Question

In a remote research outpost, five scientists (Dr. Anand, Dr. Beena, Dr. Chirag, Dr. Dinesh, and Dr. Elango) are studying a rare phenomenon. They communicate through a secure, text-based system. Over the course of an hour, the following exchanges occur: \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{1. Dr. Anand sends a message to Dr. Beena and Dr. Chirag} \\ \bullet & \text{2. Dr. Beena replies only to Dr. Anand.} \\ \bullet & \text{3. Dr. Anand sends a reminder message to who did not reply.} \\ \bullet & \text{4. Dr. Chirag sends a message to Dr. Dinesh and Dr. Elango.} \\ \bullet & \text{5. While replying to Dr. Chirag, Dr. Dinesh accidentally sends a "Reply All."} \\ \bullet & \text{6. Dr. Elango, having received Dr. Chirag's message, sends a message to Dr. Beena.} \\ \end{array}\] At the end of this hour, who has received the most messages directly from other scientists within the group? (Consider only messages sent within the described hour and only between the five scientists mentioned.)

• A. Dr. Chirag
• B. Dr. Dinesh
• C. Dr. Anand
• D. Dr. Beena

Hint:

When tracking message flow in puzzles like these, carefully count each message exchanged and ensure you include all "Reply All" responses.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Let's go through the exchanges and track who received the messages:
1. Dr. Anand sends a message to Dr. Beena and Dr. Chirag. 

- Dr. Chirag receives a message from Dr. Anand (1 message).
- Dr. Beena receives a message from Dr. Anand (1 message).
2. Dr. Beena replies only to Dr. Anand.
- Dr. Anand receives a reply from Dr. Beena (1 message).
3. Dr. Anand sends a reminder message to who did not reply. - Dr. Chirag does not reply, so he receives another reminder message from Dr. Anand (1 message).
4. Dr. Chirag sends a message to Dr. Dinesh and Dr. Elango. - Dr. Dinesh receives a message from Dr. Chirag (1 message).
- Dr. Elango receives a message from Dr. Chirag (1 message).
5. While replying to Dr. Chirag, Dr. Dinesh accidentally sends a "Reply All."
- Dr. Anand receives a message from Dr. Dinesh (1 message).
- Dr. Beena receives a message from Dr. Dinesh (1 message).
- Dr. Chirag receives a message from Dr. Dinesh (1 message).
6. Dr. Elango, having received Dr. Chirag's message, sends a message to Dr. Beena.
- Dr. Beena receives a message from Dr. Elango (1 message).
Now, let's count the total number of messages received by each person:

- Dr. Chirag: 1 message from Dr. Anand + 1 reminder message from Dr. Anand + 1 message from Dr. Dinesh + 1 message from Dr. Dinesh (Reply All) = 4 messages
- Dr. Dinesh: 1 message from Dr. Chirag + 1 message from Dr. Dinesh (Reply All) = 2 messages
- Dr. Anand: 1 message from Dr. Beena + 1 message from Dr. Dinesh (Reply All) = 2 messages
- Dr. Beena: 1 message from Dr. Anand + 1 message from Dr. Elango + 1 message from Dr. Dinesh (Reply All) = 3 messages
- Dr. Elango: 1 message from Dr. Chirag = 1 message
The person who received the most messages directly is Dr. Chirag, with 4 messages. Thus, the correct answer is option (a).