UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 24 August 2026

AI Designed Bacteriophages

Context

Researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute used artificial intelligence (AI) to design complete genomes of bacteriophages - viruses that infect bacteria.

Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that selectively target and kill bacteria.

They are the most abundant commonly occurring natural entities, playing crucial roles in regulating bacterial populations and influencing microbial ecosystems.

India’s Private Space Ecosystem

Context

PM Modi interacted with founders and CEOs of over 20 space start-ups and highlighted the potential of India’s private space ecosystem to attract global scientific and technological talent.

India’s Emerging Private Space Ecosystem

India’s space economy currently stands at $8.4 billion, accounting for 2–3% of the global space economy. It is expected to be $40–45 billion by 2030.

The Indian Space Policy 2023 led to the entry of private players to space-related activities in India.

Regenerative Agriculture For a Resilient India

In News

Regenerative Agriculture is supporting long-term agricultural production, environmental sustainability and farm profitability.

About

India's agriculture and allied industries have shown a decadal increase of 4.45% over FY16-FY25.

To support this expansion the ecological roots of farming must be restored.

National Horticulture Board Revises Subsidy Guidelines for Commercial Horticulture

Context

The National Horticulture Board (NHB) has amended the guidelines for the development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Crops scheme to ensure equitable distribution of government assistance.

Key Amendments by the National Horticulture Board (NHB)

Expanded definition of ‘family’: The revised definition of family brings within its ambit the subsidy applicant’s spouse, father, mother, sons and daughters.

As per the old guidelines, the term ‘family’ was defined as “the husband, wife, and dependent minor children.”

Rise in Female Labour Force Participation rate (FLFPR)

Context

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 reveals a significant increase in the Female Labour Force Participation rate (FLFPR) since 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

About

The overall FLFPR for those aged 15 years and above increased from 30% in 2019-20 to 40% in 2025.

The increase was more pronounced in rural areas, where the FLFPR rose from 33% to 45.9%, compared with an increase from 23.3% to 27.7% in urban areas.

Compassion & Contentment: Strengthening Bonds of Cooperation & Harmony in Society

Context

The Prime Minister of India recently shared Sanskrit Subhashitam stressing the virtues of Compassion (Karuna) and Contentment (Santosha). He said that this ethos further strengthens the links of collaboration and peace in society.

About Compassion and Contentment

Compassion and contentment are mutually enriching virtues, strengthening individual character and public morals alike.

Compassion is the awareness of the pain of others with the desire to relieve it; contentment is a condition of inner adequacy and happiness, without overwhelming yearning.

News In Short 24-08-2026

Context

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently opened 22 boxes containing over 10,000 artefacts excavated from Rajghat, Varanasi, in 1957 under the supervision of archaeologist T.N. Roy.

Key Discoveries from the 1957 Excavation

Painted black pottery, nearly 3,000 years old.

Ancient sculptures, coins, tools and stamp seals.