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581. Recently, India launched the country’s first internationally licensed CAR-T cell therapy for adult B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) under which name?
[A] Martemi
[B] Qartemi
[C] Swasthya
[D] Surakshit
Correct Answer: B [Qartemi]
Notes:
India has recently introduced Qartemi, the first CAR-T cell therapy with international licensing for adult B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). This innovative treatment brings new hope to those battling aggressive blood cancers. CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy that enhances a patient’s T-cells to more effectively attack and destroy cancer cells. The procedure involves gathering T-cells, altering their genetics, and then reinfusing them back into the patient. This method is referred to as a living drug.
582. Which country has recently unveiled Project Stargate, an initiative aimed at establishing a robust artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure?
[A] United States
[B] Japan
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
Recently, President Donald Trump introduced Project Stargate, a plan to build a strong artificial intelligence (AI) framework in the United States. With a $500 billion investment, the project aims to boost the country’s leadership in AI technology and create more than 100,000 jobs. This announcement, made with major industry leaders, is a significant move in the US’s competition with global rivals, especially China. Project Stargate is a large-scale effort to develop AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years. It plans to start with an initial investment of $100 billion, potentially growing to $500 billion. The project will involve building large data centers and campuses to support the advancement of AI technologies and applications. It is supported by a group of major companies, including OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank.
583. Which of the following has successfully integrated the Crew Module’s liquid propulsion system and dispatched it for the first uncrewed mission, Gaganyaan (G1)?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
[D] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Correct Answer: C [Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making progress on its Gaganyaan project, which focuses on developing human spaceflight abilities. As of January 22, 2025, the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has successfully put together the liquid propulsion system for the Crew Module and sent it off for the first uncrewed mission, Gaganyaan (G1). This mission is a vital step towards sending three astronauts into a 400 km orbit for three days. The Gaganyaan project is India’s ambitious plan to showcase its human spaceflight capabilities. It aims to launch a crewed spacecraft into low Earth orbit and ensure its safe return. The mission will work on key technologies, such as a human-rated launch vehicle and life support systems.
584. Recently, the Government of India initiated the bidding process for the procurement of 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) under which mission?
[A] IndiaAI Mission
[B] Digital India
[C] Atal Innovation Mission
[D] Ayushman Bharat
Correct Answer: A [IndiaAI Mission]
Notes:
The Government of India has started the bidding process to buy 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) as part of the IndiaAI Mission. This mission, which the Cabinet approved in March 2024, has a budget of ₹10,372 crore over five years to promote artificial intelligence development in the country. Acquiring these GPUs is essential for improving computing power and helping various groups build an AI ecosystem. Ten companies, including Jio Platforms and Tata Communications, are competing to supply the GPUs. Bidding began on January 22, 2025, and results are expected within a week. About 44% of the mission’s budget, or ₹4,563.36 crore, is set aside for GPU purchases.
585. Recently, which country has announced the launch of its first human underwater submersible by the end of 2025?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] France
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India has recently announced that it will launch its first human underwater submersible by the end of 2025. This project is designed to boost the blue economy and supports the country’s larger goals in space exploration, especially the Gaganyaan mission. The submersible will start by operating at depths of up to 500 meters, with plans to reach 6,000 meters the following year. The Deep Ocean Mission is a key program started under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. It focuses on exploring and using ocean resources while ensuring environmental sustainability. This mission places India among a small group of six nations with advanced underwater exploration technology.
586. What type of disease is “Stargardt” that has been in the news lately?
[A] Rare genetic Rett syndrome
[B] Rare genetic Eye Disease
[C] Rare genetic Turner syndrome
[D] Rare genetic Apert syndrome
Correct Answer: B [Rare genetic Eye Disease]
Notes:
Stargardt disease is an uncommon genetic ocular disorder characterized by progressive vision deterioration, predominantly impacting children and young adults. Recent advancements in gene therapy present promising avenues for effective interventions. Researchers affiliated with the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology in Basel, Switzerland, in partnership with Beam Therapeutics, have made significant progress in this field. Also known as Stargardt macular degeneration, this condition typically manifests bilaterally, affecting both eyes. It is caused by the excessive buildup of lipofuscin in the macula, which ultimately leads to visual impairment. The disease is frequently associated with mutations in the ABCA4 gene, which is crucial for Vitamin A metabolism. At present, no definitive cure exists. It is observed more frequently in males and has an incidence rate of approximately 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 individuals. At present, there is no available cure for this condition.
