Science and Technology is one of the most important sections in both BPSC and UPSC exams. In prelims, direct factual questions are asked, while in mains, analytical and current-based topics are expected.
Science and Technology Current Affairs for BPSC & UPSC?
Science and Technology is a very important topic for both BPSC and UPSC exams. Whether it is prelims or mains, questions from this section are asked every year. In prelims, direct factual questions come. In mains, current-based analytical questions are expected.
Now if we talk about May 2025, many important updates came this month – like the Gaganyaan mission, India’s astronaut going to ISS, new BTech courses launched by IIT Madras, and more.
1. 2025 Declared as ‘Gaganyaan Year’
ISRO has officially declared 2025 as the ‘Gaganyaan Year’, marking a major milestone in India’s space journey.
- The first Gaganyaan test mission will carry Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, into space.
- This unmanned test mission is scheduled for December 2025.
- It is part of India’s first human spaceflight programme.
- The mission will be followed by a full crewed mission in future.
Note: This will place India among the elite nations like the USA, Russia, and China that have sent humans into space through indigenous missions.
2. Indian Astronaut to Travel to International Space Station
Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut-designate, is set to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4).
- He has entered quarantine before the mission launch.
- The launch is scheduled for June 8, 2025.
- This mission marks India’s growing role in international private space missions.
Means: India is now stepping into the private spaceflight sector, enhancing its global space collaboration.
3. Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Launched
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched a nationwide campaign called Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan from Puri, Odisha on May 29, 2025.
- It aims to build direct interaction between scientists and farmers.
- All 723 districts and over 65,000 villages will be covered.
- Around 8,000 agricultural scientists will be involved.
Note: This is a significant step to promote scientific farming and rural development.
4. India-Russia Science & Tech Collaboration
India is exploring deeper scientific and technological ties with Russia. Key areas of discussion:
- Nuclear energy
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced technology sectors
Means: This collaboration will help India strengthen its tech security and energy capacity with support from a strategic partner.
5. IIT Madras Introduces Two New BTech Programs
From academic year 2025-26, IIT Madras will offer two new BTech programs:
- Computational Engineering and Mechanics
- Instrumentation and Biomedical Engineering
- These courses are designed keeping in mind Industry 5.0 and future-ready technologies.
- The aim is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
Note: Questions on new education initiatives often appear in UPSC mains under education or innovation themes.
6. European Tech for India’s Bullet Train Signaling System
India’s upcoming bullet train project will now adopt European signaling and telecom technology.
- This move ensures safety, speed, and precision in high-speed rail operations.
- European technology is known for reliability in high-speed rail systems.
Means: India is aligning its infrastructure with global standards and promoting advanced transportation networks.
Why It Matters for BPSC & UPSC:
| Topic | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Gaganyaan & Vyommitra | India’s space advancement, technology leadership |
| ISS Mission (Ax-4) | International cooperation in space science |
| Viksit Krishi Campaign | Rural development, farmer-scientist synergy |
| India-Russia Tech Deal | Strategic science diplomacy |
| IIT’s New Courses | Education reforms and skill development |
| Bullet Train Tech | Infrastructure modernization |