UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 June 2025

Litchis

June 29, 2025

Litchis Latest News

Recently, India has dispatched its first-ever consignment of rose-scented litchis to Qatar.

About Litchis

It is a delicious juicy fruit of excellent quality. Botanically it belongs to Sapindaceae family.
The translucent, flavoured aril or edible flesh of the litchi is popular as a table fruit in India.
Litchis are believed to have arrived in India from China over 300 years ago.

Required climatic condition for Litchis

Litchi is a sub-tropical fruit and thrives best under moist sub-tropical climate.
It usually prefers low elevation and can be grown up to an altitude of 800 m.
Soil: Deep, well drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter and having pH in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 is ideal for the crop.
Temperature: The temperature should not go beyond 40.5 0C in summer and below freezing point in winter.
Rain: Prolonged rain may be harmful especially at the time of flowering, when it interferes with pollination.
The young trees require protection against frost and hot winds for several years till they are firmly established, even though some variation in temperature is necessary for proper fruiting of trees.
Frost during winter and dry heat in summer are limiting factors for its successful cultivation.

Distribution of Litchis Cultivation

In India, commercial cultivation was traditionally restricted to the north in the foothills of Himalayas from Tripura to Jammu & Kashmir and plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
India is the second largest producer of litchi in the World after China. Other major producing countries are Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar and Florida in US.

Source: LM

Litchis FAQs

Q1: What is Loamy soil?

Ans: It is a type of soil that is considered to be ideal for plant growth. It is a balanced soil composition that combines three main soil particles: sand, silt, and clay, in roughly equal proportions.

Q2: What is the climate of tropical India?

Ans: These regions in the country have high to moderate temperatures throughout the year and heavy rainfall occurs between May to November.

Mobile Biosafety level-3 Laboratory

June 29, 2025

Mobile Biosafety level-3 Laboratory Latest News

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is in the process of adding to its Mobile Biosafety level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory capacity to enhance India’s outbreak response capabilities, and strengthen public health delivery.

About Mobile Biosafety level-3 Laboratory

It is also known as Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN).
Mobile Biosafety level-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory is a fully indigenous and sophisticated Mobile BSL-3 ‘laboratory on wheels’, first deployed in response to the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2023.
It is developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in collaboration with Klenzaids Contamination Controls Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai.
It’s classified as a Type-IV Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory in the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network classification.

Features of Mobile Biosafety level-3 Laboratory

It is designed to maintain a negative air pressure environment, and is equipped with an advanced heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with HEPA filters.
It also features a double door autoclave and a biological liquid effluent decontamination (BLED) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fogger system for biological waste management.
The MBSL-3 was validated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune in 2022-2023, including onsite and on-field validation.
Significance: It enhances India’s outbreak response capabilities, and strengthen public health delivery, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.

Source: TH

Mobile Biosafety level-3 Laboratory FAQs

Q1: What is a biosafety level 3 laboratory?

Ans: BSL-3 laboratories are used to study infectious agents or toxins that may be transmitted through the air and cause potentially lethal infections.

Q2: What is the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)?

Ans: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. It is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world.

Asiatic Wild Dog

June 29, 2025

Asiatic Wild Dog Latest News

According to a new study by scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the dhole, or Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), believed to have been locally exterminated, has made a confirmed return to Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL).

About Asiatic Wild Dog

It is a wild canid carnivorous species.
Other Names: Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf, red dog and mountain wolf.
Habitat: Dholes are animals that inhabit dense jungles, steppes, mountains, scrub forests, and pine forests.

Distribution of Asiatic Wild Dog

They are found throughout Central, Eastern Asia and Southeastern Asia.
In India, they are found in three clusters across India, namely the Western and Eastern Ghats, the central Indian landscape and North East India. The Western and Eastern Ghats is a stronghold region for dholes.
Threats: Habitat degradation, prey depletion, and retaliatory killings.

Conservation status of Asiatic Wild Dog

IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix II
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule II

Key facts about Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape

It is a critical part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
This area has been known as the North Bank Landscape which covers the south of the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
It is home toabout half of Assam’s elephant population, more than 70 per cent of Assam’s tigers and close to 90 per cent of the rhino population of India.

Source: TH

Asiatic Wild Dog FAQs

Q1: What are canids?

Ans: Canids are a family of mammals belonging to the order Carnivora. They are commonly known as the dog family and encompass a wide range of species, including domestic dogs, wolves, foxes, jackals, and several other wild canines.

Q2: In which state is Kaziranga National Park located?

Ans: Assam

Kolhapuri Chappals

June 29, 2025

Kolhapuri Chappals Latest News

Italian luxury fashion brand Prada recently acknowledged being inspired by ‘traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage’, for its sandals featured in the recent Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, after being slammed for failing to acknowledge the resemblance to India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals.

About Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri Chappals are named after the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, where they originated.
They are handmade leather sandals with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
They are renowned for their intricate, handcrafted designs.
They have been produced in the Kolhapur region of India since the 13th century.
Handcrafted with leather, Kolhapuri usually have open-toed, T-strap designs.
The original Kolhapuri is made from 100% leather. This leather can be from cow, buffalo, or even goat.
These handmade leather footwear are then tanned using vegetable dyes, giving them a soft feel free of any allergens.
The traditional Kolhapuris do not have many different color options and can be seen only in shades of tan and deep brown. Similarly, they had three finishes: oil, natural, or polish.
Traditional artisans can take up to six weeks to make a pair of chappals.
Their robust construction makes them suitable for various terrains and weather conditions.
The leather used in Kolhapuri chappals molds to the shape of your feet over time, providing a custom fit that enhances comfort.
With proper care, they can serve you for many years, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.

Source: TH

Kolhapuri Chappals FAQs

Q1: The production of Kolhapuri Chappals dates back to which century?

Ans: 13th century

Q2: What is the traditional design style of Kolhapuri Chappals?

Ans: Open-toed with T-strap.

Q3: How long can traditional artisans take to make one pair of Kolhapuri Chappals?

Ans: 6 weeks

THAAD Missile System

June 29, 2025

THAAD Missile System Latest News

The United States used up a total of 15 to 20 percent of the country's THAAD missile system to bolster the defence against Iran's aerial strikes during the 12-day conflict in which Israel and the US struck nuclear facilities.

About THAAD Missile System

The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an advanced missile defence system developed by the United States to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase (the last phase of their flight).
It was developed by the U.S. after their experience of Iraq’s Scud missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
It is a key element of U.S. ballistic missile defense (BMD).
It is the only US system capable of intercepting targets within (endoatmospheric) and outside (exoatmospheric) the atmosphere.
Features:
- Each THAAD battery is made up of five parts: 48 interceptor missiles, six truck-mounted launchers, a radar, a command-and-control platform, and 95 soldiers.
- The THAAD missile is 6.17 m in length and is equipped with a single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor with thrust vectoring.
- There is no warhead on the missile, which destroys its targets by the force of its impact.
- The launch weight is 900 kg.
- The THAAD Radar is an X-band radar, the world's largest ground/air-transportable X-band radar. The radar has the capability to acquire missile threats at ranges up to 1,000 km.
- The target object data and the predicted intercept point are downloaded to the missile prior to launch. The updated target and intercept data are also transmitted to the missile in flight.
- The THAAD missile can destroy aerial targets at ranges from 150 to 200 km and can reach a maximum altitude of 150 km.
- It is interoperable with other Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems.

Source: NDTV

THAAD Missile System FAQs

Q1: The THAAD missile system is primarily designed to intercept which types of missiles?

Ans: Short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

Q2: THAAD was developed by the United States after which conflict?

Ans: Persian Gulf War (1991)

Q3: What makes THAAD unique among U.S. missile defense systems?

Ans: It can intercept targets both within and outside the atmosphere

Q4: What is the approximate range at which the THAAD radar can detect missile threats?

Ans: Up to 1,000 km

Q5: What is the maximum altitude at which THAAD can intercept targets?

Ans: 150 km

Bacillus ayatagriensis

June 29, 2025

Bacillus ayatagriensis Latest News

Researchers at Bengal's Raiganj University recently discovered a new species of soil bacteria named Bacillus ayatagriensis.

About Bacillus ayatagriensis

It is a new species of soil bacteria.
It was isolated from the rhizosphere (the region surrounding plant roots, populated with microorganisms) of mulberry plants, a key component of the region's sericulture and farming systems.
It exhibits strong antimicrobial properties and significantly enhances seed germination, indicating its immense potential in promoting plant health and productivity.
Early tests suggest it can serve as a powerful agent in organic farming systems, reducing the need for chemical inputs.
The bacterium’s ability to promote seed germination and bolster plant health comes as a boost for local farming communities struggling with soil degradation and crop vulnerability.
The name of the bacteria has been drawn from Sanskrit, with ‘ayata’ linked to growth and ‘agriensis’ symbolising its agricultural relevance.

Source: TOI

Bacillus ayatagriensis FAQs

Q1: Bacillus ayatagriensis is a newly discovered species of:

Ans: Bacteria

Q2: What role does Bacillus ayatagriensis play in agriculture?

Ans: Enhances seed germination and promotes plant health.

Q3: How does Bacillus ayatagriensis benefit local farming communities?

Ans: By improving soil health and reducing dependency on chemicals.

SPREE Scheme

June 29, 2025

SPREE Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) approved the re-launch of SPREE Scheme from July 1 to December 31, 2025.

About SPREE Scheme

The Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees (SPREE) was originally introduced in 2016,
Objective: The objective of expanding ESI coverage across the country.
The scheme successfully facilitated the registration of over 88,000 employers and 1.02 crore employees.
The renewed SPREE will be open from 1st July to 31st December 2025, offering a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and left-out workers—including contractual and temporary staff—to enroll under the ESI Act.
Under the scheme, employers registering during this period will be treated as covered from the date of registration or as declared by them, while newly registered employees will be covered from their respective dates of registration.
By focusing on voluntary compliance rather than penalization, the scheme will seek to ease the litigation burden, encourage formal registration, and foster improved engagement and goodwill among stakeholders.

