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General ScienceMediumAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2018, GAT

Which one of the following is not used as fertilizer?

  1. A.Ammonium nitrate
  2. B.Ammonium sulphide
  3. C.Ammonium phosphate
  4. D.Ammonium sulphate

Correct answer

B. Ammonium sulphide

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Ammonium sulphide. Ammonium sulphide is an unstable, foul-smelling compound that breaks down to release ammonia and toxic hydrogen sulphide, so it is not used as a fertiliser. Its main use is as a reagent in the laboratory, for example in qualitative analysis to precipitate metal sulphides, and in so-called stink bombs. Fertilisers must be stable salts that release plant nutrients steadily in the soil. Option A is wrong because ammonium nitrate is a widely used nitrogen fertiliser, rich in nitrogen in both its ammonium and nitrate parts, though it is handled carefully as it can explode. Option C is wrong because ammonium phosphates, such as diammonium phosphate (DAP), supply both nitrogen and phosphorus and are among the most used fertilisers in India. Option D is wrong because ammonium sulphate gives nitrogen and sulphur and suits alkaline soils and crops such as paddy and tea. Exam tip: nitrate, phosphate, sulphate of ammonium = fertilisers; sulphide = lab reagent.

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Q2.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

The word 'Denisovan' is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to

  1. A.fossils of a kind of dinosaurs
  2. B.an early human species
  3. C.a cave system found in North-East India
  4. D.a geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent
Show answer
Correct answer: B. an early human species

Denisovans were an archaic group of humans, close relatives of the Neanderthals, first identified in 2010 from a finger bone found in Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia.

Q3.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?

  1. A.They protect the body from environmental allergens.
  2. B.They alleviate the body's pain and inflammation.
  3. C.They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
  4. D.They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.

B cells and T cells are lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the adaptive immune system that recognise and fight specific bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.