Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs
1. SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) mission, recently seen in the news, is launched by which organization?
[A] Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Correct Answer: D [Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)]
Notes:
Launched by JAXA in September 2023, SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) aboard an H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima aims for precise moon landing within 100 meters, showcasing advanced technologies. Carrying Sony and Tomy’s mini robotic rovers for reconnaissance, the mission seeks to revitalize Japan’s space program after setbacks, including the H3 rocket failure. Objectives include observing deep space X-rays and identifying their wavelengths with unprecedented precision using state-of-the-art spectroscopy.
Launched by JAXA in September 2023, SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) aboard an H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima aims for precise moon landing within 100 meters, showcasing advanced technologies. Carrying Sony and Tomy’s mini robotic rovers for reconnaissance, the mission seeks to revitalize Japan’s space program after setbacks, including the H3 rocket failure. Objectives include observing deep space X-rays and identifying their wavelengths with unprecedented precision using state-of-the-art spectroscopy.
2. Which country is set to become the first to routinely administer the new malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, to children?
[A] Nigeria
[B] Ghana
[C] Cameroon
[D] Kenya
[B] Ghana
[C] Cameroon
[D] Kenya
Correct Answer: C [Cameroon]
Notes:
Cameroon is set to pioneer the routine administration of the new malaria vaccine, Mosquirix (RTS,S/AS01), making it the first country to do so. In 2021, the World Health Organization licensed Mosquirix for children in sub-Saharan Africa with significant Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission. Africa, where 95% of global malaria deaths occur, will see over six million children vaccinated through 2025, thanks to GAVI’s efforts. GAVI, a global health partnership established in 2000, aims to provide equal vaccine access to children in the world’s poorest nations.
Cameroon is set to pioneer the routine administration of the new malaria vaccine, Mosquirix (RTS,S/AS01), making it the first country to do so. In 2021, the World Health Organization licensed Mosquirix for children in sub-Saharan Africa with significant Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission. Africa, where 95% of global malaria deaths occur, will see over six million children vaccinated through 2025, thanks to GAVI’s efforts. GAVI, a global health partnership established in 2000, aims to provide equal vaccine access to children in the world’s poorest nations.
3. Recently, which institution launched North India’s first Human DNA Bank under ‘Make in India’ initiative?
[A] Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] Delhi University (DU)
[D] IIT Delhi
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] Delhi University (DU)
[D] IIT Delhi
Correct Answer: A [Banaras Hindu University (BHU)]
Notes:
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) inaugurates North India’s first human DNA bank, equipped with an Automated DNA Extractor Machine developed indigenously under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Installed at the Gnyaneshwar Lab in the Zoology Department on January 30, 2024, the machine minimizes plastic usage, ensuring environmental sustainability. It efficiently extracts DNA from various biological materials, accommodating 32 samples in 30 minutes. The initiative stemmed from a three-day conference on Personalized Medicine held in March 2023, where BHU expressed readiness to establish a genome bank inspired by Estonia.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) inaugurates North India’s first human DNA bank, equipped with an Automated DNA Extractor Machine developed indigenously under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Installed at the Gnyaneshwar Lab in the Zoology Department on January 30, 2024, the machine minimizes plastic usage, ensuring environmental sustainability. It efficiently extracts DNA from various biological materials, accommodating 32 samples in 30 minutes. The initiative stemmed from a three-day conference on Personalized Medicine held in March 2023, where BHU expressed readiness to establish a genome bank inspired by Estonia.
4. What is ‘Trichoglossum’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Ancient irrigation system
[B] Anti ship missiles
[C] A genus of fungus
[D] Asteroid
[B] Anti ship missiles
[C] A genus of fungus
[D] Asteroid
Correct Answer: C [A genus of fungus]
Notes:
Researchers discovered a new fungus species, Trichoglossum syamviswanathii, in Kerala. Trichoglossum is a genus of fungus known as “hairy earth tongues” due to its filamentous structure. The fungus, with 55 identified genera and 21 recognized species globally, exhibits saprotrophic behavior and can be found in plant roots as endophytes. Predominantly distributed in tropical and temperate forests across five continents, these fungi play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter.
Researchers discovered a new fungus species, Trichoglossum syamviswanathii, in Kerala. Trichoglossum is a genus of fungus known as “hairy earth tongues” due to its filamentous structure. The fungus, with 55 identified genera and 21 recognized species globally, exhibits saprotrophic behavior and can be found in plant roots as endophytes. Predominantly distributed in tropical and temperate forests across five continents, these fungi play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter.
5. What is the primary focus of the Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3 (GRAPES-3) project, recently seen in news?
[A] To study cosmic rays
[B] To study exoplanet
[C] Investigating dark matter
[D] Measuring Earth’s natural resources
[B] To study exoplanet
[C] Investigating dark matter
[D] Measuring Earth’s natural resources
Correct Answer: A [To study cosmic rays]
Notes:
The GRAPES-3 experiment, situated in Ooty, India and operated by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, made a significant discovery in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum, revealing a new feature at 166 TeV. Equipped with air shower detectors and a large muon detector, GRAPES-3 aims to investigate the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays, including the existence of the “Knee” in their energy spectrum. It also explores the production of highest-energy cosmic rays, astronomy of multi-TeV γ-rays, and the impact of the Sun on Earth.
