Keyboard words are not in alphabetical order, Why?

Two guards were on duty outside a barracks. One faced up the road to watch for anyone approaching from the North. The other looked down the road to see if anyone approached from the South. Suddenly one of them said to the other, "Why are you smiling?"

How did he know his companion was smiling?

The great emperor Akbar once ruled India. He was well known for his intelligence. But along with that, he was known for the Nine Gems in his court. One of the nine gems was Birbal, a quick witted and extremely intelligent man. The stories of his wit were widely popular.

Once a king ruling in a distant land heard of Birbal. To check his wit, he sent an invitation and called him to visit his land. Akbar allowed Birbal to go and he took off on the journey.

Upon reaching that kings kingdom, he was welcomed with flowers. He was then escorted to the palace of the king. Upon entering the palace, Birbal found that there were six people sitting in front of him adorning the same robe. They were also lookalike and it was hard to judge who the real king was.

After a couple of minutes, Birbal approached one of them and bowed in front of him greeting him.

That was the real king. How did Birbal know who was the real king ?

What 4-letter word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?

Can you write down eight eights so that they add up to one thousand?

Can you find out the smallest number that can be conveyed as the sum of three squares in three unique ways?

I have four wings but can't fly.
I express no emotions.
I am found on the exact spot every time you look.
I keep toiling away with a little sound.

Do you know what am I?

When is the top of a mountain similar to a savings account?

The answer I give is yes, but what I mean is no. What was the question?

What is full of holes but still holds water?