Material science and False ceiling dynamics

🌳 India's First Mobile Liquid Tree: Can a Glass Tank Really Clean the Air?

 "Wait... a tree made of water? Is that even possible?"

That was my first thought when I came across the news about India's First Mobile Liquid Tree. At first, it sounded like science fiction. A transparent glass tank replacing a real tree? How could that possibly work?

But the science behind it is surprisingly simple—and fascinating.

Let's break it down in an easy and interesting way.

🌍 Why Do We Need Something Like This?

Imagine you're standing at a busy traffic signal.

Cars, buses, trucks, and bikes surround you. The air feels heavy, and there isn't a single tree nearby.

Now think about places like:

• Railway stations
• Airports
• Metro stations
• Shopping malls
• Industrial areas
• Crowded city roads

These places generate huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), but there's hardly any space to plant trees.

So scientists asked a simple question:

"If we can't bring more trees into cities, can we bring the process of a tree?"

That question led to the development of India's Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT).

What Exactly Is India's Mobile Liquid Tree?

Despite its name, it isn't a tree at all.

It is a transparent tank filled with water and millions of microscopic algae, along with nutrients and an air circulation system.

These tiny algae behave just like the leaves of a real tree.

They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.

Think of it as a mini portable oxygen factory.

🌱 But How Can a Glass Tank Clean the Air?

This is where most people get confused.

Many assume the glass itself absorbs carbon dioxide.

It doesn't.

The glass is simply a container.

The real heroes are the microalgae living inside the water.

Here's how it works.

Step 1: Polluted Air Enters the Tank

The tank isn't completely sealed.

A small fan or air pump continuously pulls surrounding air into the tank.

This air contains:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Oxygen (O₂)
• Nitrogen (N₂)
• Other gases

Step 2: Carbon Dioxide Dissolves in Water

As tiny air bubbles move through the water, carbon dioxide dissolves into it.

Now the dissolved CO₂ becomes available for the algae.

Step 3: Microalgae Begin Their Work

Microalgae are tiny green organisms capable of photosynthesis, just like plants.

Using sunlight, they convert carbon dioxide and water into food.

The reaction is the same one we learn in school:

Carbon Dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen

In simple words,

The algae "eat" carbon dioxide and "breathe out" oxygen.

Step 4: Fresh Oxygen Is Released

The oxygen produced by the algae escapes through the outlet vents and mixes with the surrounding air.

Meanwhile, the algae continue growing and repeating this cycle throughout the day.

☀️ Why Is the Tank Transparent?

That's actually one of the smartest design choices.

Photosynthesis needs sunlight.

If the tank were made of metal, sunlight couldn't reach the algae.

No sunlight means no photosynthesis.

No photosynthesis means no oxygen production.

The transparent walls allow maximum light to enter, keeping the algae active.

🧪 Think of It Like an Aquarium

Imagine a fish tank.

An air pump creates bubbles inside the water.

Now replace the fish with microscopic algae.

Instead of consuming oxygen like fish, these algae absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

It's essentially an aquarium—but one designed to improve air quality.

🌳 Is It Better Than a Real Tree?

Not at all.

This is probably the biggest misconception.

A Liquid Tree cannot replace natural trees or forests.

Real trees do far more than absorb carbon dioxide.

They:

• Provide shade
• Support birds and wildlife
• Reduce soil erosion
• Improve biodiversity
• Cool the environment
• Recharge groundwater
• Produce fruits, flowers and habitats

A Liquid Tree mainly focuses on air purification in places where planting real trees is difficult.

It is a supplement, not a substitute.

⚡ Why Is It Called "Smart"?

The system isn't just a tank of algae.

It includes modern technology such as:

• Air quality sensors
• Carbon dioxide monitoring
• Temperature sensors
• Humidity sensors
• Solar panels
• Battery backup
• Mobility features

This allows it to monitor environmental conditions while continuously purifying the surrounding air.

📍 Where Can It Be Used?

Because it occupies very little space, a Liquid Tree can be installed in locations where traditional trees struggle to survive.

Some ideal locations include:

• Railway stations
• Bus terminals
• Airports
• Metro stations
• School campuses
• Hospitals
• Industrial zones
• Public parks
• Busy road intersections

🌎 Why Is This Innovation Important?

