UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 8 July 2025

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

July 8, 2025

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Latest News

Recently, a fresh report stated that the Leopard population in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has grown by 198.91% since 2022.

About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located on the Indo-Nepal border in the district Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.
It includes the Dudhwa National Park, and two nearby Sanctuaries, viz. Kishanpur and Katerniaghat, besides forest areas of North Kheri, South Kheri, and Shahjahanpur forest divisions in its buffer.
Topography: It is a typical Tarai-Bhabar habitat of the upper Gangetic plains Biogeographic province.
Rivers: The Sharda River flows by the Kishanpur WL Sanctuary, the Geruwa River flows through the Katerniaghat WL Sanctuary, and the Suheli and Mohana streams flow in the Dudhwa National Park, all of which are tributaries of the mighty Ghagra River.
Vegetation: The vegetation is of the North Indian Moist Deciduous type, containing some of the finest examples of Sal forests (Shorea robusta) in India.
Flora: It consists of Sal Forest along with its associate tree species like Terminalia alata (Asna), Lagerstroemia parviflora (Asidha), Adina cordifolia (Haldu), Mitragyna parviflora (Faldu), Gmelina arborea (Gahmhar), Holoptelea intgrifolia (Kanju), etc.
Fauna: Guldar, Tiger, Fishing cat, Monkey, Langur, Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, small Indian civet, Jackal, etc.

Source: HT

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: In which state is Dudhwa Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Uttar Pradesh

Q2: What is Terai and bhabar?

Ans: Babar is pebble studded formation situated at the base of mountains and plains in the Himalayan region. Terai is a sloping land at the foothills of the Nepal Himalayas. Terai receives heavy rainfall and is densely forested.

Sheesh Mahal

July 8, 2025

Sheesh Mahal Latest News

Recently, a Mughal-era palace, Sheesh Mahal, located in Shalimar Bagh, North Delhi, was restored and unveiled by the Union Culture and Tourism minister.

About Sheesh Mahal

It was built in 1653 by Izz-un-Nisha Begum, wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
This monument was a tribute — and a replica — of the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir.
It is a fine example of Mughal garden architecture designed to be a royal retreat away from Shahjahanabad’s bustle.
Construction: Originally constructed of bricks and red sandstone, with entry gates in the east and west, the palace has an archway, flanked on either side by a three-arched dalan.
Beyond the archway is a central hall with a compartment at each wing.
The main building of the Sheesh Mahal had a Baradari with a water channel running through it.
The paintings in two of its well maintained , mirror-worked chambers are of Kangra and Rajasthani qalam, depicting the poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari.
The red sandstone building adjacent to the Mahal is believed to have been used as hamam (public bathhouse), made of brick masonry and red sandstone.
Historical significance: Aurangzeb held his imperial coronation (1658) in this mahal.
In 1983, it was declared a monument of national importance, and the ASI has been preserving it since.

Source: TH

Sheesh Mahal FAQs

Q1: What is the national monument of importance?

Ans: A national monument is a monument constructed in order to commemorate something of importance to national heritage, such as a country's founding, independence, war, or the life and death of a historical figure.

Q2: What is the importance of Archaeological Survey of India?

Ans: The ASI is responsible for carrying out excavations, conducting surveys, and documenting heritage sites. It promotes the conservation and protection of India's archaeological treasures.

Barilius imphalensis

July 8, 2025

Barilius imphalensis Latest News

A new species of freshwater fish, named Barilius imphalensis, has been recently discovered in the Imphal River in Manipur.

About Barilius imphalensis

It is a new species of freshwater fish.
It was discovered in the Imphal River, Manipur.
The fish has been locally named “Ngawa” in the Meitei language.
The fish belongs to the Danionidae family and the subfamily Chedrinae—popularly known as danionid fishes—recognized for their vibrant patterns and ecological significance.
It is endemic to the Imphal River and differs markedly from its known relatives across India and Southeast Asia.
Its habitat consists of clear, shallow waters—typically 3 to 5 feet deep—characterized by gravel and cobble beds, and lined with riverbank vegetation.
It stands out for several distinctive features, including the absence of barbels (sensory whisker-like organs), a series of short blue vertical bars on its body, and the presence of tiny tubercles (small bumps) on its snout and jaw.
The fish also displays a complete lateral line with 41 scales—important for detecting movement and vibration in the water.

Source: NEN

Barilius imphalensis FAQs

Q1: What is Barilius imphalensis?

Ans: It is a new species of freshwater fish.

Q2: Barilius imphalensis was discovered in which river?

