UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 May 2026

Cacti

May 14, 2026

Cacti Latest News

New research reveals that cacti create new species surprisingly quickly, despite their slow-growing reputation.

About Cacti

Cacti are a type of plant that is known for its thick, fleshy stem and its spines.
There are nearly 2,000 species and 139 genera.
These plants are native to the deserts of North and South America and have adapted to the dry, hot climate.
Cacti come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
One of the most unique things about cacti is their ability to store large amounts of water in their stems.
- This adaptation helps them to survive in desert conditions where water is scarce.
- When it rains, cacti absorb water through their roots and store it in their stems. This water is used by the plant during dry periods.
- The stem is covered in a layer of protection that helps prevent evaporation.
Cacti also have specialized roots that are able to absorb water quickly.
The shape of a cactus also plays a role in its water-saving abilities.
- Most cacti have a columnar shape, which means that they have a narrow base and a wide top.
- This shape allows the plant to minimize its surface area so that less water is lost through evaporation.
There are two main types of cacti: opuntias and columnar cacti.
- Opuntias, also called prickly pears, are cacti that have flat, fleshy pads instead of the traditional cylindrical stem. These plants are covered in spines, and they produce small, edible fruits.
- Columnar cacti, on the other hand, have a tall, straight stem with ridges running up and down its length.
  - These cacti often grow to be quite large, and are home to many species of animals in their native habitats.
Cacti can be distinguished from other succulent plants by the presence of areoles, small cushionlike structures with trichomes (plant hairs) and, in almost all species, spines or barbed bristles (glochids).
- Areoles are modified branches, from which flowers, more branches, and leaves (when present) may grow.

Source: SD

Cacti FAQs

Q1: What are cacti?

Ans: Cacti are plants known for their thick, fleshy stems and spines.

Q2: Where are cacti native to?

Ans: Cacti are native to the deserts of North and South America.

Q3: To what type of climate are cacti adapted?

Ans: Cacti are adapted to dry and hot desert climates.

Q4: Why are cacti able to survive in deserts?

Ans: Cacti can survive in deserts because they store large amounts of water in their stems.

Qom

May 14, 2026

Qom Latest News

Qom is home to one of the largest Indian communities in Iran with over 3,000 to 3,500 nationals, many of them students enrolled in religious seminaries and universities.

About Qom

It is the capital of Qom province, north-central Iran.
It serves as a link between the central provinces of Iran and Tehran.

Qom Significance

It is primarily known for its significance as the center of Shia Islamic scholarship and theology.
Qom became a center of Shi’ite Islam in the 8th century AD and a place of pilgrimage in the 17th century.
It is home to many important religious sites, including the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh, which is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Iran.
The city is the site of the largest theological college in Iran and a petroleum distribution center, with petrochemical, cement, textile, and other industries.
It was at Qom that the Iranian army surrendered to Islamic revolutionary militia in 1979.
Following the Islamic Revolution in Iran early in 1979, the revolution’s principal figure, the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, again took up residence in Qom, from where he ruled the Islamic republic until his death in 1989.

Source: TH

Qom FAQs

Q1: In which country is Qom located?

Ans: Qom is located in Iran.

Q2: What is Qom primarily known for?

Ans: Qom is primarily known as a center of Shia Islamic scholarship and theology.

Q3: Which famous shrine is located in Qom?

Ans: The Shrine of Fatima Masumeh is located in Qom.

Q4: What significant event took place in Qom in 1979?

Ans: The Iranian army surrendered to Islamic revolutionary militia in Qom in 1979.

New Spider Species

May 14, 2026

New Spider Species Latest News

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered two new spider species named Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu.

About Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu

These are two newly discovered spider species from the genus Psechrus.
- Psechrus are a group of spiders belonging to the family Psechridae, commonly known for constructing large horizontal sheet webs in moist forest habitats.
Both species were discovered in Nagaland and named after the local villages where they were first documented — Ntu and Phenshunyu.
They exhibit several specialized anatomical characteristics associated with life in humid forest ecosystems:
- Elongated and dorsoventrally flattened body structures.
- Exceptionally long anterior legs adapted for environmental sensing.
- Fine sensory hair structures aiding vibration detection.
- Expanded web-building behavior suited to dense vegetation zones.
Such traits are considered adaptive advantages for navigating dimly lit forest microhabitats where tactile and vibrational perception become essential for survival.
The spiders construct expansive horizontal sheet-like webs that function both as prey-capture systems and environmental monitoring platforms.
A male Psechrus himalayanus was observed sharing a web with Psechrus phenshunyu.
This behavior, known as a heterospecific association, is extremely rare among spiders because most spider species exhibit territorial or cannibalistic tendencies.

Other Findings

The ZSI team also documented the occurrence of Psechrus himalayanus in Northeast India for the first time.
This represents a major range extension from its previously known Himalayan distribution.
ZSI researchers completed the first major taxonomic reassessment of Indian whip scorpions in over 100 years.
Whip scorpions belong to the order Thelyphonida, an ancient and highly specialized arachnid lineage distinct from true scorpions.
Despite their intimidating appearance, whip scorpions are non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Whip scorpions possess several unique evolutionary adaptations:
- A long whip-like flagellum used for sensory navigation
- Enlarged pedipalps functioning as grasping appendages
- Acid-spraying defensive glands
- Strong nocturnal and burrowing behavior
Their common nickname “vinegaroon” derives from the acetic acid-like spray they release when threatened.

Source: TOI

New Spider Species FAQs

Q1: What are Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu?

Ans: They are two newly discovered spider species from the genus Psechrus.

Q2: Where were Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu discovered?

Ans: They were discovered in Nagaland.

Q3: What type of webs do Psechrus spiders construct?

Ans: They construct expansive horizontal sheet-like webs.

Q4: What functions do the sheet-like webs of Psechrus spiders serve?

Ans: The webs function as prey-capture systems and environmental monitoring platforms.

National Sports Development Fund

May 14, 2026

National Sports Development Fund Latest News

Recently, it was revealed through the Right To Information (RTI) Act that Contributions to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) have more than halved in three years between 2023-24 to 2025-26.

About National Sports Development Fund

It was established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act 1890.
Purpose: To impart momentum and flexibility to assisting the cause of sports.
Contribution to NSDF: It is funded by donations from the public and private sectors, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and charities or non-profits, with contributions from the Government.

Objectives of NSDF

To promote of sports in general and specific sports disciplines and individual sports persons in particular for achieving excellence at the National and of International level
To impart special training and coaching in relevant sports disciplines to sports persons, coaches and sports specialists.
To construct and maintain infrastructure for promotion of sports and games
To supply sports equipment to organizations and individuals for promotion of sports and games
To identify problems and take up research and development studies for providing support to excellence in sports
To promote international cooperation, in particular, exchanges which may promote the development of sports

Management and Administration of NSDF

Council of NSDF: The Fund is managed by a Council constituted by the Central Government.
- Chairperson of the Council: Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
- Members: It includes senior Officers of the Department of Sports, Chairman & Managing Directors of Private and Public Sector Companies / Corporations, representatives of Sports Promotion Boards, etc.
- The Council decides all policy matters relating to the Fund.

Executive Committee: Day-to-day operations and grant approvals are handled by a six-member executive committee chaired by the Sports Secretary.

Source: IE

National Sports Development Fund FAQ's

Q1: NSDF functions under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

Q2: National Sports Development Fund was established under which Act?

Ans: Charitable Endowments Act, 1890

Intellectual Property Catalyst Initiative

May 14, 2026

Intellectual Property Catalyst Initiative Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India launched IP Catalyst initiative along with its digital platform.

