Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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On November 5, 2025, the Government of Maharashtra became the first Indian state to sign a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd., a SpaceX subsidiary, to provide satellite-based internet. The partnership aims to deliver high-speed internet to remote districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv in Maharashtra. Satellite terminals will be installed in schools, health centres, disaster control rooms, and forest and coastal outposts, extending connectivity to ports, ferries, and coastal police networks. The initiative supports Digital Maharashtra and aligns with Digital India to connect terrain- or cost-challenged regions.

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In November 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Mauritania and Senegal, Western Africa. Rift Valley Fever is caused by a Phlebovirus from the Phenuiviridae family. It mainly affects animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. Humans get infected through contact with infected animals or mosquito bites. It does not spread from person to person. The disease was first identified in Kenya’s Rift Valley in the 1930s. It later spread across sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched Hansa-3(NG), first indigenous all-composite two-seater trainer aircraft for Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training at CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru. Hansa-3(NG) reduces foreign dependence and boosts aviation entrepreneurship. The aircraft will help flying clubs meet India’s growing demand for trained pilots.

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Chandrayaan-3’s lander payload RAMBHA-LP (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere – Langmuir Probe) detected an active plasma environment in the Moon’s south polar region. Plasma, the 4th state of matter, is electrically neutral and contains charged particles like ions and free electrons. RAMBHA-LP uses a hypersensitive Langmuir probe mounted on a boom to avoid interference from the lander. It measures electron density and electron temperature near the lunar surface, helping understand the plasma behaviour at the Moon’s South Pole.

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India launched its first hydrogen-powered water taxi service in Varanasi on December 10, 2025. The service was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, marking a major advancement in India’s clean transport initiatives. The water taxi has been built by Cochin Shipyard, integrating modern engineering with sustainability. It operates on a hybrid electric–hydrogen propulsion system, ensuring zero emissions, low noise levels and high environmental safety. The vessel is equipped with five hydrogen cylinders and 3 kW solar panels, which help meet auxiliary power needs.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently launched RESPOND Basket 2025. The programme invites research proposals from premier universities and recognised academic and R&D institutions. It focuses on areas relevant to ISRO’s upcoming missions and national priorities. RESPOND Basket 2025 supports projects including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan missions, Venus orbiter, and a human Moon landing. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between ISRO and academic institutions and foster research aligned with India’s space ambitions.

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A new study suggests ulcerative colitis may be triggered when a normally hidden protective layer of immune cells beneath the gut lining becomes thinner. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the colon and rectum. It causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated condition with cycles of flare-ups and remission.

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Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda announced that India is now 8th globally in World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmacovigilance Contributions, up from 123rd ten years ago. He released the 10th edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 in New Delhi. The new edition incorporates 121 new monographs, taking the total to 3,340 monographs. For the first time, 20 blood component monographs have been included, supporting research in blood transfusion, thalassemia, hemophilia, and anaemia. India is the first country to include blood components in its pharmacopoeia. The Indian Pharmacopoeia is recognized in 19 Global South countries.

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Recently, an observational study on cellulitis was published in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused mainly by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. It usually affects the legs, feet, and toes but can also involve face, arms, hands, and fingers. The infection affects tissues beneath the skin. Risk factors include skin wounds or a weakened immune system, which allow bacteria to enter easily. Cellulitis is generally not contagious, except rarely through open-wound contact with an infected person.

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Recently, the government announced relaxation for deep-tech startups to get recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP). It is a Research and Development (R&D) programme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. The programme supports research in Engineering Science, Environmental Science, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agricultural, Medical, and Social Sciences. Funding and recognition are provided by DSIR.