UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 December 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 24 December 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 December 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant)

December 24, 2025
AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant)

AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant) Latest News

IIT Delhi researchers recently developed an AI- Agent AILA- Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant.

About AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant)

  • It is an AI agent which can independently run complex scientific experiments, analyse results, and make decisions in real time.
  • It was developed by IIT Delhi researchers in collaboration with scientists from Denmark and Germany.
  • Unlike earlier AI tools that mainly helped with writing or data analysis, AILA works directly with laboratory instruments. 
  • It can operate real scientific equipment, particularly the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), one of the most delicate and complex instruments used to study materials at the nanoscale.
    • The agent has helped reduce the time taken to optimize high-resolution AFM imaging from 24 hours to 7–10 minutes.
  • When AILA is instructed to perform an experiment, it writes the necessary code, operates the scientific instrument, collects data, and analyses the results on its own. 
  • The entire scientific workflow, data generation, processing, and interpretation, is automated through AILA.
  • It performs experiments much like a trained scientist.

Source: NOA

AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant) FAQs

Q1: What is AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant)?

Ans: AILA is an AI agent capable of independently running scientific experiments, analysing results, and making real-time decisions.

Q2: Which institution led the development of AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant)?

Ans: IIT Delhi developed AILA in collaboration with researchers from Denmark and Germany.

Q3: What major advantage does AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant) offer over earlier AI tools?

Ans: nlike earlier tools that mainly supported writing or data analysis, AILA works directly with real laboratory instruments.

Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris

December 24, 2025
Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris

Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris Latest News

Recently, a piece of debris struck the Chinese crewed vehicle Shenzhou-20, causing a minor crack in the window of its return capsule which raised the concerns regarding protections of astronauts from Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD) that orbit the earth.

About Micrometeoroids

  • Micrometeoroids are typically extremely small, with sizes ranging from a few micrometres (a millionth of a meter) to up to about two millimetres
  • Origin: Most of them originate from collisions between asteroids in the Asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) with a small portion coming from comets.
  • Speed: They travel at extremely high velocities (about 11 to 72 km/s).
  • Distribution: They exist everywhere in space, but due to the Earth’s gravity pull their distribution is slightly higher near our planet.
  • The micrometeoroids in Earth’s orbital environment are effectively uncountable and they deliver billions of impacts to orbiting spacecraft annually.

About Orbital Debris

  • They are also called space debris, space junk or space trash.
  • They consist of human-made objects in the Earth’s orbit which no longer serves any useful purpose.
  • Origin: All orbital debris originated primarily from exploded rocket stages, satellites, accidental collisions and intentional anti-satellite weapon tests.
  • The typical average speed of orbital debris is about 10 km/s.
  • Orbital debris is mostly concentrated in a “shell” around the Earth in Low earth Orbit (LEO) ranging from about 200 km up to 2,000 km altitude. 

Source: TH

Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris FAQs

Q1: What is the main concern with orbital debris?

Ans: They collide with operational spacecrafts.

Q2: What are micrometeoroids?

Ans: These are small particles from space

SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship

December 24, 2025
SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship

SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship Latest News

Recently, the National Commission for Women launched ‘SHAKTI Scholars’ young research fellowship on women-centric policy issues.

About SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship

  • It is a six-month program aimed at supporting emerging scholars in researching women's issues in India. 
  • ​Objectives of SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship
    • Encourage research on women's issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. 
    • ​Promote academic and policy-oriented studies that contribute to gender equality, safety, and empowerment. 
    • ​Provide opportunities for young scholars to engage in meaningful research that can support the Commission's mandate
  • ​Duration: 6 months. 
  • ​Research areas:  Women’s safety and dignity, gender-based violence, legal rights and access to justice, cyber safety, implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework ETC.
  • It is an initiative of the National Commission for Women.

​Eligibility for SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship

  • ​Academic: Must hold at least a graduate degree; preference is given to those completed or pursuing Masters, M.Phil., or Ph.D. in relevant fields. 
  • ​Nationality & Age: The fellowship is open to Indian citizens aged between 21 and 30 years who hold at least a graduation degree from a recognised institution.
  • Financial Support: Selected candidates will receive a research grant of Rs 1 lakh to undertake a six-month study.

