UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 August 2026

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

August 24, 2026

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Latest News

Scientists recently identified multiple targets for antibodies—proteins that protect us when an unwanted substance enters our body—that could one day help treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

About Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

It is an important zoonotic disease caused by a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) belonging to the family Bunyaviridae.
The CCHF virus causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate of 10–40%.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Distribution

The disease was first characterized in 1944 in the Crimea.
In 1969, the same pathogen was identified as the cause of a similar disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leading to the combined name used today.
CCHF commonly spreads in (is endemic to) Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
Its distribution closely mirrors that of Hyalomma ticks, the primary vectors responsible for transmitting the virus.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Transmission

It is transmitted by bites from infected ticks or by direct contact with blood or tissues of infected ticks, people, and livestock.
The ticks can also be hosted by migratory birds.
People working in livestock industries, slaughterhouses, and veterinary services are considered among the highest-risk groups for infection.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Symptoms

Symptoms start one to 13 days after infection. Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Muscle, back, or belly pain
- Headache, often severe
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Flushing
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Mood changes
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Three to five days after the initial symptoms start, you might also have heavier or more widespread bleeding and large bruises.
Some people are infected but don’t have any symptoms.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Treatment

There is no specific treatment or cure for CCHF.
Supportive care includes fluid balance, giving oxygen, managing blood pressure, and treating other infections.
An antiviral called Ribavirin has shown some benefits in treating CCHF patients.

News: MEDX

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever FAQ's

Q1: What is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)?

Ans: CCHF is a serious zoonotic viral disease that causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever.

Q2: What is the case fatality rate of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)?

Ans: The case fatality rate of CCHF is approximately 10–40%.

Q3: How is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) primarily transmitted to humans?

Ans: It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.

Q4: Is there a specific cure for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)?

Ans: No, there is currently no specific treatment or cure for CCHF.

Ribociclib

August 24, 2026

Ribociclib Latest News

The Kerala High Court recently allowed a breast cancer patient to be impleaded in a petition considering the issue of the ‘exorbitant’ price of ‘life-saving’ breast cancer medication, Ribociclib.

About Ribociclib

It is an anticancer medicine used in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of breast cancer.
It belongs to a group of drugs called CDK 4/6 (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitors.
These drugs block the action of kinase, which is a protein that helps cells to grow and divide. This stops the growth and spread of cancer.
It is a treatment for breast cancer that has:
- spread to another part of the body (advanced or metastatic breast cancer)
- spread to the area and structures surrounding the breast, such as nearby lymph nodes, muscle, and skin, but not to other parts of the body (locally advanced breast cancer)
Ribociclib is always given alongside a hormone therapy drug to treat breast cancer.
Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.

News: TH

Ribociclib FAQs

Q1: What is Ribociclib?

Ans: Ribociclib is an anticancer medicine used in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of breast cancer.

Q2: To which group of drugs does Ribociclib belong?

Ans: Ribociclib belongs to the group of drugs called CDK 4/6 (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitors.

Q3: How does Ribociclib work against cancer cells?

Ans: Ribociclib blocks the action of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6, proteins involved in cell growth and division, thereby helping to stop the growth and spread of cancer.

Q4: Why can Ribociclib cause unwanted effects?

Ans: Ribociclib can also affect the growth of normal cells, which may result in unwanted effects.

Regenerative Agriculture

August 24, 2026

Regenerative Agriculture Latest News

Regenerative agriculture is gradually reshaping the future of Indian farming.

About Regenerative Agriculture

It is a holistic farming approach centred on restoring soil health and enhancing biodiversity.
It focuses not merely on sustaining existing farming conditions, but on actively restoring soil health, improving biodiversity and strengthening farms against climate-related stresses.
It is based on the following principles
- Minimizing soil disturbance
- Protecting the living roots of perennial crops
- Maintaining soil cover
- Integrating Livestock
- Limiting the use of chemical inputs
- Enhancing biodiversity

Popular Regenerative Agricultural Practices in India

Micro-irrigation: Drip and sprinkler systems deliver water closer to plant roots, reducing wastage and improving water-use efficiency.
Natural farming: It uses on-farm biological inputs such as Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, GhanJeevamrut, Neemastra and Dashparni. It also encourages multi-cropping, mulching, cover cropping, minimal soil disturbance and livestock integration.
Soil health management: Green manuring, cover cropping and mulching can add organic matter, protect soil from erosion, conserve moisture and support nutrient cycling.
Integrated Farming Systems: Crops can be combined with livestock, fisheries, horticulture, agroforestry and apiculture. This diversification can reduce the risk of crop failure and create additional livelihood opportunities.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops can provide additional income while improving soil moisture, regulating local temperatures and storing carbon.

