41. Lenacapavir (LEN), a drug recently seen in the news, is primarily used for the prevention of which disease?
[A] Tuberculosis
[B] Japanese Encephalitis
[C] HIV infection
[D] Diabetes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [HIV infection]
Notes:
Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lenacapavir (LEN), the most advanced medicine yet for HIV prevention. Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral drug used as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP for people who are HIV-negative but at risk. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a method to prevent HIV infection before exposure. Lenacapavir is taken as an injection just twice a year, making it easier and more discreet than daily pills. It is developed by Gilead Sciences and sold under the brand name Yeztugo.
42. What is the new term coined by researchers to describe extended periods of atmospheric thirst?
[A] Heatwave
[B] Dryburst
[C] Thirstwave
[D] Aridstorm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thirstwave]
Notes:
Researchers have recently introduced a new term called “Thirstwaves” to describe long periods of high atmospheric thirst. A Thirstwave occurs when the daily evaporative demand stays above the historical 90th percentile for at least three consecutive days. Evaporative demand means how thirsty the atmosphere is or how much water it wants to absorb from the ground or plants. It is influenced by temperature, wind speed, humidity, and sunshine. Understanding thirstwaves can help farmers manage water more efficiently and boost crop production. This concept is important for improving climate resilience in agriculture and water planning.
43. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently interacted with students from the International Space Station using which radio service?
[A] Amateur radio (Ham radio)
[B] Citizens band radio (CB radio)
[C] MicroMobile Radio
[D] Walkie-Talkies
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amateur radio (Ham radio)]
Notes:
Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla interacted with students from the International Space Station (ISS) using ham radio. Ham radio, also called amateur radio, is a licensed radio service using radio waves for communication. It is used for education, knowledge sharing, and emergency or SOS communication. It needs a transceiver, antenna, and dedicated frequency operated by licensed ham operators. Communication can be local, global, or in space. In India, anyone above 12 years can use ham radio with a licence from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
44. Which institute used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to enhance phosphate uptake in japonica rice?
[A] ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal
[B] Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
[C] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi
[D] National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi]
Notes:
Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi, have recently used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to boost phosphate uptake in japonica rice varieties. CRISPR-Cas9 is a modern gene-editing tool used to precisely modify plant traits. Japonica rice is one of the two major eco-geographical races of Oryza sativa, the other being Indica. It is mainly grown in northern and eastern China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Japonica has short to medium grains, which are thick, sticky, and harder than regular white rice.
45. What is the name of the world’s first approved malaria treatment drug For newborns and young children?
[A] Coartem
[B] Malarone
[C] Ampicillin
[D] Tetracycline
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Coartem]
Notes:
The world’s first-ever malaria treatment suitable for babies and very young children has been approved for use. Drug manufacturer Novartis has received approval from Swiss authorities for its new malaria drug named Coartem. The development of the drug is very significant, as the overwhelming majority of malaria-related deaths occur in the under-five age group. Most malaria-related deaths are recorded on the African continent. Malaria accounted for more than half a million deaths worldwide in 2023.
46. Aspergillosis disease, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungus]
Notes:
Recently, the blue rock pigeon, also called Columba livia, has been linked to concerns over spreading aspergillosis disease. Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, a mold genus with many species. The main infection-causing species is fungus “Aspergillus fumigatus”, which releases tiny airborne spores. These spores can cause respiratory illness when inhaled in large amounts, especially in people with weak immunity or lung issues. Aspergillosis is not contagious and doesn’t spread between people.
47. What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), that was recently seen in news?
[A] A condition that affects the lung
[B] A condition where veins in the legs cannot properly send blood back to the heart
[C] A condition that affects the lungs
[D] A kidney malfunction affects Blood pressure
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A condition where veins in the legs cannot properly send blood back to the heart]
Notes:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a condition where leg veins cannot efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs. Normally, vein valves help blood flow upward, but in CVI, these valves don’t function properly. It can lead to symptoms like leg pain, swelling, cramps, skin changes, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. CVI is more common in people who are overweight, pregnant, have a family history, or had leg injuries, surgery, or blood clots.
48. Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), that was recently seen in news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Lakshadweep
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
Indian astronomers recently photographed interstellar comet C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), also called 3I/ATLAS, using the Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) in Hanle, Ladakh. The telescope is part of the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), also known as Hanle Observatory. Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is located in the Hanle Valley, Ladakh, at 4500 metres above sea level. It was inaugurated in 2001 and is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. The observatory is situated in a dry, cold desert with minimal human interference and clear skies.
49. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is developed by which organization?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
Recently, ISRO is preparing to launch three navigation satellites for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) by next year. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also called Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), is developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is an independent and fully indigenous satellite navigation system, under India’s full control. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) was designed as a 7-satellite constellation to cover India and 1,500 km around it.
50. Which space telescope recently captured detailed images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS?
[A] James Webb Space Telescope
[B] Spitzer Space Telescope
[C] Hubble Space Telescope
[D] Kepler Space Telescope
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hubble Space Telescope]
Notes:
Recently, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured the first detailed images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passed through our solar system. This offers scientists a rare chance to study a comet originating from another star system. Comets are ancient objects made of dust and ice that orbit the Sun and are leftovers from the solar system’s formation around 6 billion years ago. They are best known for their long, glowing tails. A comet has four visible parts: nucleus, coma, ion tail, and dust tail. This discovery helps scientists better understand the nature of interstellar objects and early solar system formation.