Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru have developed a novel, non-invasive technique to measure the local density of cold atoms in real time without disturbing their quantum state. The method, called Raman Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS), overcomes limitations of conventional atom-imaging methods used in cold atom experiments. Cold atoms, cooled near absolute zero, are crucial for quantum computing, quantum sensing, and precision measurement, but traditional detection methods like absorption and fluorescence imaging are often destructive or slow.

Notes:
India will demonstrate in-orbit satellite refuelling for the first time with OrbitAid’s AyulSAT launched on ISRO’s PSLV-C62. AyulSAT is a 25-kg dedicated tanker and target satellite developed by Chennai-based OrbitAid Aerospace, founded by Sakthikumar Ramachandran. It is designed to demonstrate fuel, power, and data transfer in orbit using a standardized docking and refuelling interface. The satellite will first perform internal refuelling to study fluid behaviour in microgravity. It uses OrbitAid’s Standard Interface for Docking and Refuelling Port (SIDRP) for future spacecraft-to-spacecraft refuelling.

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) Bio-Containment Facility at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar. It will be built at a cost of ₹362 crore over 11,000 square metres and will be India’s second BSL-4 lab after the National Institute of Virology, Pune. It is the first BSL-4 laboratory established by a state government. The facility will enable secure research on highly infectious and deadly viruses, reducing dependence on foreign labs. It will focus on zoonotic diseases and aligns with India’s One Health Mission. The project strengthens bio-safety, health security, and self-reliance, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of science-led development.

Notes:
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zycubo, a copper histidinate injection, as the first treatment for Menkes disease in children. Menkes disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process copper. It is caused by mutation of the ATP7A gene located on the X chromosome, affecting copper transport and balance. Copper is essential for metabolism, brain function, blood formation, immunity, wound healing, and iron use. The disease leads to low copper levels in blood, liver, and brain, reducing copper-dependent enzyme activity.

Notes:
Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme and will mark humanity’s return to the Moon’s vicinity for the first time since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft to verify life-support, navigation, and safety systems for future lunar missions. On January 9, NASA announced that Artemis II had entered its final preparation phase. The fully assembled rocket is expected to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Centre in mid-January for final testing.

Notes:
Recently, the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative trained over 1.90 lakh individuals through more than 5,200 skill-based programmes. It is a flagship national programme of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, industry needs, and employable skills. The initiative integrates skill development with science and technology using CSIR’s research infrastructure. It offers inclusive access to students, researchers, professionals, school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers, and rural communities.

Notes:
A Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak has been reported in Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh, with two deaths in Manasa town. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that controls movement, pain, and sensations. Since the immune system causes the damage, it is an autoimmune disease, also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

Notes:
In January 2026, Microsoft launched its second-generation in-house artificial intelligence (AI) processor called Maia 200. It builds on the first Maia chip that was introduced by Microsoft in 2023. The Maia 200 chip is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). It uses advanced 3-nanometer (nm) process technology and includes high-bandwidth memory. The chip is currently operational at a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, marking its first live deployment. Microsoft plans to expand its deployment to other data centres. Maia 200 offers higher computing power, faster memory bandwidth, and better energy efficiency.

Notes:
India entered the quantum era with the launch of the Amaravati Quantum Valley on 8 February 2026. It is supported by the ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission to make India a global deep-tech power. The Amaravati Quantum Valley is India’s first integrated quantum ecosystem spread over 50 acres. It brings together government, universities, and companies like International Business Machines (IBM) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). It is located in Andhra Pradesh. It will support healthcare, finance, defence, secure communication, and create jobs while strengthening national security.

Notes:
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) will launch three new ocean services: Jellyfish Artificial Intelligence Information Platform (JellyAIIP), SAMUDRA 2.0 Mobile Application, and Seamless Information Visualization and Analysis System (SIVAS) along with a new logo. It was established as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It provides ocean information and advisory services through continuous ocean observations and focused research. It runs the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), issuing tsunami alerts within 10 minutes for India and 28 Indian Ocean countries.