Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted the first ground test of the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) solid motor at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. SOLVE is a test platform developed to validate the parachute-based deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module. During test missions, the Crew Module will be carried to an altitude of 10–17 km before parachute deployment and sea splashdown. Its solid stage is derived from the PSLV Strap-on Motor with modifications for Gaganyaan requirements.

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Recently, Lightstorm, along with Microsoft, Singtel, and Tata Communications, launched the India–Southeast Asia (I-2SEA) Submarine Cable System. It is a 3,600-km optical fibre subsea cable connecting India’s east coast with Singapore and Malaysia. The project is expected to be Ready for Service (RFS) by Q4 2029. It is designed to support AI infrastructure, cloud services, and high-capacity digital connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.

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The NeoSep-1 international clinical trial, aimed at evaluating life-saving antibiotic combinations for newborns with sepsis, has expanded to India, with the first baby enrolled at JIPMER, Puducherry. Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening bloodstream infection that affects babies below 90 days of age, especially premature and low-birth-weight infants. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality, accounting for 30–50% of newborn deaths. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, and Streptococcus.

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CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) deployed India’s first mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT) in Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh). SALT is a compact, mobile bio-purification device containing microscopic algae suspended in water. It uses photosynthesis to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen, operating continuously under natural or artificial light. Apart from carbon sequestration, it also traps dust and particulate matter from polluted air in its liquid medium.

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Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, under Mission Aagaman. The launch took place from ISRO’s First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh). Vikram-1 is a four-stage launch vehicle designed to place small satellites into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The rocket is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. The mission marks India’s first private attempt at an orbital launch, a major milestone for the country’s commercial space sector.

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QDENGA (TAK-003) has become India’s first approved dengue vaccine, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on 20 July 2026. It is developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals (Japan). QDENGA is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine, providing protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). It is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The vaccine does not require pre-vaccination screening and can be administered regardless of prior dengue infection.

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JAL-YAAN is India’s first solar-integrated, self-powered water purification van. It was developed by CSIR–Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) in collaboration with Rite Water Solutions. The van is designed to provide safe drinking water to communities with limited water infrastructure. It uses solar photovoltaic power and can operate independently without grid electricity. JAL-YAAN can purify water from surface water, groundwater, and stored water sources.

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected the PRAXIS Mission for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) 2026 Phase I funding. PRAXIS stands for Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling. The mission aims to collect and analyse particles directly from planetary rings. It will study the ring systems of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and ringed minor bodies like Chariklo and Chiron. The mission will use an AI-powered bio-inspired robotic explorer for autonomous navigation, particle sampling and on-site analysis. It plans to graze the ring plane to capture free-floating particles without deep entry.

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SHetA2 is a small molecule oral therapy developed to prevent HPV infection from progressing to cervical cancer. It is designed to treat HPV-induced cervical dysplasia (precancerous lesions) and cervical cancer. The therapy has been developed through collaboration between ICMR’s National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), India, and the University of Oklahoma’s Stephenson Cancer Center, USA. SHetA2 targets the proteins mortalin, hsc70, and Grp78, which help the HPV cancer-causing protein survive. The therapy is currently being evaluated in an oral capsule form.

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Researchers at IIT Guwahati developed E-Eye, a portable optical sensing device for rapid detection of toxicants in water and biological samples. The innovation supports the Jal Jeevan Mission by enabling on-site water quality monitoring. E-Eye detects arsenic, lead, iron, chromium, fluoride, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) using the Beer–Lambert law. It wirelessly transmits data to water treatment facilities and delivers results comparable to standard laboratory instruments. The device costs about ₹3,500, with a per-sample testing cost of around ₹2. It can also test soil, milk, food products, vegetables, tea, herbal products, and environmental samples.