UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 December 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 14 December 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 December 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

New Ramsar Sites

December 14, 2025
New Ramsar Sites

New Ramsar Sites

Recently, Siliserh Lake, in Alwar, Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh have been designated as Ramsar Sites.

About New Ramsar Sites Latest News

Siliserh lake

  • Location: It is located in the state of Rajasthan.
  • It is a human-made lake within the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve.
  • It was built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh to supply drinking water to Alwar city.
  • It is in a semi-arid zone, and the Site serves as an important water source for diverse species of the region. 
  • Fauna
    • It supports 149 bird species and 17 mammal species including the vulnerable river tern and the endangered tiger
    • The site also supports more that 1% of the biogeographic population of black stork (Ciconia nigra). 

Kopra Jalashay

  • Location: It is located in the state of Chhattisgarh.
  • It is a reservoir located in the upper catchments of the River Mahanadi.
  • Its strong hydrological and ecological connectivity contributes to a wide variety of habitats across the area. 
  • It supports more than 60 migratory bird species which rely on it for nesting, feeding and as a stop-over site.
  • Fauna: Notable species include the vulnerable greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) and the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus). 

Source: TOI

New Ramsar Sites FAQs

Q1: In which state is Kopra Jalashay located?

Ans: Chhattisgarh

Q2: Who constructed Siliserh Lake?

Ans: Maharaja Vinay Singh

Ratle Hydroelectric Project

December 14, 2025
Ratle Hydroelectric Project

Ratle Hydroelectric Project Latest News

Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL), which is constructing the Ratle Hydroelectric Project recently said it may pull out of the project if the administration failed to stop threats and interference from locals and politicians.

About Ratle Hydroelectric Project

  • It is an 850 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power project being built on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar District of Jammu & Kashmir.
  • The project is implemented by the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL).
    • RHPCL was formed as a joint venture (JV) between Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and India’s state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
    • NHPC and JKSPDC hold 51% and 49% equity ownership in RHPCL, respectively.
  • The construction work is being undertaken by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).
  • The project includes a 133-meter-tall and 194.8-meter-long concrete gravity dam, a diversion dam, and an underground powerhouse on the right bank of the river.
  • The underground powerhouse measuring 168 m x 24.5 m x 49 m will house four 205 MW Francis turbine-generating units and a 30 MW auxiliary turbine-generating unit.
  • The project is expected to generate 3,137 GWh of electricity.
  • Pakistan has frequently alleged that the project violates the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.

Source: TH

Ratle Hydro Electric Project FAQs

Q1: The Ratle Hydroelectric Project is located on which river?

Ans: It is being built on the Chenab River

Q2: What is the installed capacity of the Ratle Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: 850 MW

Q3: Where is Ratle Hydroelectric Project located?

Ans: Kishtwar District of Jammu & Kashmir.

Tapanuli Orangutan

December 14, 2025
Tapanuli Orangutan

Tapanuli Orangutan Latest News

Scientists fear that Cyclone Senyar may have swept away a significant number of Tapanuli orangutans.

About Tapanuli Orangutan

  • The Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is a species of orangutan found in the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
  • It is one of three known species of orangutan, alongside the Sumatran orangutan, found farther northwest on the island, and the Bornean orangutan.
  • It was described as a distinct species in 2017 and currently, it is on the critically endangered species list.
  • Appearance: These species resemble Sumatran orangutans more than Bornean orangutans in body build and fur color.
  • Distribution: It lives in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests that are located south of Lake Toba in Sumatra.
  • Habitat: These are exclusively arboreal and spend most of their time high up in the trees. 
  • Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically endangered 

Characteristics of Tapanuli Orangutan

  • They lead a solitary life and can be seen in pairs only when a mother is raising her young.
  • Orangutans communicate with various sounds.
  • Both sexes will try to intimidate conspecifics with a series of low guttural noises known collectively as the "rolling call".
  • Diet: They are omnivores.
  • Reproduction: Tapanuli orangutans are one of the most slowly-maturing animals in the world.

Source: DTE

Tapanuli Orangutan FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Tapanuli Orangutan?

Ans: Pongo tapanuliensis

Q2: What is the conservation status of the Tapanuli Orangutan?

Ans: Critically Endangered

Gonorrhoea

December 14, 2025
Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea Latest News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval for two new oral medicines, Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) and Blujepa (gepotidacin), to treat gonorrhoea, a common sexually transmitted infection, prone to resistance against drugs.

