Metalloids are a very small group of elements found in the periodic table of elements along the zig-zag line that distinguishes metals from non-metals and is drawn from between boron and aluminium to the border between polonium and astatine.

Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and non-metals. They have properties that are difficult to characterize.

Sublimation is the transition of a substance from the solid phase to the gaseous phase without changing into the liquid phase.

Iodine is a powerful antiseptic. Tincture of Iodine is a 2-3 per cent Solution in alcohol- water mixture and applied on wounds.

A process known as centrifugation is used to separate butter from curd. Evaporation technique is used to separate salt from seawater. Distillation causes water to evaporate leaving solid salt behind, hence the production of salt.

The Tyndall effect is the phenomenon in which the particles in a colloid scatter the beams of light that are directed at them. This effect is exhibited by all colloidal solutions and some very fine suspensions. A Colloid is an intermediate between Solution and suspension.

A Colloid is an intermediate between Solution and suspension.

Lysosomes help to keep the cell clean by digesting any foreign material as well as worn-out cell organelles. Lysosomes are able to do this because they contain powerful digestive enzymes capable of breaking down all organic material.

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell. The energy required for various chemical activities needed for life is released by mitochondria in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphopshate) molecules. ATP is known as the energy currency of the cell.

Mitochondria are strange organelles in the sense that they have their own DNA and ribosomes. Therefore, mitochondria are able to make some of their own proteins.

Water and minerals are transport from roots to aerial parts of the plant by Xylem. Phloem is unlike xylem in that materials can move in both directions in it. Phloem transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Transport of food and nutrients such as sugar and amino acids from leaves to storage organs and parts of plants done by Phloem. This movement of substances is called translocation.

Parthenogenesis is a fascinating form of reproduction in which an organism develops from an unfertilized egg, meaning no male gamete (sperm) is involved.

There are 16 elements essential to growth of crop plants:

• Supplied by air and water: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
• Macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium (NPK)
• Secondary Nutrients: calcium, magnesium, sulphur
• Micronutrients: boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, Molybdenum and zinc

As it falls, its potential energy will change into kinetic energy (1/2mv^2).

Neutron is the heaviest of all atomic particles.

Generally, the speed of sound decreases when we go from solid to gaseous state.

Citric acid is the principal organic acid found in citrus fruits. To meet increasing demands, it is produced from carbohydrate feedstock by fermentation with the fungus Aspergillus Niger and the yeasts of Candida.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the virus and Diphtheria is caused by bacteria.

<h3>1. <strong>Transport</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Oxygen &amp; Carbon Dioxide:</strong> Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and return carbon dioxide back to the lungs.</li> <li><strong>Nutrients:</strong> Transports glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins to cells.</li> <li><strong>Waste Products:</strong> Carries urea and other metabolic wastes to kidneys for excretion.</li> <li><strong>Hormones &amp; Enzymes:</strong> Delivers chemical messengers from endocrine glands to target organs.</li> </ul> <h3> 2. <strong>Protection</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Immune Defense:</strong> White blood cells fight infections and produce antibodies.</li> <li><strong>Clotting (Hemostasis):</strong> Platelets and clotting factors help seal wounds and prevent blood loss.</li> </ul> <h3>3. <strong>Regulation</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Body Temperature:</strong> Distributes heat to maintain optimal internal temperature.</li> <li><strong>pH Balance:</strong> Maintains pH through buffers like bicarbonates.</li> <li><strong>Fluid Balance:</strong> Regulates water content in tissues through plasma proteins and electrolytes.</li> </ul>

During the day, the air near the ground is warmer than the air above. Sound travels faster in warm air, so it bends upward, away from our ears due to Refraction.

Light waves are many times faster than sound waves. Hence, when there is lightning, the light waves reach us faster than the sound waves.

