UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 28 March 2026

Waste Foundry Sand

March 28, 2026

Waste Foundry Sand Latest News

Recently, the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) and CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) entered into an agreement to develop and facilitate solutions for the utilisation of waste foundry sand in road construction.

About Waste Foundry Sand

It is a byproduct from the production of both ferrous and nonferrous metal castings.
It is high quality silica sand.
The physical and chemical characteristics of foundry sand depend upon the type of casting process and the type of industries.
Classification of foundry sands depends upon the type of binder systems used in metal casting.
Two types of binder systems are generally used, and on the basis of that foundry sands are categorized as: clay-bonded sands (green sand) and chemically bonded sands.
Clay-bonded (Green) sand is composed of naturally occurring materials which are blended together; high quality silica sand (85–95%), bentonite clay (4–10%) as a binder
Chemically bonded sands are used both in core making where high strengths are necessary to withstand the heat of molten metal, and in mold making.
Waste Foundry Sand poses environmental challenges due to its large-scale generation and disposal requirements.
Significance: Its reuse aligns with national priorities on resource efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainable development.

Source: Integrating Industrial Waste into Road Construction is Key to India’s Circular Economy Vision - Dr. N. Kalaiselvi

Waste Foundry Sand FAQs

Q1: What is Waste Foundry Sand (WFS)?

Ans: A by-product of metal casting industry

Q2: Is WFS hazardous?

Ans: No, non-hazardous

Euthalia zubeengargi

March 28, 2026

Euthalia Zubeengargi Latest News

Recently, a new butterfly species was recorded in Arunachal Pradesh and named it as Euthalia zubeengargi.

About Euthalia Zubeengargi

It is a butterfly species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
Habitat: It is found in semi-evergreen forests at elevations of 600-750 metres
It belongs to the genus Euthalia, a group commonly found across South and Southeast Asia. Appearance: Members of this group are typically seen in forested habitats and are known for their earthy brown wings marked with pale spots.
It prefers cool, shaded forest interiors.
The butterfly was seen resting on low vegetation, feeding on tree sap and occasionally gathering minerals from damp surfaces near streams.
It appears to be active mainly from late morning to early afternoon, making short, slow flights between nearby plants
Euthalia zubeengargi is one of more than 80 species from this group recorded in India’s northeastern region.
Ecological Significance of Butterflies: These are valuable indicators of the environment, whose health can influence their presence, abundance, and diversity.

Source: TH

Euthalia zubeengargi FAQs

Q1: What is Euthalia zubeengargi?

Ans: A new butterfly species

Q2: Where was Euthalia zubeengargi discovered?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh

Coffee

March 28, 2026

Coffee Latest News

India’s coffee exports to West Asian markets are now stranded at ports or slowly moving via the Strait of Hormuz which is impacting coffee exports.

About Coffee

It is a tropical plant generally grown under shady trees.
Types of Coffee: Robusta and Arabica
Major Coffee growing states: It is largely cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, among which, Karnataka produces the most with over 70% of the total output.
Europe is the top destination for India’s coffee exports.
The major countries which import the commodity from India include Italy, Germany, Belgium, Middle East nations, Korea, and Japan.

Required Climatic Conditions for Coffee Cultivation

It is grown on hill slopes at elevations from 600 to 1,600 metres above sea level.
Climate: It requires a hot and humid climate for its growth.
Temperature: 15°C and 28 °C
Rainfall: It requires 150 to 250 cm of rainfall.
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil containing a good deal of humus and minerals like iron and calcium are ideal for coffee cultivation.
Dry weather is necessary at the time of ripening of the berries.

Source: The Hindu

Coffee FAQs

Q1: Which state is the largest producer of coffee in India?

Ans: Karnataka

Q2: What is the ideal temperature range for coffee cultivation?

Ans: 15°C - 25°C

Central Consumer Protection Authority

March 28, 2026

Central Consumer Protection Authority Latest News

Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority directed hotels and restaurants not to levy additional charges, such as LPG charges and fuel cost recovery, on consumers.

