Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Agnikul Cosmos, a spacetech startup, commissioned India’s first private large-format additive manufacturing facility for aerospace and rocket systems. The facility was launched at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) Research Park in Chennai. It combines design, simulation, 3D printing, post-processing, and testing under one roof to speed up development and cut costs. For the first time in India, aerospace parts up to 1 metre in height can be 3D-printed.

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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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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.

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Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), India developed a sensitive method to detect toxic molecules like Rhodamine B. The method uses the coffee-ring effect combined with nanotechnology for enhanced detection. The coffee-ring effect occurs when a droplet evaporates, and capillary flow moves particles from the center to the edge, forming a ring-shaped deposition pattern. Rhodamine B is a water-soluble synthetic dye with bright pink fluorescence. It is widely used in fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA biochemical assays. Rhodamine B is toxic and carcinogenic, affecting skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. This method provides a rapid and effective tool for detecting hazardous dyes in research and environmental monitoring.

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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation, launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology recently. MAHA MedTech Mission aims to boost innovation in India’s medical technology sector, reduce dependence on high-cost imports, and ensure affordable, high-quality medical technologies. The mission supports development and commercialization of innovative and affordable MedTech solutions.

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In a historic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled NexCAR19, India’s first indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy, at the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 in Delhi. It is developed by ImmunoACT, an IIT Bombay spin-off. It is supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). NexCAR19 is the world’s first humanised CAR-T therapy, truly “Made in India, for the world.” CAR-T Cell Therapy is an immunotherapy that reprograms a patient’s immune cells to fight blood cancers like Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).

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Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurated India’s first and largest Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system. The VRFB has a capacity of 3 Megawatt-hour (MWh) at NTPC’s NETRA Research & Development Centre in Greater Noida. This milestone advances India’s long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions and strengthens renewable energy integration and national grid resilience. Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) is a modern technology offering an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, expanding the pool of usable elements for battery systems.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched its Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response site at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This site is part of a global WHO network being set up to conduct rapid investigations and studies during pandemics or epidemics. The goal is to ensure a timely and effective public health response to global health emergencies. The launch was attended by WHO Representative to India, Payden, and AIIMS Director, Dr. M. Srinivas. The site will also operate during non-pandemic periods to maintain continuous readiness and system strength.

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Google inaugurated its largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure hardware engineering centre outside the US in Taipei, Taiwan. The centre will focus on AI infrastructure hardware engineering for Google’s global operations. Technology developed and tested at the centre will be deployed across Google’s global data centres. These AI systems support billions of Google devices and services worldwide. The centre reinforces Taiwan’s role as a key hub for global AI innovation.

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The Entrepreneur-in-Residence Programme is becoming popular among young startups and innovators. It works under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations which is NIDHI. It encourages graduate students to choose entrepreneurship as a career. It provides financial and non-financial support in the form of a fellowship. It offers startup infrastructure, mentoring, technical guidance, and industry support. It is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology with NCL Venture Centre.