Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers at Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala developed a method to produce activated carbon from coconut husks for supercapacitors. This sustainable, efficient solution leverages the high surface area of activated carbon, making it ideal for high-performance supercapacitors. These devices store and deliver charge through reversible adsorption and desorption of ions, enhancing electrochemical energy storage.

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The private Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 crashed after accidental launches during a test run. Developed by Beijing Tianbing (Space Pioneer), Tianlong-3 is a medium-lift orbital launch vehicle, partially reusable up to ten times, with the first stage capable of autonomous vertical landing. It can launch medium-sized payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) and sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), and its performance is comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

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The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recently approved a wireless network architecture developed at IIT Bombay for affordable rural broadband access. This system uses a cellular network, like 5G, comprising network equipment and communication links to transfer data between devices and the Internet. The network is divided into two sub-networks: the access network (AN) and the core network (CN).

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The Philippine Army confirmed the imminent withdrawal of the “deadly” Typhon Weapons System, used by the US in joint military exercises. Also known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System, Typhon includes Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) for ballistic defense and ship targeting up to 370 km. It also deploys Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and comprises four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles on trailers. Using Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) technology, it integrates various missiles and sources external targeting data.

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India is set to trial US-made Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) in Ladakh and desert regions. Built by General Dynamics Land Systems, the Stryker is an eight-wheel-drive armored vehicle with a V-hull design, cannon, and mobile gun. These trials are part of a broader defense-industrial cooperation roadmap between India and the US, which includes considering joint production of the latest generation of Stryker vehicles.

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China has unveiled HH70, the world’s first fully high-temperature superconducting Tokamak device, in Shanghai. Developed by Energy Singularity, HH70 achieved first plasma, utilizing innovative pre-ionization methods. With a toroidal magnetic field of 0.6 Tesla and a major radius of 0.75 meters, it features 26 high-temperature superconducting magnets. HH70 marks China’s leadership in high-temperature superconducting magnetic confinement fusion, setting milestones as the first commercial superconducting Tokamak worldwide. Energy Singularity plans to advance with HH170, aiming for significant energy gain by 2030, cementing China’s pioneering role in fusion energy technology.

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Regenerative braking, found in hybrid and full-electric vehicles, converts kinetic energy from braking into electrical power to charge the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. Also known as a kinetic energy recovery system, it uses electric motors in reverse to act as generators. This system slows the car, aiding traditional brakes, improves fuel consumption, and reduces wear on brake pads by decreasing the overall braking load.

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Researchers from Shenyang Agricultural University published findings in Current Biology revealing that Wolbachia bacteria have manipulated the wasp Encarsia formosa to eliminate male offspring entirely. Wolbachia, present in about 60% of insects, plays a role in biological pest control. Encarsia formosa targets whitefly nymphs, laying eggs that hatch into larvae, which then kill the nymphs. This makes the wasp an effective natural enemy of whiteflies, significant agricultural pests that damage crops.

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Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in India discovered a new strain of lactic acid bacteria while studying S. thermophilus. This gram-positive, non-motile bacterium, found in the digestive tract, produces lactic acid, aiding in food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and fighting harmful organisms. It improves lactose digestion, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. S. thermophilus is used in yogurt production and probiotic supplements.

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Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope have studied the atmospheric conditions of brown dwarfs. These objects, larger than planets but smaller than stars, are between giant planets and small stars in size. They accumulate material like stars and have hot silicate cloud formations. Unlike stars, brown dwarfs cannot sustain nuclear fusion, which is why they are called “failed stars.” They retain hydrogen and helium better than planets and have low metal content.