Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers have recently found that magnetar flares can create heavy elements like gold using a process called rapid neutron-capture or r-process nucleosynthesis. Magnetars are a special type of neutron star with extremely powerful magnetic fields—about a thousand times stronger than normal neutron stars. These stars sometimes release huge flares of energy, and one such giant flare in 2004 helped scientists make this discovery. The flare was observed by NASA’s Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which recorded strange gamma-ray signals nearly a day later. These delayed signals did not match typical afterglows but showed signs of radioactive decay from neutron-rich elements. This proves that r-process nucleosynthesis, earlier linked mainly to neutron star mergers, can also happen in magnetar flares. This recent evidence changes our understanding of where rare elements like gold in the universe might come from.

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In a recent development, India’s High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype designed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully completed pre-monsoon flight tests with a certified autopilot system. A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is an unmanned, solar-powered aircraft that flies in the stratosphere at 17 to 22 kilometers altitude. It serves as a middle layer between ground systems and satellites for continuous aerial services. It was developed by NAL, Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Chitradurga, Karnataka supported its development. It is designed for border patrolling, surveillance in remote areas, and civil-military use. It can also act as a relay for telecommunications and weather monitoring.

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At the I/O Developers Conference 2025, Google launched its AI-first restructuring strategy called AI Matryoshka. AI Matryoshka is a multi-layered artificial intelligence ecosystem where Google’s core AI acts like the central brain, similar to a Matryoshka doll. It is built around Gemini 2.5 models and aims to change how users, developers, and enterprises interact with technology. This system powers everything from Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to user-facing apps. The goal is to deeply embed AI across all Google platforms and create smart, autonomous systems that respond in real time.

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On May 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Indian Railways’ first 9,000 Horsepower (HP) electric locomotive engine in Dahod, Gujarat. This was part of his two-day Gujarat visit to launch projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. The locomotive was manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at the Dahod rolling stock workshop. The workshop’s foundation was laid in 2022 and built in just three years with an investment of ₹21,405 crore. The engine can haul 4,600 tonnes of freight and the facility can produce 120 locomotives annually, expandable to 150. Around 1,200 engines will be manufactured over the next decade for both domestic and export purposes.

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Researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) have created India’s first gene-edited sheep. This is a major breakthrough in animal biotechnology and marks a historic achievement for India. The sheep was developed using genome editing without adding any foreign Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), making it different from transgenic animals. This innovation may ease regulatory approvals under India’s updated biotechnology policy. It positions SKUAST-Kashmir as a leader in reproductive biotechnology research. This recent development places India among the global frontrunners in advanced genome editing technologies.

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Recently, despite the launch of the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) in 2021 and a financial aid programme, over 300 patients, mostly children with Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), are not receiving proper medical treatment. LSDs are rare genetic disorders where harmful substances build up inside cells due to enzyme deficiencies. They are caused by mutations in the genes that produce lysosomal enzymes, which help break down waste in cells. These diseases can severely affect organs and quality of life.

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The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) recently launched the ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program to support startups in the Telecom and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. C-DOT is an autonomous telecom research and development institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The program offers financial grants, advanced technical resources, and expert guidance to help startups grow from idea stage to commercial success. It focuses on building sustainable and scalable business models.

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Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced that researchers at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a smart water filter using sunlight, gentle vibrations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The innovation addresses pollution caused by industrial wastewater containing harmful dyes like Methylene Blue and Congo Red, which threaten human health and ecosystems. This method ensures continuous purification, even on cloudy days, making it a smart alternative to traditional solar-powered filters.

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Recently, Japan launched the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) from Tanegashima Space Centre. GOSAT-GW is an Earth observation satellite developed by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It was launched using the H-2A rocket. Its objectives are to monitor global-mean concentrations of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), verify national anthropogenic GHG emissions inventories, and detect GHG emissions from large sources like megacities and power plants.

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Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “3 by 35” Initiative to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It urges countries to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to achieve at least a 50% real price increase by 2035. NCDs like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes cause over 75% of global deaths. Higher taxes could prevent 50 million premature deaths over 50 years and generate USD 1 trillion in public revenue in the next decade. Between 2012 and 2022, around 140 countries already raised tobacco taxes, showing large-scale change is achievable.