1. Indian Council of Medical Research has recently launched its first high-performance computing facility NAKSHATRA at which institute?
[A] Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
[B] National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi
[C] National Institute of Virology, Pune
[D] All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Institute of Virology, Pune]
Notes:
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently launched its first high-performance computing facility named NAKSHATRA at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. NAKSHATRA was developed under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM). It is a modern computing cluster designed to boost storage and streamline processes for genomic research. The facility aims to improve early detection of disease threats and ensure faster response to outbreaks. It will also support Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven vaccine and drug development for better public health outcomes.
2. What kind of disease is “Haemophilia A” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Neurological disorder
[B] Hereditary bleeding disorder
[C] Fungal infection
[D] Respiratory disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hereditary bleeding disorder]
Notes:
Recently, the National Institute of Immunohaematology developed an affordable and simple point-of-care test kit in India for early diagnosis of genetic bleeding disorders like Haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease. Haemophilia A is a hereditary bleeding disorder where blood does not clot properly due to low levels of Factor VIII, a key clotting protein.
Normally, when bleeding occurs, a process called the coagulation cascade activates clotting factors to stop the bleeding. If one or more of these clotting factors are missing or not working properly, it leads to excessive bleeding.
3. Which institute has developed the new AI-powered, sunlight- and vibration-based water purification system?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
[C] Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali
[D] National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali]
Notes:
Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced that researchers at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a smart water filter using sunlight, gentle vibrations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The innovation addresses pollution caused by industrial wastewater containing harmful dyes like Methylene Blue and Congo Red, which threaten human health and ecosystems. This method ensures continuous purification, even on cloudy days, making it a smart alternative to traditional solar-powered filters.
4. Which institute has developed a modified CRISPR tool to help plants combat heat stress and bacterial infections?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Bose Institute, Kolkata
[C] National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
[D] Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bose Institute, Kolkata]
Notes:
Recently, scientists at Bose Institute, Kolkata, developed a modified CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) tool to help plants fight heat stress and bacterial infections, boosting smart and sustainable farming. Unlike traditional CRISPR which cuts DNA, the team used a modified version called dCas9 (dead Cas9), which does not cut DNA but works like a gene switch. This switch stays off until the plant is stressed, such as by high temperatures. The scientists used a part of a natural tomato protein called NACMTF3, specifically its TM (Transmembrane) domain, to control the switch. Under heat stress, the TM domain releases dCas9, allowing it to enter the nucleus and turn on defense genes. This method allows plants to respond only when needed, reducing energy use and improving resilience.
5. What kind of disease is “Trachoma” that was recently mentioned in Mann Ki Baat programme?
[A] Blood infection
[B] Cardiovascular disease
[C] Bacterial eye disease
[D] Respiratory disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bacterial eye disease]
Notes:
Recently, in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, the Prime Minister of India announced that India has been declared free of Trachoma, a bacterial eye disease. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through contact with the eyes, eyelids, or throat secretions of infected people. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls it a neglected tropical disease, affecting around 150 million people worldwide. In 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma, with surveillance continuing until 2024.
6. What is the name of the programme under which the Union government recently fast-tracked the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites?
[A] Defence Satellite Initiative
[B] Space-Based Surveillance-III
[C] Secure Space Communications
[D] Military Reconnaissance Network
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Space-Based Surveillance-III ]
Notes:
Recently, the Union government ordered fast-tracking of 52 surveillance satellites under the Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) programme. The SBS-III was approved in October 2023 by the Cabinet Committee on Security led by the Prime Minister. It plans 21 satellites by Indian Space Research Organisation and 31 by private companies. The first launch is due by April 2026, with the full network ready by 2029. The Defence Space Agency under Integrated Defence Staff leads this project and coordinates with Indian Space Research Organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and the armed forces for space security.
7. What is the main raw material used for producing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which is commonly applied in pharmaceuticals?
[A] Resins
[B] Rice husk
[C] Refined wood pulp
[D] Sugarcane pulp
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Refined wood pulp]
Notes:
Recently, a deadly accident occurred at the pharma unit of Sigachi Industries in Hyderabad, raising the death toll to 36. The unit manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC). Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a free-flowing powder extracted from refined wood pulp. It is inert, nontoxic, fiber-rich, chewable, and not absorbed during digestion. Wood is the main source of pharmaceutical MCC, with cellulose chains bound by polymers and hydrogen bonds.
8. Which organization has launched the “3 by 35” Initiative to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “3 by 35” Initiative to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It urges countries to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to achieve at least a 50% real price increase by 2035. NCDs like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes cause over 75% of global deaths. Higher taxes could prevent 50 million premature deaths over 50 years and generate USD 1 trillion in public revenue in the next decade. Between 2012 and 2022, around 140 countries already raised tobacco taxes, showing large-scale change is achievable.
9. What is the main objective of Machine Vision Based Inspection System (MVIS) being installed by Indian Railways?
[A] To inspect trains in real time using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
[B] Electrification of tracks
[C] To control train traffic
[D] To automate ticket booking
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To inspect trains in real time using Artificial Intelligence (AI) ]
Notes:
Recently, Indian Railways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) to install Machine Vision Based Inspection System (MVIS). Machine Vision Based Inspection System (MVIS) uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inspect trains in real time for better maintenance and safety. It is a wayside system that captures high-resolution images of moving train under-gear. It detects hanging, loose, or missing parts and sends real-time alerts for quick action.
10. Which institute has developed a sustainable method to produce hydrogen peroxide using sunlight and water?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] S. N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), Kolkata
[C] National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
[D] Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [S. N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), Kolkata]
Notes:
Researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) have developed a sustainable method to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using sunlight and water. The process uses a special material called Mo-DHTA COF, short for dimolybdenum paddlewheel-embedded covalent organic framework. It acts like a solar-powered molecular factory, absorbing sunlight and converting water and oxygen into hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an eco-friendly chemical used in sterilization, wound cleaning, wastewater treatment, and fuel cells.