Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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LingoSat, a joint project of Japan’s Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is the first wooden satellite launched into orbit. It uses wood from honoki, a magnolia tree native to Japan, and is assembled using traditional Japanese crafts without screws or glue. The satellite’s name comes from the Latin word “Ligno,” meaning wood. LignoSat 1 is a CubeSat measuring 10 cm on each side and weighing 900 grams. LignoSat 2, a 2U CubeSat, is planned for launch in 2026.

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Around 59 people in Pune have been affected by Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder. GBS occurs when the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, affecting muscle movement, pain, temperature, and touch sensations. It is also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and usually affects people aged 30-50. The exact cause is unclear but often follows infections, vaccinations, or major surgery. Symptoms include fever, weakness, and potential paralysis, with severity varying widely. There is no cure, but intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment helps suppress the immune system’s attack on the nerves.

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China has developed DeepSeek AI models named DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1 These models compete with ChatGPT and other leading AI systems DeepSeek is a free AI-powered chatbot created by Chinese entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng It was built at a lower cost than OpenAI models as it uses fewer advanced chips DeepSeek-R1 is trained on accurate sources but includes a censorship layer It outperforms AI models from Google Meta and Anthropic in quality DeepSeek is faster than GPT-4 and better at understanding regional idioms and cultural contexts

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Pune district in Maharashtra is the worst-hit region for Zika virus in India, with 125 out of 151 cases reported in 2024. Maharashtra recorded 140 cases, followed by Karnataka (10) and Gujarat (1). The Zika virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and yellow fever. It can cause microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. The virus was discovered in the Zika Forest, Uganda (1947), and the first human case was reported in 1952. A major Zika outbreak occurred in Brazil (2015).

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China has successfully demonstrated artificial photosynthesis in space, with their astronauts on the Tiangong space station producing oxygen and rocket fuel using this technology. The astronauts used a process mimicking natural photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and rocket fuel components using solar energy. The experiment was conducted on China’s Tiangong space station. This breakthrough is considered a major step forward in space exploration, as it could enable future missions to generate necessary resources in space.

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The US Navy successfully tested the High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) laser weapon on the USS Preble in 2024. HELIOS, developed by Lockheed Martin, can destroy targets (Hard Kill) or disable electronics (Soft Kill). It generates over 60 kilowatts of energy, with upgrades reaching 120 kilowatts. The test zapped an aerial drone, confirming operational capability. Lasers offer a cheaper alternative to missiles, crucial in regions facing drone and missile threats. Challenges include power supply, weather conditions, and system integration. The Navy plans to expand laser weapons, aiming for cost-effective and efficient defense.

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NASA will launch the Pandora mission in 2025 to study the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. It will focus on clouds, hazes, and water, key factors for habitability. Pandora aims to fill gaps left by existing telescopes like James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), focusing on planetary transits to improve exoplanet models. The mission will explore planetary formation, evolution, and habitability. Pandora will use a specialized telescope to study light interactions with atmospheric particles, enhancing knowledge of planetary climates and chemistry.

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, “Srjanam,” at AIIMS New Delhi. It was developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST). It has an initial capacity of 400 kg/day and can process 10 kg of degradable medical waste daily. India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, posing health risks. “Sṛjanam” is validated for antimicrobial effectiveness and is safer than organic fertilizers.

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Researchers have warned that AI chatbots are vulnerable to indirect prompt injection attacks. This technique tricks chatbots into executing malicious commands. It exploits large language models (LLMs) by embedding harmful instructions in documents or emails. Attackers can manipulate chatbots to search for sensitive data or alter long-term memory settings. These attacks appear benign but can lead to serious security risks.

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A study identified 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), a cholesterol metabolite, as a key factor in Parkinson’s disease progression. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement. It weakens and damages nerve cells, leading to tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. As it worsens, patients struggle with walking, talking, and daily tasks. The disease mainly affects the substantia nigra, a brain region producing dopamine.