Cities are expanding rapidly.

Buildings are replacing green spaces.

Air pollution continues to increase every year.

While planting more trees should always remain our first priority, many urban locations simply don't have enough land.

Technologies like the Liquid Tree offer a practical way to improve air quality in these space-constrained environments.

It's an example of how biology, engineering, and environmental science can work together to solve modern challenges.

💡 The Bigger Picture

The Liquid Tree reminds us of an important lesson.

Technology can support nature—but it cannot replace it.

No machine can recreate the complexity of a forest.

However, smart innovations can help us breathe cleaner air while we continue protecting and expanding natural green spaces.

The future isn't about choosing technology over nature.

It's about using technology to help nature.

And that's exactly what India's first Mobile Liquid Tree represents.

🌿 Final Thought

The next time someone says, "India has developed a Liquid Tree," you'll know it isn't a magical tree made of water.

It's a brilliant combination of microbiology, environmental engineering, renewable energy, and smart technology, working together to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our time—urban air pollution.

Sometimes, the smallest organisms can make the biggest difference.

From Farm Waste to Toffee Wrappers: The Inspiring Engineering Story Behind a Simple Corn Husk

 "Engineers don't just build bridges, roads, or buildings. Sometimes, they solve everyday problems that millions of people never even notice."

This is one such story.

It begins not inside a high-tech laboratory, but in a maize field in Bihar.

After every maize harvest, farmers remove the corn kernels for food. What remains is the corn husk—the leafy outer covering of the corn cob. For most farmers, these husks are simply agricultural waste. They are either left to decay or, more commonly, burned to clear the fields quickly.

Every year, thousands of tonnes of corn husks are treated this way.

The result?

Smoke fills the air, valuable biomass goes to waste, and another environmental problem is created.

Most people saw waste.

But one engineer saw an opportunity.

The Engineer Who Asked a Different Question

Mechanical engineer Naaz Ozair from Bihar looked at the same corn husks and asked himself a simple question:

"Why are we burning something that nature has already given us? Can it become a useful product instead?"

This is where engineering begins.

Engineering is not about memorizing formulas or using expensive software.

It starts with curiosity.

It starts with asking questions that others ignore.

Instead of accepting corn husks as useless waste, he imagined them as a raw material.

That single thought eventually led to an innovation that is now gaining attention across India.

The Plastic Problem We Often Ignore

Now, let's think about something we all use almost every day.

A chocolate.

A toffee.

A candy.

You open it in just a few seconds, enjoy the sweet, and throw away the wrapper without a second thought.

That wrapper has completed its job.

But its journey has only begun.

Most toffee wrappers are made from plastic-based materials. Although they are used for only a few seconds, they can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.

Now imagine this happening billions of times every year.

Tiny wrappers may look harmless, but together they contribute significantly to plastic pollution, landfill waste, and the growing problem of microplastics.

The world needs better alternatives.

Turning Waste into Wealth

Corn husks are rich in natural plant fibres, mainly cellulose.

These fibres are lightweight, strong, renewable, and biodegradable.

Instead of burning them, why not use them to manufacture eco-friendly packaging?

That idea sounds simple today.

But converting an agricultural waste material into a product that is flexible, durable, safe for packaging, and commercially useful is far from easy.

It requires engineering.

Five Years of Experiments

Good ideas rarely succeed on the first attempt.

For nearly five years, Naaz Ozair worked on improving the material.

He experimented with different processing methods, tested the strength of the material, refined the manufacturing process, and continued despite repeated failures.

Finally, after years of research and perseverance, he developed a technology that converts discarded corn husks into biodegradable packaging materials.

His work later received a patent, proving that persistence is often the most important ingredient in innovation.

How Does a Corn Husk Become a Toffee Wrapper?

The complete process is protected under a patent, but the basic concept is easy to understand.

First, discarded corn husks are collected from farms instead of being burned.

They are then cleaned to remove dirt and impurities.

After drying, the husks are processed to extract natural plant fibres.

These fibres are converted into thin sheets that can be moulded and shaped into different biodegradable products.

