Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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In July 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the “Kalaa Setu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat” Challenge. It was introduced through the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) for inclusive communication. The challenge invites top AI startups to create scalable tools that convert text into audio, video, and graphic content. These tools must support multiple Indian languages for real-time information delivery. The goal is to help government bodies communicate using regionally relevant formats like infographics, video explainers, and audio capsules.

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In July 2025, Kerala’s rubber plantations faced a major threat from a beetle-fungus alliance causing severe leaf fall, tree drying, and reduced latex output. Researchers at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur, identified the parasite as the ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus). It hosts two fungi — Fusarium ambrosia and Fusarium solani, marking the first report of F. solani with adult ambrosia beetles. The beetles bore tunnels in trees, farm fungi, and feed on fungal mycelia, while fungi weaken the tree’s structure with enzymes. These beetles were first reported in India in 2012 from cashew trees in Goa.

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Recently, African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak was confirmed at a pig farm in Ravas Brahmanan village, Patiala, Punjab. District authorities have taken immediate action to contain the spread. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars. It does not affect humans or other animal species. It causes high mortality (up to 90–100%) and severely impacts pig farming. It originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Europe, Asia, and Africa. In India, it was first detected in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in Feb–Mar 2020.

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Indian space-tech startup Dhruva Space is set to launch its first commercial satellite mission named LEAP-1. LEAP-1 will carry payloads for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Earth observation. It uses the indigenously developed P-30 satellite platform, which was space-qualified on ISRO’s PSLV-C58 in January 2024 during the LEAP-TD mission. The mission is jointly developed by Dhruva Space, Akula Tech (Australia), and Esper Satellites (Australia).

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V. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Thoothukudi, became the first Indian port to produce green hydrogen and achieve over 1 MW rooftop solar power generation. The announcement came during the Green Ports and Shipping Conference under NAVIC Cell-3 (Green Initiatives and Pollution Control), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The event is part of roadshows ahead of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, showcasing maritime sustainability and innovation. The conference discussed maritime decarbonisation, green financing, and policy frameworks for achieving India’s 2070 net-zero target.

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IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD) and National Cancer Grid (NCG) launched the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program. The program supports Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for cancer screening, diagnostics, treatment support, and healthcare operations in India. Grants of up to ₹50 lakh per project will be co-funded by IndiaAI and NCG for selected technology–clinical teams.

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Recently, IIT Roorkee developed a new drug candidate, Compound 3b, to fight deadly drug-resistant bacteria. It targets KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, a World Health Organization (WHO) top-priority superbug. Compound 3b is a β-lactamase inhibitor that stops bacterial enzymes from breaking down antibiotics. It works with the antibiotic Meropenem, restoring its effectiveness against resistant infections. Preclinical lab and animal tests showed major infection reduction in lungs and safety to human cells. It marks a major step against antimicrobial resistance and boosts India’s role in global biomedical research.

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Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first ‘Animal Stem Cell Biobank’ at National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad. NIAB is under Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Research Innovation Council (BRIC). The Biobank will store high-quality stem cells from various animal species and supply cost-effective culture media to veterinary clinics, research bodies, and industry.

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India recently launched its first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation. It is developed by a private consortium led by Pixxel Space under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The satellites carry advanced sensors like Panchromatic, Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Microwave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). They will provide Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS). This reduces India’s dependence on foreign satellite data and ensures national data sovereignty. It positions India as a global leader in geospatial intelligence

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Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated a state-of-the-art space laboratory at Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district. The lab is named Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory in honour of his late father. It was set up at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Muskaan Foundation. The lab will provide students hands-on experience in space science and technology. It aims to foster curiosity, innovation, and scientific thinking among youth.