1. What is the primary function of newly discovered type of brain cells named Ovoid?
[A] To play a role in recognition memory
[B] To regulate blood flow in the brain
[C] To enhance sensory perception
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To play a role in recognition memory]
Notes:
Researchers discovered a new type of brain cell called Ovoid cells. These neurons help in recognition memory by differentiating between new and familiar objects. They are named for their egg-like shape and are found in the hippocampus of humans, mice, and other animals. Ovoid cells activate when encountering something new, triggering memory storage. This discovery could help treat brain conditions like Alzheimer’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Epilepsy.
2. Bell’s Palsy, that was recently seen in news, affects which part of the body?
[A] Arms
[B] Face
[C] Foot
[D] Spine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Face]
Notes:
Maharashtra’s state minister is suffering from Bell’s Palsy, a condition causing temporary facial paralysis. It results from inflammation or irritation of the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve) controlling facial muscles. It is often linked to viral infections, but the cause is usually unknown (idiopathic). It can affect anyone, but is more common in adults. Symptoms include facial drooping, difficulty with facial expressions, drooling, and issues with closing the eyelid or smiling.
3. Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), that was recently seen in news, is primarily used for which disease?
[A] Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
[B] Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
[C] Hepatitis
[D] COVID-19
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)]
Notes:
The Supreme Court directed all States to address concerns on stockouts, procurement transparency, and drug quality of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). ART is a combination of medications that treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by reducing its levels in the body. HIV destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells), weakening the immune system and increasing infection risk. ART cannot cure HIV but helps maintain a healthy immune system by preventing the virus from multiplying. A combination of two to four ART drugs improves effectiveness and reduces resistance. If viral load is low enough, HIV becomes undetectable in blood tests.
4. Which institution has developed the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
[C] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune]
Notes:
The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) on Aditya-L1 detected an X6.3-class solar flare, a highly intense solar eruption. SUIT is a remote sensing payload on ISRO’s Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission. The mission was launched on September 2, 2023. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) is developed by Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune with ISRO. SUIT captures full-disk and region-specific images of the Sun. It uses 11 calibrated filters across 200-400 nm wavelengths to study the Sun’s layers. It is positioned at Lagrange Point. It observes the Sun 24×7. SUIT studies solar atmosphere dynamics, focusing on jets, flares, filament evolution, and eruptions.
5. What is the name of the iron-containing mineral recently linked to the red color of Mars?
[A] Hematite
[B] Goethite
[C] Ferrihydrite
[D] Magnetite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ferrihydrite]
Notes:
A study suggests Mars’ red color may be due to the iron-containing mineral ferrihydrite. Ferrihydrite is a poorly crystalline nanomineral made of 20% (FeO₄) and 80% (FeO₆) polyhedra. It forms through rapid oxidation and hydrolysis and exists in a disordered structure. It is an initial corrosion product of iron, leading to goethite and hematite formation. Found in soils, weathered rocks, and around iron-rich springs, especially with iron-metabolizing bacteria. It traps water, protects organic molecules, and forms rapidly in cool water. Present in meteorites as a pre-terrestrial weathering product.
6. What kind of disease is “Vitiligo” that was recently seen in news?
[A] A disease causing loss of skin color in patches
[B] A vitamin deficiency disorder
[C] Neurological disorder
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A disease causing loss of skin color in patches]
Notes:
New research suggests that gut-friendly bacteria may help slow vitiligo progression, offering hope for people with this autoimmune disease. Vitiligo causes loss of skin color in patches, often starting on the hands, feet, face, or forearms. It occurs when the immune system destroys melanocytes, cells that produce skin color. Around 30% of cases are genetic, and 1% of the global population is affected. Vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, and while treatments can restore color, they can’t prevent its recurrence.
7. Which country recently deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) near the Myanmar border?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Thailand
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province near the China-Myanmar border. It has a surveillance range of over 5,000 km, covering the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory. It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time. Unlike traditional radars, it uses electronically controlled antennas for instant scanning. It can track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision. LPARs play a key role in early warning systems and air defense networks.
8. What is the name of ISRO’s mission that successfully demonstrated in-space docking and undocking?
[A] Gaganyaan
[B] SpaDeX
[C] Aditya-L1
[D] Mangalyaan-2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SpaDeX]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the undocking of two satellites under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator for in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. The mission aims to develop and demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in low-Earth orbit. On March 13, 2025, ISRO successfully undocked the satellites in a 460 km circular orbit with 45-degree inclination. The satellites are now orbiting independently and are in normal condition. This marks ISRO’s successful demonstration of all capabilities for rendezvous, docking, and undocking in a circular orbit.
9. Which institute has developed India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform for schools, called “Gyandhara”?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
IIT Guwahati developed India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform for schools, called Gyandhara. Gyandhara provides an immersive and engaging learning experience. It helps students understand scientific and academic concepts that are difficult to grasp through traditional learning. The platform enhances education through virtual reality, making learning interactive and effective.
10. River Blindness, that was recently seen in news, is a neglected tropical disease caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Parasite
[C] Virus
[D] Fungus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Parasite]
Notes:
A new study by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has used Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) barcoding to correctly identify blackfly species that spread river blindness. River blindness, also called Onchocerciasis, is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus and spreads through the bite of infected blackflies of the genus Simulium. These blackflies breed near fast-flowing rivers and streams and mainly affect people in rural and remote areas. The disease causes severe skin itching, skin damage, and in serious cases, permanent blindness. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies river blindness as a major Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen, and Latin America.