1. Which institute has developed cholesterol-based nanomaterials for quantum technologies and spintronic applications?
[A] Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
[B] Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali
[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[D] Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali]
Notes:
Cholesterol, a fat-like substance, can control the spin of electrons, a quantum property crucial for next-generation spintronic devices. Spintronics uses electron spin to develop energy-efficient electronics and bioelectronic devices. Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed cholesterol-based nanomaterials for spintronic and quantum applications. Cholesterol’s intrinsic handedness (chirality) and flexibility allow precise control over molecular properties. This innovation could enable energy-efficient memory chips and greener quantum technologies.
2. Where was the Gyan Bharatam International Conference 2025 held?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the Gyan Bharatam International Conference in New Delhi on 11 September. Gyan Bharatam is a national initiative for preserving, digitising, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage. The mission envisions 25 clusters, 20 regional centres, and 10 centres of excellence to safeguard manuscripts. The conference brought together 1,100+ participants, including scholars, experts, institutions, and cultural practitioners from India and abroad.
3. What is the name of the half-humanoid robot that ISRO will send in December 2025 as part of the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission?
[A] Aditya
[B] Vyommitra
[C] Kaveri
[D] Talwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vyommitra]
Notes:
ISRO Chief V. Narayanan announced that a half-humanoid robot Vyommitra will be sent in December 2025 as part of the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. Two more uncrewed missions are planned in 2026 before sending India’s first astronaut, Gaganyatri, to space in early 2027. ISRO successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the parachute-based deceleration system with support from the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Navy, and Coast Guard. Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), Crew Escape System, and propulsion systems have been tested.
4. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Virus]
Notes:
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA (Differentiated between Infected and Vaccinated Animal) marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Anand, Gujarat. IBR is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), belonging to the genus Varicellovirus under Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. It mainly affects domestic and wild cattle. The disease has three forms – respiratory, genital and encephalitic, with respiratory and genital being common. Transmission occurs through aerosols and semen from bulls to milch animals, impacting the reproductive system.
5. What is the primary objective of NASA’s Cassini mission?
[A] To study Jupiter’s atmosphere
[B] To explore Saturn and its moons
[C] To map the surface of Mars
[D] To study Moon’s atmosphere
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To explore Saturn and its moons]
Notes:
A new analysis of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft data shows that Saturn’s moon Enceladus may support life. Cassini was a joint mission of NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and Italian Space Agency (ASI). It was launched on October 15, 1997, to study Saturn and its moons in detail. The mission had NASA’s Cassini orbiter and ESA’s Huygens probe, which landed on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Cassini studied Saturn’s atmosphere, rings, and magnetosphere, along with Titan’s surface and atmosphere. It provided key insights into Saturn’s cloud properties, ring composition, and planetary evolution.
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 African country reported an outbreak of the Lassa fever in 2025?
[A] Botswana
[B] Ghana
[C] Mali
[D] Nigeria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nigeria]
Notes:
In Nigeria, the Lassa fever outbreak has claimed 172 lives since January 2025. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 924 confirmed cases out of 8,041 suspected cases till October 2025. The case fatality rate stands at 18.6%, higher than 17% in 2024. The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years. The outbreak is worsened by poor sanitation, low awareness, and delayed treatment. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus from the Arenavirus family. Infection spreads through food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses early diagnosis and quick treatment for survival.
8. Which organization collaborated with Anusandhan National Research Foundation to launch the MAHA MedTech Mission?
[A] Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Ministry of Health
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)]
Notes:
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation, launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology recently. MAHA MedTech Mission aims to boost innovation in India’s medical technology sector, reduce dependence on high-cost imports, and ensure affordable, high-quality medical technologies. The mission supports development and commercialization of innovative and affordable MedTech solutions.
9. Scrub Typhus, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which microorganism?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes:
A Gulf Keralite’s quick return home for fever treatment proved life-saving after he was diagnosed with scrub typhus. Scrub Typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi. It spreads through bites of infected chiggers (young mites) and not from person to person. Its prevalence depends on factors like climate, vector abundance, farming, domestic animals, and sanitation. The disease is more common during cooler months.
10. In November 2025, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) announced India’s largest Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) pilot project in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
In November 2025, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Joint Venture (JV) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), announced India’s largest Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) pilot project in Andhra Pradesh (AP). The project will be implemented at two tourism hubs — Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam (Vizag). It uses geothermal systems like Earth Air Tunnel (EAT) Systems and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP). The system works by using the earth’s constant underground temperature at a depth of 7–8 meters (m) for eco-friendly heating and cooling. The technology has a short payback period of 3–4 years, ideal for hotels and tourism infrastructure.