Last 6 months (JuLy- Dec)

(cuRRent aFFaIRs wIth mcQs)

by – Indo Pathshala
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 BIOLOGY & BIOTECH

NAFLD to MASLD

 Definition: MASLD involves liver fat accumulation due to metabolic dysfunction.

 Risk Factors:

o Belly fat increases risk by 2-3 times.

o Affects ~25% globally; 50-70% in obesity or diabetes cases.

 Diagnostics:

o Tools: FibroScan, MRI, ultrasound.

o Tests: ALT, AST, GGT; emerging markers like CK-18 and ELF score.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Nafithromycin

o Indigenous Antibiotic: First developed in India to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

o Target: Effective against drug-resistant bacteria, particularly causing Community-Acquired Bacterial
Pneumonia (CABP).
o Features:
o 10x efficacy compared to azithromycin.
o 3-day treatment course.
o Developer: Wockhardt with BIRAC support

Allulose

 Source: Found naturally in fruits like figs and kiwis.

 Features: 70% as sweet as sugar; nearly zero calories.
 Benefits: Aids in weight loss; lowers blood glucose (suitable for diabetics).
 Concerns: Large quantities can cause diarrhea and bloating.
 Approval: Approved in the U.S. and South Korea; limited elsewhere
Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)

o Definition: DNA outside chromosomes, often circular.

o Types: Plasmids, mtDNA, viral DNA.
o Role in Cancer: Amplifies oncogenes, induces drug resistance, and causes genomic instability.
o Treatment Potential: Targeted therapies and personalized medicine.

Melye-Amiley (Fermented Bamboo Shoot)

o Origin: Fermented bamboo shoot from Tripura.

o Properties: Anti-obesity, promotes fat burning.
o Mechanism: Increases thermogenic protein expression via AMPK pathway.

Carbon-14 Diamond Battery in Medical Devices:

o Powers pacemakers and small sensors for extended periods.

o Safe and durable, utilizing nuclear waste effectively.

Mirror Bacteria:

 Concept: Synthetic organisms with reverse chirality.

 Applications: Novel medicines, food, environmental cleanup.
 Risks: Ecological impact, ethical concerns.

Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV)

 Types: Circulating VDPV (cVDPV), Immune-deficiency VDPV (iVDPV), Ambiguous VDPV (aV-
DPV).
 Risk: Caused by mutations in the oral polio vaccine in under-immunized populations.
 India's Status: Polio-free since 2014.
Animal Health Security Initiative

 Purpose: Enhance capacity to prevent zoonotic disease transmission.

 Funding: $25 million from G20 Pandemic Fund.
 Focus Areas: Surveillance, labs, vaccine upgrades, and regional cooperation.

‘Know Your Medicine’ App

 Developer: NADA India.

 Purpose: Verifies if medicines contain WADA-prohibited substances.
 Target Audience: Athletes and sports professionals.

E. Coli Outbreak in the U.S.:

o Cause: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (e.g., O157 strain).

o Impact: 1 death, 10 hospitalizations linked to contaminated food.
o Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea.
o Complications: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
o Transmission: Contaminated food, water, or fecal contact.

Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis):

o Cause: Protozoan Leishmania donovani, transmitted by sandflies.

o Symptoms: Fever, anemia, enlarged spleen/liver.
o Treatment: Drugs like amphotericin B, miltefosine.
o India's Status: Near WHO certification for elimination.

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD):

o Cause: Zoonotic virus, natural host: African fruit bats.

o Symptoms: Hemorrhagic fever, liver failure, shock.
o Fatality Rate: 24-88%.
o Treatment: Supportive care only; no vaccine available.

Trachoma Elimination in India:

o Cause: Bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

o Impact: Leading cause of infectious blindness.
o Prevention: Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin), hygiene improvements.
 o Achievement: Declared eliminated by WHO in 2024.

Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024: Ambros and Ruvkun

 Awardees: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun.
 Discovery: Identified microRNA (miRNA) and its
role in gene regulation.
 Impact: Changed understanding of how genes con-
trol cell functions.
o Specific genes are activated or silenced in
different cell types (e.g., muscle vs. nerve
cells).
 Key Contributions:
o Victor Ambros:
 Discovered the first microRNA (lin-4) in 1993 from C. elegans.
 Significant advancement in understanding cellular development.
o Gary Ruvkun:
 Explained how lin-4 regulates mRNA.
 Discovered the second microRNA (let-7).
 Significance: Over 1,000 microRNAs influence human growth and development.
 Ongoing Research: Both scientists continue to contribute to the field of genetics.

Nipah Virus

 Context: Major public health issue in India, especially Kerala, with recurring outbreaks.
 Origin: Identified in Malaysia (1999), Bangladesh (2001), and India shortly after.
 Transmission: Spread from fruit bats to humans via contaminated food or direct contact; possible human-
to-human transmission.
 Symptoms:
o Early: Fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, sore throat.
o Severe: Dizziness, neurological issues, potential coma, and death.
 Cases in India:
o First outbreak in Siliguri (2001).
o Kerala: 17 deaths in 2018; six cases (two deaths) in 2023; two recent deaths in 2024.
 Treatment: No specific treatment or vaccine; focus on supportive care. Ribavirin has limited effectiveness.

Nanozymes

 Context: Study by CSIR-CLRI reveals nanozymes can enhance collagen integrity and resistance to deg-
radation.
 Key Points:
o Function: Nanozymes mimic enzymes and improve collagen crosslinking without harsh chemicals.
o Benefits: Preserve collagen structure, making it suitable for durable biomaterials in wound healing
and tissue engineering.
 o Focus: A manganese-based nanozyme enhances collagen stability through a tannic acid-tyrosine
linkage, increasing resistance to collagenase.
o Related Research: Investigates biomolecule interactions with metal-organic frameworks for devel-
oping precise artificial enzymes.

ORAL CHOLERA VACCINE

 Launch: Bharat Biotech introduced Hillchol, an oral cholera vaccine.

