1. Which institute has discovered a new method to detect topological invariants in quantum materials using the spectral function?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru
[C] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
[D] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, under the Department of Science and Technology, have found a new method to detect topological invariants in quantum materials using the spectral function. The spectral function is a quantum tool that shows how energy and particles like electrons behave inside a material. It is commonly used to study electronic structure such as density of states and dispersion relations. The team focused on momentum-space spectral function (SPSF), which acts like a quantum fingerprint showing how electrons are spread across energy and momentum. This method reveals hidden topological features using values like winding numbers in one-dimensional systems and Chern numbers in two-dimensional systems.
2. What is the primary objective of a Thrombectomy?
[A] Remove blood clots and restore blood flow
[B] Reduce cholesterol levels
[C] Lower blood pressure
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Remove blood clots and restore blood flow]
Notes:
The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has announced financial support for India’s first indigenous thrombectomy device. This support aims to improve stroke care by promoting homegrown medical technology. A thrombectomy is a medical procedure to remove blood clots from arteries or veins. These clots, called thrombi, can block blood flow and damage tissues or organs. Thrombectomy helps restore proper blood circulation and prevents serious health risks.
3. What kind of disorder is Tourette Syndrome that was recently seen in news?
[A] Autoimmune disorder
[B] Neurological disorder
[C] Cardiovascular disorder
[D] Rare genetic disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neurological disorder]
Notes:
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes sudden, involuntary movements or vocal sounds called tics. It usually starts between the ages of 2 and 15, with the average age of onset around six. It affects around 0.3% to 1% of the global population, as highlighted in recent reports. The condition is more common in boys than in girls. Tics can be mild or severe and may include blinking, jerking, or making sounds. In severe cases, it can impact speech, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
4. What is the name of India’s first agentic AI system developed by Krutrim start up?
[A] Mitra
[B] Sanchita
[C] Vaani
[D] Kruti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kruti]
Notes:
Recently, India’s first agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) named Kruti was launched by the startup Krutrim. It is a next-generation Generative AI (GenAI) tool that goes beyond just providing information. Kruti can act independently to manage complex tasks, make decisions, and solve problems for users and organizations. It uses advanced reasoning and step-by-step planning to handle multi-layered challenges without constant human input. It processes large amounts of data from various sources to create strategies and complete tasks on its own.
5. The NISAR mission is a joint Earth-observing satellite mission between which two space agencies?
[A] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has recently reached the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) spaceport at Sriharikota. It is a joint mission between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and ISRO to study Earth’s changes. NISAR uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to send energy pulses and measure how much is reflected back from Earth. This helps in capturing sharp images of the Earth even during darkness or cloudy weather. It detects changes in land, forests, and ice, and is useful for monitoring natural disasters and soil conditions.
6. Which institute has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)?
[A] National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal
[B] National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru
[C] Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Uttar Pradesh
[D] National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal]
Notes:
India has gained global recognition in animal health as the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal was recently designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Rinderpest, also called cattle plague, is a deadly viral disease caused by a Morbillivirus from the Paramyxoviridae family. It mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle and buffalo, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent in highly vulnerable herds.
7. Where was India’s first off-grid 5 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen pilot plant commissioned?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Adani Group has recently commissioned India’s first off-grid 5 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch, Gujarat. The plant has been developed by Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), which is the clean energy arm of Adani Enterprises Limited. An off-grid green hydrogen plant produces hydrogen using electrolysis powered entirely by renewable sources like solar or wind and is not connected to the main power grid. This plant runs fully on solar energy and includes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for continuous operation.
8. What is the new term coined by researchers to describe extended periods of atmospheric thirst?
[A] Heatwave
[B] Dryburst
[C] Thirstwave
[D] Aridstorm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thirstwave]
Notes:
Researchers have recently introduced a new term called “Thirstwaves” to describe long periods of high atmospheric thirst. A Thirstwave occurs when the daily evaporative demand stays above the historical 90th percentile for at least three consecutive days. Evaporative demand means how thirsty the atmosphere is or how much water it wants to absorb from the ground or plants. It is influenced by temperature, wind speed, humidity, and sunshine. Understanding thirstwaves can help farmers manage water more efficiently and boost crop production. This concept is important for improving climate resilience in agriculture and water planning.
9. What is “Candida tropicalis” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Fungus
[B] Bacteria
[C] Virus
[D] Parasite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fungus]
Notes:
Recently, Candida tropicalis, a major fungal pathogen in India and globally, was found using chromosome changes to resist common antifungal drugs like fluconazole and voriconazole. Candida tropicalis is a yeast species from the Candida genus and causes serious infections with high mortality rates. It lives in tropical and subtropical marine environments like seawater, marine plants, and fish intestines. It is also found in human guts, fruit surfaces, soil, and various foods. It mainly affects people with weak immune systems or those with neutropenia, a condition of low neutrophil white blood cells.
10. Which agricultural university has discovered a new soil bacteria species named Bacillus ayatagriensis?
[A] Banda University of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh
[B] Raiganj University, West Bengal
[C] Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat
[D] Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raiganj University, West Bengal]
Notes:
Recently, researchers at Raiganj University in West Bengal discovered a new soil bacteria species named Bacillus ayatagriensis. This bacteria was found in the rhizosphere, the area around plant roots, of mulberry plants, which are vital for local sericulture and farming. Bacillus ayatagriensis shows strong antimicrobial properties and greatly improves seed germination, boosting plant health and productivity. It can help organic farming by reducing chemical use.