Science & Technology Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The #SkillTheNation Challenge launched by President Droupadi Murmu on 1 January 2026 is part of which initiative?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness)
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President launched the #SkilltheNation challenge under the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative of MSDE.
Where is the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre that President Murmu inaugurated virtually on 1 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Rairangpur, Odisha
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha.
Consider the following statements about the SOAR initiative: 1. It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. 2. It was launched in July 2025. 3. Its courses are offered on the Skill India Digital Hub. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MSDE): SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness is MSDE's flagship programme launched in July 2025, and the President urged citizens to enrol in the SOAR course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). All three are correct.
BSNL's Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) service, rolled out nationwide on 1 January 2026, is based on which network architecture?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem)
PIB (Communications): VoWiFi is an IMS-based service supporting seamless handovers between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, without third-party apps.
How many Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (i-TBI) has the Department of Science & Technology set up in universities, as stated by Dr Jitendra Singh in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 15
PIB (DST): DST has established 15 i-TBIs across universities and higher educational institutions; DTU houses one of them.
India's broadband subscriber base crossed which milestone in November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 billion
PIB (Communications): the broadband subscriber base crossed the 1 billion (100 crore) mark in November 2025, reaching 100.37 crore.
By how much has India's broadband subscriber base grown between November 2015 and November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — More than six times
PIB (Communications): the base grew from 13.15 crore in November 2015 to 100.37 crore in November 2025 — more than six times.
Bhagirathpura, where a contaminated-water outbreak was reported in December 2025, is a locality in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Indore
The Hindu, The Indian Express and ETV Bharat: the outbreak was in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the Madhya Pradesh government's response to the Bhagirathpura (Indore) water contamination: 1. The Chief Minister announced ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. 2. The state said it would bear the full cost of the patients' treatment. 3. The probe committee is headed by a retired High Court judge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
The Hindu, The Indian Express and ETV Bharat: CM Mohan Yadav announced ₹2 lakh per bereaved family and free treatment. The three-member probe committee is headed by an IAS officer, not a judge.
According to the Indore Municipal Commissioner, what was the likely source of contamination in Bhagirathpura's drinking water in December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — A leak in the main supply line at a point where a toilet had been built over it
The Hindu and ETV Bharat: the municipal commissioner said a leakage was found in the main water supply line in Bhagirathpura at a point over which a toilet had been constructed.
NFAP-2025, effective 30 December 2025, identifies which frequency band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) to expand mid-band spectrum for 5G and 6G?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 6425–7125 MHz
PIB (DoT): NFAP-2025 identifies the 6425–7125 MHz band for IMT, significantly enhancing mid-band availability for 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G.
The National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, which governs radio-frequency spectrum allocation in India, was released by:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Telecommunications
PIB: NFAP-2025 was released by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF), unveiled on 29 December 2025, assesses projects across how many Technology Readiness Levels?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 9
PIB (Office of PSA): NTRAF assesses projects across 9 TRLs, from proof of concept (TRL 1-3) to prototype (TRL 4-6) and operational deployment (TRL 7-9).
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser developed NTRAF in collaboration with which industry body?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
PIB (Office of PSA): NTRAF was developed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is anchored in which three guiding 'Sutras'?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — People, Planet and Progress
PIB (MeitY): the Summit is anchored in three guiding Sutras: People, Planet and Progress.
The three Sutras of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 are operationalised through how many thematic 'Chakras' (working groups)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Seven
PIB (MeitY): the Sutras are operationalised through seven thematic Chakras, or working groups.
On 29 December 2025, the Department of Telecommunications extended the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme beyond 1 January 2026 for:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Two years
PIB (Communications): DoT, through NCCS, extended the Pro Tem Certification Scheme beyond 01-01-2026 for a period of two years.
The DoT's December 2025 telecom security reforms simplified Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR) certification for which devices?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices
PIB (Communications): DoT simplified ITSAR certification of Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices.
In the 129th Mann Ki Baat (28 December 2025), the PM cited an ICMR report warning that:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Antibiotics are proving ineffective against diseases like pneumonia and UTI
PIB (PMO): the PM said a recent ICMR report states antibiotics are proving ineffective against many diseases like pneumonia and UTI, largely due to indiscriminate use.
According to the PM in Mann Ki Baat (28 December 2025), the Kutch Rann Utsav 2025-26 runs during which period?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 23 November to 20 February
PIB (PMO): the Kutch Ranotsav began on 23 November and will continue until 20 February.
