Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Maharashtra’s state minister is suffering from Bell’s Palsy, a condition causing temporary facial paralysis. It results from inflammation or irritation of the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve) controlling facial muscles. It is often linked to viral infections, but the cause is usually unknown (idiopathic). It can affect anyone, but is more common in adults. Symptoms include facial drooping, difficulty with facial expressions, drooling, and issues with closing the eyelid or smiling.

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New research suggests that gut-friendly bacteria may help slow vitiligo progression, offering hope for people with this autoimmune disease. Vitiligo causes loss of skin color in patches, often starting on the hands, feet, face, or forearms. It occurs when the immune system destroys melanocytes, cells that produce skin color. Around 30% of cases are genetic, and 1% of the global population is affected. Vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, and while treatments can restore color, they can’t prevent its recurrence.

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IIT Bombay and Monash University, Australia, have developed a cost-effective sensor to detect toxic metals in water. The project received funding from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India. The sensor uses a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) called copper-tetra carboxyphenyl porphyrin (Cu-TCPP) for efficient detection. It can detect lead, cadmium, and mercury even in trace amounts. The MOF structure allows metal ion replacement without collapsing, improving detection capability. Tests on tap and lake water confirmed its accuracy. The sensor performs as well as or better than DNA-based sensors, with simpler design and efficiency.

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A global survey found that 56.6% of Indians aged 50+ know little about shingles, though over 90% have the virus. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection causing a painful rash or blisters, often in a band-like pattern. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox and can reactivate in adulthood. Shingles is not contagious, but the virus can spread to someone who never had chickenpox. Symptoms include pain, itching, fever, and fatigue. The Shingrix vaccine helps prevent shingles, and antiviral drugs can reduce its severity.

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V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, inaugurated the ‘Shri S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research’ at IIT Madras on March 17, 2025. The centre supports ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by advancing space technologies and attracting global research talent. It focuses on spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management, crucial for India’s space missions. S Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus, contributed significantly to PSLV and GSLV MK3 development. ISRO scientists will collaborate with IIT Madras to develop advanced cooling systems for spacecraft. The research will support future lunar, Mars, and deep-space missions.

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IIT Guwahati developed India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform for schools, called Gyandhara. Gyandhara provides an immersive and engaging learning experience. It helps students understand scientific and academic concepts that are difficult to grasp through traditional learning. The platform enhances education through virtual reality, making learning interactive and effective.

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Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal brain disorder linked to measles (rubella) infection. It can develop years after measles recovery, affecting children and adolescents, with men at higher risk. Low measles vaccination coverage in Uttar Pradesh has made SSPE a serious health concern. SSPE cases are reported worldwide but remain rare in Western countries.

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DNA polymorphism is widely used in forensics and medicine. It refers to variations in DNA segments or genes among individuals. Detection techniques include Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) polymorphism. DNA profiles are created using polymorphisms in short tandem repeats (STRs). STRs are short DNA sequences repeated multiple times at specific locations. Applications include molecular and personalized medicine, forensic DNA analysis, DNA linkage studies, and identity differentiation.

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New observations of the Great Red Spot on Jupiter show unexpected atmospheric activity above and around the storm. The Great Red Spot is an anticyclone, a high-pressure system that creates a long-lasting storm. It is located in Jupiter’s Southern Hemisphere. It appears as a massive red spot, though the cause of its red color remains unknown. The storm extends above Jupiter’s main cloud layers and is the largest known storm in the Solar System. The storm has existed for at least 150 years and may be even older. Its long duration is linked to Jupiter’s gaseous composition, which lacks a solid surface that would dissipate the storm’s energy. Unlike hurricanes on Earth that weaken upon landfall, Jupiter’s storm remains active due to its deep atmosphere.

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Chandrayaan-3’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) became the first instrument to measure in situ temperatures near the Moon’s south pole. It successfully penetrated lunar soil and deployed a thermal probe, achieving what two previous missions—European Space Agency’s (ESA) Philae (2014) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) InSight Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3) (2018)—could not. This experiment provided crucial data on lunar surface temperatures, strengthening evidence of water ice deposits. ChaSTE’s thermal probe was integrated into the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3, which landed on August 23, 2023.