UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 3 May 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 3 May 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 3 May 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Fiber Optic Drones

May 3, 2026
Fiber Optic Drones

Fiber Optic Drones Latest News

Recently, it was observed that Hezbollah is using Fiber Optic Drones against Israel. 

About Fiber Optic Drones

  • Fiber optic drones are specialized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that integrate fiber optic technology.

Working of Fiber Optic Drones

  • Fiber optic drones operate by using optical fiber cables instead of traditional wireless systems.
  • These are operated while connected to the ground through a fiber optic tether.
  • Unlike regular drones that rely on radio frequencies for communication and batteries for power, these drones receive both data connectivity and often electrical power through the tether.
  • Applications: Military and Drone Warfare, Telecommunications and Infrastructure Maintenance, Emergency and Disaster Response

Advantages of Fiber Optic Drones

  • Real-time Data: It operates at near-zero latency transmission, ideal for surveillance, targeting and network maintenance. 
  • Improved Coverage: These can be operated in GPS-denied, RF-jammed environments like electronic warfare zones. 
  • High Security: These drones carry optical fiber cables, ensuring the transmission of large data volumes with minimal signal interference.  
  • Reliable Transmission: These drones provide high-speed, reliable data transmission over vast distances.

Source: IE

Fiber Optic Drones FAQs

Q1: Why Fiber optic drones are especially useful in electronic warfare zones?

Ans: They bypass RF interference and cannot be jammed

Q2: What is the key feature that distinguishes fiber optic drones from regular drones?

Ans: Operation via fiber optic tether for data and often power

Padma Doree

May 3, 2026
Padma Doree

Padma Doree Latest News

Recently, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), formally unveiled Padma Doree. 

About Padma Doree

  • It is a unique cross-cultural textile initiative that brings together the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast India with the rich Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It aims to promote sustainable textiles, strengthen cross-regional craft collaboration, and create new livelihood opportunities for artisans while showcasing India’s rich textile heritage.
  • Launched by: It was launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
  • Executing Agency: It is executed by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).

Key Aspects of 'Padma Doree'

  • Convergence of Traditions: It is developed across two culturally significant regions of India, and represents a convergence of textile traditions and generational knowledge systems.
  • Environmental Integrity: Padma Doree is crafted using natural dyes, drawing from time-honoured dyeing practices that yield depth and environmental integrity.
  • Ethical Philosophy: In alignment with an ethical philosophy, Padma Doree adopts a non-violent silk approach, ensuring that silkworms are not harmed in its production.

Source: PIB

Padma Doree FAQs

Q1: What is 'Padma Doree' in the context of textiles?

Ans: A cross-cultural textile initiative

Q2: Padma Doree initiative is associated with which two regions?

Ans: North East India and Madhya Pradesh

Udayan Fort

May 3, 2026
Udayan Fort

Udayan Fort Latest News

The historic Udyan Fort in Kaushambi, dating back nearly 2,500 years to the era of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada, is set to undergo restoration following official approval, officials said recently.

About Udayan Fort

  • Udayan Fort, also known as Udayan Kila, is a historical site located in the Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
  • The fort is associated with King Udayana, the ruler of the Vatsa kingdom—one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India. 
  • It served as the capital fort of the Vatsa kingdom during the 6th century BCE. 
    • King Udayana was known for his military strength, diplomatic skills, and cultural patronage. 
    • According to Buddhist and Jain texts, Udayana had connections with both Lord Buddha and Mahavira, who visited Kaushambi and contributed to its spiritual growth. 
    • The fort thus played a key role in shaping the early political and religious landscape of the region. 
  • Architectural Remains and Layout:
    • The layout of the fort suggests a well-planned administrative and residential zone, complete with defensive structures and public buildings. 
    • The defensive structures include thick brick walls, earth ramparts, and bastions rising up to 50 to 60 feet, along with evidence of protective moats or trenches. 
    • The site is characterized by extensive brickbats scattered across the ground, hinting at the density of buildings that once stood inside the fortress. 
    • Archaeologists have unearthed pottery, coins, and ancient tools from the area, providing evidence of a thriving settlement.

