1. Which institution developed the novel high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst for hydrogen production?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru
[C] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[D] National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru]
Notes:
The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, India developed the high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst for hydrogen production. CeNS is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The catalyst is made of platinum, palladium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese (PtPdCoNiMn). The catalyst was prepared using two methods: electrodeposition and solvothermal processes. The catalyst is more efficient than pure platinum and uses seven times less platinum than commercial catalysts. The catalyst is stable and efficient for over 100 hours in alkaline seawater.
2. Brucellosis disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Fungus
[B] Virus
[C] Bacteria
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bacteria]
Notes:
Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, caused the death of an 8-year-old in Kerala. It is caused by Brucella bacteria, mainly infecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs. Humans get infected through direct contact with animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents. Unpasteurised milk and cheese from infected animals are the most common sources. Symptoms include fever, weakness, weight loss, and discomfort, often mild and undiagnosed.
3. Pandora mission, that was recently seen in news, is associated with space organization?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA)
[B] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
NASA will launch the Pandora mission in 2025 to study the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. It will focus on clouds, hazes, and water, key factors for habitability. Pandora aims to fill gaps left by existing telescopes like James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), focusing on planetary transits to improve exoplanet models. The mission will explore planetary formation, evolution, and habitability. Pandora will use a specialized telescope to study light interactions with atmospheric particles, enhancing knowledge of planetary climates and chemistry.
4. Which country recently deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) near the Myanmar border?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Thailand
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province near the China-Myanmar border. It has a surveillance range of over 5,000 km, covering the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory. It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time. Unlike traditional radars, it uses electronically controlled antennas for instant scanning. It can track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision. LPARs play a key role in early warning systems and air defense networks.
5. Which research institute in India has developed the world’s first genetically modified (GM) cotton resistant to Pink Bollworm (PBW)?
[A] CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
[B] CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)]
Notes:
CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow developed the world’s first genetically modified (GM) cotton fully resistant to Pink Bollworm (PBW). GM cotton was introduced in India in 2002, with Bollgard 1 and Bollgard 2 developed with Monsanto, but they failed to fully protect against PBW. CSIR-NBRI is a leading research institute focused on botanical research and conservation. Pink Bollworm (PBW), also called gulabi sundhi, damages cotton by burrowing into bolls. PBW spreads through air and crop residue, affecting future harvests.
6. What is the primary function of sonic weapons, that were recently mentioned in news?
[A] To deliver loud, painful sounds over long distances
[B] To enhance communication between soldiers
[C] To generate electromagnetic pulses
[D] To detect enemy submarines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To deliver loud, painful sounds over long distances]
Notes:
Serbian government is accused of using a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade. Sonic weapons, also called acoustic weapons, emit loud, painful sounds over long distances. They can use audible or inaudible sound waves to disrupt, disorient, or incapacitate people. Some versions amplify voices for crowd control. It was first developed for military use. The U.S. used them in Iraq in 2004. They work with transducers that convert energy into sound waves. Highly concentrated sound beams can cause discomfort, pain, and disorientation. Authorities control frequency, volume, and duration for targeted impact.
7. The Gene Bank initiative is part of which theme of the Union Budget 2025-26?
[A] Investing in Innovations
[B] Digital India
[C] Green Growth
[D] Sustainable Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Investing in Innovations]
Notes:
The Government of India will establish the Second National Gene Bank to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm for future food and nutritional security. This initiative is part of the “Investing in Innovations” theme of Union Budget 2025-26. A Gene Bank stores seeds, pollen, and plant tissues to protect plant species, aid crop breeding, and ensure biodiversity conservation. India’s First National Gene Bank was established in 1996 by Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi. It is the second-largest Gene Bank globally, housing 4,71,561 accessions of 2,157 species.
8. 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.
9. Which institute has developed the orange-fleshed sweet potato variety (SP-95/4) to enhance tribal food security in India?
[A] ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
[B] ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute
[C] ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering
[D] ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute ]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) developed an orange-fleshed sweet potato variety (SP-95/4) to improve tribal food security in Kerala and other states. It successfully passed final trials in Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala. It contains 8 mg/100g of Beta-carotene, helping combat Vitamin A deficiency in tribal areas. The average tuber weighs 300 grams and has a fusiform shape, making it ideal for processing. The project, currently on 10-15 acres, aims to expand to 100 acres by 2025 with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. Research trials confirmed its high yield potential in multiple states, including Odisha and Karnataka.
10. Which country has launched the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye,” a 3.2-metre aperture radio and millimetre-wave telescope?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] India
[D] United States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China has launched the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye,” a 3.2-metre aperture radio and millimetre-wave telescope at Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. It is designed to study interstellar gas like hydrogen and ammonia and to explore star formation in deep space. The telescope can operate in Antarctica’s extreme cold and strong winds, making it a major engineering success. It builds on China’s earlier Antarctic Survey Telescopes (AST3) projects. The telescope was developed by China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Normal University to boost China’s space science research.