UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 6 August 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 6 August 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 6 August 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Blood Falls

August 6, 2026
Blood Falls

Blood Falls Latest News

Salty water flowing through Antarctica's Blood Falls contains a distinct community of marine-specific microorganisms, providing evidence that the brine system beneath the glacier has a marine origin.

About Blood Falls

  • It is a bright red waterfall flowing through Antarctica’s icy landscape.
  • It is located at the edge of the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica, where it appears as if blood falls from the mountains made of glaciers.
  • What makes it red?
    • The water that flows from Blood Falls comes from an underground reservoir trapped inside the glacier and contains large amounts of iron and salt.
    • Tiny cracks and fractures within the glacier provide natural pathways through which iron-enriched salt water can move up.  
    • Once the water reaches the surface and gets in touch with the oxygen of the atmosphere, iron reacts with oxygen and turns into rust.
  • Why isn't the water frozen?
    • The most mysterious thing about Blood Falls is why liquid water exists in such an extremely cold area. 
    • It turned out that the water is incredibly salty, several times more than the sea water.
    • It prevents the water from freezing because of the low freezing point due to the high concentration of salts.

Recent Findings

  • Microbes in the Blood Falls suggest the brine is composed of ancient seawater that was trapped in a pool beneath the glacier when ocean levels fell and the glacier advanced. 
  • However, it's unclear exactly when that happened.

News: PHYS

Blood Falls FAQs

Q1: What is Blood Falls?

Ans: Blood Falls is a bright red waterfall flowing from the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica.

Q2: Why is Blood Falls red in colour?

Ans: Because iron-rich water reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust).

Q3: What is the source of the water flowing from Blood Falls?

Ans: An underground reservoir of iron-rich, saline water trapped beneath the glacier.

Q4: Why does the water of Blood Falls remain in liquid form despite Antarctica's freezing temperatures?

Ans: Because it is extremely salty, which lowers its freezing point.

Pigeonpea

August 6, 2026
Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea Latest News

Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India's first fully annotated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) variety 'Asha'. 

About Pigeonpea

  • It is popularly known as ‘Arhar’ or ‘Tur’.
  • It is one of India's most important pulse crops and a major source of dietary protein.
  • It is a legume crop and protein-rich food which is primarily consumed as dal in India.
  • It is predominantly a crop of tropical areas mainly cultivated in semi-arid regions of India.
  • Required Climatic conditions
    • Rain: It requires 600-650mm of annual rainfall along with moist conditions for the initial eight weeks and dry conditions during its flowering and pod development phase.
    • Temperature: It can be grown with a temperature ranging from 26 to 30 degree Celsius in the rainy season and 17 to 22 degree Celsius in the post rainy (November to March) season.
    • Soil: It can be grown on all types of soil, however, sandy loam or loam soil is most suitable for its cultivation.
    • It is very sensitive to low radiation at pod development, therefore flowering during the monsoon and cloudy weather, leads to poor pod formation.
    • It is commonly intercropped with a wide range of crops.
  • Diseases: The important diseases of Pigeon pea are Wilt, Sterility mosaic disease, Phytophthora blight, Alternaria blight and Powdery mildew etc.
  • Health benefits: It has low glycaemic index and is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium
  • Major Pigeon pea producing states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand.

Source: PIB

Pigeonpea FAQs

Q1: Which country is the largest producer of Pigeonpea in the world?

Ans: India

Q2: Pigeonpea commonly known as Tur belongs to which family?

Ans: Fabaceae

HYDERACENE

August 6, 2026
HYDERACENE

HYDERACENE Latest News

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) recently secured an Indian patent for HYDERACENE, a dual-action material designed specifically for rocket propellants and high-performance defence applications.