Source: HT

Udayan Fort FAQs

Q1: Where is Udayan Fort located?

Ans: Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh

Q2: On the banks of which river is Udayan Fort situated?

Ans: Yamuna River

Q3: Udayan Fort is associated with which ancient king?

Ans: King Udayana, the ruler of the Vatsa kingdom—one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India.

Q4: During which century did Udayan Fort serve as the capital of the Vatsa Kingdom?

Ans: 6th century BCE

Allele

May 3, 2026
Allele

Allele Latest News

A study from South Africa finds that while protective HLA-B alleles once aided survival and reduced HIV transmission before Antiretroviral therapy, widespread ART use has significantly slowed this natural selection-driven genetic shift.

About Allele

  • An allele is a variant form of a gene. 
  • Some genes have a variety of different forms, which are located at the same position, or genetic locus, on a chromosome. 
  • Humans are called diploid organisms because they have two alleles at each genetic locus, with one allele inherited from each parent. 
  • Each pair of alleles represents the genotype of a specific gene. 
  • Genotypes are described as homozygous if there are two identical alleles at a particular locus and as heterozygous if the two alleles differ. 
  • Alleles contribute to the organism's phenotype, which is the outward appearance of the organism. 
  • Some alleles are dominant or recessive. When an organism is heterozygous at a specific locus and carries one dominant and one recessive allele, the organism will express the dominant phenotype. 
  • This genetic diversity allows offspring to inherit traits from both parents while exhibiting unique characteristics. 
  • For example, in hair color, dark hair is typically dominant over light hair; a child may inherit light hair only if both parents pass on the recessive allele. 
  • All genetic traits are the result of the interactions of alleles. 
  • Mutation, crossing over, and environmental conditions selectively change the frequency of phenotypes (and thus their alleles) within a population.

Source: TH

Allele FAQs

Q1: What is an allele?

Ans: A variant form of a gene.

Q2: Why are humans called diploid organisms?

Ans: Humans are called diploid organisms because they have two alleles at each genetic locus, with one allele inherited from each parent.

Q3: What does a pair of alleles represent?

Ans: The genotype of a specific gene.

Q4: What is a heterozygous genotype?

Ans: When the two alleles at a locus are different.

Q5: How do alleles influence phenotype?

Ans: They determine the expression of traits.

Ichak

May 3, 2026
Ichak

Ichak Latest News

Around 15 km from Hazaribag town lies Ichak — once the flourishing capital of a powerful dynasty and now a fading symbol of Jharkhand’s rich cultural past.

About Ichak

  • Ichak is a small village about 15 kms NE of Hazaribagh town in Jharkhand.
  • Known as the “temple town” of Hazaribag district, Ichak is dotted with hundreds of ancient temples, ponds, and gardens, many of which today stand in a state of alarming neglect.
  • Ichak’s origins trace back over two centuries to the Ramgarh Raj under the Singh dynasty. 
  • The rulers had established Ichak as one of their prominent capitals before shifting to areas near the Padma River. 
  • During their reign, they built an extensive network of temples, akharas (traditional centres), ponds, and gardens.
    • At the heart of Ichak’s main market stands the imposing Singh Dwar, a massive domed gateway that once marked the entrance to the royal palace.
    • From Baba Banshidhar and Bhairavnath temples to Lakshmi Narayan (Bada Akhara) and Shri Ram Janaki (Chota Akhara), each structure carries historical, architectural, and cultural value.
    • Ichak is also home to the Budhiya Mata Temple, where devotees worship a formless deity — a rare and unique tradition for over 300 years.
    • Bhagwati Math Temple reflects architectural influences akin to the Mahabodhi Temple, showcasing the artistic excellence of the past.
  • The style of the temples reveals the Nagara and the Bengal styles of architecture. The mosque-type domes emphasize the Moghul influence on these temples. 
  • Historians and locals said that at one point, Ichak had nearly 174 temples. Today, only a fraction of them remain, and many of them have either lost their idols—allegedly stolen—or are on the verge of collapse.

