Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs
1. ISRO recently conducted the second short hot test of the semi-cryogenic engine for which launch vehicle?
[A] Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)
[B] SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
[C] NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle)
[D] Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
[B] SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
[C] NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle)
[D] Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Correct Answer: A [Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the second short hot test of the semicryogenic engine that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). A semicryogenic engine uses a cryogenic oxidizer like Liquid Oxygen and a hydrocarbon-based fuel like kerosene. It combines the advantages of cryogenic and conventional engines, offering better efficiency and operational simplicity. In comparison, a fully cryogenic engine uses both fuel and oxidizer in liquid form, like Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen, giving 100% efficiency without causing greenhouse gas emissions. This successful test marks a key step towards upgrading LVM3 for future heavy-lift missions.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the second short hot test of the semicryogenic engine that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). A semicryogenic engine uses a cryogenic oxidizer like Liquid Oxygen and a hydrocarbon-based fuel like kerosene. It combines the advantages of cryogenic and conventional engines, offering better efficiency and operational simplicity. In comparison, a fully cryogenic engine uses both fuel and oxidizer in liquid form, like Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen, giving 100% efficiency without causing greenhouse gas emissions. This successful test marks a key step towards upgrading LVM3 for future heavy-lift missions.
2. National Supercomputing Mission is jointly implemented by which two institutions?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[B] Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and NITI Aayog
[C] Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[D] None of the Above
[B] Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and NITI Aayog
[C] Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: C [Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru]
Notes:
The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) is a major initiative launched in 2015 by the Government of India to boost High-Performance Computing (HPC) power in the country. It focuses on building supercomputers in India to support research, science, industry, and education using local technology. NSM is jointly led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The mission aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and place India among the world’s top supercomputing nations
The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) is a major initiative launched in 2015 by the Government of India to boost High-Performance Computing (HPC) power in the country. It focuses on building supercomputers in India to support research, science, industry, and education using local technology. NSM is jointly led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The mission aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and place India among the world’s top supercomputing nations
3. Which country has become the first in the world to develop Genome-edited rice varieties?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Vietnam
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India has become the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two such varieties named DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice. These rice varieties were developed using genome editing technology based on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR Associated Protein (CRISPR-Cas). This technology allows precise changes in the genetic material without adding any foreign DNA. Genome editing targeted the Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 types of genes, which are approved under India’s biosafety rules. The development was supported by the National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), which funds strategic agricultural research.
India has become the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two such varieties named DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice. These rice varieties were developed using genome editing technology based on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR Associated Protein (CRISPR-Cas). This technology allows precise changes in the genetic material without adding any foreign DNA. Genome editing targeted the Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 types of genes, which are approved under India’s biosafety rules. The development was supported by the National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), which funds strategic agricultural research.
4. What are “Magnetars” that were recently seen in news?
[A] Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
[B] Neuron Star
[C] Black hole
[D] Invasive weed
[B] Neuron Star
[C] Black hole
[D] Invasive weed
Correct Answer: B [Neuron Star]
Notes:
Researchers have recently found that magnetar flares can create heavy elements like gold using a process called rapid neutron-capture or r-process nucleosynthesis. Magnetars are a special type of neutron star with extremely powerful magnetic fields—about a thousand times stronger than normal neutron stars. These stars sometimes release huge flares of energy, and one such giant flare in 2004 helped scientists make this discovery. The flare was observed by NASA’s Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which recorded strange gamma-ray signals nearly a day later. These delayed signals did not match typical afterglows but showed signs of radioactive decay from neutron-rich elements. This proves that r-process nucleosynthesis, earlier linked mainly to neutron star mergers, can also happen in magnetar flares. This recent evidence changes our understanding of where rare elements like gold in the universe might come from.
Researchers have recently found that magnetar flares can create heavy elements like gold using a process called rapid neutron-capture or r-process nucleosynthesis. Magnetars are a special type of neutron star with extremely powerful magnetic fields—about a thousand times stronger than normal neutron stars. These stars sometimes release huge flares of energy, and one such giant flare in 2004 helped scientists make this discovery. The flare was observed by NASA’s Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which recorded strange gamma-ray signals nearly a day later. These delayed signals did not match typical afterglows but showed signs of radioactive decay from neutron-rich elements. This proves that r-process nucleosynthesis, earlier linked mainly to neutron star mergers, can also happen in magnetar flares. This recent evidence changes our understanding of where rare elements like gold in the universe might come from.
