Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed a new high-efficiency tandem solar cell with nearly 30% power conversion efficiency compared to the current 20%. This innovation was developed at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) and uses a four-terminal (4T) tandem structure. The top layer is made of semi-transparent halide perovskite, while the bottom layer uses traditional silicon, allowing both to work independently for better efficiency. Perovskite materials, known for excellent light absorption and low cost, now have improved durability of up to 10 years. The new design also works well in heat and low-light, making it ideal for India’s climate and helping reduce solar energy costs to ₹1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This breakthrough boosts India’s clean energy goals by enhancing output and land-use efficiency.

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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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The central government recently notified 34 biostimulants to boost their production and use in agriculture. Biostimulants are natural substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soil to enhance the plant’s natural growth and stress-resistance processes. They help reduce dependence on fertilizers by improving nutrient use efficiency, root growth, and resistance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. In India, biostimulants are regulated under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.

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China has launched the Zhangheng 1B satellite to strengthen early warning systems for natural disasters by monitoring Earth’s electromagnetic environment. It was launched aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Developed in partnership with Italy under a 2019 cooperation agreement, the satellite entered orbit as planned. Zhangheng 1B is China’s first satellite focused on studying geophysical fields from space and will work with Zhangheng 1A launched in 2018. It carries nine instruments, including an electric field detector and a high-energy particle sensor built by Italy.

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Adani Group has recently commissioned India’s first off-grid 5 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch, Gujarat. The plant has been developed by Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), which is the clean energy arm of Adani Enterprises Limited. An off-grid green hydrogen plant produces hydrogen using electrolysis powered entirely by renewable sources like solar or wind and is not connected to the main power grid. This plant runs fully on solar energy and includes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for continuous operation.

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Researchers have recently introduced a new term called “Thirstwaves” to describe long periods of high atmospheric thirst. A Thirstwave occurs when the daily evaporative demand stays above the historical 90th percentile for at least three consecutive days. Evaporative demand means how thirsty the atmosphere is or how much water it wants to absorb from the ground or plants. It is influenced by temperature, wind speed, humidity, and sunshine. Understanding thirstwaves can help farmers manage water more efficiently and boost crop production. This concept is important for improving climate resilience in agriculture and water planning.

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Recently, India’s Jahnavi Dangeti was announced as the first Indian astronaut to join the Titans Space mission scheduled for 2029. She is a graduate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s International Air and Space Program and has received global training. Jahnavi is also a strong promoter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among youth. The mission will be led by retired U.S. Army Colonel and veteran NASA astronaut William McArthur Jr., who is now Chief Astronaut at Titans Space.

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Recently, researchers at Raiganj University in West Bengal discovered a new soil bacteria species named Bacillus ayatagriensis. This bacteria was found in the rhizosphere, the area around plant roots, of mulberry plants, which are vital for local sericulture and farming. Bacillus ayatagriensis shows strong antimicrobial properties and greatly improves seed germination, boosting plant health and productivity. It can help organic farming by reducing chemical use.

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Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka asked the Horticulture Department for a report on the threat of black-headed caterpillar (Opisina arenosella) disease harming coconut plantations. This pest damages coconut trees in both coastal and inland areas by eating leaf green parts from silken galleries, lowering photosynthesis. It attacks coconuts of all ages, leaving dried patches on lower leaves while only a few young leaves stay green. The pest spreads quickly by wind and peaks in summer.