26. What is the new (original) name of the town Khultabad, as announced by the Maharashtra government?
[A] Daulatabad
[B] Shambhajinagar
[C] Nizamabad
[D] Ratnapur
Answer: D [Ratnapur]
Notes:
Maharashtra government has decided to rename Khultabad to its original name Ratnapur, restoring its historical identity. The town was originally called Ratnapur, but its name was changed to Khultabad during the Mughal era. It is located about 25 kilometers from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad). The town is historically significant as it houses the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, as well as the graves of his son Azam Shah and Asaf Jah I, the founder of the Hyderabad Nizam dynasty.
27. What is “GPS spoofing” that was recently seen in news?
[A] A way to hack mobile phones through GPS
[B] A cyberattack that sends false GPS data to a receiver
[C] A technique to strengthen GPS signals
[D] None of the Above
Answer: B [A cyberattack that sends false GPS data to a receiver]
Notes:
India sent military aircraft to Myanmar with earthquake relief under Operation Brahma. During the mission, some Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft faced Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofing attacks. GPS spoofing is a cyberattack where false GPS signals are sent to confuse the location of GPS-enabled devices. It uses a nearby radio transmitter to overpower real satellite signals and send fake coordinates. These false signals can mislead aircraft, goods, or people by showing wrong locations. There are two main types: rebroadcasting past signals, known as meaconing, and generating fake satellite signals. This attack poses serious risks to navigation and safety.
28. Where was the Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ held in April 2025?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Chennai
[C] New Delhi
[D] Bengaluru
Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Ministry of Defence, held the second Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ in New Delhi. The event was themed ‘Securing India’s Rise through Defence Reforms’ and focused on India’s journey to becoming a self-reliant and tech-driven military power. The festival supported the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) goal through defence manufacturing and procurement reforms. It emphasized integration across land, air, sea, cyber, and space for national security. The event aligned with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’. It highlighted stronger public-private partnerships and faster tech transfers to boost readiness. Kalam & Kavach 2.0 showed how literature, innovation, and strategy can together shape India’s defence future.
29. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) that was recently seen in news primarily affects which part of the body?
[A] Heart
[B] Liver
[C] Brain
[D] Lungs
Answer: C [Brain]
Notes:
Two people in the United States are believed to have died recently from Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and incurable brain disorder. Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease (CJD) causes dementia and belongs to a group of diseases called prion disorders or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSEs). Its symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s disease but progress much faster and lead to death. Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease (CJD) is very rare, with only 1 to 2 cases diagnosed per million people each year worldwide. It mostly affects older adults and is always serious. The disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which damage the brain by turning healthy prions into harmful ones. These abnormal prions clump together in the brain, leading to nerve cell loss and severe brain damage.
30. Which state won the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship Trophy 2025?
[A] Punjab
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Answer: A [Punjab]
Notes:
Hockey Punjab, led by Hardik Singh, won the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship Trophy 2025 by defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 4-1 in the final. The final match of Division A was held on 15 April 2025 at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Hockey won the bronze medal by defeating Manipur Hockey 5-1. Hockey Punjab won their 5th title since the tournament began under Hockey India in 2011. The tournament was organised by Hockey India and held from 4 to 15 April 2025.
31. The Bulls eye Galaxy (LEDA 1313424) was recently discovered by using which telescope?
[A] James Webb Space Telescope
[B] Hubble Space Telescope
[C] Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
[D] Spitzer Space Telescope
Answer: B [Hubble Space Telescope]
Notes:
The Bullseye Galaxy, officially named LEDA 1313424, was recently discovered by an international research team using the Hubble Space Telescope and the W. M. Keck Observatory. This galaxy has a unique ringed structure formed around 50 million years ago due to a head-on collision with a blue dwarf galaxy. The collision created rippling waves of gas, which triggered star formation in circular rings. The Hubble Space Telescope observed eight rings, while the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii confirmed a ninth ring. The galaxy spans 250,000 light-years in diameter, nearly five times larger than the Milky Way. Despite being 130,000 light-years apart, a thin gas trail still links the Bullseye Galaxy to the dwarf galaxy. Scientists believe it may evolve into a Giant Low Surface Brightness Galaxy, which could offer insights into dark matter.
32.Which state recently celebrated the Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav?
[A] Tripura
[B] Assam
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram
Answer: A [Tripura]
Notes:
Recently, Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the ‘Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav’ 2025 in Agartala’s Swami Vivekananda Maidan, celebrating Tripura’s cultural heritage. The event was organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs along with other government departments. The festival is very important for the Kokborok-speaking Tripuri community, just like Durga Puja is for the Bengali community. It features the traditional Garia Puja, which is a tribal ritual seeking blessings for prosperity. Cultural dances, music by indigenous artists, and traditional food stalls are major highlights.
33.Kokborok is recognized as one of the official state languages of which state?
