Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs
1. Project Kuiper is a satellite broadband initiative of which organization?
[A] Amazon
[B] IN–SPACe
[C] SpaceX
[D] Blue Origin
[B] IN–SPACe
[C] SpaceX
[D] Blue Origin
Correct Answer: A [Amazon]
Notes:
Amazon has launched the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper to build an internet-from-space network. Project Kuiper is Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative using Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is up to 2,000 kilometers above Earth. It includes around 3,232 satellites, ground stations, and customer terminals to provide the service. The goal is to deliver high-speed, low-latency, and affordable internet to remote and underserved regions globally. The project is named after the Kuiper Belt, a distant region of the solar system beyond the eight planets. It is Amazon’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system.
Amazon has launched the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper to build an internet-from-space network. Project Kuiper is Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative using Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is up to 2,000 kilometers above Earth. It includes around 3,232 satellites, ground stations, and customer terminals to provide the service. The goal is to deliver high-speed, low-latency, and affordable internet to remote and underserved regions globally. The project is named after the Kuiper Belt, a distant region of the solar system beyond the eight planets. It is Amazon’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system.
2. What does the cosmological parameter S8 (Sigma Eight) primarily measure?
[A] The temperature of stars
[B] The “clumpiness” or clustering of matter in the universe
[C] The expansion rate of the universe
[D] None of the Above
[B] The “clumpiness” or clustering of matter in the universe
[C] The expansion rate of the universe
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: B [The “clumpiness” or clustering of matter in the universe]
Notes:
The Subaru Telescope in Hawaii recently used the Hyper Suprime-Cam to carry out a deep sky survey from the University of Tokyo. It reported a Sigma Eight (S8) value of 0.747, which matches earlier results from gravitational lensing studies. Sigma Eight (S8) is a key measure in cosmology that shows how matter is clustered or “clumpy” across the universe on a scale of 26 million light-years. It tells scientists how much visible and dark matter is gathered in different parts of space. This finding helps us understand how the universe evolved from a smooth early state after the Big Bang.
The Subaru Telescope in Hawaii recently used the Hyper Suprime-Cam to carry out a deep sky survey from the University of Tokyo. It reported a Sigma Eight (S8) value of 0.747, which matches earlier results from gravitational lensing studies. Sigma Eight (S8) is a key measure in cosmology that shows how matter is clustered or “clumpy” across the universe on a scale of 26 million light-years. It tells scientists how much visible and dark matter is gathered in different parts of space. This finding helps us understand how the universe evolved from a smooth early state after the Big Bang.
3. Which institute has developed a 3D computational model to study thermoregulation in space?
[A] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[C] Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
[D] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[C] Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
[D] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
Correct Answer: C [Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)]
Notes:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) have developed a 3D computational model to study thermoregulation in space. It shows that microgravity consistently increases human core body temperature, which is important for long-duration space missions. Microgravity is a condition of near-weightlessness experienced when objects are in free fall around Earth, not the absence of gravity. In microgravity, normal body functions like heat regulation are altered due to changes in blood flow and metabolism. The IIST model includes sweating, shivering, clothing, and organ heat to simulate real human conditions in space.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) have developed a 3D computational model to study thermoregulation in space. It shows that microgravity consistently increases human core body temperature, which is important for long-duration space missions. Microgravity is a condition of near-weightlessness experienced when objects are in free fall around Earth, not the absence of gravity. In microgravity, normal body functions like heat regulation are altered due to changes in blood flow and metabolism. The IIST model includes sweating, shivering, clothing, and organ heat to simulate real human conditions in space.
4. Which two countries jointly developed a new non-contact wearable device that monitors skin molecular flux without direct contact?
[A] India and Japan
[B] China and Germany
[C] United States and South Korea
[D] United Kingdom and France
[B] China and Germany
[C] United States and South Korea
[D] United Kingdom and France
Correct Answer: C [United States and South Korea]
Notes:
A new non-contact wearable device developed by researchers from the United States and South Korea can monitor health by measuring skin flux without touching the skin. The device is about the size of a smartphone and tracks molecular movements like vapour leaving the body and chemicals entering through the skin. It was developed under the leadership of Professor John A. Rogers at Northwestern University, USA. It creates a small sealed microclimate next to the skin and uses wireless electronics and tiny sensors to detect water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A remote-controlled valve adjusts the chamber’s openness for accurate comparisons.