Source: TH

SPREE Scheme FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible for ESIC scheme?

Ans: All the establishments covered under the ESI Act and all factories that employ more than 10 employees and pay wages below or upto Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for employees with disability) must register with the ESIC and contribute towards the ESI scheme.

Q2: What is the employment-linked incentive scheme?

Ans: The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme is a government initiative announced in Budget 2024–25 to generate formal employment by offering financial support to both employers and first-time employees.

Black-headed Caterpillar Disease

June 29, 2025

Black-headed Caterpillar Disease Latest News

Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has sought a report from the Horticulture Department on the reported threat posed by the black-headed caterpillar (Opisina arenosella) disease to the coconut plantation across the state.

About Black-headed Caterpillar Disease

It causes serious damage to coconut trees in both coastal and inland regions.
The caterpillars reside in silken galleries built on the undersides of leaves and consume the green portions, reducing the plant’s photosynthetic ability.
The pest spreads rapidly through wind dispersal.
It occurs round the year with the spike in population during summer.
Control Strategy: It can be controlled by using neem-based pesticides, root nourishment and release of Goniozus parasitoids along with integrated nutrient management.
Goniozus nephantidis is the most widely used parasitoid of Opisina arenosella. The parasitoid is being mass multiplied and released in Karnataka, Kerala and several other states.

Symptoms of Black-headed Caterpillar Disease

It infests coconut of all age groups and is a prolific feeder of coconut leaves.
Dried up patches on leaflets of the lower leaves, only three or four youngest leaves at the center of the growth remain green.
In case of severe infestation the whole plantations present a scorched appearance.
The attacked leaves droop, bunches buckle and the immature nuts are shed heavily, in extreme cases feeding by the caterpillar on the green nut surface is also observed.

Source: TH

Black-headed Caterpillar Disease FAQs

Q1: How do you control the coconut black headed caterpillar?

Ans: Control of the coconut black-headed caterpillar has been accomplished with the use of both garlic and neem based biopesticides.

Q2: What is the life cycle of the black caterpillar?

Ans: Its life cycle includes four life stages — egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

June 29, 2025

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary Latest News

The Kerala State Wildlife Board recently renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, thereby becoming India's first protected forest dedicated entirely to butterflies.

About Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

It is located in the Kannur District of Kerala.
It is spread over 55 sq. km. area of forests on the Western Ghats.
The Cheenkannipuzha River forms the main drainage system of Aralam.
Vegetation: Tropical and semi-evergreen forests.
It is home to over 266 species of butterflies, accounting for more than 80 percent of all butterflies in Kerala. Some of these are unique to this region, while others are endangered.
Between October and February, the sanctuary transforms into a living rainbow when butterflies migrate here from the lower slopes of the Western Ghats.
An amazing scene is created during this season, also known as the time for the Common albatross butterfly, when hundreds of butterflies fill the air and fly amid tall trees, orchids, and wildflowers.
Every January or February, the sanctuary holds a Butterfly Migration Study, which celebrates this seasonal movement and deepens our understanding of these pollinators.
In addition to butterflies, Aralam is home to several animals, including elephants, giant squirrels, leopards, and a variety of birds.

Source: NDTV

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary situated?

Ans: Kannur District of Kerala.

Q2: Which river flows through Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: The Cheenkannipuzha River forms the main drainage system of Aralam.

Q3: The Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is located on the slopes of which mountain range?

Ans: Western Ghats

Q4: Which type of forest vegetation is found in Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?

Ans: Tropical and semi-evergreen forests

Secondary Pollutants

June 29, 2025

Secondary Pollutants Latest News

Secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, are responsible for nearly one-third of India’s fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, said a study from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

About Secondary Pollutants

Secondary pollutants are pollutants which form in the atmosphere.
These pollutants are not emitted directly from a source (like vehicles or power plants).
- Pollutants that are emitted into the environment from a source are called primary pollutants.
Secondary pollutants form as a result of the pollutants emitted from these sources reacting with molecules in the atmosphere to form a new pollutant.
Examples of secondary pollutants are ozone and secondary organic aerosol (haze).
Secondary pollutants are harder to control because they have different ways of synthesizing, and the formation is not well understood.
They form naturally in the environment and cause problems like photochemical smog.
- The phenomenon of photochemical smog is a result of the interactions of primary pollutants with other molecules in the air, such as molecular oxygen, water, and hydrocarbons.
- These combine to form yellow clouds that are harmful to humans.

Source: TH

Secondary Pollutants FAQs

Q1: What distinguishes secondary pollutants from primary pollutants?

Ans: Secondary pollutants are formed by reactions of primary pollutants in the atmosphere.

Q2: Why are secondary pollutants harder to control compared to primary pollutants?

Ans: They have complex formation mechanisms in the atmosphere.

Q3: What is an example of a secondary pollutant?

Ans: Secondary pollutants include ozone, which is formed when hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight.