UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 3 July 2026

Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2025

July 3, 2026

Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2025 Latest News

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently released several critical publications, notably Animal Discoveries–2025 and Plant Discoveries–2025, during the 111th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.

About Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2025

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), the country’s premier institution for faunal exploration and research, publishes Animal Discoveries every year detailing the new discoveries of fauna.
Similarly, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), the country’s premier organisation for plant research and taxonomy, publishes Plant Discoveries every year detailing the new discoveries of flora.

Highlights of Animal Discoveries 2025

India added 709 new species to its fauna in 2025, which includes 483 species new to science and 226 species recorded for the first time in India.
India's total faunal biodiversity now reaches 105,953 species, reinforcing its position as a global megadiverse nation.
Among the states, Kerala recorded the highest number of new species (98), followed by West Bengal (76), Karnataka (67), and Arunachal Pradesh (65).
Among the animal groups added to the country’s fauna Hymenoptera contributed the highest number of additions (106), followed by Lepidoptera (65), Diptera (64), Arachnida (64), Coleoptera (55), and Pisces (50), reflecting the remarkable diversity and continuing discovery of India’s invertebrate fauna.
Among the crucial fauna discovered in 2025 are
- Myotis himalaicus, a new species of Himayalan bat.
- Ptyctolaemus namdaphaensis and Ptyctolaemu siangensis are two newly discovered species of green fan-throated lizard from Arunachal Pradesh.
- Lycodon irwini, a species commonly known as Irwin’s wolf snake, discovered on the remote Great Nicobar Island.

Highlights of Plant Discoveries 2025

It records the addition of 353 taxa to the country’s floral inventory, comprising 339 species and 14 infraspecific taxa.
Of these, 221 taxa have been described as new to science, while 132 taxa represent new distributional records for India.
Among the states, Arunachal Pradesh emerged as the leading contributor with 49 discoveries, followed by Uttarakhand (39) and Kerala (37).
Nearly 64 percent of all newly documented taxa were recorded from the Himalayan region, the Western Ghats, and the North-Eastern states.
It documents 154 angiosperms, three pteridophytes, 13 bryophytes, 62 lichens, 93 fungi, 22 algae, and six microbes.
Approximately 43% of the newly described taxa belong to vascular plants.
Among the most notable discoveries are several wild relatives of economically and ecologically significant plant groups, including Begonia, Impatiens (balsams), legumes, and orchids.
Among the crucial plants discovered are,
- Polystichum siangense, a recently discovered species of fern belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae, found in the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Miliusa beddomei, a new wild member of the custard apple family discovered in the Western Ghats.
- Hericium indicum, a recently discovered species of wild edible tooth fungus in Uttarakhand.

News: AIMA

Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2025 FAQ's

Q1: How many new animal species were discovered in India in 2025?

Ans: 483 species.

Q2: Which Indian state recorded the highest number of new animal species in 2025?

Ans: Kerala.

Q3: How many taxa were added to India's floral inventory in 2025?

Ans: 353 taxa.

Q4: Which state recorded the highest number of plant discoveries in 2025?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh.

Caspian Cobra

July 3, 2026

Caspian Cobra Latest News

In an intriguing development with respect to wildlife, a rare Caspian Cobra has been recently spotted in the Upper Forest Range of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.

About Caspian Cobra

The Caspian cobra, also called the Central Asian cobra, ladle snake, Oxus cobra, or Russian cobra, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.
It is the most venomous cobra in the world.
Scientific Name: Naja oxiana

Caspian Cobra Habitat and Distribution

It is native to Central Asia.
It is found in parts of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the Fergana Valley, north and east Afghanistan, northeastern Iran, the northern half of Pakistan from the Kashmir region east to the state of Himachal Pradesh in India, and in southwestern Tajikistan.
It thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky hillsides and scrublands.

Caspian Cobra Features

It averages 1-1.2 metres, with a maximum known length of 175 cm, making it slightly shorter than the Indian cobra (max 2.2 metres).
Its body is slender, uniformly thick from head to midbody, and ends with a medium-length tail.
It has long cervical ribs capable of expansion to form a hood. It has no hood marking, just a plain colour instead.
When threatened, it will spread its hood to appear larger and more intimidating.
Its coloration can vary from light brown to dark brown or even black, sometimes with a faint banding pattern.
The belly is usually lighter, ranging from cream to light yellow.
Its head is large, as broad as the neck, and has a rounded snout.

Caspian Cobra Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Near Threatened' under the IUCN Red List.

