UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 18 January 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 18 January 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 18 January 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Chang’e 6 Mission

January 18, 2026
Chang’e 6 Mission

Chang'e-6 Mission Latest News

Lunar regolith brought from the Moon by China's Chang'e 6 mission has revealed that the Moon is formed from the remains of an ancient collision between an object with Earth.

About Chang'e-6 Mission

  • It is the first human sampling and return mission from the far side of the moon.
  • It is part of the broader Chang’e lunar exploration program, named after a Chinese goddess of the Moon. 
  • It was launched by a Chinese Long March-5 rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center on the southern island of Hainan on May 3, 2024.
  • Chang’e-6 consists of an orbiter, a returner, a lander, and an ascender.
    • The lander was equipped with multiple sensors, including microwave, laser, and optical imaging sensors which can measure distance and speed, and identify obstacles on the lunar surface.
  • The probe has adopted two methods of moon sampling, which include:
    • Using a drill to collect subsurface samples
    • Grabbing samples on the surface with a robotic arm.
  • It marks the second time a mission has successfully reached the far side of the moon. China first completed that historic feat in 2019 with its Chang’e-4 probe.
    • Though the far side of the Moon holds great scientific promise, it is harder to explore the far side of the Moon than the near side. 
    • Communication signals from Earth can’t directly reach the far side, so relay satellites have to be launched ahead of any mission.
  • The Chang'e-6 landed on the lunar far side on June 1, 2024, collected rock and regolith samples, and launched them to eventually return to Earth nearly a month later.
  • Chang’e-6 landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a massive and roughly 4-billion-year-old crater covering a vast portion of the far side of the Moon. 
  • The samples Chang’e-6 collected there could include pieces of the Moon’s interior that would have been excavated by the giant impact that formed the basin, which stretches over roughly 2,500 kilometers (1,600 miles). 

Source: MSN

Chang'e-6 Mission FAQs

Q1: What is the Chang’e-6 mission known for?

Ans: Chang’e-6 is the first human mission to collect and return samples from the far side of the Moon.

Q2: Which country launched the Chang’e-6 mission?

Ans: Chang’e-6 was launched by China.

Q3: When was the Chang’e-6 mission launched?

Ans: It was launched on May 3, 2024.

Q4: Where exactly did Chang’e-6 land on the Moon?

Ans: It landed in the South Pole–Aitken Basin.

Q5: Why is exploring the far side of the Moon more difficult than the near side?

Ans: Because communication signals from Earth cannot directly reach the far side, requiring relay satellites.

Neknampur Lake

January 18, 2026
Neknampur Lake

Neknampur Lake Latest News

Dismissing viral social media claims, a flight safety chief said that the hot air balloon landing near Neknampur Lake in Hyderabad recently was a routine and controlled landing, standard in balloon operations, and not an emergency.

About Neknampur Lake

  • Neknampur Lake, also known as Ibrahim Bagh Cheruvu, is a historic man-made reservoir situated in the southern part of Hyderabad, Telangana.
  • It was constructed during the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century.
  • Initially commissioned by Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah and later revitalized under Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah through a channel built by nobleman Neknam Khan (the lake was renamed in his honor), it became part of Hyderabad’s water network. 
  • Once vital to the city’s water supply until urban shifts in the mid-20th century, the lake has since deteriorated due to urbanization and pollution. 
  • Restoration efforts since the 2010s include a large floating treatment wetland installed in 2018, recognized as India’s largest, which has improved water quality and revived biodiversity.

Source: TH

Neknampur Lake FAQs

Q1: Where is Neknampur Lake located?

Ans: Neknampur Lake is located in the southern part of Hyderabad, Telangana.

Q2: During which dynasty was Neknampur Lake constructed?

Ans: It was constructed during the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century.

Q3: What major restoration effort was undertaken at Neknampur Lake in 2018?

Ans: A large floating treatment wetland was installed in 2018, recognized as India’s largest.

Royle’s Pika

January 18, 2026
Royle’s Pika

Royle’s Pika Latest News

Scientists said that climate change threatens creatures like Royle’s pika that have weathered extreme environments for thousands of years.

About Royle’s Pika

  • Royle's pika (Ochotona roylei), also called the Himalayan mouse hare or hui shutu, is a species of pika.
  • Habitat: It is found in open rocky landscapes and rhododendron forests at 2,400–5,000 m elevation in the Himalayan region.
  • Distribution: It is found in northwestern Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in India to Nepal and Tibet.
  • Characteristics of Royle’s pika
    • It does not hibernate. Instead it relies on a thick winter snowpack to act as an insulating blanket, shielding it from brutal sub-zero temperatures.
    • It does not make its own nest; rather, it takes narrow creeks and existing burrow systems as its nest.
    • Diet: Its primary food plants include alpine herbs and forbs, particularly moisture-loving Himalayan plants efficient at photosynthesis in cool wet climates.
    • Reproduction: Pikas breed between late spring and summer. Sexual maturity is reached between 7-10 months.
  • Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern
  • Threats: Climate change and population isolation.

