Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers from Central University of Rajasthan discovered a new cyanobacterium species named Pushkarmema curajae from Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan. The genus and species names honor Pushkar Lake and the university’s contribution to research. P. curajae has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, biofertilizers, and nutrient-rich supplements that enhance immunity and health. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic, microscopic organisms found in aquatic environments worldwide.

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Scientists from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, developed a smart material that can both store energy and indicate charge level through colour change. The material is an oxygen-deficient bimetallic oxide made of molybdenum and tungsten. It appears blue when charged and transparent when discharged, enabling real-time visual monitoring. The innovation uses oxygen vacancies to enhance ion movement and alter electronic structure. It was synthesised using the solvothermal method.

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A tigress and four cubs died in Kanha Tiger Reserve, raising concern over Canine Distemper. It is a highly contagious disease caused by Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It mainly infects dogs, especially unvaccinated ones and puppies below four months. CDV is a multi-host pathogen affecting wildlife such as carnivores, big cats, marine mammals, and primates. Transmission occurs through direct contact or airborne exposure. Infected animals can shed the virus for months despite low environmental survival. There is no specific cure or antiviral treatment available. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.

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DAMPE Satellite has made observations on the acceleration of cosmic rays. The findings show that the intensity of cosmic radiation decreases sharply beyond a certain high-energy threshold. DAMPE stands for Dark Matter Particle Explorer and is also known as “Wukong.” It was developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It is China’s first astronomical satellite designed for high-energy observations. The satellite was launched in 2015 into a polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 500 km. It detects high-energy gamma rays, electrons, and cosmic rays.

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South Korea has launched the Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2 (CAS500-2) on May 3, 2026. The satellite is an Earth-observation satellite also known as Next-Generation Medium Satellite No. 2. It was launched aboard Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States. The mission was overseen by the Korea AeroSpace Administration. The launch was delayed for nearly four years due to changes from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The satellite entered a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 498 kilometres. It successfully established communication with a ground station in Svalbard shortly after launch.

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The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory at SRM Institute of Science and Technology under Mission Mausam. The facility was inaugurated in Chennai by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 6 May 2026. The observatory contains around 15 advanced instruments worth more than ₹60 crore and can monitor nearly 50 atmospheric parameters. It will improve weather forecasting by studying aerosols, wind flow, temperature, sea breeze, land breeze, clouds, and rainfall patterns. The Chennai Urban Testbed is the first comprehensive observatory of its kind in India.

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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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Blue Moon MK1, also called Endurance, is an unmanned lunar cargo lander developed by Blue Origin in collaboration with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is designed to transport cargo, scientific instruments, and infrastructure to the Moon’s surface. The lander supports the Artemis program aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. It uses cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propulsion systems for deep-space missions. The spacecraft is expected to be launched using the New Glenn rocket.

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The SMILE Mission is a joint mission of the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to study how Earth’s magnetic shield protects the planet from harmful solar wind. Recently, the mission gained attention as ESA and China prepared for its launch to investigate Earth’s defence system against solar storms and charged particles from the Sun. SMILE stands for Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer. The mission will capture the first X-ray images of Earth’s magnetosphere in action. It will operate around 1.21 lakh km above Earth’s north pole and carry four scientific instruments for X-ray, ultraviolet, and in-situ observations.

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Around 70 cattle recently died in Kendrapada district due to Rumen Fluke Disease, locally called “Kurmi.” Rumen flukes are parasitic worms affecting ruminant animals such as cattle and buffaloes. Adult parasites live in the rumen (stomach), while immature larvae inhabit the small intestine. The disease caused by these parasites is known as paramphistomosis. The disease can be treated using anthelmintic medicines and managed through proper grazing and pasture control.