About Central Consumer Protection Authority

The CCPA was established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the 1986 Act, was notified on August 9, 2019, and came into force on July 20, 2020.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Composition of CCPA
- A Chief Commissioner heads the CCPA and has two other commissioners:
- One commissioner deals with goods-related issues.
- The other commissioner handles service-related complaints.

Functions and Powers of CCPA

The CCPA protects, promotes, and enforces the rights of consumers as a class under the Act.
It prevents unfair trade practices and curbs false or misleading advertisements.
It ensures that no one publishes or disseminates false or misleading advertisements.
It can initiate class-action suits, including recall, refunds, and cancellation of licenses, when necessary.
The CCPA can conduct inquiries and investigations through its Investigation Wing, headed by a Director-General.
It can order the discontinuation of unfair practices, impose penalties on errant businesses, and enforce consumer welfare measures.

Source: News On Air

Central Consumer Protection Authority FAQs

Q1: Who heads the CCPA?

Ans: Chief Commissioner

Q2: What is the primary objective of the CCPA?

Ans: To promote and enforce consumer rights as a class

SWOT Satellite

March 28, 2026

SWOT Satellite Latest News

Recently, NASA has developed a new map of the ocean floor by using satellite data from SWOT Satellite.

About SWOT Satellite

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite was launched in 2022.
It is a joint mission of NASA and CNES (French Space Agency).
Objective: Satellite will collect detailed measurements of how water bodies on Earth change over time.

Features SWOT Satellite

It uses a specialised instrument called the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) to measure the height, width, and elevation of surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and oceans.
SWOT offers high spatial resolution by bouncing microwaves off water surfaces and calculating return time, allowing dynamic water movement tracking.
The satellite covers over 55% of large-scale global floods during their lifecycle through frequent Earth orbits.
The satellite circles Earth and can scan about 90 per cent of the planet every 21 days.
It is equipped to observe the entire length of nearly all rivers wider than 330 feet and more than 1 million lakes and reservoirs larger than 5 acres.
It will precisely measure fine differences in surface elevations around smaller currents and eddies, where much of the oceans’ drawdown of heat and carbon is believed to occur.

Source: IE

SWOT Satellite FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of the SWOT mission?

Ans: To survey Earth's surface water and ocean topography

Q2: Which space agencies are involved in the SWOT mission?

Ans: NASA and CNES

Steppe Eagle

March 28, 2026

Steppe Eagle Latest News

Recently, western part of Rajasthan has been recognised as a stronghold of the Steppe Eagle, a magnificent raptor that winters in the state.

About Steppe Eagle

It is a member of the subfamily Aquilinae, also known as the "booted eagles".
Appearance: The Steppe eagle is a large, bulky, and robust-looking eagle. It is mainly dark brown in color with a longish but very thick neck and a relatively small head
Habitat: It is found in a number of habitats including steppe, desert, semi-desert, open savanna, pastures, agricultural fields, paddy fields, grassland, and open woodland.
Distribution: It is mainly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa
It is a specialized predator of ground squirrels on the breeding ground.
It is the only eagle to nest primarily on the ground.
It mainly breeds in central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, it undertakes an annual southward migration as temperatures drop.
Diet: Steppe eagles are carnivores and prey mainly on small-sized mammals, with some birds (such as queleas) and reptiles and
Threats: The major threats to the Steppe eagle include habitat loss, persecution, wildfires, predation (and trampling by cattle) of chicks.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered

Source: DTE

Steppe Eagle FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Steppe Eagle?

Ans: Aquila nipalensis

Q2: What is the habitat of the Steppe Eagle?

Ans: Grasslands and steppes

P8I Aircraft

March 28, 2026

P8I Aircraft Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.

About P8I Aircraft

P-8I Poseidon is a long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.
It is manufactured by Boeing (a U.S. aerospace company) for the Indian Navy.
It replaced the ageing fleet of the Indian Navy’s Tupolev Tu-142 aircraft.
The P-8I Poseidon flown by the Indian Navy is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon used by the United States Navy.

Features of P8I Aircraft

Its advanced sensors, weapons systems, and long-range capabilities enable it to detect and respond to a wide range of threats, from submarines and surface vessels to environmental challenges.
It can conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol, and surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Carrying Capacity: The maximum take-off gross weight of the P-8I is 85,139 kg.
Speed: It can fly at a maximum speed of 789 km/h and can reach a maximum altitude of 12,496 m.
It has a maximum range of over 2,222 kilometres with a time on station of four hours.

