Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Chinese researchers have recently developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns. LICOMK++ stands for Laboratory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model with K++ high-performance computing upgrade. It is described as an ocean “microscope” because of its ultra-high-resolution abilities. This advanced system allows scientists to clearly observe complex ocean processes such as eddies and heat transport. It helps improve the understanding of how oceans influence climate. LICOMK++ can enhance forecasts of extreme weather events like typhoons, marine heatwaves, and floods.

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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.

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Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed a high-pressure nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for seawater desalination. The project was carried out by Defence Materials Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This membrane is made to suit the needs of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), especially to resist chloride ion damage in salty seawater. It will be used on Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) of the Coast Guard to ensure a self-reliant supply of freshwater onboard. Desalination means removing salts from seawater to make it usable for drinking or industry.

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Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a new iron-doped catalyst. This catalyst improves oxygen-related electrocatalytic reactions. Oxygen electrocatalysis is important for clean energy technologies like water splitting to produce hydrogen, generating clean fuels, and making hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). These technologies often face challenges such as slow reaction speeds, high energy use, and expensive materials. They usually depend on precious metals like platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru). The new iron-based catalyst aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency in these clean energy processes.

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India will launch its first manned deep-ocean mission called Samudrayaan by 2026 to explore marine resources up to 6,000 metres deep. The mission is part of the Deep Ocean Mission and will use an indigenously developed submersible named MATSYA 6000. MATSYA 6000 is a 4th generation manned submersible vehicle designed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai. It can carry three people and operate for 12 hours, with an emergency endurance of 96 hours. The research vessel Sagar Nidhi will be used to deploy and recover MATSYA 6000 during the mission.

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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.

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West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected for the first time in mosquitoes in the United Kingdom, as confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The virus was found in Aedes vexans mosquitoes from wetlands near the River Idle in Nottinghamshire during July 2023 under the Vector-Borne RADAR surveillance program. WNV spreads mainly between birds and mosquitoes but can occasionally infect humans and horses. Most human cases show no symptoms, but about 20% may have flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, WNV can cause serious brain conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. The current public health risk is very low, with no widespread transmission found.

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China has launched 12 satellites to begin building the world’s first space-based supercomputing network, called the Three-Body Computing Constellation. The satellites were launched using a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre as part of a project led by Zhejiang Lab. These satellites have Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered processors and high-speed links to communicate and process data in orbit without ground stations. Once complete, the constellation will include 2,800 satellites with a combined power of 1,000 peta operations per second (POPS). The project is developed by ADA Space, Zhijiang Laboratory, and Neijang High-Tech Zone to offer real-time, autonomous data processing from space.

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The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has announced financial support for India’s first indigenous thrombectomy device. This support aims to improve stroke care by promoting homegrown medical technology. A thrombectomy is a medical procedure to remove blood clots from arteries or veins. These clots, called thrombi, can block blood flow and damage tissues or organs. Thrombectomy helps restore proper blood circulation and prevents serious health risks.

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Recently, two Chinese nationals were charged in the United States for allegedly smuggling Fusarium graminearum, an agricultural pathogen, into the country. Fusarium graminearum is an ascomycete fungus that causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), which affects crops like wheat, maize, barley, oats, and rice. It produces a toxin called Vomitoxin or Deoxynivalenol, which is harmful to both humans and animals. This fungus reduces crop yield and quality while contaminating grains with toxic mycotoxins. This incident raises concerns about agro-terrorism, which is the deliberate use of plant pathogens or pests to attack agriculture and create economic loss, food insecurity, and public fear.