Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Department of Telecommunications and National Disaster Management Authority are strengthening mobile-based disaster communication systems. The Integrated Alert System SACHET (System for Advanced Communication for Hazard Early-warning and Emergency Transmission) is operational across all States and Union Territories. It was developed by Centre for Development of Telematics and is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) recommended by the International Telecommunication Union. The system sends geo-targeted SMS alerts in multiple languages during disasters.

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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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The NISAR satellite detected rapid land subsidence in Mexico City caused by excessive groundwater extraction. NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, the first joint Earth observation mission between NASA and ISRO. It will be launched by the GSLV-F16 (GSLV Mk-II) launch vehicle into a sun-synchronous polar orbit. The mission life of the satellite is five years. NISAR is the first satellite to use both L-band and S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar from a single platform. It provides fully polarimetric and interferometric imaging with 240 km swath coverage and revisits Earth every 12 days using SweepSAR technology.

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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.

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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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Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, recently performed India’s first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedure for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). PFA is an advanced cardiac electrophysiology technique that uses ultra-fast electrical pulses to selectively target abnormal heart tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The procedure was completed in 35 minutes, significantly faster than traditional thermal ablation methods that can take several hours. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras released ANCHOR, the world’s most detailed 3D atlas of the human brainstem. ANCHOR stands for Atlas of Neurochemical Characterisation of the Human Brainstem with 3D Reconstruction. It was developed by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre using advanced brain imaging and computing platforms. The atlas provides multimodal 3D maps of the human brainstem covering prenatal, childhood, and adult stages.

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Tetanus, once considered nearly eradicated, is resurging in the United States. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and is also known as lockjaw. The bacteria usually enter the body through open wounds or cuts. Tetanus bacteria are commonly found in soil, manure, and the human intestine. The disease is not transmitted from person to person. There is no cure for tetanus; treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and complications. Recovery from tetanus does not provide natural immunity, so a person can be infected again. Tetanus is completely preventable through vaccination.

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Recently, the Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Lam Farm, Guntur developed two new chilli varieties: LCA-625 and LCA-643. These varieties have been developed as alternatives to the popular Teja and Byadgi chillies. Both varieties offer improved pest tolerance, high pungency, and better adaptability to weather stress. LCA-643 is suitable for both green and dry chilli cultivation. LCA-643 is tolerant to moisture stress and shows moderate resistance to Gemini virus and black thrips infestation. LCA-625 is mainly meant for dry chilli production and resembles the Teja variety.