Science & Technology Current Affairs 2026: Latest Science News, MCQs & Updates

 

Science & Technology Current Affairs 2026: Latest Science News, MCQs & Updates

Science & Technology Current Affairs 26 September 2026: Latest Science News, Technology Updates, MCQs & Quick Revision

Science & Technology Current Affairs are an important part of competitive examinations such as SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC, Teaching and other government exams. Questions are regularly asked from areas including Artificial Intelligence, Space Technology, Semiconductors, Quantum Technology, Biotechnology, Robotics, Cybersecurity and major scientific missions.

Current Status: As of 26 September 2026, India's science and technology landscape is seeing major developments across semiconductor manufacturing, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, space research, deep-tech innovation and indigenous computing. Recent official updates include SEMICON India 2026, Semicon 2.0, new quantum and semiconductor initiatives, ISRO's space activities and the expansion of research and innovation programmes.

Latest Update: SEMICON India 2026 concluded in New Delhi on 19 September 2026 with announcements covering RISC-V, AI, quantum platforms, fab automation, startups and semiconductor workforce development. ISRO has also reported recent developments in space science, launch technology and international cooperation.

Science & Technology Current Affairs: Quick Highlights

Topic	Important Current Affair
Semiconductors	SEMICON India 2026 and Semicon 2.0
Quantum Technology	National Quantum Mission and new quantum ecosystem initiatives
Artificial Intelligence	AI research, computing and emerging technology programmes
Space Technology	ISRO missions, space science and international cooperation
Deep Tech	RDI Fund and deep-tech research ecosystem
RISC-V	Digital India RISC-V Grand Challenge

1. SEMICON India 2026: Major Semiconductor Technology Updates

SEMICON India 2026 concluded on 19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The event focused on strengthening India's semiconductor ecosystem across design, manufacturing, packaging, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, indigenous computing and workforce development.

The concluding session featured 15 announcements and collaborations covering areas such as RISC-V innovation, AI and quantum platforms, fab automation, startup engagement and talent development.

The Digital India RISC-V Grand Challenge under the C2S Programme also recognised three teams for solutions built around indigenous processors.

Exam Point: SEMICON India 2026 is associated with semiconductor design, indigenous computing, RISC-V, AI, quantum technologies and semiconductor skill development.

2. Semicon 2.0: India's Next Semiconductor Push

The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 on 15 July 2026 with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore.

According to the government backgrounder, the programme builds upon the first phase of India's semiconductor development and focuses on six broad strategic areas:

• Research and development
• Chip design
• Machines and materials
• Setting up more semiconductor fabrication facilities
• Talent development
• Strengthening ATMP/OSAT capabilities

Semiconductors are important for artificial intelligence, telecommunications, electric mobility, defence, advanced manufacturing, data centres and autonomous systems.

Exam Point: Semicon 2.0 outlay — ₹1,27,500 crore.

3. National Quantum Mission: Important Science & Technology Update

India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) is focused on developing capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

The government has stated that the mission has a budget outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore.

Quantum technology is considered an important emerging field because it can have applications in computing, secure communication, sensing, navigation, materials research and other advanced technologies.

Exam Point: National Quantum Mission — ₹6,003.65 crore outlay.

4. Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies Conference 2026

A national conference titled Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies: Innovations for the Future (CQST-2026) was held at CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI), Kolkata, in September 2026.

An Emerging Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies (EQST) Section was also inaugurated at CSIR-CGCRI as part of the initiative to strengthen research and innovation in these strategically important technology areas.

Exam Point: CQST-2026 was associated with quantum and semiconductor technology research and innovation.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Research & Innovation

Artificial Intelligence continues to be one of India's major emerging technology priorities. Government programmes are supporting AI research along with quantum technologies, robotics, cybersecurity, biotechnology and other deep-tech areas.

The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund has an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore and covers deep technologies such as quantum computing, robotics and space, along with AI, biotechnology, energy transition and other strategic areas.

AI is also increasingly linked with semiconductor demand because advanced AI systems require specialised processors, high-performance computing and supporting infrastructure.

Exam Point: RDI Fund — ₹1 lakh crore.

6. National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems

The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) focuses on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Data Analytics, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity and Quantum Technologies.

The mission has a total outlay of ₹3,660 crore and includes 25 Technology Innovation Hubs established at premier academic institutions.

These hubs work across technology development, human resource development and skill development, entrepreneurship and related innovation activities.

Exam Point: NM-ICPS — ₹3,660 crore; Technology Innovation Hubs — 25.

7. ISRO and India's Latest Space Technology Developments

Space technology remains an important component of India's science and technology ecosystem. ISRO's recent official updates include developments in launch vehicles, space science, satellite applications, human spaceflight and international cooperation.

