. Unlike tuff, lapilli are not cemented into a solid rock.
  • Slate: A metamorphic rock formed from shale under high pressure and temperature. It is unrelated to volcanic processes and should not be confused with tuff.

Question 495

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Condensation of water vapour into water is influenced by which of the following factor/factors?

1Volume of air

2.Humidity

3.Temperature

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. AOption (a)

    1 only

  2. BOption (b)

    1 and 2 only

  3. COption (c)

    2 and 3 only

  4. DOption (d)

    1, 2 and 3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

1, 2 and 3

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

  • Condensation is the process in which water vapor in the air changes into liquid water. It occurs when moist air cools to its dew point, leading to the formation of tiny water droplets.
  • The factors that influence condensation include the volume of air, humidity, and temperature.
  • Volume of air: The volume of air impacts condensation indirectly by influencing the pressure and the capacity of air to hold water vapor. Larger volumes of air at constant temperature and pressure can hold more water vapor, delaying condensation. Conversely, smaller volumes may reach saturation more quickly, leading to condensation.
  • Humidity: Humidity is a direct measure of the amount of water vapor present in the air. Higher humidity means the air is closer to saturation, making condensation more likely when the air cools or the water vapor content increases further.
  • Temperature: Temperature is the most critical factor affecting condensation. As air cools, its capacity to hold water vapor decreases, reaching the dew point where condensation occurs. Conversely, warmer air can hold more water vapor, reducing the likelihood of condensation.

Question 496

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

The lactic acid that gets accumulated in the muscle cells during rigorous exercise causing muscle cramps is produced from

  1. AOption (a)

    ATP

  2. BOption (b)

    Pyruvate

  3. COption (c)

    Ethanol

  4. DOption (d)

    Glucose

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Pyruvate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Pyruvate

Explanation:

  • During intense physical activity, such as rigorous exercise, the oxygen supply to muscle cells may not be sufficient to meet the energy demands of the body.
  • This leads to anaerobic respiration in muscle cells, where glucose is partially broken down to generate energy in the form of ATP.
  • In the absence of sufficient oxygen, pyruvate (a product of glycolysis) is converted into lactic acid by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase.
  • The accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells is responsible for muscle cramps and fatigue during prolonged or intense exercise.

Pyruvate is a key intermediate in cellular respiration.

  • In the presence of oxygen (aerobic conditions), pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is converted into acetyl-CoA for the citric acid cycle.
  • However, under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid in muscle cells to regenerate NAD⁺, which is essential for glycolysis to continue and produce ATP. This process is called lactic acid fermentation.

Other Options:

  • ATP: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell. It is produced during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. ATP is not directly converted into lactic acid; rather, its production is facilitated by glycolysis, where pyruvate is formed as an intermediate.
  • Ethanol: Ethanol is a byproduct of fermentation in certain microorganisms, such as yeast. It is not produced in human muscle cells. Humans undergo lactic acid fermentation, not alcoholic fermentation, under anaerobic conditions.
  • Glucose: Glucose is the primary source of energy in cellular respiration. It undergoes glycolysis to produce pyruvate, which can subsequently be converted into lactic acid under anaerobic conditions.

Question 497

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

A chain of peptide containing linear sequences of amino acid linked by peptide bonds best represent the

  1. AOption (a)

    Primary structure

  2. BOption (b)

    Secondary structure

  3. COption (c)

    Tertiary structure

  4. DOption (d)

    Quaternary structure

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Primary structure

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Primary Structure

Concept:

  • Proteins are complex biomolecules made up of amino acids that play vital roles in various biological processes.
  • The structure of proteins is categorized into four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures, each representing different aspects of protein organization.
  • The primary structure of a protein refers to the specific linear sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Explanation:

Primary Structure:

  • The primary structure is the linear arrangement of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
  • Amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, which are covalent bonds formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.
  • This sequence is unique to each protein and determines its overall structure and function.

Secondary Structure:

  • The secondary structure refers to the folding of the polypeptide chain into regular structures such as alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
  • It does not describe the linear sequence of amino acids but rather the local folding patterns.

Tertiary Structure:

  • The tertiary structure represents the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain.
  • It is stabilized by interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bonds between the side chains (R groups) of amino acids.

Quaternary Structure:

  • The quaternary structure refers to the arrangement and interaction of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) in a multi-subunit protein.
  • Examples include hemoglobin, which consists of four subunits.

