Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Department of Telecommunications and National Disaster Management Authority are strengthening mobile-based disaster communication systems. The Integrated Alert System SACHET (System for Advanced Communication for Hazard Early-warning and Emergency Transmission) is operational across all States and Union Territories. It was developed by Centre for Development of Telematics and is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) recommended by the International Telecommunication Union. The system sends geo-targeted SMS alerts in multiple languages during disasters.

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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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South Korea introduced its first humanoid robot monk named Gabi at a Buddhist ceremony held at Jogyesa Temple on 6 May 2026. Gabi was presented by the Jogye Order ahead of Buddha’s Birthday celebrations on 24 May 2026. A humanoid robot is a machine designed with a human-like body structure, including a head, torso, arms, and legs. During the ceremony, Gabi bowed to monks, pledged devotion to Buddhism, and received the Dharma name “Gabi,” combining Siddhartha and the Korean word for mercy.

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Indian AI warfare company FWDA announced that India’s first AI combat aircraft, Kaal Bhairava, will be manufactured in Portugal in partnership with SKETCHPIXEL. SKETCHPIXEL will provide simulation technologies, AI integration, communication systems, and interoperability support, while FWDA will retain intellectual property rights over the aircraft’s autonomous systems and airframe design. Kaal Bhairava is a medium-altitude long-endurance autonomous combat aircraft with a range of 3,000 km and endurance exceeding 30 hours. The aircraft includes AI-based target recognition, swarm coordination, and encrypted communication systems.

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Sweden has joined Indian Space Research Organisation’s Shukrayaan, strengthening international cooperation in space exploration. Shukrayaan, also called the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), is India’s first scientific mission to study Venus. The mission was approved in 2024 and is scheduled for launch in March 2028. Its objective is to study Venus’s surface, subsurface, atmosphere, and the Sun’s influence on the planet’s atmospheric processes. ISRO will develop the spacecraft and conduct the launch.

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Another tiger was recently found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve, raising concerns over possible Canine Distemper infections among wild animals. Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a single-stranded RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. The disease affects dogs, foxes, wolves, raccoons, felines, and several wildlife species, but it does not infect humans. It spreads through droplets, direct contact, and infected body fluids such as saliva, urine, and feces. There is no specific cure for CDV; vaccination, hygiene, and isolation remain the best preventive measures.

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Department of Biotechnology organised the UMMID event in New Delhi. UMMID stands for “Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders” and focuses on diagnosis, counselling, screening, and management of rare genetic diseases. The programme aims to promote genome-based, precision-driven, and personalised healthcare in India. It was launched by the Department of Biotechnology to improve access to genetic diagnostics and treatment for inherited disorders. During the event, the UMMID Compendium and UMMID Dashboard were also launched to strengthen monitoring, diagnostics, and outreach. The initiative has benefited nearly three lakh individuals and established around 30 NIDAN Kendras for advanced diagnostics and counselling.

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Ci2, developed by Fortytwo Labs, became India’s first cryptographic algorithm to receive C-SAFE recognition. Fortytwo Labs is a Pune-based deep-tech cybersecurity company. It is India’s first and only C-SAFE recognized organization. C-SAFE (Cryptographic Security Assessment and Functional Evaluation) is India’s first independent framework for evaluating and certifying cryptographic algorithms. It is awarded by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI).

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A recent study on Crohn’s Disease mapped changes in gene activity across more than 50 gut cell types. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, but it usually affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The inflammation may spread into the deeper layers of the bowel. Crohn’s disease can be painful, debilitating, and may sometimes lead to serious complications.

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The Department of Atomic Energy inaugurated the world’s first Hydrogen Production Facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle. The facility is located at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. It uses nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) to produce carbon-free hydrogen. The Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) thermochemical process was developed indigenously by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. The project is a technology demonstrator to validate nuclear-assisted hydrogen production and pave the way for commercial-scale deployment.