Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry and wild birds, recently reported spreading across Europe and the United Kingdom (UK). It is caused by Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 1 (APMV-1) and has global distribution. It occurs in three forms: lentogenic (mild), mesogenic (moderate), and velogenic (highly virulent). Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, exhaled air, and feces of infected birds. Symptoms include respiratory distress (gasping, coughing), nervous signs (paralysis, twisted neck), and diarrhoea.

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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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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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Recently, Rocklink India Pvt. Ltd. set up an integrated recycling facility in Sikandrabad UPSIDC Industrial Area, Uttar Pradesh. The plant focuses on recycling lithium-ion batteries, rare earth magnets, and metal-bearing industrial waste. It has a capacity of 10,000 tonnes/year for lithium-ion batteries and 60 tonnes/month for rare-earth magnets. A rare-earth chloride processing unit (1,500 tonnes/year) is planned for 2026. The initiative supports domestic recovery of critical minerals and promotes a circular economy.

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China has announced the discovery of a new lunar mineral named Cerium-Magnesium Changesite, adding to knowledge of extraterrestrial materials and lunar geology. The mineral was identified in a lunar meteorite called Pakepake 005, the first such meteorite found in China. This meteorite is a small spherical rock weighing about 44 grams with a dark molten outer layer. The mineral itself is colourless, transparent, and brittle, yet scientifically significant. It shows fluorescent properties, meaning it can emit light under certain conditions. This fluorescence has potential applications in advanced technologies like next-generation LED materials.

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A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a Netherlands-based cruise ship has caused deaths and illnesses. Hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from rodent droppings, saliva, or urine. It causes two major diseases: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), affecting the lungs, and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys. Symptoms begin with flu-like signs such as fever and fatigue, followed by respiratory distress after a few days. There is no specific treatment, and management mainly involves supportive care such as rest and fluids.

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Department of Biotechnology organised the UMMID event in New Delhi. UMMID stands for “Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders” and focuses on diagnosis, counselling, screening, and management of rare genetic diseases. The programme aims to promote genome-based, precision-driven, and personalised healthcare in India. It was launched by the Department of Biotechnology to improve access to genetic diagnostics and treatment for inherited disorders. During the event, the UMMID Compendium and UMMID Dashboard were also launched to strengthen monitoring, diagnostics, and outreach. The initiative has benefited nearly three lakh individuals and established around 30 NIDAN Kendras for advanced diagnostics and counselling.

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GigaAI, a robotics startup in China, has developed the SeeLight S1, described as one of the first commercial robotic butlers for household use. The robot was developed by GigaAI, a startup backed by Huawei’s investment arm. The humanoid robot can perform household tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, making beds, and opening curtains. China is promoting such robotics technologies to address labour shortages and demographic challenges.

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Geologists discovered a rare microscopic sunflower-shaped form of Pyrite in lignite coal reserves of Gujarat. Pyrite is a naturally occurring iron disulfide mineral. It is commonly known as “fool’s gold” because of its resemblance to gold. Pyrite has a brass-yellow colour and metallic lustre. Its name comes from the Greek word pyr meaning “fire,” as it produces sparks when struck with metal. Pyrite occurs in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal deposits, coal beds, and even fossils.