Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Indian astronomers from the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics discovered five rapidly spinning neutron stars (millisecond pulsars). The discovery was made using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) after nearly two years of observations. The pulsars were found in the ancient globular clusters Messier 69 and Messier 70. Millisecond pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars formed after massive stars explode as supernovae. These stellar remnants can be “spun up” by pulling material from a companion star, causing them to rotate hundreds of times per second.

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Scientists at Raiganj University discovered a new bacterial species named Micromonospora shyamaprasadii. It was discovered in West Bengal from the mulberry rhizosphere (soil around mulberry roots). The species was named in honour of Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary. The bacterium shows antibiotic potential by producing compounds that inhibit harmful bacteria.

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Recently, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency announced that the Hayabusa2 probe successfully performed a close flyby (within 800 metres) of the near-Earth asteroid Torifune. Torifune is a primitive near-Earth asteroid (NEA) with an estimated diameter of about 450 metres and is classified as a near-Earth object (NEO). It has an elongated shape and completes one rotation in about five hours. Hayabusa2 is Japan’s robotic deep-space probe, currently on its extended mission after returning asteroid samples from Ryugu in 2020.

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Recently, China launched its latest oceanographic satellite, HY-2E (Haiyang-2E), aboard a Long March 4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. HY-2E is designed to replace HY-2B (launched in 2018) and will operate alongside HY-2C and HY-2D. It was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). The satellite carries four microwave remote sensing payloads, including a radar altimeter, microwave radiometer, microwave scatterometer, and calibration radiometer to monitor the global marine environment.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vepdegestrant for Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1)-mutated, ER-positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer. It is the world’s first FDA-approved therapy based on PROTAC (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera) technology. PROTACs are designed to degrade harmful proteins rather than merely block them. A PROTAC molecule binds the target protein and an E3 ligase, triggering targeted protein degradation via the cell’s protein disposal system. Unlike conventional drugs, PROTACs act catalytically, allowing one molecule to degrade multiple target proteins.

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Former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran recently passed away after battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but life-threatening immune system disorder. In Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the body’s own healthy tissues and organs. The condition causes severe inflammation, affecting organs such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and brain. If left untreated, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) can become fatal.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorised Reflect Orbital to launch and operate Eärendil-1 test satellite. Eärendil-1 is named after a character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion. The satellite will operate in a non-geostationary orbit at an altitude of about 625 km with an inclination of 88°. It is equipped with a motorised thin-film reflector to direct sunlight to selected locations on Earth at night. The technology aims to extend solar power generation and support emergency and humanitarian operations. The FCC has granted a two-year test licence.

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Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, under Mission Aagaman. The launch took place from ISRO’s First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh). Vikram-1 is a four-stage launch vehicle designed to place small satellites into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The rocket is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. The mission marks India’s first private attempt at an orbital launch, a major milestone for the country’s commercial space sector.

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QDENGA (TAK-003) has become India’s first approved dengue vaccine, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on 20 July 2026. It is developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals (Japan). QDENGA is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine, providing protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). It is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The vaccine does not require pre-vaccination screening and can be administered regardless of prior dengue infection.

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India has approved its first indigenous utility-scale 100 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRFB BESS). The project will be established at Khavda Solar Park, Gujarat. It is owned by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL). The project is scheduled for deployment in 2027 and includes 10 years of operations and maintenance. VRFB technology uses vanadium-based liquid electrolytes instead of lithium, offering longer life, improved safety, and scalable energy storage. The project will strengthen renewable energy integration and India’s energy security.