UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 31 January 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 31 January 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 31 January 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Exercise Agni Pariksha

January 31, 2026
Exercise Agni Pariksha

Exercise Agni Pariksha Latest News

The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police recently conducted Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance joint combat capabilities.

About Exercise Agni Pariksha

  • It is a joint training exercise involving personnel from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • Location: Arunachal Pradesh
  • This first-of-its-kind initiative aimed to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration. 
  • It witnessed spearhead gunners of Spear Corps, along with personnel from artillery regiment, infantry battalions, and the ITBP, participating in a unique collaborative firepower training initiative validated through live artillery firing.
  • The primary objective of the exercise was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions, thereby improving their understanding of firepower integration in dynamic combat scenarios.
  • During the training, participating infantry and ITBP personnel were systematically trained to independently undertake multiple artillery firing drills under the close supervision and guidance of experienced Spearhead Gunners.

Source: HANS

Exercise Agni Pariksha FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise Agni Pariksha?

Ans: It is a joint training exercise involving personnel from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Q2: Where was Exercise Agni Pariksha conducted?

Ans: It was conducted in Arunachal Pradesh.

Q3: What was the primary objective of Exercise Agni Pariksha?

Ans: To familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and firing mission execution.

Zapotec Civilization

January 31, 2026
Zapotec Civilization

Zapotec Civilization Latest News

Archaeologists in Mexico recently discovered a 1,400-year-old tomb from the Zapotec culture that features well-preserved details, including a sculpture of a wide-eyed owl with a man in its beak, multicolored murals and calendrical carvings.

About Zapotec Civilization

  • The Zapotec civilization thrived in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, characterized by its high elevation and reliance on irrigation from the Atoyac River and its tributaries. 
  • Emerging from hunter-gatherer societies, the Zapotecs transitioned to agriculture, developing skills in weaving, pottery, and stone masonry.
  • By the Classic period (200 BCE-100 CE), they established a highly centralized state, with Monte Albán as their capital, featuring impressive public architecture and a distinct social hierarchy separating nobles from commoners. 
  • This society was marked by a professional priesthood and a state religion, where rituals included human sacrifice and complex ceremonies. 
  • The Zapotecs also innovated in calendar systems and writing, contributing to Mesoamerican culture. 
  • The Zapotec state was one of the earliest examples of centralized government in Mesoamerica. 
  • It was also one of the first to experience the drawbacks of urban living, particularly the need to conquer others in order to obtain sufficient food to sustain an urban civilization. 
  • The civilization's art and architecture reflect a deep intertwining of religion and political power, influencing subsequent cultures like the Mixtec and Aztec civilizations.
  • Decline: 
    • Decline around 900 CE shifted the capital to Mitla and later Zaachila. 
    • Conflicts with the Aztecs in the 15th century and submission to Spanish rule in 1521 highlight their resilience amid conquests.
    • Today, their descendants preserve languages and traditions, making the Zapotec legacy a living part of Oaxaca’s cultural tapestry.

Source: LS

Zapotec Civilization FAQs

Q1: Where did the Zapotec civilization thrive?

Ans: The Zapotec civilization thrived in the Valley of Oaxaca in Mexico.

Q2: What was the capital of the Zapotec state?

Ans: Monte Albán was the capital.

Q3: What were the major features of Monte Albán?

Ans: It featured impressive public architecture and a distinct social hierarchy

Q4: How was Zapotec society socially structured?

Ans: Society was divided into nobles and commoners.

Q5: What type of religious system existed among the Zapotecs?

Ans: They had a state religion led by a professional priesthood.

Cytoplasm

January 31, 2026
Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm Latest News

Early development across vertebrates and insects critically relies on robustly reorganizing the cytoplasm of fertilized eggs into individualized cells.