587. The Brindavan Hydropower Private Limited, recently was seen in news, it is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
In the recent case involving Brindavan Hydropower Private Limited in 2024, the Karnataka High Court annulled the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, commonly referred to as the GEOA Rules, along with the associated regulations established by the Karnataka Regulatory Commission in 2022. Hydropower entities contended that the GEOA Rules infringed upon the jurisdiction of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) as delineated in Sections 42(2) and 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
588. Which country has recently made strides in nuclear fusion research with EAST Reactor?
[A] Russia
[B] United States
[C] India
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
China has recently made progress in nuclear fusion research. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) managed to maintain plasma for 1,000 seconds, breaking the previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023. This milestone is crucial for the future of fusion energy, as it opens the door to possible continuous power generation. Nuclear fusion is the process that fuels the sun, involving the combination of atomic nuclei to release energy. Unlike nuclear fission, which breaks apart atoms, fusion generates very little radioactive waste and does not produce greenhouse gases. This makes it a promising energy source for fighting climate change and meeting global energy demands.
589. A recent archaeological discovery in which state has reshaped our understanding of the Iron Age in India?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Recent archaeological discoveries have changed how we view the Iron Age in India. A new study shows that iron technology in Tamil Nadu goes back to the early 4th millennium BCE. This finding contradicts earlier beliefs that the Iron Age in India started between 1500 and 2000 BCE. More than 85 iron items, including knives, arrowheads, and swords, were found, showing advanced metalworking skills. Important sites like Adichanallur (2517 BCE) and Mayiladumparai (2172 BCE) also provided key evidence. Radiometric dating of burial urns from Sivagalai (in Thoothukudi district) confirmed this timeline. The methods used included AMS14C dating for charcoal and OLS dating for ceramics. The study strongly suggests that iron smelting in Tamil Nadu began around 3345 BCE, determined through advanced techniques like Accelerator Mass Spectrometry and Optically Stimulated Luminescence. Sites such as Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai, and Kilnamandi provided samples. This discovery pushes back the timeline of iron technology by almost two thousand years.
590. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to achieve its 100th launch milestone with the launch of which satellite?
[A] NVS-01
[B] NVS-02
[C] NVS-03
[D] NVS-04
Correct Answer: B [NVS-02]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to achieve a significant milestone with its upcoming 100th launch. Scheduled for January 29, 2025, the GSLV-F15 mission will facilitate the deployment of the NVS-02 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission is a vital enhancement to India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), which serves as an independent regional navigation satellite system.
Overview of NavIC:
NavIC represents India’s regional navigation framework, offering Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services. Its primary coverage area extends 1,500 kilometers beyond the Indian borders. The system comprises two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS). NavIC is engineered to deliver positional accuracy exceeding 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds. The SPS signals are compatible with other global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou.
Importance of GSLV-F15:
The GSLV-F15 mission plays a pivotal role in the deployment of the NVS-02 satellite, which is part of the second generation of NavIC satellites. This satellite is intended to succeed older satellites within the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The duration of the GSLV-F15 mission is expected to be approximately 19 minutes.
Characteristics of the NVS-02 Satellite:
The NVS-02 satellite has a lift-off mass of 2,250 kilograms and is equipped with sophisticated atomic clocks to ensure precise timing. It operates on the standard I-2K bus platform and will be positioned at 111.75ºE, taking the place of IRNSS-1E. The NVS-02 satellite features navigation payloads that operate across multiple frequency bands.