 Purpose: Addresses global vaccine shortages.
 Testing: Conducted in multiple phases in Bangladesh and India.

Hypervirulent Superbug
 Context: hvKp strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae detected in 16 countries.
 Concerns: Highly virulent and drug-resistant; can cause severe infections.
 Resistance: Evolved resistance to many antibiotics, including carbapenems.

Bio-Bitumen
 Government Initiative: Up to 35% bio-bitumen mixing with petroleum bitumen to reduce imports.
 Source: Derived from paddy straw; also produces bio-gas and biochar.
 Benefits: Reduces pollution from stubble burning and supports farmers economically.

Night-Time Light Pollution and Alzheimer’s Risk

A study from Rush University Medical Center links night-time light pollution to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s dis-
ease by disrupting circadian rhythms. While not as significant as other factors like diabetes, it notably correlates
with early-onset Alzheimer's, underscoring the need to mitigate light pollution.

DNA Profiling

 Legal Update: Madras High Court overturned a conviction based on DNA evidence alone.
 Issues: DNA profiling is accurate but not infallible; contamination can affect results.
 Importance: Should not be the sole basis for legal judgments.

Clinical Trial Regulation

 New Policy: Local clinical trials waived for drugs approved in select countries.
 Aim: Increase accessibility to foreign-manufactured drugs in India.
 Categories Affected: Includes orphan drugs and those for special defense purposes.

CHANDIPURA VIRUS
  Outbreak: Largest in 20 years in India with 245 cases.
 Location: Most cases in Gujarat.
 Advice: WHO recommends enhanced surveillance but no travel restrictions.

Marburg Virus Disease

Context:
Rwanda has reported eight deaths from the Marburg virus, an Ebola-like disease.

Overview:

 Origin: Discovered in 1967 in Germany.

 Transmission: Spread through contact with infected animals and bodily fluids.
 Symptoms: Early signs include fever and muscle aches; severe cases can cause organ failure.

Fatality Rate:
Varies between 24% to 88% depending on the outbreak.

Treatment:
No specific treatment; supportive care is essential.

Venus Orbiter Mission

India plans to launch its first mission to Venus in March 2028.

Overview:

 Launch: Scheduled for March 2028, targeting a 112-day journey.

 Aim: Study Venus’ atmosphere and surface, and analyze solar interactions.
 Budget: ₹1,236 crore.

Features:

 19 payloads (16 Indian).

 Low-altitude orbit for five years of study

Bharat-Gen

Context:
India has launched "Bharat-Gen," an AI initiative focusing on public
service and inclusivity in languages.
 Overview:

 Developed by: IIT Bombay.

 Aim: Create AI models that reflect India’s linguistic diversity.

Features

 Multilingual and multimodal capabilities.

 Open-source platform for broader access.

Significance:
Promotes cultural preservation, digital sovereignty, and inclusive AI access.

Siddha Drugs for Anemia

A study published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge showed that a Siddha drug combination
(ABMN) effectively reduces anemia in adolescent girls. Conducted with 2,648 participants, it significantly im-
proved hemoglobin levels and alleviated symptoms, showcasing Siddha medicine's potential in public health.

Hayflick Limit

 Research Insight: Cells can only divide a finite number of times, linked to aging.
 Limitations: Human lifespan capped at about 125 years; telomere discovery relevant.

LUNG CANCER VACCINE

 Vaccine: BNT116, the first mRNA lung cancer vaccine.

 Target: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
 Technology: Uses mRNA to help the immune system fight cancer.

Polymer Nanocomposite

Context:
Researchers in Bengaluru have developed a polymer nanocomposite for pressure sensing and energy harvest-
ing.

Overview:

 Composition: Combines vanadium disulfide nanoparticles with a piezoelectric polymer.

 Function: Generates electricity from mechanical pressure.
 Features:

 Self-powered sensor for road safety alerts.

 Can store energy for electronic devices.

Significance:
Promotes sustainable energy generation and enhances road safety through real-time alerts.

Neutrino Fog

 Context: The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is leading dark matter research and has recently tightened
constraints on potential dark matter particles.
 Definition:
o "Neutrino fog" refers to the interference caused by neutrinos—elusive particles originating from the
Sun and cosmic events.
 Impact on Detection:
o Neutrinos rarely interact with matter, allowing them to pass through detectors.
o This creates background noise, making it harder to identify genuine dark matter signals.

PresVu Eye Drops

Mumbai's Entod Pharmaceuticals received DCGI approval for PresVu, an eye drop aimed at reducing depend-
ence on reading glasses for presbyopia. Its active ingredient, pilocarpine, helps focus the eyes but has effects
lasting only 4-6 hours, with potential side effects like itching and redness.

Kindlins and Cancer

A study on Kindlins, proteins involved in cell signaling, reveals their role in cancer progression. Mutations in
Kindlins can disrupt cellular functions, making them potential targets for cancer treatments.

Genetic Screening in Sports

Athletes are using genetic screening to boost performance, providing insights into traits affecting speed, endur-
ance, and recovery. This approach is increasingly adopted in cricket to enhance player capabilities.

WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC)

 India to donate $85 million over 10 years for WHO GTMC in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
 Focus on evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
 Interim office operational for capacity-building and training.
LEPTOSPIROSIS

 Outbreak: In Kerala, over 121 deaths from leptospirosis after Nipah subsided.
 Transmission: Caused by bacteria from contaminated water, often during monsoons.
 Prevention: Emphasizes hygiene and early detection.

Asia’s First Pre-Clinical Network Facility Inaugurated in Faridabad

 Asia's first Pre-clinical Network Facility for

health studies opened in Faridabad, Haryana,
inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of
State for Science and Technology.
 This facility, part of the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
 Aims to enhance research capabilities for epi-
demic preparedness.