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue mentioned in the 129th Mann Ki Baat is held on National Youth Day, which falls on:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 12 January
PIB (PMO): National Youth Day is celebrated on the 12th of January, Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, and the Young Leaders Dialogue will be held that day.
Consider the following statements about the Smart India Hackathon (SIH), as described in the 129th Mann Ki Baat: 1. In SIH 2025, students worked on more than 270 problems from more than 80 government departments. 2. Over 13 lakh students and over 6,000 institutes have participated in SIH in the last 7 to 8 years. 3. SIH 2025 was organised by ISRO for space-sector problems only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): SIH 2025 covered 270+ problems of 80+ government departments, and 13 lakh+ students and 6,000+ institutes have taken part over 7–8 years. The problems spanned traffic, financial fraud, cyber security and agriculture, not only space, so statement 3 is wrong.
Under which provision did Kerala decide in December 2025 to directly notify revised minimum wages for private hospital employees?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Section 5(1)(b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948
The Hindu (PTI) and Mathrubhumi: the government will invoke Section 5(1)(b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, which empowers it to notify revised wages directly.
According to Kerala's Labour Minister in December 2025, most private hospitals in the State still pay wages based on the notification of which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2013
The Hindu (PTI) and Mathrubhumi: Sivankutty said most private hospitals pay wages based on the 2013 notification, which is inadequate at present living costs.
The committee formed by Kerala in October 2023 to revise private hospital wages collected evidence in how many districts?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 14
The Hindu (PTI) and Mathrubhumi: the committee constituted in October 2023 conducted evidence collection in all 14 districts.
At which conference did Uttar Pradesh launch the AI-based YAKSH app on 27 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Police Manthan
NDTV (PTI), Hindustan Times and The Indian Express: the app was launched at 'Police Manthan', a two-day conference of senior police officers in Lucknow.
Uttar Pradesh Police's YAKSH app, launched in December 2025, is a digital version of which police record?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Beat book
NDTV (PTI): YAKSH is a digital version of the beat book developed using AI and big-data analytics.
Consider the following statements about Uttar Pradesh's 'Police Manthan' held in December 2025: 1. Police Manthan replaces the traditional annual Police Week. 2. The two-day conference was held at the police headquarters in Lucknow. 3. The YAKSH app was launched there by the Union Home Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
NDTV (PTI) says the conference replaces the annual Police Week, and The Indian Express says it was held at the police headquarters in Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, not the Union Home Minister, launched YAKSH, so statement 3 is wrong.
Where was Odisha's 52nd State-Level Children's Science Exhibition inaugurated on 27 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Keonjhar
The Times of India and The New Indian Express: CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the exhibition at D.N. High School, Keonjhar.
Which edition of Odisha's State-Level Children's Science Exhibition (Baal Baigyanik Pradarshani) was held in Keonjhar in December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 52nd
The Times of India and The New Indian Express: it was the 52nd state-level children's science exhibition.
What is the peak computing power of the PARAM Rudra supercomputer inaugurated at IIT Patna in December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 838 TFLOPS
National Supercomputing Mission: PARAM Rudra at IIT Patna has a peak computing power of 838 TFLOPS.
Consider the following statements about the PARAM Rudra system at IIT Patna: 1. It was set up under the National Supercomputing Mission. 2. It was designed and commissioned by C-DAC. 3. It is the first PARAM Rudra supercomputer in Bihar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
NSM: the system was set up under NSM Phase-3 and designed and commissioned by C-DAC. Times of India and Inext Live: it is Bihar's first PARAM Rudra supercomputer. All three statements are correct.
Data from which instrument did Indian Institute of Astrophysics scientists use to study PAH molecules around the young star T Chamaeleontis?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) of JWST
PIB 2208927: IIA scientists used archival spectroscopic data from JWST's Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI).
Consider the following statements about the IIA study of T Chamaeleontis released in December 2025: 1. T Chamaeleontis is a young star about 350 light-years from Earth. 2. The PAH molecules found contain more than 100 carbon atoms each. 3. Faint PAH signatures were also found in archival Spitzer Space Telescope data. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2208927: T Cha is about 350 light-years away and faint PAH signatures were found in archival Spitzer data. The PAHs are smaller molecules with fewer than 30 carbon atoms, so statement 2 is wrong.
