What was first seen by compound microscope?
- (A) Protozoa
- (B) Bacteria
- (C) Virus
- (D) Neutron
- (B) Bacteria
Bacteria were the first microorganisms that people actually observed with their own eyes using a microscope. Before that, people used simple lenses, such as magnifying glasses, to take a peek at larger objects, such as insects. However, in 1676, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek turned the world upside down by observing bacteria in a sample of water. He chose to use high-quality single-lens microscopes instead of the early compound microscopes, which were a bit crude in terms of their resolution at the time. However, his findings laid the foundation for all future work done using compound microscopes.
Could our universe be inside a black hole?
- (A) Yes, black holes lead to new universes
- (B) No, black holes only destroy matter
- (C) Possibly, but there’s no solid proof
- (D) Yes, we observe black hole-like properties
- (C) Possibly, but there’s no solid proof
- Scientific Hypothesis: Some physicists propose “Black Hole Cosmology,” which suggests that the Big Bang was the result of a collapsing star in a “parent” universe.
- Mathematical Parallels: The radius of our observable universe is remarkably similar to the Schwarzschild radius of a black hole with the same total mass.
- Singularity Link: Both black holes and the origin of our universe involve a singularity—a point where density is infinite and current laws of physics break down.
- Theoretical Status: Despite these intriguing overlaps, there is currently no empirical evidence to confirm we are inside one. It remains a speculative model that competes with other theories like cosmic inflation.
Who is the founder of Wikipedia?
- (A) Jimmy Wales
- (B) Sergey Brin
- (C) Larry Page
- (D) Steve Chen
- (A) Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Wales is an American internet entrepreneur who co-founded Wikipedia with Larry Sanger on January 15, 2001. Sanger proposed the idea of using a “wiki” to compile the encyclopedia and became the first editor-in-chief, while Wales provided seed money for the project through his company Bomis and has been the public face of the project since its inception.
The first country in the world to grant women the right to vote (in 1893) was:
- (A) Great Britain
- (B) Greece
- (C) New Zealand
- (D) America
- (C) New Zealand
New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This occurred when the Electoral Act was passed on September 19, 1893. Following a phenomenal petition campaign launched by women’s suffrage leaders Kate Sheppard and others, women voted for the first time in the November 1893 election.
Which is the world’s oldest religion?
- (A) Judaism
- (B) Islam
- (C) Christianity
- (D) Hinduism
- (D) Hinduism
Hinduism is regarded by most scholars and historians as the oldest “living” religion in the world. It is also known as Sanātana Dharma, or “the eternal law,” and its roots are believed to be beyond the boundaries of human history. Unlike other religions, Hinduism does not have a founder or an “origin.” Its roots and traditions date back more than four thousand years. The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, the Vedas, date back to 1500 to 1200 BCE, although they were preserved orally for a much earlier period.
Who was the President of USA during the First World War?
- (A) George Truman
- (B) Woodrow Wilson
- (C) Abraham Lincoln
- (D) Thomas Jefferson
- (B) Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He kept his country at peace until April 1917, when he called for Congress to declare war on Germany in order to create a world that was “safe for democracy.” He also introduced the Fourteen Points to create a framework for peace.
What is “Taxidermy”?
- (A) Form of abstract art
- (B) Zeal of travelling
- (C) The art of stuffing of birds and animals
- (D) Hobby of stamp collecting
- (C) The art of stuffing of birds and animals
Taxidermy is the art of treating and mounting the skins of dead animals, birds, or fish so that they resemble living ones. The term taxidermy is derived from two Greek words meaning “skin arrangement.”
Name the King whose revenue minister was Raja Todar Mal?
- (A) King Akbar
- (B) King Babur
- (C) King Jahangir
- (D) King Shah Jahan
- (A) King Akbar
Raja Todar Mal was the revenue minister of King Akbar, who was known as the Diwan-i-Ashraf. He was one of the Navaratnas of Akbar, which means the nine jewels of the emperor. He was famous for implementing the Dahsala system of land revenue and taxes in 1580. He was the Finance Minister of Akbar.
Who coined the name of All-India Muslim League?
- (A) Hakeem Ajmal Khan
- (B) Sir Agha Khan
- (C) Khawaja Salimullah Khan
- (D) Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- (C) Khawaja Salimullah Khan
The name of the Muslim League was suggested by Nawab Khwaja Salimullah of Dhaka at the annual All-India Muslim Education Conference. The conference was held at Ahsan Manzil in Dhaka on December 30, 1906. The proposal to create a new political party for Indian Muslims was made through this suggestion.
“Eduskunta” is the parliament of which country?
- (A) Sweden
- (B) Finland
- (C) Holland
- (D) Hungary
- (B) Finland
The Eduskunta is Finland’s unicameral parliament and the highest lawmaking body. It is located in the capital city, Helsinki. The Eduskunta was established in 1906, and it is composed of 200 members who are directly elected for a four-year term. Their powers include the enactment of laws, approval of the state budget, and overseeing the government.