Source: PIB

Regenerative Agriculture FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of Regenerative Agriculture?

Ans: Restore and improve soil health and ecosystem

Q2: National Mission on Natural Farming in India was launched in which year?

Ans: 2023-24

Periyar Cow

August 24, 2026

Periyar Cow Latest News

Recently, the ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources registered Periyar Cow as an indigenous cattle breed.

About Periyar Cow

It is also locally known as 'Periyar Kullan' (Periyar dwarf), is only the second native cattle breed from Keralam to receive national recognition,
First was the Vechur cow, which was recognised in 1996.
Other names: It is locally known as Kuttampuzha cattle and Andukanni,
It is traditionally found across Periyar River basin and adjoining plantation and forest landscapes regions of Ernakulam and Thrissur.
Characteristics
- It has the distinctive ability to thrive under semi-feral, low-input management and agroforestry conditions, with extensive grazing on naturally available vegetation.
- It has remarkable adaptation, resilience and ecological fitness.
- It is a compact, medium-sized animal weighing about 150-200 kg and standing approximately 105-110 cm tall.
- It can have brown, black or grey colouring, with horizontally placed ears, slightly curved horns and a prominent hump in bulls.
- Its small build and ability to survive on natural grazing make it relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain.
- Its milk is valued for its nutritional characteristics. Milk is classified as A2 Beta casein, the healthiest variety
- The lactation period ranges between 160 and 200 days.

Source: NIE

Periyar Cow FAQs

Q1: What is Periyar Kullan?

Ans: Indigenous cattle breed of Kerala

Q2: Periyar Cow is found along banks of which river?

Ans: River Periyar in Ernakulam, Thrissur

Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative

August 24, 2026

Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative Latest News

Recently, the government launched the nationwide cloud & AI skilling initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services.

About Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative

It aims to provide foundational AI and cloud literacy to 1.5 lakh learners through Amazon Web Services (AWS) digital training content.
It offers intensive, job-ready training to 10,000 participants through the AWS re/Start program.
- AWS re/Start program is a structured training programme covering cloud infrastructure, networking, security, programming, databases and AI fundamentals.
It was launched by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
It is supported by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Focus: It will focus on youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across all states and Union Territories.
It addresses the challenges faced by youth including limited access to globally recognised technical training, few connections to technology employers, and an absence of credentials needed to compete for cloud and AI roles.
It will be delivered entirely online through Cultus Education, NSDC’s selected delivery partner.
The initiative is designed to create meaningful social and economic impact by expanding access to high-quality technology training and employment opportunities for youth across India, particularly in underserved and emerging talent hubs.
- The initiative will also include a national hackathon, where participants will present cloud and AI projects.

Source: PIB

Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative?

Ans: It aims to provide foundational AI and cloud literacy to 1.5 lakh learners through Amazon Web Services (AWS) digital training content.

Q2: Which ministry is supporting Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative?

Ans: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Guruvayur Temple

August 24, 2026

Guruvayur Temple Latest News

A record 416 marriages were solemnised at Guruvayur Temple on a single day recently.

About Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur Temple, also known as the Dwarka of the South, is a Hindu temple located in the small town of Guruvayur, in the Thrissur District of Kerala.
It is dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a beloved form of Lord Vishnu worshipped as Baby Krishna.

