Q80. In April 2025, an affordable electro-fluidic device for preliminary screening of sickle-cell disease was developed by which Indian research institute?
[SSC GD Constable, 7 May 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) Tata Memorial Centre
(B) Raman Research Institute
(C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(D) All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Answer: (B) Raman Research Institute
Explanation: Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru developed a low-cost, point-of-care device for initial sickle-cell screening. Its approach uses electrical signals generated as red blood cells pass through a small aperture. The institute undertakes interdisciplinary fundamental and applied scientific research.
Q79. Which Indian institute discovered the lichen Allographa effusosoredica, as reported in July 2025?
[DSSSB MTS, 3 May 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
(B) IISER Pune
(C) National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow
(D) JNCASR, Bengaluru
Answer: (A) MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
Explanation: MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune studies biodiversity and biological sciences. Researchers used an integrative approach combining microscopic features, chemical characteristics and genetic evidence to distinguish this lichen species. Lichens are partnerships involving a fungus and a photosynthetic organism.
Q78. Which DRDO laboratory conducted a long-duration test of an actively cooled full-scale scramjet combustor in May 2026?
[RRB Group D, 21 August 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) Aeronautical Development Establishment
(B) Research Centre Imarat
(C) Defence Electronics Research Laboratory
(D) Defence Research and Development Laboratory
Answer: (D) Defence Research and Development Laboratory
Explanation: Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, works on missile propulsion and related systems. An actively cooled scramjet combustor is relevant to sustained hypersonic flight, where extreme heat must be managed while maintaining stable supersonic combustion within the engine.
Q77. Which institution used wetland pollen evidence to study the palaeoecological history of Kaziranga National Park in February 2026?
[RRB Group D, 18 August 2026 (Shift 3) | 2026]
(A) Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
(B) Zoological Survey of India
(C) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(D) Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
Answer: (A) Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
Explanation: The Lucknow-based Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences studies ancient vegetation, climate and environments. Pollen preserved in wetland sediments helps researchers reconstruct long-term habitat change in Kaziranga, contributing to an understanding of conditions supporting the one-horned rhinoceros.
Q76. Which organisation celebrated its 176th Foundation Day on 4 March 2026?
[RRB Group D, 9 August 2026 (Shift 3) | 2026]
(A) Botanical Survey of India
(B) Geological Survey of India
(C) Zoological Survey of India
(D) Archaeological Survey of India
Answer: (B) Geological Survey of India
Explanation: The Geological Survey of India was established in 1851, initially with a major focus on locating coal resources. Its mandate expanded to geological mapping, mineral exploration, geoscientific investigations and research. The organisation is important for understanding India’s geological resources.
Q75. Which Department of Atomic Energy research institution conducted a 2026 study on climate shocks and poverty in 593 districts across 21 Indian states?
[RRB Group D, 18 August 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) National Institute of Science Education and Research
(B) National Environmental Research Institute
(C) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(D) Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
Answer: (A) National Institute of Science Education and Research
Explanation: The National Institute of Science Education and Research, situated near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, is supported by the Department of Atomic Energy. The cited study examined how climate hazards such as drought, floods and temperature anomalies intersect with socioeconomic vulnerability.
Q74. Which BARC-developed research reactor achieved its first criticality using low-enriched uranium fuel?
[SSC GD Constable, 29 May 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) PURNE
(B) APSARA-U
(C) DHRUVA
(D) KAMINI
Answer: (B) APSARA-U
Explanation: APSARA-U is an upgraded research reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay. It achieved first criticality in September 2018 with low-enriched uranium fuel. Research reactors support scientific experiments, training and isotope-related research, unlike reactors primarily designed for commercial electricity production.
Q73. Which institute was associated with the launch of the tetanus and adult diphtheria vaccine in February 2026?
[DSSSB MTS, 5 May 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) AIIMS, New Delhi
(B) National Institute of Virology, Pune
(C) Central Research Institute, Kasauli
(D) Pasteur Institute, Coonoor
Answer: (C) Central Research Institute, Kasauli
Explanation: Central Research Institute at Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, has a longstanding role in vaccine development and production, alongside public-health research. Its association with the tetanus and adult diphtheria vaccine highlights the function of government biological research facilities in immunisation programmes.
Q72. In January 2026, the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, developed which device?
[DSSSB MTS, 1 May 2026 (Shift 1) | 2026]
(A) Photovoltaic cell
(B) Fuel cell
(C) Thermoelectric generator
(D) Photo-capacitor
Answer: (D) Photo-capacitor
Explanation: The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences conducts research on advanced materials and nanotechnology. A photo-capacitor combines light-energy harvesting with electrical-energy storage. Such devices are studied for compact self-powered systems and can contribute to renewable-energy technologies.
Q71. Which institution developed the bioluminescent CRISPR protein GlowCas9 reported in December 2025?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 24 March 2026 (Shift 2) | 2026]
(A) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
(B) Bose Institute, Kolkata
(C) Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
(D) IIT Delhi
Answer: (B) Bose Institute, Kolkata
Explanation: Bose Institute in Kolkata undertakes interdisciplinary scientific research. GlowCas9 was reported as a bioluminescent tool for monitoring gene-editing activity. By coupling CRISPR-related proteins to a light-producing mechanism, researchers can gain additional ways to observe molecular events.