Ans: Imphal River

Q3: What type of habitat does Barilius imphalensis prefer?

Ans: Clear, shallow waters with gravel and cobble beds.

Helgoland

July 8, 2025

Helgoland Latest News

Physicists treat Helgoland as the birthplace of quantum theory.

About Helgoland

Location: Helgoland is a speck of red-sandstone cliffs lies in the German Bay (Deutsche Bucht) of the North Sea.
It is barely a square kilometre in area, it was once a naval fortress.
Physicists today treat Helgoland as the birthplace of quantum theory.

Relevance of Helgoland

In June 1925, Werner Heisenberg, 23 and tormented by hay fever in Göttingen, fled to Helgoland.
He dropped the idea of electrons ‘orbiting’ an atom’s nucleus in favour of only those facts that fit experimental data: the frequencies and strengths of the light atoms absorb or emit.
To keep track of those numbers, he arranged them in grids called matrices.
When he multiplied the grids, the order mattered: position times momentum was not equal to momentum times position.
This detail produced equations that matched the spectrum of hydrogen atoms perfectly. Heisenberg had thus sketched the first complete version of quantum mechanics, later called matrix mechanics.

Source: TH

Helgoland FAQs

Q1: Where is Heligoland island?

Ans: Northwestern Germany

Q2: What is quantum theory in simple terms?

Ans: It is the branch of physics theory that seeks to explain phenomena occurring at an atomic, and even smaller, scale.

Ancient City of Penico

July 8, 2025

Ancient City of Penico Latest News

Archaeologists recently unveiled a 3,500-year-old city named Penico in Peru.

About Ancient City of Penico

It is a 3,500-year-old lost city located in present-day Peru.
Located some 200 km north of Lima (capital of Peru) in the Barranca province, the site lies about 600 metres (1,970 feet) above sea level and is thought to have been founded between 1,800 and 1,500 BC-around the same time that early civilisations were flourishing in the Middle East and Asia.
Peñico is situated close to where Caral, recognised as the oldest known civilisation in the Americas, was established 5,000 years ago, at around 3,000 BC, in the Supe Valley of Peru.
Peñico's importance lies in it being the continuation of the Caral society.
The researchers have identified up to 18 structures in Penico, including ceremonial temples and residential complexes.
- The walls of a central plaza stand out for their sculptural reliefs and depictions of the pututu, a conch shell trumpet whose sound carries over long distances.
- In other buildings, researchers found clay sculptures of human and animal figures, ceremonial objects, and necklaces made from beads and seashells.
The height at which the structures were found suggests the ancient city’s settlers strategically chose the location, likely to enhance the monumentality of their buildings, protect themselves from floods and landslides, or to promote interaction and exchange.
Peñico is believed to have served as a key trading hub connecting early Pacific coast communities with those living in the Andes mountains and Amazon basin.

Source: REUTERS

Penico FAQ's

Q1: The ancient city of Peñico is located in which present-day country?

Ans: Peru

Q2: Approximately how old is the ancient city of Peñico?

Ans: 3,500 years

Q3: Peñico is believed to be a continuation of which ancient civilization?

Ans: Caral

Q4: What is a likely reason why the inhabitants of Peñico chose its elevated location?

Ans: To avoid floods, enhance monumentality, and facilitate exchange.

Japonica Rice

July 8, 2025

Japonica Rice Latest News

Scientists at the Delhi-based National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to increase phosphate uptake and transport in japonica rice varieties.

About Japonica Rice

Japonica is one of the two major eco-geographical races of O. sativa (O. sativa japonica), the other is Indica.
It is a group of rice varieties from northern and eastern China grown extensively in some areas of the world.
It is an Asian rice variety that belongs within the broader sinica rice family.
It is characterized by its short to medium grain and is harder, thicker, and stickier than traditional white rice.
Japonica grains are short, roundish, spikelets are awnless to long-awned, grains do not shatter easily, and have 0-20% amylose content.
It includes several varieties, including the sushi rice and glutinous rice, which despite its name, is entirely gluten free.
Climate: It is found in the cooler zones of the subtropics and in the temperate zones.
Major growing areas: It is the primary type of rice grown and consumed in Japan and also in China, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia.
The different varieties of Japonica are called cultivars. Each Japonica rice cultivar has been developed to exhibit unique qualities, making them suitable for various culinary uses and growing conditions.

Source:TH

Japonica Rice FAQs

Q1: What type of rice is Japonica?

Ans: Japonica rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica), sometimes called sinica rice, is one of the two major domestic types of Asian rice varieties.

