Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists have discovered a lost Mayan city in the dense Mexican jungle using LiDAR technology. LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed lasers to measure distances to the Earth’s surface. It can create high-resolution 3-D models of ground elevation with vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm. The LiDAR system includes a laser, scanner, and GPS receiver. The laser fires rapidly, hitting surfaces like vegetation and buildings, with the reflected light recorded by the sensor.

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Researchers from India’s Physical Research Laboratory have discovered TOI-6651b, a dense, Saturn-sized exoplanet. This is the fourth exoplanet identified by PRL scientists, highlighting India’s role in space exploration. TOI-6651b weighs about 60 times that of Earth and has a radius five times larger. It resides in the “Neptunian desert,” a rare zone with few planets of this size, prompting questions about planetary formation. The planet orbits its star, TOI-6651, in 5.06 days, with an eccentric orbit that differs from typical gas giants. TOI-6651b’s density suggests it’s composed of 87% rocky and iron-rich materials, indicating unique evolutionary processes. This discovery challenges existing theories on planet formation, providing valuable insights into planetary system dynamics.

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A Columbia University study found that long-term exposure to arsenic in water may increase cardiovascular disease risk. Arsenic is a natural element found in air, water, and soil, and can also be released by industries like mining. It exists in organic and highly toxic inorganic forms; contaminated water and food are common exposure sources. High arsenic levels cause poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while long-term exposure can lead to skin changes. Arsenic is used in rat poisons, insecticides, semiconductors, glass-making, and wood preservation, though its use is heavily controlled due to toxicity.

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Israel developed PyPIM, a platform that allows computers to process data directly in memory, bypassing the CPU. PyPIM combines the Python programming language with digital processing-in-memory (PIM) technology. This innovation reduces CPU reliance, solving the “memory wall” issue where the processor’s speed outpaces data transfer to and from memory. PyPIM improves speed and efficiency in data processing.

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ISRO and NASA are launching the NISAR satellite in early 2025 to monitor Earth’s surface, including land and ice-covered areas. NISAR will be launched using ISRO’s GSLV Mark II rocket and will operate in Low Earth Orbit. It has dual-frequency radar: L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO), enabling all-weather, day-and-night monitoring. NISAR will measure ecosystem changes, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards. It will track earthquakes, volcanic activity, and ice sheet movements. The satellite’s data will help understand volcanic behavior and improve infrastructure stability assessments.

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Three Australian satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program recently burned up in Earth’s atmosphere due to increased solar activity. The program, based in Australia, focuses on Solar System research and reducing barriers to space operations. Binar-1, the first satellite launched in September 2021, lasted 364 days in orbit during low solar activity. The follow-up mission included three CubeSats (Binar-2, 3, and 4) designed with deployable solar arrays but expected to last about six months. Intense solar activity caused the satellites to deorbit much earlier than anticipated.

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SpaceX’s Starship, standing at nearly 400 feet, is the world’s most powerful rocket. It recently underwent its sixth test flight from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. The mission aimed to achieve a booster catch attempt, but automated health checks aborted it. Despite this, the Starship successfully ignited its Raptor engines in space, marking a significant milestone for future lunar and Martian missions as part of NASA’s Artemis initiative, which plans to utilize Starship as a lunar lander by 2026.

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The Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change launched Nano Bubble Technology at Delhi’s National Zoological Park. Nano Bubble Technology uses ultra-small bubbles, 70-120 nanometers in size, to purify water. These bubbles stay suspended in water for months, enabling effective gas transfer and cleaning. They remove algae, digest biological waste, separate particles, and transfer oxygen efficiently. This technology is chemical-free, sustainable, and improves aquatic health. It benefits wastewater treatment, fermentation, and biological processes in various industries. Nano Bubble Technology ensures cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.

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The first annual review meeting of Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) 2.0 projects was held at SKUAST, Srinagar, Kashmir. RuTAG, launched in 2004 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), supports rural development through Science & Technology interventions. It focuses on demand-driven solutions, addressing grassroots technology gaps, upgrading technology, and providing training and demonstrations. RuTAG 2.0, launched in 2023, aims to translate innovations into market-ready products. The initiative seeks to drive transformative changes in rural areas, ensuring sustainable development and empowering communities through accessible and impactful technologies.

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The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh, has been identified as the optimal site for satellite-based quantum communications due to its unique geographical features, such as low atmospheric water vapor levels and extreme cold temperatures. This research by the Raman Research Institute aims to enhance global quantum communication capabilities. The study also highlights the importance of atmospheric conditions in determining suitable locations for quantum key distribution and uplink transmission through the atmosphere.