Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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SpaceX successfully launched the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation–Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) Earth Observation Satellite for the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence using a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This mission marked the third satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation series, the first SpaceX launch of 2026, and the first orbital rocket launch globally in 2026. CSG-FM3 is part of Italy’s advanced COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation, developed to strengthen global radar imaging and Earth observation capabilities.

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IIT Madras launched Param Shakti, an indigenously developed supercomputing system with a capacity of 3.1 petaflop, meaning 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second. It is among India’s most powerful supercomputers and will help solve complex research problems faster and more accurately. The system will support advanced research in aerospace, materials, climate modelling, drug discovery, and manufacturing. Param Shakti is built entirely in India by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing using the RUDRA server series and open-source software. It is integrated into the Param Rudra supercomputing cluster with advanced power, cooling, and data centre support.

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Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme and will mark humanity’s return to the Moon’s vicinity for the first time since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft to verify life-support, navigation, and safety systems for future lunar missions. On January 9, NASA announced that Artemis II had entered its final preparation phase. The fully assembled rocket is expected to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Centre in mid-January for final testing.

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ExoMiner++ is a new deep learning software designed to discover exoplanets. It is developed by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). It analyses data from both the Kepler and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) missions. The software scans stellar “light curves” for dips in brightness caused by planets transiting in front of their stars. Unlike standard black-box models, ExoMiner++ is an explainable AI, offering probability scores and reasoning to help astronomers verify and trust its findings.

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The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the eSankhyiki portal. Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a technology that allows users to directly connect datasets with their own Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and applications. It provides a standard method to make official data accessible to Large Language Models (LLMs).

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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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A new meat-eating dinosaur named Spinosaurus mirabilis was discovered in the Sahara Desert. Its fossils were found in Jengueb area of Niger in the central Sahara. It lived about 95 million years ago in a forested inland region with rivers. It is the second known species of Spinosaurus. The first species, Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, was discovered in 1915 in Egypt.

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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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The Union Minister for Earth Sciences recently visited the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep to review desalination facilities. Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) is a technology that converts seawater into drinking water by using temperature differences in ocean water. The project is implemented by National Institute of Ocean Technology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. LTTD plants operate on eight Lakshadweep islands including Kavaratti, Minicoy, Agatti and Kalpeni, improving year-round drinking water supply.

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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus spreading rapidly on the West Coast of the United States (US). It belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It mainly causes common cold–like respiratory illness. The virus spreads through air via coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching contaminated surfaces then touching face. Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment; care focuses on symptom management and preventing complications.