Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Bombay High Court was informed that the Maharashtra government has not yet framed a policy to address Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal neurological disease. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), also known as Dawson disease, is a progressive and disabling brain disorder caused by a persistent infection of the measles (rubeola) virus. The disease typically develops several years after a person has recovered from measles, due to an abnormal immune response or mutated virus. It is a rare condition occurring in about one per 50,000 measles cases and mainly affects children and adolescents, with males being more vulnerable.

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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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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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All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi has introduced India’s first portable bedside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of internal body structures. MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows examination of organs, tissues, and the skeletal system without surgery. It provides high-resolution images, helping in accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions. The portable MRI system enables bedside imaging, improving accessibility and critical care management.

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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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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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Indian Space Research Organisation developed the Environmental Control and Life Support System for the Gaganyaan mission. The ECLSS is a mission-critical system designed to recreate Earth-like sea-level conditions inside a spacecraft for astronauts in low Earth orbit. The system regulates cabin air composition, atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and waste management to ensure astronaut safety and comfort.

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A recent study by All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal highlighted the need for early and advanced health screening in children affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect haemoglobin in red blood cells. The most severe and common form of the disease is sickle cell anaemia. The disease is inherited genetically when a child receives sickle cell genes from both parents. Treatments include symptom management, bone marrow transplant, and emerging gene therapy approaches.

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Scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, have developed a gene-silencing strategy for effective tumor inhibition in breast cancer. The institute functions under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Researchers developed a biodegradable nanocarrier platform for targeted gene therapy in breast cancer. The technology uses mesoporous silica nanoparticles to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules that silence disease-causing genes. The nanocarrier is functionalized with a protamine biopolymer and an MUC1-specific aptamer for precise targeting of breast cancer cells.