The same agricultural waste that was once considered useless can now become:

Toffee wrappers

Chocolate wrappers

Food packaging

Disposable cups

Plates

Carry bags

What was once waste now becomes a valuable engineering material.

More Than Just a Wrapper

At first glance, it may seem like a small innovation.

But when we look deeper, we realize that this single idea solves multiple problems at the same time.

It reduces plastic waste.

It helps prevent crop residue burning.

It creates an additional source of income for farmers.

It promotes sustainable manufacturing.

It encourages industries to move towards biodegradable packaging.

This is the true beauty of engineering.

One solution can create benefits in many different areas.

The Engineering Lesson Behind This Story

As engineering students, we often imagine innovation as something extremely complex—robots, artificial intelligence, skyscrapers, or advanced machines.

But many great inventions begin with something much simpler.

They begin with observation.

An engineer sees the same world that everyone else sees.

The difference is that an engineer asks different questions.

Where others saw waste, Naaz Ozair saw raw material.

Where others saw smoke from burning crop residue, he saw an opportunity to reduce pollution.

Where others saw a problem, he saw a solution waiting to be discovered

Timber

 

Nature's Renewable Structural Material

Timber is one of the oldest and most widely used construction materials. Obtained from trees, it offers an excellent combination of strength, durability, workability, and aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for structural and architectural applications.

---

WHAT IS TIMBER?

Timber is wood that has been processed and seasoned for use in engineering and construction works.

Characteristics

✔ High strength-to-weight ratio

✔ Easy to cut, shape, and join

✔ Renewable and eco-friendly

✔ Good thermal and acoustic insulation

✔ Attractive natural appearance

---

ADVANTAGES OF TIMBER

🏗 High Strength with Low Weight

Provides adequate structural capacity while reducing dead load.

🌱 Sustainable Material

Renewable when harvested from managed forests.

🔇 Good Insulation

Reduces heat transfer and sound transmission.

✂ Easy Workability

Can be cut, nailed, screwed, and shaped easily.

🚚 Easy Transportation

Lightweight compared to concrete and steel.

🎨 Attractive Finish

Provides a warm and natural architectural appearance.

---

CLASSIFICATION OF TIMBER

A. Based on Origin

Softwood

Obtained from coniferous trees with needle-like leaves.

Examples: Pine, Fir, Spruce, Cedar

Hardwood

Obtained from broad-leaved deciduous trees.

Examples: Teak, Sal, Mahogany, Deodar

---

B. Based on Usage

Structural Timber

Used in beams, columns, trusses, and framing.

Non-Structural Timber

Used in partitions, paneling, and decorative works.

Decorative Timber

Used for furniture, interior finishes, and architectural detailing.

---

TYPES OF TIMBER (BASED ON PROCESSING)

🌲 Round Timber

Logs obtained directly after felling without further processing.

🪚 Sawn Timber

Logs cut into planks, boards, and sections of required dimensions.

📏 Dressed Timber

Sawn timber that has been planed and finished to accurate sizes.

☀ Seasoned Timber

Timber dried to reduce moisture content and improve durability.

🏭 Engineered Timber

Manufactured wood products created by bonding timber elements together.

---

IMPORTANT STRUCTURAL TIMBER SPECIES

SOFTWOODS

Pine (Pinus spp.)

• Lightweight
• Easy to work
• Used in roof trusses, flooring, and formwork

Spruce (Picea spp.)

• Strong and elastic
• Good shock resistance
• Used in beams and rafters

Fir (Abies spp.)

• Straight grain
• Good structural performance
• Used in heavy timber construction

Cedar (Cedrus spp.)

• Naturally resistant to decay
• Durable and aromatic
• Used in doors, windows, and cladding

---

HARDWOODS

Teak (Tectona grandis)

• Highly durable
• Resistant to weather and termites
• Used in high-quality construction and marine works

Sal (Shorea robusta)

• Hard and strong
• Suitable for heavy structural applications

Mahogany (Swietenia spp.)