New High-Efficacy Malaria Vaccine Launched in Cote d’Ivoire

 The R21/Matrix-M vaccine's introduction in Cote d’Ivoire marks a significant milestone in global malaria
prevention.
 Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) last year, it is now being administered nationwide for
the first time.
 Novavax provided its Matrix-M adjuvant technology for the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by the Uni-
versity of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India (SII).
 The vaccine passed rigorous WHO regulatory and clinical tests, demonstrating both efficacy and safety

microRNAs FOR DETECTING BREAST CANCER

 Scientists at CSIR-CCMB identified miRNAs as potential biomarkers for detecting various types of breast
cancer from a drop of blood.
 miRNAs are small RNA molecules regulating cellular processes; 107 miRNAs were pinpointed as poten-
tial biomarkers for invasive breast cancer.
 Cancer cells release circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) detectable in body fluids, forming the basis for a
non-invasive liquid biopsy system.
 This discovery could lead to a cost-effective and precise method for early breast cancer diagnosis and
monitoring
 S.A.R.A.H

 World Health Organization unveils a digital

health promoter prototype S.A.R.A.H harness-
ing generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for
public health.
 About S.A.R.A.H.
 A Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health
which uses new language models and cut-
ting-edge technology.
 Provides information across major health topics, including healthy habits and mental health.
 Aims to provide an additional tool for people to realize their rights to health.
 Can support people in developing better understanding of risk factors for some leading causes of
death in world E.g., cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

CAR T cell Therapy

 CDSCO granted Market Authorization to NexCAR19, India's first indigenously developed CAR-T cell
therapy.
 It targets CD19, a biomarker for B lympho-
cytes, used in leukemia immunotherapies.
 About CAR T Cell Therapy :
 CAR T-cell therapy, or Chimeric An-
tigen Receptor T-cell therapy, is an in-
novative form of immunotherapy used
to treat certain types of cancer.
 modifying a patient's own T cells,
which are a type of immune system
cell, to enhance their ability to recog-
nize and attack cancer cells.
 T-cells are cytotoxic cells that fight ill-
ness and infection.

Nuclear techniques are crucial for global food standards, as highlighted by the FAO Director-General:

 Pathogen Detection: PCR and radiolabeled probes identify foodborne pathogens.

 Antimicrobial Resistance: Stable isotopes and genomic methods detect resistance in farm environments.
  Food Safety: Gamma rays, electron beams, and X-rays enhance safety by reducing pathogens.
 Phytosanitary Applications: Irradiation ensures pest-free agricultural products for international trade.
 Origin Verification: Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis and trace element analysis authenticate food origins.

VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES (VLPS)

Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) have developed non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles
(VLPs) in the lab:

 Generated "HiBiT-tagged" NiV-VLPs using plasmid-based expression systems with NiV structural pro-
teins G, F, and M.
 VLPs closely mimic viruses but lack viral genetic material, making them non-infectious.
 Nipah virus is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus with up to an 80% fatality rate in humans.
 Natural host: fruit bats (Pteropodidae family); transmission can occur from animals, contaminated foods,
and human-to-human contact.

DONANEMAB: A NEW ALZHEIMER'S DRUG

 Donanemab, a new Alzheimer's drug by Eli Lilly, targets amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain.
 FDA unanimously approved its benefits outweighing risks, aiming to slow disease progression despite po-
tential side effects like brain swelling.
 Similar FDA-approved drugs include Leqembi and Biogen, focusing on combating amyloid plaques in
Alzheimer's disease.
 Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative dorder, affects millions worldwide, causing progressive cogni-
tive decline and impacting daily life.

Space and Technology

SpaDeX Mission
 Launch Date: December 30, 2024
 Organization: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
 Mission Goal: Dock two satellites in orbit, showcasing India’s space docking technology.
Space Docking:
 Connecting two spacecraft in orbit.
 Key for crew transfers, resupply missions, and constructing space stations.
SpaDeX Mission Details:
 Technology: Bhartiya Docking System (Indigenous technology for precise docking).
  Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Significance:
 Enhances India’s space operational capabilities.
 Demonstrates India’s growing space technology expertise.
 Promotes international collaborations and opens commercial space opportunities.

Hab-1: India’s First Analog Space Mission

 Location: Ladakh, simulating space conditions.
 Purpose: Train astronauts for Moon and Mars missions.
Design & Features
 Structure: Egg-shaped, space-grade Teflon, and foam insulation.
 Facilities: Bed, work tray, storage, kitchenette, dry toilet.
Mission Details
 Duration: 3-week test with one astronaut.
 Conditions: Harsh climate (-18°C to 20°C), mimicking Mars and Moon.
 Health Monitoring: Tracking sleep, heart rate, stress, blood/saliva tests.
Future Plans
 Gaganyaan Project: Manned space mission next year.
 Space Station: Targeted for 2035, with a Moon landing by 2040.

Parker Solar Probe

 Closest Sun Approach: Achieved the closest-ever approach to the Sun, venturing into its outer atmos-
phere (corona).
 Launched in 2018: Under NASA's "Living with a Star" program, it aims to unravel solar mysteries.
 Scientific Objectives:
o Solve the coronal heating problem (why the corona is hotter than the Sun's surface).
o Study the acceleration of the solar wind (charged particles flowing from the Sun).
 Innovative Features:
o Equipped with a heat shield that endures temperatures over 1,377°C.
o Contains advanced instruments like FIELDS, ISIS, WISPR, and SWEAP.
 Complementary Mission: India's Aditya-L1 Mission supports Parker's findings by focusing on Sun-Earth
interaction studies.

IRIS² Project
o Purpose: Secure satellite network for Europe.
 o Features: Quantum cryptography, multi-orbit design.
o Comparisons: Rival to Starlink with focus on sovereignty.

Analog Space Mission (India)

 Purpose: Simulates space conditions for testing technologies for Moon and Mars.
 Location: Leh, Ladakh (Mars-like terrain).
 Collaborators: ISRO, IIT Bombay, University of Ladakh.

LignoSat
 Significance: World’s first wooden satellite.
 Benefits: Lightweight, eco-friendly, burns harmlessly during re-entry.
 Developers: Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry (Japan).