[A] Tripura
[B] Mizoram
[C] Nagaland
[D] Manipur
Answer: A [Tripura]
Notes:
Recently, Kokborok Sahitya Parishad, an indigenous linguistic organisation, demanded the inclusion of Kokborok language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India with a native script, preferably Devanagari or Bengali. Kokborok is the language of the Borok people and has been an official language of Tripura since 1979, along with Bengali and English. The word Kokborok means “the language of man” or “the language of the Borok people”. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman group of languages under the Sino-Tibetan family. It is closely related to Bodo and Dimasa languages of Assam and is written in Devanagari, Bengali, and Roman scripts.
34.What is the position of India in the medal tally at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Lima 2025?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Third
[D] Fourth
Answer: C [Third]
Notes:
Recently, Indian shooters ended their campaign at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Lima 2025 with seven medals. These included two gold, four silver, and one bronze, placing India third behind China and the United States of America (USA) in the medal tally. The ISSF World Cup for Rifle and Shotgun was held in Lima, the capital city of Peru, from April 13 to 22, 2025. This was the second ISSF World Cup of 2025, following the first event in Buenos Aires, Argentina, held from April 1 to 10, 2025.
35.Which country has become the first in world to successfully breed the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB)?
[A] India
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] Myanmar
Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India became the world’s first country to successfully artificially breed the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) with the birth of the third chick at Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park. The technology and training for artificial insemination were obtained from the Abu Dhabi-based “International Fund for Houbara Conservation” and specialized training from the Wildlife Institute of India. The GIB is protected under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
36.Which country is the host of 2nd Asian Yogasana Championships 2025?
[A] Nepal
[B] India
[C] Indonesia
[D] Myanmar
Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India hosts the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship from April 25 to 27, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The event features over 170 athletes from 21 Asian countries, including technical officials, team managers, and coaches. This championship aims to promote Yogasana as a competitive global sport.
37.Which institution has conducted India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia?
[A] Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru
[B] All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
[C] Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
[D] Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Answer: A [Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru has successfully conducted India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia in collaboration with CMC Vellore. Gene therapy is a biomedical technique that modifies or replaces faulty genes to treat or prevent diseases. The aim is to introduce a functional gene to replace a mutated or disease-causing gene. Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder due to mutations in genes on the X chromosome, affecting 1 in 10,000 people, especially males. BRIC-inStem is part of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). It integrates 14 autonomous research institutions across India under one national umbrella.
38.Dr K Kasturirangan, who recently passed away, was former chairman of which organization?
[A] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] Food Corporation of India (FCI)
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Answer: D [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away at 84 in Bengaluru. He was a key architect of India’s National Education Policy. Dr. Kasturirangan played a major role in developing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), India’s most reliable satellite launcher. He led ISRO for over nine years, stepping down as Chairman in August 2003. Dr. Kasturirangan served as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from 2003 to 2009 and Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru.
39.What is the name of the initiative recently launched to empower women in Artificial Intelligence?
[A] AI Viksit
[B] AI Shakti
[C] AI Kiran
[D] AI Empowerment Program
Answer: C [AI Kiran]
Notes:
AI Kiran, an initiative to empower women in Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been launched. The objective of AI Kiran is to create a vibrant AI community where women can thrive as innovators and leaders. It is led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. The initiative highlights the contributions of over 250 women driving advancements in AI in sectors like education and healthcare. The KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) Scheme, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), promotes gender equality in science and technology by empowering women.
40. Which institution has been ranked as the best in India in the Asia University Rankings 2025?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[C] Anna University, Chennai
[D] Banaras Hindu University
Answer: A [Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been ranked as the best university in India in the Times Higher Education’s Asia University Rankings 2025. IISc Bengaluru secured the 38th position in Asia with a score of 65.2, though its rank dropped from 32 in 2024. Tsinghua University of China topped the list in Asia with a score of 93 and held the same top spot last year. The Asia University Rankings 2025 assessed 853 universities from 35 countries and regions. Rankings were based on 18 indicators, including Research Quality, Industry, Research Environment, Teaching, and International Outlook.
41. Which institution has conducted India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia?
[A] Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru
[B] All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
[C] Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
[D] Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Answer: A [Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru has successfully conducted India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia in collaboration with CMC Vellore. Gene therapy is a biomedical technique that modifies or replaces faulty genes to treat or prevent diseases. The aim is to introduce a functional gene to replace a mutated or disease-causing gene. Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder due to mutations in genes on the X chromosome, affecting 1 in 10,000 people, especially males. BRIC-inStem is part of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). It integrates 14 autonomous research institutions across India under one national umbrella.
42. Dr K Kasturirangan, who recently passed away, was former chairman of which organization?
[A] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] Food Corporation of India (FCI)
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Answer: D [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away at 84 in Bengaluru. He was a key architect of India’s National Education Policy. Dr. Kasturirangan played a major role in developing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), India’s most reliable satellite launcher. He led ISRO for over nine years, stepping down as Chairman in August 2003. Dr. Kasturirangan served as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from 2003 to 2009 and Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru.