<h3><strong>Genetic Factors</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Inherited mutations (e.g. <em>BRCA1/BRCA2</em> genes in breast and ovarian cancer)</li> <li>Family history of cancer increases risk</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Environmental &amp; Lifestyle Causes</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Tobacco smoke:</strong> Major cause of lung, throat, mouth, and bladder cancers</li> <li><strong>Alcohol consumption:</strong> Linked to liver, breast, and digestive tract cancers</li> <li><strong>Diet &amp; obesity:</strong> High-fat, low-fiber diets and excess weight increase risk</li> <li><strong>Physical inactivity:</strong> A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to cancer risk</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Carcinogens (Cancer-Causing Substances)</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Chemicals:</strong> Asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde</li> <li><strong>Radiation:</strong> UV rays (sunlight), ionizing radiation (like X-rays)</li> <li><strong>Pollution:</strong> Airborne particles and industrial waste exposure</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Biological Agents</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Viruses:</strong> HPV (cervical cancer), Hepatitis B &amp; C (liver cancer), Epstein–Barr virus (certain lymphomas)</li> <li><strong>Bacteria &amp; parasites:</strong> <em>H. pylori</em> is linked to stomach cancer</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Hormonal and Immune System Factors</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Hormone therapy or imbalances (e.g. estrogen and breast cancer)</li> <li>A weakened immune system can increase susceptibility</li> </ul>

Earth absorb radiation from sun, and then try to transmit it back to atmosphere, but atmosphere absorb very selective gas as a result of which the gas radiated get back to earth resulting in increase in temperature.

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) consists mainly of propane, propylene, butane, and butylene in various mixtures.

The scattering of light takes place when the size of the scattering object is tiny as compared to the wavelength of light.

Ohm’s Law explains the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit. It states V = IR, so it is related to resistance in an electric circuit.

Chemical changes involve formation of new substances. Change of colour, evolution of gas, and change in temperature are all indicators of chemical change.

Both statements are correct. Refractive index shows how much light slows down in a medium, and optical density is directly related to refractive index.

Both statements are correct. Heat energy weakens intermolecular forces and allows particles to move freely, explaining changes of state.

Hypermetropia (farsightedness) is corrected using a convex lens. The other matches given are incorrect.

All three statements are correct. Plants grow best in a certain pH, stomach acid aids digestion, and toothpaste neutralizes acid to prevent tooth decay.

Only statement 1 is correct. Sound waves are longitudinal, but they require a medium and cannot travel in vacuum.

Both statements are correct. Friction arises due to surface irregularities and depends on the nature of the surfaces.

Neutrino was first postulated by Wolfgang Pauli in 1930 to explain conservation of energy in beta decay.

Both statements are correct. In longitudinal waves, particles oscillate parallel to the wave direction (e.g., sound waves), while in transverse waves, particles oscillate perpendicular to the wave direction (e.g., light waves).

Correct order is 3 (lemon juice, acidic) – 1 (gastric juice, strongly acidic) – 2 (neutral water) – 4 (sodium hydroxide, strongly basic).

Statement 3 is correct. In electrolytic refining, impure metal is made the anode, pure metal is the cathode, and metal ions deposit from anode to cathode.

Event Horizon is the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape, not even light.

Correct order is X-rays (highest) – UV waves – Green light – Radiowaves (lowest).

Both statements are correct. The iris controls pupil size, and the lens focuses light onto the retina.

Both statements are correct. Reflection follows the law i = r, and all rays lie in the same plane.

Statement 1 is correct. Metals are malleable and sonorous, so statement 2 is incorrect.

All listed options are applications of Doppler Effect: medical diagnosis (blood flow), weather forecasting (radar), and speed guns.

Both statements are correct. Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature for combustion, and calorific value measures energy released per kg of fuel.

Neutrinos and electrons are examples of leptons. Leptons do not participate in strong nuclear interactions and are not always charged particles.

Concave mirrors are used in torches, shaving mirrors, and solar furnaces because they converge light. Rear-view mirrors use convex mirrors, not concave.