LiDAR Technology
 Function: Uses laser pulses for 3D terrain mapping.
 Applications: Archaeology, geography, and urban planning.
 Recent Use: Discovery of a lost Mayan city in Mexico.

Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)

 Purpose: Observes the solar corona and studies Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
 Location: Onboard Aditya-L1, India’s solar mission.

NATIONAL SPACE DAY

 Date: Celebrated on August 23.
 Purpose: Honors India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully landed on the Moon.
 2024 Theme: “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon.”

Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

 Launch Year: 2028.
 Objectives: Study Venus' atmosphere, surface, and solar interactions.
 Features: Aerobraking for low-altitude orbit, 19 payloads.

Charon Moon Discoveries:

  Findings: CO₂ and hydrogen peroxide detected on Pluto's largest moon.
 Significance: Insight into Kuiper Belt icy bodies and surface composition.

ISRO's Third Launch Pad:

 Purpose: Supports New Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs).
 Features: Horizontal integration, increased payloads, redundancy.

RHUMI-1
 Launch: India’s first reusable hybrid rocket by Space Zone
India.
 Mission: Carries satellites for climate research and reached
35 km altitude.
 Goal: Makes space missions more sustainable and cost-
effective.

Helium Gas in Rockets

Helium is a colorless, non-toxic gas crucial for rocket operations. It's inert, maintains its gaseous state at ex-
tremely low temperatures, and is used for pressurizing fuel tanks, ensuring safe fuel flow. Its leak detection ca-
pabilities make it invaluable, despite alternatives like argon and nitrogen.

TANAGER-1
 Launch: NASA’s Tanager-1 satellite aboard a SpaceX rocket.
 Function: Tracks methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
 Technology: Uses imaging spectrometer to identify greenhouse gases.

Analogue Research Station

 Ladakh proposed as site for India’s first analogue research station.
 Simulates lunar and Martian conditions.
 Supports ISRO's space exploration goals.

Vampire Star Discovery

 “Vampire star” identified in M67 cluster.
  Siphons material from a companion star, appearing younger.
 Provides insights into binary star dynamics.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels

 Context: India and Brazil commit to collaboration on sustainable fuels, particularly biofuels.
 Key Points:
o Global Biofuels Alliance: Both countries emphasize the role of biofuels in energy transition and so-
cioeconomic growth.
o Collaboration Potential: Leverage existing biofuel infrastructure and agricultural resources for sus-
tainable aviation fuels (SAF).
o Future Events: Co-host the India-Brazil Clean Cooking Ministerial Meeting to improve global clean
cooking access.

Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

 Launch Date: March 2028
 Journey Duration: 112 days to Venus
 Objectives:
o Study Venus’ atmosphere and
surface
o Map topography and analyze
atmospheric composition
o Investigate solar X-rays and
subsurface characteristics

 Budget: ₹1,236 crore

 Launch Vehicle: Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3)
 Key Dates:
o Earth departure: March 29, 2028
o Arrival at Venus: July 19, 2028
 Mission Features:
o 19 payloads (16 Indian, 2 Indian-international, 1 international)
o Aerobraking for low-altitude orbit (200x600 km)
o Five-year scientific exploration period after orbit insertion

Related Missions
 Past Missions:
o Venera Series (1961-1984)
o Pioneer Venus (1978)
o Magellan (1989)
o Akatsuki (2010)
 Future Missions:
o VERITAS (2026)
o DAVINCI (2026)
 o EnVision (2030s)

BepiColombo Mission

BepiColombo conducted its closest flyby of Mercury, capturing detailed images of its surface. Launched in 2018,
it aims to study Mercury’s geology and magnetic field, with full orbital operations starting in 2026. The mission is
a collaboration between ESA and JAXA.

SOLAR PARABOLOID TECHNOLOGY

 Type: A form of concentrating solar power.

 Function: Uses mirrors to generate high temperatures for electricity.
 Benefit: Higher efficiency than standard solar panels but has high initial costs.

Perseid Meteor Shower

 Timing: Occurs from July to late August; peak visibility during this period.
 Source: Caused by Earth passing through debris from comet Swift-Tuttle.
 Visibility: Up to 60 meteors per hour, weather-dependent.

PraVaHa
 ISRO developed PraVaHa, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software:
 Simulates external and internal flows on launch vehicles, re-entry vehicles (winged and non-winged).
 Crucial for analyzing aerodynamic and aerothermal loads during launch or reentry in Earth’s atmosphere.
 Used extensively in Gaganyaan program for HLVM3, Crew Escape System (CES), and Crew Module
(CM) analysis.
 Capable of simulating airflow under Perfect Gas & Real Gas conditions.

TRISHNA Mission

 TRISHNA Mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and CNES aimed at high-resolution thermal in-
frared imaging.
 It monitors Earth’s surface temperature, emissivity, biophysical variables, and radiation for energy budget-
ing.
 Objectives include assessing terrestrial water stress, water use efficiency, water quality, and dynamics in
coastal and inland waters.
  It addresses climate change impacts, urban heat islands, volcanic activity, snow-melt runoff, glacier dy-
namics, and atmospheric variables like aerosol optical depth and water vapour.
 It contributes to climate monitoring by tracking droughts, permafrost changes, and evapotranspiration
rates.

NASA has confirmed six new exoplanets

 NASA has confirmed six new exoplanets, bringing the total number discovered to 5,502.
 NASA has discovered six new exoplanets:
1. HD 36384 b: A super Jupiter orbiting a larger-than-Sun M giant star.
2. TOI-198b: Possibly rocky, located at the edge of its star's habitable zone.
3. TOI-2095b and TOI-2095c: Hot super-Earths orbiting the same M dwarf star.
4. TOI-4860b: A "hot Jupiter" with a short 1.52-day orbital period.
5. MWC 758c: A large protoplanet with a protoplanetary ring, orbiting a young star, offering insights
into planet formation.