News: ETVB

Caspian Cobra FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Caspian cobra?

Ans: Naja oxiana.

Q2: Which is considered the most venomous cobra in the world?

Ans: Caspian cobra (Naja oxiana).

Q3: To which region is the Caspian cobra native?

Ans: Central Asia.

Q4: Which type of habitat is preferred by the Caspian cobra?

Ans: Arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky hillsides and scrublands.

Q5: What is the IUCN Red List status of the Caspian cobra?

Ans: Near Threatened.

INS Trikand

July 3, 2026

INS Trikand Latest News

Indian Navy warship INS Trikand thwarted a piracy attempt in the Gulf of Aden recently as pirates fled when it approached a bulk carrier.

About INS Trikand

It is a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy.
It is the third and final ship of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates ordered by the Indian Navy.
It was built by the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29 June 2013 at Kaliningrad, Russia.
It is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and operates under the Western Naval Command headquartered at Mumbai.

INS Trikand Features

It is a 4,035-ton warship measuring nearly 125 meters long, with a crew of 180, including 18 officers.
It is powered by four gas turbines and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
Armory: It carries a supersonic BRAHMOS missile system; advanced surface-to-air missiles, Shtil; an upgraded A190 medium-range gun; electro-optical 30 mm close-in weapon system; anti-submarine weapons such as torpedoes and rockets; and an advanced electronic warfare system.
The weapons and sensors are integrated through a Combat Management System, ‘Trebovanie-M’, which enables the ship to simultaneously neutralise multiple surface, sub-surface, and air threats.
The ship also incorporates innovative features to reduce radar, magnetic, and acoustic signatures, which have earned this class of ships the sobriquet of ‘Stealth’ frigates.
The ship can carry an integrated Kamov 31 helicopter, which is best suited for airborne early warning roles.

News: DH

INS Trikand FAQs

Q1: What is INS Trikand?

Ans: A frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy.

Q2: To which class of warships does INS Trikand belong?

Ans: Talwar-class frigates.

Q3: Where was INS Trikand built?

Ans: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.

Q4: When was INS Trikand commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Ans: 29 June 2013.

Q5: Which fleet of the Indian Navy does INS Trikand belong to?

Ans: The Western Fleet.

Marburg Virus Disease

July 3, 2026

Marburg Virus Disease Latest News

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Uganda.

About Marburg Virus Disease

MVD, formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus.
The Marburg virus is a zoonotic virus that belongs to the Filoviridae family (filovirus), the same group of viruses that includes Ebola.
It is a rare disease that occurs in humans and non-human primates (chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys).
It is named for the German city where scientists became ill with the disease's first known cases in 1967 while handling monkeys imported from Africa.
The Marburg virus is most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Marburg Virus Disease Transmission

The Marburg virus is naturally carried by Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which serve as its primary reservoir.
People usually become infected after prolonged exposure to bat-inhabited caves or mines.
Once a human is infected, the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, faeces, and other bodily fluids of an infected person.
It can also spread through contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing or medical equipment that have come into contact with infected bodily fluids.
Unlike some respiratory viruses, Marburg is not airborne and does not spread through casual contact.
Transmission requires direct exposure to infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

Marburg Virus Disease Symptoms

People with Marburg usually start getting sick 2-21 days after they are infected with the virus.
Initial symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Rash with both flat and raised bumps, often on the torso
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
As the disease advances, symptoms can become more severe, including liver failure, delirium, shock, bleeding (hemorrhaging), and multi-organ dysfunction.
In severe cases, death generally occurs between eight and nine days after the onset of symptoms, primarily due to massive blood loss, multi-organ failure, and circulatory shock.
The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks.

Marburg Virus Disease Treatment

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD.
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting patients through the course of the disease.
Patients are typically hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids and electrolytes to maintain hydration and pain relief medication.

News: N18

Marburg Virus Disease FAQs

Q1: What is Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)?

Ans: A severe, often fatal viral disease caused by the Marburg virus.

Q2: To which virus family does the Marburg virus belong?

Ans: It belongs to the Filoviridae family (filovirus), the same group of viruses that includes Ebola.

Q3: Which animal serves as the natural reservoir of the Marburg virus?

Ans: Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Q4: What is the average case fatality rate of Marburg Virus Disease?

Ans: Around 50%.

Q5: Is there a specific antiviral treatment for Marburg Virus Disease?

Ans: No.

