Q1. Which airport in Karnataka received the Platinum Recognition in the Green Airports Recognition 2025?
[a] Kempegowda International Airpor
[b] Mangaluru International Airport
[c] Hubballi Airport
[d] Mysuru Airport
View Answer
Answer: [c] Hubballi Airport
Explanation:
Hubballi Airport in Karnataka has been honored with the Platinum Recognition, the highest accolade under the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East. It was recognized under the category “Sustainable Energy at Airports” for its initiatives in promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices.
The award specifically acknowledges airports handling less than 6 million passengers per annum for their sustainable energy efforts. This achievement underlines India’s commitment to greener aviation practices and sustainable airport operations.
Q.2) Which Indian filmmaker was recently awarded the prestigious French honour ‘Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’?
[a] Mira Nair
[b] Payal Kapadia
[c] Zoya Akhtar
[d] Rima Das
View Answer
Answer: [b] Payal Kapadia
Explanation:
Payal Kapadia, the acclaimed filmmaker of ‘All We Imagine As Light’, has been honored with the ‘Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ by the French government. This French Honour is one of the country’s highest recognitions, awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to the fields of art and literature. Her film recently won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying her stature on the international stage. The honour reflects her impact in promoting Indian storytelling and cinema globally.
Q.3) Which country recently unveiled the world’s first “meltdown-proof” nuclear reactor?
[a] Japan
[b] United States
[c] China
[d] France
View Answer
Answer: [c] China
Explanation:
China has unveiled the world’s first “meltdown-proof” nuclear power plant, marking a revolutionary advancement in nuclear energy safety. The Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR) uses thorium instead of traditional uranium and operates with molten salt as the coolant, making it inherently safer because it cannot overheat to the point of a meltdown. The reactor has been installed in the Gobi Desert, specifically in Wuyi city, Gansu province. Thorium reactors are considered a next-generation technology, offering greater efficiency, reduced nuclear waste, and enhanced safety compared to conventional reactors.
Q.4) What is unique about the hydrogen bomb tested by China recently?
[a] It uses nuclear fission.
[b] It is based on conventional explosives only.
[c] It is a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb.
[d] It uses solar energy as trigger.
View Answer
Answer: [c] It is a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb.
Explanation:
China has successfully tested a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb, a significant advancement demonstrating the country’s military technological capabilities. Unlike traditional hydrogen bombs that rely on nuclear reactions, this non-nuclear variant uses alternative methods, likely involving high-energy chemical reactions, offering high destructive capability without nuclear fallout. China’s focus on such innovative weapon systems reflects its broader aim to dominate the future battlefield with advanced, environment-considerate technologies.
Q.5) India’s first ever human gene therapy trial for which genetic disorder was recently conducted?
[a] Thalassemia
[b] Sickle Cell Anemia
[c] Hemophilia
[d] Leukemia
View Answer
Answer: [c] Hemophilia
Explanation:
India conducted its first-ever human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia, a genetic blood disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to lack of clotting factors. This pioneering trial is a result of collaboration between:
- Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem)
- Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore.
Gene therapy offers the potential for a permanent cure by correcting faulty genes responsible for the disease, representing a major step forward for precision medicine and regenerative therapy in India.
Q.6) Which DRDO laboratory conducted the successful ground testing of the scramjet engine?
[a] Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL)
[b] Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
[c] Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
[d] Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
Explanation:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully achieved a major milestone in hypersonic technology by completing ground testing of a scramjet engine for more than 1000 seconds. The testing was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based premier lab of DRDO. The engine was tested at the newly built state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Test Facility, a specialized center dedicated to advancing hypersonic air-breathing propulsion technologies.
Q.7) Which organization reported the record cargo movement on inland waterways?
[a] Shipping Corporation of India
[b] Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
[c] Indian Ports Association
[d] Directorate General of Shipping
View Answer
Answer: [b] Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Explanation:
India recorded an all-time high cargo movement of over 145 million tonnes through its inland waterways during FY 2024–25. The data was reported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), which is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoSPW).
Key Initiatives Driving This Achievement:
- Projects like Jal Marg Vikas Project and Sagarmala have boosted inland waterway cargo traffic.
- Development of National Waterways (e.g., NW-1: Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system).
Q.8) What is the name of NASA’s first space-based quantum sensor for measuring gravity?
[a] Quantum Earth Mapper
[b] QSense-1
[c] Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf)
[d] Gravity Probe Pathfinder
View Answer
Answer: [c] Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf)
Explanation:
NASA is developing the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf)—the first-ever space-based quantum sensor for measuring gravity. The project is being developed with support from NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). The QGGPf will be deployed on a low-Earth orbit satellite to detect extremely subtle gravitational variations across Earth’s surface. Its revolutionary quantum sensing capability will be used for:
- National security applications
- Climate change studies
- Natural resource exploration