Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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India has introduced the SACHET Cell Broadcast system as an indigenous emergency alert service. SACHET (meaning “alert”) is designed to deliver real-time warnings directly to mobile users in geo-targeted areas. The system was launched by the Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority. It sends instant alerts during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and emergencies like wars or gas leaks. A nationwide test message with a siren sound was recently conducted to check its effectiveness. The system uses cell broadcast technology, which is faster and more efficient than traditional SMS alerts

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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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A fresh outbreak of Ebola has been reported in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with dozens of deaths reported. Ebola is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by orthoebolaviruses and affects humans as well as non-human primates. The disease was first identified in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces, but not through air transmission. Fruit bats are considered the natural hosts of the virus.

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Another tiger was recently found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve, raising concerns over possible Canine Distemper infections among wild animals. Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a single-stranded RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. The disease affects dogs, foxes, wolves, raccoons, felines, and several wildlife species, but it does not infect humans. It spreads through droplets, direct contact, and infected body fluids such as saliva, urine, and feces. There is no specific cure for CDV; vaccination, hygiene, and isolation remain the best preventive measures.

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GigaAI, a robotics startup in China, has developed the SeeLight S1, described as one of the first commercial robotic butlers for household use. The robot was developed by GigaAI, a startup backed by Huawei’s investment arm. The humanoid robot can perform household tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, making beds, and opening curtains. China is promoting such robotics technologies to address labour shortages and demographic challenges.

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Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru achieved a major chemistry breakthrough by creating a new carbon-free molecule with a “sandwich” structure similar to ferrocene. Ferrocene, discovered in the 1950s, consists of an iron atom sandwiched between two carbon-based rings and is widely used in medicines, batteries, electronics, and advanced materials. Scientists had tried for over 70 years to create a similar stable structure without carbon but had failed. The Indian researchers successfully synthesized a molecule using osmium at the centre and boron-based rings instead of carbon rings.

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Google introduced “information agents” that monitor the web on behalf of users. Information agents are AI-powered assistants integrated with search systems that continuously track websites, updates, listings, and user-defined tasks. These agents perform more effectively when provided with detailed personal information such as location, finances, and user preferences.

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Recently, researchers from Punjabi University and PGIMER developed AI-based diagnostic methods for Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs). Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs) are a group of rare autoimmune skin disorders, also known as autoimmune bullous disorders. They occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the skin and mucous membranes, causing blister formation. Blisters may develop on the skin, mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genital areas. Symptoms include painful or itchy blisters, sores, and damage to mucous membranes.

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Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released a new green chilli variety called KAU Thejaswini. The variety has been developed to promote chemical-free backyard and kitchen gardening. It was developed by the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. It starts yielding chillies within 2 months of sowing. The variety was approved by the 30th State Seed Sub-Committee.

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Astronomers recently found evidence of winds blowing from Sagittarius A*, marking a major breakthrough after nearly 50 years of research. Sagittarius A* is the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy.
It was discovered in the 1970s and is located in the constellation Sagittarius. Although largely dormant, it occasionally absorbs gas and dust and has an estimated mass of 4.3 million times that of the Sun. Sagittarius A* is a powerful source of radio waves, with much of its radiation produced through the synchrotron mechanism involving electrons and magnetic fields.