Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has launched a “moonshot” research project to develop brain co-processors, which will combine neuromorphic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore human brain functions. The initiative is financially supported by the Pratiksha Trust. The project aims to develop both implantable and non-invasive brain co-processors capable of decoding neural signals from brain recordings, processing these signals using AI algorithms, and sending them back to the brain through neural stimulation or neurofeedback.

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A recent study has warned that more than one-third of Africa is at risk of the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which is a highly destructive disease affecting cassava crops. CBSD is considered one of the most devastating diseases of cassava, as it severely reduces both the production and quality of cassava tubers (roots), which are an important staple food in many African countries. The disease was first identified in the mid-20th century in the coastal regions of East Africa, and since then it has spread significantly across the African continent.

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Health officials in Maryland, United States recently reported an increase in mumps cases and issued a health alert. Mumps is a contagious viral disease caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus group. The disease mainly causes painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands (parotitis) near the ears and jaw. Humans are the only host, and the virus spreads through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or contact with infected saliva. There is no specific treatment, and medicines mainly relieve symptoms.

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Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a new MXene-based material for hydrogen fuel production and seawater desalination. The material shows very low Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) overpotential of 12 mV, better than Platinum/Carbon (Pt/C) electrodes, indicating high efficiency. Hydrogen is a clean fuel producing only water, but current production depends on fossil fuels, so this method offers a sustainable alternative. The material also enables solar-powered desalination, addressing the shortage of safe drinking water. Scientists modified MXene into ultra-thin ribbon-like structures to increase surface area and improve charge transport.

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Delhi government and Indian Institute of Technology Madras are studying “smog-eating” photocatalytic road coatings to reduce air pollution. The coating neutralizes harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide and volatile hydrocarbons present in polluted air. It mainly uses Titanium dioxide which is low-cost, chemically stable and compatible with construction materials. Titanium dioxide-based materials help in gaseous depollution and environmental cleaning. Photocatalysis works by using light energy to break down harmful pollutants and organic waste into less toxic or harmless substances. This process helps improve air quality and contributes to cleaner environment.

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Scientists at the Bose Institute discovered a new gene regulation mechanism in Tuberculosis bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Transcription is the process where DNA is copied into RNA by RNA Polymerase (RNAP) for protein synthesis. Earlier, bacteria were believed to follow the Sigma Cycle, where sigma factor binds RNAP to initiate transcription and then detaches. The study found that in TB bacteria, the sigma factor (σF) remains continuously attached to RNAP throughout transcription. This continuous binding helps activate survival genes, enabling bacteria to persist in hostile conditions inside the human body.

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Recent research shows PACE Satellite can detect nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution at very fine scales, identifying emissions from individual factories and highways. This is a major advancement in air quality monitoring and environmental governance. PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and Ocean Ecosystem) is a NASA satellite mission. It was launched in 2024 into a Sun-synchronous orbit for consistent global observation. It provides hyperspectral coverage of Earth every 1–2 days. It improves climate studies by offering finer wavelength resolution than earlier satellites.

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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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Recently, China unveiled the Atlas Drone Swarm System, an advanced military technology. It is a mobile drone swarm unit capable of launching and controlling nearly 100 drones with a single operator. It was developed by China Electronic Technology Group Corporation. The system integrates artificial intelligence with swarm technology for coordinated operations. It functions as a mini battlefield network on wheels, enabling rapid deployment.

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Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. It is a wide-field space observatory designed to survey large regions of the universe and detect exoplanets. It will study dark matter and dark energy, which together make up about 95% of the universe. The telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman, known as the “mother of the Hubble Space Telescope.” It costs about USD 4 billion and will be placed 1.5 million km from Earth.