Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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The 11th Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East conference began on May 6, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) announced the opening of its new office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, marking a key milestone in its global growth. This expansion celebrates IRS’s 25 years of operations in the UAE and its 50th global anniversary. The new office will provide full services, including ship classification, technical inspections, and international compliance audits across major Saudi ports. The objective of the conference is to strengthen the maritime logistics sector, promote innovation, and enhance safety and sustainability in the industry.

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Indian and US researchers have recently discovered a new subtype of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), a rare, inherited form of diabetes. MODY is caused by genetic mutations that lead to impaired insulin production or function. It is typically diagnosed in adolescents or young adults under 35 years of age, without significant obesity. The discovery was made by researchers from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in Chennai and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This breakthrough could change the way certain forms of MODY are diagnosed and treated, offering better solutions for patients. MODY is divided into 14 subtypes, each linked to different gene mutations.

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Scientists recently developed a new technique called Light-microscopy-based Connectomics (LICONN) to map brain cell connections using light microscopes. LICONN was developed at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). It allows mapping of brain’s complex neural networks at the nanoscale and also identifies specific molecules in those connections. LICONN combines light microscopy with hydrogel expansion, fluorescent stains, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytical methods. Brain tissue is soaked in a special gel that expands it 16 times, making tiny structures visible under light microscopes. It is the first method after electron microscopy (EM) that can reconstruct all synaptic connections between neurons.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C61 mission from Sriharikota to place the EOS-09 satellite into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. The mission failed due to a problem in the third stage. PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a four-stage rocket designed by ISRO. It mainly places satellites into Sun-synchronous polar orbits, ideal for Earth observation. The PSLV uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages for precision. The first stage uses HTPB-based solid fuel with six strap-on boosters in XL version, producing 4.8 MegaNewtons (MN) thrust. The second stage runs on liquid fuel, with the Vikas engine using Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N₂O₄), generating about 8 MN thrust. The third stage uses solid HTPB fuel again. The fourth stage has two liquid engines burning Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON).

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In a recent development, India’s High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype designed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully completed pre-monsoon flight tests with a certified autopilot system. A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is an unmanned, solar-powered aircraft that flies in the stratosphere at 17 to 22 kilometers altitude. It serves as a middle layer between ground systems and satellites for continuous aerial services. It was developed by NAL, Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Chitradurga, Karnataka supported its development. It is designed for border patrolling, surveillance in remote areas, and civil-military use. It can also act as a relay for telecommunications and weather monitoring.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi on May 27, 2025. Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in quantum science for defence and strategic purposes. It houses advanced experimental setups for research in crucial quantum domains. It also has test-beds for single-photon sources and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution to ensure ultra-secure communication. DRDO continues to lead India’s efforts in quantum sensing, post-quantum cryptography, and secure communications. As a core partner in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO promotes indigenous innovation in sovereign quantum technologies.

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Scientists using the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) telescope have detected a faint 13-billion-year-old microwave signal. The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) telescope is located in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The signal comes from the Cosmic Dawn, the era when the first stars, black holes, and galaxies formed. Cosmic Dawn occurred between 50 million and one billion years after the Big Bang. This discovery helps scientists understand how early stars affected the universe’s structure and temperature. The recent detection gives valuable clues about the universe’s formation and the role of early cosmic objects.

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Recently, Noida International Airport (NIA) partnered with Anlon Technology Solutions to introduce India’s first indigenously developed Runway Rubber Removal Machine (RRM) named Cleanjet RRM. This eco-friendly machine is designed to enhance runway safety by removing rubber deposits and other contaminants using ultra-high-pressure water jets without abrasive chemicals.

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Recently, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (VRO) in Chile released its first images, capturing 10 million galaxies, 2,000+ new asteroids, and stars with changing brightness. It is located on Cerro Pachon Mountain, Northern Chile, at an altitude of 8,684 feet. VRO was formerly called the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and renamed in 2019 to honour Vera C. Rubin, who discovered dark matter evidence. It is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Energy (DOE).

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Kerala has recently introduced the Cy-TB skin test to detect Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). Cy-TB is a new-generation intradermal skin test using Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens called ESAT-6 and CFP-10. It is more accurate than Mantoux or IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) tests and does not need blood samples. It helps in early detection of dormant TB to prevent it from becoming active. It is used for adults above 18, especially in high-risk or contact groups.