Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Engineers in Japan activated Reimei, the world’s first hybrid quantum supercomputer. It features a 20-qubit quantum processor integrated into Fugaku, the world’s sixth-fastest supercomputer. Unlike most quantum computers, Reimei uses trapped-ion qubits, which isolate charged atoms in an electromagnetic ion trap and use lasers for precise control. This hybrid system aims to handle complex calculations beyond traditional supercomputers. It is expected to advance research in physics and chemistry.

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Kerala Government, in collaboration with Remidio, launched Nayanamritham 2.0, the world’s first AI-assisted chronic eye disease screening program. It builds on Nayanamritham 1.0, which focused on diabetic retinopathy screening. Optometrists use AI-enabled fundus cameras to classify cases as referable or non-referable for faster diagnoses. Now includes screening for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Covers community health centers, taluk hospitals, and district hospitals. Aims to reduce preventable blindness, improve early detection, and enhance patient care. Kerala is the first government public health system globally to adopt AI for eye screening.

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased Project Farm Vibes in Baramati, Maharashtra, demonstrating AI-driven solutions that improved crop yields by 40% and reduced fertilizer use by 25%. The Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, in collaboration with Microsoft, is expanding the project from 1,000 to 50,000 farmers. Project Farm Vibes is an AI-driven agricultural technology suite developed by Microsoft Research to improve farming efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. The project involves partnerships with Microsoft Research, Azure AI Team, and Oxford University AI researchers.

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NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer satellite was launched from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to map water on the Moon. The 200 kg satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, will search for water ice in permanently shadowed lunar craters. Lunar water is crucial for future missions, providing drinking water, oxygen, and rocket fuel. It will orbit at 100 km altitude, using two instruments to study water distribution and surface temperature. Water may come from solar wind reactions, comets, or meteorites. Understanding lunar water could reveal insights into Earth’s water origins and support future Moon missions.

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Scientists confirmed the existence of a fourth form of water, Plastic Ice VII, which forms under extreme conditions. Unlike regular ice, Plastic Ice VII allows water molecules to rotate freely within a rigid crystalline structure. It was first predicted in 2008 and recently proven using neutron-scattering experiments in France. It forms at pressures over 3 GPa (30,000 times Earth’s atmospheric pressure) and temperatures above 450 K (177°C). This discovery helps scientists understand water’s behavior in extreme planetary environments, such as Jupiter’s and Saturn’s moons. It could impact planetary science, materials research, and advanced technology development.

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Airtel and Jio have partnered with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to provide broadband in India. Starlink is a satellite-based internet network operated by SpaceX and founded by Elon Musk. It was launched in 2019. It aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet globally, especially in remote areas. The project plans to deploy 42,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Starlink works by using a constellation of LEO satellites to provide connectivity. A Starlink dish connects to the nearest satellite, which relays data through ground stations, eliminating dependence on fiber or cellular networks.

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Serbian government is accused of using a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade. Sonic weapons, also called acoustic weapons, emit loud, painful sounds over long distances. They can use audible or inaudible sound waves to disrupt, disorient, or incapacitate people. Some versions amplify voices for crowd control. It was first developed for military use. The U.S. used them in Iraq in 2004. They work with transducers that convert energy into sound waves. Highly concentrated sound beams can cause discomfort, pain, and disorientation. Authorities control frequency, volume, and duration for targeted impact.

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The Government of India launched the BioSaarthi initiative to help Indian biotech startups grow in domestic and global markets. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the initiative in New Delhi on 21 March 2025. The event marked the 13th Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The Minister also released the “India Bioeconomy Report 2025.” It connects startups with experienced mentors, including Indian diaspora experts. The initiative aims to boost innovation, industry-academia collaboration, and global success for Indian biotech startups.

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On March 22, 2025, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe reached 6 million km from the Sun, setting a new record for the closest spacecraft approach. It was launched on August 12, 2018, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It aims to study the Sun’s corona, solar wind, and magnetic field. The probe follows a highly elliptical orbit, using Venus’ gravity to move closer to the Sun. It is the fastest human-made object, reaching speeds of 692,000 km/hr. It will ultimately come within 6.16 million km of the Sun, about seven times closer than any previous spacecraft.

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The European Space Agency (ESA) shut down the Gaia space observatory on March 27, 2025. It was launched in 2013 by European Space Agency (ESA). Gaia aimed to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way. Originally named Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA), later simplified to Gaia. It is positioned at Lagrange Point 2 (L2), 1.5 million km from Earth, for an unobstructed view.