1. What is the primary objective of the MADMAX experiment?
[A] To observe black holes in distant galaxies
[B] To detect dark matter like axions and dark photons
[C] To measure the speed of light in vacuum
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To detect dark matter like axions and dark photons]
Notes:
The MADMAX collaboration recently published the first results of its search for dark photons using a prototype detector. MADMAX stands for Magnetised Disk and Mirror Axion Experiment. It is a research project focused on detecting dark matter particles like axions and dark photons. The MADMAX detector uses a system made of sapphire disks and a mirror to form a resonator that enhances detection signals. Dark photons are theoretical particles similar to light particles (photons) but have mass. They are believed to be part of galactic dark matter and can turn into ordinary photons under special conditions.
2. Which country has inaugurated world’s first large-scale commercial e-methanol facility?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Denmark
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Denmark]
Notes:
Denmark has inaugurated the world’s first large-scale commercial e-methanol facility in Kasso, southern Denmark. It has a production capacity of 42,000 metric tons (53 million litres) of e-methanol annually. E-methanol offers a viable path for reducing emissions in sectors like shipping and chemical manufacturing. E-methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide.
3. The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission was launched by which space agency?
[A] Australian Space Agency
[B] Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ]
Notes:
NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) Mission recently created the most detailed gravity map of the Moon. The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission was launched by NASA. It was part of NASA’s Discovery Program. The new map will help build a precise lunar reference frame and time system, making future Moon missions safer and more accurate. The mission showed that the Moon’s nearside, which faces Earth, is warmer and more geologically active than the farside. Earth’s gravity pulls more on the nearside, causing it to flex more and revealing interior structural differences. The nearside has large flat plains called “mare”, while the farside has rugged terrain.
4. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a four-stage rocket, developed by which organization?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C61 mission from Sriharikota to place the EOS-09 satellite into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. The mission failed due to a problem in the third stage. PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a four-stage rocket designed by ISRO. It mainly places satellites into Sun-synchronous polar orbits, ideal for Earth observation. The PSLV uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages for precision. The first stage uses HTPB-based solid fuel with six strap-on boosters in XL version, producing 4.8 MegaNewtons (MN) thrust. The second stage runs on liquid fuel, with the Vikas engine using Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N₂O₄), generating about 8 MN thrust. The third stage uses solid HTPB fuel again. The fourth stage has two liquid engines burning Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON).
5. Which country has discovered a new species of bacteria named Niallia tiangongensis?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Chinese scientists recently discovered a new species of bacteria named Niallia tiangongensis aboard the Tiangong Space Station. The Tiangong Space Station, meaning ‘Sky Palace’, is a Chinese-owned and permanently crewed space station in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It is the final phase of China’s Manned Space Program, developed after earlier missions Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2. The first module, Tianhe, was launched in April 2021 and connects two science modules, Wentian and Mengtian, with a planned space telescope called Xuntian.
6. The IndiaAI Mission was jointly launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and which organization?
[A] National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
[D] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM)]
Notes:
Recently, three new startups were selected to build India’s own Foundation Model under the IndiaAI Mission, marking a big step in boosting local Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. The IndiaAI Mission was launched in 2023 as a joint effort by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). It supports startups and researchers by providing access to high-end computing power. The mission promotes “Making AI in India” by developing AI technologies locally.
7. Arsia Mons is a massive shield volcano located in which planet?
[A] Mars
[B] Saturn
[C] Jupiter
[D] Neptune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mars]
Notes:
NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter recently captured a breathtaking image of Arsia Mons volcano rising above early morning clouds on Mars. Arsia Mons is a giant shield volcano in the Tharsis region of Mars. It stands over 18 kilometers tall and spans more than 300 kilometers wide at its base. It is much larger than Earth’s tallest volcano, Mauna Loa, which is 9 kilometers high. Arsia Mons is the southernmost volcano in the Tharsis Montes group, which includes three major volcanoes.
8. Which institution has discovered that a protein called BBX32 helps plants grow properly from darkness into light?
[A] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
[B] Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal
[C] Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
[D] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal]
Notes:
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, found that a protein called BBX32 helps plants grow properly from darkness into light. BBX32 is a B-box (BBX) protein that plays a key role in plant growth and development. It helps control when a seedling starts growing above soil, improving chances of healthy growth. This discovery helps understand how seedlings grow and could help improve crop establishment in agriculture.
9. Which country has launched the Zhangheng 1B satellite to strengthen early warning systems for natural disasters?
[A] South Korea
[B] Japan
[C] China
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China has launched the Zhangheng 1B satellite to strengthen early warning systems for natural disasters by monitoring Earth’s electromagnetic environment. It was launched aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Developed in partnership with Italy under a 2019 cooperation agreement, the satellite entered orbit as planned. Zhangheng 1B is China’s first satellite focused on studying geophysical fields from space and will work with Zhangheng 1A launched in 2018. It carries nine instruments, including an electric field detector and a high-energy particle sensor built by Italy.
10. Rice Yellow Mottle Virus, that was recently seen in news, is endemic to which continent?
[A] Asia
[B] Europe
[C] South America
[D] Africa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Africa]
Notes:
A recent genomic study revealed the spread of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus or RYMV across African rice ecosystems, posing a serious threat to rice production. Rice Yellow Mottle Virus is a plant virus that affects rice and some related grasses. It first appeared in the mid-1800s in the Eastern Arc Mountains, now in Tanzania, a region rich in biodiversity. It is mainly found in Africa and is present in most rice-growing countries on the continent.