• Attractive texture and finish
• Commonly used in furniture and joinery

Deodar (Cedrus deodara)

• Durable and termite resistant
• Used in structural and roofing works

---

PROPERTIES OF GOOD STRUCTURAL TIMBER

✔ High strength and stiffness

✔ Tough and durable

✔ Straight and close grain

✔ Low shrinkage and swelling

✔ Resistant to decay and insects

✔ Free from defects

✔ Easy to work and join

✔ Properly seasoned (Moisture Content 12–18%)

---

DEFECTS IN TIMBER

🔘 Knots

Remains of branches embedded in wood.

⚡ Shakes

Cracks occurring along growth rings.

📏 Checks

Surface splits caused by uneven drying.

↩ Warping

Distortion due to moisture variation.

Defects reduce strength, durability, and appearance.

---

ENGINEERED TIMBER PRODUCTS

Glulam (Glue Laminated Timber)

Layers of timber bonded together for large structural members.

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)

Thin veneers glued to form strong beams.

CLT (Cross Laminated Timber)

Multi-layer panels used for modern timber buildings.

Plywood

Thin veneers bonded at right angles.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

Compressed wood strands used for sheathing and flooring.

---

STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS OF TIMBER

🏠 Roof Trusses

🏗 Beams and Columns

🪟 Doors and Windows

🧱 Wall Framing

🪵 Flooring Systems

🌉 Timber Bridges

🏘 Residential Buildings

---

CARE AND PRESERVATION OF TIMBER

🌞 Proper Seasoning

Reduces moisture content and prevents shrinkage.

🧪 Preservative Treatment

Protects against termites, fungi, and decay.

🎨 Surface Coating

Paints and varnishes improve durability.

📦 Proper Storage

Store above ground level and protect from rain.

---

KEY NOTE

For structural applications, timber should be well-seasoned, free from defects, and adequately protected against moisture, insects, and fungal attack to ensure long service life and safety.

"Timber combines strength, sustainability, and beauty, making it one of the most versatile building materials in civil engineering." 🌲🏗️

 

LAKES OF INDIA

Lifelines of Nature, Culture, and Economy

India is home to thousands of lakes ranging from high-altitude Himalayan lakes to coastal lagoons and man-made reservoirs. These lakes provide water, support biodiversity, regulate climate, and sustain millions of livelihoods.

---

WHAT IS A LAKE?

A lake is a large inland body of standing water surrounded by land. Lakes may be natural or artificial and can contain fresh, brackish, or saline water.

Why Lakes Matter

• Source of drinking water
• Support agriculture and fisheries
• Recharge groundwater
• Moderate local climate
• Preserve biodiversity
• Promote tourism and recreation

---

TYPES OF LAKES IN INDIA

🏔️ Tectonic Lakes

Formed due to movements of the Earth's crust.

Examples: Wular Lake, Dal Lake, Pangong Tso

❄️ Glacial Lakes

Created by melting glaciers in mountain regions.

Examples: Tso Moriri, Gurudongmar Lake

🌊 Oxbow Lakes

Formed when a river changes its course and leaves behind a crescent-shaped water body.

Examples: Kanwar Lake (Bihar)

🌋 Volcanic Lakes

Occupy volcanic craters formed by ancient eruptions.

Example: Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)

🧂 Saltwater Lakes

Contain saline water due to high evaporation.

Examples: Sambhar Lake, Pulicat Lake

🏗️ Artificial Lakes & Reservoirs

Created by dams for irrigation, water supply, and power generation.

Examples: Hirakud Reservoir, Gobind Sagar, Nagarjuna Sagar

---

MAJOR LAKES OF INDIA

🌿 Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Largest freshwater lake in India
• Important wetland ecosystem
• Supports fisheries and flood control

⛵ Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Famous for houseboats and floating gardens
• Major tourist attraction of Srinagar

🏔️ Pangong Tso (Ladakh)

• High-altitude lake shared by India and China
• Known for changing shades of blue

🏞️ Nainital Lake (Uttarakhand)

• Scenic Himalayan lake
• Popular tourist destination

🧂 Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)

• Largest inland salt lake in India
• Major source of salt production

🏰 Lake Pichola (Rajasthan)

• Historic lake in Udaipur
• Surrounded by palaces and heritage structures

🌊 Chilika Lake (Odisha)

• Largest brackish water lagoon in India
• Habitat for migratory birds and dolphins