Both conditions are required for total internal reflection: light must travel from denser to rarer medium, and incidence angle must exceed the critical angle.

Statement 1 is correct: gravity governs planetary motion. Statement 2 is incorrect because gravitational force depends on the masses of the objects.

The speed of light is maximum in vacuum, where it travels at about 3 × 10^8 m/s.

Statement 2 is correct: neutrinos are among the most abundant particles in the universe. Statement 1 is incorrect because neutrinos are electrically neutral.

Statement 2 is correct. Microorganisms are diverse; while many are single-celled, some are multicellular, and they can survive in extreme environments.

Correct matching is: Tamarind – Tartaric acid, Sour milk – Lactic acid, Nettle sting – Methanoic acid, Tomato – Oxalic acid.

Typhoid is caused by bacteria. Polio and malaria are caused by virus and protozoa respectively.

Lysosomes are called suicide bags because they contain digestive enzymes that can break down cell components.

Both events occur in photosynthesis: chlorophyll absorbs light energy, and CO2 is reduced to carbohydrates.

Both statements are correct. Vegetative propagation produces clones of the parent and results in faster flowering and fruiting.

Both statements are correct. Nutrition involves food intake and utilization, and nutrients help in repair and growth.

The description matches Annelida, which are segmented worms with bilateral symmetry and true coelom.

Statement 2 is correct. Antimicrobial resistance reduces susceptibility, not increases it, and can lead to superbugs.

Both statements are incorrect. The liver is the largest organ, and the large intestine absorbs water and salts, not the small intestine.

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Bees and hummingbirds take nectar, infants feed on milk. Pythons swallow prey whole, they do not suck.

Osteomalacia is caused by deficiency of Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Both statements are correct. Tissue culture involves growing cells in artificial medium and allows mass propagation of disease-free plants.

Azotobacter is used as a biofertilizer because it fixes nitrogen. Agaricus is a fungus, Spirogyra is algae, neither used as biofertilizer.

AB positive is the universal recipient blood group because it has both antigens and no antibodies against A or B.

Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. RBCs are erythrocytes, WBCs are leukocytes. Platelets are thrombocytes, not macrophages.

Both statements are correct. Prokaryotes lack nuclear membrane, eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus.

Both statements are correct. Haemoglobin carries oxygen, and WBCs provide immunity against pathogens.

Correct order is Phylum > Class > Order > Genus > Species, which reflects the standard taxonomic hierarchy.

Measles and Hepatitis are viral diseases. Cholera is bacterial, Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Vaccination involves injecting the body with materials (antigens) that stimulate antibody production to provide immunity.

All three pairs are correctly matched: Citrus canker is bacterial, wheat rust is fungal, and yellow vein mosaic of okra is viral.

Auxin, Gibberellins, and Abscisic acid are plant hormones. Cortisol is an animal hormone.

All listed agents can act as pollinators: wind, bats, humans, and moths.

Correct matching is: Glucagon – Pancreas, Renin – Kidney, Growth Hormone – Pituitary, Releasing Hormones – Hypothalamus.

Statement 2 is correct. 5G is expected to form the backbone of IoT with very high speeds (up to 10 Gbps), not just 6-7 Mbps.

Both statements are correct. The radio frequency spectrum ranges from 30 Hz to 300 GHz, and TV/mobile signals use higher frequencies than radio.

Both statements are correct. Bluetooth is for short-range, WiFi for larger range, and K-fi project provides free WiFi in Karnataka.

Both statements are correct. Internet is a global network, and a modem is required to connect computers to the internet.

Statement 1 is correct. IP addresses uniquely identify devices. Statement 2 is incorrect; IPv6 is the successor of IPv4, not IPv5.

Statement 2 is correct. URL components are separated by slashes. Statement 1 is incorrect; URL is not a component of IP address.

Both statements are correct. Web cookies store small data pieces in browsers and help remember user information.

