UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 March 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 29 March 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 March 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile

March 29, 2026
Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (1)

Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile Latest News

The Indian Air Force is set to equip its fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets with the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, or ASRAAM.

About Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile

  • It is a European-designed short-range air-to-air missile built by the multinational company MBDA.

Features of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile

  • The missile measures 2.9 metres in length, weighs 88 kilograms and carries a high-explosive warhead.
  • The ASRAAM uses heat-seeking technology and is optimised for close-in dogfights.
  • It operates on a fire-and-forget principle, which means once launched; the missile guides itself to the target without further input from the pilot.
  • Speed: It reaches speeds in excess of Mach 3, can engage fast-moving fighter aircraft at ranges greater than 25 kilometres and delivers pinpoint accuracy. 
  • The technology features a Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capability, allowing the pilot to fire the weapon before the seeker even sees the target. 
  • It has already been integrated on the indigenous LCA Tejas and Jaguar aircraft.
  • The weapon is highly manoeuvrable, capable of pulling extreme G-forces to track rapidly turning fighter jets.
  • Once fired, its aerodynamic design and powerful rocket motor ensure it maintains high energy throughout its flight path.

Source: NDTV

Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile FAQs

Q1: What does ASRAAM stand for?

Ans: Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile

Q2: Which country is ASRAAM primarily associated with?

Ans: UK

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

March 29, 2026
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Latest News

Recently, the central government has opened nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026.

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

  • It is a prestigious national award recognizing outstanding contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. 
  • The RVP seeks to honour scientists, technologists, and innovators whose work has significantly advanced India’s scientific landscape and contributed to national development.
  • Eligibility
    • Scientists/technologists/innovators working in government or private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led innovation shall be eligible for the awards. 
    • People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.
  • The awards will be presented in four categories:
    • Vigyan Ratna (VR): For lifetime achievements in science and technology.
    • Vigyan Shri (VS): For distinguished contributions in the field.
    • Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): To encourage young scientists (up to 45 years) showing exceptional promise.
    • Vigyan Team (VT): For collaborative excellence by research teams of three or more members.
  • The awards are administered by the RVP Secretariat, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

Source: DD News

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar FAQs

Q1: What are the four categories of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?

Ans: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, Vigyan Team

Q2: What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?

Ans: A prestigious award for science and technology

Zojila Pass

March 29, 2026
Zojila Pass

Zojila Pass Latest News

Recently, a massive snow avalanche has hit the Zojila Pass in Ladakh.

About Zojila Pass

  • Zojila Pass, also known as ‘The Mountain Pass of Blizzards’, is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
  • It is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway (NH-1) at a height of 11,650 feet.
  • It lies in the Greater Himalayan Range.
  • The pass remains closed for almost half of the year due to heavy snowfall.
  • History
    • It was the site of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48.
    • It was captured by militias aided by the Pakistan Army in 1848, with the ultimate aim of capturing Ladakh.
    • However, the pass itself was captured by the Indian Army on 1st November 1948, in an assault codenamed Operation Bison.

What is an avalanche?

  • It is a large amount of snow that quickly moves down a slope. 
  • It can be deadly because it will bury or sweep away anything in its path. 
  • Many different conditions make an avalanche possible. 
    • An avalanche is more likely to happen on a slope without trees or large rocks.These things help to keep snow in place. 
    • A weak layer of snow also makes an avalanche likely.

Source: TH

Zojila Pass FAQs

Q1: Why is Zojila Pass important?

Ans: It's a vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh

Q2: Where is Zojila Pass located?

Ans: Jammu and Kashmir

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

March 29, 2026
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

Red-crowned Roofed Turtle Latest News

The Red-crowned Roofed Turtle which was once a jewel of the Ganga is now inhabiting a shrinking sanctuary.

About Red-crowned Roofed Turtle

  • It is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to South Asia.
  • It is one of the three large freshwater species in the genus Batagur found in India.
  • Distribution
    • It is native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. 
    • Historically, the species was widespread in the Ganga River, both in India and Bangladesh.
    • It also occurs in the Brahmaputra basin. 

Features of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

  • In comparison to their female counterparts, the males are shorter and reach only half their length. 
  • They have a reddish-orange colored head with a black crown and a greenish-brown carapace (upper shell) with yellowish patterns. 
  • Their plastron (lower shell) is yellow with black markings. 
  • Diet: It is omnivorous and feeds on a variety of plants and animals.
  • It functions as a bio-indicator of river health.
  • It contributes to the cycling of nutrients within the river, which is essential for the overall health of the aquatic environment. 

Conservation Status of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

  • IUCN: Critically Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I

Source: DTE

Red-crowned Roofed Turtle FAQs

Q1: What is the conservation status of the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle?

Ans: Critically Endangered

Q2: Where is the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle primarily found?

Ans: India and Bangladesh

Earth Hour

March 29, 2026
Earth Hour

Earth Hour Latest News

Recently, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised awareness and outreach activities in Gwalior to mark 20 years of Earth Hour.

About Earth Hour

  • It is a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet.
  • It is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
  • Background: It started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 as a symbolic lights-out event and has since grown into a global movement involving millions of people in over 190 countries and territories.
  • It takes place towards the end of March every year.
  • Participation: 
    • “Earth Hour” encourages people to switch off all lights for an hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, to promote awareness of climate change challenges and energy conservation.
    • Governments and companies also participate by turning off non-essential lights in their buildings, monuments, and landmarks to raise awareness about the impact of energy consumption on our planet.
    • This symbolic act, known as the ‘lights off’ moment, unites people worldwide in a show of support for the planet and serves as a reminder of the environmental issues facing us.

Source: PIB

Earth Hour FAQs

Q1: When is Earth Hour observed?