A new non-contact wearable device developed by researchers from the United States and South Korea can monitor health by measuring skin flux without touching the skin. The device is about the size of a smartphone and tracks molecular movements like vapour leaving the body and chemicals entering through the skin. It was developed under the leadership of Professor John A. Rogers at Northwestern University, USA. It creates a small sealed microclimate next to the skin and uses wireless electronics and tiny sensors to detect water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A remote-controlled valve adjusts the chamber’s openness for accurate comparisons.
5. What does the Lagrangian Growth-Advection Model primarily track in the ocean?
[A] Tsunami waves
[B] Phytoplankton succession and carbon export
[C] Ocean floor sedimentation
[D] Oil spills
[B] Phytoplankton succession and carbon export
[C] Ocean floor sedimentation
[D] Oil spills
Correct Answer: B [Phytoplankton succession and carbon export]
Notes:
Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and Florida State University have created a new method to estimate how much carbon is transported from the ocean surface to deeper waters. This method uses satellite data and is called the Lagrangian Growth-Advection Model. It helps map how phytoplankton develop and how carbon is transported in the ocean by following surface currents, especially in nutrient-rich upwelling zones like the California Current. This model improves our understanding of ocean carbon cycles by showing how ocean movement and biological processes interact over time and space. It supports climate research by offering a more accurate way to estimate oceanic carbon export using satellite data.
Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and Florida State University have created a new method to estimate how much carbon is transported from the ocean surface to deeper waters. This method uses satellite data and is called the Lagrangian Growth-Advection Model. It helps map how phytoplankton develop and how carbon is transported in the ocean by following surface currents, especially in nutrient-rich upwelling zones like the California Current. This model improves our understanding of ocean carbon cycles by showing how ocean movement and biological processes interact over time and space. It supports climate research by offering a more accurate way to estimate oceanic carbon export using satellite data.
6. What is “Kosmos 482” that was recently seen in news?
[A] A lunar exploration spacecraft
[B] A satellite launched to study the Sun
[C] A Soviet-era Venus lander
[D] A Mars rover
[B] A satellite launched to study the Sun
[C] A Soviet-era Venus lander
[D] A Mars rover
Correct Answer: C [A Soviet-era Venus lander]
Notes:
Kosmos 482 was a Soviet-era Venus lander launched on March 31, 1972, as part of the Venera space program. Its mission was to land on Venus, but a rocket malfunction left it stranded in Earth’s orbit. After orbiting Earth for over 50 years, the 500-kg lander module is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10, 2025. The spacecraft has been circling the planet for decades, marking an unusual journey in space history. Its re-entry marks the end of a long-lived mission that never reached its intended destination.
Kosmos 482 was a Soviet-era Venus lander launched on March 31, 1972, as part of the Venera space program. Its mission was to land on Venus, but a rocket malfunction left it stranded in Earth’s orbit. After orbiting Earth for over 50 years, the 500-kg lander module is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10, 2025. The spacecraft has been circling the planet for decades, marking an unusual journey in space history. Its re-entry marks the end of a long-lived mission that never reached its intended destination.
7. Which city is the host 11th Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East conference 2025?
[A] Dubai
[B] Kuwait
[C] Cairo
[D] Doha
[B] Kuwait
[C] Cairo
[D] Doha
Correct Answer: A [Dubai]
Notes:
The 11th Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East conference began on May 6, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) announced the opening of its new office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, marking a key milestone in its global growth. This expansion celebrates IRS’s 25 years of operations in the UAE and its 50th global anniversary. The new office will provide full services, including ship classification, technical inspections, and international compliance audits across major Saudi ports. The objective of the conference is to strengthen the maritime logistics sector, promote innovation, and enhance safety and sustainability in the industry.
The 11th Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East conference began on May 6, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) announced the opening of its new office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, marking a key milestone in its global growth. This expansion celebrates IRS’s 25 years of operations in the UAE and its 50th global anniversary. The new office will provide full services, including ship classification, technical inspections, and international compliance audits across major Saudi ports. The objective of the conference is to strengthen the maritime logistics sector, promote innovation, and enhance safety and sustainability in the industry.
