1. Recently, researchers of which institute have developed a novel and safer method to mass produce recombinant proteins?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[B] Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
[C] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
[D] National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Institute of Science (IISc)]
Notes:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a safer process for producing recombinant proteins (RPs), which are proteins modified by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Traditionally, RPs like insulin and monoclonal antibodies are produced using organisms such as yeast Pichia pastoris, which uses hazardous methanol. The new method employs mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) as a safer alternative. E. coli is also used for RP production due to its efficient growth and high yield.
2. Morni Hills, recently seen in news due to forest fire, is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
Morni Hills, Haryana’s lone hill station, recently battled a severe forest fire amid scorching temperatures exceeding 46°C. The blaze spread rapidly through the arid landscape, engulfing shrubs, bushes, and trees. Situated in the Shivalik range at 3,600 feet above sea level, Morni Hills harbor diverse flora and fauna. Haryana features various hills and ranges, including the Shivalik in the north and the Aravalli stretching from southwest Haryana to Delhi, with Morni Hills in Panchkula and Dhosi Hills in Mahendragarh known for its extinct volcano.
3. Recently, which state has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning in the Class 7 ICT textbooks?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala introduces AI learning in Class 7 ICT textbooks, pioneering a move to educate over 4 lakh students about Artificial Intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance technological education, familiarizing students with AI concepts from a young age. This forward-looking step reflects Kerala’s commitment to modernizing its education system and preparing students for future technological advancements.
4. Which day is observed as ‘World Milk Day’ every year?
[A] 1 June
[B] 2 June
[C] 3 June
[D] 4 June
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 June]
Notes:
World Milk Day, observed annually on June 1, emphasizes dairy’s role in global nutrition. Established in 2001 by the FAO, it celebrates milk as a vital food source and the dairy sector. Milk consumption dates back to the Neolithic age, evolving into a significant part of many cultures and religious traditions. However, modern challenges such as industrialized distribution and consumer preferences impact its consumption, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.
5. Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Manipur
[C] Assam
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) allocates funds for canopy bridges aiding Hoolock Gibbon, India’s lone ape, to traverse railway tracks in eastern Assam. Gibbons, Asia’s smallest and fastest apes, inhabit tropical forests. Hoolock Gibbon, India’s sole ape species, dwells in Assam, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states. Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary hosts a significant population. They’re diurnal, monogamous, and vocal communicators. Endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon and Vulnerable Eastern Hoolock Gibbon face conservation concerns.
6. What kind of missile is ‘Iris-T Missile’, recently seen in news?
[A] Air-to-Air missile
[B] Surface-to-Air missile
[C] Surface-to-Surface missile
[D] Air-to-Surface missile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Air-to-Air missile]
Notes:
Germany’s Bundeswehr lost an Iris-T missile, raising concerns about technology compromise. The Iris-T is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by a six-nation program, led by Germany. Diehl BGT Defence serves as the prime contractor. It’s designed for short and medium-range air defense, capable of neutralizing various aerial threats up to 40 km away. With extreme maneuverability and advanced features like infrared seeker and thrust-vector control, it’s effective in close combat.
7. Recently, how much gold did RBI allocate from the U.K. to domestic vaults in FY24?
[A] 50 metric tonnes
[B] 100 metric tonnes
[C] 150 metric tonnes
[D] 200 metric tonnes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [100 metric tonnes]
Notes:
In FY24, RBI relocated 100 metric tonnes of gold from the U.K. to Indian vaults in Mumbai and Nagpur. India’s gold reserves surged to 822 metric tonnes, with nearly 50% now stored domestically. RBI’s banknotes are secured by assets like gold, Government Securities, and Foreign Currency Assets, as per the RBI Act, 1934. The recent geopolitical tensions emphasized risks of storing gold abroad, exemplified by Western nations’ freezing of Russian assets.
8. In a gesture of humanitarian aid, India has recently sent a shipment of approximately 90 tonnes of medical supplies to which country?
[A] Cuba
[B] Vietnam
[C] Singapore
[D] Mauritius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cuba]
Notes:
India dispatched around 90 tonnes of medical supplies to Cuba, including nine different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), essential for producing antibiotics. The shipment departed from Mundra port on June 2. These medicines are crucial for treating chronic communicable diseases in Cuba, showcasing India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World.” The aid underscores the enduring friendship between India and Cuba, reflecting India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
9. Recently, NASA collaborated with which space agency to develop a standardized time system for the moon?
[A] ISRO
[B] ESA
[C] JAXA
[D] CNSA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ESA]
Notes:
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are collaborating to create a standardized lunar time system for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. This initiative addresses the need for unified timekeeping to coordinate international and private lunar missions. With upcoming missions from China, India, and private companies, a common lunar time system is essential for successful operation and coordination.
10. Recently, where was the U.S.-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework ministerial meeting held?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Mexico
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Singapore]
Notes:
The US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is convening a ministerial meeting in Singapore. The gathering includes major firms participating in a “Clean Economy” investor forum aimed at enhancing infrastructure and climate investments across the region.
