Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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New research reveals that genetic mutations in Huntington’s Disease (HD) can have delayed effects, impacting disease progression over time. Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a genetic condition causing gradual loss of brain cell function, leading to their death. It affects brain regions regulating voluntary movement, memory, and decision-making, primarily the basal ganglia and brain cortex. HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which produces huntingtin protein crucial for neuron function. Mutated huntingtin proteins have abnormal shapes, damaging and killing neurons. HD is inherited; each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of developing the disease. It affects 3 to 7 out of 100,000 people, primarily of European ancestry.

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Taiwan will deploy advanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) in North Taiwan to protect Taipei. NASAMS is a medium-range, ground-based air defense system developed by Raytheon (USA) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway). The system defends against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, UAVs, and air-to-surface threats. It protects high-value assets and population centers and has been part of the US capital’s air defense since 2005. NASAMS is the first networked short- and medium-range system, integrating with other defense equipment.

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Swiss researchers have developed a gene editing technique to potentially treat Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular degeneration. This rare genetic eye condition causes progressive vision loss in children and young adults, usually bilateral, involving both eyes. The disease is characterized by excessive lipofuscin buildup over the macula, responsible for clear central vision. The disease is more common in males and affects 1 in 8000 to 10,000 populations. Currently, there is no cure for the disease.

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India has joined the Eurodrone programme as an observer state. Eurodrone, a twin-turboprop UAV, is designed for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) missions. It has a payload capacity of 2.3 tonnes, endurance of up to 40 hours, and operates in diverse environments, including severe weather. Conceived in 2022, it passed its preliminary design review in 2024 and aims to enter service by 2030. The drone supports ISTAR, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning missions. Eurodrone is Europe’s effort for collective defense, reducing reliance on US and Israeli platforms. The members are Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

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South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope discovered a new giant radio galaxy (GRG) named ‘Inkathazo,’ meaning ‘trouble’ in Xhosa and Zulu. The galaxy spans 3.3 million light-years, 32 times the size of the Milky Way, and is 1.44 billion light-years from Earth. GRGs are massive structures that emit jets of hot plasma powered by supermassive black holes. These jets glow at radio frequencies and stretch millions of light-years into space. Once considered rare, GRGs are now being discovered frequently due to advanced radio telescopes like MeerKAT in South Africa’s Northern Cape.

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Chinese researchers developed a new voice-based method for early Alzheimer’s detection. The study was led by Prof. Li Hai at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It affects thinking, learning, and organizing skills over time. It is the most common type of dementia, making up 60-80% of cases. The disease impacts brain regions responsible for thought, memory, and language.

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The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, India developed the high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst for hydrogen production. CeNS is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The catalyst is made of platinum, palladium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese (PtPdCoNiMn). The catalyst was prepared using two methods: electrodeposition and solvothermal processes.  The catalyst is more efficient than pure platinum and uses seven times less platinum than commercial catalysts.  The catalyst is stable and efficient for over 100 hours in alkaline seawater.

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Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chip Design at Noida. It aims to enhance India’s semiconductor design and VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) capabilities. The Centre will provide research, innovation, and training to develop a skilled workforce. Facilities include a Project Lab for chip design and a Smart Classroom for immersive learning. A VLSI-based Intellectual Property (IP) demonstration showcased its commitment to semiconductor advancement.

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Ranikhet disease has caused the death of 1.5 lakh chickens in Andhra Pradesh. It is a contagious viral disease affecting poultry like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). The disease attacks birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. It leads to production drops and fertility issues in birds. Morbidity is high, and mortality ranges from 50 to 100%. It is a minor zoonosis, potentially causing mild conjunctivitis in humans, but usually self-limiting.

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Engineers in Japan activated Reimei, the world’s first hybrid quantum supercomputer. It features a 20-qubit quantum processor integrated into Fugaku, the world’s sixth-fastest supercomputer. Unlike most quantum computers, Reimei uses trapped-ion qubits, which isolate charged atoms in an electromagnetic ion trap and use lasers for precise control. This hybrid system aims to handle complex calculations beyond traditional supercomputers. It is expected to advance research in physics and chemistry.