What is the name of the unified WhatsApp chatbot for government services launched by Odisha on 25 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ama Sathi
The New Indian Express and Pragativadi: CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched the 'Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp Chatbot'.
Odisha's 'Ama Sathi' chatbot, launched in December 2025, gives access to how many government services?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Over 150
The New Indian Express and Pragativadi: the chatbot provides access to over 150 essential government services.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite launched by LVM3-M6 on 24 December 2025 belongs to which company?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — AST SpaceMobile
ISRO and PIB 2208090: the mission launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile under a commercial agreement with NSIL.
Into which orbit did LVM3-M6 place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Low Earth Orbit
ISRO and The Hindu: LVM3-M6 placed BlueBird Block-2 in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Consider the following statements about ISRO's LVM3: 1. LVM3-M6 was the sixth operational flight of LVM3. 2. LVM3's upper stage is the C25 cryogenic stage. 3. LVM3 can carry about 8,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
ISRO: LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight and LVM3 has S200 strap-ons, an L110 core and a C25 cryogenic upper stage. Its GTO capability is 4,200 kg, so statement 3 is wrong.
Which Indian Standard released by BIS on National Consumer Day 2025 covers incense sticks (agarbatti)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IS 19412:2025
PIB 2208829: IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — Specification was released on National Consumer Day 2025. IS 19445 is for bomb disposal systems and IS 19262 for electric tractors.
The BIS standard IS 19445:2025 on bomb disposal systems was taken up at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs and which DRDO laboratory?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory
PIB 2209191: formulation of IS 19445:2025 was initiated on a request from the MHA and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), DRDO, which also convened the drafting panel.
Consider the following statements about BIS standards released on National Consumer Day 2025: 1. IS 19412:2025 prohibits the use of certain insecticides such as permethrin and fipronil in agarbattis. 2. IS 19262:2025 is a test code for electric agricultural tractors. 3. IS 19412:2025 applies only to machine-made agarbattis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2208829 and 2209159: IS 19412 bans insecticides including permethrin and fipronil, and IS 19262 is the electric tractor test code. IS 19412 classifies agarbattis as machine-made, hand-made and traditional masala, so statement 3 is wrong.
Who was conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Ratna Puraskar 2025 (posthumously) on 23 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Jayant Vishnu Narlikar
PIB 2207860: the Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement was awarded posthumously to astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Team Puraskar 2025 was won by which team, credited with the 'Purple Revolution'?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — CSIR Aroma Mission
PIB 2207860: the Vigyan Team Award went to the CSIR-led Aroma Mission, which promoted lavender cultivation in the Himalayan region ('Purple Revolution').
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025: 1. It was the second edition of the awards. 2. The Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award is for scientists below the age of 45. 3. Lavender cultivation promoted by the winning team began at Bhaderwah and Gulmarg. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2207860: the 2025 ceremony was the second edition; Vigyan Yuva–SSB is for scientists below 45; and lavender entrepreneurship began from Bhaderwah and Gulmarg in J&K. All three are correct.
India's first VR-based mine simulator for coal mining safety, inaugurated in December 2025, was developed by which institute?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
PIB 2207948: the VRMS was developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries NCL and ECL.
The Centre of Excellence inaugurated at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on 23 December 2025 was set up under which mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — National Critical Minerals Mission
PIB 2207948: the minister inaugurated the Center of Excellence under the National Critical Minerals Mission hosted in IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), credited with preventing about ₹660 crore of cyber fraud losses, was developed by which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Telecommunications
PIB 2207376: the FRI is a DoT tool available on its Digital Intelligence Platform, adopted with support from RBI and NPCI.
Which citizen platform of DoT allows users to report suspected fraud communications and lost or stolen mobile handsets?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sanchar Saathi
PIB 2207376: citizens use the Sanchar Saathi platform to report suspected fraud communications, fraudulent connections and lost/stolen handsets.
TiNAI, launched by Tamil Nadu in December 2025, is a:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Land Use Information System (geospatial portal)
BusinessLine and TN State Planning Commission: TiNAI is the Tamil Nadu Land Use Information System, a web-based geospatial platform.
Who launched Tamil Nadu's TNCSR portal and TiNAI on 22 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Udhayanidhi Stalin
BusinessLine and TN State Planning Commission: Deputy Chief Minister and Ex-officio Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission Udhayanidhi Stalin launched both portals.
