Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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In January 2026, Microsoft launched its second-generation in-house artificial intelligence (AI) processor called Maia 200. It builds on the first Maia chip that was introduced by Microsoft in 2023. The Maia 200 chip is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). It uses advanced 3-nanometer (nm) process technology and includes high-bandwidth memory. The chip is currently operational at a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, marking its first live deployment. Microsoft plans to expand its deployment to other data centres. Maia 200 offers higher computing power, faster memory bandwidth, and better energy efficiency.

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Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) is a proposed multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered platform for farmers, announced in Union Budget 2026-27 by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. It will integrate AgriStack portals and ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) agricultural practices with AI systems. The platform aims to enhance farm productivity and reduce risks for farmers by providing customised, real-time advisory support to improve decision-making based on local conditions.

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first open call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The initiative has been launched under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to support indigenous technology commercialisation. The RDI Fund provides long-term, low-interest financing to high-risk, high-impact private sector innovations. It has a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore with 2–4 percent interest and repayment up to 15 years. The first call targets Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above projects in areas like artificial intelligence and deep-tech.

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The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the eSankhyiki portal. Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a technology that allows users to directly connect datasets with their own Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and applications. It provides a standard method to make official data accessible to Large Language Models (LLMs).

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A new study shows that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), widely used in India to detect type-2 diabetes, may not always show the true blood glucose level. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that tells the average blood sugar level of the last two to three months. The test measures the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) whose hemoglobin is coated with glucose. This works because glucose sticks to hemoglobin for the full life of RBCs, which is about three months. A high HbA1c value means long-term high blood sugar, indicating diabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart, kidney, and nerve diseases.

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Kerala has become the first Indian state to officially declare a state microbe, selecting the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) in Thiruvananthapuram. Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) operates under the motto “Microbes for Life” and focuses on how microbes impact sustainability, health, and the environment. It is the first Indian institute to unify microbiome-based translational research across humans, animals, plants, aquatic systems, and environmental media.

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India’s first government-supported National Biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) was launched in February 2026 at the Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology (FRIGE) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). This facility stores biological samples and data from 530 patients across 15 states to advance research, develop affordable diagnostic tools, and improve treatment for rare metabolic disorders.

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Ministry of Science and Technology announced the establishment of Bio-AI Mulankur hubs to strengthen integration of biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Aim is to create integrated closed-loop research platforms where Artificial Intelligence based predictions are tested and validated in laboratories within the same system. This will reduce gap between computational research and experimental results. Initiative is aligned with BioE3 Policy, which stands for Biotechnology for Environment, Economy and Employment. It aims to promote sustainable development, economic growth and job creation through biotechnology. Implementing agencies are Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.

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Google launched Nano Banana 2, its new Artificial Intelligence image generation and editing tool. It is also called Gemini 3.1 Flash Image and replaces Nano Banana Pro with faster performance and high-quality results. It improves text rendering, subject consistency and real-time web content integration. It is integrated across Google Search AI Mode, Google Lens, AI Studio, Gemini Application Programming Interface and Vertex AI. It is available in 141 more countries including India.

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Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Satcom Industry Association of India released cyber security guidelines for India’s space ecosystem. The guidelines were unveiled at the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi. The framework follows a “defense in depth, breadth and height” approach and integrates public-private perspectives. CERT-In operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, providing 24×7 incident response services. SIA-India represents India’s satellite sector, including operators, manufacturers, startups, academia, and legal firms, to shape policy and promote global collaboration.