Guruvayur Temple History

It is ascertained that the main presiding deity is 5,000 years old.
In fact, the word ‘’Kuruvayur’’ has been mentioned in the Tamil literature called ‘’Kokasandesam’’ in the 14th century CE.
References to Kuruvayur have also been made in the 16th century C.E.
However, the earliest recorded history of the Guruvayur temple can be traced back to the 17th century C.E.
The present structure, which devotees throng today, was rebuilt in the year 1638 C.E.
In 1716 AD, the Dutch plundered and set fire to the temple. It was rebuilt in 1747 AD.
In 1766, Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Kozhikkode (Calicut) and then Guruvayur. He demanded 10,000 fanams in ransom to spare the temple. The ransom was paid, but due to insecurity, pilgrims receded.
Later, in 1789 AD, Tippu destroyed the smaller shrines and set fire to the temple, but it was saved due to timely rain.
Tippu lost to the Travancore and the English in 1792.
The idol, which had been hidden underground in anticipation of Tippu's takeover, was reinstalled in 1792.
In terms of devotees every day, it is the fourth biggest shrine in India.

Guruvayur Temple Features

It is renowned for its traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, characterized by its gabled roof, wooden carvings, and intricate sculptures.
Structures like the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and Deepastambam (pillar of lights) are situated on the temple premises.
The wall of the sanctum sanctorum is decked with ancient 17th-century murals.
Another famous sight here is the Dwajasthamba. It is a flagstaff, around 70 feet tall, fully covered with gold.
The Thulabharam is one of the most popular offerings at Guruvayur Temple. In this ritual, devotees are weighed against jaggery, coconuts, sugar, or bananas on a giant set of scales. This quantity is then given to the Lord as an offering.
The temple is also noted for being home to a large population of captive male Asian elephants.
The Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary, where 56 elephants live, is very close to the temple.

News:TOI

Guruvayur Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is Guruvayur Temple located?

Ans: Guruvayur Temple is located in Guruvayur town in Thrissur district, Kerala.

Q2: To whom is Guruvayur Temple dedicated?

Ans: It is dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Vishnu worshipped as Baby Krishna.

Q3: How old is the main presiding deity of Guruvayur Temple believed to be?

Ans: The main presiding deity is believed to be 5,000 years old.

Q4: What is the architectural style of Guruvayur Temple?

Ans: The temple is renowned for its traditional Kerala style of temple architecture.

Vishwamitri River

August 24, 2026

Vishwamitri River Latest News

A man died after a crocodile attacked him in the Vishwamitri River recently in Talsat village, on the outskirts of Vadodara city.

About Vishwamitri River

It is a small non-perennial river located in Gujarat.
Course:
- It originates from the western and southern slopes of the Pavagadh hills in eastern Gujarat.
- The river flows westward, through Gujarat’s third-largest city, Vadodara, after which it meets the two tributaries of Dhadar and Jambuva before draining into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.
Total Length: 200 km
It flows between the Mahi and Narmada rivers.
The highly meandering, sinuous river has a unique ecosystem bearing a plethora of beautiful ravines right from its beginning till its end.
Porcupines, the common Indian civet, the jungle cat, cobras, pythons, the checkered keelback, and the Bengal monitor are some of the species found in the ravines on the banks of this river.
Vishwamitri is also where the protected and vulnerable species of the Indian crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), also known as the mugger, resides.
A 2025 census recorded 442 mugger crocodiles within a 21-kilometre stretch flowing through Vadodara.
Historically, the river has been central to Vadodara’s development, with human settlements along its banks dating back to 1000 B.C.
This river system includes the Sayaji Sarovar on the Vishwamitri River near Ajwa, and the Dev Dam on the Dhadhar Branch.

News:TOI

Vishwamitri River FAQs

Q1: Where is the Vishwamitri River located?

Ans: The Vishwamitri River is located in Gujarat.

Q2: Where does the Vishwamitri River originate?

Ans: It originates from the western and southern slopes of the Pavagadh Hills in eastern Gujarat.

Q3: Which major city does the Vishwamitri River flow through?

Ans: It flows through Vadodara, Gujarat's third-largest city.

Q4: Where does the Vishwamitri River ultimately drain?

Ans: It drains into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.

Q5: Which species of crocodile is found in the Vishwamitri River?

Ans: The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is found in the river.

Indian Star Tortoise

August 24, 2026

Indian Star Tortoise Latest News

Recently, 216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans) were successfully rehabilitated in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) from Mumbai and Thane.

