Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Pune district in Maharashtra is the worst-hit region for Zika virus in India, with 125 out of 151 cases reported in 2024. Maharashtra recorded 140 cases, followed by Karnataka (10) and Gujarat (1). The Zika virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and yellow fever. It can cause microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. The virus was discovered in the Zika Forest, Uganda (1947), and the first human case was reported in 1952. A major Zika outbreak occurred in Brazil (2015).

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World Leprosy Day is observed on January 30 to raise awareness and remove misconceptions about leprosy. Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infection caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, affecting skin and nerves. If untreated, it leads to permanent disabilities and social stigma. Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease affecting over 120 countries, with 200,000 new cases annually. It spreads through prolonged close contact with untreated cases, not through casual contact.

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Iran has unveiled two new missiles: Etemad and Ghadr-380. Etemad is a ballistic missile with a range of 1,700 km. It measures 16 meters in length and 1.25 meters in diameter. It is equipped with a precision-guided warhead for accurate targeting. Ghadr-380 is an anti-warship cruise missile with a range of over 1,000 km. It features anti-jamming capability, making it resistant to electronic warfare.

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The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, India developed the high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst for hydrogen production. CeNS is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The catalyst is made of platinum, palladium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese (PtPdCoNiMn). The catalyst was prepared using two methods: electrodeposition and solvothermal processes.  The catalyst is more efficient than pure platinum and uses seven times less platinum than commercial catalysts.  The catalyst is stable and efficient for over 100 hours in alkaline seawater.

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NASA is set to launch SPHEREx, a revolutionary space telescope, to explore the universe’s origins. It will cost $488 million, far less than the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Unlike JWST, which zooms in on deep-space objects, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors. The telescope will take 600 images daily, completing four full sky scans in 27 months. SPHEREx will map 450 million galaxies, revealing how the universe evolved after the Big Bang. It will also study 100 million Milky Way stars, tracing life’s building blocks in space.

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Ranikhet disease has caused the death of 1.5 lakh chickens in Andhra Pradesh. It is a contagious viral disease affecting poultry like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). The disease attacks birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. It leads to production drops and fertility issues in birds. Morbidity is high, and mortality ranges from 50 to 100%. It is a minor zoonosis, potentially causing mild conjunctivitis in humans, but usually self-limiting.

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NASA will launch the Pandora mission in 2025 to study the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. It will focus on clouds, hazes, and water, key factors for habitability. Pandora aims to fill gaps left by existing telescopes like James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), focusing on planetary transits to improve exoplanet models. The mission will explore planetary formation, evolution, and habitability. Pandora will use a specialized telescope to study light interactions with atmospheric particles, enhancing knowledge of planetary climates and chemistry.

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, “Srjanam,” at AIIMS New Delhi. It was developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST). It has an initial capacity of 400 kg/day and can process 10 kg of degradable medical waste daily. India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, posing health risks. “Sṛjanam” is validated for antimicrobial effectiveness and is safer than organic fertilizers.

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Jharkhand health department issued a bird flu (H5N1) alert after detection at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. Bird flu (Avian Influenza) is caused by Influenza A viruses and can spread from birds to humans. H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, and H9N2 are key virus strains, with H5N1 known for high fatality. Transmission occurs through infected birds, airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, and animal products.

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ISRO has developed a 10-tonne vertical propellant mixer for solid motors, making India’s space sector more self-reliant. It is the world’s largest solid propellant mixing equipment, designed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute. The mixer enhances productivity, quality, and efficiency in heavy solid motor production. It weighs around 150 tonnes and measures 5.4m in length, 3.3m in breadth, and 8.7m in height. It features hydrostatic-driven agitators and remote operation via PLC-based SCADA control. Solid propulsion is crucial for India’s space transportation, requiring precise mixing of hazardous ingredients.