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'For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right'. Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
When James looked up from his window and saw a star studding night sky, he became dubious about his amounts and calculations. It was such a peaceful night that James was unable to think that Comet Dutta headed wicled to collide with the earth.
What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?
The conference scientist checked and re-checked James calculations with Coment Dutta's latest observations. They said the calculations of James were right. They said the calculation of James was right. James had anticipated no escape from the direct hit.
Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.
It took immediate action. There were two choices for the scientist.
Defensive action: the defensive measure was that people should live in bunkers.
Offensive action: the offensive action was to do something to deflect the comet from its path. Then detonate it at the right time by remote control.
. “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15.” What did Sir John mean by that?
Scientists decided to take offensive action ; to send a spacecraft to intercept the comet with a nuclear explosion. But Sir John wasn't sure if the experiment was successful or failed. He deferred the purchase of presents for Christmas till Decemeber 15.
What is DUttada expected to do on his return from London?
Duttada is anticipated to conduct a yajna on his return from London to pacify the evil spirit behind the comet.
What is his reaction to the proposal?
He refused to do anything with the yajna. He thought that no purpose could be served. He thought that no purpose could be served. He thought that there was no correlation between the misfortunes of the earth and comet appearance.
What does ‘Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
The ' Light Brigade refers to ' project protects the Earth by sending a spacecraft to intercept the comet with a nuclear explosion. Then detonate it at the right time by remote control.
What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?
He wrote a letter to Duttada saying the Light Brigade charge had started.
Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
Yes, on December 15, Sir John bought presents for Christmas. He sent Duttada an urgent telex to tell him that on Decemeber he would buy Christmas prsents. That's how it gets to know Duttada.
Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
Indrani Debi thought that the comet was not a catastrophe due to the yajna.
I disagree with her, the catastrophe was not averted by the yajna but by the researchers through the Light Brigade project.
Is Duttada’s general outlook
(i) rational?
(ii) moral?
(iii) traditional?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right
The general outlook for Duttada was rational. He had no faith in superstitions. He's a scientist and he's got a scientific perspective. When Indrani Debi said she wished the comet had not been discovered as it brought ill-luck, he laughed and said that her superstitions were not cured even by an M.A. degree.
Should a Scientist's findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the topic.
For: It will suppress the scientific finding that will disturb the individuals. It is necessary to suppress the finding that can create panic violence or disorder. Scientific research should help people.
Contra: suppressing the discovery is wrong. If no findings are suppressed, the light of the day will ever see. New discovery enables individuals discover new ways of living better.
Do you think ours is a traditional socitey? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional? Do you find these things useless or useful?
There are rituals and customs observation that make us traditional. Our festivals make us traditional, and the manner we have been celebrating them for millennia. Tradition is always helpful to better comprehend culture.
Give two or three examples to show how science has been useful to us.
Science has helped us with disease fighting. In ancient days, smallpox, plague, cholera, etc. caused many fatalities and suffering. They have now been eradicated.
Science has created our lives simple and comfortable. Now it's quite easy and comfortable to travel long distances.
Give one example to show many sciences has been misused and has as a result been harmful to us.
Nuclear energy is our time's biggest discovery. To generate power, this energy is used. But, sadly, to create nuclear wepons, this is being misused. These guns can in no moment destroy the entire universe.
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