Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The White House has instructed NASA to create a unified time standard, Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), for the moon and celestial bodies. This aims to set international norms in space amid a competitive lunar race. LTC, to be developed by 2026, will account for lunar gravitational forces and facilitate precision in missions and data transfers. International agreements will be necessary for its establishment, fostering coordination among spacefaring nations.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warns mobile users of “juice jacking,” a cyber threat where compromised USB charging stations transfer malware or steal personal data. Coined by journalist Brian Krebs in 2011, it’s not limited to phones but any USB-charged device. Perpetrators use it to install malware, steal sensitive data, or gain unauthorized access. Incidents occur in public spaces like airports, hotels, and shopping centers, raising security concerns.

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Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) launched TSAT-1A, an optical sub-metre-resolution Earth observation satellite, with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Built in collaboration with Satellogic Inc., it offers military-grade imagery capabilities and multispectral/hyperspectral imaging. Deployed for Indian defense, it enhances preparedness and strategic decision-making. Assembled in Karnataka, it marks the private sector’s first foray into military satellite development, complementing India’s existing ISRO-built spy satellites.

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Israel deployed its ship-mounted defense system, C-Dome, for the first time. C-Dome, a naval adaptation of the Iron Dome, protects against rocket and missile threats. Utilizing radar detection and interceptors, it boasts high effectiveness. Mounted on Sa’ar 6-class corvettes, it integrates with ship radar for enhanced target detection. Operational since November 2022, C-Dome ensures comprehensive maritime defense against modern threats, showcasing Israel’s advanced military technology.

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Israel’s exo-atmospheric interceptors, a surface to air missile, also known as anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs), successfully neutralized 99% of missiles launched by Iran. These ABMs counter incoming ballistic threats, especially Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Equipped with advanced infrared sensors and radar systems, they detect and terminate targets at hypersonic speeds. Guided by sophisticated inertial navigation and three-stage solid rocket boosters, they accurately intercept threats with exceptional precision.

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ISRO Chairman S Somanath declared India’s ambition for a debris-free space by 2030 at the 42nd IADC annual meeting. He emphasized ISRO’s clear strategy for future space endeavors and its commitment to sustainable space exploration. Somanath, also the Secretary of the Department of Space, highlighted the importance of debris-free missions for space sustainability. This initiative aims to spark discussions and actions toward achieving a cleaner space environment.

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Israel reportedly utilized GPS spoofing to disrupt Iran’s missile targeting by interfering with GPS navigation signals. This cyberattack involves broadcasting false GPS signals, misleading receivers into providing inaccurate location data. GPS spoofing exploits weaknesses in satellite signals, posing significant threats to navigation and various industries like logistics, telecommunications, and defense. Unlike jamming, spoofing is more sophisticated and potentially catastrophic, highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding GPS systems.

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C-DOT, the premier Telecom R&D Centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur (IIT-J) have inked an agreement under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) of the DoT. The collaboration aims to develop AI frameworks for automated network management and fault detection in 5G and Beyond Networks. This initiative will establish a real-time testbed for showcasing automated management and slicing techniques, catering to various application use-cases like smart metering and remotely operated vehicles.

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Nuclear energy holds promise in spurring ‘pink’ hydrogen generation in India through legislative amendments. Pink hydrogen, generated via electrolysis fueled by nuclear power, offers advantages like reduced costs and emissions compared to conventional methods. Nuclear reactors’ high temperatures can also enhance hydrogen production efficiency. Pink hydrogen finds applications in various industries as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Electrolysis, crucial for carbon-free hydrogen production, involves splitting water using electricity.

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The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) marks its 50th anniversary, initiated by WHO in 1974. Renamed UIP in India in 1985, it now offers vaccines for 13 universally recommended diseases and 17 context-specific ones. Global DPT coverage surged from 5% in the ’70s to 84% in 2022. Smallpox eradicated; polio remains in Afghanistan & Pakistan. In India, coverage grows yearly, reaching 76% in 2019-21. Immunization boasts significant returns, predominantly delivered through government facilities.