1. Which country has recently approved a new non-opioid painkiller, Suzetrigine?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller. Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant or designed to mimic them. Examples include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating euphoric sensations. While effective for pain relief, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and dependence. Suzetrigine offers an alternative to opioids, reducing the risk of opioid addiction.
2. Ranikhet 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:
Ranikhet disease has caused the death of 1.5 lakh chickens in Andhra Pradesh. It is a contagious viral disease affecting poultry like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). The disease attacks birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. It leads to production drops and fertility issues in birds. Morbidity is high, and mortality ranges from 50 to 100%. It is a minor zoonosis, potentially causing mild conjunctivitis in humans, but usually self-limiting.
3. NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) has been developed by which space organization?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
The partial failure of the NVS-02 satellite is a setback for India’s NavIC system. NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s own satellite navigation system. It was previously known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). Developed by ISRO, it provides accurate positioning and navigation services over India and nearby regions. NavIC aims to reduce reliance on foreign navigation systems like GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), and Galileo (Europe). It supports both civilian and strategic applications for reliable and autonomous navigation.
4. Which institution has developed a water-repellent, conductive textile that converts electricity and sunlight into heat?
[A] IIT Guwahati
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
IIT Guwahati researchers have developed a water-repellent, conductive textile that converts electricity and sunlight into heat to keep wearers warm in extreme cold. It helps prevent blood clotting, breathing issues, and weak immunity caused by prolonged cold exposure. The textile is made by spraying ultra-thin silver nanowires onto cotton fabric, making it lightweight, flexible, and durable. A lotus leaf-inspired coating makes it waterproof, stain-resistant, and oxidation-proof, ensuring long-lasting performance. It maintains 40°C-60°C for 10+ hours using a battery or solar energy.
5. What type of disease is Sudan Virus Disease that was recently seen in news?
[A] Bacterial infection
[B] Viral hemorrhagic fever
[C] Fungal infection
[D] Autoimmune disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Viral hemorrhagic fever]
Notes:
Uganda and WHO confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD). It is a viral hemorrhagic fever, related to Ebola, caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV). It was first identified in Sudan in 1976. It exists in animal reservoirs in the region. It has a high fatality rate and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms start with fever, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding. There are no approved treatments or vaccines, but early supportive care improves survival chances.
6. Bird Flu (Avian Influenza), that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Fungus
[C] Virus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virus]
Notes:
Jharkhand health department issued a bird flu (H5N1) alert after detection at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. Bird flu (Avian Influenza) is caused by Influenza A viruses and can spread from birds to humans. H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, and H9N2 are key virus strains, with H5N1 known for high fatality. Transmission occurs through infected birds, airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, and animal products.
7. Which institute has developed solar dehydration technology to boost farmers’ income and reduce post-harvest losses?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Kanpur]
Notes:
IIT Kanpur introduced an innovative solar dehydration technique to preserve agricultural produce using solar energy. This method helps farmers dry fruits and vegetables, providing a cost-effective way to store produce and sell at better prices. The project is supported by NABARD. It aims to expand to more villages, reducing waste and increasing farmers’ incomes.
8. Which state government has launched Nayanamritham 2.0, the world’s first AI-assisted chronic eye disease screening program?
[A] Kerala
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala Government, in collaboration with Remidio, launched Nayanamritham 2.0, the world’s first AI-assisted chronic eye disease screening program. It builds on Nayanamritham 1.0, which focused on diabetic retinopathy screening. Optometrists use AI-enabled fundus cameras to classify cases as referable or non-referable for faster diagnoses. Now includes screening for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Covers community health centers, taluk hospitals, and district hospitals. Aims to reduce preventable blindness, improve early detection, and enhance patient care. Kerala is the first government public health system globally to adopt AI for eye screening.
9. What type of disorder is Parkinson’s disease (PD) that was recently seen in news?
[A] Neurodegenerative
[B] Cardiovascular
[C] Autoimmune
[D] Metabolic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Neurodegenerative]
Notes:
A study identified 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), a cholesterol metabolite, as a key factor in Parkinson’s disease progression. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement. It weakens and damages nerve cells, leading to tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. As it worsens, patients struggle with walking, talking, and daily tasks. The disease mainly affects the substantia nigra, a brain region producing dopamine.
10. Who has become the first person with a physical disability to take part in a mission to the International Space Station?
[A] Nicholas Patrick
[B] Richard Peake
[C] John McFall
[D] Richard Garriott
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [John McFall]
Notes:
John McFall has become the first person with a physical disability to be medically certified for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency (ESA) approved his selection, marking a historic milestone in inclusive space exploration. McFall, a former Paralympian, lost his right leg at 19 in a motorcycle accident. He won bronze in the 100m sprint at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.