Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs
1. Which organization was officially recognized as an awarding body by NCVET in the space sector?
[A] Antrix Corporation
[B] Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[D] Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
[B] Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[D] Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Correct Answer: B [Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)]
Notes:
National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, recognized IN-SPACe as a dual awarding body to strengthen vocational education in the space sector. IN-SPACe, under the Department of Space, promotes and enables space activities like satellite manufacturing and space services. The collaboration aligns IN-SPACe training with global standards, supporting initiatives like Skill India Mission. Six National Occupational Standards (NoS) for space-related training were approved, covering areas like satellite manufacturing, orbital mechanics, and space propulsion. NCVET ensures quality standards in vocational training, fostering a skilled workforce for industry demands.
National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, recognized IN-SPACe as a dual awarding body to strengthen vocational education in the space sector. IN-SPACe, under the Department of Space, promotes and enables space activities like satellite manufacturing and space services. The collaboration aligns IN-SPACe training with global standards, supporting initiatives like Skill India Mission. Six National Occupational Standards (NoS) for space-related training were approved, covering areas like satellite manufacturing, orbital mechanics, and space propulsion. NCVET ensures quality standards in vocational training, fostering a skilled workforce for industry demands.
2. Which organization recently categorized packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods”?
[A] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
[B] Indian Bureau of Standards (BIS)
[C] Ministry of Food Processing Industries
[D] National Institute of Food Technology
[B] Indian Bureau of Standards (BIS)
[C] Ministry of Food Processing Industries
[D] National Institute of Food Technology
Correct Answer: A [Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)]
Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.
3. Which country has launched the world’s first ‘self-driving’ satellites?
[A] France
[B] North Korea
[C] Russia
[D] China
[B] North Korea
[C] Russia
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
China launched the world’s first self-driving satellites, Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04, marking a milestone in its commercial space program. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), these satellites can autonomously adjust their flight paths without ground control. They feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and high-precision radar, allowing them to return to orbit with 100-meter accuracy and perform formation-flying at sub-meter precision. The satellites will provide all-weather radar imagery for industries like natural resource management, disaster response, agriculture monitoring, and urban safety.
China launched the world’s first self-driving satellites, Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04, marking a milestone in its commercial space program. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), these satellites can autonomously adjust their flight paths without ground control. They feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and high-precision radar, allowing them to return to orbit with 100-meter accuracy and perform formation-flying at sub-meter precision. The satellites will provide all-weather radar imagery for industries like natural resource management, disaster response, agriculture monitoring, and urban safety.
4. Copernicus Programme is an initiative of which space agency?
[A] China National Space Agency (CNSA)
[B] European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[B] European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Correct Answer: B [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
The third Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite was launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The Copernicus Programme is an Earth Observation initiative managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the European Union (EU). It integrates data from satellites, ground stations, airborne, and sea-borne sensors to provide near-real-time information services. The programme offers free and open access to data for various applications. The Sentinel satellites are tailored to meet the needs of Copernicus services in areas like atmosphere, marine, land, climate, emergency response, and security. Copernicus aims to deploy nearly 20 satellites by 2030, funded and managed by the European Commission.
The third Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite was launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The Copernicus Programme is an Earth Observation initiative managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the European Union (EU). It integrates data from satellites, ground stations, airborne, and sea-borne sensors to provide near-real-time information services. The programme offers free and open access to data for various applications. The Sentinel satellites are tailored to meet the needs of Copernicus services in areas like atmosphere, marine, land, climate, emergency response, and security. Copernicus aims to deploy nearly 20 satellites by 2030, funded and managed by the European Commission.
5. Which organization has launched an AI model for weather prediction called GenCast?
[A] Microsoft
[B] World Bank
[C] Google
[D] World Meteorological Organization
[B] World Bank
[C] Google
[D] World Meteorological Organization
Correct Answer: C [Google]
Notes:
Google DeepMind unveiled GenCast, an AI model for weather prediction outperforming the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the world’s top forecast system. GenCast provides faster, more accurate forecasts up to 15 days ahead, advancing beyond its deterministic predecessor by generating 50+ weather scenarios. It uses diffusion AI adapted to Earth’s spherical geometry to model complex weather probabilities. GenCast improves predictions of extreme weather risks, aiding officials in saving lives, reducing damage, and cutting costs. It excels in forecasting tropical cyclone tracks and will soon release real-time and historical forecasts for public integration and research.
Google DeepMind unveiled GenCast, an AI model for weather prediction outperforming the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the world’s top forecast system. GenCast provides faster, more accurate forecasts up to 15 days ahead, advancing beyond its deterministic predecessor by generating 50+ weather scenarios. It uses diffusion AI adapted to Earth’s spherical geometry to model complex weather probabilities. GenCast improves predictions of extreme weather risks, aiding officials in saving lives, reducing damage, and cutting costs. It excels in forecasting tropical cyclone tracks and will soon release real-time and historical forecasts for public integration and research.
6. Which organization has launched a quantum computing chip called Willow?
[A] Meta
[B] Google
[C] Microsoft
[D] Amazon
[B] Google
[C] Microsoft
[D] Amazon
Correct Answer: B [Google]
Notes:
Google recently unveiled its next-generation quantum computing chip called ‘Willow’. Willow includes advanced components like single and two-qubit gates, qubit reset, and readout, all integrated to ensure seamless performance. The chip solved a complex problem in five minutes, a task that would take classical computers longer than the history of the universe. Willow completed a benchmark computation in under five minutes, which would take today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years. It uses superconducting transmon qubits, which behave like artificial atoms at low temperatures. Quantum chips use qubits instead of bits, enabling faster and more complex calculations.