About Gonorrhoea

  • It is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. 
  • It’s also sometimes called “the clap” or “drip.” 
  • Gonorrhea bacteria can infect the urethra, rectum, female reproductive tract, mouth, throat, or eyes.
  • Transmission: 
    • It is most commonly spread during vaginal, oral or anal sexual activity. 
    • But babies can get the infection during childbirth. 
  • In babies, gonorrhea most commonly affects the eyes.
  • Gonorrhea can affect people of any age, anatomy, or gender, but it’s particularly common among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
  • Symptoms: 
    • Many people with gonorrhoea won’t notice any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, it’s usually between 1 to 14 days after getting the infection.
    • Men are more likely to experience symptoms. Up to 50% of women won’t experience symptoms. 
    • Gonorrhoea can cause a sore throat, conjunctivitis, unusual vaginal or penile discharge, and pelvic and genital pain.
  • Untreated gonorrhoea can cause:
    • infections affecting the skin, joints, heart (endocarditis), and brain (meningitis)
    • infertility in both females and males
    • pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
    • epididymitis and prostatitis (inflammation of your prostate)
    • Some of these complications can cause permanent damage to your health.
  • Prevention: It can be prevented by practicing safe sex.
  • Treatment: 
  • Gonorrhoea is treatable and curable with antibiotics.
  • Antimicrobial resistance to gonorrhoea is a serious and growing problem, rendering many classes of antibiotics ineffective with the risk of becoming untreatable.

Source: TH

Gonorrhoea FAQs

Q1: What is Gonorrhoea?

Ans: It is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Q2: Gonorrhoea is caused by which organism?

Ans: It is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhea.

Q3: How does gonorrhoea primarily spread?

Ans: It is most commonly spread during vaginal, oral or anal sexual activity.

Q4: Is gonorrhoea curable?

Ans: Gonorrhoea is treatable and curable with antibiotics.

Pax Silica Initiative

December 14, 2025
What is the Pax Silica Initiative

Pax Silica Initiative Latest News

The Congress party recently targeted the Prime Minister over India’s exclusion from the United States-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica, citing the ‘sharp downturn’ in his relations with US President Donald Trump.

About Pax Silica Initiative

  • It is a U.S.-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain—from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and logistics.
  • The term 'Pax Silica' comes from the Latin term ‘pax’ which means peace, stability, and long-term prosperity. 
  • Silica refers to the compound that is refined into silicon, one of the chemical elements foundational to the computer chips that enable AI.
  • It aims to reduce coercive dependencies, protect the materials and capabilities foundational to AI, and ensure aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale.
  • Which Countries Are Part of Pax Silica?
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Singapore
    • Netherlands
    • United Kingdom
    • Israel
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Australia
  • Countries Affirmed a Shared Commitment To:
    • Pursue projects to jointly address AI supply chain opportunities and vulnerabilities in priority critical minerals, semiconductor design, fabrication, and packaging, logistics and transportation, compute, and energy grids and power generation.
    • Pursue new joint ventures and strategic co-investment opportunities.
    • Protect sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure from undue access or control by countries of concern.
    • Build trusted technology ecosystems, including ICT systems, fiber-optic cables, data centers, foundational models and applications.

Source: IE

Pax Silica Initiative FAQs

Q1: What is the Pax Silica Initiative?

Ans: A U.S.-led strategic initiative for a secure silicon supply chain.

Q2: Is India a member of Pax Silica Initiative?

Ans: No, India is not a member of the Pax Silica Initiative.

Q3: Which Middle-Eastern countries are part of the Pax Silica Initiative?

Ans: Israel and United Arab Emirates

Q4: Which sector is central to Pax Silica’s strategy?

Ans: Semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure.

Preah Vihear Temple

December 14, 2025
Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple 

Preah Vihear Temple located in the Preah Vihear Province, in the northern part of Cambodia.

Preah Vihear Temple Latest News

Recently, India called for the protection of Preah Vihear Temple in the midst of ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border clashes. 

About Preah Vihear Temple

  • Location: It is a Hindu temple located in the Preah Vihear Province, in the northern part of Cambodia.
  • It is situated atop a cliff on the Cambodia–Thailand border in the Dangrek Mountain range.
  • It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
  • It was built during the period of the Khmer Empire, in the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
  • It was built firstly by King Suryavarman I (1002-50) and then expanded upon by Suryavarman II (1113-50).
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Architecture of Preah Vihear Temple

  • It is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
  • The temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800-metre-long axis.
  • It features more than five successive gopuras. 
  • Unlike other structures of this kind, the gopuras here are connected by a long path and topped with multi-tiered platforms. 
  • Some of these gopuras have stone roofs, while others have wooden roofs.

Source: News On Air

Preah Vihear Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is Preah Vihear Temple located?

Ans: Cambodia

Q2: Which mountain range is Preah Vihear Temple situated in?

Ans: Dangkrek Mountains

Pyrite

December 14, 2025
What is Pyrite

Pyrite Latest News

Scientists recently discovered the oldest-known evidence of fire-making by prehistoric humans in England, which included a patch of heated clay, some heat-shattered flint handaxes, and two pieces of iron pyrite - a mineral that creates sparks when struck against flint to ignite tinder.

About Pyrite

  • It is a brass-yellow mineral with a bright metallic luster. 
  • It has a chemical composition of iron sulfide (FeS2), and is the most common sulfide mineral. 
  • The name comes from the Greek word pyr, “fire,” because pyrite emits sparks when struck by metal.
  • Nodules of pyrite have been found in prehistoric burial mounds, which suggests their use as a means of producing fire. 
  • Pyrite is called “Fool’s Gold” because it resembles gold to the untrained eye.
    • However, pyrite is quite easy to distinguish from gold: pyrite is much lighter but harder than gold and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or pocket knife.
  • It is found in a wide variety of geological formations worldwide, from sedimentary deposits to hydrothermal veins and as a constituent of metamorphic rocks.

