Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a new MXene-based material for hydrogen fuel production and seawater desalination. The material shows very low Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) overpotential of 12 mV, better than Platinum/Carbon (Pt/C) electrodes, indicating high efficiency. Hydrogen is a clean fuel producing only water, but current production depends on fossil fuels, so this method offers a sustainable alternative. The material also enables solar-powered desalination, addressing the shortage of safe drinking water. Scientists modified MXene into ultra-thin ribbon-like structures to increase surface area and improve charge transport.

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A pilot plant for manufacturing Nd-Fe-B (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) rare earth permanent magnets has been established at International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The facility adopts an end-to-end “mineral-to-market” approach, covering processes from strip-cast alloy production to finished sintered magnets, enabling a self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem. Nd-Fe-B magnets are critical components used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence, address global supply chain vulnerabilities, and strengthen India’s position in the global rare earth value chain.

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NASA has unveiled a new map of the ocean floor using data from the SWOT Satellite. The SWOT Satellite was developed by NASA in collaboration with Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France. Its main objective is to conduct the first global survey of Earth’s surface water and observe detailed ocean surface topography. The satellite measures how water bodies change over time to track variations in lakes, rivers, and oceans. It maps the ocean floor indirectly by detecting tiny changes in water height, which reveal the features beneath the ocean surface.

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NASA is set to launch the Artemis II mission, which is part of its broader lunar exploration programme. Artemis II is a key mission under the Artemis programme, aimed at returning humans to the Moon in a sustained and strategic manner. The mission will send four astronauts on a crewed journey around the Moon, marking a major step in human space exploration. It is part of efforts to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. The mission views the Moon as a platform for deeper space exploration, including future missions to Mars and beyond.

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Scientists at CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology have developed “Designer Rice,” a functional food to address malnutrition. It is created by processing broken rice into flour, enriching it with protein, fibre, and micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and reforming it into rice-like grains. The technology has been transferred to Tata Consumer Products Limited for large-scale production. Unlike regular rice, it has higher protein (over 20%) and a low glycemic index (below 55). It helps manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.

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Recently, the Curiosity rover of NASA detected a mix of organic molecules on Mars, strengthening evidence about the planet’s past habitability. The Curiosity rover mission was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was launched on November 26, 2011, the rover is a key component of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission to study Gale Crater on Mars. Its objectives include studying whether life ever existed, understanding Mars’ climate and geology, and preparing for future human missions.

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India achieved a milestone with a 500 MWe (Megawatt Electric) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attaining first criticality on April 6, 2026. Developed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and built by BHAVINI. It marks Stage-II of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme using uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel. Fast Breeder Reactors produce more fuel than they consume. India will become the 2nd country after Russia to operate commercial Fast Breeder Reactors.

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DAMPE Satellite has made observations on the acceleration of cosmic rays. The findings show that the intensity of cosmic radiation decreases sharply beyond a certain high-energy threshold. DAMPE stands for Dark Matter Particle Explorer and is also known as “Wukong.” It was developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It is China’s first astronomical satellite designed for high-energy observations. The satellite was launched in 2015 into a polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 500 km. It detects high-energy gamma rays, electrons, and cosmic rays.

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India has introduced the SACHET Cell Broadcast system as an indigenous emergency alert service. SACHET (meaning “alert”) is designed to deliver real-time warnings directly to mobile users in geo-targeted areas. The system was launched by the Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority. It sends instant alerts during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and emergencies like wars or gas leaks. A nationwide test message with a siren sound was recently conducted to check its effectiveness. The system uses cell broadcast technology, which is faster and more efficient than traditional SMS alerts

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Valley fever recently came into news after a 37-year-old Indian tech professional in California died due to severe lung complications and respiratory failure caused by the infection. Also known as acute coccidioidomycosis, it is a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides fungi found in dry, dusty soil of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Infection occurs by inhaling airborne fungal spores disturbed through farming, construction, or wind; it does not spread from person to person. Treatment involves antifungal medicines, while no vaccine is currently available.