1. A new coffee plant species named Ophiorrhiza echinata was recently discovered in which region of India?
[A] Western Ghats
[B] Eastern Ghats
[C] Sunderbans
[D] Himalayas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Western Ghats]
Notes:
A new coffee plant species named Ophiorrhiza echinata was recently discovered in the Western Ghats. It was found in the shola forests at Devikulam, Idukki District, Kerala. The plant grows in the ecotone region between evergreen forests and grasslands at 1,630 metres above sea level. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is closely related to Ophiorrhiza mungos, used in cancer treatment and antidote preparations. It may have medicinal potential. The species is very rare, with less than 4 sq. km area of occupancy and only about 35 plants recorded
2. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) 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:
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA (Differentiated between Infected and Vaccinated Animal) marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Anand, Gujarat. IBR is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), belonging to the genus Varicellovirus under Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. It mainly affects domestic and wild cattle. The disease has three forms – respiratory, genital and encephalitic, with respiratory and genital being common. Transmission occurs through aerosols and semen from bulls to milch animals, impacting the reproductive system.
3. Anant Shastra surface-to-air missile system is developed by which organisation?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[C] Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
[D] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
The Indian Army has issued a tender to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for five to six regiments of the indigenously developed ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile system. The system was earlier known as Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project is worth about ₹30,000 crore and will boost air defence on borders with Pakistan and China. The mobile system can search, track and engage targets on the move with a 30 km firing range. It will complement Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and Akash systems.
4. Which Indian institute has developed the new siphon-based thermal desalination system?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
[C] CSIR – National Chemical Laboratory (NCL)
[D] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Institute of Science (IISc)]
Notes:
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a new siphon-based thermal desalination system for clean drinking water. Traditional solar stills face salt buildup and scaling limits restricting output. The system uses a composite siphon of fabric wick and grooved metallic surface to draw water and flush out salt before crystallization. It is low-cost, scalable, and sustainable, made from aluminum and fabric, powered by solar or waste heat. It is useful for off-grid areas, disaster zones, coastal and island communities facing water stress.
5. What is the name of the new AI and GIS (Geographic Information System) command system launched by Border Security Force (BSF) in 2025?
[A] Border Command System (BCS)
[B] Decision Support System (DSS)
[C] Smart Border Management System (SBMS)
[D] Integrated Command Platform (ICP)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Decision Support System (DSS)]
Notes:
The Border Security Force (BSF) launched a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) and GIS (Geographic Information System) command system at its headquarters. The system is named Decision Support System (DSS) to improve decision-making for commanders at all levels. DSS integrates GIS platform, legacy operations, incident database, and sensor feeds to form a Complete Operating Picture (COP). It enables monitoring, predictive trend analysis, and AI/ML-based operations to predict smuggling hotspots and infiltration routes. DSS aids resource allocation, operational planning and execution along India’s 6,000 km border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
