1. What is POLG disease that was recently mentioned in news?
[A] A rare type of cancer
[B] A genetic mitochondrial disorder
[C] A viral infection affecting the nervous system
[D] An autoimmune disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A genetic mitochondrial disorder]
Notes:
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, 22, recently died from a rare genetic disease called POLG. POLG is a mitochondrial disorder that prevents cells from producing enough energy, leading to organ failure. It primarily affects the brain, nerves, muscles, liver, and sometimes vision. Patients often become bedridden and lose the ability to perform daily activities. The disease is caused by mutations in the POLG and POLG2 genes, affecting mitochondrial replication. Symptoms range from muscle weakness and seizures to liver failure and difficulty walking. There is no cure; treatment focuses on symptom management and quality of life improvement.
2. Which space organization has recently reported that global sea levels have risen faster than anticipated in 2024?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
NASA reported that global sea levels rose faster than expected in 2024. The rise reached 0.59 cm per year, exceeding the expected 0.43 cm. The main causes are ocean warming, which leads to expansion, and meltwater from glaciers and ice sheets. In 2024, thermal expansion caused two-thirds of the rise, shifting from previous years when melting ice was the dominant factor. 2024 was the warmest year on record, with ocean levels at their highest in three decades. Since satellite monitoring began in 1993, global sea levels have risen by 10 cm, with the rate more than doubling.
3. Which institute has developed India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform for schools, called “Gyandhara”?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
IIT Guwahati developed India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform for schools, called Gyandhara. Gyandhara provides an immersive and engaging learning experience. It helps students understand scientific and academic concepts that are difficult to grasp through traditional learning. The platform enhances education through virtual reality, making learning interactive and effective.
4. Which institution has launched the “Samarth Incubation Programme” to boost innovation in telecommunications and Information Technology (IT)?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)]
Notes:
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) launched the Samarth Incubation Programme to boost innovation in telecommunications and Information Technology (IT). It supports startups working in Telecom Software, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and Quantum Technologies. The program provides up to Rs 5 lakh, 6 months of office space at C-DOT, lab access, and expert mentorship. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is the implementation partner to nurture high-impact startups. The program runs in a hybrid mode with two cohorts of 18 startups each.
5. The Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA) was launched by which space organization?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
The European Space Agency (ESA) shut down the Gaia space observatory on March 27, 2025. It was launched in 2013 by European Space Agency (ESA). Gaia aimed to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way. Originally named Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA), later simplified to Gaia. It is positioned at Lagrange Point 2 (L2), 1.5 million km from Earth, for an unobstructed view.
6. What is the causative agent of African Swine Fever, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Fungus
[B] Virus
[C] Bacteria
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Virus]
Notes:
African Swine Fever (ASF) has resurged in Mizoram, causing 41 more pig deaths, raising the total toll to 503 since March 20. ASF first emerged in Mizoram in Lungsen village, Lunglei, on March 21, 2021, and has since become endemic. The causative agent of African Swine Fever (ASF) is the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). ASF is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs but poses no risk to humans. The virus can spread through contaminated clothing, equipment, or vehicles, threatening pig populations. There is no treatment or vaccine, making prevention and strict biosecurity measures the only effective control methods.
7. What kind of satellite is “CARTOSAT-3” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Earth Observation Satellite
[B] Communications Satellite
[C] Navigation Satellite
[D] Astronomical Satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Earth Observation Satellite]
Notes:
Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) CARTOSAT-3 satellite captured high-resolution images of earthquake damage in Myanmar. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. Post-disaster images from March 29 were compared with pre-event data from March 18 to assess damage in Mandalay and Sagaing. CARTOSAT-3 is a third-generation agile advanced Earth observation satellite developed by ISRO. It replaces the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) series and has high-resolution imaging capabilities. It was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C47).
8. Semaglutide, which was seen in news, is a medication primarily used to treat which disease?
[A] Diabetes
[B] Chicken pox
[C] Tuberculosis
[D] Rubella
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Diabetes]
Notes:
A recent international multicentre clinical study found that Semaglutide, a medicine for type 2 diabetes and obesity, can lower the risk of major heart-related events by 14%. Semaglutide is a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA) that acts like a natural hormone to control blood sugar and appetite. It helps treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) by boosting insulin and lowering blood sugar levels. It also supports weight loss when combined with proper diet and exercise. Semaglutide is available as injections and oral tablets.
9. World Chagas Disease Day is observed annually on which day?
[A] April 13
[B] April 14
[C] April 15
[D] April 16
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [April 14]
Notes:
World Chagas Disease Day is observed every year on April 14 to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Chagas disease. The theme for World Chagas Disease Day 2025 is “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s role in Chagas disease,” emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare and ongoing patient support. Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, found in the feces of the triatomine bug. It primarily affects regions in South America, Central America, and Mexico. If untreated, Chagas disease can lead to serious heart and digestive issues. Early treatment targets killing the parasite, while chronic cases focus on managing symptoms.
10. Which organization has launched its 7th-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) named Ironwood?
[A] Google
[B] Microsoft
[C] Meta
[D] Amazon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Google]
Notes:
Google has launched its 7th-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), named Ironwood, to improve the performance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. TPU is a specialised processor known as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) developed by Google in 2015. It is designed especially for machine learning and AI tasks. TPUs are made to perform tensor operations, which are the main data structures used in Machine Learning (ML) models. TPUs are faster than Central Processing Units (CPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) in AI tasks. They can train complex neural networks in just a few hours.