41. Which Indian research institute has developed a nanotechnology-based method using the coffee-ring effect to detect toxic molecules like Rhodamine B?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru
[C] National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), India developed a sensitive method to detect toxic molecules like Rhodamine B. The method uses the coffee-ring effect combined with nanotechnology for enhanced detection. The coffee-ring effect occurs when a droplet evaporates, and capillary flow moves particles from the center to the edge, forming a ring-shaped deposition pattern. Rhodamine B is a water-soluble synthetic dye with bright pink fluorescence. It is widely used in fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA biochemical assays. Rhodamine B is toxic and carcinogenic, affecting skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. This method provides a rapid and effective tool for detecting hazardous dyes in research and environmental monitoring.
42. What is the primary purpose of the Crew Escape System (CES) developed by ISRO?
[A] To quickly pull the crew module to safety during a launch abort
[B] To monitor weather conditions
[C] To increase rocket speed
[D] To launch satellites into orbit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To quickly pull the crew module to safety during a launch abort]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a cost-effective, single-stage test vehicle powered by the Vikas engine. The vehicle is designed to validate the Crew Escape System (CES) for astronaut safety. Crew Escape System (CES) is an emergency escape system that pulls the crew module with astronauts to a safe distance in case of launch failure. The Crew Escape System (CES) is of two types based on the method of extracting the crew module. The Puller type CES pulls the crew module away from the launch vehicle and is used in India’s Gaganyaan mission. The Pusher type CES pushes the crew module away from the launch vehicle using compact, high-thrust liquid-fuel engines and is used in vehicles like SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
43. Which country has developed the MAM01 monoclonal antibody that showed strong protection against malaria?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] United States
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
United States (US) researchers have developed a novel monoclonal antibody named MAM01 that showed strong protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. MAM01 targets a highly conserved region of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein, blocking infection before the parasite enters the bloodstream. The trial demonstrated dose-dependent full protection with minimal side effects. It is administered as a single long-acting injection, providing immediate and months-long protection. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins mimicking the body’s natural immune defenses.
44. Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, that was recently seen in the news, affects which part of the body?
[A] Kidneys
[B] Brain
[C] Heart
[D] Lungs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brain]
Notes:
Kerala reported another death from Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, PAM), raising the 2025 toll to 27 cases. Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis is a rare, fatal brain infection caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” Infection occurs when contaminated freshwater enters the nasal cavity, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain via the olfactory nerve. It is found in warm freshwater and soil, especially lakes, rivers, hot springs, and unchlorinated pools.
45. Which organization collaborated with Anusandhan National Research Foundation to launch the MAHA MedTech Mission?
[A] Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Ministry of Health
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)]
Notes:
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation, launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology recently. MAHA MedTech Mission aims to boost innovation in India’s medical technology sector, reduce dependence on high-cost imports, and ensure affordable, high-quality medical technologies. The mission supports development and commercialization of innovative and affordable MedTech solutions.
46. The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project was recently launched by which organization?
[A] Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
[B] Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
[C] Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE)
[D] Ministry of Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE)]
Notes:
The Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) recently signed agreements with key partners to launch the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project. The project aims to transform rural India by combining physical and digital (phygital) services. It integrates on-ground service delivery with strong digital infrastructure to empower rural citizens. The initiative uses BharatNet connectivity to ensure smooth and sustainable access to essential services. Three villages have been selected for the pilot — Ari and Umri in Madhya Pradesh, Narakoduru in Andhra Pradesh, and Chaurawala in Uttar Pradesh. Each village will have a Samriddhi Kendra serving as an integrated digital service hub.
47. Scrub Typhus, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which microorganism?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes:
A Gulf Keralite’s quick return home for fever treatment proved life-saving after he was diagnosed with scrub typhus. Scrub Typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi. It spreads through bites of infected chiggers (young mites) and not from person to person. Its prevalence depends on factors like climate, vector abundance, farming, domestic animals, and sanitation. The disease is more common during cooler months.
48. Which institute recently initiated research on the Cycad plant due to concerns about a potential neurotoxin?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar
[C] National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
[D] Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar]
Notes:
AIIMS Bhubaneswar has started research on the Cycad plant due to the presence of BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine), a possible neurotoxin. Cycads are palmlike, woody gymnosperm plants. They are ancient species that existed alongside dinosaurs for over 300 million years. They grow in various habitats, from wet rainforests and grasslands to semidesert and seasonally dry forests. Their distribution spans tropical and subtropical regions, including the Americas, Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, eastern India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Australia.
49. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) is the primary payload of which Indian space mission?
[A] Chandrayaan-3
[B] Chandrayaan-2
[C] Mangalyaan-2
[D] Aditya-L1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aditya-L1]
Notes:
In November 2025, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to estimate key parameters of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). They used data from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload onboard India’s Aditya-L1 mission. VELC is the main payload of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar observatory placed 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. It is an internally occulted solar coronagraph capable of imaging, spectroscopy, and spectro-polarimetry near the solar limb.
50. Which state has launched KEO, a compact, affordable and AI-ready personal computer, in November 2025?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
On November 17, 2025, Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, IT & BT, with KEONICS, launched KEO, a compact, affordable and AI-ready personal computer designed entirely in Karnataka. KEO stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source, built on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based OS. It features an on-device AI core that works without internet and includes BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus to help students in low-connectivity areas. KEO will be deployed across schools, universities, businesses, homes and government offices, supporting locally adaptable, home-grown computing.