41. White spot 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:
The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed Rajya Sabha about white spot disease. It is a highly contagious viral infection affecting crustaceans like prawns, yabbies and crabs. It is caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). All decapod crustaceans (order Decapoda) from marine, brackish and freshwater environments are susceptible.
42. Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) is an initiative of which organization?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation
[B] Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre]
Notes:
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) to set up Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) in select academic institutions. It is a first-of-its-kind IN-SPACe initiative to build advanced space labs inside Indian colleges and universities. Labs will give hands-on training to students in space technology across the country. IN-SPACe will fund 75% of project cost, capped at ₹5 crore per institution, released based on milestones.
43. Where was India’s first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent performed?
[A] AIIMS, Delhi
[B] Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi
[C] Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi]
Notes:
Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi, performed India’s first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent. The procedure combines advanced imaging with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness with silent progression. The surgery used a stand-mounted Spectralis system and a 3D operating microscope. The breakthrough allows real-time visualization of aqueous outflow pathways. Surgeons can deliver precise, targeted interventions, improving patient outcomes. The procedure positions Armed Forces Medical Services at the forefront of global ophthalmic care.
44. What is Candida auris that was recently seen in news?
[A] Virus
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungus]
Notes:
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen spreading globally and becoming more deadly. Indian researchers from Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the US National Institutes of Health, led the study. The fungus can grow and persist on human skin, inside the body (e.g., gut), or in the environment. Invasive infections caused by C. auris affect about 6.5 million people annually. It can cause serious infections including bloodstream infections, meningitis, bone infections, burn/wound infections, and urinary tract infections. The pathogen is gaining virulence and poses a significant global health threat.
45. Which institute emerged as the only public sector hospital in India to perform 500 kidney transplants in a single year?
[A] All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
[B] Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS), Ahmedabad
[C] Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
[D] Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS), Ahmedabad]
Notes:
The Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS) at Ahmedabad Civil Medical College completed 500 kidney transplants in 2025, setting a national record for a public hospital. Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS) is the only government-run hospital in India to perform 500 kidney transplants in a single year, reinforcing its leadership in kidney transplantation. The institute operates under Gujarat government’s Health Department and provides advanced medical care to economically weaker patients.
46. What kind of disease is ‘Ulcerative colitis’ that was recently seen in news?
[A] Infectious disease
[B] Metabolic disorder
[C] Genetic blood disorder
[D] Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chronic inflammatory bowel disease]
Notes:
A new study suggests ulcerative colitis may be triggered when a normally hidden protective layer of immune cells beneath the gut lining becomes thinner. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the colon and rectum. It causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated condition with cycles of flare-ups and remission.
47. What is India’s current position globally in WHO Pharmacovigilance Contributions?
[A] Fifth
[B] Sixth
[C] Seventh
[D] Eighth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Eighth]
Notes:
Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda announced that India is now 8th globally in World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmacovigilance Contributions, up from 123rd ten years ago. He released the 10th edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 in New Delhi. The new edition incorporates 121 new monographs, taking the total to 3,340 monographs. For the first time, 20 blood component monographs have been included, supporting research in blood transfusion, thalassemia, hemophilia, and anaemia. India is the first country to include blood components in its pharmacopoeia. The Indian Pharmacopoeia is recognized in 19 Global South countries.
48. Which web portal was launched on the 5th Foundation Day of CSIR-NIScPR to strengthen outreach of validated traditional knowledge?
[A] SARAL AI
[B] SVASTIK
[C] VIGYAN SETU
[D] CHANAKYA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SVASTIK]
Notes:
CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) marked its 5th Foundation Day, highlighting science communication and policy research. On this occasion, the SVASTIK portal (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) was launched. SVASTIK is a national initiative to communicate India’s scientifically validated traditional knowledge to society. It provides content in English, 19 Indian languages, and 5 foreign languages, ensuring wide outreach. The portal brings all SVASTIK content to a single digital platform, improving accessibility and engagement. It strengthens public awareness, policy relevance, and global visibility of India’s traditional knowledge systems.
49. Which institution developed a solar-powered energy storage device that can capture and store energy in a single unit?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
[C] Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CNSMS), Bengaluru
[D] Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CNSMS), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Indian scientists from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru under Department of Science and Technology (DST) developed a solar-powered energy storage device that captures and stores energy in a single unit. The device is known as a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor. Unlike conventional systems, it combines energy harvesting and storage, reducing cost, energy loss, system complexity, and footprint. It enables portable, wearable, off-grid applications, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and conventional batteries, and works in remote areas.
50. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is an Earth observation satellite mission developed by which space agency?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[D] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
The European Space Agency (ESA) released a high-resolution satellite image through the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission. The image captures the venues planned for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The image highlights land features, terrain, and human-made infrastructure in great detail. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is an Earth observation satellite mission developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is part of Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth observation programme. The mission focuses on monitoring changes and variability in land surface conditions.