Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 under its WaveX startup accelerator program. The challenge is titled BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat. It is a national hackathon to build Artificial Intelligence-based multilingual translation tools for at least 12 major Indian languages. WaveX is a startup accelerator under the Ministry’s WAVES initiative to promote innovation in media, entertainment, and language technology.

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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, recently launched the BHARAT study under its Longevity India Program. BHARAT stands for Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions. The study aims to map physiological, molecular, and environmental indicators that drive ageing in Indians. It will build India’s first comprehensive ageing database. It includes multiparametric analysis, advanced clinical assessment, and lifestyle factors. It will identify biomarkers for healthy ageing and set the Bharat Baseline for normal health values in India.

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Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla interacted with students from the International Space Station (ISS) using ham radio. Ham radio, also called amateur radio, is a licensed radio service using radio waves for communication. It is used for education, knowledge sharing, and emergency or SOS communication. It needs a transceiver, antenna, and dedicated frequency operated by licensed ham operators. Communication can be local, global, or in space. In India, anyone above 12 years can use ham radio with a licence from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

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Recently, the Kerala Health Minister confirmed 425 people are on the Nipah virus contact list across the state. Nipah Virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic virus spreading from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or directly from person to person. Fruit bats from the Pteropodidae family are its natural hosts. NiV infection can be without symptoms, mild, or cause serious breathing illness and deadly brain swelling.

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In July 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the “Kalaa Setu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat” Challenge. It was introduced through the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) for inclusive communication. The challenge invites top AI startups to create scalable tools that convert text into audio, video, and graphic content. These tools must support multiple Indian languages for real-time information delivery. The goal is to help government bodies communicate using regionally relevant formats like infographics, video explainers, and audio capsules.

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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras recently launched YD One, India’s lightest active wheelchair. It is the first indigenously developed precision-built mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair in India. It is developed by TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras and Thryv Mobility startup. It aims to offer affordable, high-performance mobility and reduce dependence on costly imports.

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Recently, a team from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect ancient Buddhist stupas and buried structures in Yamuna Nagar district, Haryana. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a high-resolution geophysical method that uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to explore underground features. These waves interact with subsurface materials and are reflected, refracted, or scattered based on their type. GPR typically detects features up to a depth of around 10 meters. It is useful for locating bedrock depth, water tables, soil layers, buried stream channels, cavities, and fractures.

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a condition where leg veins cannot efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs. Normally, vein valves help blood flow upward, but in CVI, these valves don’t function properly. It can lead to symptoms like leg pain, swelling, cramps, skin changes, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. CVI is more common in people who are overweight, pregnant, have a family history, or had leg injuries, surgery, or blood clots.

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing a new malaria vaccine called AdFalciVax to fight Plasmodium falciparum. This was recently highlighted due to its unique chimeric and recombinant design. AdFalciVax is being developed with Regional Medical Research Centre Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), and Department of Biotechnology – National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII). It uses Lactococcus lactis, a safe food-grade bacterium, for production. The vaccine targets both the pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages of the malaria parasite. This dual-target approach offers both personal protection and reduction of mosquito transmission.

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Pune district in Maharashtra has been declared an affected area due to rising Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) cases in cattle. As of now, 906 cattle are infected, with 591 recovered and 15 deaths reported. Pune has over 8.46 lakh cattle as per the 20th Livestock Census and is a major milk producer. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a highly infectious viral disease affecting all breeds of cattle and water buffalo. It is caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus (CaPV) under the family Poxviridae.