Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The Remove Debris In-Orbit Servicing (RISE) mission is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission that will demonstrate the ability to dock with and control the orbit of geostationary satellites. The mission aims to extend satellite life through refueling and refurbishment. RISE will prevent new space debris and promote a circular economy in orbit. ESA signed a €119 million contract with D-Orbit to co-fund the mission, launching in 2028. The mission will demonstrate safe docking and maneuvering of geostationary satellites. The mission will operate in the geostationary graveyard orbit, 100 km above active satellites, where old satellites are “parked” after completing their missions.

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New York State authorities confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer facility, highlighting its impact on deer, elk, and moose. CWD is a fatal neurological disease caused by prions that damage brain tissue in cervids. It leads to severe symptoms like weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, and eventually death. CWD spreads through bodily fluids and contaminated environments, but there is no evidence of it infecting humans. Symptoms can take up to 16 months to appear, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment available.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its first analogue space mission Hab-1 or Habitat-1 in Leh, a major milestone for India’s space exploration. Analogue space missions simulate the conditions of actual space exploration on Earth. They are essential for testing technologies and studying human behavior for long-duration space flights. The mission aims to replicate living conditions for astronauts traveling to the Moon, Mars, or asteroids. It focuses on understanding the physical and psychological effects of isolation and confinement. This joint effort includes ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay.

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Israel developed PyPIM, a platform that allows computers to process data directly in memory, bypassing the CPU. PyPIM combines the Python programming language with digital processing-in-memory (PIM) technology. This innovation reduces CPU reliance, solving the “memory wall” issue where the processor’s speed outpaces data transfer to and from memory. PyPIM improves speed and efficiency in data processing.

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Indian researchers at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics developed a cell-based biocomputer using genetically modified bacteria. Living cells, like brain neurons and immune cells, naturally compute to perform biological functions. Synthetic biology enables engineering cells for human-designed computations, creating cell-based biocomputers. Genetic circuits were introduced in E. coli bacteria, acting as “bactoneurons” to perform complex computations like artificial neural networks. Potential applications include enhanced drug design, personalized medicine, and optimized biomanufacturing.

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The Ministry of Defence recently launched the AI-enabled e-Tarang System. Developed with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), it improves the planning and operation of defence equipment in both wartime and peacetime. The system enables automated, efficient management of Defence Spectrum and supports the development of new technologies in higher frequency bands. It aids rapid decision-making and facilitates the integration of modern technologies for defence applications. BISAG-N is an autonomous body under MeitY, focused on research, technology development, and cooperation in geo-spatial technology, supporting capacity building and entrepreneurship.

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Chinese astronauts recently reared four zebrafish in space as part of the Shenzhou-18 mission. Zebrafish are small freshwater fish (2-3 cm) with horizontal blue stripes, native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains. They are important in developmental biology due to their ability to regenerate organs like the brain, heart, and spinal cord. Zebrafish have transparent embryos, making them ideal for live imaging studies. With 70% of their genes similar to humans, they are valuable in studying vertebrate development and diseases. The species is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

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Russia plans to deploy the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, also called “Satan 2,” to replace older models. The RS-28 Sarmat is a three-stage, liquid-fueled missile with an 18,000 km range and a 208.1 metric ton launch weight. It measures 35.3 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter, carrying a 10-ton payload. The missile can carry up to 10 heavy nuclear warheads, 16 smaller ones, or hypersonic glide vehicles. It features a short initial boost phase, making it harder for enemy systems to track and intercept.

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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.

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Scientists in India successfully used gene therapy to treat severe hemophilia A, a rare inherited blood disorder. Hemophilia A is caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII, leading to difficulty in blood clotting. It is a sex-linked disorder carried on the X chromosome, resulting in prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries. Treatment typically involves boosting or replacing missing clotting factors. Gene therapy offers a potential breakthrough by addressing the root cause of the disorder, improving clotting abilities in patients.