Pushpak

 ISRO successfully demonstrated the third landing of the Pushpak reusable launch vehicle (RLV LEX-03).
 The test aimed to assess the vehicle's performance under challenging conditions, including deviations
from intended orbit and severe wind.
 Pushpak reused its winged body and flight systems from the previous experiment without modifications.
 Equipped with multiple sensors including inertial, radar altimeter, pseudolite, and NaVIC satellite-based
systems.
 Designed to reduce launch costs, the reusable vehicle takes satellites to space and lands like an airplane
on a runway.
 The demonstration validated critical technologies, including advanced algorithms for correcting flight path
errors.

Extreme Solar Particle Event

 Extreme solar particle events occur about once every thousand years, releasing intense bursts of protons
from the sun.
 These events can severely damage Earth's ozone layer, increasing UV radiation on the surface and rais-
ing risks of skin cancer and DNA damage.
 If Earth's magnetic field is weak during such events, these effects could persist for several years, amplify-
ing their impact.
SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission: First Commercial Spacewalk

 Polaris Dawn is an upcoming commercial space mission notable for its first private spacewalk and all-
civilian crew, set to possibly launch around July 31, 2023.
 Funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, it follows SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission and showcases private
sector's growing role in space exploration.
 Using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, the mission aims for a high orbit 700 kilometers above Earth,
conducting scientific experiments and testing new technologies like Starlink WiFi. Success could pave the
way for more civilian-led missions and advance international space policy and exploration.

MAITRI Mission
 NSIL to launch Australia's Optimus
spacecraft under Space MAITRI
Mission.
 Mission aims for sustainable space
operations, promoting bilateral ties.
 Space Machines Company partners
with NSIL for debris management
and innovation in space.

ARYABHATA

 ISRO celebrated Satellite Technology Day (STD) commemorating the 50th year of the Aryabhata

Launch in 1975.

 About Aryabhata :
 India’s first satellite, named after the fa-
mous Indian astronomer in the 5th century.
 Built by the ISRO and launched by a Soviet
Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar
(Russia).
 Aimed to conduct experiments in X-ray as-
tronomy, aeronomics, and solar phys- ics.
 KODAIKANAL SOLAR OBSERVATORY (KSO)

 KSO is entered to its 125th year of establishment

 Est. in 1899 and subsumed then Madras Observatory.
 Set up to obtain data on how Sun heats up Earth’s atmosphere and to understand monsoon
patterns.
 Kodaikanal was chosen for its proximity to equator and its dust-free high-altitude location.
 Observatory is currently under Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is located in Palani range
(Tamil Nadu).
 Also houses telescopes like H-alpha telescope, Twin Telescope, WARM (White light Active Re-
PACE satellite
gion Monitor) telescope etc.

 NASA's PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite was successfully launched

on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit.

 PACE aims to study how climate change impacts ocean phytoplankton blooms.

India’s AstroSat has Made a New Discovery on the Black Hole Binary System
 India’s AstroSat satellite found an interesting event happening around the black hole X-ray binary
system called “Swift J1727.8-1613”.
 AstroSat, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
 black hole X-ray binary system consists of a black hole and a normal star orbiting each other.
 High-energy X-rays are emitted as the black hole accretes matter from its companion star.

About AstroSat:
 AstroSat was launched by ISRO on September 28, 2015.
 India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space telescope.
 AstroSat’s orbit is about 650 kilometres closer to Earth than Hubble‘s.

Recent Lunar Missions:

Chang'e 4 - China (CNSA) First spacecraft to soft land on the far side of the Moon (South Pole– Aitken
basin).
 CAPSTONE: United States (NASA) Lunar orbiting CubeSat testing and verifying the calculated or-
 bital stability planned for the Gateway space station.
 Artemis 1 : United States (NASA) Uncrewed test of Orion spacecraft in lunar flyby and lunar Distant.
 Luna 25 : Russia (Roscosmos) failed orbital maneuver in 2023.
 Hakuto-R Mission : Japan (ispace) Lunar lander technology demonstration with a failed landing
due to a software bug.
 SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) : Japan (JAXA) Lunar lander (Hopper) and rover
technology demonstration, was successful in jan 2024.
 LUPEX( Lunar Polar Exploration Mission) : ISRO and JAXA , to explore the south pole region of the
Moon in 2026.

Gaganyaan Mission: Names of Four Astronauts

 Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad
Pratap,Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla.
 About: Gaganyaan mission is a space mission to demonstrate ISRO’s human spaceflight capa-
bility by launching a human crew to an orbit of 400 km and bringing them safely back to earth.
 GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3, will be used as a launch vehicle in Gaganyaan mission.
 Orbital Module, Service

JUICE (JUPITER ICY MOONS EXPLORER) MISSION

 First time that the European Space Agency (ESA) has sent a spacecraft beyond the asteroid belt.
 spend at least three years to observe, giant gaseous planet Jupiter and three of its largest
moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.
 Facts on Jupitar :
 Largest Planet in solar planet aka Jovian or Gas Giant Planets.
 more than 75 moons(Ganymed- largest moon in Solar System.
Great Red Spot.

Aditya-L1: India's First Solar Mission

 Launched: September 2, 2023
 Mission objective: Study the Sun from a halo or- bit
around L1.
 Launch vehicle: PSLV XL
 Previous space agencies: Europe, US, Japan and
China.
 Remote Sensing Payloads:
 o Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)
o Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (So-
LEXS)
o Visible Emission Line Coronograph (VELC)
o High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrome-
ter (HEL1OS)
 In-situ payloads:
o Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA)
o Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX)
o Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometer.

Launch Vehicle:

 Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV): first rocket developed by ISRO

 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): 2000 kg into space up to 600-900 km, launched two space-
craft :Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013
 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) : heavier payload (up to 5,000 kg up to 37,000 km
 GSLV MKIII (now known as Launch Vehicle Mark-III, LVM3): to launch a 4-ton (4000 kg), Gagan-
yaan mission, launched Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft 2019.