Hul Diwas

July 3, 2026

Hul Diwas Latest News

Recently, the state of Jharkhand celebrated Hul Diwas to honour Santhal revolutionaries.

About Hul Diwas

It is observed every year on 30th June to commemorate the Santhal Rebellion of 1855.
In the Santhali language, the term “Hul” means revolution, uprising, or resistance.
It is a day of cultural pride, remembrance, and resistance for the tribal communities of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar.

Key Facts about Santal Uprising

Santal Rebellion was one of the first tribal uprisings against British colonial rule and the feudal-zamindari system.
The movement was initiated by the Santhal tribe, primarily led by Sidho Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, with the support of thousands of tribal men and women.
The rebellion began on 30th June 1855 in Bhognadih village, located in present-day Sahibganj district of Jharkhand.
It quickly spread across parts of present-day Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. The rebellion lasted until January 3, 1856.
Leaders
- Brothers Sidho Murmu and Kanhu Murmu (main leaders)
- Their sisters: Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu, who also took part in armed resistance
Reasons for Santal Uprising
- Land alienation: Santhals were displaced from their ancestral lands by outsiders.
- Economic exploitation: Local moneylenders, zamindars, and British agents imposed harsh taxes and usurious loans.
- Loss of tribal autonomy and interference in their traditional governance and justice systems.
- British apathy to tribal grievances and increasing oppression.
Impact: The Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876 (SPT Act) enacted by the British, which prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands (urban or rural land) to non-Adivasis, was the result of the Hul.

Source: News On Air

Hul Diwas FAQs

Q1: What key Acts were passed after the Santhal Rebellion?

Ans: Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1876

Q2: Who were the main leaders of the Santhal Hul?

Ans: Sidho Murmu & Kanhu Murmu

Trimbakeshwar Temple

July 3, 2026

Trimbakeshwar Temple Latest News

A unique Shivling—which has remained hidden for centuries—has been discovered from the Amrit Kund inside the Trimbakeshwar Temple complex in the Nashik district of Maharashtra recently.

About Trimbakeshwar Temple

It is an ancient and historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is located in Trimbak village in the Nasik district of Maharashtra.
It lies near the mountain named Brahamagiri, from which the river Godavari flows.
It is one of twelve famous Jyotirlingas in India.
The spiritual history of the Trimbakeshwar Temple dates back many centuries and is mentioned in sacred texts such as the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and Padma Purana.
The present temple structure was constructed by the third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760), on the site of an old temple.

Trimbakeshwar Temple Architecture

The temple is constructed in the Hemadpanthi style, a traditional architectural form known for its strength, symmetry, and minimal use of mortar.
It is built entirely from black basalt stone.
Its walls and tower (shikhara) have many small carvings.
The courtyard is wide, and small shrines line the outer walls.
The sanctum houses the three-faced Jyotirlinga, which is adorned with a dazzling jewelled crown, believed to be from the Pandava era.
Within the temple premises lies the Kushavarta Kund, a sacred pond regarded as the origin of the Godavari River.

News: DH

Trimbakeshwar Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is the Trimbakeshwar Temple located?

Ans: Trimbak village in Nashik district, Maharashtra.

Q2: Near which mountain is the Trimbakeshwar Temple situated?

Ans: Brahmagiri Mountain.

Q3: Which major river originates near the Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Ans: The Godavari River.

Q4: Who built the present structure of the Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Ans: Peshwa Balaji Bajirao.

Q5: In which architectural style is the Trimbakeshwar Temple built?

Ans: It is constructed in the Hemadpanthi style, a traditional architectural form known for its strength, symmetry, and minimal use of mortar.

eSARAS Platform

July 3, 2026

eSARAS Platform Latest News

eSARAS platform has significantly expanded its reach over the years and more than 8.62 crore women Self-Help Group members now have access to a digital storefront through eSARAS.

About eSARAS Platform

It is developed by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
eSARAS is the official online marketplace built exclusively for products made by women Self-Help Groups and their federations.
It has emerged as a flagship initiative that combines Digital India’s technological framework with grassroots entrepreneurship.
The platform lists local products across major categories:
- Home and Living
- Women's Apparel and Accessories
- Men's Apparel and Accessories
- Personal Care
- Food Items
- Kids Toys & Accessories

Features of eSARAS Platform

It enabled artisans to sell directly to consumers without relying on multiple intermediaries.
It is integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and UMANG platform.
To cater to institutional and corporate buyers, the Ministry has introduced the premium “SARAS Shakti Collection”, a curated range of products.
Significance: It is positioning India’s rural artisans to compete in larger markets without losing the authenticity of their craft.