Ans: Towards the end of March

Q2: What is the main objective of Earth Hour?

Ans: To raise awareness about climate change and energy conservation

G7 Group

March 29, 2026
G7

G7 Group Latest News

Recently, the Union External Affairs Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Summit. 

About G7 Group

  • The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies.
  • It was founded in 1975 in response to the oil crisis. 
  • Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
    • Russia was a member from 1998, the group temporarily became the G8.
    • In 2014, the group returned to the G7 format. 
  • The G7 originally dealt exclusively with issues related to the development of the global economy. 
  • It now covers the entire spectrum of global issues, such as foreign and security policy, trade, climate, and development.
  • Governance
    • There is no firmly established secretariat, procedural guidelines, or administrative structures. 
    • Its presidency rotates each calendar year among the member states. The EU does not hold the rotating presidency of the G7.
    • The changing agenda and thematic priorities of the G7 are determined by the respective presidency. 
    • Decisions are usually taken by consensus.

Source: TH

G7 Group FAQs

Q1: Which countries are part of G7?

Ans: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA

Q2: What is the main purpose of G7?

Ans: To address global economic and political issues

Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council

March 29, 2026
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council

Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council Latest News

Recently, an inaugural meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-Research Advisory Board (BRIC-RAB) was held at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad. 

About Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council

  • It is an Apex Autonomous Body established as a registered Society.
  • It was formed by subsuming 14 Autonomous Institutes of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). 
  • BRIC aims to provide a centralized and unified governance mechanism for the administration of its research institutions through intra-mural core grants.
  • It emphasizes multi-disciplinary research support from basic discovery to application in areas of strength within the DBT institutions.
    • BRIC seeks to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders by enabling the pursuit of knowledge and innovation in globally competitive and nationally relevant ecosystems.
  • The objectives of BRIC are
    • Promoting cutting-edge research in biotechnology aligned with national priorities
    • Fostering innovation and translation across institutional boundaries
    • Developing indigenous technologies and capabilities in line with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Science and Technology

Source: PIB

Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of BRIC?

Ans: To foster innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology

Q2: How many Autonomous Institutions were subsumed under BRIC?

Ans: 14

Shigellosis

March 29, 2026
Shigellosis

Shigellosis Latest News

Recently, an outbreak of shigellosis, or shigella infection has been reported in Kerala.

About Shigellosis

  • It is an infection caused by the Shigella bacteria.
  • It is highly contagious, causes acute diarrhoea, and can affect anyone, but children under five are particularly susceptible.
  • It is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide.
  • Humans are the only natural reservoir of the Shigella bacteria.
  • The disease may be more severe in young children, older adults, immune-compromised individuals or malnourished persons.
  • Transmission
    • The infection is transmitted through direct, close contact with infected individuals, through the faecal-oral route and through sexual contact.
    • It can also spread through contaminated food and water or contact with faeces of an infected person.
  • Symptoms
    • The most common symptoms is diarrhoea, which can be bloody, contain mucus and last for a prolonged period of three days or more.
    • Other symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty.
  • Treatment: It is typically self-limiting, which means in most mild cases.
    • Medicines, including antibiotics may be prescribed for a serious infection.

Source: TH

Shigellosis FAQs

Q1: What is the primary mode of transmission of Shigellosis?

Ans: Contaminated food and water

Q2: Which bacterium causes Shigellosis?

Ans: Shigella

Nyctibatrachus kali

March 29, 2026
Nyctibatrachus kali

Nyctibatrachus kali Latest News

Recently, the new frog species was discovered and named it as Nyctibatrachus kali.

About Nyctibatrachus kali

  • It is more commonly called 'Kali Night Frog.
  • It was found in the Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
  • It was named after the nearby Kali River (the reserve is also named after the river which flows through it).
  • The new frog species is known to be a 'cryptic' one, which has similarities with the 'Kumbara Night Frog' (Nyctibatrachus kumbara) discovered in 2014.
  • Its sound resembles that of wood-chopping in the forest.

Key Facts about Kali Tiger Reserve

  • It is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
  • It is composed of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park. 
  • River: The Kali River, which forms the major source of water for Uttara Kannada, flows through the tiger reserve.
  • Vegetation: It is a blend of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with patches of bamboo and grasslands.
  • Flora: It features species like teak, silver oak, eucalyptus, and various medicinal plants.
  • Fauna: Animals found in the Tiger Reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild dog, Sambar, Spotted deer.

Source: DH

Nyctibatrachus kali FAQs

Q1: Where was Nyctibatrachus kali discovered?

Ans: Western Ghats

Q2: What is the common name of Nyctibatrachus kali?

Ans: Kali Night Frog

Satpura Tiger Reserve

March 29, 2026
Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR)

Satpura Tiger Reserve Latest News

A tiger from Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR) has been allegedly poisoned to death leading to the arrest of five people in the case.

About Satpura Tiger Reserve

  • Location: It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is situated in the Satpura ranges of the Central Indian Landscape.
  • It lies south of the river Narmada.
  • The tiger reserve comprises three protected areas, Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary.
  • Terrain: The terrain here is extremely rugged and consists of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, ravines, and dense forests.
  • Geological formations include the Deccan trap series, Gondwanas, and metamorphic rocks.
  • Vegetation: It mainly consists of mixed deciduous forest with a variety of flora typical of the Central Indian Highlands.
  • Flora: It includes teak, bamboo, Indian ebony, various acacias, wild mango, Indian gooseberry, satinwood, etc.
    • Twenty-six species of the Himalayan region and 42 species of the Nilgiri areas are found. Hence, STR is also known as the northern extremity of the Western Ghats.
  • Fauna:  It is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs (bison), and sambar deer.

Source: TH

Satpura Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Satpura Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh

Q2: What is the primary habitat of Satpura Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Deciduous forests

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