Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru have made significant observations using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1, India’s first solar mission. The VELC successfully captured and estimated the onset time of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that occurred on July 16. This marks the first scientific result from India’s solar mission. The VELC’s capabilities allowed for close observation of the CME near the Sun’s surface, a breakthrough since such events are usually seen from a distance.

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Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee signed an agreement under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) to develop a 5G “millimeter wave transceiver” for rural connectivity. Millimeter waves (30-300 GHz frequency) allow high-speed wireless communication with low latency and less interference. The project promotes local manufacturing, encouraging small and medium industries, creating job opportunities for engineering graduates. The use of polymer-metal structures reduces dependence on semiconductor industries, with a small development cost. It aims to generate Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and build a skilled workforce for 5G/6G technology.

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Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have developed biodegradable foam that could revolutionize packaging and address environmental issues. This bio-foam, made from FDA-approved bio-based epoxy resins and tea leaf-derived hardeners, offers a sustainable alternative to plastic foams used in FMCG packaging. It is an eco-friendly replacement for expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foams. The foam’s structure allows it to be reprocessed or dissolved without losing strength and can disintegrate within three hours in eco-friendly solvents at 80°C. Safe for landfills, it prevents groundwater contamination. With a $7.9 billion market, this innovation targets low recycling rates in plastic foam packaging.

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China’s Chang’e-6 mission made history by retrieving the first surface samples from the moon’s far side, revealing volcanic rock fragments dating back 4.2 billion years. This discovery provides crucial insights into the moon’s geological history and long periods of volcanic activity, suggesting that the far side was once more dynamic than it is today. The mission highlights the differences in composition between samples from the near and far sides of the moon, enhancing our understanding of lunar volcanism and its cessation due to dwindling internal heat sources over billions of years.

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The Ministry of Defence recently launched the AI-enabled e-Tarang System. Developed with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), it improves the planning and operation of defence equipment in both wartime and peacetime. The system enables automated, efficient management of Defence Spectrum and supports the development of new technologies in higher frequency bands. It aids rapid decision-making and facilitates the integration of modern technologies for defence applications. BISAG-N is an autonomous body under MeitY, focused on research, technology development, and cooperation in geo-spatial technology, supporting capacity building and entrepreneurship.

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The Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank to drive innovation and strengthen national security. It provides researchers, startups, and developers access to diverse, high-quality datasets for scalable AI solutions. The launch was by Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, themed “AI for India: Advancing AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance.” The AI Data Bank supports real-time analytics for satellite, drone, and IoT data to enhance national security. It also aids predictive analytics in disaster management and cyber security, aligning with India’s AI roadmap.

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IIT Kanpur developed the Anālakáṣhya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (MSCS), advancing stealth technology. This system aims to make objects nearly invisible to radar, enhancing defence and national security. It is a textile-based broadband metamaterial microwave absorber, created by researchers and students. The MSCS can absorb radar waves across a wide spectrum, effectively neutralizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging.

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Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a fungal lung infection caused by the mold Aspergillus, commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments. CPA affects people with chronic lung diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, or tuberculosis. CPA is not contagious and cannot spread between individuals. Early symptoms may be absent; common signs include coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing. CPA is usually a lifelong condition requiring long-term antifungal treatment. Surgery may be needed to remove fungal masses causing lung bleeding. CPA claims over 340,000 lives annually, highlighting its severe impact.

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The ISRO-NASA joint satellite, NISAR, is now scheduled for launch in March 2025. It was initially planned for early 2024 but faced delays due to technical issues. It will provide critical data on natural hazards and climate change effects, mapping the globe every 12 days. With advanced radar capabilities, NISAR can collect data day and night, enhancing disaster response and resource management. This collaboration reflects a significant milestone in US-India space relations, initiated in 2014, to address global environmental challenges through innovative technology and open-access data.

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NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope discovered a distant galaxy named Firefly Sparkle, 13 billion light-years away. This galaxy offers insights into the Milky Way’s early appearance, forming 100-400 million years before the observed stage. Firefly Sparkle contains 10 star clusters with a mass equivalent to 10 million suns, spanning 1,000 light-years in its visible region. It is part of a system with two smaller galaxies, Firefly-Best Friend and Firefly-New Best Friend. The discovery highlights the early stages of galaxy formation and evolution, providing a glimpse into cosmic history.