41. Which institute has developed a nanoparticle-based therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?
[A] Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali
[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
[C] All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
[D] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali]
Notes:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, developed a new nanoparticle-based therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Conventional AD therapies target only one feature like amyloid aggregation or oxidative stress, giving limited benefit. The new therapy uses nanoparticles integrating polyphenol (from green tea), dopamine (a neurotransmitter), and tryptophan (an amino acid). These form EGCG-dopamine-tryptophan nanoparticles (EDTNPs) targeting amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal degeneration simultaneously.
42. 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.
43. What is ‘GhostPairing’ that was recently seen in news?
[A] New technique to hack WhatsApp account
[B] New plant growing method in desert region
[C] A phishing technique targeting email users
[D] Cloning of mobile network towers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New technique to hack WhatsApp account]
Notes:
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) warned about a new cyber threat targeting WhatsApp users called GhostPairing. GhostPairing is a hacking technique where attackers secretly link their device to a victim’s WhatsApp account. It allows near-complete access without passwords, SIM swap, or user awareness. Hackers gain control by tricking users into entering WhatsApp pairing codes. The attack starts with a message from a trusted contact saying, “Hi, check this photo.” The message contains a link with a Facebook-style preview. The link opens a fake Facebook viewer asking users to verify to see the content. Victims are prompted to enter their phone number and code. This process unknowingly gives attackers full control of the WhatsApp account.
44. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), that was recently seen in news, primarily affects which part of body?
[A] Brain
[B] Heart
[C] Kidney
[D] Liver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Liver]
Notes:
A new monoclonal antibody treatment shows promise for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare liver disease. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a long-term condition causing inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of bile ducts, leading to liver damage. Bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine for digestion. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) can cause liver failure and increase risk of cancers of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and colon.
45. Which country launched the three observation satellites Zafar-2, Paya, and Kowsar 1.5 using Russia’s Soyuz rocket?
[A] Iran
[B] Iraq
[C] Pakistan
[D] Kuwait
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Iran]
Notes:
Iran launched three domestically-built observation satellites—Zafar-2, Paya, and Kowsar 1.5—into space from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome using a Soyuz rocket. The satellites were designed by Iran’s private sector for observation purposes. Paya is Iran’s most advanced imaging satellite, using artificial intelligence for higher-resolution images. The satellites will focus on water resource management, environmental monitoring, and mapping. The Soyuz rocket was chosen for its reliability in transporting sensitive satellites. Iran has conducted ten satellite launches in the last two years, including one in July 2025 from Russia.
46. 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:
A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak triggered a health alert in Sydney’s central business district, urging people to watch for symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection (pneumonia) caused by the bacterium Legionella. The disease was named after a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in the United States. Legionella occurs naturally in freshwater sources like lakes, rivers and soil. Infection mainly happens by inhaling contaminated water droplets or soil particles. It does not spread from person to person and is not contagious. Older adults, smokers and immunocompromised people are at higher risk
47. Where was India’s first commercial-scale tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)–based Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Farm inaugurated?
[A] Dehradun, Uttarakhand
[B] Leh, Ladakh
[C] Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
[D] Hyderabad, Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hyderabad, Telangana]
Notes:
The Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated India’s first commercial-scale tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)–based Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Farm & Research Institute on 5th January 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana. The facility, established by Smart Green Aquaculture Limited at Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, demonstrates year-round farming of high-value cold-water species like Rainbow Trout in tropical climates using precision engineering and advanced water recirculation technologies. The project serves as a live training and demonstration platform, providing youth hands-on experience in advanced aquaculture systems, automation, and biosecurity, strengthening human capital in the fisheries sector.
48. Which organization developed a portable desalination device named Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS)?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation
[C] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[D] National Institute of Ocean Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation]
Notes:
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed a portable desalination device named Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS). It is designed to meet drinking water needs of soldiers in remote and field conditions. The system can be manually operated or engine-driven and was developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur for Tri-command services. The manual version can be carried by one person and supports 10–12 personnel during emergencies. It is suitable for naval operations, coastal areas, and inland saline regions like Pangong Tso in Ladakh.
49. What is the primary objective of ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission?
[A] Study the Moon’s surface
[B] Study the Sun and its effects on space weather
[C] Explore Mars’ atmosphere
[D] Monitor Earth’s oceans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Study the Sun and its effects on space weather]
Notes:
ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission decoded the impact of a powerful solar storm on Earth’s magnetic shield. Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar mission, was launched by PSLV-C57 in 2023 and is in a halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1 (L1). The storm was caused by a massive eruption of solar plasma from the Sun. The most severe effects occurred in turbulent regions that strongly compressed Earth’s magnetic field. Some geostationary satellites were exposed to harsh space conditions. The study highlights the importance of understanding space weather, caused by transient solar activity, affecting satellites, communications, and technology.
50. 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.