Q2: Where is the headquarter of the National Bureau of plant Genetics?

Ans: New Delhi

Defence Accounts Department (DAD)

July 8, 2025

Defence Accounts Department Latest News

The defence minister recently underscored the role of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in enhancing the operational readiness and financial agility of the Armed Forces at the Controllers’ Conference 2025 in New Delhi.

About Defence Accounts Department

It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
It is headed by the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).
The mandate given to the department is broadly audit, financial advice, payment, and accounting of all charges pertaining to the Armed Forces.
- It includes bills for supplies and services rendered and for construction and repair work, pay and allowances, pension etc. of defence personnel and civilians, and audit of cash and store accounts of all organizations under the Ministry of Defence.
The DAD has a vast geographical spread with a network of 1110 offices to cater to the needs of all elements of the Indian Defence Services i.e., Army, Air Force, and Navy, as also all other organizations under Ministry of Defence viz Defence Ordnance Factories (41), DRDO Laboratories/Projects (50), Coast Guard , DGQA , DGBR, DGNCC, DG Defence Estates, Canteen Stores Department (CSD), etc.
As the principal accounting officer for the Ministry of Defence, the CGDA furnishes necessary information for the Appropriation Accounts to the Ministry of Defence.
CGDA also prepares the Annual Consolidated Accounts of Defence Services Receipts & Charges and acts as the Principal Accounts Officer for Civil Estimates of the Ministry of Defence.
DAD is also responsible for rendering the annual accounts for the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Military Farms, Canteen Stores Department, and Works Expenditure.
In addition, the Annual Audit Certificate for the Defence Services, rendered by the CGDA to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG) through the Ministry of Defence, is tabled in the Parliament.
Of late, Audit of offset claims has also been entrusted to the Department.

History of Defence Accounts Department

It is one of the oldest departments under the Government of India.
Its origin can be traced to the Military Pay Masters under the East India Company.
In January 1750, the first Pay Master was appointed for paying the garrison at Fort Williams, Calcutta.
Payments to the troops in the field were made by a Commissary.
In 1776 a Commissary General was appointed for regulating the accounts.
In 1788, the designation of the Commissary General was changed to Military Auditor General, who exercised his control over all military disbursements.
When the British Crown started administering India in 1858, there were Military Accountants General in the Presidencies of Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
The office of the Accountant General, Military Department, was created in April 1864.
In 1865, the Government recognized this position as the Head of the Military Accounts Department.
In 1922, the office of Military Accountant General (MAG) was reorganised. The Office of MAG then comprised 8 sections viz. Record, AN, Audit, Accounts, Estimate, Pay, Foreign Claims, and Inspection.
The department was re-named the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) on October 1st, 1951, and the departmental head designated as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).
For more than three decades after independence, the DAD functioned under the administrative control of the Ministry of Finance.
With the introduction of the Integrated Financial Advisor scheme in the Ministry of Defence from August 1983, the department came under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.

Source: DDN

Defence Accounts Department FAQ's

Q1: The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) functions under the administrative control of which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Defence.

Q2: Who is the head of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD)?

Ans: Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)

Q3: Before 1983, under which ministry did the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) function administratively?

Ans: Ministry of Finance

North Eastern Region District SDG Index

July 8, 2025

North Eastern Region District SDG Index Latest News

Recently, the second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index Report (2023-24) was released today by NITI Aayog.

About North Eastern Region District SDG Index

It is developed by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), with technical support from UNDP.
The Index is built upon the momentum of the first edition released on 26 August 2021
It measures the performance of districts across eight North Eastern States on the SDGs.
Based on NITI Aayog's SDG India Index methodology, it serves as a key tool for monitoring development related progress at the district level in the region to inform decision making.
Districts are categorised into four categories

- Achiever: Score equals 100 (achieved the targets set for identified indicators);
- Front Runner: Score between 65 and 99 (excluding 100);
- Performer: Score between 50 and 65 (excluding 65); and
- Aspirant: Score less than 50.

The (2023-24) Index is a major milestone in improving monitoring at the regional level.
The index reflects the commitment to address development challenges across social, economic, and environmental dimensions while ensuring that no one is left behind in the NER.
The index report provides detailed district-level analysis and recommendations for accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030, ensuring that no district is left behind in the region's development journey.

