1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Which institute has developed a sensor to detect toxic metals in water to address heavy metal pollution?
[A] IIT Roorkee
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Ahmedabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Bombay]
Notes:
IIT Bombay and Monash University, Australia, have developed a cost-effective sensor to detect toxic metals in water. The project received funding from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India. The sensor uses a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) called copper-tetra carboxyphenyl porphyrin (Cu-TCPP) for efficient detection. It can detect lead, cadmium, and mercury even in trace amounts. The MOF structure allows metal ion replacement without collapsing, improving detection capability. Tests on tap and lake water confirmed its accuracy. The sensor performs as well as or better than DNA-based sensors, with simpler design and efficiency.
4. Shingles Disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Fungus
[C] Virus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virus]
Notes:
A global survey found that 56.6% of Indians aged 50+ know little about shingles, though over 90% have the virus. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection causing a painful rash or blisters, often in a band-like pattern. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox and can reactivate in adulthood. Shingles is not contagious, but the virus can spread to someone who never had chickenpox. Symptoms include pain, itching, fever, and fatigue. The Shingrix vaccine helps prevent shingles, and antiviral drugs can reduce its severity.
5. ISRO has inaugurated the “Shri S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research” centre at which institute?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Madras]
Notes:
V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, inaugurated the ‘Shri S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research’ at IIT Madras on March 17, 2025. The centre supports ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by advancing space technologies and attracting global research talent. It focuses on spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management, crucial for India’s space missions. S Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus, contributed significantly to PSLV and GSLV MK3 development. ISRO scientists will collaborate with IIT Madras to develop advanced cooling systems for spacecraft. The research will support future lunar, Mars, and deep-space missions.
6. 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.
7. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), that was recently seen in news, is associated with which viral infection?
[A] Hepatitis B
[B] Measles (Rubella)
[C] Yellow Fever
[D] Ebola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Measles (Rubella)]
Notes:
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal brain disorder linked to measles (rubella) infection. It can develop years after measles recovery, affecting children and adolescents, with men at higher risk. Low measles vaccination coverage in Uttar Pradesh has made SSPE a serious health concern. SSPE cases are reported worldwide but remain rare in Western countries.
8. What is “DNA polymorphism” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Variations in DNA segments or genes between individuals
[B] Mutations that always cause diseases
[C] Abnormalities in chromosomes
[D] Artificially modified DNA sequences
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Variations in DNA segments or genes between individuals]
Notes:
DNA polymorphism is widely used in forensics and medicine. It refers to variations in DNA segments or genes among individuals. Detection techniques include Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) polymorphism. DNA profiles are created using polymorphisms in short tandem repeats (STRs). STRs are short DNA sequences repeated multiple times at specific locations. Applications include molecular and personalized medicine, forensic DNA analysis, DNA linkage studies, and identity differentiation.
9. A huge anticyclonic storm known as the Great Red Spot is associated with which planet?
[A] Jupiter
[B] Mars
[C] Saturn
[D] Mercury
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jupiter]
Notes:
New observations of the Great Red Spot on Jupiter show unexpected atmospheric activity above and around the storm. The Great Red Spot is an anticyclone, a high-pressure system that creates a long-lasting storm. It is located in Jupiter’s Southern Hemisphere. It appears as a massive red spot, though the cause of its red color remains unknown. The storm extends above Jupiter’s main cloud layers and is the largest known storm in the Solar System. The storm has existed for at least 150 years and may be even older. Its long duration is linked to Jupiter’s gaseous composition, which lacks a solid surface that would dissipate the storm’s energy. Unlike hurricanes on Earth that weaken upon landfall, Jupiter’s storm remains active due to its deep atmosphere.
10. Which instrument of Chandrayaan-3 has become the first instrument to measure temperatures in situ near the moon’s south pole?
[A] Chandra’s Surface Thermo-physical Experiment (ChaSTE)
[B] Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA)
[C] Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS)
[D] Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandra’s Surface Thermo-physical Experiment (ChaSTE)]
Notes:
Chandrayaan-3’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) became the first instrument to measure in situ temperatures near the Moon’s south pole. It successfully penetrated lunar soil and deployed a thermal probe, achieving what two previous missions—European Space Agency’s (ESA) Philae (2014) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) InSight Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3) (2018)—could not. This experiment provided crucial data on lunar surface temperatures, strengthening evidence of water ice deposits. ChaSTE’s thermal probe was integrated into the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3, which landed on August 23, 2023.