About Cytoplasm

  • Cytoplasm is a thick solution that fills each cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane. 
  • It is mainly composed of water, salts, and proteins. 
  • In eukaryotic cells (i.e., cells having a nucleus), the cytoplasm includes all of the material inside the cell but outside the nucleus, which contains its own watery substance called nucleoplasm. 
  • All of the organelles in eukaryotic cells are located in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm helps to keep them in place.
    • Among such organelles are the mitochondria, which are the sites of energy production through ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis; 
    • the endoplasmic reticulum, the site of lipid and protein synthesis; 
    • the Golgi apparatus, the site where proteins are modified, packaged, and sorted in preparation for transport to their cellular destinations; 
    • lysosomes and peroxisomes, sacs of digestive enzymes that carry out the intracellular digestion of macromolecules such as lipids and proteins; 
  • The portion of the cytoplasm surrounding organelles is called cytosol, which is the liquid part of the cytoplasm. 
    • It is composed of about 80 percent water and also contains dissolved salts, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, and proteins such as enzymes. 
    • These dissolved substances are needed to keep the cell alive and carry out metabolic processes.
  • Cytoplasm is also the site of most metabolic activities in the cell, and it allows materials to pass easily throughout the cell.
  • Although cytoplasm may appear to have no form or structure, it is actually highly organized. 
    • A framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton provides the cytoplasm and the cell with their structure.
  • Though prokaryotic cells do not have organelles (they do have ribosomes), they still have cytoplasm.

Source: NT

Cytoplasm FAQs

Q1: What is cytoplasm?

Ans: Cytoplasm is a thick solution that fills each cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane.

Q2: What are the main components of cytoplasm?

Ans: Cytoplasm is mainly composed of water, salts, and proteins.

Q3: What is the watery substance inside the nucleus called?

Ans: It is called nucleoplasm.

Q4: Where are the organelles of eukaryotic cells located?

Ans: All organelles are located in the cytoplasm.

Q5: What is cytosol?

Ans: Cytosol is the liquid part of the cytoplasm surrounding the organelles.

Diplocentrum Papillosum

January 31, 2026
Diplocentrum Papillosum

Diplocentrum Papillosum Latest News

A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum has been recently discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district, Kerala.

About Diplocentrum Papillosum

  • It is a new species of orchid.
  • It was discovered in the Idukki district, Kerala.
  • Belonging to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern ranges of the Western Ghats, the plant has been scientifically named Diplocentrum papillosum, distinguished by the unique characteristics of its flowers.
  • This orchid thrives on rocks and tree branches, with strong roots that help it withstand powerful winds.
  • The specific epithet ‘papillosum’ refers to the papillose character of the flower, which is unique to the Diplocentrum species. 
  • Its unbranched flower clusters, pink and white blooms, and distinctively shaped petals set it apart from other species in the genus.
  • The flowers are both fragrant and visually striking.

Source: ONM

Diplocentrum Papillosum FAQs

Q1: What is Diplocentrum papillosum?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of orchid.

Q2: Where was Diplocentrum papillosum discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Idukki district of Kerala.

Q3: Where is the Diplocentrum genus naturally found?

Ans: It is found only in the southern ranges of the Western Ghats.

Q4: What habitat does Diplocentrum papillosum thrive in?

Ans: It thrives on rocks and tree branches.

Q5: What floral characteristics distinguish Diplocentrum papillosum from other species?

Ans: Its unbranched flower clusters, pink and white blooms, and distinctively shaped petals set it apart.

Punjabi Folk Orchestra

January 31, 2026
Punjabi Folk Orchestra

Punjabi Folk Orchestra Latest News

The rich musical and spiritual heritage of Punjab will be presented at Bharat Parv 2026 at the historic Red Fort with captivating performances by the Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal.

About Punjabi Folk Orchestra

  • It is a unique ensemble developed using a wide range of traditional Punjabi folk instruments such as Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, and Vanjli.
  • It brings together rhythmic, melodic, and percussive folk instruments into a single, structured musical presentation.
  • These folk melodies have been thoughtfully composed and arranged for orchestral performance, preserving their authentic folk essence while presenting them in a collective and harmonious form.
  • Performance: The orchestra is performed by a group of twelve students, each playing a specific instrumental role.
    • Their performance highlights teamwork, coordination, and a deep understanding of Punjabi folk music traditions.

What is Qalandri Dhamal?

  • It is a traditional Sufi folk dance of Sindh and Punjab.
  • Qalandri Dhamal is a devotional dance expressing love and surrender to God and Sufi saints, most notably associated with the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif.

Source: PIB

Punjabi Folk Orchestra FAQs

Q1: What is the Punjabi Folk Orchestra?

Ans: It is a unique musical ensemble developed using a wide range of traditional Punjabi folk instruments.

Q2: Which types of instruments are used in the Punjabi Folk Orchestra?

Ans: It uses rhythmic, melodic, and percussive folk instruments such as Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, Vanjli, and others.

Q3: What makes the Punjabi Folk Orchestra distinct from solo folk performances?

Ans: It brings multiple traditional folk instruments together into a single, structured orchestral presentation.

Q4: What is Qalandri Dhamal?

