Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Institute of Nano-Science and Technology, Mohali, developed a new material to detect nicotine and cotinine using fluorometric sensing. Fluorometric sensing is a technique that measures substances through fluorescent emission. The material “lights up” on contact with nicotine/cotinine, enabling quick detection. It is based on Iron-based Metal-Organic Framework (Fe-MOF), a nano-structured porous material. It detects even small amounts accurately, improving over traditional methods. The material is biocompatible (safe for living cells) and works at in-vitro stage.

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A recent multicenter study on Kawasaki Disease evaluated adding Prednisolone to standard treatment. The study found that prednisolone did not reduce the incidence of coronary artery lesions after one month. Kawasaki Disease, also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare disease causing fever and inflammation of blood vessels. It mainly affects children below 5 years and is more common in boys than girls. The disease was first identified by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967 in Japan. It is the most common acquired (not present at birth) heart disease in children in developed countries. The immune system attacks blood vessels, especially coronary arteries, leading to inflammation and swelling.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the Google Cloud India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam. The project is part of a major collaboration involving Google Cloud, Adani Group, and Bharti Airtel. Google has committed an investment of USD 15 billion, making it one of India’s largest foreign direct investments. The AI data centre will have a capacity of 1 Gigawatt and will be built over 600 acres. It will enhance India’s artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

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All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi has introduced India’s first portable bedside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of internal body structures. MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows examination of organs, tissues, and the skeletal system without surgery. It provides high-resolution images, helping in accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions. The portable MRI system enables bedside imaging, improving accessibility and critical care management.

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Astronomers used James Webb Space Telescope to obtain the clearest observations yet of the surface of an exoplanet named LHS 3844 b. The rocky exoplanet is about 30% larger than Earth and is located around 49 light-years away. Scientists found that the planet is likely airless, barren, and similar to Mercury with extreme temperature differences between its day and night sides. The planet is tidally locked, meaning one side always faces its red dwarf star. Its dayside temperature reaches around 725°C, while the nightside shows almost no detectable heat.

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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.

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GigaAI, a robotics startup in China, has developed the SeeLight S1, described as one of the first commercial robotic butlers for household use. The robot was developed by GigaAI, a startup backed by Huawei’s investment arm. The humanoid robot can perform household tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, making beds, and opening curtains. China is promoting such robotics technologies to address labour shortages and demographic challenges.

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Geologists discovered a rare microscopic sunflower-shaped form of Pyrite in lignite coal reserves of Gujarat. Pyrite is a naturally occurring iron disulfide mineral. It is commonly known as “fool’s gold” because of its resemblance to gold. Pyrite has a brass-yellow colour and metallic lustre. Its name comes from the Greek word pyr meaning “fire,” as it produces sparks when struck with metal. Pyrite occurs in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal deposits, coal beds, and even fossils.

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Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru achieved a major chemistry breakthrough by creating a new carbon-free molecule with a “sandwich” structure similar to ferrocene. Ferrocene, discovered in the 1950s, consists of an iron atom sandwiched between two carbon-based rings and is widely used in medicines, batteries, electronics, and advanced materials. Scientists had tried for over 70 years to create a similar stable structure without carbon but had failed. The Indian researchers successfully synthesized a molecule using osmium at the centre and boron-based rings instead of carbon rings.

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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.