Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, are developing a nanotechnology-based tool for early detection of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a rapidly growing neurological disorder in India, often diagnosed after significant neurodegeneration. The team focused on α-synuclein, a protein that changes from harmless to toxic forms, damaging brain cells. They created gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), ultrasmall particles coated with amino acids to selectively bind normal or toxic protein forms. The tool enables early-stage detection, improving treatment, quality of life, and reducing healthcare costs.

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The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has recently issued the Revised National Action Plan on Glanders. Glanders is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and mainly affects equines like horses, mules, and donkeys, with risks to other animals and humans. It causes nodules and ulcerations in the respiratory tract and lungs, with a skin form known as farcy. Transmission occurs through contaminated food or water, infected harness equipment, or horse meat. It is a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed disease and must be notified under the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

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Russia has launched EnteroMix, a new mRNA-based cancer vaccine, reported to show 100 percent efficacy in early trials. It was developed by the National Medical Research Radiology Centre (NMRRC) and Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology under the Russian Academy of Sciences. The launch took place at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) and shared globally via Sputnik news service. The vaccine targets colorectal cancer first, with versions in development for glioblastoma and melanoma. EnteroMix uses four harmless viruses to attack cancer cells and boost immune defence. Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) confirmed its safety for repeated use and personalised RNA-based tailoring.

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Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad. The pad is based on the red ivy plant, locally called murikooti pacha, scientifically Strobilanthes alternata of the Acanthaceae family. Scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemical Nanotechnology of JNTBGRI isolated a new molecule, acteoside, from red ivy for the first time. Acteoside shows high efficacy even at 0.2% concentration and is the key ingredient in the pad. The pad uses electro-spun nanofiber layers made from biodegradable, non-toxic, FDA-approved polymers. Red ivy has long been used in traditional medicine for treating cuts and wounds.

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Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) has been nominated as a United Nations (UN) Centre of Excellence (COE) for Artificial Intelligence (AI), capacity building, and skilling. The nomination was announced by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. The Centre of Excellence will operate under the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) to support the Global South in AI capacity building. India’s AI mantra is “capacity is the new connectivity” to bridge global AI gaps.

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On Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR’s) Foundation Day, 26th September 2025, the SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) system facility was inaugurated at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi. The facility was designed and developed by CSIR–Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal. The SODAR system will provide additional atmospheric data for improved weather forecasting and research.

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Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a new siphon-based thermal desalination system for clean drinking water. Traditional solar stills face salt buildup and scaling limits restricting output. The system uses a composite siphon of fabric wick and grooved metallic surface to draw water and flush out salt before crystallization. It is low-cost, scalable, and sustainable, made from aluminum and fabric, powered by solar or waste heat. It is useful for off-grid areas, disaster zones, coastal and island communities facing water stress.

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The death toll in the stampede at Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Velusamypuram has risen to 41. Doctors reported most fatalities were due to compressive asphyxia caused by crowd crush. Asphyxia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen. Respiration moves oxygen into the lungs and circulates it via blood to all body cells, while carbon dioxide is removed. Lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death. Compressive asphyxia happens when an external force prevents chest expansion, crushing the lungs and stopping breathing. This can occur in crowded situations or from a person’s weight on the chest.

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The Philippines has launched Southeast Asia’s first Coral Larvae Cryobank, a major step to protect marine biodiversity. The cryobank is a scientific facility that freezes and stores coral larvae at ultra-low temperatures. It preserves the genetic material of corals for future reef restoration and scientific research. The facility acts like a “genetic seed vault” for corals to help safeguard biodiversity from climate change and coral bleaching. The project is part of the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are jointly participating in this regional conservation effort.

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Meta Platforms has chosen Mumbai and Visakhapatnam as landing sites for its undersea cable project named Waterworth. Undersea cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor to transmit information globally. They form the backbone of the international internet. Around 90% of global data and 80% of world trade are carried through undersea cables. They also facilitate approximately $10 trillion of financial transactions annually. The project will strengthen India’s connectivity with global digital networks and support faster internet and data services.