Cell – The Basic Unit of Life | Functions, Organelles & MCQs

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🧬Cell – The Basic Unit of Life A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life . It is the building block of all living organisms, carrying out essential processes like growth, energy production, and reproduction. For competitive exams like NEET , UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs, understanding the structure and functions of the cell is important because it forms the foundation of biology. Questions are frequently asked on cell theory , organelles , plant vs. animal cells, and cell division , making this topic a high-scoring and must-prepare section . 🕵🏻‍♂️Discovery of Cell The discovery of the cell was a turning point in biology, and many scientists contributed step by step to our understanding. In 1665, Robert Hooke observed thin slices of cork under a simple microscope and saw small box-like structures. He called them “cells” because they looked like the tiny rooms (cells) in a monastery. In 1674, Anton van Leeuwenhoek developed a better microscope and was ...
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Daily Current Affairs for UPPCS - MAY 14

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Stay updated with the most important current affairs of May 2025. This compilation includes defense, science, governance, appointments, MoUs, and cultural sites – all relevant for UPPCS, State PSC, SSC, and other exams.

1. My Bharat Portal

  • Full Form: Mera Yuva Bharat Portal

  • Purpose: One-stop platform for youth to connect with government initiatives, volunteering, and career opportunities.

  • Launched by: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

  • Key Features: Skill development, volunteer opportunities, and integration with schemes like NYKS, NSS.

2. Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021

  • Released by: Office of the Registrar General of India
Indicator2014 / 2014–162021 / 2019–21Unit
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)13093Per 100,000 live births
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)3927Per 1,000 live births
Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR)2619Per 1,000 live births
Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR)4531Per 1,000 live births
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)2.32.0Children per woman
Sex Ratio at Birth899913Females per 1,000 males

 3. Asteroid 2024 YR4 – Risk Corridor

  • Discovered on: December 27, 2024

  • Tracked by: ATLAS Telescope, Chile

  • Impact Window: Initially speculated for 2032

  • Current Risk: Deemed negligible by NASA

  • Risk Corridor: Previously mapped over South Asia, Africa, and South America

  • Fact Check: No real danger to Earth as of the latest NASA update.

 4. National Technology Day 2025

  • Date: May 11, 2025

  • Theme: “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research and Acceleration”

  • Observed by: Technology Development Board (TDB) & Department of Science and Technology (DST)

  • Significance: Celebrates India's technological achievements and the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests.

 5. Buddhavanam – Telangana’s Buddhist Heritage Park

  • Location: Nagarjunasagar, Telangana

  • Developed by: Telangana Tourism Development Corporation

  • Attractions:

    • Mahastupa- A grand stupa representing budhist architecture.

    • Buddhacharita Vanam - depicts the life of budha.

    • Jataka Vanam - illustrate jataka tales.

    • Dhyana Vanam - meditation park

    • Stupa replicas from across Asia

  • Purpose: Promote Buddhist tourism and education.

6. Mission D3 – Social Reform in Madhya Pradesh

  • D3 Stands For: Dahej (Dowry), Daru (Alcohol), DJ (Extravagant Weddings)

  • Launched in: Jhabua and Alirajpur districts

  • Goal: Curb extravagant wedding expenses and promote simple marriages in tribal communities.

  • Impact: Improved economic conditions and reduced debt among tribal families.

 7. HIMARS Rocket System Supplied to Taiwan

  • System: High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)

  • Supplier: United States

  • Purpose: Strengthen Taiwan’s defense against potential threats from China

  • Range: 300 km

  • Event: Successful test-firing conducted on May 12, 2025

 8. Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh

  • Location: Kawardha District

  • Area: 352 sq. km

  • Established: 2001

  • Key Species: Sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat, and diverse birdlife

  • Cultural Link: Near Bhoramdeo Temple, known as "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh"

9. 52nd Chief Justice of India – Justice B.R. Gavai

  • Sworn in: May 14, 2025

  • Succeeded: Justice Sanjiv Khanna

  • First Buddhist CJI and second from the SC community

  • Tenure: Until November 23, 2025

 10. Operation Keller – Anti-Terror Mission in Kashmir

  • Conducted by: Indian Army

  • Date: May 13, 2025

  • Location: Shopian district, J&K

  • Outcome: Neutralized 3 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists; weapons recovered

 11. MoU Between Coal India Ltd (CIL) and UPRVUNL

  • Date: May 5, 2025

  • Agreement: To set up a 500 MW solar power project in UP

  • Purpose: Promote renewable energy and reduce coal dependency

  • Significance: Boosts clean energy capacity under India’s solar mission

12. India's First 3nm Chip Design Centres

  • Inaugurated by: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union IT Minister)

  • Date: May 14, 2025

  • Locations: Noida and Bengaluru

  • Developed by: Renesas Electronics India

  • Importance: Enhances India’s role in advanced semiconductor design and self-reliance

 13. New UPSC Chairman – Dr. Ajay Kumar

  • Appointed on: May 14, 2025

  • Background: Former Defence Secretary, 1985-batch IAS officer

  • Tenure: Till October 2027

  • Significance: Brings administrative and defense experience to the UPSC


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