Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Ministry of Science and Technology launched the BIRAC-Research, Development and Innovation Fund in New Delhi for biotechnology and related sectors. The fund aims to promote deep tech innovations and indigenous manufacturing with national impact. India’s bioeconomy has grown significantly over the past decade, from $8 billion in 2014. The launch reflects a government approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positioning India for a global role in biotechnology. The number of biotechnology startups in India has increased to nearly 11,000 today.

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Three Indian space start-ups- Astrome Technologies (Bengaluru), Azista Industries (Hyderabad), and Dhruva Space (Hyderabad)- were selected by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to develop indigenous small satellite bus platforms. The selection was under Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative, announced in April 2025, inviting proposals from Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs). 15 proposals were received by July 2025; the three selected companies underwent a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process. Each selected firm will receive a ₹5 crore grant to develop a robust, modular, and scalable small satellite bus capable of hosting multiple customer payloads.

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Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched indigenous Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine at Central Research Institute, Kasauli in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. Vaccine supports vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in health sector. India is known as Pharmacy of the World. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is world’s largest immunization programme. Central Research Institute will supply 5.5 million vaccine doses by April 2026 to strengthen immunization coverage.

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On the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal. It has been developed by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE). SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that provides authenticated and structured data on biotechnology product imports, offering sector-wise insights into biochemical products, industrial enzymes and other biotech imports.

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Recently, the Meghalaya government issued an advisory after a meningococcal infection scare, urging people to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols. Meningococcal infection is a severe and rapidly progressing disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis, which is inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, which is blood poisoning. It spreads through respiratory and throat secretions like saliva during close or prolonged contact. It is less contagious than common cold or flu infections.

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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has launched a “moonshot” research project to develop brain co-processors, which will combine neuromorphic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore human brain functions. The initiative is financially supported by the Pratiksha Trust. The project aims to develop both implantable and non-invasive brain co-processors capable of decoding neural signals from brain recordings, processing these signals using AI algorithms, and sending them back to the brain through neural stimulation or neurofeedback.

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Japan has become the first country to approve stem-cell treatments for Parkinson’s disease and severe heart failure. Sumitomo Pharma received approval for Amchepry, a treatment that transplants induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into the brain of Parkinson’s patients. Cuorips, a medical startup, got approval for ReHeart, heart muscle sheets that help form new blood vessels and restore heart function. Both treatments could reach patients as early as summer 2026 under a conditional, time-limited approval system for faster patient access. iPS cells, discovered by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka, can transform into any cell type without using embryos. The approval marks a global first for commercial medical products using iPS cell technology.

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Health officials in Maryland, United States recently reported an increase in mumps cases and issued a health alert. Mumps is a contagious viral disease caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus group. The disease mainly causes painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands (parotitis) near the ears and jaw. Humans are the only host, and the virus spreads through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or contact with infected saliva. There is no specific treatment, and medicines mainly relieve symptoms.

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Avataar is India’s first amphibious drone, launched on 5 March 2026 by AquaAirX Autonomous Systems. It can operate both in air and underwater, combining drone flight with submarine-like diving for surveillance. The project received ₹12.5 crore seed funding from Rainmatter. It has reached TRL-6 (Technology Readiness Level-6), meaning a working prototype tested in real environments. It is built with carbon fibre body and anti-corrosion coatings to resist saltwater damage.

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Researchers recently identified an unusual iron sulfate ferric hydroxysulfate in layered deposits near Valles Marineris using laboratory experiments and orbital data. Valles Marineris, also called Mariner Valley, is a vast system of interconnected canyons on Mars. It was discovered during the Mariner 9 mission in 1971. It is one of the largest canyon systems in the Solar System. Some canyon walls are fault scarps formed due to crustal movement linked to Tharsis Rise. Erosion also shaped the canyon, seen in deep gullies along the walls.