ISRO's current website reports that GSLV-F17 successfully placed EOS-05 into its intended orbit on 4 September 2026.

ISRO has also reported scientific work involving EOS-06/Oceansat-3, including observations related to marine productivity and the developing El Niño conditions in the Equatorial Pacific.

Exam Point: EOS-05 was launched by GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026.

8. ISRO–ESA Cooperation Expanded

During the International Space Summit in Paris in September 2026, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan participated in discussions on the future of human spaceflight and space exploration.

ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed and exchanged letters to amend their existing cooperative agreement. The expanded cooperation includes areas such as human and robotic exploration, space weather and sustainability of space activities, with the agreement extended until 2032.

ISRO also reviewed progress on the TRISHNA joint satellite mission with CNES.

Exam Point: The updated ISRO–ESA cooperation covers human and robotic exploration, space weather and space sustainability.

9. Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026

The Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026 was organised by ISRO to encourage innovation and problem-solving in space technology.

The 2026 edition included 15 problem statements covering areas such as geospatial technology, space science, image processing and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.

More than 1,00,000 students registered for the programme, while 15,104 teams submitted solutions. The top 34 teams participated in the Grand Finale held at NRSC, Hyderabad, on 6–7 August 2026.

Exam Point: Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026 — 15 problem statements; Grand Finale — NRSC Hyderabad.

10. Chandrayaan-3 Data and Lunar Science

ISRO has highlighted scientific analysis of data from the Chandrayaan-3 mission. One recent scientific development concerns the mission's hop experiment and observations related to the lunar regolith near the Moon's south-polar region.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to provide scientific data for researchers studying the lunar surface and environment.

Exam Point: Chandrayaan-3 remains an important source of lunar scientific data, particularly for studies of the Moon's south-polar region.

11. Deep-Tech Research and Innovation in India

India's science and technology policy is increasingly focused on deep technologies, including quantum computing, robotics, AI, biotechnology, space technology and advanced manufacturing.

The RDI Fund is designed to support research and development in strategic and sunrise sectors and to encourage private-sector participation in advanced technology development.

Deep-tech development is relevant to competitive examinations because it connects science policy with innovation, manufacturing, national capabilities and future technologies.

12. RISC-V Technology and Indigenous Computing

RISC-V is an open-standard instruction set architecture that has become important in discussions around indigenous processor design and computing.

At SEMICON India 2026, the Digital India RISC-V Grand Challenge under the C2S Programme recognised three teams for solutions built using indigenous processors.

This development is relevant to India's efforts in semiconductor design, processor development and domestic computing capabilities.

Exam Point: RISC-V is an important open-standard architecture associated with processor and chip design.

13. Science & Technology One-Liners for Competitive Exams

• SEMICON India 2026: Held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• SEMICON India 2026: Concluded on 19 September 2026.
• Semicon 2.0: Approved with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore.
• National Quantum Mission: Outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore.
• RDI Fund: Outlay of ₹1 lakh crore.
• NM-ICPS: Outlay of ₹3,660 crore.
• NM-ICPS: 25 Technology Innovation Hubs have been established.
• GSLV-F17: Successfully placed EOS-05 into orbit in September 2026.
• ISRO–ESA: Cooperation expanded to include human and robotic exploration, space weather and space sustainability.
• TRISHNA: India-France joint satellite mission involving ISRO and CNES.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026: Included 15 problem statements.
• RISC-V: Featured prominently in SEMICON India 2026.
• Quantum Technology: Includes quantum computing, communication, sensing and metrology.
• Semiconductors: Important for AI, telecommunications, electric mobility, defence and advanced manufacturing.

14. Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

Q1. What was the approved outlay of Semicon 2.0?

A. ₹50,000 crore
B. ₹75,000 crore
C. ₹1,27,500 crore
D. ₹2 lakh crore

Answer: C. ₹1,27,500 crore

Q2. Where was SEMICON India 2026 held?

A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Mumbai
D. Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Answer: D. Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Q3. What is the outlay of the National Quantum Mission?

A. ₹3,660 crore
B. ₹6,003.65 crore
C. ₹10,000 crore
D. ₹1 lakh crore

Answer: B. ₹6,003.65 crore

Q4. How many Technology Innovation Hubs have been established under NM-ICPS?

A. 15
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30

Answer: C. 25

Q5. Which technology architecture was highlighted through the Digital India RISC-V Grand Challenge?

A. x86
B. ARM
C. RISC-V
D. MIPS

Answer: C. RISC-V

Q6. Which organisation successfully launched EOS-05 using GSLV-F17?

