41. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) 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:
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA (Differentiated between Infected and Vaccinated Animal) marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Anand, Gujarat. IBR is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), belonging to the genus Varicellovirus under Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. It mainly affects domestic and wild cattle. The disease has three forms – respiratory, genital and encephalitic, with respiratory and genital being common. Transmission occurs through aerosols and semen from bulls to milch animals, impacting the reproductive system.
42. Lecanemab drug, that was recently seen in news, is used to treat which disease?
[A] Multiple Sclerosis
[B] Tuberculosis
[C] Alzheimer’s Disease
[D] Huntington’s Disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alzheimer’s Disease]
Notes:
Australia recently approved Lecanemab for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia causes progressive memory and thinking problems and is now Australia’s leading cause of death. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody drug that targets amyloid proteins in the brain. It aims to slow disease progression by tackling the cause of Alzheimer’s, not just symptoms. The drug works by using antibodies to mark amyloid for removal by brain immune cells, preventing toxicity to brain cells.
43. 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.
44. What is the primary objective of NASA’s Cassini mission?
[A] To study Jupiter’s atmosphere
[B] To explore Saturn and its moons
[C] To map the surface of Mars
[D] To study Moon’s atmosphere
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To explore Saturn and its moons]
Notes:
A new analysis of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft data shows that Saturn’s moon Enceladus may support life. Cassini was a joint mission of NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and Italian Space Agency (ASI). It was launched on October 15, 1997, to study Saturn and its moons in detail. The mission had NASA’s Cassini orbiter and ESA’s Huygens probe, which landed on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Cassini studied Saturn’s atmosphere, rings, and magnetosphere, along with Titan’s surface and atmosphere. It provided key insights into Saturn’s cloud properties, ring composition, and planetary evolution.
45. What is Asphyxia, which recently caused deaths in the TVK rally stampede at Velusamypuram?
[A] Excessive bleeding due to injury
[B] Condition when the body does not get enough oxygen
[C] Poisoning from contaminated food
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Condition when the body does not get enough oxygen]
Notes:
The death toll in the stampede at Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Velusamypuram has risen to 41. Doctors reported most fatalities were due to compressive asphyxia caused by crowd crush. Asphyxia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen. Respiration moves oxygen into the lungs and circulates it via blood to all body cells, while carbon dioxide is removed. Lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death. Compressive asphyxia happens when an external force prevents chest expansion, crushing the lungs and stopping breathing. This can occur in crowded situations or from a person’s weight on the chest.
46. Which animals are mainly affected by Chronic Wasting Disease, also called “Zombie Deer Disease”?
[A] Dogs and Cats
[B] Deer, Elk, Moose, and Reindeer
[C] Bats and Rodents
[D] Sheep and Goats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deer, Elk, Moose, and Reindeer]
Notes:
Health officials in Florida have recently confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also called “Zombie Deer Disease.” It is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is caused by prions, which are infectious misfolded proteins that damage the brain. Prions spread through body fluids like saliva, blood, and urine and can stay in soil and plants for years. Infected animals show weight loss, drooling, and strange behavior. There is no cure or vaccine, and the disease is always fatal.No human cases have been confirmed yet, but experts stay alert.
47. Which country recently developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic, Nafithromycin?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India has recently developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic, Nafithromycin. It was developed with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The antibiotic is marketed under the trade name “Miqnaf.” It is the first molecule fully conceptualized, developed, and clinically validated in India. Nafithromycin addresses Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and is effective against resistant respiratory infections. It is especially useful for cancer patients and poorly controlled diabetics. The drug treats Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and targets both typical and atypical pathogens. No similar antibiotic in this class has been developed globally for over 30 years.
48. 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.
49. 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.
50. 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.