Sal Heartwood Borer: A wood-boring insect associated with Sal trees. Scientific name: Hoplocerambyx spinicornis. Family: Cerambycidae — longhorn beetles. Host: Mainly Sal (Shorea robusta). Nature: The larvae bore into the wood, causing damage to Sal trees. Distribution: Associated with Sal forests of the Indian subcontinent. Prelims relevance: Important in the context of forest health, Sal…
UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 7 October 2026
UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 7 October 2026 brings together the news items of the day that map to the Prelims syllabus — polity, economy, environment, science and technology, and international relations. Each item is written as a factual pointer you can revise quickly, with the static-syllabus link made explicit so the reading feeds directly into your Prelims notes.
3 articles
Parliamentary Privilege vs Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Speech: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression to citizens. Reasonable Restrictions: The right under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to restrictions under Article 19(2). Parliamentary Freedom of Speech: Article 105(1) provides freedom of speech in Parliament, subject to the Constitution and rules/procedures regulating the proceedings. Parliamentary Privileges: Article 105 deals with the…
Optogenetics
What is it? This method, called optogenetics—which fuses genetics + light—allows researchers to manipulate the activity of particular cells (especially neurons). Fundamental principle: Cells genetically engineered to express opsins, light-sensitive proteins. Activation with light: Opsins open or close ion channels when exposed to particular wavelengths of light, stimulating or repressing neuronal activity. Common opsins: Channelrhodopsin:…
Ravi Raaz
Hassan Khan
Shadab Ali