Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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IIT Roorkee researchers developed a method to degrade plasticizers like diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) using bacterial enzymes. DEHP is found in plastics and personal care products, posing health risks. Esterase enzyme from Sulfobacillus acidophilus breaks DEHP into mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and 2-ethyl hexanol. The enzyme was structurally studied using X-ray crystallography and remains active for about a month. Researchers used four additional enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni to complete the degradation process. Integrating enzymes into bacteria ensures prolonged activity and continuous degradation without needing fresh batches. Plasticizers enhance flexibility and shine in products but can be absorbed through the skin, posing health dangers.

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Scientists are concerned about the potential for ‘zombie deer’ disease, or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to affect humans. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Caused by prions, misfolded proteins that damage the brain, leading to severe dysfunction and spongy tissue. It spreads through body fluids like saliva, feces, blood, and urine, and can remain infectious in the environment for years. Symptoms include weight loss, behavioral changes, and increased drinking and salivation. There is no cure or vaccine, and although there’s no confirmed human transmission, experts remain cautious.

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The ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds (also known as cowpea seeds) in space is called the “CROPS” experiment, which stands for “Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies”. The seeds sprouted on the fourth day, with leaves visible by the fifth day, marking a major milestone in space research. The experiment aims to develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions and test plant growth in microgravity and controlled environments. Success supports astronauts by enabling food growth, oxygen generation, and CO₂ recycling in space. It highlights India’s capability in managing complex life-support systems and contributes to global space farming initiatives.

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ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart of its Vikas liquid engine at the Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. The test is a significant step towards developing reusable launch vehicle technologies to reduce future space mission costs. The Vikas engine, named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, was conceptualized and designed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). LPSC specializes in designing and developing liquid propulsion stages for ISRO’s launch vehicles. The Vikas engine powers the liquid stages of PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles, enhancing their payload capacities.

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Researchers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered an unusual black hole that might illuminate the development of supermassive black holes. Chandra X-ray Observatory is NASA’s most powerful X-ray telescope, offering eight times greater resolution and detecting sources over 20 times fainter than its previous X-ray telescope. It was launched on July 23, 1999. It is designed to detect X-ray emissions from extremely hot areas in the Universe, including exploded stars, galaxy clusters, and matter near black holes.

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US President Donald Trump proposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, citing fentanyl trafficking via Mexico and Canada. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is used for pain relief and anesthesia but is highly addictive. Overdose effects include stupor, blue skin, coma, and respiratory failure. Opioids, derived from the opium poppy plant, block pain signals but can cause euphoria, addiction, and fatal breathing issues.

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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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Maharashtra government has introduced Facial Recognition System (FRS) for entry into Mantralaya to enhance security and efficiency. Facial Recognition System (FRS) matches human faces from digital images or video frames with a database. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) with machine learning to improve accuracy. Computer Vision helps extract and analyze visual data from images and videos. Biometric Analysis identifies unique facial features for authentication. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are crucial for image recognition and feature extraction.

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India has signed an agreement with Russia to acquire the Klub-S missile system for its submarine fleet. It is developed by Russia defence company NPO Novator. The Klub missile, also known as Kalibr, entered service in 1994. The Klub-S missile has a 400 kg warhead and can strike targets up to 300 km away, including surface ships, submarines, and land targets. It includes a fire control system, vertical launcher unit, and ammunition. It is known for its effectiveness in combat, it can reach supersonic speeds in the terminal phase, making interception difficult. The missile cruises at 10-15 meters, minimizing enemy defense response time.

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Hyderabad-based biotech company, Biovet has received Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) approval for its Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine, Biolumpivaxin, for dairy cattle and buffaloes. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), part of the poxviridae family. LSD primarily affects cattle and, to a lesser extent, buffalo, with higher morbidity in cattle. The disease leads to reduced milk production, sterility in bulls, and damage to hides. It spreads through blood-feeding insects and contaminated water or fodder. LSD is not zoonotic, so humans cannot get infected by the virus.