Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Astronomers from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences studied the W Ursae Majoris (W UMa) star. They used data from Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope and NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). W UMa is a low-mass contact binary and an eclipsing binary variable star. The two stars share a single outer atmosphere and orbit each other. W UMa stars show light curves with nearly equal minima and continuous brightness variation. Studying W UMa helps determine stellar masses, radii, and temperatures, aiding understanding of stellar evolution.

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch PSLV-C62 from Sriharikota as India’s first space mission of 2026. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C62 is a multi-payload mission carrying one main and 18 secondary satellites. The primary payload is Earth Observation Satellite-N1 (EOS-N1), codenamed Anvesha, developed mainly for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). EOS-N1 is a hyperspectral imaging satellite that observes Earth in hundreds of wavelengths for precise identification. It supports national security, border surveillance, and strategic monitoring.

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Scientists used first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory to discover the fastest-spinning asteroid of its size, named 2025 MN45. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is located on Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes at 8,684 feet altitude. It is named after astronomer Vera C. Rubin, who provided early evidence for dark matter. It is jointly funded by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United States Department of Energy (DoE). Its goals include studying dark matter and dark energy, mapping the Milky Way, tracking asteroids and comets, and observing changing cosmic objects.

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ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission decoded the impact of a powerful solar storm on Earth’s magnetic shield. Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar mission, was launched by PSLV-C57 in 2023 and is in a halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1 (L1). The storm was caused by a massive eruption of solar plasma from the Sun. The most severe effects occurred in turbulent regions that strongly compressed Earth’s magnetic field. Some geostationary satellites were exposed to harsh space conditions. The study highlights the importance of understanding space weather, caused by transient solar activity, affecting satellites, communications, and technology.

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C62 (PSLV-C62) mission faced an anomaly at the end of the third stage (PS3), and a detailed technical investigation has been started. PSLV-C62 is a multi-payload mission carrying one primary satellite and 18 secondary payloads. It is ISRO’s first space launch of the year 2026, scheduled from Sriharikota spaceport. The primary payload is Earth Observation Satellite-N1 (EOS-N1), codenamed Anvesha. EOS-N1 is a hyperspectral imaging satellite developed mainly for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme and will mark humanity’s return to the Moon’s vicinity for the first time since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft to verify life-support, navigation, and safety systems for future lunar missions. On January 9, NASA announced that Artemis II had entered its final preparation phase. The fully assembled rocket is expected to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Centre in mid-January for final testing.

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Odisha plans to launch India’s first state-wide Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) registry by 31 March, marking a national first. The registry will help the government assess CKD prevalence and design targeted action plans and health programmes. A state task force and a technical working group with experts from health institutes, research bodies, and departments have been formed. All health facilities, from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to medical colleges, will report Chronic Kidney Disease cases. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is developing the registry software.

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Recently, the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative trained over 1.90 lakh individuals through more than 5,200 skill-based programmes. It is a flagship national programme of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, industry needs, and employable skills. The initiative integrates skill development with science and technology using CSIR’s research infrastructure. It offers inclusive access to students, researchers, professionals, school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers, and rural communities.

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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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A 29-year-old man in Karnataka died after contracting Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also called monkey fever. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease mostly found in southern India, first reported in 1957 from Kyasanur Forest, Karnataka. The virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, part of the tick-borne encephalitis complex. It is called monkey fever due to its association with monkey deaths.