1. The NISAR mission is a joint Earth-observing satellite mission between which two space agencies?
[A] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has recently reached the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) spaceport at Sriharikota. It is a joint mission between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and ISRO to study Earth’s changes. NISAR uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to send energy pulses and measure how much is reflected back from Earth. This helps in capturing sharp images of the Earth even during darkness or cloudy weather. It detects changes in land, forests, and ice, and is useful for monitoring natural disasters and soil conditions.
2. Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM) is developed by which organization?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
India is set to test its most advanced indigenously developed missile called the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM). It is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under a program named Project Vishnu. It is a long-range missile that travels at hypersonic speeds, meaning it is over five times the speed of sound. It can be launched from land, sea, or air, giving India flexible strike capabilities.
3. What kind of disease is “Valley Fever” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Viral infection
[B] Bacterial infection
[C] Fungal infection
[D] Parasitic infection
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungal infection]
Notes:
A new study highlights that dogs may help detect the early spread of Valley Fever, offering a new tool for public health. Valley Fever, or acute coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides organisms found in soil. The fungi are common in the Pacific Northwest, southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The infection spreads when soil is disturbed and people or animals breathe in the fungal spores. Symptoms may be absent or resemble flu or pneumonia, and appear 5 to 21 days after exposure.
4. Kali Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Conservation activists have raised concerns about promoting tourism through wildlife safari in the Kali Tiger Reserve due to its ecological sensitivity. Kali Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The reserve borders Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka and connects to Radhanagari and Koyna sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The Kali River flows through the reserve and is a vital water source for the region.
5. Two new earthworm species, Kanchuria tripuraensis and Kanchuria priyasankari, were recently discovered in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Tripura
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tripura]
Notes:
Two new earthworm species, Kanchuria tripuraensis and Kanchuria priyasankari, were recently discovered in Tripura. Kanchuria tripuraensis was found in rubber and pineapple plantations and is named after the state, showing biodiversity in cultivated areas. Kanchuria priyasankari is named in honour of Priyasankar Chaudhuri for his lifelong work in earthworm taxonomy. These discoveries raise the genus Kanchuria’s species count to 10 and Tripura’s earthworm species total to 38.
