UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 20 April 2026

Apis mellifera

April 20, 2026

Apis mellifera Latest News

By successfully demonstrating that Apis mellifera can survive sub-zero temperatures, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Pulwama recently introduced a breakthrough likely to help beekeepers avoid the costly practice of migrating their hives to the plains during winter.

About Apis mellifera

Apis mellifera, the Western bee or European bee, is the most common species of honey bee worldwide.
It is the most widely distributed and well-known domesticated species of insect in the world.
It is commercially exploited for products such as honey, wax, and propolis, and it is used for pollination of multiple crops.

Apis mellifera Habitat and Distribution

It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Africa.
Human introduction of Apis mellifera to other continents started in the 17th century, and now they are found all around the world, including East Asia, Australia, and North and South America.
They prefer habitats that have an abundant supply of suitable flowering plants, such as meadows, open wooded areas, and gardens.
They can survive in grasslands, deserts, and wetlands if there is sufficient water, food, and shelter.
They need cavities (e.g. in hollow trees) to nest in.

Apis mellifera Features

They are generally reddish brown to yellow in color, with black bands and orange-yellow rings on their abdomens.
They have two pairs of wings and a slender waist.
Thoraxes and abdomens are covered with forked or frayed hairs, though less so on the abdomen.
Like all honey bees, the western honey bee is eusocial, creating colonies with a single fertile female (or "queen"), many normally non-reproductive females or "workers," and a small proportion of fertile males or "drones."
Individual colonies can house tens of thousands of bees.
Workers and queens possess stingers spiked with venom coming from abdominal glands.
The stinger is barbed in workers and tears away from their bodies after stinging. The queen’s stinger is smooth.
Its nest has a sophisticated architecture made of multiple combs constructed from beeswax and, under natural conditions, built inside a protective cavity.

Source: TH

Apis mellifera FAQs

Q1: What is Apis mellifera commonly known as?

Ans: The Western honey bee or European honey bee.

Q2: For what main purposes is Apis mellifera commercially exploited?

Ans: Honey, wax, propolis production, and crop pollination.

Q3: Where is Apis mellifera native to?

Ans: Europe, Western Asia, and Africa.

Q4: What type of habitats do Apis mellifera prefer?

Ans: Areas with abundant flowering plants like meadows, open woodlands, and gardens.

Q5: What is the general body color of Apis mellifera?

Ans: Reddish-brown to yellow with black bands and orange-yellow rings.

Yangtze River

April 20, 2026

Yangtze River Latest News

China recently completed an 11.18-km-long high-speed underwater tunnel beneath the Yangtze River, enabling bullet trains to run at speeds of up to 350 kmph.

About Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, known in China as the Chang Jiang or Yangzi, is the longest river in both China and Asia and the third-longest river in the world after the Nile River and the Amazon River.
It is also considered the longest river to exclusively flow within the borders of a single nation.
It is 6,300 kilometers long.
Course:
- It begins in the mountains of Tibet.
- It runs through mountains for most of its length.
- Near the end of its course, it flows through wide, low plains.
- More than 700 streams and rivers flow into the Yangtze.
- The Yangtze empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai in east-central China.
It has eight principal tributaries. On its left bank, from source to mouth, these are the Yalung, Min, Jialing, and Han rivers; those on the right bank include the Wu, Yuan, Xiang, and Gan rivers.
The Yangtze has been an important traffic route since the 1200s. The river connects inland and coastal ports with major cities, including Nanjing, Wuhan, and Chongqing.
Its basin is China’s great granary. Nearly half of China’s crops are grown in this area.
The Yangtze basin provides about half of all the fish eaten in China.
Industries and farming there contribute as much as 40% of China's whole economy.
The region is also responsible for the housing of 400 million people, about one-third of the country’s population.
Many of China's largest cities, including Shanghai, Wuhan, and Chongqing, are situated along the river.

Source: IE

Yangtze River FAQs

Q1: What is the Yangtze River called in China?

Ans: Chang Jiang or Yangzi.

Q2: Which is the longest river in Asia?

Ans: Yangtze River.

Q3: What is the length of the Yangtze River?

Ans: About 6,300 kilometers.

Q4: Where does the Yangtze River originate?

Ans: In the mountains of Tibet.

Q5: Into which sea does the Yangtze River empty?