Key Findings of the Index

The composite scores for the 121 districts range from 58.71 in Longding, Arunachal Pradesh to 81.43 in Hnahthial, Mizoram.
All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura have achieved Front Runner status, with no districts falling in the Aspirant or Achiever categories.
Mizoram has the highest-scoring district in the entire Northeast region (Hnahthial at 81.43) and Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest-scoring district in the entire region (Longding at 58.71).
Sikkim has the narrowest range (5.5 points) in terms of the score of the highest and lowest district, showing the most consistent performance across its districts.
Tripura has the distinction of having some of the highest-scoring districts with minimum intra-state variation (6.5 points).
Mizoram and Nagaland have some of the highest-scoring districts but also exhibit variation (ranges of 13.72 and 15.07, respectively).

Source: PIB

North Eastern Region District SDG Index FAQs

Q1: What is sustainable development?

Ans: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Q2: What are the 7 pillars of NITI Aayog?

Ans: The seven pillars of the NITI Aayog include Pro-activity, Pro-people, Participation, Empowering, Inclusion of all, Equality, and Transparency.

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme

July 8, 2025

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme Latest News

The Union Social Justice Ministry is in the process of seeking additional allocation for administering the National Overseas Scholarship scheme for marginalised students.

About National Overseas Scholarship Scheme

It is a Central Sector Scheme to facilitate the low-income students from marginalized communities, including the Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans, to obtain higher education, viz., Master degree or Ph.D courses, by studying abroad.
The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Under the NOS Scheme, each selection year, 125 fresh candidates are selected, subject to the availability of funds.
Out of the 125 candidates who are awarded scholarships, 115 are for SC candidates, 6 for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and 4 are for Landless Agricultural Labourers candidates and Traditional Artisans.
30% of the scholarships for each year are earmarked for female candidates.

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme Eligibility

The applicant should be less than 35 years of age on 1st April of the selection year.
The applicant must have been admitted to or received an unconditional offer of admission for pursuing a master's/Ph.D. from an institute/university located abroad.
The institute/university of the applicant must be accredited by the Government/authorized body of that country.
The applicant must have secured at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination (In the case of Ph.D. courses, the qualifying exam is a Master’s Degree; In the case of a Master’s Degree, the qualifying exam is a Bachelor's Degree)
The total income of the family of the applicant (from all sources) is less than or equal to ₹ 8 lakh per annum.

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme Exclusions

Bachelors-level courses, in any discipline, are not covered under this scheme.
No more than two children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible for scholarships. The second child of the same parents/guardians will be considered only if slots are still available in the last cycle of the year in which the applicant has applied.
Candidates already staying or studying or having completed studies abroad by utilizing any other scholarship from the State Government, other agency, or through their own funds are not eligible to apply under this scheme.
The candidate is not eligible for a scholarship to pursue the same level (Masters/Ph.D.) of course for which he/she has already acquired the qualification from any University/Institution either in India or abroad.

Source: TH

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme FAQs

Q1: The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme is administered by which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Q2: What type of courses are funded under the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme?

Ans: Master's and Ph.D. courses

Q3: What is the total number of fresh candidates selected each year under the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme?

Ans: 125

Q4: What percentage of scholarships under the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme is earmarked for female candidates?

Ans: 30%

Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

July 8, 2025

Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple Latest News

Thousands of devotees recently witnessed the grand consecration of the Subramanya Swamy temple in Tiruchendur, held after a gap of 16 years.

About Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati).
It is located in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu.
It is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan and is the only one along the seashore. The other five temples are situated on mountains.
The temple faces the Bay of Bengal and is washed by the sea waves from the Gulf of Mannar.
Having stood for over 2 millennia, the temple is a splendid example of Tamil architecture.
- The temple is constructed with red sandstone and presents a panoramic view of the sea.
- The RajaGopuram (temple tower) is built on the western side of the temple, unlike other temples where the RajaGopuram is erected on the eastern side, the reason being that the sea is very close to the eastern side.
- The Gopuram is nine-tier that is 138 feet high. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has Lord Subramanyam in a standing posture.
- There are nine Kalasams (sacred copper pots) atop the Gopuram to indicate that the Gopuram consists of 9 storeys.
- The temple also boasts of many other stunning architectural features, like huge mandapams (halls), long streets, majestically carved pillars, and a number of small shrines.

Source: TH

Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple FAQs

Q1: In which Indian state is the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple located?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

Q2: What makes Tiruchendur unique among the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan?

Ans: It is the only one situated along the seashore.

Q3: What is the primary building material used in constructing the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple?

Ans: Red sandstone

Q4: What is unusual about the placement of the Raja Gopuram at Tiruchendur Temple?

Ans: It is built on the western side of the temple, unlike other temples where the RajaGopuram is erected on the eastern side