Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA (Differentiated between Infected and Vaccinated Animal) marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Anand, Gujarat. IBR is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), belonging to the genus Varicellovirus under Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. It mainly affects domestic and wild cattle. The disease has three forms – respiratory, genital and encephalitic, with respiratory and genital being common. Transmission occurs through aerosols and semen from bulls to milch animals, impacting the reproductive system.

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Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a new siphon-based thermal desalination system for clean drinking water. Traditional solar stills face salt buildup and scaling limits restricting output. The system uses a composite siphon of fabric wick and grooved metallic surface to draw water and flush out salt before crystallization. It is low-cost, scalable, and sustainable, made from aluminum and fabric, powered by solar or waste heat. It is useful for off-grid areas, disaster zones, coastal and island communities facing water stress.

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Recently, the PUNCH Space Mission, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), observed solar winds. PUNCH stands for Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere. Its aim is to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere) and solar wind as a unified system. The mission has four small satellites in low Earth orbit. They make 3D global observations of the inner heliosphere and map the transition where the corona becomes solar wind.

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Health officials in Florida have recently confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also called “Zombie Deer Disease.” It is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is caused by prions, which are infectious misfolded proteins that damage the brain. Prions spread through body fluids like saliva, blood, and urine and can stay in soil and plants for years. Infected animals show weight loss, drooling, and strange behavior. There is no cure or vaccine, and the disease is always fatal.No human cases have been confirmed yet, but experts stay alert.

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Researchers at Nagaland University discovered that Sinapic acid significantly accelerates wound healing in diabetic conditions. Sinapic acid is a natural phenolic acid derived from cinnamic acid. It has antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. It is found in spices, citrus and berry fruits, vegetables, cereals, and oilseed crops. The compound activates the SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) pathway, aiding tissue repair, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. This discovery could lead to safe, natural, and effective diabetic wound treatments. Diabetic wounds are slow-healing sores, mostly on the foot, increasing risk of neuropathy, poor circulation, infections, and amputation. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease causing high blood glucose levels and affects hundreds of millions globally.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries, Lucknow, marking a big step towards self-reliance in defence materials. The plant is part of the Strategic Materials Technology Complex under Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The plant will help make components for fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. The plant will help make components for fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. It supports the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, generating jobs for youth, MSMEs, and start-ups.

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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation, launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology recently. MAHA MedTech Mission aims to boost innovation in India’s medical technology sector, reduce dependence on high-cost imports, and ensure affordable, high-quality medical technologies. The mission supports development and commercialization of innovative and affordable MedTech solutions.

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Scientists at the National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), have developed CRYODIL. CRYODIL is a ready-to-use, egg yolk-free semen extender for buffaloes. It is the first such solution developed in India for buffalo semen cryopreservation. It has a long shelf life of 18 months or more. The post-thaw progressive motility of sperm in CRYODIL is significantly higher than in traditional egg-yolk-based extenders. It improves sperm movement and viability after freezing and thawing, increasing fertilisation success.

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The Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) recently signed agreements with key partners to launch the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project. The project aims to transform rural India by combining physical and digital (phygital) services. It integrates on-ground service delivery with strong digital infrastructure to empower rural citizens. The initiative uses BharatNet connectivity to ensure smooth and sustainable access to essential services. Three villages have been selected for the pilot — Ari and Umri in Madhya Pradesh, Narakoduru in Andhra Pradesh, and Chaurawala in Uttar Pradesh. Each village will have a Samriddhi Kendra serving as an integrated digital service hub.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched its Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response site at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This site is part of a global WHO network being set up to conduct rapid investigations and studies during pandemics or epidemics. The goal is to ensure a timely and effective public health response to global health emergencies. The launch was attended by WHO Representative to India, Payden, and AIIMS Director, Dr. M. Srinivas. The site will also operate during non-pandemic periods to maintain continuous readiness and system strength.