About Intellectual Property Catalyst Initiative

It is being implemented by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Pune, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
It is designed to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem that supports the full innovation lifecycle — from research and patent creation to commercialization, licensing and market deployment.
It aims to bridge the gap between publicly funded R&D and industry adoption by enabling stronger collaboration among MeitY organizations, startups, MSMEs, academia, and industry.

Key Features and Support under IP Catalyst

It provides financial support for IP filing for MeitY organizations and grantee institutions.
It helps in international patent filing support for startups and MSMEs.
It gives unified digital access to technology commercialization and IP support services.
IP valuation and commercialization support
Technology transfer and licensing facilitation
Industry–academia–startup collaboration opportunities
Access to MeitY-supported technologies and indigenous solutions
Support for prototype-to-product development and market deployment

Source: PIB

Intellectual Property Catalyst Initiative FAQs

Q1: Intellectual Property Catalyst Initiative (IPCI) was launched by?

Ans: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Q2: What is the main objective of Intellectual Property Catalyst Initiative?

Ans: To catalyze IP awareness and commercialization among MSMEs/startups

Lake Tahoe

May 14, 2026

Lake Tahoe Latest News

Lake Tahoe residents are the latest community to fight back against AI data centers after thousands of people have been told their power could be cut off to supply new projects.

About Lake Tahoe

It is a large freshwater lake that is surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range and straddles the boundary between the US states of California and Nevada.
It is a crystal-blue lake situated at an elevation of 1,897 m above sea level.
It is the highest lake in the United States as well as North America’s largest alpine lake.
It is about 35 km long and has a maximum width of 19 km.
Lake Tahoe, with a water volume of 150 km3, is the largest lake in the United States after the Great Lakes.
With a maximum depth of 501 m and an average depth of 300 m, the lake is considered the second-deepest lake in the US and the world’s 16th-deepest lake.
63 tributaries drain into Lake Tahoe. The lake’s only outlet is the Truckee River that is situated in California’s Tahoe City.

Source: IND

Lake Tahoe FAQs

Q1: What is Lake Tahoe?

Ans: Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Q2: In which country Lake Tahoe located?

Ans: It is located in the United States.

Q3: Which is the highest alpine lake in the United States?

Ans: Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the United States.

Q4: What is the only outlet of Lake Tahoe?

Ans: The Truckee River is the only outlet of Lake Tahoe.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

May 14, 2026

Directorate General of Foreign Trade Latest News

Recently, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) prohibited export of raw, white and refined sugar with immediate effect till September 30 amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

About Directorate General of Foreign Trade

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Mandate: It is responsible for the formulation and implementation of India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
Background
- Before 1991, DGFT was known as the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E).
- Post-liberalisation, it was restructured as DGFT to act as a trade facilitator.
Headquarter: It is located in New Delhi, it operates through a network of 24 regional offices.

Key Functions of DGFT

It implements India’s Foreign Trade Policy (Exim Policy) by issuing various schemes, licenses, and notifications.
It issues the Importer Exporter Code (IEC)—a 10-digit unique code mandatory for all Indian importers and exporters.
It regulates transit of goods across Indian borders as per bilateral treaties.
It grants permissions for free export items listed in Schedule 2 of the export policy.
It sets standard input-output norms to define the quantity of inputs allowed for the export of a specified quantity of output.
Facilitates regional trade promotion, especially with neighbouring countries.

Source: IE

Directorate General of Foreign Trade FAQs

Q1: DGFT headquarters is located in?

Ans: New Delhi

Q2: DGFT functions under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Thadou Tribe

May 14, 2026

Thadou Tribe Latest News

Three Thadou Tribe Church Leaders were shot dead and several others injured after unidentified armed men ambushed their vehicles in Manipur's Kangpokpi district recently.

