Science & Technology Current Affairs

Science & Technology Current Affairs 2026: Complete Guide for Competitive Exams

Science & Technology current affairs articles provide comprehensive, exam-focused coverage of India’s space missions, defense technology, biotechnology breakthroughs, artificial intelligence developments, renewable energy innovations, and scientific research. These articles are specifically designed for competitive exam aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railway examinations, where questions on science and technology constitute 15-20% of current affairs section, covering ISRO missions, DRDO developments, medical breakthroughs, IT innovations, and awards to scientists.

Every year, India achieves significant milestones in science and technology including successful space missions (Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1), defense technology advancements, biotechnology breakthroughs, digital transformation initiatives, and research excellence. For competitive exam aspirants, staying updated with science & technology current affairs is crucial as these topics connect to static syllabus (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science) and demonstrate India’s progress in innovation and self-reliance. According to Department of Science & Technology (DST), India’s scientific achievements reflect the nation’s commitment to becoming a global knowledge superpower.

Why Science & Technology Current Affairs Matter for Competitive Exams

Understanding science & technology current affairs is essential for competitive exam preparation as it bridges static science syllabus with contemporary developments, tests awareness of India’s self-reliance in critical technologies, and demonstrates understanding of how science impacts national development and security.

High Weightage in All Examinations

UPSC Prelims includes 12-15 questions from science & technology current affairs covering space missions (What was the objective of Aditya-L1 mission?), defense technology (Which missile was successfully tested by DRDO?), biotechnology breakthroughs, digital initiatives, and awards to scientists. Both GS Paper I (Science in syllabus) and current affairs questions test recent scientific developments. Questions integrate static concepts with current achievements.

UPSC Mains GS Paper III has dedicated section on Science & Technology with questions requiring knowledge of recent developments. Understanding Chandrayaan-3’s technological achievements, semiconductor manufacturing initiatives, quantum computing research, or India’s space economy provides contemporary examples for well-rounded answers.

SSC CGL includes straightforward factual questions on recent scientific achievements, particularly ISRO missions, DRDO developments, IT initiatives, and medical breakthroughs. Questions like “Chandrayaan-3 was launched using which launch vehicle?” or “Which organization developed Agni-V missile?” test basic awareness of India’s scientific capabilities.

Banking examinations focus on technology relevant to banking sector—digital payment systems (UPI, CBDC), cybersecurity, fintech innovations, blockchain, and artificial intelligence in banking. Understanding RBI’s technology initiatives and digital banking innovations is particularly important.

UPSC Interview – Demonstrating Scientific Temper

UPSC interviews extensively test scientific awareness through questions on recent missions, technology policy, ethical implications of AI, biotechnology regulations, and India’s approach to emerging technologies. Candidates from science backgrounds face detailed questioning on their domain’s recent developments. Non-science candidates are expected to demonstrate general scientific awareness and analytical thinking on science policy issues.

Comprehensive Coverage of Science & Technology Current Affairs

At GK365, we organize science & technology current affairs articles by domains—Space, Defense, Biotechnology, IT & Digital, Energy—ensuring systematic coverage of all exam-relevant developments with connections to static science concepts.

Space Technology & ISRO Missions

Major Space Missions: Comprehensive coverage of all ISRO missions including Chandrayaan-3 (lunar south pole landing, Vikram lander, Pragyan rover, scientific instruments), Aditya-L1 (solar mission, Lagrange Point L1, instruments studying solar corona), Gaganyaan (human spaceflight program, crew module, service module, astronaut training), XPoSat (X-ray polarimetry), and satellite launches (communication, navigation, earth observation).

Launch Vehicles: Understanding India’s launch vehicle capabilities—PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – workhorse for sun-synchronous orbits), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle with cryogenic engine), GSLV Mk III (heaviest launcher for Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan), SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle for commercial missions). Questions often ask about which launch vehicle was used for specific missions.

Space Applications: Coverage of NavIC (India’s GPS system – Navigation with Indian Constellation), GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation for aviation), remote sensing applications, disaster management using satellites, and India’s satellite communication capabilities. Understanding practical applications helps in answering policy and impact questions.

Defense Technology & DRDO Developments

Missile Systems: Comprehensive coverage of India’s indigenous missile program including Agni series (strategic missiles with different ranges – Agni-I to Agni-V, ICBM capability), Prithvi series (tactical missiles), BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile, Indo-Russian joint venture, fastest in world), Akash (surface-to-air missile system), and anti-tank missiles like Nag. Each article documents range, speed, guidance system, and strategic significance.

Indigenous Defense Systems: Coverage of Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft, indigenous fighter), Arjun (Main Battle Tank), INS Vikrant (indigenous aircraft carrier), Pinaka (multi-barrel rocket launcher), radar systems, sonar technologies, and electronic warfare systems. Understanding these systems demonstrates India’s progress in Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense.