Source: PIB

eSARAS Platform FAQs

Q1: Who developed the eSARAS portal?

Ans: Digital India Corporation under MoRD with National Rural Livelihoods Mission

Q2: What is the main purpose of eSARAS app?

Ans: E-commerce platform for marketing handicrafts & handlooms made by women of Self Help Groups (SHGs)

Marine Products Export Development Authority

July 3, 2026

Marine Products Export Development Authority Latest News

Recently, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) concluded the second edition of the National Skill Olympiad on Seafood Value Addition which was held during Seafood Expo Bharat 2026 in Kochi.

About Marine Products Export Development Authority

It is a statutory body entrusted with the primary task of promotion of export of marine products.
History: It was set up by an act of Parliament during 1972. The erstwhile Marine Products Export Promotion Council established by the Government of India in September, 1961 was converged into MPEDA on 24th August, 1972.
Functions
- Developing and regulating off-shore and deep-sea fishing and undertaking measures for the conservation and management of off-shore and deep-sea fisheries;
- Registering fishing vessels, processing plants or storage premises for marine products and conveyances used for the transport of marine products; fixing of standards and specifications for marine products for purposes of export;
- Regulating the export of marine products; registering of exporters of marine products on payment of such fees as may be prescribed;
It has set up five full-fledged Quality Control Laboratories, at Kochi, Nellore & Bhimavaram, Bhubaneshwar and Porbandar.
In order to reach out to the exporters in different parts of the Country, it has set up 18 – Regional / Sub Regional Divisions / Desk offices.
Headquarter: Kochi, Kerala
It has Trade Promotion offices at New Delhi, Tokyo and New York.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Source: PIB

Marine Products Export Development Authority FAQs

Q1: Which Ministry is the nodal Ministry for MPEDA?

Ans: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Q2: Where is MPEDA headquartered?

Ans: Kochi, Kerala

Vikram-I Rocket

July 3, 2026

Vikram-1 Rocket Latest News

India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket is all set for its maiden launch.

About Vikram-1 Rocket

It is India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
It is developed by Skyroot Aerospace.

Features of Vikram-1 Rocket

Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle.
Stages: It has four stages and the first three stages are solid-fuelled, providing robust initial thrust, topped by a hypergolic liquid upper stage for precise orbital adjustments.
- Stage 4 uses a cluster of four Raman engines. These are hypergolic engines, (meaning they ignite instantly when two chemicals, MMH fuel and NTO oxidiser, come into contact).
It is built with an all-carbon composite structure, and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters.
Carrying Capacity: It is designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 260 kg into a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
Design: The design emphasises simplicity, reliability, and the ability to launch within 24 hours from any location.
It is built to target the small-satellite segment and is capable of placing multiple satellites into orbit in a single mission.
Innovation: Other key innovations include, ultra-low-shock pneumatic separation systems, and advanced avionics for real-time guidance

Source: TH

Vikram-1 Rocket FAQs

Q1: What material is used in Vikram-1’s structure?

Ans: All-carbon composite structure for lightweight strength

Q2: What is the name of Vikram-1’s maiden orbital test flight?

Ans: Mission Aagaman

International Renewable Energy Agency

July 3, 2026

International Renewable Energy Agency Latest News

According to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) , renewable energy projects commissioned in 2025 helped avoid an estimated $480 billion in fossil fuel costs globally.

About International Renewable Energy Agency

It is an intergovernmental organisation that was founded in 2009 to support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.
Mandate: It serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.
Member countries: It has 170 Members (169 States and the European Union). India is also one of the founder members of IRENA.
Headquarter: Its headquarter is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Governance of International Renewable Energy Agency

Assembly: It is IRENA’s ultimate decision-making authority, made up of one representative from each Member.
Council: It is composed of 21 Member States elected for a two-year term and is accountable to the Assembly.
Council members serve on a rotating basis to ensure the effective participation of both developing and developed countries and a fair and equitable geographical distribution.
Secretariat: It comprises the Director-General and his staff, provides administrative and technical support to the Assembly, the Council and their subsidiary bodies.
It is an official United Nations observer.

Source: DTE

International Renewable Energy Agency FAQs

Q1: What is IRENA’s status with the United Nations?

Ans: Official UN observer

Q2: What is IRENA’s unique mandate?

Ans: World’s only intergovernmental organisation dedicated exclusively to renewable energy