Source: PIB

P8I Aircraft FAQs

Q1: What is the primary role of the P8I aircraft?

Ans: Anti-submarine warfare and Maritime surveillance

Q2: What is the P8I aircraft?

Ans: A maritime patrol aircraft

Rural Self Employment Training Institutes

March 28, 2026

Rural Self Employment Training Institutes Latest News

The Minister of State, Ministry of Rural Development, informed the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the significant role of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs).

About Rural Self Employment Training Institutes

The Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) are empowering rural youth through skill development and entrepreneurship promotion
RSETIs have emerged as key institutions with a wide national outreach, providing free residential training and facilitating sustainable livelihoods for rural youth.
These are functioning through a unique partnership between banks and government,
These institutes not only impart skills but also ensure post-training support through handholding and credit linkage.
One RSETI is established in every district in the country. Concerned bank is the lead bank in the district takes responsibility for creating and managing it.
RSETIs provide short-duration, practical, and residential training programs for unemployed rural youth aged 18–50 years.
The institutes offer 73 NSQF-aligned courses across sectors such as: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services and Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs)
Progress: Currently, 632 RSETIs are operational across 619 districts in 33 States/UTs, sponsored by 25 banks
Recognition of RSETI trainees: Certificates issued by an RSETI will be recognised by all banks for purposes of extending credit to the trainees.

Source: PIB

Rural Self Employment Training Institutes FAQs

Q1: Who manages RSETIs?

Ans: Banks with active cooperation from Government of India and State Governments

Q2: What is the primary objective of RSETIs?

Ans: To equip rural BPL youth with skills for self-employment

Keelback Snake

March 28, 2026

Keelback Snake Latest News

Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun documented the Rakhine Keelback (Herpetoreas davidi) in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kachin Hills Keelback (Hebius gilhodesi) in Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Tiger Reserve.

About Keelback Snake

Keelback snakes are typically non-venomous.
Habitat: These are often found near water bodies such as streams and wetlands.
Habitat: They are found in moist localities within wet and dry forest environments.
Diet: Frogs, lizards and occasionally fish and tadpoles
One of the most distinctive features of keelback snakes is their “keeled” scales.
Each scale has a raised ridge running down its center, giving the snake’s skin a noticeably rough and textured feel.
The keeled surface not only gives keelbacks a more rugged appearance but also helps with camouflage,
As the texture can break up light reflections and allow them to blend more effectively into natural surroundings like leaf litter, mud, and wetland vegetation.
Ecological Significance: Their presence is considered an indicator of healthy ecosystems, particularly in forested and riparian habitats.

Source: IT

Keelback Snake FAQs

Q1: Keelback snakes are primarily found in?

Ans: Water bodies and wetlands

Q2: What is the scientific name of the Keelback Snake?

Ans: Fowlea piscator

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

March 28, 2026

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Recently, the officials of the Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary have conserved nearly 20,000 eggs of Olive Ridley Turtles on Hope Island.

About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is part of the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa river confluences into the Bay of Bengal.
It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978.
Vegetation: It has extensive mangrove and dry deciduous tropical forests. It is the second-largest stretch of mangrove forests in India.
Flora: Mangrove plants like Rhizophora spp, Avicennia spp, Sonnertia spp, etc; grow here.
Fauna: It is home to endangered mammals like Smooth Indian otter, Fishing cat, Jackal, etc. Mangroves offer excellent habitat for birds like Black capped kingfisher, Brahminy kite, Sea gulls, Reef heron, Sand piper, etc.
The sea coast of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a breeding ground for Olive ridley turtles.

Key Facts about Olive Ridley Turtles

It gets its name from the olive green colouration of its carapace (shell).
It is best known for its unique mass nesting, called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
Distribution
- They are mainly found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
- Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is known as the world’s largest rookery (a colony of breeding animals) of sea turtles.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

Source: TH

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Which river is associated with Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Godavari

Q2: What is Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

Ans: Mangrove forests and biodiversity