Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute created the world’s first entirely AI-generated genome. The AI-designed virus can infect and kill bacteria, acting as a bacteriophage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) model named Evo was used, employing genome “language models” to design complete viral genomes. Evo was trained on about 2 million viral genomes to learn DNA patterns, gene order, and composition. Scientists guided Evo to mimic phiX174, a small bacteriophage with 11 genes and approximately 5,000 DNA letters. This achievement marks a significant advancement beyond AI-designed proteins or small multi-gene systems. It demonstrates AI’s potential to innovate in synthetic biology and genome engineering.

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Recently, Central University of Rajasthan (CUoR) conducted the first successful wheat cultivation in arid land using desert ‘soilification’ technology. The experiment aims to stop the expansion of western Rajasthan’s Thar desert towards the National Capital Region. Desert sand was converted into soil using polymers and indigenous bioformulation, enhancing water retention and soil structure. The project was supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the State Horticulture Department. The experiment proves that even barren desert land can become productive with biotechnology.

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India’s first dedicated space astronomy observatory, AstroSat, completed 10 years of operation on 28 September 2025. It was launched on 28 September 2015 by PSLV-C30 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C30) XL from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Though designed for 5 years, it continues to provide valuable data after a decade. AstroSat studies the universe across multi-wavelengths: UV (Ultraviolet), Visible, Low and High Energy X-rays. It was developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) with collaboration from Indian institutes and partners from Canada and the UK.

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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) to make research easy and accessible. SARAL uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify complex research into videos, podcasts, posters, and presentations. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) aims to harness deep science and engineering to build deep tech products and start-ups. It is developing an AI Science and Engineering Open India Stack for drug discovery, aerospace design, climate studies, and advanced materials.

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Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) recently detected phosphine (PH3) in the atmosphere of brown dwarf Wolf 1130C. Phosphine is a chemical compound consisting of one phosphorus atom and three hydrogen atoms. On Earth, phosphine is naturally produced by bacteria in low-oxygen environments. These bacteria absorb phosphate from minerals or biological material and combine it with hydrogen to form phosphine. Phosphine is also present in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. The compound is also known as hydrogen phosphide. Its detection in Wolf 1130C provides insights into chemical processes in brown dwarf atmospheres.

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The Philippines has launched Southeast Asia’s first Coral Larvae Cryobank, a major step to protect marine biodiversity. The cryobank is a scientific facility that freezes and stores coral larvae at ultra-low temperatures. It preserves the genetic material of corals for future reef restoration and scientific research. The facility acts like a “genetic seed vault” for corals to help safeguard biodiversity from climate change and coral bleaching. The project is part of the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are jointly participating in this regional conservation effort.

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Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. According to WHO, around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women globally need treatment to prevent transmission to babies. Hepatitis B still affects over 42 million people in the WHO Southeast Asia Region. In Maldives, over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care with almost universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

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On October 12, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated newly developed pulse and barley varieties at the 118th All India Farmers Fair and Agricultural Industry Exhibition held at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) in Uttarakhand. The varieties were developed by GBPUAT students to improve crop productivity and farmer income. Pant Urd-13 and Pant Urd-14 are improved urdbean (black gram) varieties with higher yield and better disease resistance. Pant Matar 554 is a high-yielding pea variety designed to enhance farmers’ earnings. Pant Jau 1106 is a new barley variety introduced to diversify crop options for farmers in the region.

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Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission, made the first direct observation of the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) effects on the Moon. The observation was made by CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2), a payload onboard the orbiter. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that the dayside lunar exosphere pressure increased when the CME impacted the Moon. The total number density of neutral atoms or molecules increased more than tenfold, confirming theoretical predictions for the first time. Chandrayaan-2, launched on 22 July 2019 via GSLV Mk-III M1, carried eight experiment payloads; however, the Vikram lander lost communication during its soft-landing attempt.

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United States (US) researchers have developed a novel monoclonal antibody named MAM01 that showed strong protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. MAM01 targets a highly conserved region of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein, blocking infection before the parasite enters the bloodstream. The trial demonstrated dose-dependent full protection with minimal side effects. It is administered as a single long-acting injection, providing immediate and months-long protection. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins mimicking the body’s natural immune defenses.