About Indian Star Tortoise

It is a medium-sized terrestrial tortoise.
Their name comes from the star-like pattern on their shell.
These patterns act as camouflage by helping to break up the shell outline so that it more easily blends into its surroundings.
Habitat: It inhabits dry areas and scrub forest.
Distribution: It is mainly found in the Indian subcontinent, specifically western India and southeastern India (Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu), and in Sri Lanka.
Features
- It can grow to 10 inches long. Females are considerably larger than their male counterparts.
- These are generally crepuscular, which means they are active in the early morning and the late afternoon during dry, hot weather.
- Life Span: It has a lifespan of 35 to 80 years in the wild.
- These solitary animals do not hibernate, but when it is very dry and hot, or very cold, they stay inactive.
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Source: TOI

Indian Star Tortoise FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of Indian Star Tortoise?

Ans: Geochelone elegans

Q2: What is the IUCN status of Indian Star Tortoise ?

Ans: Vulnerable (VU)

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

August 24, 2026

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Latest News

Recently, researchers warned that climate change is destabilising Western Ghats’ forest ecosystems in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

About Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Location: It is located in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats.
It encompasses parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
It was the first biosphere reserve in India, established in 1986.
Protected areas within this Reserve: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wyanaad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley are the
Vegetation: It has tropical evergreen forests, Montane sholas and grasslands, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and thorn forests.
Tribal Population: Tribal groups like the Todas, Kotas, Irullas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Adiyans, Edanadan Chettis, Cholanaickens, Allar, Malayan, etc., are native to the reserve.
It is India’s first biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Flora: It mainly includes species of Adenoon, Calacanthus, Baeolepis, Frerea, Jarodina, Wagatea, Poeciloneuron, etc.
Fauna: It mainly has namely the Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion-tailed macaque and the largest South Indian population of elephant, tiger, gaur, sambar, and chital.

Source: TH

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve FAQs

Q1: When was Nilgiri BR included in UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves?

Ans: 2000

Q2: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located at trijunction of which states?

Ans: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka

Smew

August 24, 2026

Smew Latest News

Assam’s Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary recently recorded the Smew (Mergellus albellus), a rare migratory waterbird, for the first time.

About Smew

It is a medium-sized duck belonging to the family Anatidae.
It was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus.
Scientific Name: Mergellus albellus

Smew Habitat and Distribution

The smew species breed in the northern taiga of Europe and Asia.
They winter in sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, Great Britain, Caspian Sea, East China, Korea and Japan.
The smew is an occasional visitor to the Indian Subcontinent.
The smew species inhabit freshwater lakes, reservoirs, flooded woods, ice-free rivers, sheltered bays, estuaries, lagoons and tidal creeks.

Smew Features

It is characterized by its distinctive narrow bill with toothlike edges and a hooked tip, adapted for catching fish.
The male is white with a black mask and a black back, the female is grey with a reddish-brown head and white cheek.
In flight, it shows black and white wings.
It forages by diving from the surface. It is able to swim underwater when pursuing prey.

Smew Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List

Key Facts about Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located on the southern part of the Brahmaputra River in the Nagaon District of Assam.
It forms an integral part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem and is a notified buffer of the Kazairanga Tiger Reserve.
It is a part of the Brahmaputra valley.
The sanctuary is surrounded by human-dominated areas on all sides except for the north.
Flora: The vegetation composition of Laokhowa can be broadly categorized into alluvial grassland, alluvial forest, moist deciduous forest, and tropical semi-evergreen forest.
Fauna:
- The sanctuary is home to the great Indian-one horned rhinoceros, elephants, royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic water buffaloes and more than 225 species of birds.
- Some of the birds spotted here are the spot-billed pelican, little and large cormorant, egret, open-billed stork, brahminy kite, pond heron, etc.

News: IT

Smew FAQs

Q1: What is the smew?

Ans: The smew is a medium-sized duck belonging to the family Anatidae.

Q2: Where does the smew breed?

Ans: The smew breeds in the northern taiga of Europe and Asia.

Q3: Where does the smew winter?

Ans: The smew winters in sheltered coasts or inland lakes around the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Great Britain, Caspian Sea, East China, Korea and Japan.

Q4: What is a distinctive feature of the smew's bill?

Ans: The smew has a narrow bill with toothlike edges and a hooked tip, adapted for catching fish.

Q5: What is the IUCN Red List status of the smew?

Ans: The smew is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.