Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Hyderabad-based AkinAnalytics, a women-led Indian DeepTech and Defence Technology startup, launched the indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone. NIKA2 is a multi-payload agricultural drone with a 16-litre spraying payload and a 12-litre spreading payload. Its payload-change mechanism allows the same drone to perform spraying and spreading operations. The drone features terrain-following, fail-safe and night-operation capabilities, making it suitable for difficult agricultural terrain.

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MC²+ Ignite is a specialized accelerator programme designed for Indian energy deep-tech startups. It aims to bridge the gap between prototype-stage innovations and real-world commercial implementation. The programme connects startups with state-owned oil and gas PSUs, leading academic research institutions and operational pilot sites. Unlike generic software-focused accelerators, it focuses on hardware-intensive and science-based energy technologies. It facilitates pilot deployments in real-world operational environments to test and validate innovative solutions.

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has received more than 16,000 doses of Ervebo amid a severe Ebola outbreak. Ervebo is a single-dose, live-attenuated recombinant vaccine manufactured by Merck. It is licensed for protection against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) caused by the Zaire ebolavirus species in individuals aged 1 year and older. The vaccine uses a weakened vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) as a vector, genetically modified to carry a surface protein of the Zaire Ebola virus. It cannot cause Ebola disease, as it contains only a single Ebola viral protein.

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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines. The engines are NJ-05 (5 kg thrust), NJ-50 (50 kg) and NJ-100 (100 kg). They are intended for tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems. The development supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence technology. CSIR-NAL aims to integrate these technologies into India’s growing drone ecosystem and enable large-scale industrial production.

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the “Green Forge” Complex at BRIC-National Agri-Food & Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI), Mohali on 31 August 2026. It is described as a first-of-its-kind facility designed to support research on genetically modified (GM) crops under controlled environmental conditions. The facility has simulation chambers where light, humidity and temperature can be precisely varied to study crop performance under different environmental conditions. Green Forge can help researchers determine the suitability of GM crops for different geographical locations before field cultivation.

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The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) partnered with Intel India to launch a specialized Agentic AI skill development initiative. This program focuses on equipping students and IT professionals with practical training in goal-oriented AI systems. Unlike standard digital literacy programs, this initiative emphasizes hands-on experience in sequential reasoning, planning, and digital tool integration. The collaboration aims to build a robust Indian workforce capable of deploying highly autonomous AI agents across various sectors, thereby strengthening the nation’s technological capabilities in advanced computing domains.

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British scientists have taken an important step towards developing a pneumonia vaccine using reverse vaccinology. Reverse vaccinology is a vaccine-development approach that uses genome sequencing, bioinformatics and computational analysis to identify potential vaccine targets. The term was coined by Rino Rappuoli in 2000. It was first successfully applied to develop a vaccine against serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB). The approach involves identifying surface-exposed or secreted proteins, screening them for immune responses and testing selected candidates in animal models.

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The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has stepped up surveillance, vaccination and disease-control measures to contain Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in India. LSD is a viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes, caused by the Capripox virus and mainly spread through arthropod vectors. India first reported the disease in West Bengal and Odisha in September 2019. Since July 2026, sporadic cases have been reported in several States, particularly among young and unvaccinated animals. More than 36.18 crore cattle have been vaccinated or re-vaccinated, while 3,461 active cases are currently reported. The overall situation remains under control, with low severity and mortality.

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ISRO successfully conducted a flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine on 9 September 2026. The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 engine was tested at an uprated thrust of 220 kN (22 tonnes). The engine is earmarked for the C32 upper stage of the upcoming LVM3 missions. The upgraded C32 stage aims to increase the payload capability of the LVM3 launch vehicle. The CE20 powers the upper cryogenic stage of LVM3.

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Researchers from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) have reported the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Malabari goat. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Mammalian Genome. The findings provide molecular evidence supporting the possibility that goats moved along the historic Indian Ocean Spice Route. The route may have connected the Malabar Coast with western India and the Arabian Peninsula. The Malabari goat is indigenous to South Malabar, Kerala, and is valued for its milk and meat. The breed is well adapted to Kerala’s hot and humid climate.