Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Pentagon’s Project Maven AI program was launched by the United States in 2017. The program was launched by the United States in 2017. It uses machine learning and computer vision to automatically detect objects, movements, and patterns, reducing the need for manual analysis. The programme helps in real-time identification and tracking of targets, improving the speed and accuracy of military operations.

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Anthropic launched Project Glasswing to secure critical software infrastructure using advanced AI systems. The initiative involves a global coalition of major tech firms including Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. It uses Claude Mythos Preview, an advanced AI model, to detect and fix software vulnerabilities across sectors like banking, healthcare, and telecom. The model has identified critical flaws in operating systems and browsers, including vulnerabilities undetected for years.

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Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has deployed ALAISA (Aluminium AI Support Agent: Artificial Intelligence-based assistant for industrial support). ALAISA is a humanoid, AI-powered assistant designed to enhance shop-floor efficiency, safety, and workforce capability. It is operational at BALCO’s Chhattisgarh smelter and acts as a real-time training and decision-support interface. It provides guidance on SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures: step-by-step work instructions), SMPs (Standard Maintenance Practices), and safety protocols.

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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.

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Herbalife India and Indian Institute of Technology Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 17 April 2026 to establish a new research facility. The initiative sets up India’s first Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai. The centre aims to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in sustainable production of herbal biomass and phytochemicals. It focuses on plant cell fermentation for scalable and eco-friendly production of compounds for health and wellness.

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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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China has announced the discovery of a new lunar mineral named Cerium-Magnesium Changesite, adding to knowledge of extraterrestrial materials and lunar geology. The mineral was identified in a lunar meteorite called Pakepake 005, the first such meteorite found in China. This meteorite is a small spherical rock weighing about 44 grams with a dark molten outer layer. The mineral itself is colourless, transparent, and brittle, yet scientifically significant. It shows fluorescent properties, meaning it can emit light under certain conditions. This fluorescence has potential applications in advanced technologies like next-generation LED materials.

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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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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.

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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.