UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 August 2026

Petermann Glacier

August 14, 2026

Petermann Glacier Latest News

An international research team reports that Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland calved a 76.4 km² ice island on Aug. 4, 2026, marking the glacier's largest loss of floating ice since 2012 and the largest Arctic calving event since 2020.

About Petermann Glacier

It is a large glacier located in North-West Greenland to the east of Nares Strait.
- Nares Strait is a narrow sea passage between Greenland and Ellesmere Island (Canada) in the far north of the Arctic.
It is one of the largest glaciers connecting the Greenland ice sheet with the Arctic Ocean.
It covers 1,295 sq.km.
The glacier and its fjord are named after German cartographer August Heinrich Petermann.
Like most glaciers that discharge ice into the ocean, Petermann periodically sheds large icebergs.
Petermann’s ice flow has accelerated in recent years.
Land-based glaciers in Greenland are a major contributor to global sea-level rise, and as global temperatures warm, more ice is expected to melt into the oceans.
Scientists estimate that if Petermann collapses completely, the sea level would rise by about 30 cm.

News: PHYS

Petermann Glacier FAQs

Q1: Where is the Petermann Glacier located?

Ans: It is located in North-West Greenland, to the east of the Nares Strait.

Q2: Which major ice sheet is connected to the Petermann Glacier?

Ans: The Greenland Ice Sheet.

Q3: Which ocean is the Petermann Glacier connected to?

Ans: The Arctic Ocean.

Q4: What is the significance of the Petermann Glacier?

Ans: It is one of the largest glaciers connecting the Greenland Ice Sheet with the Arctic Ocean.

Q5: Why is the Petermann Glacier important in the context of climate change?

Ans: Its melting and ice discharge contribute to global sea-level rise.

Silicosis

August 14, 2026

Silicosis Latest News

Nearly 600 workers in California’s engineered-stone countertop industry have been diagnosed with silicosis since 2019, due to the health risks posed by exposure to respirable crystalline silica during the cutting, grinding and polishing of artificial-stone slabs.

About Silicosis

It is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs.
Causes:
- It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
- It is common in construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting.
- People working in these industries are often exposed to silica every day and are at higher risk of developing silicosis as a result.
Symptoms: The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath weakness, and tiredness, etc.
Types of Silicosis:
- Chronic silicosis results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of silica dust.
  - The silica dust causes swelling in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may cause people to have trouble breathing.
  - This is the most common form of silicosis.
- Accelerated silicosis occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time (3 to 10 years).
  - Swelling in the lungs and symptoms occur faster than in simple silicosis.
- Acute silicosis results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of silica.
  - The lungs become very inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and a low blood oxygen level.
Treatment: Silicosis is a progressive disease and has no cure.

News: ET

Silicosis FAQs

Q1: What is silicosis?

Ans: Silicosis is a respiratory disease that causes hardening and damage of the lungs.

Q2: What causes silicosis?

Ans: Silicosis is caused by inhalation of silica dust or silica crystals.

Q3: Which occupations are commonly associated with a higher risk of silicosis?

Ans: Construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are associated with higher exposure to silica.

Q4: What are the main symptoms of silicosis?

Ans: The main symptoms include persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath, weakness, and tiredness.

Q5: Does silicosis have a cure?

Ans: Silicosis is a progressive disease and has no cure.

Srikalahasti Temple

August 14, 2026

Srikalahasti Temple Latest News

Temple authorities have submitted a Rs 114.06 crore proposal to the Centre under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme to improve pilgrim and tourist amenities at the famous Srikalahasteeswara Temple.

About Srikalahasti Temple

Srikalahasti Temple, also known as Srikalahasteeswara Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Srikalahasti in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
It is one of the most ancient and historical Saivet temples in India.
It is built adjoining a hill and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. At some points, the hill serves as the wall of the temple.
It is also called as “Dakshina Kailasam” meaning the Southern abode of Shiva.
History:
- The origin of the Srikalahasti Temple dates back to the 5th century when the inner temple was constructed.
- The outer temple and its main structure were built in the 11th century by the Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I.
- The magnificent Gopurams at the entrance were constructed by Kulottunga Chola I during the 11th century.
- Significant renovations were made throughout the rule of the Chola dynasty, with engravings of the various Chola emperors noticeable within the temple.
- The Vijayanagara Empire also made contributions to the renovations of the temple.
- In the 16th century, the empire constructed the majestic 120 m high main gopuram, known as the Rajagopuram.
- The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style with its heavy carvings and sculptures.

