Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has successfully attained criticality. A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) produces more fissile fuel than it consumes using fast neutrons. Criticality is the stage where a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is achieved. The 500 Megawatt Electric (MWe) PFBR is developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI). It uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide fuel and liquid sodium as coolant. It supports India’s three-stage nuclear programme, enabling Thorium-232 to Uranium-233 conversion for long-term energy security.

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India supplied 13 tonnes of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines and related materials to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used to protect against tuberculosis (TB). It is the only licensed vaccine for TB and is widely administered to newborns worldwide. The vaccine was developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin at the Pasteur Institute and first used in 1921. Its main aim is to prevent severe childhood TB, including TB meningitis and disseminated TB. It also provides partial protection against diseases like leprosy and Buruli ulcer.

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Recently, China unveiled the Atlas Drone Swarm System, an advanced military technology. It is a mobile drone swarm unit capable of launching and controlling nearly 100 drones with a single operator. It was developed by China Electronic Technology Group Corporation. The system integrates artificial intelligence with swarm technology for coordinated operations. It functions as a mini battlefield network on wheels, enabling rapid deployment.

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Recently, Rocklink India Pvt. Ltd. set up an integrated recycling facility in Sikandrabad UPSIDC Industrial Area, Uttar Pradesh. The plant focuses on recycling lithium-ion batteries, rare earth magnets, and metal-bearing industrial waste. It has a capacity of 10,000 tonnes/year for lithium-ion batteries and 60 tonnes/month for rare-earth magnets. A rare-earth chloride processing unit (1,500 tonnes/year) is planned for 2026. The initiative supports domestic recovery of critical minerals and promotes a circular economy.

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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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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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A fresh outbreak of Ebola has been reported in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with dozens of deaths reported. Ebola is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by orthoebolaviruses and affects humans as well as non-human primates. The disease was first identified in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces, but not through air transmission. Fruit bats are considered the natural hosts of the virus.

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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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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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Pyroprocessing was recently in news due to its role in reprocessing spent nuclear fuel in advanced fast reactor programmes. Pyroprocessing is a process that uses high temperatures to bring about physical or chemical changes in materials. It is a dry and energy-intensive process. Major sectors using pyroprocessing: Cement industry, Metallurgy and Nuclear power industry. In the nuclear industry, pyroprocessing is used to reprocess spent nuclear fuel through high-temperature electrochemical separation.