About Thadou Tribe

They are an indigenous people residing primarily in the State of Manipur in India, as well as in the surrounding regions encompassing parts of other Northeastern Indian States and neighbouring Myanmar.
In Manipur, they primarily live in the hill country adjacent to the Imphal Valley.
The Thadous are the second-largest tribe in Manipur, preceded only by the Meiteis, or Manipuris.
According to the 2011 census, the total Thadou population in Manipur was 190,595.
The Thadou share many cultural affinities with the many other tribal groups who live near them.
Thadous share a common culture with all the Chin-Kuki-Mizo community.
Language: The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of the Sino-Tibetan languages.
Thadou settlements are located in forests. Sites on the tops of ridges or just below ridges are preferred.
Villages are not arranged according to an established urban plan, and there is no marking of the perimeter of a village.
The village chief’s house is usually the largest dwelling within the village.
Outside it, there is a platform upon which men gather to discuss matters of importance and to mediate disputes.
Economy:
- They practice subsistence activities including animal domestication, cultivation, hunting, and fishing.
- Jhum (slash-and-burn) agriculture is predominant.
Religious Beliefs: The Thadou tribe traditionally practiced an animistic religion centered on nature spirits and a supreme god, Pathen, but today, almost all Thadou people are Christians.
Festival: The Hun-Thadou cultural festival is an annual celebration of this community, which is celebrated at the arrival of the New Year.

Source: NDTV

Thadou Tribe FAQs

Q1: Who are the Thadou Tribe?

Ans: The Thadou are an indigenous people residing primarily in the State of Manipur and nearby regions of Northeast India and Myanmar.

Q2: In which Indian state do the Thadou primarily reside?

Ans: The Thadou primarily reside in Manipur.

Q3: To which language family does the Thadou language belong?

Ans: The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of the Sino-Tibetan languages.

Q4: Which religion do most Thadou people follow today?

Ans: Most Thadou people today are Christians.

Coal Gasification

May 14, 2026

Coal Gasification Latest News

Recently, the cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore package to boost coal gasification.

About Coal Gasification

It is a thermo-chemical process that converts coal into syngas.
- A synthetic gas composed mainly of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapour (H₂O).
- Coal is reacted at high temperatures (1000–1400°C) with a controlled amount of oxygen and steam, producing syngas.

Process of Coal Gasification

Preparation: Coal is finely crushed to increase surface area.
Gasification reactor: The powdered coal is fed into a reactor with limited oxygen/air and steam.
Chemical reactions: Coal breaks down into syngas components due to partial oxidation.
Gas cleaning: Impurities like tar, sulfur, and dust are removed from raw syngas.

Benefits of coal Gasification

It can help address local pollution problems.
It is considered a cleaner option compared to the burning of coal.
It will help in reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia and other essential products.
It has the potential to alleviate the environmental burden by reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices.

Source: TH

Coal Gasification FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is the nodal ministry for National Coal Gasification Mission?

Ans: Ministry of Coal

Q2: Which is India’s first coal gasification-based urea plant?

Ans: Talcher Fertilizer Plant, Odisha

Palamu Tiger Reserve

May 14, 2026

Palamu Tiger Reserve Latest News

The maiden Human-Elephant Conflict Research Centre of the country will be set up at the Palamu Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand.

About Palamu Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand.
The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park.
It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at the inception of ‘Project Tiger’.
It is the first reserve in the world in which a tiger census was carried out as a pugmark count, as early as 1932 under the supervision of J.W. Nicholson.
Terrain: The terrain is undulating with valleys, hills, and plains. The geological formation consists of gneiss and includes granite and limestone.
Rivers: It is drained by three rivers, namely North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha, flowing through the valleys.
- The area is drought-prone, with Burha being the only perennial river.
Vegetation: The vegetation comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.
Flora: It mainly consists of Sal and bamboo as the major components.
Fauna: Some keystone and principal species found in the reserve include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Grey wolf, Wild dog, Gaur, Sloth bear and four horned antelope.

Source: ETV

Palamu Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Which National Park is located inside Palamu Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Betla National Park

Q2: Palamu Tiger Reserve is located in which state?

Ans: Jharkhand