1. 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.
2. Which institute has proposed a mission called PRATUSH to study the Cosmic Dawn?
[A] Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru
[B] Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
[C] Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) proposed a mission called PRATUSH to study the Cosmic Dawn. PRATUSH stands for Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen. It is a radio telescope to be placed on the far side of the Moon. It is built by Raman Research Institute (RRI) Bengaluru with collaboration from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will use a wideband antenna (30–250 MHz), a self-calibratable analog receiver, and a digital correlator with 100 kHz spectral resolution. It will observe large sky regions continuously and record spectra of radio emission. Its nominal lifetime is two years to collect high-quality data.
3. What is the title of the Centre of Excellence established by IIT Hyderabad and Army Training Command (ATC) Shimla?
[A] VIGRAHA
[B] DRONA
[C] ARYA
[D] TEJAS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [VIGRAHA]
Notes:
Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Army Training Command (ATC), Shimla. The partnership establishes a Centre of Excellence (CoE) named VIGRAHA (Virtual, Intelligent, Ground-breaking Research in AR/VR and High-tech Applications for Indian Army). The Simulator Development Division (SDD), Secunderabad represents the Indian Army in this collaboration. The CoE will focus on Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, unmanned systems, and emerging defense technologies. The initiative strengthens India’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defense technologies.
4. Which NASA mission recently spotted two rocky exoplanets orbiting the star TOI-2322?
[A] Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
[B] Artemis Program
[C] James Webb Space Telescope
[D] Hubble Space Telescope
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)]
Notes:
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has discovered two rocky exoplanets around star TOI-2322, located 195 light-years away. Scientists detected them by observing small dips in the star’s brightness, indicating planets passing in front. TOI-2322 b is nearly Earth-sized, completes one orbit in 11 days, and has a very hot surface temperature of about 330°C. TOI-2322 c is almost twice Earth’s size, about 18 times heavier, and has a dense structure similar to Earth’s layers. The planets were confirmed using space telescopes and ground tools, showing successful global collaboration in astronomy.
5. Where was India’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant launched?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Haryana]
Notes:
India’s largest Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery manufacturing plant was inaugurated in Haryana on 5 September 2025. When fully operational, it will produce 20 crore battery packs annually, meeting nearly 40% of India’s 50 crore pack requirement. The plant was set up under the Centre’s Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) scheme. Li-ion batteries are rechargeable, with lithium ions moving between graphite (negative electrode) and lithium metal oxides (positive electrode) through a non-aqueous electrolyte. They offer high energy density (75-200 Wh/kg), are lightweight, use fewer toxic metals, and provide good cycle stability and efficiency. They have low self-discharge and no memory effect, ensuring reliable performance.
6. Which institutions recently created the world’s first entirely AI-generated genome?
[A] California Institute of Technology and Harvard University
[B] Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Oxford
[C] Harvard University and University of Cambridge
[D] Stanford University and the Arc Institute
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Stanford University and the Arc Institute]
Notes:
Researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute created the world’s first entirely AI-generated genome. The AI-designed virus can infect and kill bacteria, acting as a bacteriophage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) model named Evo was used, employing genome “language models” to design complete viral genomes. Evo was trained on about 2 million viral genomes to learn DNA patterns, gene order, and composition. Scientists guided Evo to mimic phiX174, a small bacteriophage with 11 genes and approximately 5,000 DNA letters. This achievement marks a significant advancement beyond AI-designed proteins or small multi-gene systems. It demonstrates AI’s potential to innovate in synthetic biology and genome engineering.
7. Which institute conducted the first successful wheat cultivation experiment in the Thar desert using ‘soilification’ technology?
[A] Banaras Hindu University
[B] Punjab Agricultural University
[C] Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
[D] Central University of Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Central University of Rajasthan]
Notes:
Recently, Central University of Rajasthan (CUoR) conducted the first successful wheat cultivation in arid land using desert ‘soilification’ technology. The experiment aims to stop the expansion of western Rajasthan’s Thar desert towards the National Capital Region. Desert sand was converted into soil using polymers and indigenous bioformulation, enhancing water retention and soil structure. The project was supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the State Horticulture Department. The experiment proves that even barren desert land can become productive with biotechnology.
8. What is the name of India’s first space astronomy observatory which recently completed 10 years of operation?
[A] AstroSat
[B] Chandrayaan
[C] INSAT-3C
[D] Vikram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [AstroSat]
Notes:
India’s first dedicated space astronomy observatory, AstroSat, completed 10 years of operation on 28 September 2025. It was launched on 28 September 2015 by PSLV-C30 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C30) XL from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Though designed for 5 years, it continues to provide valuable data after a decade. AstroSat studies the universe across multi-wavelengths: UV (Ultraviolet), Visible, Low and High Energy X-rays. It was developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) with collaboration from Indian institutes and partners from Canada and the UK.
9. Which space organization has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission?
[A] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission. Its main goal is to study how solar particles are energised and how the heliosphere shields Earth. Heliosphere is a giant bubble formed by the Sun’s solar wind that covers the entire solar system. Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) will map the heliosphere’s boundary, trace energetic particles, and improve space weather forecasting. It is positioned at the first Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1), about 1 million miles from Earth towards the Sun. It will provide near real-time data on solar wind and energetic particles to monitor space weather hazards.
10. What is Asphyxia, which recently caused deaths in the TVK rally stampede at Velusamypuram?
[A] Excessive bleeding due to injury
[B] Condition when the body does not get enough oxygen
[C] Poisoning from contaminated food
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Condition when the body does not get enough oxygen]
Notes:
The death toll in the stampede at Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Velusamypuram has risen to 41. Doctors reported most fatalities were due to compressive asphyxia caused by crowd crush. Asphyxia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen. Respiration moves oxygen into the lungs and circulates it via blood to all body cells, while carbon dioxide is removed. Lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death. Compressive asphyxia happens when an external force prevents chest expansion, crushing the lungs and stopping breathing. This can occur in crowded situations or from a person’s weight on the chest.