1. Which country has recently approved a new non-opioid painkiller, Suzetrigine?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller. Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant or designed to mimic them. Examples include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating euphoric sensations. While effective for pain relief, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and dependence. Suzetrigine offers an alternative to opioids, reducing the risk of opioid addiction.
2. Which organization has launched the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository?
[A] Department of Biotechnology
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Reserve Bank of India
[D] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Department of Biotechnology ]
Notes:
The Department of Biotechnology launched the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository at Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI). It provides clinical data, images, and biospecimens from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers. It is one of South Asia’s largest maternal and child health databases. The repository will help researchers worldwide improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. THSTI also inaugurated a Ferret Research Facility with high biosafety standards. The facility will support vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research on emerging infectious diseases.
3. Which country has created the first-ever kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
[A] China
[B] Australia
[C] Russia
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes:
Australian researchers created the first-ever kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This was achieved through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a technique used in human fertility treatments. Scientists from the University of Queensland used ICSI to create eastern grey kangaroo embryos by injecting a single sperm into a mature egg. Over 20 embryos have been successfully produced. The sperm and egg were collected from recently deceased kangaroos in wildlife hospitals. This breakthrough aims to help conserve endangered marsupials like koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wombats, addressing Australia’s high mammal extinction rate.
4. Which institution has developed a water-repellent, conductive textile that converts electricity and sunlight into heat?
[A] IIT Guwahati
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
IIT Guwahati researchers have developed a water-repellent, conductive textile that converts electricity and sunlight into heat to keep wearers warm in extreme cold. It helps prevent blood clotting, breathing issues, and weak immunity caused by prolonged cold exposure. The textile is made by spraying ultra-thin silver nanowires onto cotton fabric, making it lightweight, flexible, and durable. A lotus leaf-inspired coating makes it waterproof, stain-resistant, and oxidation-proof, ensuring long-lasting performance. It maintains 40°C-60°C for 10+ hours using a battery or solar energy.
5. What type of disease is Sudan Virus Disease that was recently seen in news?
[A] Bacterial infection
[B] Viral hemorrhagic fever
[C] Fungal infection
[D] Autoimmune disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Viral hemorrhagic fever]
Notes:
Uganda and WHO confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD). It is a viral hemorrhagic fever, related to Ebola, caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV). It was first identified in Sudan in 1976. It exists in animal reservoirs in the region. It has a high fatality rate and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms start with fever, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding. There are no approved treatments or vaccines, but early supportive care improves survival chances.
6. What is the name of the initiative launched by IN-SPACe to support space technology firms?
[A] Space Innovation Grant
[B] Technology Advancement Program
[C] Technology Adoption Fund
[D] SpaceTech Growth Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Technology Adoption Fund ]
Notes:
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) launched the Technology Advancement Fund (TAF) to boost private sector innovation in space. IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS) that promotes private participation. TAF aims to fund cutting-edge technologies and commercialization in the space sector.
7. Which organization has developed Project Farm Vibes, a suite of AI-driven agricultural technologies?
[A] Meta
[B] Amazon
[C] Microsoft
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Microsoft]
Notes:
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased Project Farm Vibes in Baramati, Maharashtra, demonstrating AI-driven solutions that improved crop yields by 40% and reduced fertilizer use by 25%. The Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, in collaboration with Microsoft, is expanding the project from 1,000 to 50,000 farmers. Project Farm Vibes is an AI-driven agricultural technology suite developed by Microsoft Research to improve farming efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. The project involves partnerships with Microsoft Research, Azure AI Team, and Oxford University AI researchers.
8. Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), that was recently seen in news, is primarily used for which disease?
[A] Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
[B] Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
[C] Hepatitis
[D] COVID-19
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)]
Notes:
The Supreme Court directed all States to address concerns on stockouts, procurement transparency, and drug quality of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). ART is a combination of medications that treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by reducing its levels in the body. HIV destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells), weakening the immune system and increasing infection risk. ART cannot cure HIV but helps maintain a healthy immune system by preventing the virus from multiplying. A combination of two to four ART drugs improves effectiveness and reduces resistance. If viral load is low enough, HIV becomes undetectable in blood tests.
9. Which institute has developed a new technique to enhance next-generation lighting?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[B] Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)
[C] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
[D] National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)]
Notes:
Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) , Bengaluru, has developed a new technique to improve next-gen lighting. Organic LEDs (OLEDs), Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode (QLEDs), and Micro/Mini-LEDs are shaping future lighting but face challenges like cost, toxicity, and production limits. Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) combine the benefits of OLEDs and QLEDs but struggle with heat, moisture sensitivity, and color instability. CeNS researchers minimized anion migration in perovskite nanocrystals using applied argon-oxygen plasma treatment. This method enhances stability, slows anion exchange, and improves color stability. The breakthrough, published in Nanoscale, advances durable and efficient optoelectronic devices.
10. What kind of disease is Neonatal Sepsis that was recently seen in news?
[A] Respiratory disease
[B] Blood infection
[C] A genetic disorder
[D] A skin infection in newborns
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Blood infection]
Notes:
A Lancet Global Health study found that over a third of newborns with sepsis could die. Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection in infants under 90 days old, caused by bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Streptococcus. It is classified into early-onset (within 72 hours) and late-onset (after 3 days). Symptoms include temperature changes, breathing issues, and diarrhea. Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics in hospitals. Neonatal sepsis causes 5,50,000 deaths globally yearly, with India accounting for nearly one-fourth of these deaths.