Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and France’s Valneva reported that their experimental Lyme disease vaccine showed over 70% efficacy in a late-stage trial. Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It affects the skin, nervous system, heart, and joints. The disease is named after Lyme, Connecticut, United States, where it was first identified in children in 1976. Lyme disease is common in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is transmitted to humans through deer ticks (black-legged ticks) found in grassy, wooded, or bushy areas. Not all tick bites cause Lyme disease, and it cannot spread between humans or from pets.

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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.

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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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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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All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi has introduced India’s first portable bedside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of internal body structures. MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows examination of organs, tissues, and the skeletal system without surgery. It provides high-resolution images, helping in accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions. The portable MRI system enables bedside imaging, improving accessibility and critical care management.

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EonSpacelabs developed India’s first germanium-free thermal imaging payload, Lumira_E40I50, for drones. It is an Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) system designed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It detects humans up to 2 km and vehicles up to 8 km using Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI). It replaces germanium with chalcogenide glass, reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. It operates in −20°C to +55°C, suitable for varied terrains. It supports Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with features like 40× zoom and infrared sensors.

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Dhruva Space secured ₹105 crore under the Research, Development & Innovation Fund for “Project Garud.” Project Garud is a satellite platform programme focused on developing a flat-pack 500 kg-class satellite platform for scalable and high-volume manufacturing. The project aims to bridge the gap between small experimental satellites and large traditional spacecraft systems. The platform is designed for applications in telecommunications, national security, Earth observation, and data-driven services. Its flat-pack architecture enables efficient launch stacking, faster integration, and quicker deployment timelines.

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Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology developed an ultrathin flexible film embedded with nano-gold particles that converts small temperature changes into electrical signals. The research was supported by the Department of Science and Technology. The film is based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a flexible polymer used in sensing and electronics. Tiny hexagonal gold nanoparticles improved the material’s pyroelectric performance, enabling efficient thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. The technology could be used in wearable electronics, self-powered sensors, smart photodetectors, and low-power healthcare devices.

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Another tiger was recently found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve, raising concerns over possible Canine Distemper infections among wild animals. Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a single-stranded RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. The disease affects dogs, foxes, wolves, raccoons, felines, and several wildlife species, but it does not infect humans. It spreads through droplets, direct contact, and infected body fluids such as saliva, urine, and feces. There is no specific cure for CDV; vaccination, hygiene, and isolation remain the best preventive measures.