Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious pig disease, has been reported in Kerala’s Kottayam district, prompting culling measures and infected zone declarations. ASF has a 100% mortality rate in pigs and is caused by a large, double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Asfivirus in the family Asfarviridae. The virus can survive long periods in pork and meat products but poses no risk to human health or food safety. ASF originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Asia and Europe; it was first confirmed in India in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 2020. With no cure, vaccine, or prevention available, culling is the only effective control measure.

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ISRO successfully conducted the sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine. It is developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO. This engine powers the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and operates at a thrust level of 19 tonnes, already proven in six missions. For the Gaganyaan mission, it has been qualified at 20 tonnes thrust and is upgraded to 22 tonnes for future missions to enhance LVM3’s payload capacity. It features a new Nozzle Protection System, simplifying engine testing.

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India’s first diabetes biobank has been established in Chennai by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). It stores biological samples to support scientific research with ICMR’s approval. The biobank focuses on studying the causes, variations, and related disorders of Indian diabetes. Blood samples are collected from two ICMR studies: the India Diabetes (INDIAB) study (2008-2020) and the ongoing registry of young-onset diabetes (since 2006).

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BEML Ltd launched the BD475-2 Dozer, India’s largest and most advanced crawler dozer, showcasing the country’s engineering excellence and self-reliance. Powered by a 950 HP engine, it was developed entirely in-house at BEML’s Kolar Gold Fields facility. The BD475-2 Dozer enhances fuel efficiency and performance, supporting mining operations. This launch highlights India’s technological growth, aligning with the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision for sustainable development.

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IIT Bombay researchers developed a solution to tackle soil pollution using bacteria that consume toxic pollutants and produce essential nutrients. These bacteria degrade harmful substances, boost plant growth hormones, inhibit harmful fungi, and improve nutrient availability for plants. This innovation can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and enhance soil health and fertility. The bacteria, mainly from the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, were isolated from highly toxic environments and contaminated soils. They effectively break down aromatic pollutants like carbaryl, naphthalene, and phthalates, commonly found in pesticides and industrial by-products. The research offers an eco-friendly alternative to expensive traditional soil remediation methods.

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A webinar on osteoporosis was organized by Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore recently. Experts highlight calcium intake, regular exercise, and healthy habits to prevent bone loss. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them thinner and more prone to fractures. It commonly affects bones like hips, wrists, and the spine. The condition occurs when bone loss outpaces new bone creation, often due to low hormone levels. The disease is often called “silent” because it shows no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

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India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.

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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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The first astronomical observatory in Eastern India has been inaugurated in Garpanchkot Hills, Purulia, by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS). This is the sixth such observatory in India and is named after Satyendra Nath Bose. The observatory, located 600 meters above sea level at approximately 86° E longitude, fills a key gap in astronomical observations. It aims to aid scientific observations, student training, and foster national and international research collaborations. The observatory is strategically placed to observe transient astronomical phenomena. Satyendra Nath Bose Centre has partnered with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University for its operation.

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Scientists discovered that metal lumps, called polymetallic nodules, on the dark seabed produce oxygen. Dark oxygen is created without sunlight or photosynthesis, which was previously thought to be the only way oxygen is produced. The oxygen comes from electrochemical activity in the nodules, not plants. Polymetallic nodules, made of metals like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, split H2O molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This discovery challenges previous understanding and opens up new avenues for studying deep ocean processes and oxygen production at extreme depths.