Ans: It is a traditional Sufi folk dance of Sindh and Punjab.

Paathara Practice

January 31, 2026
Paathara Practice

Paathara Practice Latest News

Recently, it is observed that the ancient grain storage tradition named Paathara practice or Khoni is fading fast in Srikakulam district.

About Paathara Practice

  • It is an ancestral practice of underground grain storage pits.
  • It is a storage pit in which freshly harvested grains, mostly paddy, are stored.
  • It is observed by farmers along the banks of the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.
  • This tradition thrived in the inland, hilly terrain, where underground grain storage was effective.
  • Decline: Lack of space and awareness, as well as changes in rural architecture—have contributed to its decline.

Key Features of Paathara Practice

  • Structure: The pit is dug in a rectangular shape, plastered with straw and clay, and sealed with a layer of cow dung on top.
  • The Paathara was built in front of thatched houses and was an integral part of rural architecture, symbolising a thriving joint family system.
  • Every paddy-growing family stores enough grain for its annual needs.
  • Advantage: The Paath­ara pro­tects grain from rodents, con­tam­in­a­tion, and theft.

Source: TH

Paathara Practice FAQs

Q1: What is the Paathara practice?

Ans: It is an ancestral practice of storing freshly harvested grains in underground storage pits.

Q2: Which crops are mainly stored using the Paathara practice

Ans: Mostly paddy is stored in Paathara pits.

Q3: Where is the Paathara practice traditionally observed?

Ans: It is observed by farmers along the banks of the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.

Q4: Why was the Paathara practice suitable for the region?

Ans: It was effective in the inland, hilly terrain where underground grain storage worked well.

Q5: What is the structure of a Paathara pit?

Ans: It is a rectangular pit plastered with straw and clay and sealed with a layer of cow dung on top.

Living Root Bridge

January 31, 2026
Living Root Bridge

Living Root Bridges Latest News

Recently, India submitted Meghalaya’s living root bridges to UNESCO for World Heritage status.

About Living Root Bridges

  • The living root bridges are locally known as Jingkieng Jri or Lyu Chrai.
  • These are nestled across the lush southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
  • These are masterpieces of bioengineering created by indigenous communities.
  • These are grown by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes over a time period of 15 to 30 years.
  • These bridges range in span from 15 feet to 250 feet, and last for several centuries.

Construction of Living Root Bridges

  • The bridges are grown by methods of tree-shaping using the aerial roots of Ficus Elastica (Rubber fig tree/Indian rubber tree).
  • The underlying growth process involves recurring inosculation (joining by twining) of Ficus aerial root fibres over a gorge or river.
  • The process begins with placing of young pliable aerial roots in hollowed Areca catechu trunks.
  • These provide essential nutrition and protection from the weather, and also perform as root guidance systems.
  • This assemblage is structurally supported by a bamboo scaffold, which spans the river and performs as a temporary river crossing for the local community.
  • Over time, as the aerial roots increase in strength and thickness, the Areca catechu trunks are no longer required.

Source: News On Air

Living Root Bridges FAQs

Q1: What are living root bridges locally known as?

Ans: They are locally known as Jingkieng Jri or Lyu Chrai.

Q2: Where are living root bridges found in India?

Ans: They are found on the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.

Q3: Which communities create living root bridges?

Ans: They are created by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes.

Q4: Why are living root bridges considered masterpieces of bioengineering?

Ans: Because they are grown from living tree roots using traditional knowledge over several decades.

Q5: How long does it take to grow a living root bridge?

Ans: It takes about 15 to 30 years to grow a living root bridge.

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

January 31, 2026
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Latest News

Recently, a rare blood-red auroral activity was captured by the all-sky camera at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh's Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.

About  Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

  • Location: It is located at 4,500 metres altitude, in the remote Changthang region of Ladakh.
  • It is part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, offering Bortle-1 dark skies (the darkest category).
  • It was notified in December 2022 by the Government of Ladakh.
  • It is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle.
  • It is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology
  • The reserve aims to curb light pollution and promote astro-tourism benefiting local communities.
  • The reserve is a science-driven socio-economic development project, built on two pillars:
    • Curtailing light pollution in the region
    • Promoting astro-tourism for local livelihood generation
  • The UT Ladakh administration supports the project by funding astro-tourism initiatives and light management plans.
  • Significance of Hanle: Hanle’s pristine dark skies and transparent atmosphere allow observing and photographing faint celestial objects that are often impossible from other locations in India.

