1. 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.
2. The SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) system facility was designed and developed by which institute?
[A] CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal
[B] CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee
[C] CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), Pilani
[D] CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal]
Notes:
On Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR’s) Foundation Day, 26th September 2025, the SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) system facility was inaugurated at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi. The facility was designed and developed by CSIR–Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal. The SODAR system will provide additional atmospheric data for improved weather forecasting and research.
3. What is “WISPIT 2b” that was recently seen in news?
[A] A gas giant planet forming inside a protoplanetary disk
[B] A newly discovered asteroid in the Solar System
[C] A comet orbiting a distant star
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A gas giant planet forming inside a protoplanetary disk]
Notes:
Astronomers have directly imaged a young planet, WISPIT 2b, forming inside a gap in a protoplanetary disk around a distant star. The discovery confirms that disk gaps are indeed caused by growing planets. WISPIT 2b is a gas giant, about five times the mass of Jupiter, and only five million years old. It orbits WISPIT 2, a young star 437 light-years from Earth. Protoplanetary disks are rings of gas and dust around young stars, providing planet-forming material. The planet was imaged using Very Large Telescope (VLT), MagAO-X on Magellan Clay Telescope, and Large Binocular Telescope.
4. Which cities in India have been selected by Meta Platforms as landing sites for the undersea cable project, Waterworth?
[A] Mumbai and Chennai
[B] Chennai and Kolkata
[C] Mumbai and Visakhapatnam
[D] Visakhapatnam and Kochi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mumbai and Visakhapatnam]
Notes:
Meta Platforms has chosen Mumbai and Visakhapatnam as landing sites for its undersea cable project named Waterworth. Undersea cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor to transmit information globally. They form the backbone of the international internet. Around 90% of global data and 80% of world trade are carried through undersea cables. They also facilitate approximately $10 trillion of financial transactions annually. The project will strengthen India’s connectivity with global digital networks and support faster internet and data services.
5. Which Indian research institute has developed a nanotechnology-based method using the coffee-ring effect to detect toxic molecules like Rhodamine B?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru
[C] National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), India developed a sensitive method to detect toxic molecules like Rhodamine B. The method uses the coffee-ring effect combined with nanotechnology for enhanced detection. The coffee-ring effect occurs when a droplet evaporates, and capillary flow moves particles from the center to the edge, forming a ring-shaped deposition pattern. Rhodamine B is a water-soluble synthetic dye with bright pink fluorescence. It is widely used in fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA biochemical assays. Rhodamine B is toxic and carcinogenic, affecting skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. This method provides a rapid and effective tool for detecting hazardous dyes in research and environmental monitoring.
6. What is the primary purpose of the Crew Escape System (CES) developed by ISRO?
[A] To quickly pull the crew module to safety during a launch abort
[B] To monitor weather conditions
[C] To increase rocket speed
[D] To launch satellites into orbit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To quickly pull the crew module to safety during a launch abort]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a cost-effective, single-stage test vehicle powered by the Vikas engine. The vehicle is designed to validate the Crew Escape System (CES) for astronaut safety. Crew Escape System (CES) is an emergency escape system that pulls the crew module with astronauts to a safe distance in case of launch failure. The Crew Escape System (CES) is of two types based on the method of extracting the crew module. The Puller type CES pulls the crew module away from the launch vehicle and is used in India’s Gaganyaan mission. The Pusher type CES pushes the crew module away from the launch vehicle using compact, high-thrust liquid-fuel engines and is used in vehicles like SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
7. Which space organization launched the PUNCH Space Mission?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
Recently, the PUNCH Space Mission, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), observed solar winds. PUNCH stands for Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere. Its aim is to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere) and solar wind as a unified system. The mission has four small satellites in low Earth orbit. They make 3D global observations of the inner heliosphere and map the transition where the corona becomes solar wind.
8. Rotovac vaccine, that was recently seen in news, is used for the prevention/treatment of which disease?
[A] Measles
[B] Tuberculosis
[C] Rotavirus
[D] Polio
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rotavirus]
Notes:
A recent study found that the indigenous rotavirus vaccine ‘Rotavac’ is as effective in real-world use as in clinical trials. Rotavac is an oral, live attenuated, monovalent liquid vaccine against rotavirus. It was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Bharat Biotech, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Rotavirus is a viral disease that commonly causes diarrhoeal illness in children. There is no specific medicine to treat rotavirus infection, and vaccination provides the best protection. This study highlights Rotavac’s continued role in child health.
9. Which institute has discovered that Sinapic acid can accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions?
[A] Jawaharlal Nehru University
[B] Nagaland University
[C] Banaras Hindu University
[D] University of Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagaland University]
Notes:
Researchers at Nagaland University discovered that Sinapic acid significantly accelerates wound healing in diabetic conditions. Sinapic acid is a natural phenolic acid derived from cinnamic acid. It has antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. It is found in spices, citrus and berry fruits, vegetables, cereals, and oilseed crops. The compound activates the SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) pathway, aiding tissue repair, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. This discovery could lead to safe, natural, and effective diabetic wound treatments. Diabetic wounds are slow-healing sores, mostly on the foot, increasing risk of neuropathy, poor circulation, infections, and amputation. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease causing high blood glucose levels and affects hundreds of millions globally.
10. Which country has developed the MAM01 monoclonal antibody that showed strong protection against malaria?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] United States
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
United States (US) researchers have developed a novel monoclonal antibody named MAM01 that showed strong protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. MAM01 targets a highly conserved region of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein, blocking infection before the parasite enters the bloodstream. The trial demonstrated dose-dependent full protection with minimal side effects. It is administered as a single long-acting injection, providing immediate and months-long protection. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins mimicking the body’s natural immune defenses.