Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists at CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology have developed “Designer Rice,” a functional food to address malnutrition. It is created by processing broken rice into flour, enriching it with protein, fibre, and micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and reforming it into rice-like grains. The technology has been transferred to Tata Consumer Products Limited for large-scale production. Unlike regular rice, it has higher protein (over 20%) and a low glycemic index (below 55). It helps manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.

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Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. It is a wide-field space observatory designed to survey large regions of the universe and detect exoplanets. It will study dark matter and dark energy, which together make up about 95% of the universe. The telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman, known as the “mother of the Hubble Space Telescope.” It costs about USD 4 billion and will be placed 1.5 million km from Earth.

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Researchers from Central University of Rajasthan discovered a new cyanobacterium species named Pushkarmema curajae from Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan. The genus and species names honor Pushkar Lake and the university’s contribution to research. P. curajae has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, biofertilizers, and nutrient-rich supplements that enhance immunity and health. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic, microscopic organisms found in aquatic environments worldwide.

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Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology installed an X-band Doppler Weather Radar at Mahabaleshwar under Mission Mausam. Doppler Weather Radar uses the Doppler Effect to measure velocity and position of atmospheric objects. It emits radio waves; reflected signals from raindrops return to the antenna, helping detect distance and intensity. Time taken for signal return enables tracking of rainfall and cloud movement.

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India achieved a milestone with a 500 MWe (Megawatt Electric) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attaining first criticality on April 6, 2026. Developed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and built by BHAVINI. It marks Stage-II of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme using uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel. Fast Breeder Reactors produce more fuel than they consume. India will become the 2nd country after Russia to operate commercial Fast Breeder Reactors.

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DAMPE Satellite has made observations on the acceleration of cosmic rays. The findings show that the intensity of cosmic radiation decreases sharply beyond a certain high-energy threshold. DAMPE stands for Dark Matter Particle Explorer and is also known as “Wukong.” It was developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It is China’s first astronomical satellite designed for high-energy observations. The satellite was launched in 2015 into a polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 500 km. It detects high-energy gamma rays, electrons, and cosmic rays.

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A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a Netherlands-based cruise ship has caused deaths and illnesses. Hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from rodent droppings, saliva, or urine. It causes two major diseases: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), affecting the lungs, and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys. Symptoms begin with flu-like signs such as fever and fatigue, followed by respiratory distress after a few days. There is no specific treatment, and management mainly involves supportive care such as rest and fluids.

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All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi has introduced India’s first portable bedside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of internal body structures. MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows examination of organs, tissues, and the skeletal system without surgery. It provides high-resolution images, helping in accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions. The portable MRI system enables bedside imaging, improving accessibility and critical care management.

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Indian Space Research Organisation developed the Environmental Control and Life Support System for the Gaganyaan mission. The ECLSS is a mission-critical system designed to recreate Earth-like sea-level conditions inside a spacecraft for astronauts in low Earth orbit. The system regulates cabin air composition, atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and waste management to ensure astronaut safety and comfort.

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Scientists at Central Rice Research Institute under Indian Council of Agricultural Research developed Plant-OpenCRISPR1 in Cuttack. Plant-OpenCRISPR1 is the world’s first Artificial Intelligence-designed genome-editing platform for plants and was validated using rice as a model crop. The platform enables advanced gene knockout, base editing, and prime editing beyond conventional CRISPR technologies. It uses AI-designed enzymes instead of naturally occurring microbial proteins used in traditional CRISPR systems.