Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The EnVision mission, adopted by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to explore Venus, Earth’s closest planetary neighbor, with a launch scheduled for 2031. It will investigate the planet’s surface, interior, and atmosphere using advanced radar technology and spectrometers, providing insights into its geological activity and atmospheric composition.

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Russia has developed an mRNA-based cancer treatment vaccine, set to launch in early 2025 and offered free to citizens. The vaccine, costing the state 300,000 rubles (USD 2,869) per dose, uses genetic material from a patient’s tumour to train the immune system. It works by stimulating antibodies to target unique proteins (antigens) on cancer cells, effectively destroying them. Cancer rates in Russia are rising, with over 635,000 new cases in 2022, including colon, breast, and lung cancers. Similar personalised vaccines are under trial in the US (glioblastoma) and UK (melanoma), showing promising results.

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Buruli ulcer is a chronic skin disease caused by bacteria ‘Mycobacterium ulcerans’. It mainly affects regions in West and Central Africa and has recently been reported in Australia. The disease spreads to humans through mosquitoes, with possums acting as the primary bacterial reservoir. Symptoms include non-healing ulcers that can cause severe tissue damage if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and surgery are crucial for managing the disease. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a neglected tropical disease, highlighting the need for increased awareness due to rising cases.

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IIT Bombay developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe for painless drug delivery, reducing skin damage and infection risks. The syringe uses high-energy shockwaves to create a microjet of liquid drug that penetrates the skin without needles. It consists of a driver, driven section, and drug holder, powered by pressurized nitrogen gas. Effective in tests on rats, it showed deeper tissue penetration with minimal skin damage. The device supports over 1,000 uses, needing only nozzle replacements, making it cost-effective. It could accelerate immunization drives like Mission Indradhanush and lower risks of needle-related infections.

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CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) successfully conducted India’s first trial blast using the Dozer Push Mining Method, integrating digital technologies for enhanced safety and efficiency. The trial took place at Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) Coal Mine, Chhattisgarh, operated by Adani Enterprises. The method aims to optimize mining processes while controlling vibrations and flyrock. It uses automated machinery, including unmanned drill machines and large-sized dozers. The method is a cost-effective alternative to traditional mining techniques like truck-shovel and dragline methods.

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Nadi Tarangini, India’s first Ayurvedic medical device, received approval from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It costs ₹55,000 and is manufactured by Atreya Innovations in Pune. The device analyzes 22 Ayurvedic parameters and provides a 10-page report in 10 Indian languages. It has an accuracy of 85% and is used in over 1250 Ayurvedic clinics. Nadi Tarangini received patents in the US, Europe, Indonesia, and India.

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Germany recently faced its first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in nearly 40 years, affecting water buffalo near Berlin. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease impacting livestock like cattle, swine, sheep, and goats but not horses, dogs, or cats. The disease severely affects livestock production and disrupts trade in animals and animal products. It circulates in 77% of global livestock, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of South America. FMD is not a human health risk and is transmitted through excretions, secretions, and aerosolized virus from infected animals.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) conducted the engine ground run of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior on January 11, 2025, ahead of Aero India 2025. Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is an Indian unmanned and manned combat aircraft teaming system. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed this system. The system enhances surveillance, strike capabilities, and reduces human error.

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Scientists are concerned about the potential for ‘zombie deer’ disease, or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to affect humans. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Caused by prions, misfolded proteins that damage the brain, leading to severe dysfunction and spongy tissue. It spreads through body fluids like saliva, feces, blood, and urine, and can remain infectious in the environment for years. Symptoms include weight loss, behavioral changes, and increased drinking and salivation. There is no cure or vaccine, and although there’s no confirmed human transmission, experts remain cautious.

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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.