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291. Recent reports have indicated a concerning rise in tularemia cases, also known as rabbit fever, in which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Japan
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
Recent reports show a worrying increase in tularemia cases, commonly called rabbit fever, in the United States. The illness, caused by the bacterium “Francisella tularensis”, has seen more than a 50 percent rise in reported cases. This increase is especially significant among children aged 5-9, older men, and American Indians or Alaska Natives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies this bacterium as a Tier 1 Select Agent because of its potential use as a bioweapon. Symptom of Tularemia vary based on the infection route. Common symptoms include: Skin Ulcer, Ocular Symptoms, Sore Throat and Mouth Ulcers and Respiratory issues.
292. Recently, IndiaAI has been collaborate with which company to drive inclusive development and economic transformation in India?
[A] Facebook
[B] Google
[C] Microsoft
[D] Amazon
Correct Answer: C [Microsoft]
Notes:
Microsoft, under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella, has revealed new strategic partnerships with the Indian government and major companies in different industries. These alliances are designed to speed up the use and growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. Microsoft is joining forces with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the ambitious IndiaAI Mission.
293. Which IIT has recently inaugurated Asia’s largest shallow wave basin research facility recently?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Hyderabad
[D] IIT Guwahati
Correct Answer: A [IIT Madras]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) has opened Asia’s biggest shallow wave basin research center. This new facility is situated at the Discovery satellite campus in Thaiyur, about 36 km from the main IIT-M campus. It aims to support research and industry needs in India, especially in coastal engineering and port management.
294. The NISAR mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and which space agency?
[A] ISRO
[B] SpaceX
[C] ASI
[D] JAXA
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
The NISAR mission is a joint project by NASA and ISRO that seeks to transform how we observe Earth. Set to launch in March 2025 from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, this satellite will use dual-band radar to closely monitor the land and ice surfaces of our planet. The initiative began with an agreement in 2014, showing a dedication to monitoring environmental changes and evaluating the impact of natural disasters.
295. Which space company’s new Glenn Rocket was launched recently?
[A] Blue Origin
[B] Firefly Aerospace
[C] SpaceX
[D] Boeing
Correct Answer: A [Blue Origin]
Notes:
Blue Origin plans to launch its New Glenn rocket on January 10, 2025. This launch is an important step for the company in space exploration. The first mission will showcase the rocket’s abilities and help Blue Origin become a strong player in the commercial space market.
296. India’s first commercial utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) is located at which place?
[A] Pokhran, Rajasthan
[B] Belagavi, Karnataka
[C] Kilokri, South Delhi
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: C [Kilokri, South Delhi]
Notes:
India is set to launch its inaugural commercial utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in March 2025, situated in Kilokri, a village in southern Delhi. This BESS comprises a 20 MW/40 MWh battery cluster and is integrated into the BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) Kilokri substation. It is anticipated that the system will deliver four hours of electricity daily, with two hours allocated for both daytime and nighttime use. This initiative represents a partnership among BRPL, IndiGrid, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), marking a pivotal advancement in India’s strategy to enhance renewable energy integration and modernize its electrical infrastructure.
297. Which research institute has recently revealed Androgen receptors are essential for the sexual development of both male and female birds?
[A] Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
[B] Max Planck Institute of Biophysics
[C] Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics
[D] Max Planck Institute of Biological Intelligence
Correct Answer: D [Max Planck Institute of Biological Intelligence and Technical University, Munich]
Notes:
Recent investigations conducted by the Max Planck Institute of Biological Intelligence in conjunction with the Technical University of Munich have uncovered significant insights into the role of androgen receptors in avian species. Historically, androgens, particularly testosterone, have been predominantly linked to the sexual maturation of males. Nevertheless, the findings of this study suggest that androgen receptors are crucial for the sexual development and reproductive capabilities of both male and female birds.
298. What is the name of portal launched by government to make genome data accessible to researchers in India and abroad?
[A] Biological Data Bank Portal (BDBP)
[B] Indian Genomic Repository (IGC) Portal
[C] Genome Access Portal (GAP)
[D] Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portal
Correct Answer: D [Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portal]
Notes:
India has introduced the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, providing global access to 10,000 whole genome samples. This data set promotes progress in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC facilitates easy access to genetic information, helping researchers explore genetic differences and create accurate genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) guarantees ethical and secure sharing of genomic data in line with Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, managed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), aims to build a detailed genetic diversity database for advanced research. India intends to sequence 10 million genomes, boosting innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.
299. LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, was made from which wood panels?
[A] Akamatsu
[B] Honoki Magnolia
[C] Sugi
[D] Quercus acuta
Correct Answer: B [Honoki Magnolia]
Notes:
LingoSat’s launch is a significant step in space exploration. This one-of-a-kind wooden satellite is the first ever to enter Earth’s orbit. LingoSat measures just 10 cm and weighs 900 grams. It is the world’s first wooden satellite, is made from honoki magnolia wood panels. It was sent up by the International Space Station, which is different from the usual rocket launches. Created through teamwork between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry in Japan, LingoSat’s goal is to evaluate if wood can be used as a material for satellites.
300. Which country has made advancements in nuclear energy with the introduction of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs)?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [Russia]
Notes:
Russia has progressed in nuclear energy by launching floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). The Akademik Lomonosov, which has been in operation since 2019 in Pevek, marks a new direction in energy generation. This development is designed to fulfill energy needs in isolated regions, with potential markets such as India. FNPPs are mobile, allowing them to be used in various settings. An FNPP is essentially a nuclear power station on a ship that can connect to coastal power grids and be moved to different sites. The Akademik Lomonosov is equipped with two light-water reactors that together produce 70 MW of power. This technology enables effective energy generation without relying on traditional land-based plants.