Source: ET

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve located?

Ans: It is located at an altitude of about 4,500 metres in the remote Changthang region of Ladakh.

Q2: Which wildlife sanctuary does the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve form a part of?

Ans: It is part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q3: Why is Hanle Dark Sky Reserve significant at the national level?

Ans: It is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

Q4: Around which major astronomical facility is the reserve centred?

Ans: It is centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle.

Q5: Which institution manages the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve?

Ans: It is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).

Coking Coal

January 31, 2026
Coking Coal

Coking Coal Latest News

Recently, the Government of India has notified Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). 

About Coking Coal

  • It is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found within the earth’s crust.
  • It is also known as Metallurgical coal.
  • Characteristics: It is a type of coal that softens and swells when heated, forming lightweight, porous coke particles, and is characterized by a free swelling index of 1 or greater.
  • It typically contains more carbon, less ash, and less moisture than thermal coal, which is used for electricity generation.
  • Coke is the main product of the high-temperature carbonisation of coking coal. 
  • Coking coal is divided into 3 sub-categories namely, 
    • Primary Coking Coal (Low ash , low Volatile, High Coking property) 
    • Medium Coking Coal (low ash, medium volatile, low caking index)
    • Blendable/ Semi/Weak Coking Coal (low ash, high volatile, very low caking index).
  • Major Producers: The largest producers of coking coal were China, Australia, Russia, USA and Canada.
    • India has an estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources, largely located in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

Uses of Coking Coal

  • It is essential for metallurgical processes, as it exhibits caking properties that allow it to fuse into a solid mass during heating.
  • It is an essential ingredient in the production of steel, making it one of the most widely used building materials on earth.

Source: ET

Coking Coal FAQs

Q1: What is coking coal?

Ans: It is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found within the Earth’s crust and is also known as metallurgical coal.

Q2: Why is coking coal called metallurgical coal?

Ans: Because it is essential for metallurgical processes, especially in steel production.

Q3: What happens to coking coal when it is heated?

Ans: It softens and swells, forming lightweight, porous coke particles.

Q4: How does coking coal differ from thermal coal?

Ans: Coking coal has higher carbon content and lower ash and moisture than thermal coal, which is mainly used for electricity generation.

Q5: What is coke?

Ans: Coke is the main product obtained from the high-temperature carbonisation of coking coal.

East China Sea

January 31, 2026
East China Sea

East China Sea Latest News

China’s coast guard patrolled Japan-administered islands ‍in the East China Sea almost daily last year, it said recently.

About East China Sea

  • It is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, located in East Asia.
  • It extends northeastward from the South China Sea, to which it is connected by the shallow Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and mainland China. 
  • The Korea Strait connects it to the Sea of Japan. 
  • To the north, the East China Sea opens up into the Yellow Sea.
  • To the east, you'll find Kyūshū and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. 
  • The East China Sea and the South China Sea together form the China Sea.
  • In China, people often call it the East Sea.
  • The countries which border the sea include South Korea, Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the People’s Republic of China.
  • It has an area of about 750,000 sq.km. and is largely shallow; almost three-fourths of the sea is less than 650 feet (200 metres).
  • Rivers: The Yellow River (Huanghe) and the Yangtze River (Changjiang) discharge into the East China Sea.
  • Weather in the region is dominated by the monsoon winds.
  • The region is influenced by the Tsushima and Kuroshio Currents as well as by a strong upwelling area northeast of Taiwan.
  • Islands: The sea contains several islands, with the most significant being the Ryukyu Islands, which are part of Japan, and the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
    • China, Taiwan, and Japan all claim sovereignty over the Senkaku islands, which are under Japanese administration.
  • It has a huge presence of submerged reefs in the northern region, such as Yajiao Rock, Hupijiao Rock, and Socotra Rock.
  • Approximately 35% of global petroleum and petroleum product shipments traveled through the East China Sea in 2023.

Source: TH

East China Sea FAQs

Q1: Where is the East China Sea located?

Ans: It is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean located in East Asia.

Q2: Which strait connects the East China Sea with the South China Sea?

Ans: The Taiwan Strait connects the East China Sea with the South China Sea.

Q3: Which strait links the East China Sea to the Sea of Japan?

Ans: The Korea Strait connects the East China Sea to the Sea of Japan.

Q4: Which countries border the East China Sea?

Ans: South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China.

Q5: Which major rivers discharge into the East China Sea?

Ans: The Yellow River and the Yangtze River.

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