Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C61 mission from Sriharikota to place the EOS-09 satellite into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. The mission failed due to a problem in the third stage. PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a four-stage rocket designed by ISRO. It mainly places satellites into Sun-synchronous polar orbits, ideal for Earth observation. The PSLV uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages for precision. The first stage uses HTPB-based solid fuel with six strap-on boosters in XL version, producing 4.8 MegaNewtons (MN) thrust. The second stage runs on liquid fuel, with the Vikas engine using Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N₂O₄), generating about 8 MN thrust. The third stage uses solid HTPB fuel again. The fourth stage has two liquid engines burning Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON).

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism now affects 1 in 31 children in the United States as of 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development, causing challenges in communication, social skills, behaviour, and learning. Symptoms usually appear before age 3, but diagnosis may be delayed due to low awareness. Individuals with ASD may show repetitive actions, limited interests, and unique learning or movement styles. ASD results from both genetic and environmental factors, with genetics playing a major role. No evidence links vaccines to autism, and such claims are false and harmful.

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China is preparing to launch the Tianwen-2 mission to explore and sample the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa. The mission will be launched by the Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province. It is led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Tianwen-2 will first study asteroid Kamo‘oalewa and then travel to study comet 311P/PANSTARRS in the asteroid belt. Kamo‘oalewa is a quasi-satellite of Earth discovered in 2016, which orbits the Sun while staying close to Earth due to gravitational influence. Tianwen-2 will collect samples using a “touch-and-go” method, with a backup “anchor-and-attach” technique.

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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed a new high-efficiency tandem solar cell with nearly 30% power conversion efficiency compared to the current 20%. This innovation was developed at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) and uses a four-terminal (4T) tandem structure. The top layer is made of semi-transparent halide perovskite, while the bottom layer uses traditional silicon, allowing both to work independently for better efficiency. Perovskite materials, known for excellent light absorption and low cost, now have improved durability of up to 10 years. The new design also works well in heat and low-light, making it ideal for India’s climate and helping reduce solar energy costs to ₹1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This breakthrough boosts India’s clean energy goals by enhancing output and land-use efficiency.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi on May 27, 2025. Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in quantum science for defence and strategic purposes. It houses advanced experimental setups for research in crucial quantum domains. It also has test-beds for single-photon sources and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution to ensure ultra-secure communication. DRDO continues to lead India’s efforts in quantum sensing, post-quantum cryptography, and secure communications. As a core partner in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO promotes indigenous innovation in sovereign quantum technologies.

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India is developing Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft to promote self-reliance. E-Hansa is being developed indigenously by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR–NAL), Bengaluru. It is nearly half the cost of imported trainer aircraft, making it a cost-effective option for pilot training. E-Hansa is part of the HANSA-3 (Next Generation) program aimed at supporting affordable and local aviation training.

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For the first time ever, scientists have captured direct images of the Sun’s north and south poles. This was made possible by the Solar Orbiter mission. The Solar Orbiter mission is a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA to study the Sun. It aims to observe the Sun’s surface and the solar wind, providing valuable insights into solar activity and its effects on Earth and the solar system.

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Recently, France’s national blood agency, the French Blood Establishment (EFS), discovered a new blood group system called “Gwada negative,” officially recognised by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). It is scientifically named EMM-negative and registered as ISBT042. The name “Gwada negative” refers to the Guadeloupean origin of the woman who carries this rare blood type. This blood group is defined by the absence of the EMM antigen, a high-incidence antigen usually present in almost all humans.

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The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has already discovered over 2,100 new asteroids before officially starting operations. Vera C. Rubin Observatory is located in Chile. It is designed to scan the night sky repeatedly and is expected to find millions of unknown space objects. The observatory can help track dangerous asteroids that may collide with Earth, enhancing planetary defense. Some asteroids found have comet-like tails, and it might even spot interstellar objects from outside our solar system. It may also discover Planet Nine, a mystery planet far beyond known planets.

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Recently, scientists at Bose Institute, Kolkata, developed a modified CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) tool to help plants fight heat stress and bacterial infections, boosting smart and sustainable farming. Unlike traditional CRISPR which cuts DNA, the team used a modified version called dCas9 (dead Cas9), which does not cut DNA but works like a gene switch. This switch stays off until the plant is stressed, such as by high temperatures. The scientists used a part of a natural tomato protein called NACMTF3, specifically its TM (Transmembrane) domain, to control the switch. Under heat stress, the TM domain releases dCas9, allowing it to enter the nucleus and turn on defense genes. This method allows plants to respond only when needed, reducing energy use and improving resilience.