Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Haven-1 is planned as the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit (LEO). It is a single-module station and a precursor to the larger multi-module Haven-2. It is being developed by American aerospace company Vast with support from NASA and private partners. It will host short-duration missions for microgravity research, in-space manufacturing, and orbital tourism.

Notes:
Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) is a proposed multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered platform for farmers, announced in Union Budget 2026-27 by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. It will integrate AgriStack portals and ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) agricultural practices with AI systems. The platform aims to enhance farm productivity and reduce risks for farmers by providing customised, real-time advisory support to improve decision-making based on local conditions.

Notes:
The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the eSankhyiki portal. Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a technology that allows users to directly connect datasets with their own Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and applications. It provides a standard method to make official data accessible to Large Language Models (LLMs).

Notes:
Ministry of Science and Technology announced the establishment of Bio-AI Mulankur hubs to strengthen integration of biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Aim is to create integrated closed-loop research platforms where Artificial Intelligence based predictions are tested and validated in laboratories within the same system. This will reduce gap between computational research and experimental results. Initiative is aligned with BioE3 Policy, which stands for Biotechnology for Environment, Economy and Employment. It aims to promote sustainable development, economic growth and job creation through biotechnology. Implementing agencies are Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.

Notes:
Scientists discovered a gene that may protect bananas from Panama disease. Panama disease is also called Fusarium wilt. It is caused by fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense living in soil for many years. It mainly affects Cavendish or G9 banana cultivar, most widely grown variety. Fungus infects through roots and blocks water and nutrient transport. Due to severe impact, it is called banana cancer. Symptoms include yellowing of older leaves, turning brown and dry. Stem becomes dark brown and plant finally dies. Dead leaves hang around lower stem forming skirt-like structure.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have officially verified that Chile has eliminated Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. With this achievement, Chile has become the first country in the Americas and the second country globally to be officially verified as having eliminated the disease. Leprosy was first recorded in Chile in the late 19th century, primarily on Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island). The disease remained largely confined to the island, while mainland Chile experienced only occasional sporadic cases.

Notes:
Avataar is India’s first amphibious drone, launched on 5 March 2026 by AquaAirX Autonomous Systems. It can operate both in air and underwater, combining drone flight with submarine-like diving for surveillance. The project received ₹12.5 crore seed funding from Rainmatter. It has reached TRL-6 (Technology Readiness Level-6), meaning a working prototype tested in real environments. It is built with carbon fibre body and anti-corrosion coatings to resist saltwater damage.

Notes:
The Centre for Development of Telematics, an autonomous telecom research and development body under the Department of Telecommunications, organised a Demo Day for 18 startups under the Samarth Incubation Programme (Cohort-II) at NBCC Convention Hall. The Samarth incubation programme, launched in March 2025, by Centre for Development of Telematics. It aims to support startups in the telecom and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors and strengthen India’s digital innovation ecosystem.

Notes:
New research confirmed that the Silverpit Crater was formed by a massive asteroid impact millions of years ago. It lies about 700 metres beneath the seabed in the North Sea, nearly 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire. The crater was buried under thick sediment layers and was discovered only in 2002. It formed when a high-velocity space rock struck the seabed around 43–46 million years ago. Scientists found “shocked” quartz and feldspar crystals, which form only under extreme pressure during asteroid impacts. The crater is about 3 km wide and surrounded by circular faults extending nearly 20 km.

Notes:
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.