UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 5 August 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 5 August 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 5 August 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Nitrosamines

August 5, 2026
Nitrosamines

Nitrosamines Latest News

Recently, it was observed that packaged foods, pharmaceuticals, industrial products and global supply chains contain chemicals known as nitrosamines. 

About Nitrosamines

  • Nitrosamines are organic compounds that contain alkyl and an aryl group with the following nitrogen and oxygen group: N–N=O.
  • It is formally named N-nitrosamines.
  • Formation
    • These compounds get formed when amines react with nitrites or nitrates (often found in preservatives, food additives or environmental sources) under specific conditions, such as acidic environment, heat and presence of oxidising agents.
    • Formation of nitrosamine in foods occurs either during preparation or storage, or in the stomach.
    • The concentration of nitrosamines tends to increase over time, and their formation is enhanced by high temperatures.
  • Human exposure to Nitrosamines
    • It can be through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact.
    • The other major sources of nitrosamines are contaminated water, pharmaceuticals and tobacco products. (One of the most concerning nitrosamines in water is NDMA (N nitrosodimethylamine).
  • Impact on Human Health:  These compounds have been linked to potential health risks, including cancer, even at very low concentrations over long-term exposure.

Source: DTE

Nitrosamines FAQs

Q1: What is the functional group present in Nitrosamines?

Ans: N-N=O

Q2: Nitrosamines are classified as what type of compounds?

Ans: Carcinogenic compounds

Pseudecheneis likimroensis

August 5, 2026
Pseudecheneis likimroensis

Pseudecheneis likimroensis Latest News

Recently, Pseudecheneis likimroensis, has been described from India’s north-eastern state of Nagaland. 

About Pseudecheneis likimroensis

  • It is a new catfish species found in Nagaland.
  • The species, named after the fast-flowing Likimro river, from which specimens have been collected so far.
  • It is locally known as “Nupedro” among the Chirr Naga community and is also referred to as “Jetfighter”.

Characteristics of Pseudecheneis likimroensis 

  • It belongs to a group of freshwater rheophilic catfishes adapted to life in swiftly flowing hill streams.
  • These fish exhibit remarkable adaptations, such as dorso-ventrally flattened bodies and specialised adhesive structures, enabling them to thrive in torrential environments.
  • Diet: The species is carnivorous in nature as it feeds on insects, larvae and other organisms found attached to rocks.
  • It often spawn in stretches of river which are shallow.

Key Facts about Likimro River

  • Origin: Likimro river originates around Nagaland’s highest peak, Mount Saramati.
  • It is a tributary of the Tizu river, flowing along the eastern Kiphire district.
  • Tizu River drains into the Brahmaputra River as it actually flows into Myanmar and joins the Chindwin River which in turn ultimately merges into the Irrawaddy river system.

Source: IM

Pseudecheneis likimroensis FAQs

Q1: What is Pseudecheneis likimroensis?

Ans: Catfish

Q2: Pseudecheneis likimroensis was discovered in which state?

Ans: Nagaland

Kazakhstan

August 5, 2026
Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Latest News

Recently, Chief Election Commissioner of India and Chairman of the Council of Member States of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) met Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to India, Azamat Yeskarayev, in New Delhi. 

About Kazakhstan

  • It is a transcontinental country with major parts in Central Asia and a small part in Eastern Europe. 
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by 5 nations; Russia in the north and west; China in the east; Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in the south.
  • Water Bodies: The Aral Sea is located along the southern border and the Caspian Sea is situated along the western border. 
  • Capital City: Astana

Geographical Features of Kazakhstan

  • Topography: It features lowlands, hilly plateaus, plains, low mountainous regions, and deserts.
  • Highest Point: The highest point is Mount Khan Tengri at 22,949 feet (6,995 meters)
  • Major Rivers: River Ural and Irtysh drains this country.
  • Mountains: Its main mountain ranges are Tien Shan Range and Altai mountains.
  • Grassland: Kazakh Steppe is the world's largest dry steppe region.
  • Natural Resources: It is the world’s leading producer of uranium.

Source: News On Air

Kazakhstan FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Kazakhstan?

Ans: Astana

Q2: Which sea is the largest inland water body touching Kazakhstan?

Ans: Caspian Sea

MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme

August 5, 2026
MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme

MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme Latest News

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is promoting quality-driven and environmentally sustainable manufacturing through the MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect, Zero Effect – ZED) Certification Scheme. 

About MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme

  • It aims to help MSMEs improve manufacturing processes, adopt higher quality standards and reduce their environmental footprint.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.
  • Features
    • A major focus of the initiative is encouraging women entrepreneurs, with the government providing a 100 per cent subsidy on the cost of ZED certification for women-owned MSMEs since November 11, 2023.
    • The ZED framework offers Bronze, Silver and Gold certifications, allowing MSMEs to progressively improve their quality and sustainability standards.
    • Eligible enterprises can avail financial assistance of up to 75 per cent of the cost of testing, system or product certification (up to ₹50,000),
    • ₹2 lakh for consultancy and handholding support, and ₹3 lakh for adopting cleaner technologies, pollution-control measures and Zero Effect solutions.
  • The scheme has also gained support across the country, with 22 States and Union Territories integrating ZED into their industrial policies and offering additional incentives to certified MSMEs. 

Source: DD News

MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme FAQs

Q1: MSME ZED Certification Scheme is launched by which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises

Q2: What is the main objective of ZED Scheme?

Ans: Quality manufacturing with minimal environmental impact

National Centre for Cell Science

August 5, 2026
National Centre for Cell Science

National Centre for Cell Science Latest News

A National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) study uncovers nearly 200 previously undocumented microbial strains, showing that a healthy gut is shaped by diet, geography, and lifestyle and why India needs its own microbiome map.

About National Centre for Cell Science 

  • It is an autonomous organisation aided by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
  • It was established to facilitate cell biology research in the country.
  • It is located on the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra. 
  • Origin: 
    • The institute traces its origin to the National Tissue Culture Facility (1986) and was established as the National Facility for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture Collection (NFATCC) in 1988. 
    • It was renamed National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) in 1996. 
  • The tripartite mandate of NCCS includes the following as its key functions: 
    • To serve as a National Cell Repository.
    • To perform basic research in cell biology.
    • Human resource development through teaching and training.
  • NCCS is engaged in cutting-edge research in the diverse areas of modern cell biology, broadly categorized as 
    • Cell Biology and Cancer Biology.
    • Structural Biology, Bioinformatics, and Omics.
    • Infectious diseases, Immunology, and Microbiology.
    • Neurobiology & Stem Cell Biology. 
  • The research addresses challenging health issues like cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and regenerative medicine through approaches that integrate modern and conventional disciplines. 
  • The institute hosts a National Cell Repository that maintains and distributes well-characterized animal cell lines to various colleges, universities, and research institutions in India at affordable costs.
  • NCCS hosts the DBT-funded National Centre for Microbial Research for collecting, identifying, preserving, and distributing microbial cultures from various ecological niches across the country. 
    • NCCS has the third-largest microbial collection in the world.

News: IE

National Centre for Cell Science FAQs

Q1: What is the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS)?

Ans: It is an autonomous organization aided by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Q2: Why was the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) established?

Ans: To facilitate cell biology research in the country.

Q3: Where is the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) located?

Ans: On the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra.

Q4: What is the primary role of the National Cell Repository at National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS)?

Ans: To serve as a National Cell Repository, conduct basic research in cell biology, and promote human resource development through teaching and training.

English Channel

August 5, 2026
English Channel

English Channel Latest News

French ​coastguards rescued ‌157 people from a ​boat ⁠carrying migrants that caught fire ‌in the English Channel ‌recently.

About English Channel

  • The English Channel, also known as the Channel, is a narrow arm of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • It separates the southern coast of England (part of Great Britain) from the northern coast of France. 
  • It is separated from the North Sea on the north by the Strait of Dover.  
  • The current name, “English Channel,” dates back to the 18th century. Before then, the English mostly referred to the waterway as a “Narrow Sea.”
  • The French refer to the Channel as “la Manche” because of its sleevelike shape.
  • It is about 563 km long and 246 km wide. Its narrowest part is the Strait of Dover, which is only 34 km wide.
  • With an area of some 75,000 sq.km., it is the smallest of the shallow seas covering the continental shelf of Europe.
  • Climate: Temperate maritime climate, with warm summers and cold winters. 
  • The main islands are the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands (a collection of islands including Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark).

Historical Importance English Channel

  • Served as a natural defensive barrier for Britain.
  • Played a crucial role during:
    • The Norman Conquest (1066)
    • The Napoleonic Wars
    • World War I
    • World War II, including the Dunkirk Evacuation (1940) and the Normandy Landings (1944).
  • It is one of the world’s busiest shipping areas. It accounts for up to 20% of the global maritime trade and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea.
  • Major Ports:
    • United Kingdom: Dover, Portsmouth, Southampton
    • France: Calais, Cherbourg, Le Havre
  • Channel Tunnel:
    • The Channel Tunnel (also called the Chunnel) is a rail tunnel beneath the English Channel connecting Folkestone in Kent, England, with Coquelles near Calais, France. 
    • The Channel Tunnel, 50 km long, consists of three tunnels: two for rail traffic and a central tunnel for services and security.  
    • It has the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world (37.8 km).
    • It is the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European mainland.

