Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) held its first Research Advisory Board meeting at Regional Centre for Biotechnology. BRIC is an apex autonomous body registered as a society. It was formed by merging 14 institutes of DBT (Department of Biotechnology). It provides centralized governance and funding through intra-mural core grants. It aims to build future scientific leaders and innovation ecosystem. It promotes cutting-edge biotech research aligned with national priorities. It works under Ministry of Science and Technology.

Notes:
Indian Space Research Organisation conducts the YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) to promote scientific temper among school students. The YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram) programme is an initiative of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The programme provides foundational knowledge in space technology, space science, and space applications, with special focus on students from rural areas. Its objective is to create awareness about emerging trends in science and encourage students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

Notes:
Recent research shows PACE Satellite can detect nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution at very fine scales, identifying emissions from individual factories and highways. This is a major advancement in air quality monitoring and environmental governance. PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and Ocean Ecosystem) is a NASA satellite mission. It was launched in 2024 into a Sun-synchronous orbit for consistent global observation. It provides hyperspectral coverage of Earth every 1–2 days. It improves climate studies by offering finer wavelength resolution than earlier satellites.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
A recent DNA study of a pre-Hispanic mummy found that the bacteria causing scarlet fever existed in the Americas even before European colonization. Scarlet Fever, also called scarlatina, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, which also causes strep throat and skin infections. It mainly affects children aged 5 to 15 years and is characterized by a bright red rash, sore throat, and high fever. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. There is no vaccine, but it is effectively treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, and untreated cases may lead to serious complications affecting the heart and kidneys.

Notes:
Scientists from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, developed a smart material that can both store energy and indicate charge level through colour change. The material is an oxygen-deficient bimetallic oxide made of molybdenum and tungsten. It appears blue when charged and transparent when discharged, enabling real-time visual monitoring. The innovation uses oxygen vacancies to enhance ion movement and alter electronic structure. It was synthesised using the solvothermal method.

Notes:
A fresh outbreak of Ebola has been reported in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with dozens of deaths reported. Ebola is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by orthoebolaviruses and affects humans as well as non-human primates. The disease was first identified in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces, but not through air transmission. Fruit bats are considered the natural hosts of the virus.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.