Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

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 …

A previously unknown landmass, the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, has been discovered beneath the icy waters of the Davis Strait, which separates Canada’s Baffin Island from Greenland. About the Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent is a newly identified submerged microcontinent situated near the Davis Strait, the large body of …

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. …

The Union Home Minister recently launched the HEALD Initiative to address liver diseases across India. Overview of the HEALD Initiative The HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention) initiative is a groundbreaking nationwide program aimed at combating liver disease in India. Initiated by the Institute of Liver and …

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, …

The National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has raised concerns regarding potential downstream effects in Assam as it prepares to begin electricity generation from the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP). Overview of the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project The project is a 2000 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility located on the …

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 …

Prelims Bits Context: Mount Lewotobi, a prominent volcano in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, witnessed a fresh volcanic eruption. Geographical Location & Tectonic Setting Located on Flores Island, in the East Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia. Lies at the junction of three major tectonic plates: the Eurasian, Australian, and Pacific …

Prelims Bits Context: Finalists have been announced for the Anti-Piracy Challenge, a major component under WAVES 2025, focusing on protecting digital content in India. Anti-Piracy Challenge – Key Details Initiative: A flagship segment of the Create in India Challenge under the WAVES 2025 banner. Objective: To counteract digital piracy, protect …

Prelims Bits Context: The Indian Navy recently conducted the third edition of the Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, Meghayan-25, at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, in celebration of World Meteorological Day 2025 and the founding of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). World Meteorological Day – 2025 Theme: “Closing the Early Warning Gap …

Prelims Bits Context: A newly discovered frog species, named Leptobrachium aryatium, has been identified in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, located on the southwestern outskirts of Guwahati, near the Meghalaya border. Physical Characteristics: This frog species is distinctive for its fiery orange-and-black eyes, a unique reticulated pattern on its throat, and …

Prelims Bits Context: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has recently discovered a new species of beetle, named Clinidium lalitae, in the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. Naming: This species is named in honour of Dr. Lalita Ray Chaudhury, a renowned coleopterologist and former ZSI scientist, as a …

GS3 – S&T Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully carried out a major crackdown on ‘Digital Arrest’ scams as part of its ongoing anti-cybercrime initiative—Operation Chakra-V. Objective of Operation Chakra-V Launched to target and dismantle transnational cybercrime networks, with a special focus on organized financial and digital …

GS3 – Environment Context: The Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) launched in Surat, Gujarat, has shown how market-based tools can successfully curb particulate matter (PM) pollution, based on results observed from 2019 to 2021. Overview of Surat ETS Launched in 2019, the Surat ETS is the first emissions trading market globally …

Prelims Bits   Context: The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK-VI’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. Exercise Theme: Focused on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in semi-urban environments. About the Exercise: DUSTLIK is an annual bilateral defence exercise aimed at improving interoperability between the …

Prelims Bits Context: Tuti Island has suffered significant destruction amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the past two years. Geographical Location: Situated in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, Tuti Island lies at the meeting point of the Blue Nile and White Nile …

Prelims Bits Context: China has introduced an innovative ironmaking technique known as ‘flash ironmaking’, which is expected to bring major transformation to global steel production. What is Flash Ironmaking? The process involves injecting finely powdered iron ore into a furnace operating at extremely high temperatures. This triggers a rapid and …

GS2 – Vulnerable Groups Context: In the landmark Pinki vs. State of Uttar Pradesh case, the Supreme Court delivered extensive instructions aimed at curbing the issue of child trafficking in India. Understanding Child Trafficking: According to the United Nations, child trafficking involves the recruitment, transfer, or sheltering of minors for …