Key Facts about PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) Scheme

It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism as a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
The primary objective of the scheme is to develop tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites, ensuring a more enriching experience for pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts.
In view of the decision taken by the government for closure of the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the ministry of housing and urban development and for inclusion of projects for development of heritage destinations in PRASAD, the scheme guidelines have been modified and the nomenclature of the scheme has also been changed from PRASAD to ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) in October 2017.
Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at these sites.
The scheme aims infrastructure development such as entry points (road, rail, and water transport); last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like information/interpretation centers, ATM/money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity, etc.

News: NIE

Srikalahasti Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is the Srikalahasti Temple located?

Ans: It is located in Srikalahasti town in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.

Q2: On the banks of which river is the Srikalahasti Temple located?

Ans: It is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River.

Q3: When does the origin of the Srikalahasti Temple date back to?

Ans: The origin of the Srikalahasti Temple dates back to the 5th century when the inner temple was constructed.

Q4: Who built the outer temple and its main structure at Srikalahasti in the 11th century?

Ans: Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I built the outer temple and its main structure.

Q5: Which architectural style is showcased by the Srikalahasti Temple?

Ans: The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style.

Gangaichthys indonepalicus

August 14, 2026

Gangaichthys indonepalicus Latest News

A short video posted on social media in 2024 helped scientists identify Gangaichthys indonepalicus, a tiny, colourless earthworm eel found beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.

About Gangaichthys indonepalicus

It is a new species of earthworm eel.
It is a tiny, colourless underground fish found living beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.
It appears to have evolved several adaptations to survive in complete darkness.
It is the first subterranean, or stygobitic (living underground, beneath the surface of the soil or rock), fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin.
Measuring around four centimetres, Gangaichthys indonepalicus has reduced eyes covered by skin, a translucent body without pigmentation, and an apparent absence of ribs — features associated with life underground in perpetual darkness.
The fish belongs to a completely distinct genus within the earthworm eel family Chaudhuriidae.

News: MD

Gangaichthys indonepalicus FAQs

Q1: What is Gangaichthys indonepalicus?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of earthworm eel.

Q2: Where was Gangaichthys indonepalicus discovered?

Ans: It was found beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.

Q3: What type of fish is Gangaichthys indonepalicus?

Ans: It is a tiny, colourless subterranean fish.

Q4: What adaptation does Gangaichthys indonepalicus have to survive in complete darkness?

Ans: It has reduced eyes covered by skin and a translucent, unpigmented body.

Indonesian babirusas

August 14, 2026

Indonesian babirusas Latest News

Recently, the Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom announced the birth of a critically important babirusa, when its population is threatened by the African swine fever.

About Indonesian babirusas

The babirusa is a wild pig commonly known as "pig-deer", belonging to a genus called Babyrousa.
Since 2001, scientists have since recognized three extant species: Buru babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), North Sulawesi babirusa (B. celebensis), Togian babirusa (B. togeanensis).
Appearance: They’re much less hairy than other pigs. Males are the only pigs whose upper tusks erupt through the snout bone and curve back towards their face.
Habitat: They can be found in moist, swampy forests and in the lush thickets of tropical rainforests.
Distribution: They are found in the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru.
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Characteristics of Indonesian babirusas

They are among the fastest runners in the pig family, able to reach 30 miles per hour.
They are excellent swimmers, preferring to live near bodies of water.
They are well known for their lower canine tusks which are possessed by both sexes, along with the upper canine tusks that grow only on males.
Diet: Their diet includes fruits, plants and small animals.
They use their specialised hooves to dig for insect larvae and roots in the ground.
Reproduction: They become sexually mature after they reach one or two years of age. Gestation in females lasts 155 to 158 days and ends with one or two piglets (which is a small litter for pigs).

Source: DTE

Indonesian babirusas FAQs

Q1: Babirusa is endemic to which country?

Ans: Indonesia

Q2: What is the Habitat of Babirus?

Ans: Tropical rainforests and swamps

Voyager 2 Mission

August 14, 2026

Voyager 2 Mission Latest News

Recently, NASA’s Voyager 2 got a power-saving upgrade and its mission extended by a year.

About Voyager 2 Mission

It is an unmanned space probe launched by NASA in 1977.
Primary mission: Its mission was to study the outer planets of our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and their moons, and then continue on an interstellar mission.
It is the only spacecraft to have ever visited Uranus and Neptune.

Achievements by the Voyager 2 Mission

It is the only spacecraft to study all four of the solar system’s giant planets at close range.
It discovered the 14th moon of Jupiter.
It was the first human-made object to fly past Uranus.
At Uranus, Voyager 2 discovered 10 new moons and two new rings.
It was the first human-made object to fly by Neptune.
At Neptune, Voyager 2 discovered five moons, four rings, and a “Great Dark Spot.”
It is the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space.

Source: IE

Voyager 2 Mission FAQs

Q1: Voyager 2 was launched by which organisation?

Ans: NASA

Q2: What is the main objective of Voyager 2?

