prelims pointers for 7 December 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 7 December 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily prelims pointers for 7 December 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Onchocerciasis

December 7, 2025
Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis Latest News

Niger becomes the first country in the African Region to eliminate onchocerciasis.

About Onchocerciasis

  • Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a parasitic worm. 
  • The parasite can spread to humans through repeated bites of infected blackflies of the Simulium species. 
  • The flies breed by fast-flowing rivers and streams in certain remote, tropical, agricultural areas.
  • Onchocerciasis itself isn’t contagious because it can’t spread directly from one person to another. 
  • But the disease can spread when blackflies bite infected people, ingest the larvae, and then bite people who aren’t infected.
  • It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and certain areas of Brazil and Venezuela in South America. 
  • Symptoms include a potentially disfiguring skin rash and vision problems, even blindness.
  • Globally, it is second only to trachoma in causing infection-related blindness.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), river blindness remains one of the most neglected tropical diseases, especially in remote and rural areas.
  • Treatment: Treatment for river blindness is ivermectin, an oral antiparasitic medication.

Source: NOA

Onchocerciasis FAQs

Q1: Onchocerciasis is caused by which organism?

Ans: Onchocerciasis is a disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a parasitic worm.

Q2: How is Onchocerciasis transmitted to humans?

Ans: Bites of infected blackflies (Simulium species).

Q3: Which regions of the world are most affected by Onchocerciasis?

Ans: It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and certain areas of Brazil and Venezuela in South America.

Q4: What is the primary treatment for Onchocerciasis?

Ans: Treatment for river blindness is ivermectin, an oral antiparasitic medication.

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

December 7, 2025
Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Latest News

Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the  Indigo airline a temporary one-time exemption from some Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots. 

About Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

  • It is the regulatory body in the field of civil aviation primarily dealing with safety issues.
  • It is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  • It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards.
  • It also coordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi 

Functions and Responsibilities of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

  • One of the main functions of the DGCA is to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members on all flights operating in India.
  • It conducts regular safety inspections of all airlines and aircraft to meet the required safety standards.
  • It also investigates any incidents or accidents that occur within the Indian airspace.
  • It plays a crucial role in developing new airports and modernizing existing facilities to ensure that they can meet the growing demands of the aviation industry.
  • It is responsible for the regulation of air traffic in India. It works closely with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to ensure air traffic is managed safely and efficiently.
  • The DGCA also plays a key role in developing new air traffic control systems and technologies to improve the overall efficiency of Indian airspace.
  • It is also responsible for issuing licenses and certificates to pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and other aviation personnel.

Source: IE

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) FAQs

Q1: What is the primary function of DGCA?

Ans: To regulate air transport services

Q2: Under which ministry does DGCA operate?

Ans: Ministry of Civil Aviation

Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)

December 7, 2025
Infrastructure Investment Trust

Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) Latest News

Recently, National Highways Authority of India received the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) in-principle approval for ‘Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust’ (RIIT) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).

About Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)

  • It is Collective Investment Scheme similar to a mutual fund, which enables direct investment of money from individual and institutional investors in infrastructure projects 
  • These are like mutual funds in structure which can be established as a trust and registered with Sebi.
  • Objective: To provide retail investors with access to investment opportunities in infrastructure projects, which were previously only available to large institutional investors. 

Features of the Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)

  • An InvIT has 4 parties namely; Trustee, Sponsor(s) and Investment Manager and Project Manager.
  • INVITs are created by sponsors, who are typically infrastructure companies or private equity firms.
  • The sponsor sets up the INVITs and transfers ownership of the underlying infrastructure assets to the trust.
  • The trust then issues units to investors, which represent an ownership stake in the trust and thus the underlying assets.
  • While the trustee (certified by Sebi) has the responsibility of inspecting the performance of an InvIT, sponsor(s) are promoters of the company that set up the InvIT.
  • InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.

Source: PIB

Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) FAQs

Q1: Which regulator oversees InvITs in India?

Ans: SEBI

Q2: What is an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)?

Ans: A type of investment vehicle for infrastructure projects

Shingles Disease

December 7, 2025
Shingles Disease

Shingles Disease Latest News

A recent study found that Shingles vaccine reduces risk of death from dementia.

