Germany Beats France on Penalties in Euro 2024 (Women's)
Germany’s women’s football team secured a thrilling victory against France in the UEFA Euro 2024 by winning the semifinal match on penalties. The game remained tied during regular and extra time, leading to a tense shootout. Germany displayed remarkable composure and precision, clinching a place in the final. This win adds to Germany's decorated history in women’s football championships.
MCQs:
1. Which two teams played in the Euro 2024 Women's semifinal mentioned in the news?
A. Germany and Spain
B. France and England
C. Germany and France
D. Spain and France
Answer: C. Germany and France
2. How was the match between Germany and France in Euro 2024 (Women’s) decided?
A. Golden goal
B. Extra time
C. Penalty shootout
D. Aggregate score
Answer: C. Penalty shootout
3. What stage of the tournament was the match between Germany and France?
A. Group stage
B. Quarterfinal
C. Semifinal
D. Final
Answer: C. Semifinal
Japan Heads to Polls in Key Test for PM Shigeru Ishiba
Japan has entered a crucial election phase that serves as a significant test for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's leadership. As citizens cast their votes, key national issues like economic reform, defense, and social welfare dominate the agenda. The outcome of this election is expected to determine the political stability and direction of Ishiba’s government.
MCQs:
1. Who is the current Prime Minister of Japan facing a key electoral test?
A. Fumio Kishida
B. Yoshihide Suga
C. Shigeru Ishiba
D. Shinzo Abe
Answer: C. Shigeru Ishiba
2. What are the primary issues in Japan's ongoing election?
A. Sports and education
B. Economic reform, defense, and welfare
C. Agriculture and trade
D. Tourism and transport
Answer: B. Economic reform, defense, and welfare
3. What is the political significance of the ongoing election in Japan?
A. It will select a new emperor
B. It will test public support for PM Ishiba
C. It is a local municipal vote
D. It is about tax restructuring only
Answer: B. It will test public support for PM Ishiba
GSI to Use AI for Landslide Forecasting: DG
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is initiating an innovative step by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its landslide prediction models. The DG of GSI stated that AI will significantly enhance accuracy in identifying landslide-prone zones and improve early warning systems, especially in hilly and vulnerable regions like the Himalayas and the Northeast.
MCQs:
1. What organization is developing an AI-based landslide forecasting model?
A. ISRO
B. IMD
C. GSI
D. NDRF
Answer: C. GSI
2. What is the main purpose of using AI in the new GSI project?
A. Wildlife protection
B. Infrastructure development
C. Landslide forecasting
D. Flood control
Answer: C. Landslide forecasting
3. In which areas is the GSI primarily aiming to implement AI-based landslide forecasting?
A. Coastal cities
B. Desert regions
C. Himalayan and Northeastern areas
D. Metro rail networks
Answer: C. Himalayan and Northeastern areas
ICMR Invites EoIs to Commercialise Malaria Vaccine
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from pharmaceutical firms and biotech companies for the technology transfer and commercialization of India’s indigenous malaria vaccine. The initiative is aimed at scaling up vaccine production to support domestic needs and contribute to global malaria control efforts.
MCQs:
1. What has ICMR invited EoIs for?
A. COVID-19 testing kits
B. Malaria vaccine commercialization
C. Cancer research funding
D. Tuberculosis drug trials
Answer: B. Malaria vaccine commercialization
2. What is the main objective behind ICMR’s EoI invitation?
A. Export vaccines only
B. Delay mass production
C. Enable tech transfer and commercialization
D. Launch a free vaccination drive
Answer: C. Enable tech transfer and commercialization
3. Which organization is spearheading the malaria vaccine tech transfer initiative in India?
A. AIIMS
B. DRDO
C. ICMR
D. WHO
Answer: C. ICMR
New Lichen Species Discovered in Western Ghats: Allographa effusosoredica
In a significant development in biodiversity research, Indian scientists have discovered a new species of lichen in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot. The species has been named Allographa effusosoredica and was confirmed through advanced DNA sequencing techniques.
This newly identified species adds to the growing list of the genus Allographa, becoming the 22nd known species from this group to be recorded in the region. The genus is known for its symbiotic structure, formed by a fungus and photosynthetic partner such as algae or cyanobacteria.
The discovery underscores the rich, yet still underexplored, biodiversity of the Western Ghats and highlights the importance of integrating molecular tools like DNA barcoding in taxonomy. The finding is expected to enhance ecological studies, particularly in understanding air quality and climate resilience, as lichens are sensitive bioindicators of environmental change.
MCQs:
1. What is the name of the newly discovered lichen species in the Western Ghats?
A. Allographa indicus
B. Allographa effusosoredica
C. Parmelia aspera
D. Cladonia rangiferina
Answer: B
2. How was the new lichen species confirmed by scientists?
A. Through fossil analysis
B. By observing seasonal behavior
C. Through DNA sequencing methods
D. Via radiocarbon dating
Answer: C
3. The genus Allographa, to which the new species belongs, has how many species now recorded in the Western Ghats?
A. 15
B. 18
C. 20
D. 22
Answer: D
India Achieves Landmark: Renewable Energy Capacity Surpasses Thermal
In a significant green victory, India has officially exceeded half of its total installed power capacity from non‑fossil sources—renewables, hydro, and nuclear—surpassing its thermal (coal, gas) capacity for the first time.
As of June 30, 2025, India’s total generation capacity stood at approximately 484.8 GW, with 242.8 GW(50.1%) coming from non-fossil fuel sources compared to 242.0 GW from thermal sources. This achievement comes five years ahead of schedule, ahead of its 2030 Paris Agreement target.
The surge in clean energy has been primarily driven by a boom in solar and wind installations. India installed 28 GW of new solar and wind capacity in 2024 and an additional 16.3 GW in the first five months of 2025. Meanwhile, renewable power generation grew by 24.4% in the first half of 2025—the fastest rise since 2022—while coal-fired generation fell by nearly 3%.
MCQs:
1. As of June 30, 2025, what percentage of India’s total installed capacity came from non‑fossil sources?
A) 45.0%
B) 48.5%
C) 50.1%
D) 52.0%
Answer: C
2. India achieved this renewable energy milestone how many years ahead of its original 2030 target?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) It’s on schedule (no early achievement)
Answer: C
3. Which renewable sources primarily drove the increase in non‑fossil capacity in 2024–early 2025?
A) Solar and wind
B) Hydro and nuclear
C) Biomass and geothermal
D) Tidal and wave
Answer: A