Pyrite Uses

  • It is a source of iron and sulfur and is used for the production of sulfuric acid. 
  • It is used to create iron sulfate that is used to make nutritional supplements, ink, lawn conditioner, water treatment and flocculation, moss killer, and many other chemical processes.  
  • Iron sulfate, which comes from pyrite, is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia.  
  • Some types of pyrite contain enough microscopic gold to warrant mining them as a gold ore.

Source: REUT

Pyrite FAQs

Q1: What is the chemical composition of pyrite?

Ans: FeS₂

Q2: Pyrite is best described as which type of mineral?

Ans: Sulfide mineral

Q3: What is the typical colour and appearance of pyrite?

Ans: It is a brass-yellow mineral with a bright metallic luster.

Q4: Why is pyrite commonly known as “Fool’s Gold”?

Ans: It resembles gold to the untrained eye.

APAAR ID

December 14, 2025
Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID

APAAR ID Latest News

The Orissa High Court recently directed education authorities at both the state and central levels to amend the consent form used for generating Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) IDs to include an explicit opt-out option.

About APAAR ID

  • APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. 
  • It was introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the 'One Nation, One Student ID’ initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
  • APAAR is a permanent academic identification system created for every student, from school to higher education. 
  • APAAR assigns a unique and permanent 12-digit ID to every student, offering a comprehensive record of their academic achievements, including degrees, scholarships, awards, and other credits.
  • The APAAR ID card allows students to access their academic credits, degrees, and other information online.
  • The APAAR ID will be unique and remain the same through one’s education journey.
  • It is linked to Aadhaar and stored in DigiLocker for easy access.
  • It serves as a lifelong academic passport, consolidating all achievements and credentials of a student in one place.
  • With a single digital ID, students can move between schools, apply for courses, submit documents for admissions or jobs, and track their credits without relying on multiple paper certificates.
  • Advantages of APAAR ID:
    • Unique Student Identification: Every student gets a unique APAAR ID, which remains with them throughout their academic journey. 
    • Lifelong Learning Record: Stores academic achievements, skills, and extracurricular activities from school to higher education. 
    • Integration with Digi Locker: APAAR ID is linked with Digi Locker, enabling students to securely store and access their academic certificates digitally. 
    • Credit Transfer & Mobility: Helps in seamless credit transfers between institutions under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework.

Source: HT

APAAR ID FAQs

Q1: What does APAAR stand for?

Ans: APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.

Q2: APAAR ID was introduced by which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Education

Q3: APAAR primarily serves which purpose?

Ans: Permanent academic identification for students.

Q4: How many digits does an APAAR ID consist of?

Ans: 12 digits

Ponduru Khadi

December 14, 2025
Ponduru Khadi

Ponduru Khadi Latest News

Recently, Ponduru khadi has been granted the geographical indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union ministry of commerce and industry.

About Ponduru Khadi

  • ​Ponduru Khadi, is a famous handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh.
  • It is locally known as Patnulu and is produced in Ponduru village in Srikakulam district.
  • It has been nominated for the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme from the Srikakulam district. 
  • During the pre – independence era Mahatma Gandhi mentioned its virtues in his Young India (the national weekly that Gandhiji edited).

Key Characteristics of Ponduru Khadi

  • ​Production: It is produced from one of three types of cotton: hill cotton, punasa cotton, or red cotton.
  • ​Cotton Source: Cotton is indigenous to Srikakulam district and is grown in and around Ponduru.
  • ​Process: The entire process, from cotton to fabric, is carried out manually.

Unique to Ponduru Khadi

  • Cleaning: The process of cleaning the cotton with the jawbone of Valuga fish is unique to Ponduru khadi and is not practiced anywhere else in the world.
  • ​Spinning: Ponduru is the only place in India where spinners still use single-spindle charkhas with 24 spokes, also known as the "Gandhi Charkha".
  • ​Yarn Count: The final textile has a very high yarn count, around 100-120 counts.

Source: TH

Ponduru Khadi FAQs

Q1: Which state is famous for Ponduru Khadi?

Ans: Andhra Pradesh

Q2: What is the duration of a GI Tag?

Ans: 10 years

Geminid Meteor

December 14, 2025
Geminid Meteor

Geminid Meteor Latest News

The Geminid meteor shower - one of the most spectacular in the celestial calendar - is set to peak this weekend.

About Geminid Meteor

  • The Geminid meteor shower is named after the constellation from which the meteors appear to radiate, Gemini.
  • It peaks during mid-December each year and is considered to be one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.
  • Origin: Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminid stream appears to originate from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon
  • The Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours. 

What are Meteors?

  • Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from asteroids.
  • As they enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they burn up, creating a spectacular “shower”.
  • When these objects come around the Sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them.
  • Every year Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colorful streaks in the sky.

Source: HT

Geminid Meteor FAQs

Q1: What is the origin of the Geminid Meteor Shower?

Ans: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon

Q2: How often does the Geminid Meteor Shower occur?

Ans: Annually

Enquire Now