5. Which country has developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns?
[A] Australia
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Chinese researchers have recently developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns. LICOMK++ stands for Laboratory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model with K++ high-performance computing upgrade. It is described as an ocean “microscope” because of its ultra-high-resolution abilities. This advanced system allows scientists to clearly observe complex ocean processes such as eddies and heat transport. It helps improve the understanding of how oceans influence climate. LICOMK++ can enhance forecasts of extreme weather events like typhoons, marine heatwaves, and floods.
Chinese researchers have recently developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns. LICOMK++ stands for Laboratory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model with K++ high-performance computing upgrade. It is described as an ocean “microscope” because of its ultra-high-resolution abilities. This advanced system allows scientists to clearly observe complex ocean processes such as eddies and heat transport. It helps improve the understanding of how oceans influence climate. LICOMK++ can enhance forecasts of extreme weather events like typhoons, marine heatwaves, and floods.
6. Where has the Government of India recently approved the setting up of the India’s sixth semiconductor unit?
[A] Odisha
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet recently approved a new semiconductor manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s semiconductor ambitions. This facility is the sixth under the India Semiconductor Mission, a push for self-reliance in semiconductor technology. The unit is a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn and will be located near Jewar Airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. It will manufacture display driver chips for devices like mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, and more. The plant will have a production capacity of 20,000 wafers per month, with a target output of 36 million chips monthly.
The Union Cabinet recently approved a new semiconductor manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s semiconductor ambitions. This facility is the sixth under the India Semiconductor Mission, a push for self-reliance in semiconductor technology. The unit is a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn and will be located near Jewar Airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. It will manufacture display driver chips for devices like mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, and more. The plant will have a production capacity of 20,000 wafers per month, with a target output of 36 million chips monthly.
7. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a four-stage rocket, developed by which organization?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Correct Answer: D [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
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).
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).
8. Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite is a joint mission of which two space agencies?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] NASA and Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) French Space Agency
[B] China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] NASA and Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) French Space Agency
Correct Answer: D [NASA and Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) French Space Agency]
Notes:
NASA and Virginia Tech researchers have, for the first time, measured the speed and height of flood waves on U.S. rivers using data from the SWOT satellite. SWOT stands for Surface Water and Ocean Topography and was launched in 2022. It is a joint mission by NASA and the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), the French Space Agency. SWOT uses a special instrument called the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) to measure water surface height, width, and elevation. The satellite sends microwaves to water bodies and measures their return time for accurate data. SWOT provides high-resolution images and monitors over 55% of large floods globally. This recent achievement shows SWOT’s powerful role in flood monitoring and disaster management.
NASA and Virginia Tech researchers have, for the first time, measured the speed and height of flood waves on U.S. rivers using data from the SWOT satellite. SWOT stands for Surface Water and Ocean Topography and was launched in 2022. It is a joint mission by NASA and the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), the French Space Agency. SWOT uses a special instrument called the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) to measure water surface height, width, and elevation. The satellite sends microwaves to water bodies and measures their return time for accurate data. SWOT provides high-resolution images and monitors over 55% of large floods globally. This recent achievement shows SWOT’s powerful role in flood monitoring and disaster management.
9. Where was Indian Railways’ first 9,000 HP locomotive engine inaugurated?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Odisha
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
Notes:
On May 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Indian Railways’ first 9,000 Horsepower (HP) electric locomotive engine in Dahod, Gujarat. This was part of his two-day Gujarat visit to launch projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. The locomotive was manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at the Dahod rolling stock workshop. The workshop’s foundation was laid in 2022 and built in just three years with an investment of ₹21,405 crore. The engine can haul 4,600 tonnes of freight and the facility can produce 120 locomotives annually, expandable to 150. Around 1,200 engines will be manufactured over the next decade for both domestic and export purposes.
On May 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Indian Railways’ first 9,000 Horsepower (HP) electric locomotive engine in Dahod, Gujarat. This was part of his two-day Gujarat visit to launch projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. The locomotive was manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at the Dahod rolling stock workshop. The workshop’s foundation was laid in 2022 and built in just three years with an investment of ₹21,405 crore. The engine can haul 4,600 tonnes of freight and the facility can produce 120 locomotives annually, expandable to 150. Around 1,200 engines will be manufactured over the next decade for both domestic and export purposes.
10. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Bhopal
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
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.
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.
