Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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A Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has affected 79 people in seven U.S. states, with 21 hospitalized, as per recent reports. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning, also called Salmonella infection. It lives in the intestines of animals and spreads through their feces into contaminated food or water.

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Recently, India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history by piloting the Axiom-4 mission aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He became the first Indian in 41 years to cross the Kármán line after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight in 1984. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shukla and called him the first Indian en route to the International Space Station (ISS). This marks a major milestone for India in human spaceflight and international space collaboration.

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Recently, researchers at Raiganj University in West Bengal discovered a new soil bacteria species named Bacillus ayatagriensis. This bacteria was found in the rhizosphere, the area around plant roots, of mulberry plants, which are vital for local sericulture and farming. Bacillus ayatagriensis shows strong antimicrobial properties and greatly improves seed germination, boosting plant health and productivity. It can help organic farming by reducing chemical use.

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Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka asked the Horticulture Department for a report on the threat of black-headed caterpillar (Opisina arenosella) disease harming coconut plantations. This pest damages coconut trees in both coastal and inland areas by eating leaf green parts from silken galleries, lowering photosynthesis. It attacks coconuts of all ages, leaving dried patches on lower leaves while only a few young leaves stay green. The pest spreads quickly by wind and peaks in summer.

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The world’s first-ever malaria treatment suitable for babies and very young children has been approved for use. Drug manufacturer Novartis has received approval from Swiss authorities for its new malaria drug named Coartem. The development of the drug is very significant, as the overwhelming majority of malaria-related deaths occur in the under-five age group. Most malaria-related deaths are recorded on the African continent. Malaria accounted for more than half a million deaths worldwide in 2023.

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On July 14, 2025, Israel launched its first fully government-funded and domestically built communications satellite, Dror-1, from Cape Canaveral, Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Dror-1 is Israel’s most advanced geostationary satellite, built 100% with local technologies to ensure strategic independence. It weighs 4.5 tonnes, spans 17.8 metres, and will serve Israel’s communication needs for the next 15 years. The satellite orbits 36,000 km above Earth, maintaining constant coverage over Israel and nearby regions.

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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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Iran successfully launched its Nahid-2 telecommunications and research satellite on 27 July 2025. The launch was done aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket as part of a multi-payload mission. Other payloads included Russia’s Unisphere-M3 and M4 and 18 satellites from various countries. The Soyuz rocket had earlier launched Iranian satellites like Khayyam, Pars-1, Kosar, and Hodhod. Nahid-2 is designed to stay in orbit for five years. It has an indigenous propulsion system that can adjust its altitude by up to 50 kilometers. This propulsion is key for maintaining orbital position and operational stability.

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In July 2025, five confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in Central Harlem, New York City. The New York City Department of Health launched an urgent investigation into possible environmental sources. Cooling towers, air conditioners, hot tubs, and humidifiers are being tested for Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are found in natural water sources like lakes, rivers, and soil, and can spread through inhaling contaminated water droplets. It is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch the Block 2 BlueBird communication satellite in 3–4 months. BlueBird is developed by U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile. The launch will take place from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), formerly GSLV-Mk III. This follows ISRO’s successful launch of NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission on July 30 using GSLV. BlueBird is an advanced American satellite designed for direct smartphone-to-satellite communication. It enables users to make calls and access internet directly from space without ground towers.