Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Japan officially ended the Akatsuki mission after losing contact with the spacecraft for over a year. Akatsuki, also called PLANET-C or Venus Climate Orbiter (VCO), was operated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It was the only active spacecraft orbiting Venus, studying volcanism and atmospheric dynamics, especially super-rotation.

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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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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), scabies is among the most common skin diseases in developing countries. Scabies is a contagious parasitic skin infestation found worldwide. It is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows under the skin and causes an itchy rash. It is more common in hot and tropical regions like India. WHO classifies scabies as a Neglected Tropical Disease due to its impact on poor communities.

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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur researchers developed a new method to predict solar cycles. A solar cycle is an about 11-year cycle of solar activity controlled by the Sun’s magnetic field. It is measured by the number and intensity of sunspots seen on the Sun’s surface. Around every 11 years, the Sun’s magnetic field flips, swapping north and south poles. Sunspots increase and decrease as magnetic activity changes on the Sun. The cycle starts with solar minimum, when sunspots are very few. Activity rises to solar maximum, when sunspots are highest. After this, activity declines back to solar minimum and a new cycle begins.

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Indian scientists from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru under Department of Science and Technology (DST) developed a solar-powered energy storage device that captures and stores energy in a single unit. The device is known as a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor. Unlike conventional systems, it combines energy harvesting and storage, reducing cost, energy loss, system complexity, and footprint. It enables portable, wearable, off-grid applications, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and conventional batteries, and works in remote areas.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Pilloo AI, a voice-based billing and accounting assistant for businesses. The app allows users to create invoices, record transactions, generate reports, and manage accounts by speaking in their native language. No prior accounting knowledge or complex software is required, saving time and reducing manual effort. Pilloo AI supports five Indian languages and can record daily sales and payments, generate balance sheets, receivables, and payables. It automates purchase and bank transaction entries by extracting data from uploaded bills and bank statements.

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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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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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Three Indian space start-ups- Astrome Technologies (Bengaluru), Azista Industries (Hyderabad), and Dhruva Space (Hyderabad)- were selected by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to develop indigenous small satellite bus platforms. The selection was under Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative, announced in April 2025, inviting proposals from Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs). 15 proposals were received by July 2025; the three selected companies underwent a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process. Each selected firm will receive a ₹5 crore grant to develop a robust, modular, and scalable small satellite bus capable of hosting multiple customer payloads.

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Scientists discovered a gene that may protect bananas from Panama disease. Panama disease is also called Fusarium wilt. It is caused by fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense living in soil for many years. It mainly affects Cavendish or G9 banana cultivar, most widely grown variety. Fungus infects through roots and blocks water and nutrient transport. Due to severe impact, it is called banana cancer. Symptoms include yellowing of older leaves, turning brown and dry. Stem becomes dark brown and plant finally dies. Dead leaves hang around lower stem forming skirt-like structure.