Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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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 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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Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and IIT Delhi signed an agreement to develop THz communication front ends for 6G under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF). TTDF is established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), now called Digital Bharat Nidhi, by the Department of Telecom. The fund supports research, design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing in telecommunications. It aims to foster rural-specific communication technologies, promote technology ownership, and encourage indigenous manufacturing. TTDF seeks to boost exports, reduce imports, enhance co-innovation, and support Intellectual Property creation in the telecom sector.

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The U.S. military has relocated Typhon missile launchers within the Philippines to improve mobility and survivability amid tensions with China and Russia. Typhon, or the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is a mobile, surface-to-surface missile system developed by Lockheed Martin, United States. It features a modular design and can fire multiple missile types, including the SM-6 (500 km range) and Tomahawk cruise missiles (2,500 km range). The SM-6 strikes air and surface targets, while the Tomahawk is effective for land-attack and anti-ship missions. A full Typhon system includes four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles on trailers.

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A new research paper identifies Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), a life-threatening fungal infection, mostly in tuberculosis survivors in Assam’s tea plantations. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that infects individuals with weak immune systems. It commonly affects people with pre-existing lung damage, like from TB, and shares symptoms with TB. Symptoms include coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatment involves antifungal medication and sometimes surgery. Aspergillus fungi are widely found in soil, decaying plants, and grains, but only a few species pose a threat to humans.

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IIT Madras launched India’s first cancer genome database to boost cancer research. India is underrepresented in global cancer genome studies, limiting targeted diagnostics and drug development. The Cancer Genome Programme started in 2020 and has sequenced 960 whole exomes from 480 breast cancer samples across India. The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) will help in early diagnosis, disease progression tracking, and treatment planning. The database supports personalized medicine and helps identify high-risk groups and novel drug targets.

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NASA is set to launch SPHEREx, a revolutionary space telescope, to explore the universe’s origins. It will cost $488 million, far less than the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Unlike JWST, which zooms in on deep-space objects, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors. The telescope will take 600 images daily, completing four full sky scans in 27 months. SPHEREx will map 450 million galaxies, revealing how the universe evolved after the Big Bang. It will also study 100 million Milky Way stars, tracing life’s building blocks in space.

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India has signed an agreement with Russia to acquire the Klub-S missile system for its submarine fleet. It is developed by Russia defence company NPO Novator. The Klub missile, also known as Kalibr, entered service in 1994. The Klub-S missile has a 400 kg warhead and can strike targets up to 300 km away, including surface ships, submarines, and land targets. It includes a fire control system, vertical launcher unit, and ammunition. It is known for its effectiveness in combat, it can reach supersonic speeds in the terminal phase, making interception difficult. The missile cruises at 10-15 meters, minimizing enemy defense response time.

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A University of Birmingham study found that vancomycin, an antibiotic for diarrhea, may treat a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) linked to autoimmune liver disease. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used for severe bacterial infections like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and C. difficile-associated diarrhea. It treats infections in the bloodstream, skin, heart valves, bones, and joints. It does not work against viral infections like colds or flu. Vancomycin kills bacteria by preventing proper cell wall formation, making them weak and leading to their death.