PRELIMS

Prelims Bits Context: Scientists have uncovered fossilized leaves, dating back approximately 24 million years, in Assam’s Makum Coalfield, which resemble modern-day Nothopegia plants currently found in the Western Ghats. Details of the Discovery: Geological Age: The fossils belong to the Late Oligocene epoch (around 24–23 million years ago), a period …

Prelims Bits Context: Iran deployed the Fattah missile in a recent attack on Israel, marking a significant step in its missile development program. About the Fattah Missile: Name Meaning: “Fattah” translates to “Conqueror” in Persian. Type: Iran’s first indigenously developed hypersonic ballistic missile. Propulsion System: Employs a two-stage mechanism that …

Prelims Bits Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM in over two decades to visit Cyprus and received the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the country’s top civilian award. About Cyprus: Location: An island situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and …

Prelims Bits Context International Albinism Awareness Day is commemorated on June 13 to raise awareness about the medical, societal, and legal issues faced by individuals living with albinism. Understanding Albinism: Albinism is a rare, inherited genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes responsible for melanin production. This results in little …

Prelims Bits Context A newly identified species of jumping spider has been discovered in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and parts of Karnataka, named Habrocestum swaminathani to honour Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, renowned as the architect of India’s Green Revolution. This is the first time the genus Habrocestum has been recorded …

Prelims Bits Context: Following the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, concerns have been raised about the autonomy and efficiency of aviation accident investigations in India. About AAIB Established: 2012 Parent Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation Headquarters: New Delhi Background: Prior to AAIB’s creation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) …

Prelims Bits Context The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel have raised concerns about rising oil prices and further disruptions to global trade. A key point of vulnerability is the Suez Canal. Overview of the Suez Canal The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway, stretching 193 km, linking the Red …

Prelims Bytes Context A new study reveals that Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a naturally occurring molecule, can revive the regenerative abilities of aged muscle stem cells (MuSCs) in mice. About Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) A biochemical compound involved in inflammatory responses. Clinically used to induce labour. Produced in the body after injury, …

PRELIMS BITS Gee’s Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) It is an endangered primate species endemic to a small region in western Assam, India, and the foothills of Bhutan’s Black Mountains. Known for its striking golden to cream-colored fur and black face, the golden langur is a flagship species for conservation in …

PRELIMS Context: Tissue-cultured teak is gaining popularity in India as a high-yield, fast-growing alternative to meet the growing demand for timber. Why Tissue Culture? Tissue culture is a biotechnological method of propagating plants using small tissue samples (cells or tissues) in a controlled, sterile environment. This technique allows for rapid …

Prelims Bits Context: India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), closing its airspace to Civilian and Military aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistan. What is NOTAM? NOTAM stands for Notice to Airmen, which is an official, time-sensitive notification issued by aviation authorities. It is designed to inform pilots …

PRELIMS BITS Context: The Indian Navy recently conducted a successful test of the MR-SAM air defence missile system aboard the INS Surat warship in the Arabian Sea. INS Surat is the fourth and final ship in the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project. Key Features: MR-SAM: A quick-response, high-speed, vertically launched …

PRELIMS BITS – MAPS Context: Pakistan has temporarily suspended its Green Pakistan Initiative, which includes the development of six strategic canals, most notably the Cholistan Canal, intended to irrigate the Cholistan Desert. The Cholistan Desert, locally known as Rohi, is located in the southern region of Punjab, Pakistan. It borders …

In 2025, scientists detected the presence of either dimethyl sulphide (DMS) or dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of K2-18b. What is K2-18b? K2-18b is an exoplanet, meaning it is a planet located outside of our solar system. It is situated 124 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Leo …

Researchers at Kyoto University recently conducted a Phase I/II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and potential side effects of stem cell therapy using dopaminergic progenitors derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). About Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons …

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a groundbreaking infrastructure project that significantly improves Jammu & Kashmir’s connectivity with the rest of India. The completion of the Katra–Sangaldan section marks the achievement of faster, year-round rail access to the Kashmir Valley. About the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel The Pir Panjal Railway …

Celebrating 50 Years Since the Launch of Aryabhata – India’s First Satellite About Aryabhata Aryabhata was India’s first satellite, developed domestically and named after the renowned 5th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, Aryabhata. It was launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union’s Kapustin Yar launch site, with Soviet assistance. …

India’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is expected to be commissioned next year, marking the next phase in the country’s three-stage nuclear program. Overview of India’s First Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor The PFBR is a 500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor situated in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. …

A recent article in Nature spotlighted biofortified rice varieties developed by CAS, Beijing, under the headline ‘Gene-edited plants make the jump from farm to factory’. Overview of Enzymes Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, playing a crucial role in boosting cellular metabolism efficiency. Many enzymes rely on helper molecules, …

Prelims Bits Context: The Philippines has confirmed the deployment of the US anti-ship missile system known as the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) for participation in the 2025 Balikatan military exercises. Key Features of NMESIS Anti-Ship Missile System: Designed to empower small, mobile units to strike maritime targets accurately …