About HYDERACENE

  • It is a novel polymer-based material developed for use in solid rocket propellants for defence and space applications. 
  • The innovation was developed by Mutyalanaidu Ganivada, Sourav Jana, and Tushar Jana of the School of Chemistry, with the University of Hyderabad as the patentee. 
  • The patented material, formally described as Ferrocene Polyethylene Glycidyl Grafted Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene, was synthesised using ring-opening polymerisation.
  • Why is this Innovation Significant?
    • In conventional solid rocket propellants, two critical components are required:
      • The Binder: A glue-like polymer that holds all active fuel components together while providing structural integrity.
      • The Catalyst: A specialized chemical additive that speeds up and controls the burning rate of the propellant.
    • Traditionally, these are two separate materials. HYDERACENE acts as both at the same time—a polymer binder-cum-catalyst. 
    • This improves long-term stability by preventing the catalyst from separating from the binder over time and enables more controlled and efficient combustion in solid rocket motors. 
    • Hyderacene has also been developed as an indigenous alternative to Butacene, a commercially used material in aerospace and defence applications.
      • BUTACENE is largely imported from European countries. 
  • Named after the city of Hyderabad, the patented material is designed for use in high-performance rocket propellants and other advanced defence applications requiring controlled burn rates and improved propulsion efficiency.

News: NIE

HYDERACENE FAQs

Q1: What is HYDERACENE?

Ans: HYDERACENE is a novel polymer-based material developed for use in solid rocket propellants for defence and space applications.

Q2: Which institution developed HYDERACENE?

Ans: The University of Hyderabad.

Q3: What makes HYDERACENE unique compared to conventional rocket propellant materials?

Ans: It functions as both a binder and a catalyst.

Q4: How does HYDERACENE improve the stability of solid rocket propellants?

Ans: It enables more controlled and efficient combustion in solid rocket motors.

Q5: HYDERACENE has been developed as an indigenous alternative to which imported material?

Ans: BUTACENE.

Hexavalent Vaccine

August 6, 2026
Hexavalent Vaccine

Hexavalent Vaccine Latest News

Introducing the hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccine into India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) could improve the efficiency of the country’s childhood immunisation programme, according to a recent study conducted by the Union Health Ministry.

About Hexavalent Vaccine

  • It is a combination vaccine that protects infants against six different diseases with a single injection. 
  • It combines six different antigens through special manufacturing processes. 
  • The hexavalent vaccine protects against: 
    • Diphtheria
    • Tetanus
    • Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
    • Hepatitis B
    • Polio
    • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections
  • Hexavalent vaccine could deliver several benefits, including:
    • Fewer injections for infants, making vaccination more convenient for children and caregivers.
    • Lower cold-chain storage requirements.
    • Reduced use of syringes and other vaccination supplies.
    • Less time spent by Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) administering vaccines and maintaining records.
    • Lower workload for cold-chain handlers and vaccine managers.
    • Time savings for parents and caregivers during immunisation visits.

News: TH

Hexavalent Vaccine FAQs

Q1: What is a Hexavalent Vaccine?

Ans: A combination vaccine that protects infants against six different diseases with a single injection.

Q2: Which six diseases are prevented by the Hexavalent Vaccine?

Ans: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Hepatitis B, Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections.

Q3: What is the major advantage of the Hexavalent Vaccine for infants?

Ans: It provides protection against six diseases with fewer injections.

Q4: How does the Hexavalent Vaccine benefit parents and caregivers?

Ans: It reduces the number of immunisation visits and saves time.

Hippocampus amandavincentae

August 6, 2026
Hippocampus amandavincentae

Hippocampus amandavincentae Latest News

Scientific studies recently identified a new species of seahorse named Hippocampus amandavincentae, which was previously misidentified as Hippocampus histrix.

About Hippocampus amandavincentae

  • It is a new species of seahorse.
  • It was recorded off the southwest coast of Kerala. 
  • This discovery has made a total of 5 seahorse species discovered from the Kerala coast.

What is a Seahorse?

  • A seahorse is a marine fish belonging to the genus Hippocampus and related to pipefishes.  
  • There are at least 50 species of seahorses. 
  • Distribution: They are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. 
  • Habitat: 
    • Typically found in shallow waters with abundant vegetation such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and estuaries. 
    • They are usually found clinging to plants or corals with their tails.  
  • They are unique in appearance, with their horselike head, prehensile tail, independently moving eyes, and brood pouch.  
  • They have long, tubular snouts and small, toothless mouths. 
  • Their bodies are covered with consecutive rings of bony plates. 
  • Seahorses vary in size, ranging in length from about 2 to 35 cm.
  • Seahorses are rather immobile, swimming more slowly than other fishes.
  • When swimming they maintain a vertical position and propel themselves forward using a soft-rayed dorsal fin. They use pectoral fins located on the side of the head to maneuver. 
  • To move up and down, they adjust the volume of air in a tiny pocket inside their body, called a ‘swim bladder’. 
  • Experts in camouflage, they can change color to blend into their surroundings and avoid danger. 
  • They are carnivores. They eat small crustaceans and invertebrates.

