Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar. The event was held during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, organised by the African Union and World Health Organization (WHO). Kala-azar is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by a protozoan parasite and is fatal if untreated, showing symptoms like fever, fatigue, weight loss, and enlarged spleen and liver. More than 70% of global kala-azar cases are in Eastern Africa, where half of the affected are children under 15, according to the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). The MoU encourages more investment and better strategies to eliminate kala-azar and improve public health responses.

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Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, under the Department of Science and Technology, have found a new method to detect topological invariants in quantum materials using the spectral function. The spectral function is a quantum tool that shows how energy and particles like electrons behave inside a material. It is commonly used to study electronic structure such as density of states and dispersion relations. The team focused on momentum-space spectral function (SPSF), which acts like a quantum fingerprint showing how electrons are spread across energy and momentum. This method reveals hidden topological features using values like winding numbers in one-dimensional systems and Chern numbers in two-dimensional systems.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi on May 27, 2025. Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in quantum science for defence and strategic purposes. It houses advanced experimental setups for research in crucial quantum domains. It also has test-beds for single-photon sources and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution to ensure ultra-secure communication. DRDO continues to lead India’s efforts in quantum sensing, post-quantum cryptography, and secure communications. As a core partner in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO promotes indigenous innovation in sovereign quantum technologies.

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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, recently developed a metal-based nanozyme to help control abnormal blood clotting caused by Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE). Pulmonary Thromboembolism is a condition where blood clots block arteries in the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Nanozymes are nanomaterials that act like enzymes and can be made from metals, metal oxides, or carbon-based substances. This new nanozyme could offer a promising treatment option by safely breaking down harmful clots.

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Recently, two Chinese nationals were charged in the United States for allegedly smuggling Fusarium graminearum, an agricultural pathogen, into the country. Fusarium graminearum is an ascomycete fungus that causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), which affects crops like wheat, maize, barley, oats, and rice. It produces a toxin called Vomitoxin or Deoxynivalenol, which is harmful to both humans and animals. This fungus reduces crop yield and quality while contaminating grains with toxic mycotoxins. This incident raises concerns about agro-terrorism, which is the deliberate use of plant pathogens or pests to attack agriculture and create economic loss, food insecurity, and public fear.

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Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently launched its first high-performance computing facility named NAKSHATRA at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. NAKSHATRA was developed under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM). It is a modern computing cluster designed to boost storage and streamline processes for genomic research. The facility aims to improve early detection of disease threats and ensure faster response to outbreaks. It will also support Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven vaccine and drug development for better public health outcomes.

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Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lenacapavir (LEN), the most advanced medicine yet for HIV prevention. Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral drug used as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP for people who are HIV-negative but at risk. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a method to prevent HIV infection before exposure. Lenacapavir is taken as an injection just twice a year, making it easier and more discreet than daily pills. It is developed by Gilead Sciences and sold under the brand name Yeztugo.

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Adani Group has recently commissioned India’s first off-grid 5 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch, Gujarat. The plant has been developed by Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), which is the clean energy arm of Adani Enterprises Limited. An off-grid green hydrogen plant produces hydrogen using electrolysis powered entirely by renewable sources like solar or wind and is not connected to the main power grid. This plant runs fully on solar energy and includes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for continuous operation.

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Researchers have recently introduced a new term called “Thirstwaves” to describe long periods of high atmospheric thirst. A Thirstwave occurs when the daily evaporative demand stays above the historical 90th percentile for at least three consecutive days. Evaporative demand means how thirsty the atmosphere is or how much water it wants to absorb from the ground or plants. It is influenced by temperature, wind speed, humidity, and sunshine. Understanding thirstwaves can help farmers manage water more efficiently and boost crop production. This concept is important for improving climate resilience in agriculture and water planning.

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Recently, India’s Jahnavi Dangeti was announced as the first Indian astronaut to join the Titans Space mission scheduled for 2029. She is a graduate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s International Air and Space Program and has received global training. Jahnavi is also a strong promoter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among youth. The mission will be led by retired U.S. Army Colonel and veteran NASA astronaut William McArthur Jr., who is now Chief Astronaut at Titans Space.