Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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In March 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the first two satellites, IOD-1 and IOD-2, of its Celeste mission from Rocket Lab, New Zealand. The Celeste mission is an in-orbit demonstration designed to test low Earth orbit (LEO) positioning, navigation, and timing technologies. It aims to complement Europe’s existing Galileo (Medium Earth Orbit) and EGNOS (Geostationary Navigation Overlay) systems. The mission represents a shift towards a multi-layered navigation architecture for Europe. The satellites were launched on March 28, 2026, aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket.

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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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India’s Antariksh Venture Capital Fund will start investing in space startups from FY2027 to boost the private space sector. It is a close-ended fund registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). Key investor is Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre under the Department of Space. The fund is sponsored by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited. The objective is to provide capital for space startups, support scaling, and promote commercialization of technologies.

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India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000-kilometre quantum communication network under the National Quantum Mission, a major breakthrough in secure communication technologies. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was launched by the Department of Science & Technology with an outlay of Rs.6003 crore for 2023-24 to 2030-31. Its objective is to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial research and development (R&D) and create an innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). It is one of nine initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

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Andhra Pradesh has launched India’s first quantum test facilities under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative on the occasion of World Quantum Day (April 14). The facilities include two Quantum Reference Facilities at SRM University, Amaravati and Medha Towers, Gannavaram, creating India’s first quantum test and certification ecosystem. The systems operate at extremely low temperatures (near −273°C) and support advanced quantum research and innovation. The initiative promotes collaboration among academia, startups, and industry, with support from institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a hafnium-oxide memristor, a brain-inspired nanodevice that can significantly reduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) energy consumption. A memristor (memory + resistor) is an electronic component whose resistance depends on past current flow, enabling it to “remember” previous electrical states. Unlike a conventional resistor, a memristor has variable resistance and retains its state even when the current is switched off. Memristors are nanoscale devices with low energy requirements and are commonly made using materials like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) between metal electrodes.

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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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ANEEL Fuel has successfully completed a high burnup irradiation test at the Advanced Test Reactor of Idaho National Laboratory. ANEEL stands for “Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life” and was developed by Clean Core Thorium Energy
, a Chicago-based nuclear fuel company. The fuel combines thorium and uranium to create a cleaner, safer, and more efficient nuclear energy source for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). ANEEL is named after Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission. The fuel uses Thorium-232 as the fertile material and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) as the initiating fuel source to activate the thorium reaction cycle.

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India recently launched Donanemab, the country’s first therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia. Dementia involves decline in memory, thinking ability, and behaviour that affects daily life. The disease is associated with ageing, genetics, and lifestyle-related factors.

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Blue Moon MK1, also called Endurance, is an unmanned lunar cargo lander developed by Blue Origin in collaboration with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is designed to transport cargo, scientific instruments, and infrastructure to the Moon’s surface. The lander supports the Artemis program aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. It uses cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propulsion systems for deep-space missions. The spacecraft is expected to be launched using the New Glenn rocket.