Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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In the Union Budget, the government approved National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) and National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope. National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is a 2-metre aperture solar telescope being set up at Merak near Pangong Tso Lake. It will study the Sun in visible and near-infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. It will help in understanding solar dynamics, magnetism and space weather affecting Earth and satellites. National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) will become India’s third ground-based solar observatory.

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Ministry of Science and Technology announced the establishment of Bio-AI Mulankur hubs to strengthen integration of biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Aim is to create integrated closed-loop research platforms where Artificial Intelligence based predictions are tested and validated in laboratories within the same system. This will reduce gap between computational research and experimental results. Initiative is aligned with BioE3 Policy, which stands for Biotechnology for Environment, Economy and Employment. It aims to promote sustainable development, economic growth and job creation through biotechnology. Implementing agencies are Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.

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Waaree Energies will set up India’s largest lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. Total investment is ₹8,175 crore for a greenfield project. The plant will have 16 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) capacity. It will cover full battery value chain: cell manufacturing, battery packs and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It received in-principle approval from State Investment Promotion Board. The project supports clean-energy goals of Andhra Pradesh.

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Astronomers imaged the central Milky Way and revealed a complex network of cosmic gas filaments using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). ALMA is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile and studies celestial objects at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. It has been fully operational since 2013. It was designed and built by National Radio Astronomy Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and European Southern Observatory.

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Health officials in Maryland, United States recently reported an increase in mumps cases and issued a health alert. Mumps is a contagious viral disease caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus group. The disease mainly causes painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands (parotitis) near the ears and jaw. Humans are the only host, and the virus spreads through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or contact with infected saliva. There is no specific treatment, and medicines mainly relieve symptoms.

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Avataar is India’s first amphibious drone, launched on 5 March 2026 by AquaAirX Autonomous Systems. It can operate both in air and underwater, combining drone flight with submarine-like diving for surveillance. The project received ₹12.5 crore seed funding from Rainmatter. It has reached TRL-6 (Technology Readiness Level-6), meaning a working prototype tested in real environments. It is built with carbon fibre body and anti-corrosion coatings to resist saltwater damage.

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Researchers recently identified an unusual iron sulfate ferric hydroxysulfate in layered deposits near Valles Marineris using laboratory experiments and orbital data. Valles Marineris, also called Mariner Valley, is a vast system of interconnected canyons on Mars. It was discovered during the Mariner 9 mission in 1971. It is one of the largest canyon systems in the Solar System. Some canyon walls are fault scarps formed due to crustal movement linked to Tharsis Rise. Erosion also shaped the canyon, seen in deep gullies along the walls.

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Delhi government and Indian Institute of Technology Madras are studying “smog-eating” photocatalytic road coatings to reduce air pollution. The coating neutralizes harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide and volatile hydrocarbons present in polluted air. It mainly uses Titanium dioxide which is low-cost, chemically stable and compatible with construction materials. Titanium dioxide-based materials help in gaseous depollution and environmental cleaning. Photocatalysis works by using light energy to break down harmful pollutants and organic waste into less toxic or harmless substances. This process helps improve air quality and contributes to cleaner environment.

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Agnikul Cosmos has achieved a major milestone by successfully test-firing the Agnite Engine, marking progress in India’s private space sector. Agnite is the world’s largest single-piece 3D-printed booster engine, showcasing advanced additive manufacturing technology. It is part of a family of engines including Agnite and Agnilet, which are 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engines developed by Agnikul. These engines are specifically built to power the booster stage of Agnikul’s Agnibaan launch vehicle.

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Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati developed energy-efficient bricks for passive cooling in buildings. The bricks use Phase Change Materials (PCM) to regulate indoor temperature. During the day, PCM melts to absorb heat, and at night, it solidifies to release stored heat gradually. The PCM used is OM35 with a melting point of 35°C, suitable for tropical climates. Porous biochar is used to prevent leakage by absorbing and holding molten PCM within the bricks. These bricks can reduce indoor wall temperature by about 3°C and lower cooling energy demand by 10–20%.