Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched India’s first Undergraduate Minor Program in Quantum Technologies, designed to prepare students for the quantum revolution. This program covers four verticals: Quantum Computation, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Materials. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a skilled workforce for innovation in quantum technologies. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning and is open to engineering students from their third semester, ensuring practical experience and interdisciplinary appeal in this cutting-edge field.

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Norovirus outbreaks in the United States (U.S.) have risen sharply, with 91 cases in early December, up from 69 in late November. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing gastroenteritis, also known as the “stomach flu” or “winter vomiting bug.” It affects people of all ages and spreads quickly through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or close contact. Noroviruses cause 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and nearly 50% of cases worldwide. People can get infected multiple times due to the variety of norovirus strains. Preventive measures focus on hygiene and proper food handling to limit its spread.

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The SSI Mantra surgical robot, recently approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is India’s first indigenous robotic surgery system. Installed at Noble Hospitals in Pune, it features five robotic arms and advanced imaging technology. This innovative system enables minimally invasive surgeries, leading to faster recovery for patients. The SSI Mantra is part of a growing field of robotic surgery that enhances precision and control, making complex procedures more accessible. Its introduction marks a significant advancement in India’s healthcare technology landscape, promising better patient outcomes across various surgical disciplines.

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Google launched the quantum processor ‘Willow,’ advancing quantum computing to solve practical problems. Willow has 105 physical qubits and operates at near absolute zero temperatures (-273.15°C). It features better error correction and faster performance than other quantum computers. The coherence time of Willow’s qubits is around 100 microseconds, improved by error correction. Willow’s architecture enables lower error rates with more qubits. It outperformed classical computers in testing, completing a Random Circuit Sampling task in minutes.

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Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an affordable device to diagnose and manage tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source, often caused by age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory issues. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and other phantom noises like buzzing or roaring. The new device offers a comprehensive approach with precise tinnitus matching, customizable treatment, and tracking tools to monitor disease progression. It aims to provide personalized care for patients based on their unique conditions.

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Researchers developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus. Ebola is caused by ortho ebola viruses, discovered in 1976 in the Congo, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus gets its name from the Ebola River in Congo. Fruit bats are natural hosts, and it spreads through contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, and often death. The average fatality rate is around 50%. There is no cure exists for Ebola. Experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies have been used. Treatment focuses on fluid balance, blood plasma, and early intervention for better recovery chances.

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Hyderabad is seeing an increase in scarlet fever cases among children aged 5 to 15, along with other viral fevers during winter. Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that causes a red rash, sore throat, and fever. It’s caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, also known as strep throat bacteria. Symptoms include a bright red, sunburn-like rash, sore throat, high fever, and peeling skin on hands and feet. Antibiotics can fully treat scarlet fever, but patients must complete the entire course. If untreated, scarlet fever can cause serious complications like kidney damage, heart issues, and pneumonia.

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India becomes the fourth country to successfully achieve Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), after the US, Russia, and China. The technology allows two satellites to dock in space, enabling the assembly of larger modules and overcoming rocket payload limits. This technology is crucial for long-duration missions, Mars exploration, lunar sample return, and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station for resupply and crewed missions.

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Chinese researchers developed a new voice-based method for early Alzheimer’s detection. The study was led by Prof. Li Hai at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It affects thinking, learning, and organizing skills over time. It is the most common type of dementia, making up 60-80% of cases. The disease impacts brain regions responsible for thought, memory, and language.

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Pune district in Maharashtra is the worst-hit region for Zika virus in India, with 125 out of 151 cases reported in 2024. Maharashtra recorded 140 cases, followed by Karnataka (10) and Gujarat (1). The Zika virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and yellow fever. It can cause microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. The virus was discovered in the Zika Forest, Uganda (1947), and the first human case was reported in 1952. A major Zika outbreak occurred in Brazil (2015).