About Shingles Disease

  • Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.
  • Cause: It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.
    • After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate years later, especially when the immune system is weakened due to age, illness, or immunosuppressive medications.
  • Symptoms of Shingles
    • Shingles typically presents as a painful rash, often forming a stripe of blisters on one side of the torso, neck, or face.
    • Other symptoms may include itching, tingling, burning, headache, fever, and sensitivity to light or touch.
  • Transmission: It is not contagious, but the virus can be spread to someone who has never had chickenpox.
  • It is most common in people over 50 or those with weakened immune systems.
  • Treatment: There is a vaccine called Shingrix available, which helps in preventing shingles and its complications.

Source: DD News

Shingles Disease FAQs

Q1: What is another name for Shingles Disease?

Ans: Herpes Zoster

Q2: Which virus causes Shingles Disease?

Ans: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

December 7, 2025
Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has handed over seven technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to armed forces.

About Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

  • It has been established to promote self-reliance in Defence Technology as a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • It encourages the participation of public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, so as to create an ecosystem for enhancing cutting-edge technology capability in the defence sector.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence.
  • Funding Support
    • The project cost of up to INR 50 crore will be considered for funding.
    • The funding may be up to 90% of the total project cost.
    • Project Duration: The maximum development period will be four (4) years.

Eligibility criteria for Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

  • Entity Type: A public limited company, a private limited company, a partnership firm, a limited liability partnership, a one-person company, or a sole proprietorship registered as per applicable Indian laws registered in India especially MSMEs and Startups.
  • The industry must be owned and controlled by a resident Indian citizen.
  • An entity with excess of 49 percent foreign investment not be eligible.
  • Start up
    • Startups must be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as per Government of India (GOI) guidelines.
    • Startups incorporated for less than three years from date of submission of application will be considered as nascent startups.
    • A nascent Startup should be incubated at one of the Central/State government assisted incubators.
    • Startups should not have received any grants/grants-in-aid by any government scheme for a similar technology.
    • The startup must be owned and controlled by a Resident Indian citizen with a shareholding of at least 51%.

Source: PIB

Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the main objective of the TDF Scheme?

Ans: To support MSMEs and start-ups in developing dual-use technologies

Q2: Which ministry implements the TDF Scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Defence

Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

December 7, 2025
Ramgarh Vishdari Tiger Reserve

Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve Latest News

Marking the state's first inter-state tiger translocation and the country's second, a tigress is set to be airlifted from the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to around 800 km away in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Rajasthan's Bundi in the next few weeks.

About Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

  • It is located in Rajasthan’s Bundi district.
  • Spread over 1,501.89 sq.km., the reserve has a 481.90 sq.km. core area and a 1,019.98 sq.km. buffer zone.
  • It is strategically positioned to serve as a crucial corridor between the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to the northeast and the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve to the south. 
  • It was notified as a tiger reserve on May 16, 2022.
  • The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal River, meanders through the reserve.
  • The reserve’s topography is characterized by the rugged terrains of the Aravalli and Vindhyan mountain ranges, interspersed with valleys and plateaus. 
  • Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest
  • Flora:
    • The habitat is dominated by Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) trees.
    • Other important flora includes Khair, Ronj, Amaltas, Gurjan, Saler, etc.
  • Fauna:
    • The area is dominated by leopards and sloth bears.
    • Other important fauna include the Jungle cat, Golden jackal, Hyaena, Crested Porcupine, Indian Hedgehog, Rhesus macaque, hanuman langur, etc.

Key Facts about Pench Tiger Reserve 

  • It is located in the southern reaches of the Satpura hills in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh and shares the southern boundary with Maharashtra.
  • It is named after the Pench River, meandering through the reserve from north to south.
  • It comprises the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and a buffer.
  • The area of the PTR and the surrounding area is the real story area of Rudyard Kipling’s famous “The Jungle Book”.
  • Vegetation: The undulating topography supports a mosaic of vegetation ranging from a moist sheltered valley to an open, dry deciduous forest.
  • Flora:
    • The reserve boasts a diverse range of flora, including teak, saag, mahua, and various grasses and shrubs.
    • Teak forests are found in about one quarter of the area. 
  • Fauna:
    • The area is especially famous for large herds of Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur (Indian Bison), and wild boar.
    • The key predator is the tiger, followed by the leopard, wild dogs, and wolf.
    • There are over 325 species of resident and migratory birds, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, White Eyed Buzzard, etc.

