1. Chaliyar River, that was recently seen in news, flows through which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala ]
Notes:
The recent Wayanad landslides led to bodies and debris being carried downstream into the Chaliyar River, resulting in extensive search operations. Chaliyar River, also known as the Beypore River, is one of the major west-flowing rivers of Kerala. The river originates from the Ilambaleri Hills of the Nilgiri Mountains near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. It flows through Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts before draining into the Arabian Sea near Beypore.
2. Which state became the first in India to launch a dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala ]
Notes:
Kerala became the first state in India to launch a dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department. The department was created by the newly formed United Democratic Front government and officially came into existence on May 20, 2026. Elderly welfare responsibilities were shifted from the Social Justice Department to the new specialised department. The initiative is supported by the Kerala Elderly Commission Bill. Kerala also established a quasi-judicial State Elderly Commission to protect senior citizens from neglect, exploitation, and abuse.
3. Where was India’s first indigenous Stratospheric Super Pressure Balloon named VISTA launched?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh ]
Notes:
Red Balloon Aerospace Private Limited launched India’s first indigenous Stratospheric Super Pressure Balloon named VISTA under Mission SANA. The launch took place at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Andhra Pradesh. With this achievement, India became one of only five countries with indigenous stratospheric balloon capability, alongside the USA, France, Japan, and China. The VISTA platform ascended to around 25 km above Earth carrying payloads from seven national and international partners.
4. Where was the National Conference of ECI Counsels 2026 held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Chennai
[D] Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi ]
Notes:
Election Commission of India organised the National Conference of ECI Counsels 2026 in New Delhi to strengthen its legal framework. The conference was inaugurated by Gyanesh Kumar. The Chief Election Commissioner also highlighted the high electoral participation and contestation in the recent Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
5. Which institute developed the novel light-driven nano-catalyst for cleaner chemical manufacturing?
[A] Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[C] Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali
[D] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali]
Notes:
Researchers from Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali developed a novel light-driven nano-catalyst for cleaner and energy-efficient chemical manufacturing. The institute is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology. The catalyst combines gold nanoparticles, palladium nanoparticles, and the light-absorbing molecule BODIPY. It uses light energy to accelerate chemical reactions, reducing the need for toxic solvents, high temperatures, and energy-intensive industrial processes.
