Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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Diphtheria is re-emerging in parts of Australia despite being largely controlled earlier, raising public health concerns. It is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a harmful toxin. The disease mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, especially the throat, nose, and tonsils, and sometimes the skin. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with infected wounds, and even asymptomatic individuals can transmit it.

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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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GalaxEye has successfully launched Mission Drishti, the world’s first OptoSAR satellite. The satellite was launched aboard Falcon 9 from California, United States. Mission Drishti weighs about 190 kilograms and is the largest Earth observation satellite built by a private Indian company. It combines optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology for all-weather, day-and-night imaging. The mission enhances India’s capabilities in Earth observation and strategic monitoring.

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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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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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Recently, explosions and boom sounds heard in Boston were suspected to have been caused by a bolide entering the atmosphere. A bolide is a large, exceptionally bright meteor that often explodes in the upper atmosphere. It produces a brilliant flash of light and may generate loud sonic booms. Bolides are brighter and more dramatic than ordinary meteors, and sometimes their fragments reach the ground as meteorites. Studying bolides helps scientists understand the composition and behavior of meteoroids during atmospheric entry.

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Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, recently performed India’s first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedure for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). PFA is an advanced cardiac electrophysiology technique that uses ultra-fast electrical pulses to selectively target abnormal heart tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The procedure was completed in 35 minutes, significantly faster than traditional thermal ablation methods that can take several hours. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

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Avataar launched Varya, an AI-native distilled video model under the IndiaAI Mission. It is designed to make video AI affordable, accessible, and relevant for India. The launch took place in New Delhi. Varya is designed to understand India’s regional cultures, festivals, food, clothing, and daily life, enabling culturally rich video generation. It supports multiple use cases such as education, MSME advertising, public information dissemination, storytelling, and content creation.

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Tetanus, once considered nearly eradicated, is resurging in the United States. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and is also known as lockjaw. The bacteria usually enter the body through open wounds or cuts. Tetanus bacteria are commonly found in soil, manure, and the human intestine. The disease is not transmitted from person to person. There is no cure for tetanus; treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and complications. Recovery from tetanus does not provide natural immunity, so a person can be infected again. Tetanus is completely preventable through vaccination.