Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a plan to develop Amaravati as a global hub for quantum computing.
The initiative, Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV), aims to place Andhra Pradesh among the top 5 global quantum hubs by 2030, leveraging the National Quantum Mission. The first quantum computer is set to be launched on April 14, marking a major milestone. The ecosystem will include hardware manufacturing, algorithm development, research, and innovation labs, supported by 8 dedicated research towers. The state plans to develop core technologies locally (cryogenics, photonics, advanced electronics) to reduce import dependence and achieve end-to-end capabilities.

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Meta has launched a new artificial intelligence model, Muse Spark, under its Superintelligence Labs initiative. Muse Spark can perform tasks such as calorie estimation, object visualisation, and answering user queries. The model is currently available on Meta AI chatbot and will be expanded to WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Meta has acknowledged the feedback and plans to improve future versions of the model.

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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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Anthropic launched Project Glasswing to secure critical software infrastructure using advanced AI systems. The initiative involves a global coalition of major tech firms including Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. It uses Claude Mythos Preview, an advanced AI model, to detect and fix software vulnerabilities across sectors like banking, healthcare, and telecom. The model has identified critical flaws in operating systems and browsers, including vulnerabilities undetected for years.

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has established the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence-enabled geological and mining systems. The centre is funded with ₹15 crore over five years by Vikram Sodhi, Vice Chairman of Mineros SA. It aims to develop Artificial Intelligence-based solutions tailored to Indian geological and mining conditions. The initiative focuses on integrating the entire mining value chain including exploration, planning, processing, safety, and environmental management.

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Herbalife India and Indian Institute of Technology Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 17 April 2026 to establish a new research facility. The initiative sets up India’s first Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai. The centre aims to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in sustainable production of herbal biomass and phytochemicals. It focuses on plant cell fermentation for scalable and eco-friendly production of compounds for health and wellness.

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Scientists at CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology have developed “Designer Rice,” a functional food to address malnutrition. It is created by processing broken rice into flour, enriching it with protein, fibre, and micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and reforming it into rice-like grains. The technology has been transferred to Tata Consumer Products Limited for large-scale production. Unlike regular rice, it has higher protein (over 20%) and a low glycemic index (below 55). It helps manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.

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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.

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China has announced the discovery of a new lunar mineral named Cerium-Magnesium Changesite, adding to knowledge of extraterrestrial materials and lunar geology. The mineral was identified in a lunar meteorite called Pakepake 005, the first such meteorite found in China. This meteorite is a small spherical rock weighing about 44 grams with a dark molten outer layer. The mineral itself is colourless, transparent, and brittle, yet scientifically significant. It shows fluorescent properties, meaning it can emit light under certain conditions. This fluorescence has potential applications in advanced technologies like next-generation LED materials.

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Jordan recently signed the Artemis Accords at NASA Headquarters, expanding global participation in space governance. The Artemis Accords were launched in 2020 as a non-binding framework for guiding civil space exploration. It was co-led by NASA and the US Department of State along with founding nations like Australia, Japan, and the UK. India is also a signatory, highlighting its role in global space cooperation. The accords promote peaceful exploration and responsible use of outer space.