Statement 2 is correct. Edge computing reduces data at risk by processing closer to source. Statement 1 is incorrect; edge computing processes data locally, not in the cloud.

Both statements are correct. Bharat QR is the world’s first interoperable QR-based payment solution developed jointly by NPCI, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Both statements are correct. AI refers to machines performing tasks requiring human intelligence, and the term was coined by John McCarthy in 1956.

All listed applications are plausible uses of supercomputers, including scientific simulations, nuclear testing, climate prediction, and earthquake modeling.

Both statements are correct. Cloud computing provides resources without infrastructure knowledge, and applications/data are delivered via the internet from remote servers.

Data mining is associated with Big Data, involving analysis of large datasets to discover patterns and insights.

Both statements are correct. Quantum computers use qubits with superposition and can be applied to complex modeling like financial data.

Statement 1 is correct. Net neutrality requires equal treatment of data. Statement 2 is incorrect; it does not support speeding up specific sites.

All listed reasons are correct. Optical fibre offers high bandwidth, long-distance transmission, speed of light data transfer, and is less vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Cloud computing and Internet of Things are key technologies driving Industrial Revolution 4.0.

All listed items are part of cyber forensic investigation, which includes analysis of digital storage, call records, network devices, and mobile devices.

These features were introduced in the 4th Generation of computers, which used microprocessors and advanced operating systems.

All listed interactions (G2C, G2E, G2G, G2B) are types of e-governance. Hence, none of them is excluded.

Items 1, 2, and 3 are part of the Early Harvest Program. Public Wi-Fi hotspots in all cities are not included.

The ‘Network for Spectrum’ project is implemented by the Ministry of Defence to create a dedicated communication network.

Pratyush is India’s fastest supercomputer, used for weather and climate research.

Statement 1 is correct. LiFi uses light, WiFi uses radio waves. Statement 2 is incorrect; WiFi also cannot pass through seawater.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure tunnel across public networks for private communication.

E-Kranti is a national e-governance plan under Digital India aimed at delivering government services electronically through integrated systems.

5G is a wireless communication technology using radio waves, expected to support IoT and high-speed data transfer. South Korea was the first to launch 5G networks.

Bharat Net aims to provide affordable broadband connectivity to rural households and institutions, evolving from the National Optical Fibre Network project.

Cyber Swachhta Kendra is a botnet cleaning and malware analysis centre under MeitY to create secure cyberspace by detecting and cleaning infections.

IPrism is an IP competition for students to spread awareness about Intellectual Property Rights and encourage innovation.

NeGP comprises 31 Mission Mode Projects to promote e-governance holistically, with infrastructure like SDCs, SWAN, CSCs, and gateways.

NDCP 2018 aims to provide universal broadband, create jobs, increase GDP contribution, expand IoT ecosystem, and ensure digital sovereignty.

National Broadband Mission involves BharatNet, GramNet, NagarNet, and JanWiFi initiatives to secure universal broadband access.

Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti is a framework by the Ministry of Defence to enhance self-reliance in defence through innovation and IPR awareness.

Cyber Swachhta Kendra is operated by CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, as part of the National Cyber Security Policy.

NeGP includes 31 Mission Mode Projects and infrastructure like State Data Centres, SWAN, CSCs, and gateways to promote holistic e-governance.

The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 replaced the National Telecom Policy 2012, aiming for universal broadband and digital sovereignty.

National Broadband Mission involves BharatNet, GramNet, NagarNet, and JanWiFi to secure universal broadband access.

Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti was instituted by the Ministry of Defence to enhance self-reliance in defence through innovation and IPR awareness.

Cyber Swachhta Kendra is operated by CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, as part of the National Cyber Security Policy.

The GI Cloud initiative, named MeghRaj, focuses on harnessing cloud computing benefits to accelerate e-service delivery.

NDCP 2018 aims to provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen.

National Broadband Mission is funded through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and Public-Private Partnerships.

Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti aims to enhance self-reliance in defence by fostering innovation and spreading awareness about Intellectual Property Rights.

Cyber Swachhta Kendra focuses on secure cyberspace by detecting and cleaning botnet infections.

Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL), under the telecom ministry, handles the rollout of Bharat Net optical fibre network.

Bharat Net is funded through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), established to provide affordable telecommunication services in rural and remote areas.

NDCP 2018 aims to expand the IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices, ensuring India’s effective participation in the global digital economy.

NagarNet is the initiative under National Broadband Mission to establish 1 million public WiFi hotspots in urban areas.

Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti focuses on spreading awareness about Intellectual Property Rights in defence production to enhance self-reliance and innovation.

Statement 1 is correct. DART is NASA’s asteroid deflection mission. Statement 2 is incorrect; it is not a Roscosmos mission.

Both statements are correct. MOM was launched by PSLV-C25 and made ISRO the fourth agency to reach Mars, first in Asia.

Pairs 2 and 4 are correct. Hongyun is Chinese, Hayabusa 2 is JAXA. Gaia is ESA, MAVEN is NASA.

Both statements are correct. NISAR is a joint NASA-ISRO mission using dual radar frequencies to measure land changes.

Statement 1 is incorrect; YUVIKA targets school students. Statement 2 is also incorrect; it is organized by ISRO, not MHA.

Statement 1 is incorrect; detection confirms relativity. Statement 2 is correct; LIGO India is planned in Karnataka by 2025.

Statement 1 is correct; Spitzer is part of NASA’s Great Observatories. Statement 2 is incorrect; it observes infrared, not X-rays.

Statement 1 is incorrect; polar orbits have ~90° inclination. Statement 2 is correct; sun-synchronous satellites maintain same local solar time.

Statement 1 is incorrect; apogee is the farthest point from Earth. Statement 2 is correct; sunspots are cooler regions on the Sun’s surface.

Statement 1 is incorrect; PSLV is known as ISRO’s workhorse. Statement 2 is correct; RISAT-2B was launched by PSLV in 2019.

Statement 1 is incorrect; neutrinos are neutral particles with very small mass. Statement 2 is correct; TIFR is the nodal institution for INO.

Both statements are incorrect. Antrix is ISRO’s commercial arm, not a Maharatna company, and it can establish ground infrastructure.

Statement 1 is incorrect; Chandra is a NASA mission, not set up in Ladakh. Statement 2 is correct; it is among the most powerful X-ray telescopes.

NASA announced funding support for the RAMA project to reconstitute asteroids into mechanical automata.

Statement 1 is correct; IRNSS provides regional navigation service up to 1500 km beyond India. Statement 2 is incorrect; GSAT-9 is used by some SAARC countries but not all.

Statement 1 is incorrect; Aditya-L1 will study the corona, not the outermost region. Statement 2 is correct; it will be placed at L1.

Both statements are correct. Pinaka-I is a DRDO-developed multibarrel rocket system, and Pinaka-II has an extended range of 70 km.

Statement 1 is incorrect; Chandrayaan-2 had Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, not Pragyan lander. Statement 2 is correct; it was launched by GSLV Mk-III.

None of the listed statements are incorrect. GAGAN is an SBAS jointly developed by ISRO and AAI, with GSAT-8 and GSAT-10 as payloads.

Pairs 2 and 4 are incorrectly matched. QZSS belongs to Japan, and Galileo is Europe’s system. GPS is USA, BeiDou is China.

Statement (a) is incorrect. HysIS was launched by ISRO, not NASA. It is an earth observation satellite in sun-synchronous orbit.

The Hubble Space Telescope was launched jointly by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Graveyard orbit refers to orbits where satellites are moved at the end of their operational life to reduce collision risk.

Both statements are correct. ASTROSAT allows multi-wavelength observations and studies high-energy processes in binary star systems.

Aditya-L1 is India’s first mission to study the Sun, placed in a halo orbit around Lagrangian point 1 (L1).