Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia has launched EnteroMix, a new mRNA-based cancer vaccine, reported to show 100 percent efficacy in early trials. It was developed by the National Medical Research Radiology Centre (NMRRC) and Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology under the Russian Academy of Sciences. The launch took place at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) and shared globally via Sputnik news service. The vaccine targets colorectal cancer first, with versions in development for glioblastoma and melanoma. EnteroMix uses four harmless viruses to attack cancer cells and boost immune defence. Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) confirmed its safety for repeated use and personalised RNA-based tailoring.

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India has licensed Indian Immunologicals Limited, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Panacea Biotec Limited, Biological E Limited, and Zydus Lifesciences for manufacturing its first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax). The vaccine was developed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and partners. It targets Plasmodium falciparum before it enters the bloodstream to prevent transmission. The vaccine is affordable, stable, scalable, and effective for over 9 months at room temperature.

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Researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute created the world’s first entirely AI-generated genome. The AI-designed virus can infect and kill bacteria, acting as a bacteriophage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) model named Evo was used, employing genome “language models” to design complete viral genomes. Evo was trained on about 2 million viral genomes to learn DNA patterns, gene order, and composition. Scientists guided Evo to mimic phiX174, a small bacteriophage with 11 genes and approximately 5,000 DNA letters. This achievement marks a significant advancement beyond AI-designed proteins or small multi-gene systems. It demonstrates AI’s potential to innovate in synthetic biology and genome engineering.

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The Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Prayas,” an Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, on the 10th Ayurveda Day. “Prayas” is among the first multidisciplinary centres in India integrating Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics. The facility focuses on holistic neuro-rehabilitation, especially for children with neurological and developmental conditions. It aims to provide treatment, research, training, and renewed quality of life for patients. The initiative aligns with India’s National Health Policy and global integrative healthcare practices.

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On Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR’s) Foundation Day, 26th September 2025, the SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) system facility was inaugurated at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi. The facility was designed and developed by CSIR–Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal. The SODAR system will provide additional atmospheric data for improved weather forecasting and research.

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A new 3D map of stellar nurseries has been created using data from the Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA) telescope. The map covers star-forming regions within 4,000 light-years of the Sun in all directions. It shows glowing hydrogen gas clouds, helping scientists study star formation and interstellar gas dynamics. The study combines Gaia dust maps with radiation effects from 87 massive O-type stars emitting ultraviolet light that ionises hydrogen gas. The simulation aligns with older hydrogen emission maps but provides higher precision. GAIA, launched in 2013 by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way Galaxy. The telescope is positioned at Lagrange Point 2 (L2), 1.5 million km from Earth, for a stable cosmic view.

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Astronomers have directly imaged a young planet, WISPIT 2b, forming inside a gap in a protoplanetary disk around a distant star. The discovery confirms that disk gaps are indeed caused by growing planets. WISPIT 2b is a gas giant, about five times the mass of Jupiter, and only five million years old. It orbits WISPIT 2, a young star 437 light-years from Earth. Protoplanetary disks are rings of gas and dust around young stars, providing planet-forming material. The planet was imaged using Very Large Telescope (VLT), MagAO-X on Magellan Clay Telescope, and Large Binocular Telescope.

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Hyderabad recently became home to India’s first-ever Semiconductor Innovation Museum, launched by T-Chip (Technology Chip Innovation Programme). The museum aims to showcase cutting-edge research and technological advancements in chipmaking. It positions Hyderabad as a hub for semiconductor innovation. The museum will feature exhibits on AI chips, robotics, reusable rocket engines, next-generation EV and display systems. It includes a 30-day Innovation Residency Model to connect startups, research institutions, and global innovators with investors and academia. The initiative strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem and fosters collaboration between innovators, investors, and academia.

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United States (US) researchers have developed a novel monoclonal antibody named MAM01 that showed strong protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. MAM01 targets a highly conserved region of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein, blocking infection before the parasite enters the bloodstream. The trial demonstrated dose-dependent full protection with minimal side effects. It is administered as a single long-acting injection, providing immediate and months-long protection. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins mimicking the body’s natural immune defenses.

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In Nigeria, the Lassa fever outbreak has claimed 172 lives since January 2025. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 924 confirmed cases out of 8,041 suspected cases till October 2025. The case fatality rate stands at 18.6%, higher than 17% in 2024. The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years. The outbreak is worsened by poor sanitation, low awareness, and delayed treatment. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus from the Arenavirus family. Infection spreads through food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses early diagnosis and quick treatment for survival.