Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Dryad Networks, a Berlin-based environmental Internet of Things (IoT) startup, introduced the Silvaguard drone for ultra-early wildfire detection. The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based drone enhances fire detection, location, and monitoring using infrared imaging. It works with Silvanet, a solar-powered gas sensor network, detecting fires at the smoldering stage. Each sensor protects an area equal to a football field and attaches to trees. Once Silvanet detects a fire, Silvaguard flies to the location, captures video and infrared images, and sends real-time data to firefighters.

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Vibe coding became a trending term in Silicon Valley after being coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy. It refers to using Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) not just for coding assistance but to generate entire applications. Users communicate with Large Language Model (LLM)-based systems like ChatGPT in natural language to create apps. Andrej Karpathy, a founding engineer at OpenAI and former head of AI at Tesla, introduced the term. Vibe coding allows people to build tools, apps, and services without deep programming knowledge. However, it raises security concerns as AI-generated code may lack efficiency, scalability, and proper security frameworks. AI code generators might produce functional code but may not consider optimization, cost, or security risks.

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A recent international multicentre clinical study found that Semaglutide, a medicine for type 2 diabetes and obesity, can lower the risk of major heart-related events by 14%. Semaglutide is a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA) that acts like a natural hormone to control blood sugar and appetite. It helps treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) by boosting insulin and lowering blood sugar levels. It also supports weight loss when combined with proper diet and exercise. Semaglutide is available as injections and oral tablets.

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Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a made-in-India Organ-on-Chip (OoC), which was earlier imported. Organ-on-Chip is a small, flexible device made of polymers that mimics the structure and function of human organs on a micro scale. It contains tiny channels where living human cells grow and interact, simulating real tissue environments. Different models like lung-on-chip and liver-on-chip have been created to study specific organs. Fluids such as blood or drugs can be passed through the chip to observe their effects on human cells, helping in medical research and drug testing.

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U.S.-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences announced the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups, aiming to revive the extinct dire wolf species after 12,500 years. This marks the first-ever attempt at “de-extinction,” using methods like gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9), ancient DNA sequencing, cloning, and synthetic biology. De-extinction helps in biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, and climate resilience, and boosts public interest in conservation science. The dire wolf, scientifically named Aenocyon dirus, once lived in North American grasslands and forests during the Pleistocene Epoch and went extinct around 12,500 years ago.

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The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a new turmeric variety called IISR Surya for the masala industry. IISR Surya has a light-coloured rhizome suited for modern turmeric powder production. It was developed after ten years of focused research by IISR scientists through clonal selection from their turmeric germplasm conservatory. The variety offers a 20% to 30% higher yield than existing light-coloured types and can yield up to 41 tonnes per hectare. It contains 2% to 3% curcumin, matching other light-coloured varieties. IISR Surya is recommended for cultivation in Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. It aims to help farmers, reduce market shortages, and support both domestic and export demand.

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Scientists from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed lotus leaf-like solar evaporators called Dual-Sided Laser-Induced Graphene (DSLIG) for saltwater treatment. The material is made using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyether sulfone (PES), with graphene engraved using laser. DSLIG is superhydrophobic, meaning it repels water like lotus leaves, helping prevent salt from sticking on its surface. It uses both solar heating and electricity-based Joule heating, making it work even on cloudy days. It improves desalination by reducing heat loss and maintaining efficiency. It also works well with highly salty water and has low carbon footprint and toxicity.

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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay discovered a host protein that uses tiny tweezer-like machines to kill germs before they harm the body. The study, led by Professor Anirban Banerjee, found that this protein works like a special operation unit to detect and neutralize threats. When bacteria attack, human cells tag them as a “Red Flag” using a protein called “Ubiquitin.” Cells then target the flagged bacteria, tearing apart their surface proteins, similar to piranhas attacking prey. This discovery could help fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering hope for more effective treatments against infections.

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NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint satellite mission by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is set to be launched in June 2025 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II). This is the first radar-based Earth observation mission jointly developed by India and the United States. NISAR will map the entire Earth’s surface every 12 days to provide frequent and accurate data. It will track ecosystem changes, ice movements, vegetation shifts, sea level rise, groundwater levels, and natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and landslides.

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The Government has provided grants for Electric Vehicle (EV) startups under the Project Electric Vehicle Solutions led by Startups (EVolutionS). EVolutionS was launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI) and the Automotive Component Manufacturing Association of India (ACMA). The programme supports startups in pilot demonstrations, testing, validation of components, and building industry connections for quick market entry. It covers EV components for two-wheelers, three-wheelers like L5 vehicles, e-rickshaws, e-carts, four-wheelers, e-buses, and charging infrastructure. Startups with indigenous innovation will receive ₹50 lakh, including ₹30 lakh through equity-linked support.