8. Which institution has developed the LICONN technology to map brain cell connections using light microscopes?
[A] Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
[B] Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
[C] All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi
[D] None of the Above
[B] Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
[C] All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: A [Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)]
Notes:
Scientists recently developed a new technique called Light-microscopy-based Connectomics (LICONN) to map brain cell connections using light microscopes. LICONN was developed at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). It allows mapping of brain’s complex neural networks at the nanoscale and also identifies specific molecules in those connections. LICONN combines light microscopy with hydrogel expansion, fluorescent stains, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytical methods. Brain tissue is soaked in a special gel that expands it 16 times, making tiny structures visible under light microscopes. It is the first method after electron microscopy (EM) that can reconstruct all synaptic connections between neurons.
Scientists recently developed a new technique called Light-microscopy-based Connectomics (LICONN) to map brain cell connections using light microscopes. LICONN was developed at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). It allows mapping of brain’s complex neural networks at the nanoscale and also identifies specific molecules in those connections. LICONN combines light microscopy with hydrogel expansion, fluorescent stains, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytical methods. Brain tissue is soaked in a special gel that expands it 16 times, making tiny structures visible under light microscopes. It is the first method after electron microscopy (EM) that can reconstruct all synaptic connections between neurons.
9. A new species of ribbon worm called Pararosa vigarae was discovered in which country recently?
[A] Spain
[B] Australia
[C] India
[D] Indonesia
[B] Australia
[C] India
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: A [Spain]
Notes:
A new species of ribbon worm called Pararosa vigarae was discovered off the coast of Galicia, Spain, in the Ría de Arosa estuary. It is nicknamed the “accordion worm” because it can contract its body into ring-like folds like an accordion’s bellows. The discovery was confirmed using both external features and molecular genetic analysis. The study was published in Royal Society Open Science on May 7, 2025. This worm is unique in its physical traits and behavior, adding to the biodiversity of the Nemertea phylum. Ribbon worms are predatory and venomous but have simple anatomy, making traditional classification difficult. Understanding marine biodiversity is crucial amid the current biodiversity crisis. Only about 1,350 ribbon worm species are known, but experts estimate 1,400 more may remain undiscovered. This highlights the need to protect marine habitats from environmental threats to conserve unknown species.
A new species of ribbon worm called Pararosa vigarae was discovered off the coast of Galicia, Spain, in the Ría de Arosa estuary. It is nicknamed the “accordion worm” because it can contract its body into ring-like folds like an accordion’s bellows. The discovery was confirmed using both external features and molecular genetic analysis. The study was published in Royal Society Open Science on May 7, 2025. This worm is unique in its physical traits and behavior, adding to the biodiversity of the Nemertea phylum. Ribbon worms are predatory and venomous but have simple anatomy, making traditional classification difficult. Understanding marine biodiversity is crucial amid the current biodiversity crisis. Only about 1,350 ribbon worm species are known, but experts estimate 1,400 more may remain undiscovered. This highlights the need to protect marine habitats from environmental threats to conserve unknown species.
10. Which organization developed the India’s High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype, a solar-powered, unmanned aircraft?
[A] National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
[B] Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Correct Answer: A [National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)]
Notes:
In a recent development, India’s High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype designed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully completed pre-monsoon flight tests with a certified autopilot system. A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is an unmanned, solar-powered aircraft that flies in the stratosphere at 17 to 22 kilometers altitude. It serves as a middle layer between ground systems and satellites for continuous aerial services. It was developed by NAL, Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Chitradurga, Karnataka supported its development. It is designed for border patrolling, surveillance in remote areas, and civil-military use. It can also act as a relay for telecommunications and weather monitoring.
In a recent development, India’s High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype designed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully completed pre-monsoon flight tests with a certified autopilot system. A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is an unmanned, solar-powered aircraft that flies in the stratosphere at 17 to 22 kilometers altitude. It serves as a middle layer between ground systems and satellites for continuous aerial services. It was developed by NAL, Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Chitradurga, Karnataka supported its development. It is designed for border patrolling, surveillance in remote areas, and civil-military use. It can also act as a relay for telecommunications and weather monitoring.
