Q.1) NASA’s Perseverance rover has found potential hints of ancient microbial life on which Martian region?
[a] Gale Crater
[b] Olympus Mon
[c] Jezero Crater
[d] Valles Marineris
View Answer
Answer: [c] Jezero Crater
Explanation:
NASA’s Perseverance rover has made a significant discovery on Mars, uncovering rocks that may contain possible biosignatures of ancient microbial life. The findings come from the rover’s mission in the Jezero Crater, a region in Mars’ northern hemisphere that once hosted a lake basin and river delta, making it one of the most promising sites to search for past life. Since its landing in 2021, Perseverance has been collecting rock and soil samples, analyzing their mineral and chemical composition. The newly published research suggests that the identified rocks contain organic molecules and structures that could be linked to ancient biological activity, although confirmation will require laboratory analysis on Earth. This marks a crucial step forward in the quest to determine whether life ever existed beyond Earth.
Q.2) Where was India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) inaugurated in September 2025?
[a] Dubai International Academic City
[b] Abu Dhabi (IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus)
[c] Sharjah Education Hub
[d] Ras Al Khaimah University
View Answer
Answer: [b] Abu Dhabi (IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus)
Explanation:
India inaugurated its first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus during the Union Education Minister’s official visit to the UAE on 10–11 September 2025. This historic step expands the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) beyond India’s borders for the first time, marking a new chapter in international collaboration. The overseas AIC will act as a hub for startups, research, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, fostering innovation in areas such as AI, sustainability, deep-tech, and education. The visit also emphasized strengthening India–UAE bilateral cooperation in education and innovation, highlighting India’s commitment to building global partnerships in knowledge and technology.
Q.3) Which Indian space agency has secured nine world records in space exploration?
[a] DRDO
[b] HAL
[c] ISRO
[d] BARC
View Answer
Answer: [c] ISRO
Explanation:
India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has achieved nine major world records in space exploration and is targeting 8–10 more in the near future. These achievements include landmark missions such as the Chandrayaan series, the Mars Orbiter Mission (2014) which made India the first nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt, and breakthroughs in cryogenic engine technology. Looking forward, ISRO has set an ambitious roadmap, including a human landing on the Moon by 2040, which will strengthen India’s position as a global space power and contribute to its vision of becoming a developed nation.
Q.4) Which Indian organization signed an agreement with HAL for the transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology?
[a] DRDO
[b] ISRO
[c] CSIR
[d] NAL
View Answer
Answer: [b] ISRO
Explanation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), signed a landmark technology transfer agreement for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This marks a crucial step in commercializing India’s SSLV technology to boost private sector participation in space missions. Notably, this agreement is the 100th signed by IN-SPACe, reinforcing its role in expanding India’s space ecosystem. The move is seen as a formative step towards democratizing access to space technology, especially for small satellite launches, which are in growing global demand.
Q.5) Which companies partnered with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan road safety initiative?
[a] Ola & Swiggy
[b] Uber & Zomato
[c] Blinkit & Rapido
[d] Ola & Dunzo
View Answer
Answer: [b] Uber & Zomato
Explanation:
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has collaborated with Zomato, India’s leading food delivery platform, and Uber, the popular ride-hailing service, to strengthen its nationwide Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan (Road Safety Campaign). The partnership leverages millions of daily deliveries and rides to spread road safety awareness among both drivers and consumers. By promoting responsible driving, adherence to traffic rules, and safer commuting practices, the initiative underscores road safety as a national priority. This public-private collaboration reflects the government’s approach of engaging stakeholders across industries to reduce accidents and save lives on Indian roads.
Q.6) Where is India’s largest green ammonia project being developed?
[a] Gujarat
[b] Odisha
[c] Tamil Nadu
[d] Andhra Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [b] Odisha
Explanation:
India’s largest green ammonia project is set to come up in Gopalpur, Odisha, following a joint venture between ACME Cleantech Group and Japan’s IHI Corporation. The partnership, formalized after an MoU signed in 2023, has already reached crucial milestones: IHI has acquired a 30% stake in ACME Clean Energy Pvt. Ltd., while ACME has completed land acquisition and finalized the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED). The project aims to position India as a key global hub for green ammonia production, an essential fuel and feedstock for decarbonizing industries such as shipping, fertilizers, and energy storage. This initiative is also aligned with India’s energy transition goals and commitment to achieving net zero by 2070.