Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS) at Ahmedabad Civil Medical College completed 500 kidney transplants in 2025, setting a national record for a public hospital. Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS) is the only government-run hospital in India to perform 500 kidney transplants in a single year, reinforcing its leadership in kidney transplantation. The institute operates under Gujarat government’s Health Department and provides advanced medical care to economically weaker patients.

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Recently, the government announced relaxation for deep-tech startups to get recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP). It is a Research and Development (R&D) programme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. The programme supports research in Engineering Science, Environmental Science, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agricultural, Medical, and Social Sciences. Funding and recognition are provided by DSIR.

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Astronomers from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences studied the W Ursae Majoris (W UMa) star. They used data from Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope and NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). W UMa is a low-mass contact binary and an eclipsing binary variable star. The two stars share a single outer atmosphere and orbit each other. W UMa stars show light curves with nearly equal minima and continuous brightness variation. Studying W UMa helps determine stellar masses, radii, and temperatures, aiding understanding of stellar evolution.

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Recently, a new microscopic crustacean named Indiaphonte bijoyi was discovered in the Kavaratti lagoon of the Lakshadweep islands. It is a tiny crustacean belonging to the family Laophontidae under the Copepoda class. The species lives within sediments of aquatic environments, making it a sediment-dwelling organism. It has a semi-cylindrical and slightly flattened body, broader at the centre and narrowing towards the rear end. It is classified as meiofauna, meaning very small invertebrate animals measuring less than one millimetre in size.

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A 29-year-old man in Karnataka died after contracting Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also called monkey fever. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease mostly found in southern India, first reported in 1957 from Kyasanur Forest, Karnataka. The virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, part of the tick-borne encephalitis complex. It is called monkey fever due to its association with monkey deaths.

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A rare blood-red aurora was recorded at the Indian Astronomical Observatory using an all-sky camera in Hanle, Ladakh. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is located at about 4,500 metres altitude in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It lies within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and has Bortle-1 category skies, the darkest level. It was notified in December 2022 and is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. The reserve is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics under the Department of Science and Technology. It aims to reduce light pollution and promote astro-tourism for local livelihoods.

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India entered the quantum era with the launch of the Amaravati Quantum Valley on 8 February 2026. It is supported by the ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission to make India a global deep-tech power. The Amaravati Quantum Valley is India’s first integrated quantum ecosystem spread over 50 acres. It brings together government, universities, and companies like International Business Machines (IBM) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). It is located in Andhra Pradesh. It will support healthcare, finance, defence, secure communication, and create jobs while strengthening national security.

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In the Union Budget, the government approved National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) and National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope. National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is a 2-metre aperture solar telescope being set up at Merak near Pangong Tso Lake. It will study the Sun in visible and near-infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. It will help in understanding solar dynamics, magnetism and space weather affecting Earth and satellites. National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) will become India’s third ground-based solar observatory.

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Ministry of Science and Technology launched the BIRAC-Research, Development and Innovation Fund in New Delhi for biotechnology and related sectors. The fund aims to promote deep tech innovations and indigenous manufacturing with national impact. India’s bioeconomy has grown significantly over the past decade, from $8 billion in 2014. The launch reflects a government approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positioning India for a global role in biotechnology. The number of biotechnology startups in India has increased to nearly 11,000 today.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a qualification-level load test of the Gaganyaan drogue parachute at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh. This marks a major milestone in India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The drogue parachute is a key part of the Crew Module deceleration system. It deploys during atmospheric re-entry to stabilize the module and reduce speed before the main parachutes open. It was jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research and Development Organisation.