Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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A famous tabla maestro and five-time Grammy Award winner Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic disease that affects the lung tissue surrounding air sacs (alveoli), causing them to become thick and stiff. Over time, this leads to permanent scarring, making it harder to breathe. Complications include pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream and organs. Those with a history of smoking, a family history of IPF, and older adults are at higher risk.

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The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided valuable insights into survival strategies in extreme environments. Archaea, meaning “ancient things” in Greek, are among the oldest life forms and belong to the third domain of life. These are primitive microorganisms. They are slow-growing and can also be found in the human gut, potentially impacting health. Archaea are known for producing antimicrobial molecules and exhibiting antioxidant activity. They have promising applications, particularly in eco-friendly wastewater treatment. They exist in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and saline or acidic habitats.

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Norovirus outbreaks in the United States (U.S.) have risen sharply, with 91 cases in early December, up from 69 in late November. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing gastroenteritis, also known as the “stomach flu” or “winter vomiting bug.” It affects people of all ages and spreads quickly through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or close contact. Noroviruses cause 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and nearly 50% of cases worldwide. People can get infected multiple times due to the variety of norovirus strains. Preventive measures focus on hygiene and proper food handling to limit its spread.

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Turkey successfully tested the UAV-122 supersonic missile fired from the Bayraktar Akinci drone. Bayraktar Akinci is a long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkish manufacturer Baykar. It supports fighter jets with air-to-ground and air-to-air attack capabilities. The drone measures 12.2 m in length, 4.1 m in height, and has a 20 m wingspan. It offers a 25-hour flight time and 7,500 km range. Equipped with AI-powered avionics, dual satellite communication, advanced radars, and collision avoidance systems, it enhances real-time situational awareness. It carries laser-guided munitions, missiles, and long-range weapons and is the first drone capable of launching air-launched cruise missiles.

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Nadi Tarangini, India’s first Ayurvedic medical device, received approval from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It costs ₹55,000 and is manufactured by Atreya Innovations in Pune. The device analyzes 22 Ayurvedic parameters and provides a 10-page report in 10 Indian languages. It has an accuracy of 85% and is used in over 1250 Ayurvedic clinics. Nadi Tarangini received patents in the US, Europe, Indonesia, and India.

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India has officially banned nimesulide after research confirmed its toxic impact on endangered vultures. Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation relief in conditions like osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and fever. The drug was widely used for treating animals like cattle, pigs, and horses. It causes kidney damage in vultures, leading to health issues and a decline in their population. Symptoms like visceral gout indicate kidney damage in vultures. Nimesulide is banned for pediatric use in several countries and now in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

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More than 30 dermatologists suggest renaming the fungus Trichophyton indotineae as its origin in India is unconfirmed despite reports from over 40 countries. Trichophyton indotineae is a fungal pathogen causing severe, treatment-resistant skin infections. It was named after India in 2020 based on isolates from India and Nepal. The fungus belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis, which affects the skin, hair, and nails. It causes itchy, inflammatory infections on the groin, gluteal region, trunk, and face, affecting all ages and genders. It spreads via direct skin contact or contaminated objects and is resistant to terbinafine.

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Hyderabad is seeing an increase in scarlet fever cases among children aged 5 to 15, along with other viral fevers during winter. Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that causes a red rash, sore throat, and fever. It’s caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, also known as strep throat bacteria. Symptoms include a bright red, sunburn-like rash, sore throat, high fever, and peeling skin on hands and feet. Antibiotics can fully treat scarlet fever, but patients must complete the entire course. If untreated, scarlet fever can cause serious complications like kidney damage, heart issues, and pneumonia.

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The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) launched the second edition of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0). The prize pool has been increased to Rs. 6.85 crores from Rs. 3.2 crores. Innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs are invited to address six key cybersecurity challenges, including API Security, Data Security, and AI for Threat Detection. Intellectual property rights for solutions developed will stay with startups. The competition has four stages, with winners receiving Rs. 25 lakh, and the overall winner getting Rs. 1 crore. The initiative supports Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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India becomes the fourth country to successfully achieve Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), after the US, Russia, and China. The technology allows two satellites to dock in space, enabling the assembly of larger modules and overcoming rocket payload limits. This technology is crucial for long-duration missions, Mars exploration, lunar sample return, and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station for resupply and crewed missions.