INSAT-3DS(“Naughty boy”)
 Launch date : 17th Feb, 2024
 Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, AP.
 Rocket: GSLV-F14
 About :
 INSAT-3DS.new-generation meteorological satellite to enhance
monitoring of the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, oceans and envi-
ronment.

GSLV known to be “Naughty “ for its highest failure rate.

18 B Exoplanet
 NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has identified.
 Exoplanets, short for extrasolar planets, are worlds orbiting stars outside our own solar sys- tem.
NAVIC integration in smartphone
 About NAVIc: originally approved in 2006 but oper-
ational in 2018.
 Objective : to remove dependency on foreign satel-
lite systems for navigation service requirement.
 also known as IRNSS(Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System), navigation satellite system
 Offers : SPS(Standard Position Service) for civilian
us- ers and Restricted Service(RS) for strategic us-
ers.
 Features:
 Designed with constellation of 7 satellite and
network of ground stations.
 Total eight satellites (7 active).
 covers whole India’s landmass upto 1500km from
boundaries.
 No of satellites in orbit : 3 in Geostationary and 4 in Geosynchronous orbit
 Recently Govt is keen to integrate NavIC into smartphone hardware by 2025

Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START)

 Aim & Objective: To provide introductory-level training in Space Science and Technology.
 Target Group: Post-graduate and final-year undergraduate students of physical sciences and
technology.
 Delivery Mode: Online training programme through the Jigyasa portal.
 Other Programmes:
 The ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has also announced two short courses- Re-
mote Sensing Data Acquisition and Remote Sensing Data Processing.
 The courses are conducted through the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in
Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP)
Defence Technology

Axiom-4 Mission
 Two IAF Group Captains selected for the
Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.
 Part of ISRO-NASA collaboration.
 Crew will undergo training in the U.S. for
scientific research and demonstrations.

Operation Shield

• Israel's interception of drones and missiles successfully launched by Iran and named operation

“Iron Shield”

• Israel is protected by a multi-layered defence array, which includes Arrow-2, Arrow-3, David's Sling, and
Iron Dome active defence systems.

Arrow Defense System

 Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 intercepts medium to long-range missiles while David’s Sling intercepts
short to medium and medium to long range missiles.
 Iron Dome is world’s first missile defense system developed to tackle threat of short range rockets
and UAVs.
 It is capable of handling multiple incoming threats simultaneously

kamikaze drone
 India’s first kamikaze drone has been developed by Kadet Defence Systems in collaboration with

Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).

 Also known as Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) or Suicidal drone (crashes onto target) or
Switchblade drones.
Features:
 target area for a long duration (Around 12 hours) for precise target identification.
 Has precision target capability, can change targets mid-flight or even abort the mission.
 Adaptable to various terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude environments.
 Flying range: 150 km to 300 kilometers
 SMART

 SMART DRDO has conducted a successful

test of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Tor-
pedo (SMART), aimed at enhancing the
Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
 enables torpedoes to achieve much longer
ranges than before, with potential dis-
tances of up to 1000 km.
 can be launched from both coasts and war-
ships.
 The canister-based missile system com-
prises several advanced.

AKASH NG Missile
 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test.
 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
 a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude.
 About AKASH NG Missile:
 AKASH-NG is a medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile defense system.
 It's a state-ofthe-art missile system that can intercept high-speed, agile aerial threats with a range of
around 80 km.

Agni Prime

 Designed and developed by the Defence Re-

search and Development Organisation
(DRDO).
 New generation ballistic missile was suc-
cessfully test fired off the coast of Odisha.
 Agni Prime is a two-stage canisterised sol- id-
propellant missile with dual redundant nav-
igation and guidance system.
 surface-to-surface ballistic missile has a range
of 1000 to 2000 km.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
 It was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme to research and develop a comprehensive range of
missiles.
 It was launched in 1982-83. It was conceived by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The programme was man-
aged by the DRDO and Ordinance Factory Board in partnership with other Indian government political
organisations.
 The 5 missiles developed under this program:
 Prithvi: Short range surface to surface ballistic missile.
 Agni: Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
 Trishul: Short-range low-level surface to air missile.
 Akash: Medium range surface to air missile.
 Nag: 3rd generation fire and forget anti-tank missile.

 Indigenously designed and developed heavy-weight torpedo (HWT) Varunastra was recently suc-
cessfully test-fired.
 Ship launched, heavy weight, electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo capable of targeting quiet
submarines, both in deep and shallow waters.
 Designed and developed by Vizag-based Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) un-
der the DRDO and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
 Torpedo :

A torpedo is essentially a guided missile that happens to "fly" underwater. A torpedo therefore has a
propulsion system, a guidance system and some sort of explosive device.

Light Combat Helicopter Prachand

 Indian Army's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand recently conducted its inaugural firing dur- ing
both day and night operations.
 The Prachand is India's first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter with range- 700 km.
 It was developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL

Astra missiles

Indian air-to-air missiles.

 developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
 beyond-visual-range (BVRAAM) missile that uses radar guidance to navigate and position the target.
 already integrated into the SU-30MKI.
 Emerging Technology

India's First UG Minor in Quantum Technologies

 Launched by: AICTE & NQM.
 Goal: Equip students with quantum technology skills.
Key Features
 Focus Areas: Quantum computation, communication, sensing, and materials.
 Curriculum: 18 credits from 30+ courses, starting in the 3rd semester.
 Learning: Project-based, hands-on experience.

BharatGen: India’s First Multimodal AI Initiative

 Objective: Develop AI models tailored to India's languages and cultures, addressing

underrepresentation in current data sources.
 Bharat Data Sagar: Initiative to collect data on underrepresented languages.

Key Features:
 Collaboration: Works with research groups, government, industries, and startups to refine AI
models for broader use.
 Cultural Identity: Provides tools for content creation and translations in local languages.
 Institutional Involvement: Collaborates with leading institutions like IIT Bombay, IIIT
Hyderabad, and IIT Madras.

