Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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India’s first government-supported National Biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) was launched in February 2026 at the Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology (FRIGE) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). This facility stores biological samples and data from 530 patients across 15 states to advance research, develop affordable diagnostic tools, and improve treatment for rare metabolic disorders.

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Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir developed two early-maturing Shalimar Wheat varieties to strengthen the rice–wheat cropping system. Shalimar Wheat includes Shalimar Wheat-4, which matures by the last week of May, and Shalimar Wheat-3, which matures by the first week of June. These varieties are specially bred for Kashmir’s climate and are suitable for mid-altitude areas up to about 1,850 metres. Early maturity allows timely harvesting of wheat and smooth transplantation of paddy. They help maintain proper crop rotation without delays in rice cultivation. The varieties show resistance to yellow rust, a major fungal disease in the region.

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Waaree Energies will set up India’s largest lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. Total investment is ₹8,175 crore for a greenfield project. The plant will have 16 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) capacity. It will cover full battery value chain: cell manufacturing, battery packs and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It received in-principle approval from State Investment Promotion Board. The project supports clean-energy goals of Andhra Pradesh.

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Astronomers imaged the central Milky Way and revealed a complex network of cosmic gas filaments using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). ALMA is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile and studies celestial objects at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. It has been fully operational since 2013. It was designed and built by National Radio Astronomy Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and European Southern Observatory.

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Researchers detected a lightning-like “whistler” radio signal in the Martian ionosphere, first evidence of such electromagnetic activity on Mars. Detection was made using data from Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. The MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is the first spacecraft dedicated to studying the Martian upper atmosphere to understand how the planet lost its atmosphere and water over time.

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New research confirmed that the Silverpit Crater was formed by a massive asteroid impact millions of years ago. It lies about 700 metres beneath the seabed in the North Sea, nearly 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire. The crater was buried under thick sediment layers and was discovered only in 2002. It formed when a high-velocity space rock struck the seabed around 43–46 million years ago. Scientists found “shocked” quartz and feldspar crystals, which form only under extreme pressure during asteroid impacts. The crater is about 3 km wide and surrounded by circular faults extending nearly 20 km.

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Deloitte India launched ConnectSafe, India’s first cyber-security facility focused on protecting human lives and critical infrastructure. The initiative shifts cyber security focus from data protection to safety of connected operational systems. It addresses growing cyber risks due to India’s rapidly expanding connected ecosystems in mobility, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, agriculture and digital infrastructure. The 4,500 sq ft facility simulates real-world cyber-attack scenarios.It helps organisations test and strengthen security systems without affecting live operations.

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Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health discovered that cholesterol present in the membrane around the cell nucleus plays a role in promoting the spread of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma originates in melanocytes, which are specialized cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. This type of cancer typically develops on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the arms, back, face, and legs, although it can occasionally appear inside the body, including in the nose or throat. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, whether from sunlight or artificial sources like tanning lamps and beds, is the main cause of most melanomas, although other factors may also contribute.

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Recent Legionnaires’ disease cases in London and New York have raised global concern. Public health experts warn that densely populated cities, including those in India, could face similar outbreaks if preventive measures are not strengthened. Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a severe pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, first identified in 1976 at an American Legion convention. Transmission occurs when people breathe in water or soil containing Legionella; it is not contagious and generally cannot spread through drinking water unless aspirated. High-risk groups include older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

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The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Qdenga for individuals aged 4–60 years, making it India’s first dengue vaccine. Qdenga is a live-attenuated, tetravalent vaccine developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical, Japan. It targets all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), with strongest efficacy against DENV-2 and relatively lower against DENV-3 and DENV-4. It does not require pre-vaccination screening and is administered in two doses, spaced three months apart. The vaccine provides strong protection against severe dengue and reduces hospitalisation rates.