UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 12 May 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 12 May 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 12 May 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Lavan Island

May 12, 2026
Lavan Island

Lavan Island Latest News

The UAE secretly carried out military strikes on Iran during the recent Middle East conflict, including an alleged attack on a refinery at Iran’s Lavan Island, a report claimed.

About Lavan Island

  • It is a strategic Iranian island located in the Persian Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz.
  • It is situated approximately 40 kilometers west of Qeshm Island, within the Hormozgan Province of Iran. 
  • The island is 25 kilometers in length and about 5 kilometers in width.  
  • Lavan Island is also known as the Hidden Pearl Island, which has long been home to pearl fishing. 
  • However, now the main occupation of the people of Lavan Port is working in the oil and fishing industry. 
  • It is now one of the most important oil export terminals in Iran.  
    • It is the operating base for Iran’s three offshore fields, namely, Salman, Resalat, and Reshadat. 
    • Salman field, 144 km south of the Lavan Island, has one of the largest offshore complexes in the Persian Gulf. 
    • The island features infrastructure such as process plants, storage and export systems, utility and maintenance facilities, a storehouse, and a loading jetty.  
    • Produced oil from offshore fields is transferred to Lavan for final processing.

Source: N18

Lavan Island FAQs

Q1: Where is Lavan Island located?

Ans: In the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz.

Q2: To which country does Lavan Island belong?

Ans: Iran.

Q3: In which province of Iran is Lavan Island situated?

Ans: Hormozgan Province.

Q4: What is the significance of Lavan Island in Iran’s oil sector?

Ans: It is one of the most important oil export terminals in Iran.

Q5: Which offshore oil fields operate from Lavan Island?

Ans: Salman, Resalat, and Reshadat fields.

Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

May 12, 2026
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

Kukke Subrahmanya Temple Latest News

The Popular Nagaradhana temple in Karnataka, the Kukke Sri Subrahmanya temple in Subrahmanya of the Dakshina Kannada district, has registered a revenue of ₹167.89 crore during 2025-26, the highest so far. 

About Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

  • It is a 5000-year-old Hindu temple located in the village of Subramanya, in the Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. 
  • It stands on the banks of the Kumaradhara River at the foot of Kumara Parvatha, in a dense pocket of the Western Ghats.  
  • Lord Subramanya (also known as Kartikeya, Murugan, and Skanda) is worshiped as the lord of all serpents in this temple. 
  • It is one of the foremost centers for Sarpa (serpent) worship in the country.  
  • Puranic Origin: Kukke Subramanya is considered one of the seven holy places created by Saint Parashurama.
  • It is adorned with classic Dravidian design - intricate columns, majestic gateways, while the inner chamber is serene. 
  • Inside, there are rooms for ceremonies, peaceful spots for meditation, together with smaller temples dedicated to other gods.

Source: TH

Kukke Subrahmanya Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is Kukke Subrahmanya Temple located?

Ans: In Subramanya village, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka.

Q2: How old is the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple believed to be?

Ans: About 5000 years old.

Q3: On the banks of which river is Kukke Subrahmanya Temple situated?

Ans: Kumaradhara River.

Q4: Which deity is worshiped in Kukke Subrahmanya Temple?

Ans: Lord Subramanya is worshiped as the lord of all serpents in this temple.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

May 12, 2026
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A wild gaur that had strayed into densely populated areas of Kannur District, Kerala, was captured by a Forest department expert team and later released into the forest area of the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary recently.

About Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is located in the Wayanad district in Kerala.
  • It is part of the larger Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
  • Tholpetty in the north is one of the two discontinuous pockets of Wayanad Sanctuary, the other being Muthanga in the south.  
  • Flora:
    • The forests consist of both tropical moist dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. 
    • Plantations of teak, eucalyptus, silver oak, and rosewood cover about one-third of the sanctuary.  
  • Fauna:
    • Elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bison, deer, bears, and snakes can be spotted in the sanctuary.  
    • The sanctuary is also a bird watcher's paradise, hosting over 300 species of birds. 
    • Some notable avian residents include the Malabar grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, peafowl, and various species of woodpeckers and kingfishers.  