Source: WEEK

Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Rajasthan

Q2: What is the total area of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve?

Ans: 1,501.89 sq.km.

Q3: Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve serves as a crucial corridor between which two tiger reserves

Ans: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve

Q4: Which river flows through Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve?

Ans: The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal River, meanders through the reserve.

Red-Breasted Parakeet

December 7, 2025
Red-Breasted Parakeet

Red-Breasted Parakeet Latest News

In a rare sighting, two pairs of red-breasted parakeets were recently spotted on the NIT-Patna campus by a group of environmentalists.

About Red-Breasted Parakeet

  • The red-breasted parakeet, or moustached parakeet, is a colorful bird found across many parts of Asia. 
  • Scientific Name: Psittacula alexandri
  • It's known for its bright feathers and a unique "moustache" marking. 
  • These parakeets are quite common and have several different looks depending on where they live.
  • Distribution: Their home stretches from parts of India and Nepal, through Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 
  • Habitat: They prefer living in forests, woodlands, and even in areas near farms or towns. 
  • Features:
    • It is a medium-sized parrot. 
    • It can grow to about 33 to 38 centimeters long, including its long tail. 
    • The male has overall green plumage with a distinct pink breast and belly, a grey head, a blue upper tail, a green tail tip, and a red upper bill. 
    • The female is similar to the male but has duller pink underparts and a black upper bill. 
    • These birds are very social and often live in small groups or larger flocks. 
    • They are quite noisy, especially when flying or feeding. 
    • Their calls are usually loud squawks and screeches.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Source: TOI

Red-Breasted Parakeet FAQs

Q1: What is Red-breasted Parakeet?

Ans: It is a colorful bird found across many parts of Asia.

Q2: What is the scientific name of the Red-breasted Parakeet?

Ans: Psittacula alexandri

Q3: The Red-breasted Parakeet is classified under which IUCN category?

Ans: Near Threatened

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme

December 7, 2025
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme Latest News

Stating that Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme has steadily expanded its reach, the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries recently said that major components of the scheme have made notable progress as of 31 October 2025.

About Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme

  • Launched on June 29, 2020, PMFMPE is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
  • It is designed to address the challenges faced by micro-enterprises and to tap the potential of groups and cooperatives to support the upgradation and formalization of these enterprises.
  • Objectives: To build the capability of microenterprises to enable:
    • Increased access to credit by existing micro food processing entrepreneurs, FPOs, self-help groups, and co-operatives.
    • Integration with an organized supply chain by strengthening branding & marketing.
    • Support for the transition of existing 200,000 enterprises into a formal framework.
    • Increased access to common services like common processing facilities, laboratories, storage, packaging, marketing, and incubation services.
    • Strengthening of institutions, research, and training in the food processing sector; and
    • Increased access for enterprises to professional and technical support.
  • Outlay:
    • The scheme envisages an outlay of ₹ 10,000 crores over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
    • The expenditure under the scheme would be shared in a 60:40 ratio between Central and State Governments, in a 90:10 ratio with the Northeastern and the Himalayan States, a 60:40 ratio with UTs with the legislature, and 100% by the Center for other UTs.
  • Coverage:
    • Under the scheme, 2,00,000 micro food processing units will be directly assisted with credit-linked subsidies.
    • Adequate, supportive common infrastructure and institutional architecture will be supported to accelerate the growth of the sector.
  • Benefits: The program has four broad components addressing the needs of the sector:
    • Support to individuals and groups of micro-enterprises.
    • Branding and Marketing support.
    • Support the strengthening of institutions.
    • Setting up a robust project management framework.
  • Financial Support:
    • Support to Individual Micro Units:
    • Micro enterprises will get a credit-linked subsidy at 35% of the eligible project cost with a ceiling of Rs.10 lakh.
    • Beneficiary contribution will be a minimum of 10%, and balance from the loan.
    • On-site skill training & Handholding for DPR and technical upgradation.
  • Support to FPOs/SHGs/Cooperatives:
    • Seed capital will be given to SHGs (@Rs. 4 lakh per SHG) for loans to members for working capital and small tools.
    • Credit-linked capital subsidy at 35% subject to a maximum of Rs. 3 crore, to support FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives, and any Government agency for setting up common infrastructure. 
    • Grant up to 50% for branding and marketing to groups of FPOs/ SHGs/Cooperatives or an SPV of micro food processing enterprises.
    • Skill training & Handholding support.
    • Credit-linked capital subsidy
  • The Eligible Borrowers for PMFMPE can be:
    • Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)
    • Self-Help Groups
    • Co-operatives
    • Existing Micro Food Processing Entrepreneurs
    • New Units, whether for individuals or groups, would only be supported for One District One Product (ODOP).