Source: TOI

Ichak FAQs

Q1: Where is Ichak located

Ans: About 15 km northeast of Hazaribagh town in Jharkhand

Q2: What is Ichak popularly known as?

Ans: The “Temple Town” of Hazaribagh district

Q3: Ichak’s origins are linked to which ruling dynasty?

Ans: Singh dynasty of the Ramgarh Raj

Q4: Which architectural styles are seen in Ichak temples?

Ans: Nagara and Bengal styles.

Ecuador

May 3, 2026
Ecuador

Ecuador Latest News

India and Ecuador are looking at the possibility of firming up a preferential trade pact to boost economic ties.

About Ecuador

  • Location: It is a country located on the northwestern edge of South America.
  • Bordering countries: It is bordered by Colombia to the north, by Peru to the south and east.
  • Maritime boundaries: It shares borders with the Pacific Ocean to the west.
  • Capital City: Quito.

Geographical Features of Ecuador

  • It consists of 4 geographic regions namely
    • Coastal lowlands and mountain area; the Central Andes Mountains and its two major chains Cordillera Occidental in the West and the Cordillera Oriental in the east.
  • Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands.
  • Highest Point: The highest point in Ecuador is Mount Chimborazo, at 20,560ft (6,268m).
  • Volcano: Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes located in the Andes Mountains.
  • Rivers:  Babahoyo, Chira, Coca, Curaray.
  • Natural resources: It mainly consists of Petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Source: ET

Ecuador FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Ecuador?

Ans: Quito

Q2: Which famous archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, belongs to Ecuador?

Ans: Galapagos Islands

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

May 3, 2026
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Latest News

Recently, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has issued permission for "major equipment erection" at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) Units 5 and 6. 

About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

  • It is India’s premier regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety.
  • Background: The AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
  • Objective: To ensure the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment.
  • Headquarters: Mumbai.
  • Composition
    • It comprises six members of which two are whole time members including the chairman. 
    • The other whole-time member is the executive director of the AERB Secretariat who is an ex-officio member of the Board. 
    • The other four members are eminent experts from various disciplines relevant to the mandate of the board.
    • The Board shall be responsible to the Atomic Energy Commission.

Functions of AERB

  • Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation and industrial safety areas for facilities under its purview.
  • Develop Safety Codes, Guides and Standards for siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of different types of nuclear and radiation facilities.
  • Grant consents for siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning, after an appropriate safety review and assessment, for establishment of nuclear and radiation facilities.
  • AERB license is a mandatory certification for entities involved in the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India. 
  • It shall have authority to administer the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, the industrial safety for the units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Source: TH

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board FAQs

Q1: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was constituted under which Act?

Ans: Atomic Energy Act, 1962

Q2: What is Atomic Energy Regulatory Board?

Ans: The nuclear safety regulator of India under Department of Atomic Energy

SVAMITVA Scheme

May 3, 2026
SVAMITVA Scheme

SVAMITVA Scheme Latest News

The rural property ownership scheme, SVAMITVA, is emerging as a potent tool for formalisation of residential land, improving the financial standing of gram panchayats, and making a positive impact on the rural economy, says a survey by IIM Ahmedabad.

About SVAMITVA Scheme

  • The Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
  • It was launched nationwide on National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2021, after successful completion of the pilot phase of the scheme ( 2020-2021) in 9 states. 
  • It aims to empower rural citizens with property cards, enabling access to credit, dispute resolution, and better planning.
  • It provides a ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with the issuance of legal ownership cards (property cards/title deeds) to the property owners by mapping land parcels using drone technology. 
  • The mapping shall be done across the country in a phased manner. It generates high-resolution and accurate maps to confer ownership property rights. 
  • The scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives:
    • To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
    • Creation of accurate land records for rural planning.
    • Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the Gram Panchayats (GPs) directly in States where it is devolved or else add to the State exchequer.
    • Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use.
    • To support the preparation of a better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making use of GIS maps.
    • To reduce property-related disputes and legal cases.
  • Eligibility: The applicant should have a property in a rural inhabited (Abadi) area.
  • Exclusions: Agricultural lands are not covered under this scheme.
  • Implementing Agency: 
    • It is implemented by the Survey of India (SoI) with the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) as the technology partner. 
    • In the States, the Revenue Department/Land Records Department will be the Nodal Department and shall carry out the scheme with the support of the State Panchayati Raj Department.