🌾 Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)

• One of India's largest freshwater lakes
• Important bird sanctuary

🛶 Vembanad Lake (Kerala)

• Longest lake in India
• Famous for houseboat tourism

🌿 Loktak Lake (Manipur)

• Known for floating islands called Phumdis
• Home to the endangered Sangai deer

🏔️ Tso Moriri (Ladakh)

• High-altitude freshwater lake
• Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

🌋 Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)

• Formed by a meteorite impact
• Unique saline-alkaline ecosystem

---

IMPORTANCE OF LAKES

💧 Water Supply

Provide drinking water, irrigation, and industrial water.

🌱 Biodiversity Hotspots

Support fish, birds, aquatic plants, and wildlife.

🌦️ Climate Regulation

Help moderate local temperatures and humidity.

🌊 Flood Control

Store excess rainwater and reduce flooding.

🌾 Agricultural Support

Provide water for crops and livestock.

🐟 Livelihood Generation

Support fisheries, boating, and tourism industries.

🏛️ Cultural Importance

Many lakes hold religious, historical, and cultural significance.

🔄 Groundwater Recharge

Help replenish underground water reserves.

---

THREATS TO INDIAN LAKES

⚠️ Pollution from sewage and industrial waste
⚠️ Encroachment of lake boundaries
⚠️ Excessive water extraction
⚠️ Invasive plant species
⚠️ Eutrophication (excess nutrient buildup)
⚠️ Climate change and irregular rainfall

---

CONSERVATION MEASURES

✅ Treat wastewater before discharge
✅ Protect wetlands and catchment areas
✅ Prevent encroachment and illegal construction
✅ Promote rainwater harvesting
✅ Encourage community participation
✅ Restore degraded lake ecosystems

---

DID YOU KNOW?

• India has more than 75 Ramsar Wetlands of international importance.
• Wular Lake is India's largest freshwater lake.
• Chilika Lake is the largest brackish-water lagoon in India.
• Lonar Lake was formed by a meteorite impact thousands of years ago.
• Loktak Lake is famous for its floating islands called Phumdis.

"Healthy Lakes, Healthy Life — Protect India's Blue Treasures." 🌊🇮🇳

Building materials - Timber Practice Questions for , APPSC, TSPSC- AEE

1. Which of the following is an endogenous tree?

• A. Teak
• B. Deodar
• C. Bamboo
• D. Sal

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Endogenous trees grow inwards (longitudinally) like Bamboo and Palm. Exogenous trees grow outwards by adding concentric rings (Teak, Sal).

2. The age of an exogenous tree can be estimated by:

• A. Number of layers in bark
• B. Number of annular rings
• C. Diameter of the pith
• D. Height of the tree

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Each annular ring represents one year of growth. Counting these rings from the cross-section gives the approximate age.

3. In the cross-section of a tree, the layer between the bark and the sapwood is:

• A. Pith
• B. Heartwood
• C. Cambium layer
• D. Inner bark

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The cambium layer is a thin layer of sap between the sapwood and inner bark, essential for the tree's growth.

4. According to IS 399, timber is classified as "highly durable" if its average life is:

• A. More than 5 years
• B. More than 10 years
• C. More than 120 months
• D. More than 180 months

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: High Durability > 120 months; Moderate = 60 to 120 months; Low < 60 months.

5. The moisture content of timber used in building frames should ideally be:

• A. 2% to 5%
• B. 8% to 12%
• C. 20% to 25%
• D. 50%

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For structural stability in Indian climates, 10-12% moisture content is the standard to prevent warping.

6. Which defect in timber is caused by the separation of layers due to wind action?

• A. Radial shakes
• B. Heart shakes
• C. Star shakes
• D. Cup shakes

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cup shakes occur along the annual rings, often caused by the severe swaying of the tree during strong winds.

APPSC AEE PREVIOUS 7. The central part of the tree is known as:

• A. Heartwood
• B. Sapwood
• C. Pith
• D. Cambium

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Pith (or Medulla) is the innermost core and the oldest part of the tree.

