Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists have warned that rising temperatures due to climate change may increase the spread of the Brain-Eating Amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, ponds, hot springs, and moist soil. It enters the human body through the nose and attacks brain tissues. Infection by Naegleria fowleri causes Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but highly fatal disease of the central nervous system. Higher temperatures create favourable conditions for the amoeba’s growth and survival. The warning highlights the possible health impacts of climate change on infectious diseases.

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The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory at SRM Institute of Science and Technology under Mission Mausam. The facility was inaugurated in Chennai by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 6 May 2026. The observatory contains around 15 advanced instruments worth more than ₹60 crore and can monitor nearly 50 atmospheric parameters. It will improve weather forecasting by studying aerosols, wind flow, temperature, sea breeze, land breeze, clouds, and rainfall patterns. The Chennai Urban Testbed is the first comprehensive observatory of its kind in India.

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Researchers from China developed an Artificial Intelligence-driven method to convert nitrate-rich wastewater into ammonia for fertilisers. The technology uses a dual-atom catalyst discovered through machine learning to improve nitrate electroreduction efficiency. The new process achieves nearly three times higher conversion efficiency compared to earlier technologies. Unlike the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, this method works at room temperature, reducing energy consumption. The innovation helps address water pollution, reduces environmental dead zones, and supports a circular economy through sustainable fertiliser production.

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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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Nine Indian space-tech companies participated in Space Meetings Veneto 2026 held in Venice and signed multiple international partnerships and collaborations. The Indian delegation was led by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space established after India’s space sector reforms. It acts as a single-window nodal agency to promote and regulate private sector participation in space activities.

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Department of Biotechnology organised the UMMID event in New Delhi. UMMID stands for “Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders” and focuses on diagnosis, counselling, screening, and management of rare genetic diseases. The programme aims to promote genome-based, precision-driven, and personalised healthcare in India. It was launched by the Department of Biotechnology to improve access to genetic diagnostics and treatment for inherited disorders. During the event, the UMMID Compendium and UMMID Dashboard were also launched to strengthen monitoring, diagnostics, and outreach. The initiative has benefited nearly three lakh individuals and established around 30 NIDAN Kendras for advanced diagnostics and counselling.

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Scientists at Central Rice Research Institute under Indian Council of Agricultural Research developed Plant-OpenCRISPR1 in Cuttack. Plant-OpenCRISPR1 is the world’s first Artificial Intelligence-designed genome-editing platform for plants and was validated using rice as a model crop. The platform enables advanced gene knockout, base editing, and prime editing beyond conventional CRISPR technologies. It uses AI-designed enzymes instead of naturally occurring microbial proteins used in traditional CRISPR systems.

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Around 70 cattle recently died in Kendrapada district due to Rumen Fluke Disease, locally called “Kurmi.” Rumen flukes are parasitic worms affecting ruminant animals such as cattle and buffaloes. Adult parasites live in the rumen (stomach), while immature larvae inhabit the small intestine. The disease caused by these parasites is known as paramphistomosis. The disease can be treated using anthelmintic medicines and managed through proper grazing and pasture control.

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Researchers from Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali developed a novel light-driven nano-catalyst for cleaner and energy-efficient chemical manufacturing. The institute is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology. The catalyst combines gold nanoparticles, palladium nanoparticles, and the light-absorbing molecule BODIPY. It uses light energy to accelerate chemical reactions, reducing the need for toxic solvents, high temperatures, and energy-intensive industrial processes.

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Microsoft has unveiled the Fairwater AI Data Centre in Mount Pleasant. The facility is a $7.3 billion, 315-acre AI data centre designed to showcase sustainable AI infrastructure. The centre uses a two-storey vertical design with dense GPU deployment to improve efficiency, reduce land use, and lower communication latency.