General Awareness

Malic acid is the predominant organic acid found in apples, making up about 90 percent of the total organic acid content. It is responsible for the sharp, tart flavor of the fruit. The name 'malic' is derived from 'malum', the Latin word for apple.

Aristotle is known as the father of biology because he was the first to categorize living things based on their characteristics. He conducted extensive observations of animals and plants, laying the groundwork for the scientific study of life. His student Theophrastus is similarly known as the father of botany.

P. Chidambaram took office as the Home Minister of India in November 2008, succeeding Shivraj Patil. Patil resigned following public criticism after the Mumbai terror attacks. Chidambaram moved from the Finance Ministry to lead the Home Ministry during this critical period.

Gooseberries, especially the Indian gooseberry or Amla, are exceptionally rich in Vitamin C, which is chemically known as ascorbic acid. This acid provides the fruit with its characteristic sour taste and high antioxidant properties. It is a vital nutrient for immune health and skin repair.

Tulips are the national flower of the Netherlands, which is often referred to by the name of its most famous region, Holland. The flower is deeply ingrained in the country's history and economy, particularly since the 'Tulip Mania' of the 17th century. Turkey also claims the tulip as a national symbol.

Recorded Forest Area in Kerala is approximately 29 percent of the state's total geographical area. While the total forest cover including areas outside recorded forests is higher, 28 percent is a common figure used in older statistical reports. This makes option C the intended correct answer.

Esters are organic compounds responsible for the sweet and fruity fragrances found in many flowers and fruits. They are widely used in the perfume industry to replicate natural scents. Other options like Amber are specific scents or substances, not the general class of chemicals responsible for floral smells.

Brown algae, such as kelp, are the primary natural source of iodine, which they concentrate from seawater. Iodine was historically produced commercially from the ash of burned seaweed. This makes marine algae a critical source for this essential element.

Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is one of the largest and most significant tracts of undisturbed tropical rainforest in India. It is famous for being the habitat of the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The valley is a core part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Sunflowers are native to North and Central America, where they were first domesticated by indigenous populations thousands of years ago. They were later introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Today, they are grown globally for their seeds and oil.

The ELISA test is a biochemical technique used mainly in immunology to detect the presence of an antibody or an antigen in a sample. It is most commonly known for its use as a primary screening test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of food grains and cereals in India, thanks to its extensive fertile plains and irrigation facilities. It ranks first in the production of wheat and contributes significantly to the national cereal output. Punjab and Haryana are also major producers but rank lower in total volume.

Vitamin C is highly susceptible to heat and can be easily destroyed during the cooking process. Since it is also water-soluble, it often leaches out into the cooking water. To preserve Vitamin C, it is best to consume fruits and vegetables raw or lightly steamed.

Vitamin A is essential for the health of the retina and the production of rhodopsin, a pigment that helps the eyes see in low light. A deficiency in Vitamin A leads to night blindness, where the individual struggles to see in the dark. Prolonged deficiency can lead to more severe vision loss.

Tocopherol is the chemical name for Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and supports the immune system. There are several forms of tocopherol, with alpha-tocopherol being the most active in humans.

The National Diet is the name of the bicameral legislature of Japan, established under the Meiji Constitution. It consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. It is the highest organ of state power in the Japanese government.

The Althing is the national parliament of Iceland and is widely considered the oldest surviving parliament in the world. It was established in 930 AD at Thingvellir. Today, it operates as a unicameral legislature in the capital, Reykjavik.

U Thant, a Burmese diplomat, served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. His book, 'View from the UN', provides a detailed account of his experiences and the major international crises he handled during his tenure. He was the first non-European to hold the position.

A rink is a specially prepared surface for sports such as ice skating, roller skating, or ice hockey.

Bangalore is famously known as the Garden City of India due to its many parks and greenery.

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12, which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

Paris is globally known as the City of Light (La Ville Lumiere) due to its role during the Age of Enlightenment and its early adoption of street lighting.

The Kaiga Atomic Power Station is a nuclear power generating station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India.