Strategic Technologies: Articles on anti-satellite weapons (A-SAT Mission Shakti), ballistic missile defense systems, submarine capabilities, drone technology, and cyber warfare capabilities. These are frequently tested in context of India’s strategic deterrence and national security.

Biotechnology & Medical Breakthroughs

Vaccine Development: Coverage of India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities (world’s largest vaccine producer), Covaxin (indigenous COVID vaccine by Bharat Biotech), vaccine diplomacy, mRNA vaccine technology, and pharmaceutical research. Understanding vaccine technology connects to static Biology concepts of immunology.

Gene Editing & Genomics: Articles on CRISPR technology applications, genome sequencing projects (Indian Human Genome Project), genetic engineering in agriculture (GM crops debate), and personalized medicine. These cutting-edge technologies frequently appear in UPSC questions requiring ethical analysis.

Medical Devices & Healthcare: Coverage of indigenous medical device development, telemedicine platforms, AI in healthcare diagnostics, drug discovery using AI, and biotechnology startups. Understanding India’s healthcare technology ecosystem is important for comprehensive answers on health policy.

Information Technology & Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence: Comprehensive coverage of AI applications in India including AI in governance (e-courts, facial recognition), ChatGPT and large language models, AI ethics and regulations, National AI Strategy, and AI research centers (IIT AI hubs). Understanding AI’s transformative impact and associated challenges is crucial for contemporary analysis.

Digital India Initiatives: Coverage of Semiconductor Mission (chip manufacturing, indigenization), 5G rollout (spectrum allocation, applications, indigenous 5G stack), Quantum Computing research, Blockchain applications, Internet of Things (IoT), and Cybersecurity frameworks. These technologies reflect India’s digital transformation journey.

Emerging Technologies: Articles on Metaverse, Web3, Edge Computing, Cloud Computing (MeghRaj initiative), and Data Centers. Understanding technological trends helps in answering forward-looking questions about India’s digital economy.

Renewable Energy & Climate Technology

Solar & Wind Energy: Coverage of International Solar Alliance (ISA headquarters in India), PM-KUSUM scheme (solar pumps for farmers), solar parks, offshore wind projects, and India’s renewable energy targets (500 GW by 2030). Understanding energy transition is crucial for sustainable development questions.

Green Hydrogen Mission: Comprehensive coverage of National Green Hydrogen Mission, electrolyzers, hydrogen fuel cells, green hydrogen applications in industry and transport, and India’s ambition to become green hydrogen hub. This emerging sector is increasingly important for net-zero targets.

Climate Technology: Articles on carbon capture technology, electric vehicles (EV policy, charging infrastructure, FAME scheme), battery technology (lithium-ion, solid-state), and climate adaptation technologies. These connect science with environmental conservation.

How to Prepare Science & Technology Current Affairs Effectively

Mastering science & technology current affairs requires connecting current developments to static science concepts, understanding technical details without overwhelming yourself, and systematic documentation of missions, technologies, and achievements.

Step 1: Connect Current to Static Science Syllabus

Always link science current affairs to static concepts. For example: Chandrayaan-3 → Orbital mechanics (Physics) → Gravitational pull, escape velocity → Lunar geology (Geography). Agni-V missile → Newton’s laws of motion → Rocket propulsion → Strategic deterrence (Security). Gene editing → DNA structure (Biology) → Genetic code → Ethical implications. This integration reinforces both static and current preparation simultaneously.

Step 2: Create Domain-Wise Technology Tracker

Maintain separate sections for: Space Missions (Mission name, launch date, launch vehicle, objectives, current status) | Defense Technology (System name, developer, specifications, strategic use) | Biotechnology (Innovation, applications, research institutes) | IT/Digital (Technology, government initiative, impact) | Energy (Project, capacity, timeline). This organization makes revision efficient.

Step 3: Focus on Indian Achievements & Indigenous Technology

Prioritize India-specific developments: ISRO missions, DRDO products, CSIR research, IIT innovations, indigenous technology development. Questions predominantly test awareness of Indian scientific capabilities rather than global developments. Understanding India’s journey toward self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in critical technologies is particularly important.

Step 4: Understand “Why” Not Just “What”

Don’t just memorize facts—understand significance and applications. For Aditya-L1, know not just that it’s a solar mission, but understand: Why Lagrange Point L1? (Stable gravitational position for continuous sun observation). What will it study? (Solar corona, solar winds, space weather). Why does it matter? (Early warning for solar storms affecting satellites, communications). This analytical understanding is crucial for UPSC Mains and interviews.