Processing-In-Memory (PIM) Technology

 What it is: Processes data directly in memory, bypassing the CPU.
 Benefits: Reduces energy use, accelerates mathematical tasks.
 Tool: PyPIM platform enables Python-based in-memory operations.

Luminescent Nanomaterials
 Use: Security ink for anti-counterfeiting applications.
 Features: Changes color under different light wavelengths.
 Applications: Currency, certificates, branded goods.
Millimeter Wave Transceiver
 Technology: Enables high-speed communication for 5G.
 Advantages: High bandwidth, low latency, and compact size.
 Challenges: Limited range and higher costs.

NIDHI I-TBIS
Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated 8 NIDHI i-TBIs across India, highlighting the role of wom-
en-led startups in elevating India's global standing. The DST-GDC IIT Madras INCUBATE Program for deep tech
startups was also launched.
About NIDHI:
 Established: 2016 by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
 Objective: Transform ideas into successful startups.
 Funding: Managed by NSTEDB under DST, distributed through associated incubators.

CSIRT-Power
 Context: Inauguration of the COMPUTER SECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – POWER (CSIRT-
Power) to protect India's power infrastructure from cyber threats.
 Key Points:
o Purpose: Proactively addresses cyberattack risks in the power sector.
o Capabilities: Equipped with advanced tools to coordinate incident responses and enhance cyber-
security preparedness.
o Goals: Improve security posture through information sharing, training, and collaboration.

PARAM Rudra
 Context: Three new PARAM Rudra supercomputers
inaugurated under the National Supercomputing
Mission.
 Key Points:
o Location: Deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kol-
kata for advanced research.
o Applications: Supports disaster manage-
ment, weather prediction, agriculture, and
boosts scientific research capabilities.
o Significance: Advances India's self-reliance
and leadership in technology.
Semiconductor Fabrication Plant
 Context: India and the U.S. collaborate to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant focused on defense.
 Key Points:
o Goal: Reduce dependency on imports and enhance technology capabilities.
o Companies Involved: Bharat Semi and 3rdiTech, focusing on military-specific chips.
o Initiatives: Aligns with India Semiconductor Mission to strengthen the domestic semiconductor
supply chain.

Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) Technology

 Innovation: IIT Indore developed footwear for armed forces using TENG technology to generate electricity
from movement.
 Features: Powers devices like GPS for soldier tracking; potential civilian applications.
 Function: Converts mechanical movement into electrical energy.

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

India will establish its first silicon carbide manufacturing facility in Odisha with a ₹620 crore investment from RIR
Power Electronics. SiC, a hard synthetic compound, is vital in semiconductors, offering excellent thermal conduc-
tivity and mechanical strength.

OpenAI Launches Cost-Effective GPT-4o Mini AI Model

 The GPT-4o mini is a smaller and cheaper version of OpenAI's language models. It costs 15 cents per mil-
lion input tokens and 60 cents per million output tokens, over 60% less than its predecessor, GPT-3.5 Tur-
bo.
 OpenAI started as a non-profit in December 2015.
 Their first major release was OpenAI Gym, tools for reinforcement learning.
 In 2019, their GPT-2 model sparked controversy for generating deceptive text.
 OpenAI established usage guidelines in 2020. Originally promoting open collaboration, they shifted to a
capped-profit model to sustain funding for their research.

'Cyber Mercenaries'

 UN warns of 'Cyber Mercenaries' amid escalating digital weaponization.

 Private entities specialize in offensive cyber capabilities, enabling spying on networks and devices.
 Terms like 'intrusion as a service' and 'surveillance-for-hire' describe this sector.
  Threats include breaches in healthcare, banking, and critical services by state and non-state actors.
 'Hacktivists' blur combatant-civilian lines, fostering fear and division online.
 Integration of digital tools with weapons and AI amplifies vulnerabilities.
 Ransomware poses a major threat, with payments hitting $1.1 billion in 2023.

Mission Mausam
 Budget: ₹2,000 crore initiative.
 Approval: Sanctioned by the Union Cabinet.
 Goal: Enhance India’s weather forecasting by 2026.
 Leadership: Led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
 Components:
 Establish a network of Doppler Weather Radars.
 Improve data dissemination.
 Objective: Increase climate resilience in India.

Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

The CSTT standardizes scientific terminology in Indian languages, supporting the NEP 2020. Established in
1961, it publishes glossaries and journals, including the “Shabd” website, which hosts extensive bilingual re-
sources. Future efforts will leverage AI to further promote Indian languages.

Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has approved the first critical steps for India’s 500 MWe Prototype Fast
Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, allowing fuel loading and initial physics experiments.

Nano-MIND Technology
Researchers in South Korea developed Nano-MIND technology, using magnetic fields to control brain regions in
mice. This could enhance brain research, improve artificial neural networks, and offer new treatments for neuro-
logical disorders.

Dark Patterns
 52 of 53 Indian apps use deceptive design practices (dark patterns).
 Common tactic: privacy deception.
 Impacts user autonomy and decision-making.
Sub-Zero Temperature Batteries

 CSIR developed batteries effective in sub-zero temperatures.

 Suitable for high-altitude and defense applications.
 Enhances energy storage solutions.

Digital Watermarking
 OpenAI Development: AI watermarking method to detect AI-generated content.
 Functionality: Embeds unique signals in outputs, aiding in identifying AI materials.
 Effectiveness: Promises up to 99.9% accuracy, not yet publicly released.

IIT Bombay, TCS Develop India’s First Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager

 Quantum diamond computer imager works in a way that is similar to MRIs work in hospitals.
 Indian-made imager uses quantum diamond microscopy along with software that is better at AI
and machine learning
 Part of the “Second Quantum Revolution,” which is moving quickly and needs people with skills in
sensing, computing, and communication tools to work.