Question 498

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Cambium is an example of

  1. AOption (a)

    Lateral meristem

  2. BOption (b)

    Apical meristem

  3. COption (c)

    Intercalary meristem

  4. DOption (d)

    Permanent tissue

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Lateral meristem

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Lateral meristem

Concept:

  • Meristematic tissues in plants are responsible for growth and are composed of cells that can divide actively.
  • Meristems can be classified into three types based on their location: apical meristem, intercalary meristem, and lateral meristem.
  • The cambium is a specific type of lateral meristem, primarily responsible for secondary growth, which increases the girth of roots and stems in plants.

Explanation:

Lateral Meristem:

  • The cambium is an example of a lateral meristem. It is located along the sides of stems and roots.
  • Its primary role is to facilitate secondary growth by producing new vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) and increasing the thickness (girth) of the plant.
  • Examples of lateral meristems include vascular cambium and cork cambium.
  • These meristems contribute to the formation of wood and bark in trees, making them vital for plant structural support and nutrient transport.

Other Options:

Apical Meristem:

  • Located at the tips of roots and shoots, the apical meristem is responsible for primary growth, which increases the length of the plant.
  • It helps in the formation of new leaves, flowers, and elongation of stems and roots.

Intercalary Meristem:

  • Found at the base of leaves or internodes, the intercalary meristem is responsible for elongation and regrowth of certain parts of the plant, such as grass after grazing.

Permanent Tissue:

  • Permanent tissues consist of cells that have lost the ability to divide and are specialized for specific functions like support, transport, or storage.
  • Cambium, being meristematic, is actively dividing and hence cannot be classified as permanent tissue.

Question 499

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

What happens when the fat and oil containing food materials are left outside for a long time?

  1. AOption (a)

    Fats and oils in the food get oxidized

  2. BOption (b)

    Fats and oils in the food get reduced

  3. COption (c)

    Fats and oils in the food get ice-covered

  4. DOption (d)

    No reaction takes place

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Fats and oils in the food get oxidized

Why this answer is correct

CONCEPT:

Oxidation of Fats and Oils

  • When fats and oils are exposed to air, they undergo a chemical reaction known as oxidation.
  • Oxidation occurs due to the reaction of fats and oils with oxygen in the air, leading to the formation of compounds like aldehydes, ketones, and peroxides.
  • This oxidation process is responsible for the phenomenon of rancidity, which results in a bad smell and taste in the food.

EXPLANATION:

  • When fat and oil containing food materials are left outside for a long time:
  • The fats and oils react with oxygen present in the air.
  • This reaction causes the fats and oils to oxidize, forming new compounds that degrade the quality of the food.
  • Oxidation is the primary reason for rancidity, which makes the food unfit for consumption over time.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1: Fats and oils in the food get oxidized.

Therefore, when fats and oils in food are left outside for a long time, they get oxidized, leading to rancidity.

Question 500

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Which is the correct base pairing found in a normal DNA molecule?

  1. AOption (a)

    Adenine pairs with Thymine

  2. BOption (b)

    Adenine pairs with Guanine

  3. COption (c)

    Adenine pairs with Cytosine

  4. DOption (d)

    Thymine pairs with Guanine

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Adenine pairs with Thymine

Why this answer is correct

CONCEPT:

Base Pairing in DNA

  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a double-stranded molecule, where the two strands are held together by base pairing between complementary nitrogenous bases.
  • The four nitrogenous bases in DNA are:
  • Adenine (A)
  • Thymine (T)
  • Guanine (G)
  • Cytosine (C)
  • The base pairing follows a specific rule known as Chargaff's Rule:
  • Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) through two hydrogen bonds.
  • Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C) through three hydrogen bonds.

EXPLANATION:

  • Adenine pairs with Thymine - This is correct because adenine always pairs with thymine in a normal DNA molecule.
  • Adenine pairs with Guanine - This is incorrect because adenine never pairs with guanine.
  • Adenine pairs with Cytosine - This is incorrect because adenine never pairs with cytosine.
  • Thymine pairs with Guanine - This is incorrect because thymine never pairs with guanine.

Based on the base pairing rules, the correct answer is: Adenine pairs with Thymine.

Therefore, the correct base pairing found in a normal DNA molecule is that Adenine pairs with Thymine.