1. Pneumococcal disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Virus
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bacteria]
Notes:
Pfizer recently launched its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India. PCV20 protects against 20 serotypes causing most pneumococcal diseases. Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause mild infections like ear infections and severe ones like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Around 90 serotypes exist globally; few cause most diseases. It is a major global health issue, especially affecting young children and the elderly in developing countries.
2. Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) Program is an initiative of which space organization?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[C] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[D] European Space Agency (ESA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
Recently, reports claim the Trump administration asked NASA to shut down Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO). The Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) Program, managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is an initiative of NASA. OCO are Earth remote sensing satellites designed to monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) from space to understand climate change.
3. Which state government has launched India’s first Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH)?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Haryana
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled India’s first Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) in Bhubaneswar under the BharatNetra initiative. It is launched with Singapore-headquartered Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN). It aims to promote entrepreneurship, industry-ready skills, inclusive finance, and employment. Odisha plans Deep Neural Network laboratories and centres of excellence to boost research and development (R&D). The state produces 1.8 lakh graduates annually and is first in India to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. A dedicated FinTech and Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy will attract global investments.
4. Which institute developed a gold nanocluster-based biosensor for early detection of Parkinson’s Disease?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali
[C] All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
[D] Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali]
Notes:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, are developing a nanotechnology-based tool for early detection of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a rapidly growing neurological disorder in India, often diagnosed after significant neurodegeneration. The team focused on α-synuclein, a protein that changes from harmless to toxic forms, damaging brain cells. They created gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), ultrasmall particles coated with amino acids to selectively bind normal or toxic protein forms. The tool enables early-stage detection, improving treatment, quality of life, and reducing healthcare costs.
5. Glanders disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes:
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has recently issued the Revised National Action Plan on Glanders. Glanders is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and mainly affects equines like horses, mules, and donkeys, with risks to other animals and humans. It causes nodules and ulcerations in the respiratory tract and lungs, with a skin form known as farcy. Transmission occurs through contaminated food or water, infected harness equipment, or horse meat. It is a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed disease and must be notified under the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
6. What is the name of India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor launched at Semicon India 2025?
[A] Aryabhata 3201
[B] Chandrayaan 3201
[C] Bhaskara 3201
[D] Vikram 3201
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vikram 3201]
Notes:
India unveiled its first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, Vikram 3201, at Semicon India 2025. It is designed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) and fabricated by Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh. Vikram 3201 is designed specifically for rockets and satellites, unlike processors in smartphones or laptops. It is an upgrade of Vikram 1601, a 16-bit processor used in ISRO launch vehicles since 2009. The processor manages navigation, control, and mission management in launch vehicles. The launch supports India’s semiconductor self-reliance, with five units under construction under the Design-Linked Incentive scheme.
7. Which institute has developed cholesterol-based nanomaterials for quantum technologies and spintronic applications?
[A] Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
[B] Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali
[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[D] Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali]
Notes:
Cholesterol, a fat-like substance, can control the spin of electrons, a quantum property crucial for next-generation spintronic devices. Spintronics uses electron spin to develop energy-efficient electronics and bioelectronic devices. Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed cholesterol-based nanomaterials for spintronic and quantum applications. Cholesterol’s intrinsic handedness (chirality) and flexibility allow precise control over molecular properties. This innovation could enable energy-efficient memory chips and greener quantum technologies.
8. Which institute has become the first government medical college in India to offer training on the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System?
[A] Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry
[B] Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh
[C] All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS New Delhi)
[D] National institute of mental health and Neuro science, Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS New Delhi)]
Notes:
AIIMS New Delhi has become the first government medical college in India to offer training on the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. The advanced system was inaugurated at the Skills, E-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) Facility. AIIMS Delhi now becomes the only institution in India with two robotic systems for training—the da Vinci system and the Hugo robotic trainer by Medtronic. The initiative provides hands-on training for students, residents, nurses, and faculty. Training will cover urology, gynaecology, general surgery, surgical oncology, and head & neck surgery.
9. Which institute has been nominated as a UN Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Indian government?
[A] IIT Ahmedabad
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Madras]
Notes:
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) has been nominated as a United Nations (UN) Centre of Excellence (COE) for Artificial Intelligence (AI), capacity building, and skilling. The nomination was announced by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. The Centre of Excellence will operate under the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) to support the Global South in AI capacity building. India’s AI mantra is “capacity is the new connectivity” to bridge global AI gaps.
10. Where was the “Prayas” Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre inaugurated?
[A] Mahatashtra
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
The Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Prayas,” an Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, on the 10th Ayurveda Day. “Prayas” is among the first multidisciplinary centres in India integrating Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics. The facility focuses on holistic neuro-rehabilitation, especially for children with neurological and developmental conditions. It aims to provide treatment, research, training, and renewed quality of life for patients. The initiative aligns with India’s National Health Policy and global integrative healthcare practices.