Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Researchers recently identified an unusual iron sulfate ferric hydroxysulfate in layered deposits near Valles Marineris using laboratory experiments and orbital data. Valles Marineris, also called Mariner Valley, is a vast system of interconnected canyons on Mars. It was discovered during the Mariner 9 mission in 1971. It is one of the largest canyon systems in the Solar System. Some canyon walls are fault scarps formed due to crustal movement linked to Tharsis Rise. Erosion also shaped the canyon, seen in deep gullies along the walls.

Notes:
Recent Legionnaires’ disease cases in London and New York have raised global concern. Public health experts warn that densely populated cities, including those in India, could face similar outbreaks if preventive measures are not strengthened. Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a severe pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, first identified in 1976 at an American Legion convention. Transmission occurs when people breathe in water or soil containing Legionella; it is not contagious and generally cannot spread through drinking water unless aspirated. High-risk groups include older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

Notes:
India’s Antariksh Venture Capital Fund will start investing in space startups from FY2027 to boost the private space sector. It is a close-ended fund registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). Key investor is Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre under the Department of Space. The fund is sponsored by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited. The objective is to provide capital for space startups, support scaling, and promote commercialization of technologies.

Notes:
Scientists at the Bose Institute discovered a new gene regulation mechanism in Tuberculosis bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Transcription is the process where DNA is copied into RNA by RNA Polymerase (RNAP) for protein synthesis. Earlier, bacteria were believed to follow the Sigma Cycle, where sigma factor binds RNAP to initiate transcription and then detaches. The study found that in TB bacteria, the sigma factor (σF) remains continuously attached to RNAP throughout transcription. This continuous binding helps activate survival genes, enabling bacteria to persist in hostile conditions inside the human body.

Notes:
Meta has launched a new artificial intelligence model, Muse Spark, under its Superintelligence Labs initiative. Muse Spark can perform tasks such as calorie estimation, object visualisation, and answering user queries. The model is currently available on Meta AI chatbot and will be expanded to WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Meta has acknowledged the feedback and plans to improve future versions of the model.

Notes:
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease is resurging in the United States due to declining childhood vaccination rates. It is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b infection and mainly affects children under 5 years. It can cause mild infections (ear infections, bronchitis) and severe diseases like meningitis and bloodstream infections. Despite its name, it does not cause influenza (flu). Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing) and close contact. Symptoms vary depending on the infected body part; severe cases may lead to death or long-term complications.

Notes:
Recently, India launched indigenously developed Silicon Photonics solutions at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, marking progress in technological self-reliance. The launch was led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Two key innovations were introduced: Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit (PDK) and Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuit (PPIC) Test Engine. These were developed at the Centre of Excellence for Compound Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits Systems (CoE-CPPICS). The initiative supports research, industry, startups, and defence sectors as a shared national facility.

Notes:
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology installed an X-band Doppler Weather Radar at Mahabaleshwar under Mission Mausam. Doppler Weather Radar uses the Doppler Effect to measure velocity and position of atmospheric objects. It emits radio waves; reflected signals from raindrops return to the antenna, helping detect distance and intensity. Time taken for signal return enables tracking of rainfall and cloud movement.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.