Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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South Korea has launched the Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2 (CAS500-2) on May 3, 2026. The satellite is an Earth-observation satellite also known as Next-Generation Medium Satellite No. 2. It was launched aboard Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States. The mission was overseen by the Korea AeroSpace Administration. The launch was delayed for nearly four years due to changes from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The satellite entered a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 498 kilometres. It successfully established communication with a ground station in Svalbard shortly after launch.

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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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Scientists have warned that rising temperatures due to climate change may increase the spread of the Brain-Eating Amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, ponds, hot springs, and moist soil. It enters the human body through the nose and attacks brain tissues. Infection by Naegleria fowleri causes Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but highly fatal disease of the central nervous system. Higher temperatures create favourable conditions for the amoeba’s growth and survival. The warning highlights the possible health impacts of climate change on infectious diseases.

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South Korea introduced its first humanoid robot monk named Gabi at a Buddhist ceremony held at Jogyesa Temple on 6 May 2026. Gabi was presented by the Jogye Order ahead of Buddha’s Birthday celebrations on 24 May 2026. A humanoid robot is a machine designed with a human-like body structure, including a head, torso, arms, and legs. During the ceremony, Gabi bowed to monks, pledged devotion to Buddhism, and received the Dharma name “Gabi,” combining Siddhartha and the Korean word for mercy.

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GigaAI, a robotics startup in China, has developed the SeeLight S1, described as one of the first commercial robotic butlers for household use. The robot was developed by GigaAI, a startup backed by Huawei’s investment arm. The humanoid robot can perform household tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, making beds, and opening curtains. China is promoting such robotics technologies to address labour shortages and demographic challenges.

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Google introduced “information agents” that monitor the web on behalf of users. Information agents are AI-powered assistants integrated with search systems that continuously track websites, updates, listings, and user-defined tasks. These agents perform more effectively when provided with detailed personal information such as location, finances, and user preferences.

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Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal, and Avyana Mehta became the first Indian team to win The Earth Prize. The 16-year-old innovators received the award for their invention called “Plas-Stick.” Plas-Stick is a low-cost biodegradable powder made entirely from agricultural tamarind seed waste. When mixed with water, the powder acts as an eco-friendly binder that causes invisible microplastics to clump together for easy removal. The plastic-tamarind mass can then be removed safely using a handheld magnet. The innovation does not require electricity or complex machinery, making it suitable for rural and off-grid communities.

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Scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, have developed a gene-silencing strategy for effective tumor inhibition in breast cancer. The institute functions under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Researchers developed a biodegradable nanocarrier platform for targeted gene therapy in breast cancer. The technology uses mesoporous silica nanoparticles to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules that silence disease-causing genes. The nanocarrier is functionalized with a protamine biopolymer and an MUC1-specific aptamer for precise targeting of breast cancer cells.

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Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released a new green chilli variety called KAU Thejaswini. The variety has been developed to promote chemical-free backyard and kitchen gardening. It was developed by the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. It starts yielding chillies within 2 months of sowing. The variety was approved by the 30th State Seed Sub-Committee.

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Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a theoretical framework that uses sound waves to generate and control spin currents. The study, published in Physical Review B, advances the field of Spintronics, which uses particle spin instead of electric charge for information processing. The researchers focused on magnons, magnetic wave excitations that can carry information with lower energy losses than electrons. The framework shows that surface acoustic waves (sound waves) can create pseudogauge fields that influence magnon motion and generate spin currents. The research used a graphene-like magnetic material placed on a piezoelectric substrate.