1. What is “DNA polymorphism” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Variations in DNA segments or genes between individuals
[B] Mutations that always cause diseases
[C] Abnormalities in chromosomes
[D] Artificially modified DNA sequences
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Variations in DNA segments or genes between individuals]
Notes:
DNA polymorphism is widely used in forensics and medicine. It refers to variations in DNA segments or genes among individuals. Detection techniques include Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) polymorphism. DNA profiles are created using polymorphisms in short tandem repeats (STRs). STRs are short DNA sequences repeated multiple times at specific locations. Applications include molecular and personalized medicine, forensic DNA analysis, DNA linkage studies, and identity differentiation.
2. What is “Xenotransplantation” that was recently mentioned in news?
[A] Transplantation of animal organs into humans
[B] Cloning of human organs for medical use
[C] Transplantation of human organs within different individuals
[D] Use of artificial organs in humans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Transplantation of animal organs into humans]
Notes:
Researchers in China successfully transplanted a gene-modified pig liver into a human with brain death to evaluate its function. Xenotransplantation involves transplanting cells, tissues, or organs from non-human animals into humans. Early attempts at xenotransplantation began in the 1980s with heart transplants. Genetic modifications are necessary to prevent immune rejection of animal organs in humans. Post-transplant monitoring is essential to assess organ function and immune responses.
3. A huge anticyclonic storm known as the Great Red Spot is associated with which planet?
[A] Jupiter
[B] Mars
[C] Saturn
[D] Mercury
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jupiter]
Notes:
New observations of the Great Red Spot on Jupiter show unexpected atmospheric activity above and around the storm. The Great Red Spot is an anticyclone, a high-pressure system that creates a long-lasting storm. It is located in Jupiter’s Southern Hemisphere. It appears as a massive red spot, though the cause of its red color remains unknown. The storm extends above Jupiter’s main cloud layers and is the largest known storm in the Solar System. The storm has existed for at least 150 years and may be even older. Its long duration is linked to Jupiter’s gaseous composition, which lacks a solid surface that would dissipate the storm’s energy. Unlike hurricanes on Earth that weaken upon landfall, Jupiter’s storm remains active due to its deep atmosphere.
4. Which Indian astronaut has been selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS)?
[A] Ajit Krishnan
[B] Shubhanshu Shukla
[C] Angad Pratap
[D] Balakrishnan Nair
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shubhanshu Shukla]
Notes:
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, will pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a milestone for India in global space missions. Axiom Space, a private company in Houston, is organizing Ax-4 in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), European Space Agency (ESA), Poland, and Hungary. The mission crew includes Peggy Whitson (commander), Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The team will stay for 14 days aboard the ISS and carry out around 60 scientific experiments, highlighting international cooperation in space exploration.
5. What is the primary objective of the European Space Agency’s Biomass satellite mission?
[A] To monitor ocean currents
[B] To study air pollution in urban areas
[C] To map global forests and measure carbon levels
[D] To track animal migration patterns
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [To map global forests and measure carbon levels]
Notes:
The European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the Biomass satellite mission by the end of April 2025 using the Vega C rocket from French Guiana. Biomass is the seventh Earth Explorer satellite under ESA’s climate and Earth systems programme. It will study global forests, measuring carbon levels and forest health to understand their role in the carbon cycle. The satellite uses radar to quantify forest biomass and carbon content from space. It will also create detailed 3D models of forest structures and monitor changes over time, helping climate research and forest conservation efforts.
6. According to recent study in Madagascar, which species was identified as the exclusive carrier of the Hantavirus?
[A] Black rat
[B] Fruit bat
[C] Mosquitofish
[D] Bull frog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Black rat]
Notes:
A study in Madagascar found that hantavirus is carried only by black rats, also called Rattus rattus, in rural areas. These rats came from Asia and were introduced to Madagascar between the 10th and 14th centuries, spreading widely since then. Researchers tested around 2,000 animals, but no native rodents, bats, or other small animals had the virus. Hantavirus is a rare but deadly virus spread by infected rodents. It transmits through contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva, mainly through air particles or direct contact. Human-to-human spread is extremely rare, so environmental exposure is the key risk.
7. Legionnaires’ disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Virus
[B] Fungus
[C] Bacteria
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bacteria]
Notes:
Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, have issued a public alert after a rise in Legionnaires’ disease cases in Sydney, raising fears of contamination in air conditioning systems. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria, usually found in natural water bodies but can also grow in man-made systems like cooling towers. The bacteria can lead to two illnesses: Legionnaires’ disease, a severe pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a mild flu-like illness. Common symptoms include cough, fever, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes confusion or diarrhea. It spreads by inhaling contaminated water droplets, not from person to person. There is no vaccine, but antibiotic treatment is effective once diagnosed.
8. Which country has launched world’s first anti-drone barrage weapon to counter drone swarm and missile warfare?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] Ukraine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China has unveiled the world’s first 16-barrel Anti-Drone Barrage Weapon System to counter drone swarms and missile threats. It uses a “wall of fire” approach instead of traditional point-to-point targeting, increasing chances of hitting fast and unpredictable aerial threats. The system fires dense barrages of projectiles to intercept drones, missiles, rockets, helicopters, and artillery shells. It addresses current air defence gaps against low-cost drone saturation attacks. China plans both domestic deployment and international exports amid rising drone threats near Taiwan.
9. What kind of disease is “Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Waterborne parasitic disease
[B] Viral haemorrhagic disease
[C] Fungal infection
[D] Airborne bacterial disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Viral haemorrhagic disease]
Notes:
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever, is rising in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts of Karnataka. It is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease first reported in 1957 from Kyasanur Forest, Karnataka. It is caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), part of the Flavivirus genus and Flaviviridae family, linked to the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex. The virus spreads through hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) and affects humans, monkeys, and rodents, but not through human-to-human contact.
10. Which space agency is responsible for launching the Biomass Mission to monitor global forest biomass?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch the Biomass Mission on April 29, 2025, using a Vega C rocket from Korou Spaceport, French Guiana. The satellite will orbit Earth at 666 km in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing consistent lighting for accurate observations. It will provide the first global measurements of forest biomass, helping scientists map forests and track their changes over time. Forests store 861 gigatonnes of carbon and absorb about 16 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) every year. In 2023, 3.7 million hectares of tropical forests were lost, causing about 6% of global CO₂ emissions.