First Indian who beat computer?

Appeared in: NORCET 6 Prelims -2024

Explanation

Shakuntala Devi was an Indian mental calculator and writer, famously known as the 'Human-Computer' due to her prodigious talent in mental calculation.
She earned a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records for her abilities.
The specific event that cemented her fame was on June 18, 1980, when she correctly multiplied two 13-digit numbers in 28 seconds, a task that was faster than what a computer of that era could perform.

Option B: CV Raman was a physicist, not a mental calculator. His fame comes from his discovery of the Raman Effect concerning the scattering of light.
Option C: Srinivasa Ramanujan was a genius in pure mathematics who made extraordinary contributions to number theory. However, he lived from 1887 to 1920, well before the invention of modern electronic computers he could compete against.
Option D: Homi J. Bhabha was a nuclear physicist and the architect of India's nuclear program. His work was in the realm of atomic energy and cosmic rays.

Visual 1: Photograph - A portrait of Shakuntala Devi, helping to associate the name with the person known as the 'Human-Computer'.
Visual 2: Infographic - A timeline comparing the life and major achievements of Shakuntala Devi, CV Raman, Ramanujan, and Homi J. Bhabha to highlight their different fields and eras of work.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Notable Indian Personalities and Achievements as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
General knowledge is a component of many competitive examinations in India, including some for nursing and paramedical posts, to assess a candidate's overall awareness.
Knowing about prominent Indian figures from various fields like science, mathematics, and arts is crucial for a well-rounded educational foundation.
What if? - If the question had asked for the 'father of the Indian nuclear program', the correct answer would have been Homi J. Bhabha, highlighting the importance of knowing the specific contributions of each historical figure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'First Indian' and 'beat computer'. This points to a specific, well-known event.
This is a factual recall question from the domain of general knowledge.
Evaluate each option based on their known area of expertise. Shakuntala Devi is famously associated with mental calculation.
Use the process of elimination. CV Raman (Physics), Ramanujan (Mathematics in a pre-computer era), and Homi J. Bhabha (Nuclear Physics) are not known for competing against computers.
Conclude that Shakuntala Devi, the 'Human-Computer', is the only plausible answer that fits the question's context.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 6 Prelims -2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.