1. By using which method did scientists study fossil leaves from Nagaland to understand the evolution of Indian monsoons?
[A] Radiocarbon Dating
[B] Ice Core Analysis
[C] Dendrochronology
[D] CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program)]
Notes:
A study of fossil leaves from Nagaland revealed how Antarctica influenced the Indian Monsoons. Fossil leaves from the Laisong Formation in Nagaland revealed that the region once had a warm and wet climate with very high rainfall and temperatures. The fossils matched the period when massive ice sheets began forming in Antarctica, showing a global connection. Growth of Antarctic ice reshaped global wind and rainfall patterns by shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) toward the tropics. This shift brought intense monsoonal rains to Northeast India and led to the evolution of the monsoon system. The research used CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) method to analyze fossil leaves. CLAMP treats fossil leaves as “climate fingerprints” to reconstruct past climates.
2. Melioidosis, the disease responsible for the public health emergency in Turakapalem village of Andhra Pradesh, is caused by which pathogen?
[A] Fungus
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bacteria]
Notes:
Turakapalem village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has seen 29 deaths due to Melioidosis. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei found in soil and water. The government has declared a public health emergency in the area. The disease is seasonal, with 75–85% of cases during the rainy season. It has a high case fatality rate (CFR) of 16% to 50% in endemic regions. Endemic areas include Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Indian subcontinent, southern China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Currently, no vaccine is available, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
3. Which Indian research institute developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad using the red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata)?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram
[C] National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
[D] Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram]
Notes:
Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad. The pad is based on the red ivy plant, locally called murikooti pacha, scientifically Strobilanthes alternata of the Acanthaceae family. Scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology of JNTBGRI isolated a new molecule, acteoside, from red ivy for the first time. Acteoside shows high efficacy even at 0.2% concentration and is the key ingredient in the pad. The pad uses electro-spun nanofiber layers made from biodegradable, non-toxic, FDA-approved polymers. Red ivy has long been used in traditional medicine for treating cuts and wounds.
4. Where was Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, Apollo Athenaa, inaugurated?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL) launched Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, at Defence Colony, New Delhi. The centre was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Dr. Prathap C Reddy and Preetha Reddy of Apollo Hospitals Group. GLOBOCAN 2022 data shows 54% of cancers in Indian women are breast and cervical, highlighting urgent need for specialised care. The centre provides services like preventive screenings, advanced diagnostics, surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, reconstructive care, onco-psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and palliative care.
5. What is the name of European Union’s first exascale supercomputer, inaugurated in September 2025?
[A] TITAN
[B] JUPITER
[C] FUGAKU
[D] PARAM-Siddhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [JUPITER]
Notes:
In September 2025, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, JUPITER, was launched in Germany. JUPITER is the first European system to achieve the exascale threshold, performing over one quintillion operations per second. It is currently Europe’s most powerful supercomputer. JUPITER runs entirely on renewable energy, marking a milestone in sustainable high-performance computing. JUPITER will support cutting-edge research in areas like climate modeling, weather forecasting, and the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.
6. What is the name of India’s first space astronomy observatory which recently completed 10 years of operation?
[A] AstroSat
[B] Chandrayaan
[C] INSAT-3C
[D] Vikram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [AstroSat]
Notes:
India’s first dedicated space astronomy observatory, AstroSat, completed 10 years of operation on 28 September 2025. It was launched on 28 September 2015 by PSLV-C30 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C30) XL from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Though designed for 5 years, it continues to provide valuable data after a decade. AstroSat studies the universe across multi-wavelengths: UV (Ultraviolet), Visible, Low and High Energy X-rays. It was developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) with collaboration from Indian institutes and partners from Canada and the UK.
7. What is Asphyxia, which recently caused deaths in the TVK rally stampede at Velusamypuram?
[A] Excessive bleeding due to injury
[B] Condition when the body does not get enough oxygen
[C] Poisoning from contaminated food
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Condition when the body does not get enough oxygen]
Notes:
The death toll in the stampede at Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Velusamypuram has risen to 41. Doctors reported most fatalities were due to compressive asphyxia caused by crowd crush. Asphyxia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen. Respiration moves oxygen into the lungs and circulates it via blood to all body cells, while carbon dioxide is removed. Lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death. Compressive asphyxia happens when an external force prevents chest expansion, crushing the lungs and stopping breathing. This can occur in crowded situations or from a person’s weight on the chest.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Recently, where is the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Kanpur
[C] Gorakhpur
[D] Meerut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lucknow]
Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries, Lucknow, marking a big step towards self-reliance in defence materials. The plant is part of the Strategic Materials Technology Complex under Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The plant will help make components for fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. The plant will help make components for fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. It supports the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, generating jobs for youth, MSMEs, and start-ups.