News: TH

English Channel FAQs

Q1: What is the English Channel?

Ans: The English Channel is a narrow arm of the Atlantic Ocean.

Q2: Which two countries are separated by the English Channel?

Ans: The United Kingdom and France.

Q3: Which sea is connected to the English Channel through the Strait of Dover?

Ans: The North Sea.

Q4: What type of climate does the English Channel region experience?

Ans: A temperate maritime climate.

African Swine Fever

August 5, 2026
African Swine Fever

African Swine Fever Latest News

Scientists at ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, recently developed India's first indigenous MA-104_Cell_Line-Based Live Attenuated African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine for pigs.

About African Swine Fever 

  • It is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar.
  • It is caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), a DNA virus from the Asfarviridae family. 
  • Characterised by high fever, haemorrhages, and mortality rates that may approach 100 percent, the disease has caused severe socio-economic losses to the global pig farming sector.  
  • The disease does not infect humans (not zoonotic) or other livestock species.

African Swine Fever Global Distribution

  • Originally found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, ASF is now prevalent in many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. 
  • India notified the first outbreak of the ASF virus in January 2020 in the Northeastern States of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Since its first detection in India, ASF has spread to several States and Union Territories. 

African Swine Fever Transmission

  • The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. 
  • It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages, or bacon. 
  • Therefore, human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this disease.
  • Infection can occur through direct contact between infected pigs or boars but also, for example, through soft ticks in (sub)tropical regions or through contaminated materials or contaminated feed.

African Swine Fever Symptoms

  • The clinical signs of ASF can vary but are similar to some other pig diseases. Signs typically occur 3-15 days after infection.
  • The early signs are non-specific and include:
    • High fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
    • Pigs may die suddenly without further disease signs.
  • At later stages, further signs may be observed including
    • Reddening of the skin (visible only in pale-skinned pigs), with patches appearing on the tips of ears, tail, feet, chest, or under the belly.
    • Diarrhoea, vomiting
    • Laboured breathing
    • Swollen red eyes, eye discharge
    • Abortions, still-births
    • Increasing morbidity and unwillingness to get up
  • In severe cases, death can sometimes be the only sign of infection.

African Swine Fever Treatment

Currently, there is no treatment available against ASF, so prevention by adopting strict biosecurity measures, such as culling the animals, is the only way to prevent ASF.

African Swine Fever Prevention

  • A couple of commercially licensed ASF vaccines are available in Vietnam.  
  • ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, recently developed India's first indigenous MA-104_Cell_Line-Based Live Attenuated ASF vaccine for pigs.

News: PIB

African Swine Fever FAQ's

Q1: What is African Swine Fever (ASF)?

Ans: African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar.

Q2: Which virus causes African Swine Fever?

Ans: African Swine Fever is caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV).

Q3: Is African Swine Fever a zoonotic disease?

Ans: No. ASF is not a zoonotic disease and does not infect humans.

Q4: What is the mortality rate of African Swine Fever?

Ans: The mortality rate can approach 100%.

Q5: How does African Swine Fever spread?

Ans: It spreads through direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated feed and materials, pork products, and soft ticks in some regions.

Rhine River

August 5, 2026
Rhine River

Rhine River Latest News

The water levels in the Rhine River, a major highway for European freight traffic, recently sank below the record set in October 2018.

About Rhine River

  • It is a river and waterway of Western Europe. 
  • It is the 12th longest river in Europe and the longest in Western Europe.
  • It is called different names depending on the country it flows through. It is called Rhein in Germany, Rhine in France, and Rijn in the Netherlands.
  • Course: 
    • Origin: In the Alps of eastern Switzerland, two mountain streams run together to form the Rhine. 
    • It flows through six countries–Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam, Netherlands.
    • The Rhine forms a natural border between Germany and France.
  • Total Length: 1,232 km
  • The river drains an area of about 185,000 sq.km. 
  • The Rhine, alongside the Danube, formed the Roman Empire’s northern inland frontier.
  • The Rhine served as a formidable German border during World War II, a defensive barrier to Allied troops.
  • Tributaries: Some of the notable tributaries include Aare, Tamina, Moselle, Erft, Rein da Tuma, Plessur, Rotach, and Wiese.
  • The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen in Switzerland is Europe's largest waterfall, 150 meters wide and 23 meters high.  
  • The Upper Middle Rhine Valley in Germany is famous for its castles, vineyards, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. 
  • The river basin is home to around 58 million people, passing densely populated regions.
  • The major cities along the Rhine include Basel (Switzerland), Cologne, Bonn, Duisburg, Mainz, Leverkusen, and Neuss (Germany), Strasbourg (France), and Rotterdam and Utrecht (Netherlands).
  • It is Europe’s most important commercial waterway, channeling the flow of trade among Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
  • It facilitates industrial transportation and supports industrial production, with about 20% of the world’s chemical industries manufacturing along the river.