Source: News On Air

SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship FAQs

Q1: What is the objective of SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship?

Ans: To support research on women-centric issues

Q2: Who is eligible for SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship?

Ans: Indian citizens aged 21-30 years with a graduate degree

Directed Energy Weapons

December 24, 2025
Directed Energy Weapons

Directed Energy Weapons Latest News

Recently, the Apollo Micro Systems has secured Defence Research & Development Organisation approval to get access to Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems technologies from two DRDO entities.

About Directed Energy Weapons

  • It uses concentrated energy from electromagnetic or particle technology, rather than kinetic energy.
  • Directed Energy Weapon systems use high-powered lasers to inflict damage on targets.
  • DEW uses directed energy to heat up and destroy or damage the target.

Capabilities of Directed Energy Weapons

  • Precision and Low Collateral Damage: DEWs can target specific weak spots of enemy systems, motors, electronics, or wings, minimising collateral damage.
  • Rapid Response: DEWs engage with targets at the speed of light, eliminating fast-moving threats in real time.
  • Cost and Logistics: DEWs have low operational costs, only requiring a continuous supply of electricity to work indefinitely.
  • Counter-Drone and Stealth Technology: DEWs are uniquely positioned to tackle swarm drones while ensuring there are no sounds or explosions, giving them stealth capabilities.
  • Applications Directed Energy Weapons: It has diverse military applications, offering rapid and precision strikes against threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles and small vehicles and can be used in all war fighting environments.

Source: TH

Directed Energy Weapons FAQs

Q1: What are Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)?

Ans: These are high-energy weapons using electromagnetic or particle beams.

Q2: What is a key advantage of DEWs?

Ans: Precision targeting with minimal collateral damage

India’s Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth

December 24, 2025
India's Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth

India's Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth Latest News

Archaeologists recently discovered a remarkable circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra, identified as the largest of its kind ever recorded in India.

About India's Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth

  • It was discovered in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra.
  • It is approximately 50 feet by 50 feet in size and has 15 concentric circles formed from small stone blocks. 
  • The rings guide movement inward toward a tightly coiled spiral at the center, creating a design that reflects both precision and symbolic intent.
  • This structure dates back to nearly 2,000 years ago and is linked to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana dynasty period.
  • The presence of soil accumulation between the stone rings shows that this structure has remained untouched for several centuries.
  • Its design resembles classical labyrinth forms found in Mediterranean cultures, including motifs seen on Roman-era coins, while also incorporating a central spiral associated in India with the concept of the Chakravyuh.
    • The Chakravyūha is a complex military formation described in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, designed to encircle and overwhelm enemies through multiple defensive layers.
  • Before this discovery, the largest known circular labyrinth in India had 11 circuits, making the Solapur example unprecedented in terms of circular complexity. 
  • Although there is a larger square labyrinth in Gedimedu in Tamil Nadu, this newly documented site is the largest circular stone labyrinth identified in the country to date.

Mazes vs. Labyrinths

  • Labyrinths and mazes are not the same; however both are patterns for a path from the entrance to the centre. 
  • Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they mean different things.
  • Mazes are a kind of puzzle with multiple paths and decision points, and sometimes high walls. 
  • Labyrinths, by contrast, are unicursal: a single path twisting and turning through several concentric circles or circuits to arrive at a central goal, without walls or other obstructions to visibility. 
    • There are no "wrong turns" in a labyrinth.
    • Labyrinths and/or labyrinth carvings in rock and stone date back more than 4,000 years.  
    • There are labyrinths etched in Roman mosaics, in caves, cliffs, and tombs, on stone floors of medieval churches, and cut into turf.

Source: IT

India's Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth FAQs

Q1: Where was India’s largest circular stone labyrinth discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra.

Q2: How many concentric circles does India’s largest circular stone labyrinth contain?

