Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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IIT-Madras has launched a zero-waste bioplastics initiative supported by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. The initiative aims to develop biodegradable, microplastic-free, and cost-effective alternatives to conventional plastics. Third-generation bioplastics use agricultural residues, algae, and waste materials, avoiding food security concerns linked to earlier food-based bioplastics. These bioplastics fully decompose, leaving no harmful particles behind, reducing the environmental footprint. The centre is also exploring bioplastics for food packaging and medical textiles, including biodegradable implants from agricultural waste.

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Around 59 people in Pune have been affected by Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder. GBS occurs when the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, affecting muscle movement, pain, temperature, and touch sensations. It is also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and usually affects people aged 30-50. The exact cause is unclear but often follows infections, vaccinations, or major surgery. Symptoms include fever, weakness, and potential paralysis, with severity varying widely. There is no cure, but intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment helps suppress the immune system’s attack on the nerves.

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ISRO successfully launched the navigation satellite NVS-02 on January 29 aboard GSLV-F15 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. This was ISRO’s historic 100th launch, marking a major milestone. GSLV-F15 used an indigenous cryogenic stage to place the satellite in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This was the 17th flight of the GSLV series and the 11th using ISRO’s cryogenic engine. NVS-02 will replace IRNSS-1E and enhance India’s navigation capabilities.

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South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope discovered a new giant radio galaxy (GRG) named ‘Inkathazo,’ meaning ‘trouble’ in Xhosa and Zulu. The galaxy spans 3.3 million light-years, 32 times the size of the Milky Way, and is 1.44 billion light-years from Earth. GRGs are massive structures that emit jets of hot plasma powered by supermassive black holes. These jets glow at radio frequencies and stretch millions of light-years into space. Once considered rare, GRGs are now being discovered frequently due to advanced radio telescopes like MeerKAT in South Africa’s Northern Cape.

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Japan successfully launched the Michibiki 6 satellite on the new H3 rocket, aiming to improve its navigation system. The launch occurred at the Tanegashima Space Center, and the satellite separated successfully 29 minutes after liftoff. Michibiki 6 will be the fifth satellite in Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS). The system supplements US GPS and improves positioning for various devices. Japan plans to expand to seven satellites by 2026 and an 11-satellite network by the late 2030s. The launch was the fourth successful flight for the H3 rocket system.

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Uganda and WHO confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD). It is a viral hemorrhagic fever, related to Ebola, caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV). It was first identified in Sudan in 1976. It exists in animal reservoirs in the region. It has a high fatality rate and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms start with fever, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding. There are no approved treatments or vaccines, but early supportive care improves survival chances.

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Jharkhand health department issued a bird flu (H5N1) alert after detection at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. Bird flu (Avian Influenza) is caused by Influenza A viruses and can spread from birds to humans. H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, and H9N2 are key virus strains, with H5N1 known for high fatality. Transmission occurs through infected birds, airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, and animal products.

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Researchers at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a method to reduce anion migration in CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystals. Perovskite nanocrystals have the same structure as calcium titanium oxide (CaTiO3). They follow the chemical formula ABX₃, where ‘A’ and ‘B’ are cations, and ‘X’ is an anion. These crystals can be designed with various physical, optical, and electrical properties. They are used in optoelectronics, including solar cells, photodetectors, and LEDs. Perovskite LEDs combine the benefits of OLEDs and QLEDs, making them promising for next-generation lighting.

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Scientists at Wuhan Institute of Virology, China, discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2. The virus shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2 receptors, but its ability to spread among humans is uncertain. The virus belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, related to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but its severity in humans remains unknown.

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Clinical neuroscientists have treated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in a baby before birth. SMA is a genetic disorder affecting motor neurons, causing progressive muscle weakness. It has five types (0-4), classified by age of onset and severity. Symptoms include muscle weakness, especially near the body’s center, but do not affect involuntary muscles like the heart. It is caused by SMN1 gene mutations, leading to motor neuron loss. It affects 1 in 10,000 births and is a leading genetic cause of infant deaths.