1. Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range, India’s first indigenous helicopter-launched anti-ship missile, has been developed by which organization?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[B] Indian Space Research Organization
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Defence Research and Development Organisation ]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Navy conducted the maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) off the Bay of Bengal near Odisha. NASM-SR is India’s first indigenous helicopter-launched anti-ship missile, replacing the Sea Eagle missile. It has been developed by Research Centre Imarat with other DRDO labs. The missile has a range of about 55 km and supports fire-and-forget capability in all weather conditions. It uses a solid booster and long-burn sustainer propulsion system.
2. Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong, that were recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Frog
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Fireflies
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Fireflies]
Notes:
Scientists discovered two new firefly species named Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong. They were found in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. This marks the first formal documentation of firefly species from the state. The name meghalayanus reflects its regional distribution, while mawlynnong is named after Mawlynnong. The naming also acknowledges the local Khasi community. Both species thrive in dark, humid environments with minimal human disturbance. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Northeast India.
3. E-PRAAPTI Portal is launched by which organization?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] Employees Provident Fund Organisation
[C] Securities and Exchange Board of India
[D] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Employees Provident Fund Organisation]
Notes:
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is launching the E-PRAAPTI Portal (EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts). The portal aims to identify, track, and activate inoperative EPF accounts. It uses Aadhaar-based authentication for secure access to old accounts. It enables linking of old EPF accounts with the Unique Account Number (UAN). In the initial phase, access will be member ID-based for easier rollout. Later, it will also help users retrieve accounts even without member ID details.
4. Platypus species, that was recently seen in news, is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to which country?
[A] Peru
[B] Australia
[C] Chile
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes:
Scientists discovered new fossils of an ancient platypus species in South Australia showing it had teeth, unlike modern platypuses. The Platypus is a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia. It belongs to a rare group of mammals called monotremes (egg-laying mammals). It inhabits freshwater systems ranging from tropical Queensland to Tasmania and the Australian Alps. It spends much of its time in burrows along riverbanks. Its conservation status is Near Threatened (IUCN).
5. The sacred Piprahwa Relics were originally discovered in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The sacred Piprahwa Relics of Gautam Buddha were recently brought to Leh, marking a major spiritual event in the region. These relics were originally discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh by William Claxton Peppé. They include bone fragments believed to belong to Buddha, along with crystal caskets, gold ornaments, and gemstones. An inscription in Brahmi script links the relics to the Sakya clan, confirming their historical authenticity. The Piprahwa site is associated with ancient Kapilavastu. The recent transfer of relics to Ladakh highlights their continuing religious, cultural, and diplomatic significance in Buddhism.