The GRAPES-3 experiment, situated in Ooty, India and operated by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, made a significant discovery in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum, revealing a new feature at 166 TeV. Equipped with air shower detectors and a large muon detector, GRAPES-3 aims to investigate the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays, including the existence of the “Knee” in their energy spectrum. It also explores the production of highest-energy cosmic rays, astronomy of multi-TeV γ-rays, and the impact of the Sun on Earth.
6. What is the theme of ‘National Science Day’ 2024?
[A] Women in Science
[B] Future of STI: Impact on Education Skills and Work
[C] Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future
[D] Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat
[B] Future of STI: Impact on Education Skills and Work
[C] Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future
[D] Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat
Correct Answer: D [Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat]
Notes:
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh revealed the theme for “National Science Day 2024” as “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the promotion of science, technology, and innovation. The theme signifies a strategic focus on fostering public appreciation for home-grown technologies and acknowledges Indian scientists’ achievements. Celebrated annually on February 28, National Science Day commemorates Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ in 1930. This year’s theme aims to inspire collaboration and contributions towards India’s well-being and global humanity.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh revealed the theme for “National Science Day 2024” as “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the promotion of science, technology, and innovation. The theme signifies a strategic focus on fostering public appreciation for home-grown technologies and acknowledges Indian scientists’ achievements. Celebrated annually on February 28, National Science Day commemorates Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ in 1930. This year’s theme aims to inspire collaboration and contributions towards India’s well-being and global humanity.
7. What is the name of the ChatGPT-style service which is recently launched by the Reliance Industries group?
[A] Hanooman
[B] Mahavir
[C] Avtaar
[D] Chanakya
[B] Mahavir
[C] Avtaar
[D] Chanakya
Correct Answer: A [Hanooman]
Notes:
Reliance Industries, in collaboration with top Indian engineering schools, is launching BharatGPT, a ChatGPT-style AI model named Hanooman. Backed by Reliance Jio, Hanooman aims to advance India’s AI in healthcare, governance, finance, and education, operating in 11 local languages with speech-to-text capabilities. Reliance Jio is concurrently developing Jio Brain for its 450 million subscribers. Other startups like Sarvam and Krutrim, supported by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Vinod Khosla’s fund, are also contributing open-sourced AI models for India’s growth.
Reliance Industries, in collaboration with top Indian engineering schools, is launching BharatGPT, a ChatGPT-style AI model named Hanooman. Backed by Reliance Jio, Hanooman aims to advance India’s AI in healthcare, governance, finance, and education, operating in 11 local languages with speech-to-text capabilities. Reliance Jio is concurrently developing Jio Brain for its 450 million subscribers. Other startups like Sarvam and Krutrim, supported by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Vinod Khosla’s fund, are also contributing open-sourced AI models for India’s growth.
8. NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd recently inaugurated its first solar project in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Notes:
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NTPC-REL) inaugurated its first solar project in Rajasthan. The 70 MW project is designed to produce 370 million units annually and is part of NTPC’s renewable energy expansion strategy. NTPC is also developing India’s largest floating solar power plant in Telangana.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NTPC-REL) inaugurated its first solar project in Rajasthan. The 70 MW project is designed to produce 370 million units annually and is part of NTPC’s renewable energy expansion strategy. NTPC is also developing India’s largest floating solar power plant in Telangana.
9. What is ‘Juice Jacking’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Cyber attack
[B] Drugs
[C] Asteroid
[D] Invasive weed
[B] Drugs
[C] Asteroid
[D] Invasive weed
Correct Answer: A [Cyber attack]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cautions against charging mobile phones in public ports due to the increasing threat of juice jacking. Juice jacking is a cyberattack where hackers inject malware into public USB charging stations, compromising electronic devices. Incidents often occur in public spaces like airports, hotels, and shopping centers. This form of attack can lead to device lockout and unauthorized access, enabling cybercriminals to steal personal data and passwords. Stay vigilant to protect your devices in public areas.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cautions against charging mobile phones in public ports due to the increasing threat of juice jacking. Juice jacking is a cyberattack where hackers inject malware into public USB charging stations, compromising electronic devices. Incidents often occur in public spaces like airports, hotels, and shopping centers. This form of attack can lead to device lockout and unauthorized access, enabling cybercriminals to steal personal data and passwords. Stay vigilant to protect your devices in public areas.
10. Claude 3, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following?
[A] Large Language Model
[B] Medicinal Plant
[C] Ancient Irrigation Technique
[D] Asteroid
[B] Medicinal Plant
[C] Ancient Irrigation Technique
[D] Asteroid
Correct Answer: A [Large Language Model]
Notes:
Anthropic, the AI start-up, introduced its latest AI models, Claude 3, featuring three tiers – Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus. These Large Language Models (LLMs) excel in text, voice, and document processing, delivering contextually swift responses. Opus leads in power, Sonnet balances capability and cost, while Haiku ensures instant replies. Access varies: Sonnet powers Claude.ai for free, Opus requires Claude Pro subscription via Anthropic’s web chat. All models boast a 2,00,000-token window, promising enhanced performance and information input capacity.
Anthropic, the AI start-up, introduced its latest AI models, Claude 3, featuring three tiers – Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus. These Large Language Models (LLMs) excel in text, voice, and document processing, delivering contextually swift responses. Opus leads in power, Sonnet balances capability and cost, while Haiku ensures instant replies. Access varies: Sonnet powers Claude.ai for free, Opus requires Claude Pro subscription via Anthropic’s web chat. All models boast a 2,00,000-token window, promising enhanced performance and information input capacity.