Key Facts about Gaur

  • Gaur, also known as Indian bison, is the largest species among the wild cattle and the Bovidae.
  • Scientific Name: Bos gaurus  
  • Habitat and Distribution: 
    • Gaurs are indigenous to the South and Southeast parts of Asia.
    • They are found in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Nepal.  
    • They are primarily found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along with moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
    • They prefer hilly-terrains below an altitude of 1,500-1,800 m with large and undisturbed forest tracts and abundant water.
  • Features:
    • Gaur is a large animal with a sturdy build. 
    • It has a short and deep neck, a massive head, and frequently a large dewlap on the throat and chest.  
    • The color of their body varies from reddish or brown to black, while the limbs are pale colored. 
    • Both males and females have upwardly curved horns, growing from the sides of their heads. Their horns have a yellow base and black tip.
    • These animals have a hump on their shoulders, which is especially prominent in adult males.  
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Source: TH

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: Wayanad district, Kerala.

Q2: Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is part of which larger wildlife sanctuary?

Ans: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q3: What type of forests are found in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Tropical moist dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

May 12, 2026
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Latest News

The Government has set a target of bringing 100 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation over the five-year period from 2025-26 to 2029 under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. 

About National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

  • It was launched in 2014-15 under the framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
  • It was envisaged as a strategic intervention to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate variability on agriculture while ensuring long-term food and livelihood security.
  • Since 2022-23 it has been included under the umbrella of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY).
  • It promotes climate-resilient farming through a set of targeted and integrated interventions.
  • It provides a strong foundation for sustainable agricultural development by enhancing water-use efficiency, improving soil health, and strengthening climate resilient agriculture.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Key Interventions under NMSA 

  • Rainfed Area Development (RAD): It encourages Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for diversified and risk-resilient agriculture.
  • Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) initiative: It promotes micro-irrigation to improve water-use efficiency.
  • Soil Health Management (SHM): It is supported by the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, which promotes balanced nutrient use and sustains long-term soil fertility.
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modeling and Networking (CCSAMMN): It provides creation and bidirectional (land/farmers to research/scientific establishments and vice versa) dissemination of climate change related information and knowledge. 

Source: PIB

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture FAQs

Q1: NMSA focuses on which type of agriculture?

Ans: Climate-smart & resource efficient –

Q2: NMSA is a part of which umbrella scheme?

Ans: National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

‘One Case One Data’ Initiative

May 12, 2026
‘One Case One Data’ Initiative

‘One Case One Data’ Initiative Latest News

The Supreme Court recently launched the “One Case One Data” initiative alongside “Su Sahay”, an AI-powered chatbot.

About ‘One Case One Data’ Initiative

  • It is a major digital initiative launched by the Supreme Court of India.
  • It is a comprehensive digital platform designed to integrate case-related information from the Supreme Court, High Courts, district courts and taluka courts into a unified system. 
  • It is aimed at strengthening the case management framework through integrated judicial data access in courts across India. 
  • It will automate data retrieval from the concerned courts’ database and facilitate swift online verification of case-related information. 
  • Each case will be assigned a single unique digital identity , allowing all related records to be linked in one continuous case file. 
  • When a case moves from a lower court to a higher court, existing records will not be recreated but will be seamlessly integrated and updated , ensuring continuity and easier access to complete case history. 
  • Reciprocal access to case information shall also be provided to High Courts and Government departments as and when required. 
  • The integration could significantly reduce procedural delays arising from manual verification and fragmented judicial records while improving coordination between courts. 

What is Su Sahay?

  • It is an Artificial Intelligence-powered assistance chatbot integrated with the Supreme Court website to facilitate easier access to justice and court-related services for litigants. 
  • It was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Supreme Court Registry.
  • The tool provides essential guidance on accessing services, filing procedures, and general court-related inquiries.