Ans: It has 15 concentric circles formed from small stone blocks.

Q3: India's Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth dates back to which historical period?

Ans: It dates back to nearly 2,000 years ago and is linked to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana dynasty period.

Akash-NG Missile System

December 24, 2025
Akash-NG Missile System

Akash-NG Missile System Latest News

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials of the Next Generation Akash missile (Akash-NG) system recently.

About Akash-NG Missile System

  • Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) is a state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system. 
  • It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). 
  • It is designed to protect vulnerable areas and points from air attacks.
  • It succeeds the original Akash missile system, which has been operational with the Indian Air Force since 2014 and the Army since 2015.

Akash-NG Missile System Features

  • The next-generation variant is lighter, weighing approximately 350 kilograms compared to the original's 720 kilograms.
  • It consists of several advanced features, including an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and Command, Control, and Communication (C2) systems. 
  • These features enable the system to detect and engage high-speed, low-altitude, and long-range high-altitude targets with high precision.
  • It is designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously, with a range of up to 30 km and an altitude of 18 km.
  • It has the ability to engage up to 10 targets simultaneously, with a firing rate of one missile every 10 seconds.
  • The system can also be deployed in various configurations, including mobile and fixed installations.

Source: NOA

Akash-NG Missile System FAQs

Q1: What type of missile system is the Akash-NG?

Ans: It is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system.

Q2: Which organisation developed the Akash-NG missile system?

Ans: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q3: What is the maximum range of the Akash-NG missile?

Ans: Up to 30 km.

Q4: What type of rocket motor powers the Akash-NG?

Ans: A dual-pulse solid rocket motor.

Q5: How many targets can the Akash-NG engage simultaneously?

Ans: Up to 10 targets.

Neelus sikkimensis

December 24, 2025
Neelus sikkimensis

Neelus sikkimensis Latest News

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered ‘Neelus sikkimensis’, the first of its genus in India, in the high-altitude region of Sikkim.

About Neelus sikkimensis

  • It is a new species of Collembola—tiny, soil-dwelling micro-arthropods.
  • It was discovered in the high-altitude landscapes of Sikkim.
  • It marks the first-ever record of the genus Neelus in India.
  • It brings the total number of known species under this genus worldwide to eight.
  • It exhibits several distinctive biological characteristics. 
    • Microscopic Size: An extremely small body adapted for life deep within soil and moss.
    • Sensory Adaptation: A complete absence of eyes, typical of species living in dark, subterranean environments.
    • Unique Morphology: A specific “labral chaetotaxy” (arrangement of bristles on the mouthparts) that distinguishes it from its global relatives.

Key Facts about Arthropods

  • Arthropods are invertebrates with jointed legs. 
  • They make up about 75% of all animals on Earth and have a major role in maintaining ecosystems as pollinators, recyclers of nutrients, scavengers, and food for other animals. 
  • They include many animals we come across in our gardens, such as spiders, ants, centipedes, and slaters. 
  • Arthropods are divided into four major groups:
    • insects;
    • myriapods (including centipedes and millipedes);
    • arachnids (including spiders, mites, and scorpions);
    • crustaceans (including slaters, prawn, and crabs)

Key Facts about Collembola

  • Collembola are among the most abundant and diverse soil microarthropods, which are found in almost all (semi) terrestrial environments.
  • They are among the oldest and most abundant hexapods on Earth and play a crucial role in soil health and nutrient cycling.
  • They are commonly known as “springtails,” because of their ability to jump using a tail-like appendage. 
  • There are around 8,200 named species.
  • They live in all types of soil and feed on algae, fungi, plant roots, and decaying organic matter.

Source: TELE

Neelus sikkimensis FAQs

Q1: What is Neelus sikkimensis?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of Collembola (springtails), tiny soil-dwelling micro-arthropods.

Q2: Where was Neelus sikkimensis discovered?

Ans: In the high-altitude landscapes of Sikkim.

Q3: Why is the discovery of Neelus sikkimensis significant for India?

Ans: It marks the first-ever record of the genus Neelus in India.

Q4: Does Neelus sikkimensis have eyes?

