Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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IIT Madras became the first research organization globally to release detailed 3D high-resolution images of the fetal brain, called DHARANI. The data set includes 5,132 brain sections captured using advanced brain mapping technology. The research was conducted at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre on the IIT Madras campus. The team created a 3D atlas of the brain, identifying over 500 regions at a cellular resolution. This work helps understand brain development from foetal stages to adulthood. It also aids in studying developmental disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.

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Scientists at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom and UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) developed the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery using radioactive decay, synthetic diamonds, and plasma chemistry. It uses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope with a 5,700-year half-life, emitting short-range radiation absorbed by solid materials. The battery functions like solar panels but captures fast-moving electrons within the diamond structure. It powers healthcare devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular devices, lasting years without replacement. It is ideal for extreme environments on Earth and in space, offering a long-lasting power source for spacecraft without needing recharging or replacement.

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ISRO is set to launch 24 scientific experiments on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) satellite under the SpaDeX Mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) aims to develop autonomous space docking technology. The mission will use PSLV-C60 to demonstrate docking with two spacecraft: Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02). This technology is vital for future lunar missions, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and advanced space programs. The spacecraft will separate, align into the same orbit, and achieve docking to demonstrate power transfer before undocking for further operations. The mission’s orbit is 470 km at a 55-degree inclination.

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Scrub typhus cases have been reported in several districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Vellore, with 5,000 cases in 2024. The disease is caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted through infected mites. Symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. Severe cases can lead to respiratory distress, organ failure, and death. Factors like vector abundance, climate, farming, and sanitation impact its spread. The Elisa test is used for detection. Control measures include cold fogging, clearing bushes, and reducing rodent populations.

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Manastu Space, a start-up from IIT Bombay, successfully tested its green propulsion system, VYOM 2U. This environmentally friendly technology represents a significant advancement in satellite propulsion, offering a safer alternative to conventional toxic propellants. The test was conducted aboard ISRO’s PSLV C60 as part of the POEM-4 initiative, which provides a platform for innovative space experiments. The successful test marks a key milestone in the commercialization of sustainable propulsion technology for future space missions.

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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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AnemiaPhone, developed by Cornell University, is now part of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) programs for anemia, women’s health, and maternal and child health in India. It offers quick, accurate, and low-cost iron deficiency assessment. Anemia affects 50% to 70% of pregnant women in India, with iron deficiency as the main cause. The device uses a drop of blood on a test strip, similar to a COVID-19 test, providing results in minutes. Data is uploaded to a clinical database via mobile devices, enabling healthcare workers to provide immediate guidance, referrals, or interventions.

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India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.

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Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been selected by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to host South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL). The lab will focus on research and diagnostics for bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, enabling quicker and more accurate disease management. This is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance medical research infrastructure in India. The lab will also study antibiotic resistance, fungal infections, and tropical diseases.

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Lunar landers by U.S. and Japanese companies launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, showcasing private sector involvement in space exploration. The mission includes two lunar spacecraft: Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.) and Resilience by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg, Japan). Blue Ghost carries 10 NASA instruments to study Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and Moon’s thermal properties while testing advanced navigation and computing. Resilience includes the Tenacious micro rover with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology, exploring Mare Frigoris on the Moon’s far north. The mission promotes technological advances, global collaboration, and cost-effective strategies for future lunar sustainability under NASA’s Artemis program.