Source: DTE

Royle’s Pika FAQs

Q1: What is the primary habitat of Royle's Pika?

Ans: Open rocky landscapes and rhododendron forests

Q2: How does Royle's Pika adapt to harsh winters?

Ans: Relies on winter snowpack for insulation

Irrawaddy Dolphin

January 18, 2026
Irrawaddy Dolphin

Irrawaddy Dolphin Latest News

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently launched the second nationwide range-wide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin, which, for the first time, includes the estimation of the Irrawaddy dolphin in the Sundarbans and in Odisha.

About Irrawaddy Dolphin

  • It is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin found in discontinuous subpopulations near sea coasts and in estuaries and rivers in parts of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.
    • Euryhaline organisms survive in a range of salinity. These organisms thrive in saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water.
  • Scientific Name: Orcaella brevirostris

Irrawaddy Dolphin Habitat and Distribution

  • It is found in three rivers in South and Southeast Asia: the Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Kalimatan, Indonesia), and the Mekong (Cambodia). 
  • Indian presence: Occurs mainly in Chilika Lake (Odisha); also reported in the Sundarbans region.
  • Irrawaddy dolphins prefer coastal areas, particularly muddy, brackish waters at river mouths and deltas, and do not appear to venture far offshore.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Features

  • It has an instantly recognisable, charismatic rounded face and head with no beak; they look like baby belugas, only with a dorsal fin. 
  • They have expressive faces thanks to their moveable lips and have creases around their necks as they are able to move their heads in all directions. 
  • They are grey all over but lighter on the belly.  
  • The dorsal fin is small; their flippers are long and large, with curved leading edges and rounded tips, and their tails are also large.
  • Irrawaddy dolphins have narrow, pointed, peg-like teeth about 1 cm in length in both the upper and lower jaws. 

Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Endangered' under the IUCN Red List.

Source: NIE

Irrawaddy Dolphin FAQs

Q1: What type of dolphin is the Irrawaddy dolphin?

Ans: It is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin.

Q2: Which three rivers in South and Southeast Asia are home to Irrawaddy dolphins?

Ans: The Irrawaddy River (Myanmar), Mahakam River (Indonesia), and Mekong River (Cambodia).

Q3: Where is the Irrawaddy dolphin found in India?

Ans: It occurs mainly in Chilika Lake, Odisha, and has been reported in the Sundarbans region.

Q4: What type of habitat do Irrawaddy dolphins prefer?

Ans: They prefer coastal areas with muddy, brackish waters, especially river mouths and deltas.

Q5: What is the conservation status of the Irrawaddy dolphin according to the IUCN Red List?

Ans: The Irrawaddy dolphin is listed as Endangered.

Mt Elbrus

January 18, 2026
Mt Elbrus

Mt Elbrus Latest News

Recently, an artificially-triggered avalanche was filmed cascading down Russia's highest mountain, Mount Elbrus.

About Mt Elbrus

  • Location: It is located in southwest Russia and is part of the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Formation of Mt Elbrus
    • It is believed that the Caucasus Mountains were formed due to the northward collision of the Arabian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
    • Geological studies have revealed that Mount Elbrus was formed over 2.5 million years ago and the volcano had been most active during the Holocene Epoch. 
  • It is the highest point in Russia as well as the highest point in all of Europe.
  • It has an elevation of 18,510 feet (5,642 meters). It makes up part of the Prielbrusye National Park.
  • It is one of the Seven Summits of the world, which are the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents.
  • Mount Elbrus is an inactive volcano that consists of two principal summits, both of which are dormant volcanic domes.
  • Climate: The climate of Elbrus is generally cold. Even during summer, nighttime temperatures are around -8°C (18°F).
  • Major Glaciers: Bolshoi Azaou and Irik Glacier
  • Major Rivers: Many Russian rivers like the Baksan, Malka, and Kuban rivers originate from Bolshoi Azaou and Irik Glacier glaciers.

Source: BBC

Mt Elbrus FAQs

Q1: What type of mountain is Mt Elbrus?

Ans: Dormant volcano

Q2: Where is Mt Elbrus located?

Ans: Caucasus Mountain ranges.

Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara

January 18, 2026
Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara

Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara Latest News

Telangana is getting prepared for the biennial Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, one of the world’s largest indigenous spiritual gatherings.

About Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara

  • It is also known as Medaram Jatara.
  • It is a tribal festival of honouring the goddesses celebrated in the state of Telangana, India.
  • Location: Medaram is a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Dandakaranya, the largest surviving forest belt in the Mulugu.
  • It is held every two years (biannually). It is celebrated during the time the goddesses of the tribals are believed to visit them.
  • In this festival people from all walks of life join together to commemorate the revolt led by Sammakka and Saralamma, a mother-daughter duo, against imposing taxes on the tribal populace during a period of drought by the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century.
  • Ritual: People offer bangaram/gold (jaggery) of a quantity equal to their weight to the goddesses and take holy bath in Jampanna Vagu, a tributary to River Godavari.
  • The rituals related to the Goddesses are entirely conducted by Koya tribe priests, in accordance with Koya customs and traditions.
  • Significance: It serves as a platform for understanding and fostering harmony between the people and tribal communities.

Source: TH

Samakka-Saralamma Jatara FAQs

Q1: Where is Sammakka Saralamma Jatara held?

Ans: Medaram, Telangana

Q2: What is a key ritual in Sammakka Saralamma Jatara?

Ans: Offering jaggery equal to one's weight

Bagurumba Dance

January 18, 2026
Bagurumba Dance

Bagurumba Dance Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India witnessed a performance of the traditional Bagurumba dance of the Bodo community in Assam with over 10,000 artistes participating in the programme.

About Bagurumba Dance

  • It is one of the folk dances of the Bodo community, deeply inspired by nature.
  • It represents peace, fertility, joy and collective harmony, and is closely associated with festivals such as Bwisagu, the Bodo New Year, and Domasi.
  • Features of Bagurumba Dance
    • The dance symbolises blooming flowers and reflects harmony between human life and the natural world.
    • It features gentle, flowing movements that imitate butterflies, birds, leaves and flowers. Performances are usually organised in groups, forming circles or lines that enhance its visual elegance.
    • It is traditionally performed only by women of the Bodo community, with the musical instruments being played by their male counterparts.
  • Dance Attire: The dancers dress in handwoven, bright red, yellow, and green dokhna, jwmgra, and aronai, dancing to the beautiful beats of the handmade percussion instruments.
  • Musical Instruments used: The musical instruments include the traditional kham (a drum made of wood and goatskin), including sifung (a bamboo flute), and other wooden instruments like jota, gongwna and tharkha.

Source: TME

Bagurumba Dance FAQs

Q1: The Bagurumba Dance is a folk dance of which Indian state?

Ans: Assam

Q2: Which community performs the Bagurumba Dance?

Ans: Bodo

Sukhatme National Award in Statistics

January 18, 2026
Sukhatme National Award in Statistics

Sukhatme National Award in Statistics Latest News

Recently, nominations have been invited online for Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026 through the National Awards Portal.

About Sukhatme National Award in Statistics 

  • It has been instituted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in the memory of Prof. P.V. Sukhatme.
  • It is given to the senior Indian Statisticians for their lifetime contributions and achievements in the field of Statistics.
  • It recognizes the exceptional/ outstanding contribution made by the individuals in terms of high-quality research work, to improve the system of official statistics.
  • This prestigious award is given in alternate years since the year 2000.
  • The Award carries a citation, shawl and memento
  • Eligibility: It is given to eminent Indian Statisticians of the age 45 years and above for their Lifetime Contributions and Achievements in the field of Statistics.
  • Nomination: The eligible candidates can nominate themselves or the names can also be proposed by institution.
  • Award Presentation: The Award will be presented during Statistics Day function on 29th June.
  • Posthumous Cases: If the person proposed to be honoured, has passed away recently (say within a year), the award may be given posthumously.

Source: PIB

Sukhatme National Award in Statistics FAQs

Q1: The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics is instituted by which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

Q2: What is the eligibility criteria for the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics?

Ans: Indian statisticians above 45 years

Pratas Islands

January 18, 2026
Pratas Islands

Pratas Islands Latest News

A Chinese reconnaissance drone briefly flew ‍over the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of ​the South China Sea recently, in ‌what Taiwan’s defence ministry called a “provocative and irresponsible” ​move.

