Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Andhra Pradesh has launched India’s first quantum test facilities under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative on the occasion of World Quantum Day (April 14). The facilities include two Quantum Reference Facilities at SRM University, Amaravati and Medha Towers, Gannavaram, creating India’s first quantum test and certification ecosystem. The systems operate at extremely low temperatures (near −273°C) and support advanced quantum research and innovation. The initiative promotes collaboration among academia, startups, and industry, with support from institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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Diphtheria is re-emerging in parts of Australia despite being largely controlled earlier, raising public health concerns. It is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a harmful toxin. The disease mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, especially the throat, nose, and tonsils, and sometimes the skin. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with infected wounds, and even asymptomatic individuals can transmit it.

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India has introduced the SACHET Cell Broadcast system as an indigenous emergency alert service. SACHET (meaning “alert”) is designed to deliver real-time warnings directly to mobile users in geo-targeted areas. The system was launched by the Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority. It sends instant alerts during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and emergencies like wars or gas leaks. A nationwide test message with a siren sound was recently conducted to check its effectiveness. The system uses cell broadcast technology, which is faster and more efficient than traditional SMS alerts

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The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory at SRM Institute of Science and Technology under Mission Mausam. The facility was inaugurated in Chennai by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 6 May 2026. The observatory contains around 15 advanced instruments worth more than ₹60 crore and can monitor nearly 50 atmospheric parameters. It will improve weather forecasting by studying aerosols, wind flow, temperature, sea breeze, land breeze, clouds, and rainfall patterns. The Chennai Urban Testbed is the first comprehensive observatory of its kind in India.

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Dhruva Space secured ₹105 crore under the Research, Development & Innovation Fund for “Project Garud.” Project Garud is a satellite platform programme focused on developing a flat-pack 500 kg-class satellite platform for scalable and high-volume manufacturing. The project aims to bridge the gap between small experimental satellites and large traditional spacecraft systems. The platform is designed for applications in telecommunications, national security, Earth observation, and data-driven services. Its flat-pack architecture enables efficient launch stacking, faster integration, and quicker deployment timelines.

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Around 70 cattle recently died in Kendrapada district due to Rumen Fluke Disease, locally called “Kurmi.” Rumen flukes are parasitic worms affecting ruminant animals such as cattle and buffaloes. Adult parasites live in the rumen (stomach), while immature larvae inhabit the small intestine. The disease caused by these parasites is known as paramphistomosis. The disease can be treated using anthelmintic medicines and managed through proper grazing and pasture control.

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Kerala recently witnessed a severe outbreak of shigellosis disease, resulting in multiple hospitalisations. Shigellosis is a highly contagious intestinal infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Shigella. It is the second leading cause of diarrhoeal deaths worldwide after Rotavirus. The disease spreads through the faecal-oral route via contaminated food, water, poor hygiene, and sometimes sexual contact. Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea (bacillary dysentery), fever, abdominal cramps, and inflammation of the colon. Severe cases may lead to complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome and reactive arthritis.

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras released ANCHOR, the world’s most detailed 3D atlas of the human brainstem. ANCHOR stands for Atlas of Neurochemical Characterisation of the Human Brainstem with 3D Reconstruction. It was developed by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre using advanced brain imaging and computing platforms. The atlas provides multimodal 3D maps of the human brainstem covering prenatal, childhood, and adult stages.

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Japan successfully launched the H3-30 rocket, a low-cost variant of its next-generation H3 launch vehicle. The rocket was launched from Tanegashima Space Center. It was developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The H3-30 successfully deployed its payload into orbit. It is designed to replace the H-IIA rocket. The rocket uses three LE-9 liquid-fuel engines. Unlike earlier variants, it does not use solid rocket boosters, reducing cost and complexity.

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The KCC Space Technology & Research Program 2026 was launched by Chandigarh University.The program was initiated through the university’s Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC) in collaboration with prominent scientific organizations, including scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The initiative aims to provide students with exposure to space technology, satellite systems, semiconductors, AI, and quantum technologies. The programme promotes research, innovation, and workforce development in strategic technology sectors.