Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Astronomers imaged the central Milky Way and revealed a complex network of cosmic gas filaments using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). ALMA is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile and studies celestial objects at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. It has been fully operational since 2013. It was designed and built by National Radio Astronomy Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and European Southern Observatory.

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A recent study has warned that more than one-third of Africa is at risk of the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which is a highly destructive disease affecting cassava crops. CBSD is considered one of the most devastating diseases of cassava, as it severely reduces both the production and quality of cassava tubers (roots), which are an important staple food in many African countries. The disease was first identified in the mid-20th century in the coastal regions of East Africa, and since then it has spread significantly across the African continent.

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The Minor Planet Centre (MPC) recently announced discovery of 15 new moons, 4 around Jupiter and 11 around Saturn. It is the global centre for collecting and storing data on small solar system bodies. It operates under the International Astronomical Union (IAU) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Astronomers send new findings to MPC, where data is verified and orbits are calculated. It assigns official names or designations to newly discovered objects. It tracks asteroids, comets, and outer planet moons.

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Agnikul Cosmos has achieved a major milestone by successfully test-firing the Agnite Engine, marking progress in India’s private space sector. Agnite is the world’s largest single-piece 3D-printed booster engine, showcasing advanced additive manufacturing technology. It is part of a family of engines including Agnite and Agnilet, which are 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engines developed by Agnikul. These engines are specifically built to power the booster stage of Agnikul’s Agnibaan launch vehicle.

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Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) held its first Research Advisory Board meeting at Regional Centre for Biotechnology. BRIC is an apex autonomous body registered as a society. It was formed by merging 14 institutes of DBT (Department of Biotechnology). It provides centralized governance and funding through intra-mural core grants. It aims to build future scientific leaders and innovation ecosystem. It promotes cutting-edge biotech research aligned with national priorities. It works under Ministry of Science and Technology.

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Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has deployed ALAISA (Aluminium AI Support Agent: Artificial Intelligence-based assistant for industrial support). ALAISA is a humanoid, AI-powered assistant designed to enhance shop-floor efficiency, safety, and workforce capability. It is operational at BALCO’s Chhattisgarh smelter and acts as a real-time training and decision-support interface. It provides guidance on SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures: step-by-step work instructions), SMPs (Standard Maintenance Practices), and safety protocols.

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The Bombay High Court was informed that the Maharashtra government has not yet framed a policy to address Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal neurological disease. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), also known as Dawson disease, is a progressive and disabling brain disorder caused by a persistent infection of the measles (rubeola) virus. The disease typically develops several years after a person has recovered from measles, due to an abnormal immune response or mutated virus. It is a rare condition occurring in about one per 50,000 measles cases and mainly affects children and adolescents, with males being more vulnerable.

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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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A recent DNA study of a pre-Hispanic mummy found that the bacteria causing scarlet fever existed in the Americas even before European colonization. Scarlet Fever, also called scarlatina, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, which also causes strep throat and skin infections. It mainly affects children aged 5 to 15 years and is characterized by a bright red rash, sore throat, and high fever. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. There is no vaccine, but it is effectively treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, and untreated cases may lead to serious complications affecting the heart and kidneys.

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Recently, the Curiosity rover of NASA detected a mix of organic molecules on Mars, strengthening evidence about the planet’s past habitability. The Curiosity rover mission was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was launched on November 26, 2011, the rover is a key component of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission to study Gale Crater on Mars. Its objectives include studying whether life ever existed, understanding Mars’ climate and geology, and preparing for future human missions.