Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — Only one
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedPair 1 is incorrectly matched: Cepheids (Cepheid variables) are stars that brighten and dim periodically with a regular cycle, serving as 'standard candles' to measure cosmic distances.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: A nebula is a vast interstellar cloud of dust and gas (hydrogen and helium) where new stars are born or remnants of dying stars reside.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Pulsars are highly magnetized, rapidly rotating neutron stars formed during the supernova explosion and gravitational collapse of massive stars.
Notice the classic UPSC definition swap: the descriptions for Cepheids and Nebulae are inverted.
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