41. Which company has launched the Learning Accelerator program in India to empower the education ecosystem with Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
[A] OpenAI
[B] Microsoft AI
[C] Scale AI
[D] Nvidia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [OpenAI]
Notes:
OpenAI has launched the Learning Accelerator program in India to empower the education ecosystem with Artificial Intelligence (AI). India is one of the largest ChatGPT markets, with millions of students using AI for assignments, research, and learning. The initiative will distribute 5 lakh ChatGPT licences to students and educators across schools, universities, and research institutes. Government schools (Classes 1–12) will receive ChatGPT access through the Ministry of Education for lesson planning and personalized student engagement. Technical institutes under All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) will get AI tools for skill-building.
42. Which Indian research institute developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad using the red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata)?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram
[C] National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
[D] Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram]
Notes:
Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad. The pad is based on the red ivy plant, locally called murikooti pacha, scientifically Strobilanthes alternata of the Acanthaceae family. Scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology of JNTBGRI isolated a new molecule, acteoside, from red ivy for the first time. Acteoside shows high efficacy even at 0.2% concentration and is the key ingredient in the pad. The pad uses electro-spun nanofiber layers made from biodegradable, non-toxic, FDA-approved polymers. Red ivy has long been used in traditional medicine for treating cuts and wounds.
43. Scientists at which institute recently discovered how white blood cells adapt their internal skeletons to combat pathogens?
[A] CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
[B] CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (NCL)
[C] CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB)
[D] CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)]
Notes:
Scientists at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) discovered how white blood cells adapt their skeletons to fight pathogens. The study was published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. Cell shape depends on a dense, branched actin network near the membrane. Actin molecules push the membrane and create new meshworks for movement. A protein called SPIN90 regulates actin monomers and pairs with the Arp2/3 complex. Together, they grow new actin filaments in two directions about 150° apart. These filaments act as scaffolds to form branched actin mesh, reshaping the cell and aiding motility. This discovery explains rapid immune response and has implications for cancer, immune disorders, and wound healing.
44. Where was the “Prayas” Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre inaugurated?
[A] Mahatashtra
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
The Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Prayas,” an Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, on the 10th Ayurveda Day. “Prayas” is among the first multidisciplinary centres in India integrating Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics. The facility focuses on holistic neuro-rehabilitation, especially for children with neurological and developmental conditions. It aims to provide treatment, research, training, and renewed quality of life for patients. The initiative aligns with India’s National Health Policy and global integrative healthcare practices.
45. Which institute conducted the first successful wheat cultivation experiment in the Thar desert using ‘soilification’ technology?
[A] Banaras Hindu University
[B] Punjab Agricultural University
[C] Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
[D] Central University of Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Central University of Rajasthan]
Notes:
Recently, Central University of Rajasthan (CUoR) conducted the first successful wheat cultivation in arid land using desert ‘soilification’ technology. The experiment aims to stop the expansion of western Rajasthan’s Thar desert towards the National Capital Region. Desert sand was converted into soil using polymers and indigenous bioformulation, enhancing water retention and soil structure. The project was supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the State Horticulture Department. The experiment proves that even barren desert land can become productive with biotechnology.
46. What is the name of India’s first space astronomy observatory which recently completed 10 years of operation?
[A] AstroSat
[B] Chandrayaan
[C] INSAT-3C
[D] Vikram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [AstroSat]
Notes:
India’s first dedicated space astronomy observatory, AstroSat, completed 10 years of operation on 28 September 2025. It was launched on 28 September 2015 by PSLV-C30 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C30) XL from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Though designed for 5 years, it continues to provide valuable data after a decade. AstroSat studies the universe across multi-wavelengths: UV (Ultraviolet), Visible, Low and High Energy X-rays. It was developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) with collaboration from Indian institutes and partners from Canada and the UK.
47. The Gaia Telescope is a space observatory of which space agency?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
A new 3D map of stellar nurseries has been created using data from the Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA) telescope. The map covers star-forming regions within 4,000 light-years of the Sun in all directions. It shows glowing hydrogen gas clouds, helping scientists study star formation and interstellar gas dynamics. The study combines Gaia dust maps with radiation effects from 87 massive O-type stars emitting ultraviolet light that ionises hydrogen gas. The simulation aligns with older hydrogen emission maps but provides higher precision. GAIA, launched in 2013 by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way Galaxy. The telescope is positioned at Lagrange Point 2 (L2), 1.5 million km from Earth, for a stable cosmic view.
48. Which institution has launched a tool called “SARAL” to make scientific research more accessible?
[A] Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
[B] Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Ministry of Skill Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)]
Notes:
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) to make research easy and accessible. SARAL uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify complex research into videos, podcasts, posters, and presentations. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) aims to harness deep science and engineering to build deep tech products and start-ups. It is developing an AI Science and Engineering Open India Stack for drug discovery, aerospace design, climate studies, and advanced materials.
49. What is “WISPIT 2b” that was recently seen in news?
[A] A gas giant planet forming inside a protoplanetary disk
[B] A newly discovered asteroid in the Solar System
[C] A comet orbiting a distant star
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A gas giant planet forming inside a protoplanetary disk]
Notes:
Astronomers have directly imaged a young planet, WISPIT 2b, forming inside a gap in a protoplanetary disk around a distant star. The discovery confirms that disk gaps are indeed caused by growing planets. WISPIT 2b is a gas giant, about five times the mass of Jupiter, and only five million years old. It orbits WISPIT 2, a young star 437 light-years from Earth. Protoplanetary disks are rings of gas and dust around young stars, providing planet-forming material. The planet was imaged using Very Large Telescope (VLT), MagAO-X on Magellan Clay Telescope, and Large Binocular Telescope.
50. Rotovac vaccine, that was recently seen in news, is used for the prevention/treatment of which disease?
[A] Measles
[B] Tuberculosis
[C] Rotavirus
[D] Polio
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rotavirus]
Notes:
A recent study found that the indigenous rotavirus vaccine ‘Rotavac’ is as effective in real-world use as in clinical trials. Rotavac is an oral, live attenuated, monovalent liquid vaccine against rotavirus. It was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Bharat Biotech, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Rotavirus is a viral disease that commonly causes diarrhoeal illness in children. There is no specific medicine to treat rotavirus infection, and vaccination provides the best protection. This study highlights Rotavac’s continued role in child health.