Post Views: 1,288
281. Which of the following disease remains a critical public health concern, particularly in regions of East-Central and West Africa?
[A] Ebola virus
[B] Zika Virus
[C] Dengue Virus
[D] Rhinovirus
Correct Answer: A [Ebola virus]
Notes:
Ebola virus disease (EVD) continues to pose a significant public health challenge, especially in East-Central and West African regions. Recent investigations have uncovered crucial insights into the potential for the Ebola virus (EBOV) to transmit via the skin, highlighting the necessity of comprehending this mode of transmission. The research, published in “Science Advances”, involved collaboration among scientists from the University of Iowa Health Care, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, and Boston University. Their results indicate that the skin could be a contributing factor in the transmission of the virus between individuals.
282. Who among the following has developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for targeted breast cancer therapy?
[A] IIT Guwahati
[B] Bose Institute Kolkata
[C] Only A
[D] Both A & B
Correct Answer: D [Both A & B]
Notes:
Recent developments in cancer therapy have been reported by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) and the Bose Institute in Kolkata. They have created a novel injectable hydrogel designed for localized cancer treatment, with a specific focus on breast cancer. This hydrogel functions as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer medications, facilitating their controlled release while safeguarding healthy cells from harm. The results of this research were published in the journal Materials Horizons, marking a significant advancement in the field of cancer treatment.
283. Recently, which of the following space tech start-up made headlines by successfully test-firing its Green Propulsion System, VYOM 2U, onboard the PSLV-C60?
[A] Manastu Space
[B] Dhruva Space
[C] Kawa Space
[D] Agnikul
Correct Answer: A [Manastu Space]
Notes:
Manastu Space, a space technology start-up established by graduates of IIT Bombay, garnered significant attention by successfully conducting a test of its Green Propulsion System, VYOM 2U, aboard the PSLV-C60. This milestone took place on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. in Lucknow. The propulsion system offers a non-toxic and eco-friendly substitute for conventional chemical propulsion techniques. This advancement seeks to reduce the ecological footprint of space missions while enhancing safety for human health. Established in 2017 by Tushar Jadhav and Ashtesh Kumar, both alumni of IIT Bombay, Manastu Space is dedicated to the advancement of sustainable propulsion technologies.
284. Nano-formulated melatonin has shown promise as a therapeutic approach for which disease recently?
[A] Diphtheria
[B] Dengue
[C] Parkinson’s Disease
[D] Hepatitis
Correct Answer: C [Parkinson’s Disease]
Notes:
Recent research has highlighted the potential of nano-formulated melatonin as a promising therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkinson’s disease is a common neurological condition marked by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, a process largely driven by the aggregation of synuclein protein. Existing treatments primarily aim to manage symptoms rather than provide a cure. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for novel therapeutic approaches that target the fundamental causes of Parkinson’s disease. Melatonin, a neurohormone synthesized by the pineal gland in reaction to low light conditions, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and has been employed in the management of insomnia. Recent studies suggest that melatonin may also promote mitophagy, an essential mechanism for the elimination of impaired mitochondria and the reduction of oxidative stress within neuronal cells. The enhancement of mitophagy could potentially alleviate the impacts of Parkinson’s disease, positioning melatonin as a promising candidate for therapeutic advancement.
285. In which country recently ‘HMPV’ Virus seen on the news?
[A] US
[B] China
[C] Canada
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China’s disease control agency has introduced a pilot monitoring system to track pneumonia cases of unknown origin. This step is taken due to the anticipated increase in respiratory infections during winter. The nation has already seen a rise in infections, especially in northern regions, with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) being a significant concern for younger people. Although there are viral claims on social media about a health emergency, no official announcement has been issued. Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus discovered in 2001. It is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV leads to illnesses similar to the common cold, impacting both the upper and lower respiratory systems. The virus is most common in winter and early spring, posing greater risks for complications in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
286. Which of the following has recently introduced the Mars Chopper?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] SpaceX
[D] CNSA
Correct Answer: A [NASA]
Notes:
NASA has launched the Mars Chopper, a new drone meant to take over from the Ingenuity helicopter. Ingenuity flew on Mars for almost three years, surpassing its original mission goals. The Mars Chopper shows progress in exploring the skies of the Red Planet. The new drone can travel up to three kilometres. This feature helps scientists study large areas quickly. The Mars Chopper can reach places that rovers can’t safely go, making it a crucial tool for exploring Mars.
287. Which space agency has recently announced the successful germination of cowpea seeds in space?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] ASI
[D] JAXA
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved significant progress in space exploration with two recent experiments. On January 4, 2025, ISRO revealed that cowpea seeds successfully sprouted in space, representing a key advancement in agricultural research outside of Earth. It is the first time that the space agency achieved such a feat, using cowpea seeds. This success came soon after the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission, which took off on December 30, 2024, and carried 24 payloads, including the new PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4).
288. First human death has occurred from H5N1 Bird Flu in which country?
[A] UK
[B] France
[C] US
[D] India
Correct Answer: C [US]
Notes:
On January 6, 2025, Louisiana reported the first human death in the U.S. linked to the H5N1 bird flu virus. This is an important moment in the fight against avian influenza, showing the ongoing risk of diseases that can jump from animals to humans. A Louisiana resident over 65, who had other health issues, died from severe avian influenza A(H5N1) after coming into contact with infected wild and backyard birds. This case highlights how dangerous the virus can be for people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that since 2024, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the U.S., with a total of 67 cases since 2022.
289. Recently, a team of scientists identified a new species of ant in the Western Ghats. What is its name?
[A] Tapinoma onaele
[B] Amblyoponinae
[C] Acrobat
[D] Pharaoh
Correct Answer: A [Tapinoma onaele]
Notes:
A recent discovery in the Western Ghats has highlighted the significance of biodiversity within leaf litter ecosystems. Researchers from Goa, Karnataka, and Dehradun have identified a novel ant species, Tapinoma onaele, in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. This discovery underscores the often-neglected importance of leaf litter habitats. The term ‘Onaele’ means ‘dried leaves’ in Kannada, reflecting the essential role this environment plays. Pronoy Baidya, the head of the research division at AERO, stressed that the biodiversity found in leaf litter is a critical element of forest ecosystems.
290. Which of the following states has recently launched an initiative called Green GDP?
[A] Kerala
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Chhattisgarh has started a new program that includes the ecological benefits of its forests in the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). This unique method aims to show how forests contribute to the environment and the state’s economic growth. The goal is to promote sustainable economic development while protecting the environment for future generations. The main aims of Chhattisgarh’s Green GDP initiative are to improve budget planning, develop policies that promote economic growth with a focus on environmental sustainability, and officially acknowledge the economic benefits of forest ecosystem services.