Source: KNN

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme FAQs

Q1: The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme was launched in which year?

Ans: 2020

Q2: What is the total outlay of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme?

Ans: The scheme envisages an outlay of ₹ 10,000 crores over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25..

Q3: What is the credit-linked subsidy percentage provided to individual micro-enterprises under PMFME Scheme?

Ans: 35%

Q4: What is the maximum credit-linked capital subsidy available for FPOs/SHGs/Cooperatives for common infrastructure under PMFME Scheme?

Ans: Rs. 3 crore

UMEED Portal

December 7, 2025
UMEED Portal

UMEED Portal Latest News

The union Minister said that the government will not impose any penalties and strict action for the next three months against those who have not registered waqf properties on the UMEED Portal. 

About UMEED Portal

  • The ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Portal is a centralised digital platform to register Waqf properties across the country.
  • It aims to promote better management and enhance transparency.
  • It serves as a centralized digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties. 
  • Under this initiative registrations of properties are facilitated by respective State Waqf Boards.
  • Legal Support: It was formed under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs

Key Features of the Portal

  • Creation of a digital inventory with geo-tagging of all Waqf properties
  • Online grievance redressal system for better responsiveness
  • Transparent leasing and usage tracking
  • Integration with GIS mapping and other e-Governance tools
  • Public access to verified records and reports
  • Properties that are registered under women’s names will not be eligible to be classified as Waqf properties.

Source: News on Air

UMEED Portal FAQs

Q1: Who launched the UMEED Portal?

Ans: Ministry of Minority Affairs

Q2: What is the UMEED Portal?

Ans: A centralized digital platform for Waqf property registration

Zambezi River

December 7, 2025
Zambezi River

Zambezi River Latest News

A new study suggests the Zambezi River actually starts off in Angola’s southern highlands, at the source of a river called the Lungwebungu, giving the Zambezi a new total length of 3,421 km, or 342 km longer than previously thought.

About Zambezi River

  • The Zambezi River, sometimes spelled as Zambesi or Zambeze, is Africa’s 4th longest river and the continent’s longest east-flowing stream.
  • Course: 
    • It starts off in Angola’s southern highlands, at the source of a river called the Lungwebungu.
    • It flows for about 3,421 kilometers through Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before emptying into the Indian Ocean.
  • The river is known for several notable waterfalls, including Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, and the Chavuma Falls on the Zambia-Angola border. 
  • The Cohara Bassa and Kariba Dams, two of Africa’s major hydroelectric power sources, are located along the Zambezi’s course.
  • Zambia accounts for the largest drainage area (41.6%) of the river.
  • Tributaries: The main tributaries of the Zambezi River include the Shire, Kafue, Luangwa, Kabompo, and Cuando (Kwando) rivers.

Source: MBY

Zambezi River FAQs

Q1: The Zambezi River originates in which country?

Ans: Angola

Q2: Into which ocean does the Zambezi River empty?

Ans: Indian Ocean

Q3: Which country accounts for the largest share of the Zambezi River basin area?

Ans: Zambia accounts for the largest drainage area (41.6%) of the river.

Q4: Victoria Falls, located along the Zambezi River, lies between which two countries?

Ans: Zambia and Zimbabwe

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