Source: LT

‘One Case One Data’ Initiative FAQs

Q1: What is the ‘One Case One Data’ Initiative?

Ans: It is a major digital initiative launched by the Supreme Court of India.

Q2: What is the primary objective of the ‘One Case One Data’ Initiative?

Ans: To strengthen the case management framework through integrated judicial data access.

Q3: What kind of platform is the ‘One Case One Data’ Initiative?

Ans: A comprehensive digital platform integrating case-related information into a unified system.

Q4: How can the ‘One Case One Data’ Initiative reduce procedural delays?

Ans: By reducing manual verification and fragmented judicial records.

Jute Crop Information System

May 12, 2026
Jute Crop Information System

Jute Crop Information System Latest News

Recently, the National Jute Board has stepped up implementation of the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS).

About Jute Crop Information System

  • It is a technology-driven platform developed in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation and the Jute Corporation of India.
  • It is being implemented since 2023.
  • Purpose: To improve crop monitoring and production assessment in the jute sector.
  • Working
    • It integrates satellite imagery, weather analytics, vegetation indices and field-level inputs to enable near real-time monitoring of jute cultivation and production trends.
    • It includes two digital tools
      • BHUVAN JUMP: It is a mobile application for field-level monitoring.
      • PATSAN: It is a web-based analytics platform designed to provide surveillance and crop-related assessments for officials and stakeholders.
    • This new system has introduced a more structured and evidence-based approach to crop monitoring by combining multiple data sources on a single platform.

Features of Jute Crop Information System

  • The framework supports automated reporting, near real-time crop estimation and early warning alerts linked to weather and crop stress conditions.
  • Through its I-CARE field network, the National Jute Board has facilitated large-scale collection of geo-tagged field data using the BHUVAN JUMP application.
  • It has supported Crop Cutting Experiments using geospatial smart-sampling techniques aimed at improving the accuracy of yield estimation and production modelling.
  • It has also been used to develop flood impact assessment models based on satellite data and field validation to estimate crop and quality losses in affected areas. 
  • Weather analytics integrated into the platform are supporting district-level early warning systems for rainfall variation, dry spells and temperature fluctuations.

Source: PIB

Jute Crop Information System FAQ's

Q1: Which two digital tools are part of the Jute Crop Information System?

Ans: BHUVAN JUMP and PATSAN

Q2: The Jute Crop Information System launched in 2023 was developed by?

Ans: ISRO + Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

Fermented Organic Manure

May 12, 2026
Fermented Organic Manure

Fermented Organic Manure Latest News

Recently, the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has called for 10% mandatory blending of fermented organic manure with chemical fertilizers by 2030.

About Fermented Organic Manure

  • It is a type of organic fertilizer produced through a controlled fermentation process of organic materials like manure, crop residues, and compost. 
  • It is a byproduct of operational biogas or compressed biogas (CBG) plants used as a fertilizer.
  • Preparation of Fermented Organic Manure
    • It involves organic materials like animal manure, crop residues, and kitchen scraps which are combined with water and allowed to ferment in a controlled environment.
    • This fermentation process breaks down the organic matter, releasing nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. 

Benefits of Fermented Organic Manure

  • It improves soil fertility
  • It enhances soil structure
  • It is beneficial for microorganisms
  • It helps in waste management
  • It also helps in sustainable farming

Source: TH

Fermented Organic Manure FAQs

Q1: Fermented Organic Manure is primarily a byproduct of which process?

Ans: Biogas plants / CBG plants

Q2: What are the two forms in which Fermented Organic Manure is available?

Ans: Liquid FOM and Solid FOM

SEHAT Mission

May 12, 2026
SEHAT Mission

SEHAT Mission Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched the ‘SEHAT Mission’ in Delhi.

