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. e-Raktkosh is an online blood bank management system implemented under which mission?
[A] National Ayush Mission
[B] Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
[C] National Health Mission
[D] Ayushman Bharat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Health Mission ]
Notes:
Recently, the Union Health Ministry announced plans to integrate India’s Rare Donor Registry with the national online blood management platform called e-Rakt Kosh. e-Rakt Kosh is an online blood bank management system implemented under the National Health Mission. It is the official portal for all blood-related services in India. It provides real-time information on blood availability, blood banks, and donation camps across the country.
3. What is “Gwada negative” that was recently mentioned in news?
[A] Asteroid
[B] Traditional medicine
[C] Spider
[D] Blood group system
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Blood group system]
Notes:
Recently, France’s national blood agency, the French Blood Establishment (EFS), discovered a new blood group system called “Gwada negative,” officially recognised by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). It is scientifically named EMM-negative and registered as ISBT042. The name “Gwada negative” refers to the Guadeloupean origin of the woman who carries this rare blood type. This blood group is defined by the absence of the EMM antigen, a high-incidence antigen usually present in almost all humans.
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. GLP-1 Drug, that was recently seen in news, is used for the treatment of which disease?
[A] Malnutrition
[B] Dengue
[C] Diarrhea
[D] Obesity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Obesity]
Notes:
Recently, Novo Nordisk launched its weight-loss injection semaglutide in India after Eli Lilly introduced tirzepatide. These are Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which are drugs that copy the action of GLP-1, a gut hormone released after eating. GLP-1 helps control blood sugar, fat metabolism, and appetite in the body. These medicines usually come as injections, though oral forms are being developed. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two leading GLP-1 Drugs. Semaglutide and tirzepatide transforming the treatment of obesity and diabetes in India.
6. Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) Laboratory is developed under which mission?
[A] National Health Protection Mission
[B] Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
[C] National Ayush Mission
[D] National Rural Health Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission]
Notes:
Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) decided to expand its Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory network to boost India’s outbreak response and public health. The Mobile BSL-3 lab is also called Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN). It is an advanced “lab on wheels” developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. It was first used during the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2023.
7. Which country has launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG), aiming to construct human DNA from scratch?
[A] France
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Australia
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The United Kingdom has officially launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project, a groundbreaking effort to build human DNA from scratch. This project shifts from reading DNA, like in the Human Genome Project, to writing and assembling it synthetically. Scientists aim to create disease-resistant cells to repair damaged organs such as the heart, liver, and immune system. It could help treat genetic and age-related diseases by studying how genes control repair and development.
Critics warn about ethical concerns like designer humans and synthetic life.
8. Which ministry has launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 to develop an AI-powered multilingual translation solution?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]
Notes:
Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 under its WaveX startup accelerator program. The challenge is titled BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat. It is a national hackathon to build Artificial Intelligence-based multilingual translation tools for at least 12 major Indian languages. WaveX is a startup accelerator under the Ministry’s WAVES initiative to promote innovation in media, entertainment, and language technology.
9. Vera C. Rubin Observatory (VRO) is located in which country?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] Chile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chile]
Notes:
Recently, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (VRO) in Chile released its first images, capturing 10 million galaxies, 2,000+ new asteroids, and stars with changing brightness. It is located on Cerro Pachon Mountain, Northern Chile, at an altitude of 8,684 feet. VRO was formerly called the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and renamed in 2019 to honour Vera C. Rubin, who discovered dark matter evidence. It is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Energy (DOE).
10. 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.