About Pratas Islands

  • The Pratas Islands, also known as the Dongsha Islands, are a small group of three islands located in the northern part of the South China Sea.
  • These islands are characterized by a circular atoll structure, with Dongsha Island being the only island above sea level, while the other two are submerged. 
  • They are composed primarily of clastic coral and reef flats approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) in diameter, enclosing a lagoon about 10 miles (16 kilometers) in diameter.
  • Once discovered during the ancient Han Dynasty, Dongsha Island became an important point along trade and fishing routes through the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from mainland China, and the Bashi Channel between Y'Ami Island of the Philippines and Orchid Island of Taiwan.
  • They are strategically important positions along the major sea route connecting the Pacific and Indian ocean.
  • It lies approximately 445 km southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and 320 km southeast of Hong Kong.
  • The People’s Republic of China claims them, but Taiwan controls them and has declared them part of the Dongsha Atoll National Park. 
  • There are no permanent residents. But Taiwanese marines are stationed there.
  • The region is notable for its rich biodiversity, supporting a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous fish species, coral, and migratory birds like the Chinese Egret.
  • The ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, along with the impacts of global warming, continue to pose risks to the islands and their biodiversity.

Source: TH

Pratas Islands FAQs

Q1: Where are the Pratas Islands located?

Ans: The Pratas Islands are located in the northern part of the South China Sea.

Q2: What is the other name of the Pratas Islands?

Ans: They are also known as the Dongsha Islands.

Q3: What is the geomorphological structure of the Pratas Islands?

Ans: They have a circular atoll structure.

Q4: Which country claims the Pratas Islands, and who currently controls them?

Ans: The People’s Republic of China claims them, but Taiwan controls them.

Q5: Why are the Pratas Islands strategically important?

Ans: They lie along a major sea route connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026

January 18, 2026
Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026

Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, Latest News

The revised Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, unveiled by the central bank recently, aims to enhance complaint resolution efficiency for bank customers.

About Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026

  • It is aimed at further improving the efficiency of the resolution of complaints filed by aggrieved customers of banks and other regulated entities.
  • It will come into force on July 1, 2026, replacing the existing Integrated Ombudsman Scheme of 2021.
  • The proceedings under the Scheme shall be summary in nature and shall not be bound by any rules of evidence.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will appoint one or more of its officers as RBI Ombudsman and RBI Deputy Ombudsman to carry out the functions entrusted to them under the Scheme.
    • The appointments will be made generally for a period of three years at a time.
  • The RBI will establish a Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre at one or more locations, as may be decided, to receive complaints filed under the Scheme and process them.
  • Who does it cover?
    • The entities covered under the new scheme include commercial banks, regional rural banks, state and central co-operative banks, and urban co-operative banks with deposits of Rs 50 crore or more.
    • Additionally, NBFCs that accept deposits or have assets over Rs 100 crore and engage in customer dealings are also included. 
    • Furthermore, all non-bank prepaid payment issuers, such as digital wallets, and credit information companies that handle credit scores, are part of this list.
    • The scheme excludes housing finance and core investment companies. 
  • What kind of complaints can be filed?
    • Customers can file complaints related to deficiency in service, such as delays, failure to follow RBI directions, or inadequate customer service.
    • However, issues involving commercial judgment of institutions, disputes between regulated entities, employer–employee matters, or cases already before courts or tribunals are excluded.
    • A key condition for filing a complaint with the ombudsman is that the customer must first approach the concerned entity. 
    • The ombudsman can be approached only if there is no response within 30 days or if the customer is dissatisfied with the reply.
  • Is there a cap on compensation?
    • There is no limit on the value of the dispute that can be brought before the ombudsman.
    • RBI Ombudsman can award compensation of up to ₹30 lakh for consequential financial loss and up to ₹3 lakh for non-financial losses such as harassment, mental anguish, or loss of time.
  • How can complaints be filed?
    • Complaints can be filed online through the RBI’s Complaint Management System portal, or sent by email or post to a centralised receipt and processing centre.
  • The complaint handling process:
    • The RBI Ombudsman (or Deputy) acts like a judge for these disputes. 
    • The process emphasises conciliation and settlement between the customer and the regulated entity.
    • If a settlement cannot be reached, the ombudsman can pass an award after giving both sides an opportunity to be heard.
    • If a customer is unhappy with the decision of the Ombudsman, she can appeal to the appellate authority (RBI's executive director) within 30 days. 
    • Entities can appeal too, but only with senior approval and not if they ignored document requests.
    • The authority can uphold, change, or send back the case.

Source: DEVD

Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is the objective of the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026?

Ans: It aims to improve the efficiency of resolving complaints filed by aggrieved customers of banks and other regulated entities.

Q2: When will the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 come into force?

Ans: It will come into force on July 1, 2026.

Q3: What institutional mechanism will RBI set up to receive complaints under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026?

Ans: RBI will establish a Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre.

Q4: Which banking entities are covered under the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 ?

Ans: Commercial banks, regional rural banks, state and central co-operative banks, and urban co-operative banks with deposits of ₹50 crore or more.

Q5: What is the maximum compensation that the Ombudsman can award under the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 ?

Ans: RBI Ombudsman can award compensation of up to ₹30 lakh for consequential financial loss and up to ₹3 lakh for non-financial losses.

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