Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Department of Health and Human Services recently confirmed the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, in the United States. New World screwworm is a blue-grey blowfly usually found in South America and the Caribbean. Its larvae burrow screwlike into living tissue, causing dangerous infestations. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or cavities, with up to 3,000 eggs in their lifespan. Symptoms include non-healing wounds, bleeding, foul smell, and sensation of movement. Infestation is extremely painful and can be fatal if untreated.

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OpenAI has launched the Learning Accelerator program in India to empower the education ecosystem with Artificial Intelligence (AI). India is one of the largest ChatGPT markets, with millions of students using AI for assignments, research, and learning. The initiative will distribute 5 lakh ChatGPT licences to students and educators across schools, universities, and research institutes. Government schools (Classes 1–12) will receive ChatGPT access through the Ministry of Education for lesson planning and personalized student engagement. Technical institutes under All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) will get AI tools for skill-building.

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For decades, aspirin was the main drug to prevent heart attacks and strokes. A new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress and published in The Lancet shows clopidogrel, a blood-thinning antiplatelet drug, may be more effective. Review of seven clinical trials with 29,000 coronary artery disease patients found clopidogrel 14% more effective than aspirin in lowering major cardiovascular risks. Importantly, there was no higher risk of serious bleeding compared to aspirin. Clopidogrel (a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor) works by blocking platelet receptors to stop dangerous blood clots. It is low-cost, widely available, and safe, making it a strong candidate to replace aspirin in treatment guidelines.

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Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) proposed a mission called PRATUSH to study the Cosmic Dawn. PRATUSH stands for Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen. It is a radio telescope to be placed on the far side of the Moon. It is built by Raman Research Institute (RRI) Bengaluru with collaboration from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will use a wideband antenna (30–250 MHz), a self-calibratable analog receiver, and a digital correlator with 100 kHz spectral resolution. It will observe large sky regions continuously and record spectra of radio emission. Its nominal lifetime is two years to collect high-quality data.

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Scientists have found that tiny interstellar dust grains act as storytellers of the universe. A team led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, provided the strongest observational evidence of how these dust grains align with magnetic fields in the Milky Way. Dust grains are a few micrometers in size, made of silicates and carbonaceous material, and exist throughout the interstellar medium. They play a key role in star and planet formation and cause starlight polarization detected since 1949.

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Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi, launched the city’s first Central Tissue Bank for bone grafting in dental surgeries. The facility was inaugurated by Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh. Bone grafting helps reverse jawbone loss and supports dental implants, dentures, and tissue regeneration. The tissue bank provides ready access to high-quality bone and soft tissue grafts, reducing cost and addressing limited availability.

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The Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Prayas,” an Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, on the 10th Ayurveda Day. “Prayas” is among the first multidisciplinary centres in India integrating Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics. The facility focuses on holistic neuro-rehabilitation, especially for children with neurological and developmental conditions. It aims to provide treatment, research, training, and renewed quality of life for patients. The initiative aligns with India’s National Health Policy and global integrative healthcare practices.

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Recently, Central University of Rajasthan (CUoR) conducted the first successful wheat cultivation in arid land using desert ‘soilification’ technology. The experiment aims to stop the expansion of western Rajasthan’s Thar desert towards the National Capital Region. Desert sand was converted into soil using polymers and indigenous bioformulation, enhancing water retention and soil structure. The project was supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the State Horticulture Department. The experiment proves that even barren desert land can become productive with biotechnology.

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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 Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA (Differentiated between Infected and Vaccinated Animal) marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Anand, Gujarat. IBR is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), belonging to the genus Varicellovirus under Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. It mainly affects domestic and wild cattle. The disease has three forms – respiratory, genital and encephalitic, with respiratory and genital being common. Transmission occurs through aerosols and semen from bulls to milch animals, impacting the reproductive system.