Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
ISRO successfully conducted the sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine. It is developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO. This engine powers the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and operates at a thrust level of 19 tonnes, already proven in six missions. For the Gaganyaan mission, it has been qualified at 20 tonnes thrust and is upgraded to 22 tonnes for future missions to enhance LVM3’s payload capacity. It features a new Nozzle Protection System, simplifying engine testing.

Notes:
Buruli ulcer is a chronic skin disease caused by bacteria ‘Mycobacterium ulcerans’. It mainly affects regions in West and Central Africa and has recently been reported in Australia. The disease spreads to humans through mosquitoes, with possums acting as the primary bacterial reservoir. Symptoms include non-healing ulcers that can cause severe tissue damage if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and surgery are crucial for managing the disease. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a neglected tropical disease, highlighting the need for increased awareness due to rising cases.

Notes:
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune developed a new aerogel capable of extracting gold from electronic waste, offering a solution to reduce e-waste and harmful mining practices. Aerogels were first invented in the 1930s and are made by combining a polymer with a solvent to form a gel, then replacing the liquid in the gel with air. They are the lightest solid materials, extremely porous, translucent, and have very low density. Aerogels are recognized for being among the finest insulation materials available due to their unique properties.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu has requested the Union government to add the mumps vaccine to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). UIP provides free immunization against 12 diseases, including Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Hepatitis B, and others. Mumps is a contagious viral infection affecting the salivary glands, usually mild and self-limiting. It primarily affects children and young adults, with symptoms like jaw swelling, fever, fatigue, appetite loss, and headaches. Mumps spreads through direct contact or airborne droplets from an infected person’s upper respiratory tract.

Notes:
BEML Ltd launched the BD475-2 Dozer, India’s largest and most advanced crawler dozer, showcasing the country’s engineering excellence and self-reliance. Powered by a 950 HP engine, it was developed entirely in-house at BEML’s Kolar Gold Fields facility. The BD475-2 Dozer enhances fuel efficiency and performance, supporting mining operations. This launch highlights India’s technological growth, aligning with the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision for sustainable development.

Notes:
Scientists are using two telescopes as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) to detect high-energy neutrinos beneath the Mediterranean Sea. The Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) is located at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. Neutrinos are tiny, electrically neutral particles, discovered in 1959, and the second most abundant particles after photons. They rarely interact with matter, earning the nickname “ghost particles.” Detecting neutrinos is challenging due to their minimal interactions. KM3NeT, an underwater telescope, detects neutrino interactions via Cherenkov radiation in the sea, which provides ideal conditions for detection.

Notes:
Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an affordable device to diagnose and manage tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source, often caused by age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory issues. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and other phantom noises like buzzing or roaring. The new device offers a comprehensive approach with precise tinnitus matching, customizable treatment, and tracking tools to monitor disease progression. It aims to provide personalized care for patients based on their unique conditions.

Notes:
IIT Bombay researchers developed a solution to tackle soil pollution using bacteria that consume toxic pollutants and produce essential nutrients. These bacteria degrade harmful substances, boost plant growth hormones, inhibit harmful fungi, and improve nutrient availability for plants. This innovation can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and enhance soil health and fertility. The bacteria, mainly from the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, were isolated from highly toxic environments and contaminated soils. They effectively break down aromatic pollutants like carbaryl, naphthalene, and phthalates, commonly found in pesticides and industrial by-products. The research offers an eco-friendly alternative to expensive traditional soil remediation methods.

Notes:
Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, has a thicker icy crust than previously thought, possibly limiting access to its subsurface oceans. It is the smallest of Jupiter’s Galilean moons, discovered by Galileo in 1610, with a diameter of 3,130 km, slightly smaller than Earth’s Moon. Europa’s surface is smooth ice, and a saltwater ocean lies beneath, containing twice the water of Earth’s oceans. The moon might harbor conditions suitable for life with key chemical elements present. NASA’s Europa Clipper, launched on October 14, 2024, aims to explore Europa’s potential for supporting life.

Notes:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the indigenously developed “Paracetamol” by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) during the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR’s new technology aims to produce paracetamol domestically, reducing dependence on imported raw materials. Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will manufacture affordable paracetamol using this breakthrough. The initiative supports India’s self-reliance in pharmaceutical production and aligns with PM Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. The development addresses the current import dependency for key raw materials used in paracetamol production.