Google recently unveiled its next-generation quantum computing chip called ‘Willow’. Willow includes advanced components like single and two-qubit gates, qubit reset, and readout, all integrated to ensure seamless performance. The chip solved a complex problem in five minutes, a task that would take classical computers longer than the history of the universe. Willow completed a benchmark computation in under five minutes, which would take today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years. It uses superconducting transmon qubits, which behave like artificial atoms at low temperatures. Quantum chips use qubits instead of bits, enabling faster and more complex calculations.
7. Which state has recently detected African swine fever in pigs?
[A] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious pig disease, has been reported in Kerala’s Kottayam district, prompting culling measures and infected zone declarations. ASF has a 100% mortality rate in pigs and is caused by a large, double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Asfivirus in the family Asfarviridae. The virus can survive long periods in pork and meat products but poses no risk to human health or food safety. ASF originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Asia and Europe; it was first confirmed in India in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 2020. With no cure, vaccine, or prevention available, culling is the only effective control measure.
African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious pig disease, has been reported in Kerala’s Kottayam district, prompting culling measures and infected zone declarations. ASF has a 100% mortality rate in pigs and is caused by a large, double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Asfivirus in the family Asfarviridae. The virus can survive long periods in pork and meat products but poses no risk to human health or food safety. ASF originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Asia and Europe; it was first confirmed in India in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 2020. With no cure, vaccine, or prevention available, culling is the only effective control measure.
8. What is a “Quantum satellite”?
[A] A satellite that monitors space weather
[B] A satellite that uses quantum physics to secure communication signals
[C] A satellite used for weather forecasting
[D] A satellite used for monitor Earth’s temperature
[B] A satellite that uses quantum physics to secure communication signals
[C] A satellite used for weather forecasting
[D] A satellite used for monitor Earth’s temperature
Correct Answer: B [A satellite that uses quantum physics to secure communication signals]
Notes:
India plans to launch a quantum satellite for secure communications within 2-3 years. A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that employs the principles of quantum physics to secure its signals, ensuring highly secure and tamper-proof communication by using methods like quantum encryption and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched by India in April 2023, aims to boost quantum technology for advanced communication and sensing systems. China launched the first quantum communications satellite, Micius, in 2016.
India plans to launch a quantum satellite for secure communications within 2-3 years. A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that employs the principles of quantum physics to secure its signals, ensuring highly secure and tamper-proof communication by using methods like quantum encryption and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched by India in April 2023, aims to boost quantum technology for advanced communication and sensing systems. China launched the first quantum communications satellite, Micius, in 2016.
9. Which African country reported an outbreak of the “Dinga Dinga” disease in December 2024?
[A] Kenya
[B] Algeria
[C] Uganda
[D] Libya
[B] Algeria
[C] Uganda
[D] Libya
Correct Answer: C [Uganda]
Notes:
A mysterious illness called “Dinga Dinga” has emerged in Uganda, predominantly affecting women and girls. The name means “shaking like dancing,” reflecting the violent, involuntary body movements it causes. Symptoms include uncontrollable shaking, high fever, extreme weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis-like immobility. The illness impairs mobility, making basic movements like walking impossible for some patients. The cause of Dinga Dinga remains unknown, as health experts have not identified its source. Treatment currently involves antibiotics, though the illness’s origin and effective remedies are still unclear.
A mysterious illness called “Dinga Dinga” has emerged in Uganda, predominantly affecting women and girls. The name means “shaking like dancing,” reflecting the violent, involuntary body movements it causes. Symptoms include uncontrollable shaking, high fever, extreme weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis-like immobility. The illness impairs mobility, making basic movements like walking impossible for some patients. The cause of Dinga Dinga remains unknown, as health experts have not identified its source. Treatment currently involves antibiotics, though the illness’s origin and effective remedies are still unclear.
10. The terms Superposition and entanglement, sometimes seen in the news, are related to which field?
[A] Quantum Mechanics
[B] Space technology
[C] Artificial Intelligence
[D] Climatology
[B] Space technology
[C] Artificial Intelligence
[D] Climatology
Correct Answer: A [Quantum Mechanics]
Notes:
A study by IBM highlights India’s growing interest in quantum computing, with active participation from students, developers, and institutions. Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond traditional computers’ capabilities. It leverages phenomena like superposition (qubits existing in 0, 1, or both states simultaneously) and entanglement (linked qubits affecting each other instantly). Quantum computers can handle tasks like cryptographic algorithms, simulations, and optimization far faster than classical systems. Unlike classical computers with binary bits, quantum computers use qubits, enabling exponentially faster computations for complex scenarios.
A study by IBM highlights India’s growing interest in quantum computing, with active participation from students, developers, and institutions. Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond traditional computers’ capabilities. It leverages phenomena like superposition (qubits existing in 0, 1, or both states simultaneously) and entanglement (linked qubits affecting each other instantly). Quantum computers can handle tasks like cryptographic algorithms, simulations, and optimization far faster than classical systems. Unlike classical computers with binary bits, quantum computers use qubits, enabling exponentially faster computations for complex scenarios.
