Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Astronomers from Indian Institute of Astrophysics discovered the origin of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) shock for the first time. The CME-driven shock was recorded forming at a distance of about 1,30,000 km above the solar surface. This is the first confirmed detection of the “birth stage” of CME shocks, resolving a long-standing debate about their origin. Instruments used include the Gauribidanur Radio Telescope and Aditya-L1’s Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload. Detecting shocks at onset helps predict solar storms more accurately and protects satellites, GPS systems, and power grids from damage.

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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has launched a “moonshot” research project to develop brain co-processors, which will combine neuromorphic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore human brain functions. The initiative is financially supported by the Pratiksha Trust. The project aims to develop both implantable and non-invasive brain co-processors capable of decoding neural signals from brain recordings, processing these signals using AI algorithms, and sending them back to the brain through neural stimulation or neurofeedback.

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Astronomers using the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa discovered the brightest and most distant megamaser. MeerKAT is a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope located in South Africa. It is designed for advanced radio astronomy. A megamaser is a giant beam of electromagnetic radiation produced when two galaxies collide violently. During such cosmic mergers, large gas clouds compress, exciting hydroxyl (OH) molecules, which emit high-energy microwaves.

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The Centre for Development of Telematics, an autonomous telecom research and development body under the Department of Telecommunications, organised a Demo Day for 18 startups under the Samarth Incubation Programme (Cohort-II) at NBCC Convention Hall. The Samarth incubation programme, launched in March 2025, by Centre for Development of Telematics. It aims to support startups in the telecom and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors and strengthen India’s digital innovation ecosystem.

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Deloitte India launched ConnectSafe, India’s first cyber-security facility focused on protecting human lives and critical infrastructure. The initiative shifts cyber security focus from data protection to safety of connected operational systems. It addresses growing cyber risks due to India’s rapidly expanding connected ecosystems in mobility, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, agriculture and digital infrastructure. The 4,500 sq ft facility simulates real-world cyber-attack scenarios.It helps organisations test and strengthen security systems without affecting live operations.

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Recent Legionnaires’ disease cases in London and New York have raised global concern. Public health experts warn that densely populated cities, including those in India, could face similar outbreaks if preventive measures are not strengthened. Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a severe pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, first identified in 1976 at an American Legion convention. Transmission occurs when people breathe in water or soil containing Legionella; it is not contagious and generally cannot spread through drinking water unless aspirated. High-risk groups include older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

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CALM-Brain has been launched in Bengaluru as India’s first digital repository focused on brain structure and psychiatric disorders. It has been developed by researchers at the Rohini Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind, which is a collaboration between NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) and NCBS (National Centre for Biological Sciences). The repository is built using data collected from Indian patients, making it highly relevant for understanding mental health conditions in the Indian population. It aims to support research in neuroscience and psychiatry, enabling better diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of brain disorders.

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Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) held its first Research Advisory Board meeting at Regional Centre for Biotechnology. BRIC is an apex autonomous body registered as a society. It was formed by merging 14 institutes of DBT (Department of Biotechnology). It provides centralized governance and funding through intra-mural core grants. It aims to build future scientific leaders and innovation ecosystem. It promotes cutting-edge biotech research aligned with national priorities. It works under Ministry of Science and Technology.

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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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The Central Government has mandated petrol pumps to supply E20 fuel with a minimum octane rating of 95 RON to promote cleaner and more efficient fuel usage. E20 fuel is a blended fuel consisting of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Ethanol used in E20 is a biofuel derived from renewable crops such as sugarcane, maize, and grains, making it environmentally sustainable. E20 fuel has a higher octane rating (minimum 95 RON) compared to regular petrol in India, which typically has an octane rating of 91–92 RON.