1. The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme is administered by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of External Affairs
[C] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[D] Ministry of Skill Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is seeking more funds for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a Central Sector Scheme. It supports higher education abroad for low-income students from marginalized communities. Beneficiaries include Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. The scheme is administered by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
2. Ancient city of Penico, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] China
[B] Peru
[C] Chile
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Peru]
Notes:
Archaeologists have recently discovered a 3,500-year-old ancient city named Penico in Peru. Penico is located about 200 km north of Lima, in Barranca province, at 600 metres above sea level. It was likely founded between 1,800 and 1,500 BC, during the same period as early Middle Eastern and Asian civilizations. Penico lies near Caral, the oldest known civilization in the Americas, established around 3,000 BC in the Supe Valley.
3. A new freshwater fish species named Barilius imphalensis was recently discovered in which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Tripura
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
A new freshwater fish species named Barilius imphalensis was recently discovered in the Imphal River, Manipur. It is locally called “Ngawa” in the Meitei language. The fish belongs to the Danionidae family and Chedrinae subfamily, known for vibrant patterns and ecological value. It is endemic to the Imphal River and differs from similar species in India and Southeast Asia. It lives in clear, shallow waters 3 to 5 feet deep, with gravel beds and riverbank plants.
4. Which institute used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to enhance phosphate uptake in japonica rice?
[A] ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal
[B] Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
[C] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi
[D] National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi]
Notes:
Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi, have recently used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to boost phosphate uptake in japonica rice varieties. CRISPR-Cas9 is a modern gene-editing tool used to precisely modify plant traits. Japonica rice is one of the two major eco-geographical races of Oryza sativa, the other being Indica. It is mainly grown in northern and eastern China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Japonica has short to medium grains, which are thick, sticky, and harder than regular white rice.
5. Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Thousands of devotees recently witnessed the grand consecration of the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur after 16 years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is located in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan and the only one situated on the seashore. The temple faces the Bay of Bengal and is touched by waves from the Gulf of Mannar. It is over 2,000 years old and showcases beautiful Tamil architecture.