43. Which institution has been ranked as the best in India in the Asia University Rankings 2025?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[C] Anna University, Chennai
[D] Banaras Hindu University
Answer: A [Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been ranked as the best university in India in the Times Higher Education’s Asia University Rankings 2025. IISc Bengaluru secured the 38th position in Asia with a score of 65.2, though its rank dropped from 32 in 2024. Tsinghua University of China topped the list in Asia with a score of 93 and held the same top spot last year. The Asia University Rankings 2025 assessed 853 universities from 35 countries and regions. Rankings were based on 18 indicators, including Research Quality, Industry, Research Environment, Teaching, and International Outlook.
44. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) comes under which government department?
[A] Department of Economic Affairs
[B] Department of Expenditure
[C] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
[D] Department of Revenue
Answer: D [Department of Revenue]
Notes:
In line with the Union Budget 2025–26, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have introduced major trade facilitative measures for air cargo and transshipment to enhance logistics efficiency and simplify customs procedures. The CBIC is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. It administers Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), and Narcotics, where applicable. The CBIC is headed by a Chairman, supported by Chief Commissioners and Director Generals across various zones. It also operates a Goods and Services Tax (GST) Intelligence Wing to monitor and prevent tax evasion.
45. The Storm Breaker missile, also known as the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB-II), was developed by which country?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] India
[D] Ukraine
Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
Recently, US fighter jets are using the advanced “Storm Breaker” bomb in operations against Houthi rebels during intense bombing campaigns. The Storm Breaker missile, also known as the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB-II), was developed by the United States. It is an air-launched, precision-guided glide bomb designed and manufactured by Raytheon. It weighs 93 kilograms, is 1.76 meters long, and has a diameter between 15 to 18 centimeters. It uses millimeter-wave radar, uncooled infrared imaging, and semi-active laser for multi-mode guidance in all weather conditions. Its GPS/INS navigation system supports real-time target updates, while TacNet Data Link (DL) technology enables weapon-to-weapon collaboration. It can destroy moving targets up to 45 miles away and stationary targets up to 69 miles away.
46. The Phenome India project was launched by which institution?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
[B] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[C] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
[D] Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Answer: C [Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)]
Notes:
Recently, concerns were raised when the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) called for proposals using GenomeIndia data without sharing important phenotype data details. Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CheCK) was launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on December 7, 2023. The project aims to build India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases like diabetes, liver, and heart diseases. It is India’s first pan-India longitudinal health study focused on cardio-metabolic health.
47. Which city is the host of Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025?
[A] Paris
[B] London
[C] Beijing
[D] Geneva
Answer: A [Paris]
Notes:
Recently, the global fight against malnutrition gained momentum at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit held in Paris, where world leaders renewed their commitment to end all forms of malnutrition. The Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025, hosted by France in Paris, aims to address global malnutrition and promote better nutrition. At the same time, the United Nations General Assembly extended the Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Earlier efforts mainly focused on food access and early childhood nutrition, but now there is a shift towards strong nutrition education, especially for school children and adolescents. A key takeaway from the N4G Summit side event ‘Learn to Eat Well: Bio-diverse Diets and Youth as Agents of Change’ was to include nutrition education in school curriculums. This education should go beyond just calorie counting and teach young people to make informed, sustainable, and culturally respectful food choices.
48. Which Indian institute developed the novel heterostructure catalyst to enhance green hydrogen production?
[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[B] Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali
[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Answer: B [Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali]
Notes:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have found a new way to improve green hydrogen production. They created a special heterostructure using Copper Tungsten Oxide and Copper Oxide. This structure uses the Built-In Electric Field (BIEF) effect to boost the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). The Copper Tungsten Oxide nanoparticles are grown over a Cu(OH)₂ base, forming a p-n heterojunction with an uneven electronic setup. This BIEF helps in better proton adsorption and desorption. Green hydrogen, made from water using clean energy, is a pollution-free fuel of the future.
49. Which state government has launched the Tourism Security Force, also known as Paryatan Mitra, to improve tourist safety and boost tourism?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Maharashtra government has launched the Tourism Security Force, also known as Paryatan Mitra, to improve tourist safety and boost tourism. The pilot launch will be held during the Mahabaleshwar festival from 1st to 4th May 2025 in Satara district. The Tourism Department will appoint tourism police on a contract basis to make tourists feel secure while visiting the state. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation will fund the project with help from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and Satara police. These tourism police will also guide tourists by sharing information on cultural sites, laws, and sustainable tourism.
50. Which is the nodal ministry for the National Medical Register (NMR), a centralized digital database?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Social Justice
Answer: C [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]
Notes:
Less than 1% of doctors in India have registered with the National Medical Register (NMR) eight months after its launch. National Medical Register (NMR) is a centralized digital database that includes all licensed allopathic (MBBS) doctors in India. It was launched in August 2024 under Section 31 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is the nodal ministry for the NMR. The NMR aims to create a comprehensive registry of all allopathic doctors in India, ensuring transparency and accountability in the medical field. It also enhances public trust, helps in credential verification, and aids in policy planning for healthcare.