Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and IIT Delhi signed an agreement to develop THz communication front ends for 6G under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF). TTDF is established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), now called Digital Bharat Nidhi, by the Department of Telecom. The fund supports research, design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing in telecommunications. It aims to foster rural-specific communication technologies, promote technology ownership, and encourage indigenous manufacturing. TTDF seeks to boost exports, reduce imports, enhance co-innovation, and support Intellectual Property creation in the telecom sector.

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Lunar landers by U.S. and Japanese companies launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, showcasing private sector involvement in space exploration. The mission includes two lunar spacecraft: Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.) and Resilience by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg, Japan). Blue Ghost carries 10 NASA instruments to study Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and Moon’s thermal properties while testing advanced navigation and computing. Resilience includes the Tenacious micro rover with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology, exploring Mare Frigoris on the Moon’s far north. The mission promotes technological advances, global collaboration, and cost-effective strategies for future lunar sustainability under NASA’s Artemis program.

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IIT-Madras has launched a zero-waste bioplastics initiative supported by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. The initiative aims to develop biodegradable, microplastic-free, and cost-effective alternatives to conventional plastics. Third-generation bioplastics use agricultural residues, algae, and waste materials, avoiding food security concerns linked to earlier food-based bioplastics. These bioplastics fully decompose, leaving no harmful particles behind, reducing the environmental footprint. The centre is also exploring bioplastics for food packaging and medical textiles, including biodegradable implants from agricultural waste.

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Indian researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru developed a new method to measure solar storms’ size and speed. The method improves predictions of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which can disrupt Earth’s communication systems and power grids. It measures CME radial size and expansion speed, crucial for understanding their impact on Earth’s magnetic field. The approach estimates instantaneous expansion speed using a single observation point, making it more efficient. The method was tested on a 2010 CME event and will be used with Aditya-L1 for better space weather forecasting.

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The Finance Minister announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 MWe, producing 7.2 million kWh per day. In comparison, large nuclear plants generate over 1,000 MWe and 24 million kWh per day. SMRs are small, modular, and reactor-based, generating low-carbon electricity. They have small footprints, lower capital costs, and can be factory-built. SMRs can be deployed in locations unsuitable for large nuclear plants. They support incremental power additions, energy hubs, industrial heating, district heating, and hydrogen production.

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United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller. Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant or designed to mimic them. Examples include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating euphoric sensations. While effective for pain relief, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and dependence. Suzetrigine offers an alternative to opioids, reducing the risk of opioid addiction.

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Russia has developed an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, set for free distribution by early 2025. mRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions to help the body produce antigens that trigger an immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines, this is not preventive but treats existing cancer by targeting tumor-specific antigens. It trains the immune system to attack cancer cells by producing proteins similar to tumor antigens.

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NASA plans to launch the SPHEREx telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is a megaphone-shaped space telescope with a 2-year mission. It will map the universe using optical and infrared cosmic light. It will study cosmic inflation, which occurred 14 billion years ago when the universe expanded faster than light. It will analyze galaxy formation, cosmic evolution, and life-forming molecules in the Milky Way. It will use spectroscopic imaging to map 450 million galaxies in 3D. It will complement the work of the James Webb and Hubble telescopes.

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Scientists have developed a new gene therapy for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder. MSUD is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme complex needed to break down branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, requiring both parents to pass on the gene mutation. The disorder prevents proper amino acid metabolism, leading to neurological symptoms and life-threatening brain damage.

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A A US Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B Lightning II recently conducted its first test missions with the Meteor air-to-air missile. Meteor is a radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA for six European nations (UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden). It has a ramjet engine, enabling controlled flight speed, complex maneuvers, and a range of over 100 km. It flies at Mach 4+ with a large no-escape zone.