8. Dry rot in timber is caused by:

• A. Lack of ventilation
• B. Alternate wetting and drying
• C. Submergence in water
• D. High temperatures

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Fungi attack wood in stagnant, damp air, reducing it to a dry, powdery mass.

9. The strength of timber is maximum in a direction:

• A. Perpendicular to the grains
• B. Parallel to the grains
• C. 45 degrees to the grains
• D. Same in all directions

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Timber is anisotropic; it offers the highest resistance to load when applied parallel to its fibers.

10. "Knot" in timber is a:

• A. Fungal defect
• B. Sign of decay
• C. Base of a broken branch
• D. Result of seasoning

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Knots are formed by the base of a branch being enclosed by the natural growth of the tree trunk.

11. Which preservative is commonly used to protect timber from white ants (termites)?

• A. ASCU
• B. Coal Tar
• C. Creosote Oil
• D. All of the above

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: All these chemicals provide resistance against termites, though ASCU is particularly well-known for being odorless and paintable.

12. The most common seasoning method used for large scale commercial timber is:

• A. Air seasoning
• B. Kiln seasoning
• C. Water seasoning
• D. Chemical seasoning

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Kiln seasoning allows for rapid, uniform, and controlled drying in an airtight chamber.

APPSC AEE PREVIOUS 13. A well-seasoned timber has a moisture content of about:

• A. 15% to 20%
• B. 5% to 8%
• C. 10% to 12%
• D. 0%

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This range represents the Fiber Saturation equilibrium with common atmospheric conditions.

14. Plywood has the advantage of:

• A. Greater tensile strength in longer direction
• B. Uniform tensile strength in all directions
• C. Being cheaper than natural timber
• D. Having high moisture resistance

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alternating the grain direction in veneers ensures plywood doesn't have a "weak" direction like solid wood.

15. The wood used for making sports goods like cricket bats is:

• A. Mulberry
• B. Teak
• C. Willow
• D. Cane

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Willow (Salix alba) is used for high-quality bats due to its toughness and lightweight properties.

16. Expansion and shrinkage of timber occur primarily due to:

• A. Changes in pith size
• B. Absorption/loss of water from cell walls
• C. Temperature changes
• D. Loading conditions

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Volume changes occur when water is lost or gained from the cell walls (bound water), not the cell cavities.

17. What is the Fiber Saturation Point (FSP) of timber typically?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 25% to 30%
• D. 50%

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: FSP is the moisture content at which only the cell walls are saturated, and the cell cavities are empty.

18. Which of the following is a hardwood?

• A. Chir
• B. Deodar
• C. Shisham
• D. Pine

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) is a hardwood. Chir, Pine, and Deodar are softwoods from coniferous trees.

APPSC AEE PREVIOUS 19. The process of removing sap from timber is called:

• A. Felling
• B. Seasoning
• C. Preserving
• D. Dressing

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Seasoning is the systematic drying of wood to reduce moisture to a stable level.

20. A timber piece with a cross-section where one dimension is less than 5 cm and the other is less than 20 cm is called a:

• A. Plank
• B. Scantling
• C. Batten
• D. Baulk

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Battens are specifically small-sized timber pieces often used as supports for roofing or flooring.

Current Affairs Quiz : 26th Mar 2026

Daily MCQ Challenge

March 26, 2026 | Test Your Knowledge

1. Which state is the second in India to pass the UCC Bill 2026?

• A) Uttarakhand
• B) Punjab
• C) Gujarat
• D) Rajasthan

View Result

Correct Answer: C (Gujarat)
Explanation: Gujarat Assembly passed the bill following Uttarakhand's lead, aiming for uniform civil laws.

2. What is the name of Agnikul Cosmos' 3D-printed engine?

• A) Agnite
• B) Prithvi
• C) Skyroot
• D) Dhruva

View Result

Correct Answer: A (Agnite)
Explanation: The 'Agnite' booster is world's first single-piece 3D printed engine tested in India.

3. India's FY27 GDP growth forecast by S&P Global is:

• A) 6.9%
• B) 7.0%
• C) 7.1%
• D) 7.2%

View Result

Correct Answer: C (7.1%)
Explanation: S&P cited strong domestic performance for this upward revision.

📺 Watch Doodly Animation Explanation on YouTube