Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Supreme Court directed all States to address concerns on stockouts, procurement transparency, and drug quality of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). ART is a combination of medications that treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by reducing its levels in the body. HIV destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells), weakening the immune system and increasing infection risk. ART cannot cure HIV but helps maintain a healthy immune system by preventing the virus from multiplying. A combination of two to four ART drugs improves effectiveness and reduces resistance. If viral load is low enough, HIV becomes undetectable in blood tests.

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Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease shortly after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is a rare infectious disease that starts with flu-like symptoms and can cause severe lung and heart issues. It is mainly transmitted by rodents through airborne particles from their urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and abdominal issues, with a 38% mortality rate if respiratory problems develop. There is no specific treatment, but early medical care can improve survival chances.

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Researchers have successfully turned light into a “supersolid” for the first time. Supersolids are a unique state of matter defined by quantum mechanics. They form an orderly crystalline solid but flow like a liquid without viscosity. Unlike normal solids, supersolids can change direction and density based on particle interactions. They maintain an organized lattice structure while exhibiting fluid-like movement. The discovery could enhance qubit stability in quantum computing and advance optical circuits, photonic devices, and fundamental physics research.

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CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow developed the world’s first genetically modified (GM) cotton fully resistant to Pink Bollworm (PBW). GM cotton was introduced in India in 2002, with Bollgard 1 and Bollgard 2 developed with Monsanto, but they failed to fully protect against PBW. CSIR-NBRI is a leading research institute focused on botanical research and conservation. Pink Bollworm (PBW), also called gulabi sundhi, damages cotton by burrowing into bolls. PBW spreads through air and crop residue, affecting future harvests.

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Serbian government is accused of using a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade. Sonic weapons, also called acoustic weapons, emit loud, painful sounds over long distances. They can use audible or inaudible sound waves to disrupt, disorient, or incapacitate people. Some versions amplify voices for crowd control. It was first developed for military use. The U.S. used them in Iraq in 2004. They work with transducers that convert energy into sound waves. Highly concentrated sound beams can cause discomfort, pain, and disorientation. Authorities control frequency, volume, and duration for targeted impact.

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Researchers in Sweden have discovered a new type of magnetism called altermagnetism. It combines the properties of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets in one material. Conventional magnets like iron and nickel rely on aligned spins, while antiferromagnets cancel magnetic forces. Altermagnets have zero net magnetization like antiferromagnets but also show spin splitting like ferromagnets. They can increase the speed of memory devices and improve the efficiency of electronic systems.

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The European Space Agency (ESA) shut down the Gaia space observatory on March 27, 2025. It was launched in 2013 by European Space Agency (ESA). Gaia aimed to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way. Originally named Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA), later simplified to Gaia. It is positioned at Lagrange Point 2 (L2), 1.5 million km from Earth, for an unobstructed view.

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The Future Circular Collider (FCC) is a proposed $30 billion project by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). It involves a 91 km circular tunnel beneath the Swiss-French border to accelerate and collide particles at record energies. Phase 1 (~2040) aims to generate Higgs bosons in large numbers, while Phase 2 (~2070) will collide protons at extreme energies. Supporters, including CERN leadership, call it the most powerful tool for studying nature. Critics argue it may drain funds, limiting investment in other scientific advancements. The project has sparked major divisions in the scientific community.

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Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) have created a low-cost electro-fluidic micropore device to screen for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The device measures red blood cell (RBC) stiffness with high resolution and speed, helping detect blood disorders early. This portable tool could support mass screening for SCD and may also help detect tumors or improve drug-delivery hydrogels.

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World Chagas Disease Day is observed every year on April 14 to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Chagas disease. The theme for World Chagas Disease Day 2025 is “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s role in Chagas disease,” emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare and ongoing patient support. Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, found in the feces of the triatomine bug. It primarily affects regions in South America, Central America, and Mexico. If untreated, Chagas disease can lead to serious heart and digestive issues. Early treatment targets killing the parasite, while chronic cases focus on managing symptoms.