The 'VijAIpatha' AI and STEM labs launched in December 2025 are in government schools of Hosapete taluk in which district of Karnataka?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Vijayanagara
The Hindu and Cyient: the pilot covers government schools in Hosapete taluk, Vijayanagara district.
Which organisation is implementing the 'VijAIpatha' AI education pilot with the Karnataka government?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Cyient Foundation
The Hindu and Cyient: the initiative is implemented by the Cyient Foundation with the Department of Education, Government of Karnataka.
Where was the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held on 19 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB 2206859: the Prime Minister addressed the closing ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
What is the 'Ayush Mark' launched by the Prime Minister at the WHO traditional medicine summit in December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — A global benchmark for quality Ayush products and services
PIB 2206859: the Ayush Mark is envisioned as a global benchmark for quality Ayush products and services.
Consider the following statements in the context of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (December 2025): 1. The new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office building in New Delhi will also house the WHO India Country Office. 2. The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. 3. The summit's theme was 'Health for All through Traditional Medicine'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2206859: the SEARO building will also house the WHO India Country Office, and the WHO GCTM is in Jamnagar. The theme was 'Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being', so statement 3 is wrong.
Where did ISRO conduct the drogue parachute qualification tests for the Gaganyaan crew module on 18–19 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Rail Track Rocket Sled facility, TBRL, Chandigarh
ISRO: the tests were held at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
Consider the following statements about the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan crew module: 1. It has a total of 10 parachutes of four types. 2. Two drogue parachutes stabilise and decelerate the module. 3. Four main parachutes are used for the final descent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
ISRO: the system has 10 parachutes of 4 types, including two drogues that stabilise and decelerate the module. Three pilot parachutes extract three main parachutes, not four, so statement 3 is wrong.
Outbound portability under Rajasthan's MAA Yojana, implemented from 19 December 2025, does NOT cover hospitals in which two states?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
ETGovernment and Dainik Bhaskar: the empanelled network across India excludes Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Up to what amount of cashless treatment a year are beneficiaries entitled to under Rajasthan's Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya (MAA) Yojana?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹25 lakh
ETGovernment and Bhaskar English: beneficiaries are entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹25 lakh a year.
According to the Communications Minister's statement in the Lok Sabha on 17 December 2025, India's telecom exports in 2024–25 stood at:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹18,406 crore
PIB 2205493: telecom exports rose from ₹10,000 crore in 2020–21 to ₹18,406 crore in 2024–25, a 72% rise; imports stayed at about ₹51,000 crore.
As per the Minister of Communications on 17 December 2025, how many of India's 778 districts are connected to the 5G network?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 767
PIB 2205493: out of 778 districts, 767 have been connected to the 5G network.
The Kerala Cabinet on 17 December 2025 sanctioned posts for the first phase of the Institute of Organ Transplantation in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kozhikode
The Hindu and The New Indian Express: the Cabinet sanctioned posts for the first phase of the Institute of Organ Transplantation in Kozhikode.
How many posts did the Kerala Cabinet sanction on 17 December 2025 for the first phase of the Kozhikode organ transplant institute?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 60
The Hindu and The New Indian Express: 60 posts were sanctioned: 14 professors, 7 associate professors and 39 assistant professors.
On whose recommendation did the Kerala Cabinet decide on 17 December 2025 to add the Balija and related communities to the State OBC list?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kerala State Commission for Backward Classes
The Hindu and The New Indian Express: the decision followed the recommendation of the Kerala State Commission for Backward Classes.
Which AI tool anchors the AFMS community screening programme for diabetic retinopathy launched on 16 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — MadhuNetrAI
PIB 2204763: the programme is anchored by MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI tool developed by the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS.
Which of the following is NOT among the seven pilot locations of the AFMS AI-driven diabetic retinopathy screening programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Lucknow
PIB 2204763: the seven pilot locations are Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat and Kochi. Lucknow is not one of them.
By what date must IRDAI-regulated entities adopt '1600' series numbers for service and transactional calls under TRAI's Direction of 16 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 15 February 2026
PIB 2205350: the last date for adoption of 1600-series numbers by IRDAI-regulated entities is 15 February 2026.
Before IRDAI, TRAI had issued similar Directions mandating 1600-series numbers for entities regulated by which regulators?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — RBI, SEBI and PFRDA
PIB 2205350: TRAI had earlier issued similar Directions for entities regulated by RBI, SEBI and PFRDA.