1. Which group of organisms has been identified as key “phosphorus gatekeepers” in ancient and weathered soils?
[A] Soil microbes (fungi and bacteria)
[B] Insects
[C] Algae
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Soil microbes (fungi and bacteria)]
Notes:
A recent study in Nature Geoscience found that soil microbes, particularly fungi and bacteria, play a central role in regulating phosphorus availability and cycling over a span of 700,000 years in the Cooloola coastal dune system. These microbes manage the release and transformation of phosphorus in nutrient-poor soils, acting as crucial “gatekeepers” in ecosystem nutrient dynamics. These microbes adapt by replacing phospholipids with non-phosphorus lipids and storing fats to reduce phosphorus demand. They also improve phosphorus use efficiency in their metabolism to survive in low-phosphorus soils. Microbes both compete with plants for phosphorus and help them by recycling it and improving access.
2. Which country has inaugurated world’s first large-scale commercial e-methanol facility?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Denmark
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Denmark]
Notes:
Denmark has inaugurated the world’s first large-scale commercial e-methanol facility in Kasso, southern Denmark. It has a production capacity of 42,000 metric tons (53 million litres) of e-methanol annually. E-methanol offers a viable path for reducing emissions in sectors like shipping and chemical manufacturing. E-methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide.
3. The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was developed by which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The United States Air Force (USAF) recently conducted a successful test of the LGM-30G Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). This missile is nuclear-capable and can deliver a warhead to any part of the Earth. “L” in LGM means silo-launched, “G” stands for surface attack, and “M” means guided missile. Minuteman III was introduced in the 1970s and was the first U.S. missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). It is the only land-based missile in the U.S. nuclear triad. It was developed by Douglas Aircraft Company, now part of Boeing. Although it was designed for ten years of use, it has been upgraded and remains active. A new system, called Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), will replace it around 2029. The U.S. currently maintains about 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal.
4. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Bhopal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi on May 27, 2025. Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in quantum science for defence and strategic purposes. It houses advanced experimental setups for research in crucial quantum domains. It also has test-beds for single-photon sources and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution to ensure ultra-secure communication. DRDO continues to lead India’s efforts in quantum sensing, post-quantum cryptography, and secure communications. As a core partner in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO promotes indigenous innovation in sovereign quantum technologies.
5. What is a “bow echo” in context of meteorology?
[A] A circular cyclone formation
[B] A line of thunderstorms that curves like a bow on radar
[C] A heatwave pattern
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A line of thunderstorms that curves like a bow on radar]
Notes:
Delhi recently witnessed intense storms that appeared in the shape of a crescent or archer’s bow, technically known as bow echoes. A bow echo is a line of thunderstorms that appears curved like a bow on weather radar, also called a squall line. Sometimes, this bow echo can be part of a larger squall line system. It usually stretches from 20 to 100 kilometres and lasts for three to six hours. The term bow echo was introduced in the 1970s by Ted Fujita, a meteorologist famous for creating the Fujita Scale to measure tornado intensity.
6. Arsia Mons is a massive shield volcano located in which planet?
[A] Mars
[B] Saturn
[C] Jupiter
[D] Neptune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mars]
Notes:
NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter recently captured a breathtaking image of Arsia Mons volcano rising above early morning clouds on Mars. Arsia Mons is a giant shield volcano in the Tharsis region of Mars. It stands over 18 kilometers tall and spans more than 300 kilometers wide at its base. It is much larger than Earth’s tallest volcano, Mauna Loa, which is 9 kilometers high. Arsia Mons is the southernmost volcano in the Tharsis Montes group, which includes three major volcanoes.
7. Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) technique was inspired by which natural phenomenon?
[A] Volcanic eruptions
[B] Earthquakes
[C] Solar flares
[D] Glacial melting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Volcanic eruptions]
Notes:
A new study in the journal Earth’s Future suggests a cost-effective way to use Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) to fight climate change. Stratospheric Aerosol Injection involves adding tiny reflective particles to the stratosphere to cool the Earth. It was inspired by volcanic eruptions, which naturally cool the planet by releasing aerosols. The method uses sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which turns into sulfate aerosols that reflect sunlight. This recent research may help make SAI more practical and affordable. Despite its promise, SAI still faces strong global opposition due to environmental and ethical concerns.
8. The NISAR mission is a joint Earth-observing satellite mission between which two space agencies?
[A] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has recently reached the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) spaceport at Sriharikota. It is a joint mission between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and ISRO to study Earth’s changes. NISAR uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to send energy pulses and measure how much is reflected back from Earth. This helps in capturing sharp images of the Earth even during darkness or cloudy weather. It detects changes in land, forests, and ice, and is useful for monitoring natural disasters and soil conditions.
9. Which institute has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)?
[A] National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal
[B] National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru
[C] Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Uttar Pradesh
[D] National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal]
Notes:
India has gained global recognition in animal health as the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal was recently designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Rinderpest, also called cattle plague, is a deadly viral disease caused by a Morbillivirus from the Paramyxoviridae family. It mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle and buffalo, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent in highly vulnerable herds.
10. Which two Indian institutions recently demonstrated quantum communication over 1 km in free space?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[B] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
[D] National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
Recently, the Ministry of Defence announced that scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated quantum communication over more than 1 km in free space. Quantum communication is a super secure method of sending information using tiny particles like photons. It uses principles of quantum physics, especially entanglement, to make communication channels tamper-proof. If someone tries to intercept the photons, the disturbance will be detected, revealing the breach. This makes quantum communication highly valuable for defence and national security.