Ans: No, it completely lacks eyes, an adaptation to dark subterranean habitats.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR)

December 24, 2025
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR)

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) Latest News

To promote tourism and wildlife conservation, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) administration in Kota launched a poster and trailer of a documentary entitled "Enchanting Mukundra" recently.

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR)

  • The Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, also known as the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, is spread across 4 districts – Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar & Chittorgarh in Rajasthan.
  • It is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains, viz. Mukundra and Gargola.
  • It encompasses the area of Mukandra National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam), forming its core/critical tiger habitat. 
  • It is strategically located between Ranthambore and Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, making it a vital corridor for tiger movement.
  • This tiger reserve was once a hunting preserve belonging to the Maharaja of Kota.
  • River: It is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries.
  • Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest
  • Flora: Kala Dhok, or Kaladhi, is the predominant species, along with Khair, Ber, Kakan, Raunj, etc.
  • Fauna:
    • The important fauna includes Leopard, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Small Indian Civet, Toddy Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Common Langur, etc.
    • The common reptiles and amphibians are Pythons, Rat Snake, Buff-striped keelbacks, Green keelback, crocodiles, Gharial, Otter, and Turtles.

Source: WEEK

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) FAQs

Q1: Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Rajasthan

Q2: Between which two mountain ranges is Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: It lies in a valley between the Mukundra and Gargola mountain ranges.

Q3: Which protected areas form the core tiger habitat of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Mukandra National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and a part of Chambal Sanctuary.

Q4: On which river’s eastern bank is the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: It is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

December 24, 2025
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The 40th Asian Waterbird Census and 60th International Waterbird Census will enumerate the bird species of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining wetlands.

About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • It is part of the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa river confluences into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Vegetation: It has extensive mangrove and dry deciduous tropical forests. It is the second-largest stretch of mangrove forests in India.
  • Flora: Mangrove plants like Rhizophora spp, Avicennia spp, Sonnertia spp, etc; grow here.
  • Fauna: It is home to endangered mammals like Smooth Indian otter, Fishing cat, Jackal, etc. Mangroves offer excellent habitat for birds like Black capped kingfisher, Brahminy kite, Sea gulls, Reef heron, Sand piper, etc.
  • The sea coast of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a breeding ground for Olive ridley turtles.

Key Facts about Asian Waterbird Census

  • It is a citizen-science programme that supports the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
  • It is conducted annually and is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).
  • It was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and since has grown rapidly to cover major regions of Asia, from Afghanistan eastwards to Japan, Southeast Asia and Australasia.
  • In India it is conducted under the aegis of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in early January.

Source: TH

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: Andhra Pradesh

Q2: What type of ecosystem does Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary represent?

Ans: Mangrove

INSV Kaundinya

December 24, 2025
INSV Kaundinya

INSV Kaundinya Latest News

The Indian Navy’s pioneering stitched vessel Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya will undertake her maiden overseas voyage.  

About INSV Kaundinya

  • It is a stitched ship which is inspired by a fifth-century vessel shown in Ajanta cave paintings.
  • It is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times.
  • It has been built using traditional stitching techniques instead of metal nails. Artisans from Kerala used coconut fibre, coir rope, wooden joinery, natural resins, and cotton sails.
  • It is a joint initiative of the Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations.
  • It features symbolic motifs like
    • Gandabherunda (mythical two-headed eagle) symbol of the Kadamba dynasty and the Sun
    • The bow carries a Simha Yali  
    • Harappan-style stone anchor on the deck
  • Significance: INSV Kaundinya showcases India’s ancient maritime traditions. It reflects India’s historic role in trade, cultural exchange, and modern maritime diplomacy.

Who was Kaundinya?

  • He is a legendary Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia about 2,000 years ago.
  • He married Queen Soma and founded the Funan kingdom.

Source: PIB

INSV Kaundinya FAQs

Q1: INSV Kaundinya is named after?

Ans: A legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya

Q2: What is unique about INSV Kaundinya's construction?

Ans: Use of wooden planks stitched with coconut coir rope

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