Source: TI

SVAMITVA Scheme FAQs

Q1: What does SVAMITVA stand for?

Ans: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas

Q2: Which ministry implements the SVAMITVA Scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Q3: What is the primary aim of the SVAMITVA Scheme?

Ans: To provide property rights to rural citizens through property cards.

Q4: Who is eligible under the SVAMITVA Scheme?

Ans: Residents owning property in rural inhabited (Abadi) areas.

Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)

May 3, 2026
Great Himalayan National Park

Great Himalayan National Park Latest News

The Ministry of Environment recently declared a 326.69 sq.km. area around the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh as an eco-sensitive zone.

About Great Himalayan National Park 

  • It is a high altitude national park located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.
  • It spreads across a total area of 1171 sq.km, encompassing elevations ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 meters. 
  • Nestled in the far Western Himalayas, the park comprises four valleys: the Tirthan Valley, the Sainj Valley, the Parvati Valley, and the Jiwa Nal Valley. 
  • It is surrounded by steep ridges and permanent snow on its northern, eastern, and southern edges. 
  • The GHNP is situated adjacent to Pin Valley National Park, Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tirthan and Sainj Wildlife Sanctuaries.
  • Topography: The park is a stunning mix of lush coniferous forests, meadows, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
  • It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014.
  • Flora:
    • Vegetation grows in well-defined altitude zones, beginning with rather open, subtropical forests at the lowest valley bottoms, gradually grading to mixed forests of horse chestnut, evergreen oak, spruce, and deodar, then to rusty-leaved kharsu oak, spruce, and fir in the upper temperate zone. 
    • Further up is a subalpine zone of birches, stunted firs, and rhododendron bushes, followed by the higher alpine areas where vegetation is reduced to grasses, herbs, and low shrubs, such as juniper. 
  • Fauna:
    • The park is home to 31 mammals, including the elusive snow leopard, the majestic Himalayan brown bear, and the vibrant blue sheep, or bharal. 
    • Other notable residents include the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and serow. 
    • Birdlife in the park is equally diverse, with 209 species recorded, such as the endangered western tragopan and the impressive lammergeiers, alongside the Himalayan griffon vulture and golden eagle. 

Source: DEVD

Great Himalayan National Park FAQs

Q1: Where is the Great Himalayan National Park located?

Ans: Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh

Q2: n which mountain range is Great Himalayan National Park situated?

Ans: Western Himalayas

Q3: What are the the four valleys in Great Himalayan National Park?

Ans: Tirthan Valley, Sainj Valley, Parvati Valley, and Jiwa Nal Valley.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

May 3, 2026
Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Latest News

Recently, persons living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and parents have written to the Prime Minister of India seeking urgent intervention to ensure nationwide access to generic Risdiplam under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD). 

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy

  • It is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder that leads to muscle weakness and can cause life-threatening complications. 
  • It is a debilitating genetic condition which affects motor neurons that control movement, and leads to progressive muscle weakening.
  • Cause: Most forms of SMA are caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) on the fifth chromosome, resulting in insufficient expression levels of the SMN protein.
  • Types of SMA: There are five subtypes of SMA- type 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. Healthcare providers classify them based on the age of onset, as well as the severity and life expectancy.

Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

  • Its symptoms vary and may be mild or disabling, but involve a weakness of the muscles that control movement.
  • The weakness in SMA tends to be more severe in the muscles that are close to the center of your body than in the muscles farther away from your body’s center.
  • Treatment: Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for SMA. Treatment for SMA mainly seeks to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Source: TH

Spinal Muscular Atrophy FAQs

Q1: Under which category has the Government of India listed Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Ans: Rare disease under National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021

Q2: What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Ans: A genetic neuromuscular disorder causing muscle weakness

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