Step 5: Track Awards to Indian Scientists

Maintain list of awards to Indian scientists: Nobel Prize (recent Indian or India-origin winners), Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (India’s highest science award, track annual recipients with their field), Padma Awards to Scientists, Infosys Prize, and international recognition. Questions often link scientists with their awards and research fields.

Step 6: Use Diagrams and Visual Learning

For technical topics, create simple diagrams: ISRO launch vehicles (comparative sizes and payload capacities), missile ranges (map showing Agni series coverage), satellite orbits (LEO, GEO, sun-synchronous), and technology process flows. Visual learning significantly improves retention for technical subjects and helps in explaining concepts during interviews.

Why Choose GK365 for Science & Technology Current Affairs Preparation

Our science & technology current affairs articles are crafted by subject matter experts who explain complex technical concepts in exam-friendly language while maintaining scientific accuracy and connecting to static syllabus.

• ✓ Technical Details Simplified: Complex scientific concepts explained in accessible language without oversimplification. Each article maintains balance between technical accuracy and exam readability, making concepts understandable even for non-science students.
• ✓ Static-Current Integration: Every current development explicitly connected to relevant static syllabus topics. Links to Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science concepts provided, helping aspirants revise static while learning current affairs.
• ✓ ISRO & DRDO Complete Database: Systematic tracking of all space missions, satellite launches, missile tests, defense systems with technical specifications, launch dates, and current status. Comparative charts showing evolution of India’s capabilities over years.
• ✓ Infographics & Diagrams: Visual representations of complex technologies—launch vehicle comparison charts, missile range maps, satellite orbit diagrams, technology architecture flowcharts. Visual aids included with each technical article for better comprehension.
• ✓ Mains Answer Integration: Sample answers demonstrating how to cite recent scientific developments in GS Paper III answers. Examples show integration of Chandrayaan achievements while discussing space policy or semiconductor mission while analyzing manufacturing sector.
• ✓ Interview Prep Questions: Common interview questions on recent scientific developments with suggested approach for answers. Includes ethical dimensions (AI regulation, genetic engineering ethics), policy analysis (India’s space commercialization), and technical explanations at appropriate depth.

ISRO Missions 2024-25: Must-Know for Exams

Recent and upcoming ISRO missions that every aspirant must know with complete technical details and exam-relevant facts:

Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar South Pole Mission)

Launch: July 14, 2023 using GSLV Mk III | Landing: August 23, 2023 at lunar south pole | Components: Vikram lander, Pragyan rover, propulsion module | Significance: India became 4th country to land on moon, 1st to land on south pole | Scientific Objectives: Study lunar surface composition, seismic activity, thermal properties | Achievements: Successfully demonstrated soft-landing technology, rover mobility, in-situ experiments

Aditya-L1 (Solar Mission)

Launch: September 2, 2023 using PSLV-C57 | Destination: Lagrange Point L1 (1.5 million km from Earth) | Objective: Study solar corona, solar winds, space weather | Instruments: 7 payloads including coronagraph, magnetometer | Significance: India’s first space-based solar observatory, continuous sun observation without eclipses | Applications: Early warning for solar storms affecting satellites and communications

Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight Program)

Target: Send 3 Indian astronauts to 400 km orbit for 3 days | Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk III (human-rated) | Training: Astronaut training in India and Russia | Test Missions: Unmanned test flights before crewed mission | Significance: India will become 4th country with human spaceflight capability | Technology Demonstration: Crew module, life support systems, crew escape system

Related Current Affairs Categories

Expand your current affairs knowledge by exploring related categories that complement your science & technology preparation for comprehensive exam coverage.

Conclusion: Master Science & Technology for UPSC Success

Science & Technology current affairs bridges the gap between static science syllabus and contemporary developments, making it one of the most rewarding categories for systematic preparation. Understanding India’s achievements in space exploration, defense indigenization, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy demonstrates awareness of the nation’s progress toward becoming a global innovation leader. By dedicating focused time to connecting current developments with static concepts, maintaining domain-wise trackers, understanding technical significance beyond facts, and using visual learning aids, you can master this high-scoring category.

Unlike purely current affairs topics, science & technology questions reward deeper understanding—knowing not just what happened but why it matters scientifically and strategically. With ISRO achieving lunar south pole landing, Aditya-L1 studying the sun, DRDO testing advanced missiles, and India emerging as global pharma and IT hub, the breadth of developments is vast yet highly interconnected. Our systematic approach at GK365 ensures comprehensive coverage of all exam-relevant scientific developments with simplified explanations and strategic analysis.

Join over 10 lakh+ aspirants who trust GK365 for their daily current affairs preparation. Our technical simplification, static-current integration, ISRO-DRDO database, visual learning aids, and interview preparation resources have made us the preferred choice among serious competitive exam candidates across India. Start your preparation today with our expertly curated science & technology current affairs articles and build strong foundation in India’s scientific achievements for examination success.