News: IE

Rhine River FAQs

Q1: Which is the longest river in Western Europe?

Ans: The Rhine River.

Q2: Where does the Rhine River originate?

Ans: It originates in the Alps of eastern Switzerland.

Q3: Into which sea does the Rhine River drain?

Ans: The North Sea.

Q4: Which countries does the Rhine River flow through?

Ans: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Q5: What is the total length of the Rhine River?

Ans: 1,232 km.

Clouded Leopard

August 5, 2026
Clouded Leopard

Clouded Leopard Latest News

Recently, on the occasion of International Clouded Leopard Day, India has reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of one of Asia’s most elusive wild cats through the newly launched Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP).  

About Clouded Leopard

  • It is a wild cat inhabiting dense forests of the Himalayas through mainland Southeast Asia into South China.
  • There are two species of clouded leopards:
    • The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), found on the mainland of southeastern Asia, and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
  • Distribution
    • It is found from Nepal, Bangladesh, and India through Indochina to Sumatra and Borneo, and northeastward to southern China.
    • In India, it is found in Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Habitat
    • They prefer to live in lowland tropical rainforests. 
    • However, they can also be found in dry woodlands and secondary forests, and in Borneo.
  • Features
    • It is named after the distinctive ‘clouds’ on its coat – ellipses partially edged in black, with the insides a darker colour than the background colour of the pelt.
    • It has an exceptionally long tail for balancing, which can be as long as the body itself, thick with black ring markings.
    • They are arboreal and nocturnal inhabitants.
  • Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Key Facts about Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan

  • It is prepared under the Government of India–GEF–UNDP initiative.
  • It provides a comprehensive framework for securing habitats, restoring forest connectivity, strengthening scientific monitoring and empowering local communities for conservation of the species.
  • Key components: Identification of 14 priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India, along with landscape-scale habitat restoration and corridor conservation to strengthen connectivity between forest habitats.
  • The CAP provides for standardised scientific monitoring through camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetics and environmental DNA (eDNA).
  • It also encourages transboundary cooperation with neighbouring range countries for coordinated conservation of the species across its range.

Source: PIB

Clouded Leopard FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of Clouded Leopard?

Ans: Neofelis nebulosa

Q2: What is the IUCN Red List status of Clouded Leopard?

Ans: Vulnerable

Asan Conservation Reserve

August 5, 2026
Asan Conservation Reserve

Asan Conservation Reserve Latest News

The Supreme Court recently clarified that a direction banning mining activities within a 10 km radius of the Asan wetland conservation reserve, a Ramsar site in Uttarakhand, would apply to other wetland conservation reserves across the country for the sake of parity.

About Asan Conservation Reserve

  • It is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. 
  • Spanning 444.4 ha, it is situated at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna Rivers. 
  • The Asan River, unlike other rivers which flow north to south, flows in a west to east direction.
  • The reserve comprises the Asan Barrage and the wetland formed by damming the Asan River in 1967.
  • The barrage created a freshwater reservoir with habitats ideal for migratory and resident birds.
  • It was declared a Conservation Reserve in 2005 under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • It was declared a Ramsar site in 2020. It is the first Ramsar site in Uttarakhand. 
  • It is also listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS and BirdLife International) and is popular for sightings of native and migratory birds. 
  • This biodiverse wetland lies strategically along the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a critical habitat for numerous migratory and resident species. 
  • It is home to 330 species of birds, including critically endangered-white-rumped vulture, Baer’s pochard; endangered-Egyptian vulture, steppe eagle, black-bellied tern; and vulnerable-marbled teal, common pochard, Indian spotted eagle, etc.
  • The wetland is especially known for hosting large flocks of ruddy shelduck during winter. 
  • Beyond avifauna, the reserve supports a rich biological diversity with 78 invertebrate species, 49 fish species, 4 amphibians, 1 reptile, and 20 mammal species. 
  • Among the fish, the endangered golden mahseer (Tor putitora) is particularly significant, as the wetland functions as an important feeding, migration, and spawning site.

News: TH

Asan Conservation Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is the Asan Conservation Reserve located?

Ans: In the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.

Q2: At the confluence of which two rivers is the Asan Conservation Reserve situated?

Ans: The Asan River and the Yamuna River.

Q3: What are the main components of the Asan Conservation Reserve?

Ans: The Asan Barrage and the wetland formed by damming the Asan River.

Q4: Which was the first Ramsar Site in Uttarakhand?

Ans: Asan Conservation Reserve.

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