Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched indigenous Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine at Central Research Institute, Kasauli in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. Vaccine supports vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in health sector. India is known as Pharmacy of the World. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is world’s largest immunization programme. Central Research Institute will supply 5.5 million vaccine doses by April 2026 to strengthen immunization coverage.

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Recently, the Meghalaya government issued an advisory after a meningococcal infection scare, urging people to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols. Meningococcal infection is a severe and rapidly progressing disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis, which is inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, which is blood poisoning. It spreads through respiratory and throat secretions like saliva during close or prolonged contact. It is less contagious than common cold or flu infections.

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A recent study has warned that more than one-third of Africa is at risk of the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which is a highly destructive disease affecting cassava crops. CBSD is considered one of the most devastating diseases of cassava, as it severely reduces both the production and quality of cassava tubers (roots), which are an important staple food in many African countries. The disease was first identified in the mid-20th century in the coastal regions of East Africa, and since then it has spread significantly across the African continent.

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Japan has become the first country to approve stem-cell treatments for Parkinson’s disease and severe heart failure. Sumitomo Pharma received approval for Amchepry, a treatment that transplants induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into the brain of Parkinson’s patients. Cuorips, a medical startup, got approval for ReHeart, heart muscle sheets that help form new blood vessels and restore heart function. Both treatments could reach patients as early as summer 2026 under a conditional, time-limited approval system for faster patient access. iPS cells, discovered by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka, can transform into any cell type without using embryos. The approval marks a global first for commercial medical products using iPS cell technology.

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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus spreading rapidly on the West Coast of the United States (US). It belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It mainly causes common cold–like respiratory illness. The virus spreads through air via coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching contaminated surfaces then touching face. Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment; care focuses on symptom management and preventing complications.

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New research confirmed that the Silverpit Crater was formed by a massive asteroid impact millions of years ago. It lies about 700 metres beneath the seabed in the North Sea, nearly 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire. The crater was buried under thick sediment layers and was discovered only in 2002. It formed when a high-velocity space rock struck the seabed around 43–46 million years ago. Scientists found “shocked” quartz and feldspar crystals, which form only under extreme pressure during asteroid impacts. The crater is about 3 km wide and surrounded by circular faults extending nearly 20 km.

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Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health discovered that cholesterol present in the membrane around the cell nucleus plays a role in promoting the spread of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma originates in melanocytes, which are specialized cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. This type of cancer typically develops on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the arms, back, face, and legs, although it can occasionally appear inside the body, including in the nose or throat. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, whether from sunlight or artificial sources like tanning lamps and beds, is the main cause of most melanomas, although other factors may also contribute.

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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.

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As part of Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation is conducting Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment) in Leh from April 2 to April 9, 2026. Mission MITRA is a first-of-its-kind team behavioral study, developed jointly by ISRO and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, aimed at evaluating crew safety and performance in human spaceflight. The study focuses on team communication, adaptability to stress, psychological resilience, and mutual support, which are critical for mission success. Leh’s high-altitude environment (approx 3,500 metres), hypoxia, low temperature, and isolation serve as a natural analog for spaceflight operations.

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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.