Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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A pilot plant for manufacturing Nd-Fe-B (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) rare earth permanent magnets has been established at International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The facility adopts an end-to-end “mineral-to-market” approach, covering processes from strip-cast alloy production to finished sintered magnets, enabling a self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem. Nd-Fe-B magnets are critical components used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence, address global supply chain vulnerabilities, and strengthen India’s position in the global rare earth value chain.

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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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NASA is set to launch the Artemis II mission, which is part of its broader lunar exploration programme. Artemis II is a key mission under the Artemis programme, aimed at returning humans to the Moon in a sustained and strategic manner. The mission will send four astronauts on a crewed journey around the Moon, marking a major step in human space exploration. It is part of efforts to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. The mission views the Moon as a platform for deeper space exploration, including future missions to Mars and beyond.

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Indian Space Research Organisation conducts the YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) to promote scientific temper among school students. The YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram) programme is an initiative of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The programme provides foundational knowledge in space technology, space science, and space applications, with special focus on students from rural areas. Its objective is to create awareness about emerging trends in science and encourage students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

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India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000-kilometre quantum communication network under the National Quantum Mission, a major breakthrough in secure communication technologies. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was launched by the Department of Science & Technology with an outlay of Rs.6003 crore for 2023-24 to 2030-31. Its objective is to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial research and development (R&D) and create an innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). It is one of nine initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

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Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease is resurging in the United States due to declining childhood vaccination rates. It is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b infection and mainly affects children under 5 years. It can cause mild infections (ear infections, bronchitis) and severe diseases like meningitis and bloodstream infections. Despite its name, it does not cause influenza (flu). Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing) and close contact. Symptoms vary depending on the infected body part; severe cases may lead to death or long-term complications.

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Herbalife India and Indian Institute of Technology Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 17 April 2026 to establish a new research facility. The initiative sets up India’s first Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai. The centre aims to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in sustainable production of herbal biomass and phytochemicals. It focuses on plant cell fermentation for scalable and eco-friendly production of compounds for health and wellness.

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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.

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Scientists from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, developed a smart material that can both store energy and indicate charge level through colour change. The material is an oxygen-deficient bimetallic oxide made of molybdenum and tungsten. It appears blue when charged and transparent when discharged, enabling real-time visual monitoring. The innovation uses oxygen vacancies to enhance ion movement and alter electronic structure. It was synthesised using the solvothermal method.

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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.