Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious pig disease, has been reported in Kerala’s Kottayam district, prompting culling measures and infected zone declarations. ASF has a 100% mortality rate in pigs and is caused by a large, double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Asfivirus in the family Asfarviridae. The virus can survive long periods in pork and meat products but poses no risk to human health or food safety. ASF originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Asia and Europe; it was first confirmed in India in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 2020. With no cure, vaccine, or prevention available, culling is the only effective control measure.

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India plans to launch a quantum satellite for secure communications within 2-3 years. A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that employs the principles of quantum physics to secure its signals, ensuring highly secure and tamper-proof communication by using methods like quantum encryption and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched by India in April 2023, aims to boost quantum technology for advanced communication and sensing systems. China launched the first quantum communications satellite, Micius, in 2016.

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The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided valuable insights into survival strategies in extreme environments. Archaea, meaning “ancient things” in Greek, are among the oldest life forms and belong to the third domain of life. These are primitive microorganisms. They are slow-growing and can also be found in the human gut, potentially impacting health. Archaea are known for producing antimicrobial molecules and exhibiting antioxidant activity. They have promising applications, particularly in eco-friendly wastewater treatment. They exist in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and saline or acidic habitats.

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Researchers from IIT Guwahati and Bose Institute, Kolkata, created an advanced injectable hydrogel for localized cancer treatment. The hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir, releasing anti-cancer drugs in a controlled way. It minimizes harm to healthy cells while targeting cancer effectively. The breakthrough is expected to revolutionize breast cancer therapy. The hydrogel is made from protein-based ultra-short peptides, stable at injection sites, and insoluble in body fluids. The peptides are biocompatible and biodegradable, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

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IIT-Madras has commissioned Asia’s largest shallow wave basin research facility at its Discovery campus in Thaiyur. The facility handles complex wave and current interactions, addressing challenges in Indian ports, waterways, and coastal engineering. Developed indigenously, it is supported by the National Technology Centre for Ports Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC). The facility can test coastal structures, post-impact analysis, solar floating plants, and climate change effects. It is equipped with a mobile wave maker, enabling multiple projects and international research collaborations. This facility strengthens IIT-Madras as a global leader in marine science and engineering.

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India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.

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The Union Cabinet approved a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. TLP will support ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and human spaceflight missions. It will serve as a backup for the Second Launch Pad (SLP) and support LVM3 vehicles with advanced stages. The project costs ₹3984.86 crore and is expected to be completed in four years. TLP will boost launch frequencies, enabling India’s space goals, including the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and crewed lunar landing by 2040. It enhances India’s capacity for heavier and advanced launch vehicles.

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India has joined the Eurodrone programme as an observer state. Eurodrone, a twin-turboprop UAV, is designed for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) missions. It has a payload capacity of 2.3 tonnes, endurance of up to 40 hours, and operates in diverse environments, including severe weather. Conceived in 2022, it passed its preliminary design review in 2024 and aims to enter service by 2030. The drone supports ISTAR, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning missions. Eurodrone is Europe’s effort for collective defense, reducing reliance on US and Israeli platforms. The members are Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

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A new research paper identifies Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), a life-threatening fungal infection, mostly in tuberculosis survivors in Assam’s tea plantations. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that infects individuals with weak immune systems. It commonly affects people with pre-existing lung damage, like from TB, and shares symptoms with TB. Symptoms include coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatment involves antifungal medication and sometimes surgery. Aspergillus fungi are widely found in soil, decaying plants, and grains, but only a few species pose a threat to humans.

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Camp Hill virus, a henipavirus related to Nipah, has been detected in North America, raising outbreak concerns. Henipaviruses are zoonotic RNA viruses from the Paramyxoviridae family, naturally hosted by fruit bats (Pteropus species). They can cross species barriers, infecting mammals, including humans, causing severe respiratory illness and encephalitis. Transmission occurs through infected animals, contaminated food/water, and human-to-human contact. Symptoms range from fever and headache to severe encephalitis, seizures, and coma. Henipaviruses block the innate immune response, aiding viral replication. No vaccine or antiviral drug is available; treatment is only symptomatic.