About SEHAT Mission

  • SEHAT (Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation) is a national mission-mode programme designed to translate agricultural advancements into tangible health outcomes for the people of India.
  • It has been jointly launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
  • Objective: Launched with the objective of building a framework for ‘Healthy Food, Healthy Farms and a Healthy India’.
  • It strategically align agricultural research and innovation with national priorities in nutrition, preventive and promotive healthcare, non-communicable diseases, farmer well-being, and One Health. 
  • The mission focuses on five priority areas
    • Development and evaluation of biofortified and nutrient-dense crop varieties to address malnutrition and improve nutritional status; 
    • Strengthening integrated farming systems to promote dietary diversification, enhance farm incomes, and build resilience;
    • Addressing occupational health risks among agricultural workers through targeted, evidence-based interventions; 
    • Advancing agriculture-enabled strategies: It is for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases through the promotion of functional foods and nutritionally superior crop varieties
    • Strengthening One Health preparedness: It is through integrated surveillance, diagnostics, and research at the human–animal–environment interface.

Source: PIB

SEHAT Mission FAQs

Q1: SEHAT initiative emphasizes the concept of?

Ans: Agriculture-Nutrition-Health linkage

Q2: ICAR is an autonomous body under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Valley Fever

May 12, 2026
Valley Fever

Valley Fever Latest News

A 37-year-old Indian tech professional based in California recently died after battling Valley fever, a rare fungal infection that damaged his lungs and led to respiratory failure.

About Valley Fever

  • Valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs.
  • It is caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which grows in dry and dusty soil in parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and regions of Central and South America. 

Valley Fever Transmission

  • The fungi’s spores can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil, such as farming, construction, and wind.
  • People can then breathe the fungi into their lungs. 
  • Pets can also become infected. 
  • It does not spread from person to person or between people and animals.

Valley Fever Symptoms

  • Symptoms often resemble the flu or pneumonia and may include fever, cough, chest pain, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, and joint pain.
  • While many cases remain mild or go undetected, some infections can become severe and lead to serious lung complications. 
  • In rare instances, the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other organs, causing a life-threatening condition known as disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

Valley Fever Treatment

  • Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. 
  • In more-severe cases, doctors treat the infection with antifungal medications.
  • Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the infected part of the lung (for chronic or severe disease).
  • There is no vaccine to prevent valley fever.

Source: IT

Valley Fever FAQs

Q1: What is Valley Fever?

Ans: Valley Fever is a fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs.

Q2: What is another name for Valley Fever?

Ans: Acute coccidioidomycosis.

Q3: In which regions is Valley Fever commonly found?

Ans: Southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America.

Q4: Which organ is primarily affected by Valley Fever?

Ans: Lungs.

Q5: Can Valley Fever spread from person to person?

Ans: No.

Limestone

May 12, 2026
Limestone

Limestone Latest News

The Ministry of Mines is set to launch the second tranche of the auction of limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Limestone

  • It is a sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), usually in the form of calcite or aragonite.
  • It occurs across almost all geological sequences from Pre-Cambrian to recent, except in Gondwana formations.
  • Composition of Limestone
    • It often contains magnesium carbonate, either as dolomite CaMg (CO3 )2 or   magnesite (MgCO3 ) mixed with calcite.
    • It also contains minor constituents of clay, iron carbonate, feldspar, pyrite, and quartz.
  • Distribution of Limestone in India: Karnataka has the largest share (28%) of total resources, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh.

Uses of Limestone

  • The principal use of limestone is in the Cement Industry.
  • Metallurgical Processes: It is used as a flux in iron and steel production.
  • Chemical Production: It is used in production of Calcium carbide, alkali, bleaching powder.
  • Agriculture: It is used as soil conditioning agent, fertilizer (calcium ammonium nitrate).
  • Consumer Products: Whiting (chalk and precipitated limestone) in rubber, paint, cosmetics, toothpaste, and shoe polish.

Source: News On Air

Limestone FAQs

Q1: Which is the largest producer of limestone in India?

Ans: Rajasthan

Q2: Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of?

Ans: Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)

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