DeepFakes
 created by altering media — images, video, or au-
dio using technologies such as AI and machine
learning, thereby blurring the lines between fiction
and reality.
 utilizes artificial neural networks, modeled after the
human brain.
 there is no specific legislation directly targeting
deepfake technology.
 Global Measures Against Deep Fakes:
 Bletchley Declaration: More than 25 major countries, including India, the United States, China,
Japan, and the UK, have joined the Bletchley Declaration.
 Digital Services Act of EU:
 Google's Announcements: Google has introduced tools such as watermarking to identify syn-
thetically generated content.
 US senators propose DEFIANCE Act.

PROJECT GEMINI
  Launched by Google as an artificial intelligence (AI) model crafted to mimic human behavior closely.

 Aim : To improve the re- sponsiveness and effec- tiveness of Google's AI- driven chatbot, Bard, especially
in tasks that require careful planning.

About AI

Branch of computer science dedicated to creating sys- tems that can perform tasks which typically re- quire
human intelligence.

 Types of Artificial Intel- ligence : Narrow or Weak AI(chatbots), Generative AI (Generative models like
GPT-3) by OpenAI, Frontier AI( Quantum AI).

AIRAWAT (AI Research, Analytics, and Knowledge Assimilation Platform)

 India's AI Supercomputer AIRAWAT has been ranked at No. 75 (Top 500 lists) in the world at the In-
ternational Supercomputing Conference (ISC 2023) in Germany.
 AIRAWAT is an AI-based cloud computing infrastructure installed (under National Program on AI) at

C-DAC, Pune.

 Initiative by: NITI Aayog, announced in June 2018.

Other Indian Supercomputers In The Top 500 List

 PARAM Siddhi-AI supercomputer ranked at No. 131: Installed at Center for Development of
Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune.
 Pratyush supercomputer ranked at No. 169: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. • Mihir
supercomputer at No. 316: National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting.

'YUVAi - Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI' Scheme

 Launched by: National e-Governance Division (NeGD) in partnership with Intel India.
 Aim : To enhance the understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among school students in clas- ses 8
to 12 nationwid.
5G AND 6G TECHNOLOGY

 The introduction of 5G services took place in October 2022

Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)

 Telangana signs agreement with

World Economic Forum for set-
ting up Centre for Indus- trial
Revolution (C4IR) in Hy- dera-
bad.
 About 4I R
 Term was coined by Klaus
Schwab, founder of the World
Economic Forum (WEF) in
2016.
 4I means the digital transfor-
mation of the manufacturing

industry by new technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, augment-

ed/virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Lithium Exploration

 India signed an agreement between Khanij Bidesh

India Limited (KABIL) and Argentina's state-owned
enterprise, Catamarca Minera y En- ergética So-
ciedad del Estado (CAMYEN SE),
  marking the first-ever lithium exploration and min-
ing project by an Indian government compa- ny.
 KABIL is a joint venture, involving NALCO, MECL,
and HCL.
 Argentina, as part of the “Lithium Triangle” along
with Chile and Bolivia, is a significant pro- ducer of
lithium, holding the world’s third-largest lithium re-
serve.

Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA)

 Indian government has established a se-

cure e-mail system for 10,000 users in criti-
cal ministries and departments due to in-
creasing threat of cyberattacks.
 developed by the National Informatics Cen-
tre (NIC).
 The e-mail system operates on Zero
Trust Authentication (ZTA).
 Include two-factor authentication with

options like facial recognition or biometrics, and log-in and log-out times are recorded and monitored.

MCQs

QWhat is the main goal of the BharatGen project in terms of AI models?

a) To develop AI models for space exploration

b) To create AI models that reflect India's linguistic and cultural diversity
c) To develop AI models for agricultural purposes
d) To create AI for defense applications

Answer: b) To create AI models that reflect India's linguistic and cultural diversity
Q What future project is related to the Hab-1 mission?
a) Mars Mission
b) Gaganyaan Project
c) Chandrayaan Project
d) Skylab Project

Answer: b) Gaganyaan Project

Q How much funding has the Animal Health Security Initiative received from the G20 Pandemic Fund?
a) $10 million
b) $25 million
c) $50 million
d) $100 million

Answer: b) $25 million

Q What is the closest distance that the Parker Solar Probe has flown to the Sun?
a) 5 million miles
b) 3.8 million miles
c) 1 million miles
d) 10 million miles
Answer: b) 3.8 million miles

Q Recently, in which of the following, Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun has been awarded the 2024 Nobel
Prize in Physiology or Medicine?
[A]. Gene Editing
[B]. MicroRNA
[C]. CRISPR Technology
[D].DNASequencing

Ans B

Q Under the Axiom-4 mission, ISRO has collaborated with which of the following space agencies to en-
hance India’s human space programme?
a) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
b) Roscosmos
c) European Space Agency
d) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Ans d)
Q Which of the following is a correct finding from the study on microbial communities in microwave ov-
ens?
a) Microwave radiation kills all bacteria present in food and on surfaces.
b) Microwave ovens are found to host diverse communities of microbes, including bacteria.
c) Only harmful bacteria can survive in microwave ovens.
d)Nomicrobes can survive in the temperatures of microwave ovens.

AnsB

Q What is the primary objective of the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE)
mission?
a) To map Jupiter’s moons and investigate their subsurface water bodies for potential habitability
b) To land on Jupiter and collect soil samples
c) To study the effects of solar radiation on deep space probes
d) None of the above

Ans A

Q What is the significance of National Space Day, celebrated on August 23 in India?

a) It commemorates the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and India's achievements in space
exploration.
b) It marks the anniversary of India's first satellite launch.
c) It celebrates the establishment of ISRO.
d) It is a day dedicated to promoting STEM education in India

Ans A

Q Which of the following is a key feature of India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1?
a) It uses a fully liquid-fueled propulsion system.
b) It reached an altitude of 100 kilometers, entering low Earth orbit.
c) It is the first rocket developed by ISRO for human spaceflight.
d) It is designed to advance research on climate change and atmospheric conditions.

Ans D