Ans: Study outer planets

Shompen Tribe

August 14, 2026

Shompen Tribe Latest News

Recently, tribal leaders have accused the Andaman and Nicobar island administration of seeking to drag the Shompen, an isolated indigenous community into a “modern lifestyle”.

About Shompen Tribe

They are one of the most isolated tribes on Earth.
They are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
They reside in dense tropical rain forests of the Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.
Occupation: The Shompen are nomadic hunter-gatherers, living in small groups.
Diet: They collect a wide variety of rainforest plants, but their staple food is the pandanus fruit, which they call larop.
Language: Shompen speak their own language, which has many dialects.
They are of short to medium stature, have a round or nearly broad head shape, narrow nose, a broad facial profile, and distinctly exhibit Mongoloid features.
Society
- They have nuclear families comprising husband, wife, and their unmarried children.
- A Shompen family is controlled by the eldest male member, who controls all activities of the women and kids.
- Monogamy is the general rule, although polygamy is allowed too.
- The Shompen worship the moon, known as Houou, as their goddess, whom they believe created the universe.

Source: TH

Shompen Tribe FAQs

Q1: Shompen tribe is found in which Island?

Ans: Great Nicobar Island

Q2: What is the lifestyle of Shompen tribe?

Ans: Hunter-gatherers

Kenya

August 14, 2026

Kenya Latest News

Recently, India welcomed Kenya’s decision to recognise Persons of Indian Origin as indigenous community.

About Kenya

Location: It is located in Eastern Africa.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered with Somalia (North East), Ethiopia (North), South Sudan (North West), Uganda (West) and Tanzania (South).
Maritime Border: It has a coastline on the Indian Ocean to the southeast.
Capital City: Nairobi
- Nairobi hosts UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UN-HABITAT headquarters.

Geographical Features of Kenya

Climate: It has a tropical type of climate.
Major lakes: Lake Victoria (shared with Uganda & Tanzania), Lake Turkana.
Major Rivers: Athi/Galana, Tana (Longest river of Kenya), Mara.
Mountain Ranges: Aberdare, Mau Escarpment.
Highest Peak: Mount Kenya (second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro).
Island: Lamu Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
Natural Resources: It mainly consists of Lead, zircon, iron, titanium, mica, chaum, oil, coal, diatomite, gypsum.
Famous Tribes: San Bushmen, Samburu, Maasai.

Source: News On Air

Kenya FAQs

Q1: What is the Capital of Kenya?

Ans: Nairobi

Q2: Kenya lies on the coast of which ocean?

Ans: Indian Ocean

AH-64E Apache Helicopter

August 14, 2026

AH-64E Apache Helicopter Latest News

Two US Army soldiers were killed recently after an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter crashed into an open field near Salado, Texas, during what officials described as routine operations.

About AH-64E Apache Helicopter

It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
It is widely used for advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions globally.
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Boeing
It is also known as the Apache Guardian.
The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.
Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK.

AH-64E Apache Helicopter Features

Length: 17.8 m
Max Speed: 300 kph
It seats two service members - a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position
It has a maximum operating weight of 10,432 kg and can climb up to more than 2,800 feet per minute.
It is a heavily armed, twin-engine ground-attack helicopter.
Armed with Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the helicopter can engage tanks, vehicles, troop concentrations, communications and logistics centres, etc.
It can also fire short-range air-to-air missiles like the Stinger.
The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.
It can track up to 128 targets per minute and prioritise threat levels.

News: FP

AH-64E Apache Helicopter FAQs

Q1: What is the AH-64E Apache helicopter?

Ans: It is an advanced multi-role combat helicopter.

Q2: Which country is the AH-64E Apache helicopter from?

Ans: The United States.

Q3: Which company manufactures the AH-64E Apache helicopter?

Ans: Boeing

Q4: What is the latest version of the Apache attack helicopter used by the US Army?

Ans: The AH-64E is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

August 14, 2026

PM Vishwakarma Scheme Latest News

The Government of India has invited 100 beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma from the Delhi-NCR region as ‘Special Guests’ to witness the 80th Independence Day Ceremony at the Red Fort, Delhi.

About PM Vishwakarma Scheme

It is a central sector scheme launched in 2023.
It is aimed at providing comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in traditional trades.
Objective: Promoting the socio-economic empowerment of artisans, strengthening traditional crafts and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
The scheme provides assistance through skill upgradation, modern tools, financial support, digital enablement and market linkages.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Time period: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
Eligibility & coverage
- It is available for rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India.
- It covers 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc.
- Aged 18+, engaged in traditional trade, no similar loans in the past 5 years.

Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day;
Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%

Source: PIB

PM Vishwakarma Scheme FAQ

Q1: Who are the beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

Ans: Traditional artisans and craftspeople

Q2: Which is the nodal ministry of PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises