Comprehension check:-

Q 1. Why does Indrani Debi dislike Duttada’s “hobnobbing” with Dibya ?

Ans. Indrani Debi regards Dibya as a designer who has ensnared her husband. As a result, she objects to Duttada’s socialising with Dibya.

Q 2. She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smiling ?

Ans. She smiles at the forgetfulness of her husband to the practical problems of life. But he was wary of rubbing shoulders with Dibya.

Q.3 (i) What was Duttada’s secret ambition ?

Ans. Duttada’s secret ambition was to discover a new comet.

(ii) What did he do to achieve it ?

Ans. He purchased an eight-inch telescope after retiring. He mounted it on his house’s roof. On dark nights, he would look up at the sky.

Q 4. What is the difference between a planet and a comet, as given in the story?

Ans. Both planets and comets orbit the sun. Planets in this orbit are completely disciplined. However, comets’ orbits are not regular. Comets can be unusual. They come from the farthest reaches of the solar system.

Q 5. Why was Duttada hopeful that he would discover a new comet soon?

Ans. Duttada was upbeat. He was aware that the professional might overlook something as insignificant as a comet. As a result, he was optimistic about discovering a new comet.

Q 6. Why does Duttada say—“I almost wish I had not discovered this comet.”?

Ans. The discovery of this Comet brought unwanted attention to Duttada. He disliked the attention. So he expresses regret over discovering this Comet.

Q 7. Why is his wife unhappy about the discovery?

Ans. Comets, according to Indrani Debi, bring bad luck to the discoverer. She wishes that a good man like her husband had not been involved in the discovery. As a result, she was displeased with the discovery.

Comprehension Check:-

Q 1. How did Sir John get hold of James’ original manuscript ?

Ans. Mr. Taylor, the editor of ‘Nature,’ received a paper from James. Sir John had a friend named Mr. Taylor. Sir John received the original manuscript from him.

Q 2. What is the important point the paper makes ?

Ans. The paper emphasises the importance of the Comet Dutta colliding with Earth in less than a year.

Q 3. Why does Sir John say that James’ paper should not be published ?

Ans. Sir John believes that publishing James’ paper will cause panic among people all over the world. As a result, he believes James’ paper should not be published.

Q 4. What do the two men finally decide to do ?

Ans. Finally, the two men agree to hold an important secret conference of international experts.