A. DRDO
B. ISRO
C. CSIR
D. BARC

Answer: B. ISRO

Q7. Which organisation is India's principal institution for advanced space research and technology development?

A. ISRO
B. SEBI
C. TRAI
D. NITI Aayog

Answer: A. ISRO

Q8. Which areas are included in the National Quantum Mission?

A. Quantum computing
B. Quantum communication
C. Quantum sensing and metrology
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

Q9. What is the outlay of the Research, Development and Innovation Fund?

A. ₹10,000 crore
B. ₹25,000 crore
C. ₹50,000 crore
D. ₹1 lakh crore

Answer: D. ₹1 lakh crore

Q10. Which organisation is associated with the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon?

A. ISRO
B. RBI
C. UPSC
D. DRDO only

Answer: A. ISRO

Q11. Which joint satellite mission is being developed by ISRO and CNES?

A. TRISHNA
B. EOS-05
C. Aditya-L1
D. RISAT-2

Answer: A. TRISHNA

Q12. Which of the following is a major application area of semiconductors?

A. Artificial Intelligence
B. Telecommunications
C. Electric mobility
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

15. Quick Revision Table: Science & Technology Current Affairs

Topic	Key Fact
Semicon 2.0	₹1,27,500 crore
National Quantum Mission	₹6,003.65 crore
RDI Fund	₹1 lakh crore
NM-ICPS	₹3,660 crore; 25 Technology Innovation Hubs
SEMICON India 2026	Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
RISC-V	Indigenous processor and open-standard architecture initiative
EOS-05	Placed into orbit by GSLV-F17
TRISHNA	ISRO-CNES joint satellite mission

16. Important Science & Technology Terms

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that enables machines or software to perform tasks requiring capabilities associated with human intelligence.
• Quantum Computing: Computing based on principles of quantum mechanics.
• Semiconductor: A material used to manufacture electronic components and integrated circuits.
• RISC-V: An open-standard instruction set architecture used for processor design.
• ATMP: Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging.
• OSAT: Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test.
• Deep Tech: Technology based on significant scientific or engineering innovation.
• Cyber-Physical System: A system integrating computational processes with physical processes.
• Quantum Communication: Communication technologies based on quantum principles.
• Geospatial Technology: Technologies used to collect, process and analyse location-based information.

17. Why Science & Technology Current Affairs Matter for Exams

Science and Technology questions can appear directly as factual questions or indirectly through developments in government missions, research institutions, space programmes, semiconductor projects and emerging technologies.

For exam preparation, candidates should focus on the technology, organisation, mission, objective, location, launch vehicle, budget/outlay and important numerical facts associated with each major development.

18. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the major Science & Technology topics for September 2026?

Major topics include semiconductors, Semicon 2.0, SEMICON India 2026, quantum technology, AI, RISC-V, space technology, ISRO developments and deep-tech research.

Q2. What is the outlay of Semicon 2.0?

The approved outlay of Semicon 2.0 is ₹1,27,500 crore.

Q3. What is the National Quantum Mission?

The National Quantum Mission is an Indian mission focused on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.

Q4. What is the outlay of the National Quantum Mission?

The National Quantum Mission has an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore.

Q5. What is RISC-V?

RISC-V is an open-standard instruction set architecture used in processor and chip design.

Q6. Which organisation is responsible for India's major space missions?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India's principal institution for advanced space research and technology development and national space missions.

Q7. What is the RDI Fund?

The Research, Development and Innovation Fund is a ₹1 lakh crore initiative supporting research and innovation in strategic and sunrise technology sectors.

Q8. What is NM-ICPS?

NM-ICPS stands for National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and covers areas such as AI, robotics, IoT, cybersecurity and quantum technologies.

Q9. What is the TRISHNA mission?

TRISHNA is a joint satellite mission involving ISRO and France's CNES.

Final Takeaway

For competitive examinations, the most important Science & Technology developments to revise from this update include Semicon 2.0, SEMICON India 2026, the National Quantum Mission, the RDI Fund, NM-ICPS, RISC-V, recent ISRO developments, TRISHNA and the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026.

Keep special attention on important numbers such as ₹1,27,500 crore, ₹6,003.65 crore, ₹1 lakh crore and ₹3,660 crore, along with the organisations, missions and technologies associated with them.

Important Note

Science and Technology current affairs can change as new government announcements, research findings, space missions and technology developments are released. Candidates should cross-check time-sensitive information with the latest official notification or official institutional source before using it for an examination.

Disclaimer

This article is prepared for educational and competitive-examination preparation purposes. Information has been compiled from official government and institutional updates available for the stated period. Readers should verify any time-sensitive information from the concerned official source before relying on it.