News: TH

Hippocampus amandavincentae FAQs

Q1: What is Hippocampus amandavincentae?

Ans: It is a new species of seahorse.

Q2: Where was Hippocampus amandavincentae discovered?

Ans: Off the southwest coast of Kerala.

Q3: What is a seahorse?

Ans: A seahorse is a marine fish belonging to the genus Hippocampus.

Q4: Which fishes are closely related to seahorses?

Ans: Pipefishes.

Q5: What are the preferred habitats of seahorses?

Ans: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and estuaries.

Lesotho

August 6, 2026
Lesotho

Lesotho Latest News

Recently, India and Lesotho reviewed the full spectrum of their bilateral relationship during the sixth meeting of the India-Lesotho Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) held in New Delhi. 

About Lesotho 

  • Location: It is an enclaved nation that is located within the territory of South Africa.
  • Capital City: Maseru.

Geographical Features of Lesotho

  • Climate: Mountainous Lesotho has a temperate climate. 
    • It is located on the plateau of Southern Africa, with altitudes ranging from 1400 to 3480 m above sea level exposing it to both the influences of the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, with differences in temperatures.
  • Mountains: Drakensberg Range and Maloti ranges.
  • It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1400 m in elevation.
  • Highest Point: Thabana Ntlenyana
  • Rivers: The Orange River at about 2,100 km in length is one of the longest rivers in Africa which rises in the Lesotho Highlands as the Sinqu River.

Source: DD News

Lesotho FAQs

Q1: Lesotho is completely surrounded by which country?

Ans: South Africa

Q2: What is the Capital of Lesotho?

Ans: Maseru

Jeevan Raksha Padak

August 6, 2026
Jeevan Raksha Padak

Jeevan Raksha Padak Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highway conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on 12 rat miners in recognition of their exceptional courage and selfless service during the Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation.  

About Jeevan Raksha Padak

  • It is conferred on individuals who undertake life-saving efforts during incidents such as drowning, fire accidents, electrocution, natural calamities including landslides, animal attacks, and rescue operations in mines.
  • Categories: The Jeevan Raksha Padak series comprises three categories.
    • Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: It is awarded for conspicuous courage in saving life under circumstances of very great danger to the rescuer.
    • Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: It is conferred for courage and promptitude in saving life under conditions of great danger.
    • Jeevan Raksha Padak: It is awarded for courage and promptitude in life-saving acts where the rescuer sustains grievous bodily injury.

Eligibility for Jeevan Raksha Padak 

  • The awards are open to individuals from all walks of life.
  • Members of the Armed Forces, Police Forces and recognised Fire Services are also eligible, provided the act of bravery is performed beyond the call of normal duty.
  • Personnel of Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations are also eligible under the revised framework.
  • It is presented to the awardees by the respective Union Ministries/Organizations/State Government to which the awardee belongs.

Features of Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards

  • Its nominations are invited annually from States/UTs and Union Ministries.
  • The recommendations of the award are considered by the Awards Committee within a period of two calendar years from the date of performance of the act.
  • Final approval is given by the Prime Minister and the President of India.
  • Award: The decoration of the award consists of a Medal, Certificate, along with a one-time monetary allowance: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (₹2 lakh), Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padam (₹1.5 lakh) and Jeevan Raksha (₹1 lakh).
  • No other facility/benefit in terms of any concession in Railways, Airfare etc. is provided by the Government.

Source: PIB

Jeevan Raksha Padak FAQs

Q1: How many categories are there in Jeevan Raksha Padak?

Ans: 3 categories

Q2: Which is the is the highest grade of Jeevan Raksha Padak?

Ans: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

August 6, 2026
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Latest News

Recently, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has been recognised as the World Health Organization South-East Asia Regulatory Network (WHO-SEARN) Regional Centre of Excellence in Pharmacovigilance and the Technical Centre in Quality. 

About Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

  • It is an autonomous institution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
  • It is created to set standards of drugs in the country.

Functions of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

  • Its basic function is to regularly update the standards of drugs commonly required for treatment of diseases prevailing in this region.
  • It publishes official documents for improving Quality of Medicines by way of adding new and updating existing monographs in the form of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).
  • It further promotes rational use of generic medicines by publishing National Formulary of India.
  • It prescribes standards for identity, purity and strength of drugs essentially required from the health care perspective of human beings and animals.
  • It also provides IP Reference Substances (IPRS) which act as a fingerprint for identification of an article under test and its purity as prescribed in IP.

Key Facts about World Health Organization South-East Asia Regulatory Network

  • It is a collaborative platform established by the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) to strengthen regulatory systems across Member States.
  • It was established in 2016.
  • SEARN has facilitated cooperation among National Regulatory Authorities through knowledge sharing, regulatory convergence, capacity building, and reliance mechanisms.
  • The network operates through thematic working groups focusing on key regulatory functions, including quality assurance, pharmacovigilance, clinical trials oversight, regulatory preparedness, and medical device regulation.

Source: PIB

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission FAQs

Q1: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission functions under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Q2: Where is the headquarters of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission located?

Ans: Ghaziabad

Lalit Kala Akademi

August 6, 2026
Lalit Kala Akademi

Lalit Kala Akademi Latest News

Recently, the Lalit Kala Akademi celebrated its 72nd Foundation Day  at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. 

About Lalit Kala Akademi

  • It was inaugurated on 5th August 1954 by the then Minister for Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
  • The Akademi was given the status of statutory authority in 1957, under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.
  • Regional Centres: It has regional centres situated at Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Garhi.
  • Governance: It functions through its General Council, Executive Board, and other Committees.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture.

Functions of Lalit Kala Akademi

  • It has been at the forefront of promoting and nurturing visual arts in India through national and international exhibitions, artists' camps, workshops, scholarships, publications, documentation, research initiatives and collaborative cultural programmes.
  • It has preserved and documented a permanent collection of the highest order that reflects the vitality, complexity, and unfolding patterns of contemporary, modern, folk, and tribal art in India. 
  • It promotes the Visual Art of India in various countries of the world through Cultural Agreements and Cultural Exchange Programmes.
  • The National Exhibition of Art is the most prestigious annual event of the Lalit Kala Akademi. 
  • It continues to provide an important platform for artists and remains committed to strengthening India's visual arts ecosystem.

Source: PIB

Lalit Kala Akademi FAQs

Q1: Lalit Kala Akademi functions under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Culture

Q2: Where is Lalit Kala Akademi headquarters located?

Ans: New Delhi

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

August 6, 2026
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Latest News

Nagarjuna Sagar, one of the most significant multipurpose irrigation projects in the country, recently completed 59 years of its existence.

About Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

  • It is the largest and highest masonry dam in the world built between the Nalgonda district of Telangana and the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Built across the Krishna River, it boasts of one of the largest networks of canal systems in the world. 
  • It derives its name from a nearby hillock and island called Nagarjunakonda, where an ancient Buddhist Guru had once lived. 
  • The dam is 150 m tall and 1.6 km long. The dam comprises 26 gates, which are all 45 feet tall and 42 feet wide. 
  • The dam has a storage capacity of nearly 11,472 million cubic meters and an irrigation capacity of 9.81 lakh acres of land. 
  • Considering the tourism prospects, a lake has been developed just behind the dam, which is the third largest man-made lake in the world. 
  • It is one of the earliest projects built in post-independence India for irrigation and hydroelectricity generation.
  • The construction of the dam commenced in 1956 and was completed by 1967. 
  • This dam supports the national grid with its electric power. 
  • The dam plays a crucial role for irrigation in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states. 
  • As per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, the Nagarjunasagar dam is controlled and supervised by Telangana.

News: ETVB

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam FAQs

Q1: What is the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam?

Ans: It is the largest and highest masonry dam in the world.

Q2: On which river is the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam built?

Ans: The Krishna River.

Q3: Between which two States is the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam located?

Ans: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Q4: Which major purposes does the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam serve?

Ans: Irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

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