Ans: The Yangtze empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai in east-central China.

Col. Sher Jung National Park

April 20, 2026

Col. Sher Jung National Park Latest News

The Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed a recent notification declaring areas of at least three grama panchayats around the Col Sher Jung National Park at Simbalbara in Sirmaur district as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).

About Col. Sher Jung National Park

Col. Sher Jung National Park, also known as Simbalbara National Park, is located in the Paonta Valley of the Sirmaur (Sirmour) district in Himachal Pradesh along its border with Haryana.
It is named after the famous freedom fighter and ardent environmentalist Colonel Sher Jung.
The park is located in the lower Shiwalik region and extends into the middle and upper Shiwaliks, with an elevation ranging from 350 to 700 meters above sea level.
Geographically, it is at the confluence of three biogeographic regions: the Himalayas, the Gangetic plain, and the semi-arid region.
It touches Kalesar National Park of Haryana to its south and west.
The Simbalbara River flows through Simbalbara National Park and is a lifeline for the park’s plants and animals.
Vegetation: It is characterized by its dense Sal forests with grassy glades.
Flora:
- Sal (Shorea robusta) and Terminalia tomentosa are the principal species that form the top canopy here.
- On the riverine side, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Cassia siamea, and Eucalyptus are present.
Fauna:
- Some key species include Nilgai, Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, goral, barking deer, and Rhesus macaque.
- The park also serves as a significant bird habitat, home to species like the Indian roller, dollar bird, kingfishers, and three types of hornbills.
- Predatory birds such as the crested serpent eagle and Brahminy kite also inhabit this area.

Source: IE

Col. Sher Jung National Park FAQs

Q1: Where is Col. Sher Jung National Park located?

Ans: In the Paonta Valley of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.

Q2: What is another name of Col. Sher Jung National Park?

Ans: Simbalbara National Park.

Q3: At the confluence of which three biogeographic regions is the Col. Sher Jung National Park located?

Ans: Himalayas, Gangetic Plain, and semi-arid region.

Q4: What type of vegetation is dominant in the Col. Sher Jung National Park?

Ans: Dense Sal forests with grassy glades.

Mansar Lake

April 20, 2026

Mansar Lake Latest News

A senior police officer recently reviewed security measures at Mansar Lake, a prominent tourist destination in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.

About Mansar Lake

It is a freshwater lake located in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, around 62 kilometers from Jammu city and about 19 kilometers from Samba town.
It lies in the foothills of the Shivalik range.
It is oval in shape and surrounded by green hills and forests.
It is one of the largest lakes in the region, with a length of about 1 km and a width of about 0.5 km.
The lake is mainly fed by rainwater and underground springs.
It has been a center of faith for many generations.
- On the eastern side of the lake stands the Sheshnag Temple, where devotees offer milk and prayers to the serpent god.
- Other temples such as Durga Temple and Umapati Mahadev Temple are also located around the lake.
Mansar Lake is ecologically rich, housing about 207 species of algae and supporting diverse fauna including several species of fish and waterfowl.
Together with its twin lake, Surinsar, it was designated under Ramsar Convention in November 2005.

Source: PRINT

Mansar Lake FAQs

Q1: Where is Mansar Lake located?

Ans: In Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q2: In which mountain range foothills is Mansar Lake situated?

Ans: Shivalik range.

Q3: What are the main sources of water for Mansar Lake?

Ans: Rainwater and underground springs.

Q4: Which lake is considered the twin of Mansar Lake?

Ans: Surinsar Lake.

Amber Fort

April 20, 2026

Amber Fort Latest News

The Rajasthan High Court, while hearing a plea against alleged illegal elephant rides near Amber Fort, recently issued notices to the state govt. and multiple respondents.

About Amber Fort

Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is located in Amer, a town located approximately 11 kilometers from the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan.
It was constructed atop a hill. The fort was strategically situated on the Aravalli Range, providing a commanding view of the surrounding region.
It was originally built by Raja Man Singh I, the Kachwaha Rajput ruler, in the late 16th century.
- Man Singh was one of the trusted generals of Emperor Akbar and one among the Navaratnas of his court.
Prior to shifting their capital to Jaipur, Amer was the capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs.
The original construction of the fort began in 1592.
It underwent significant expansion and renovation under the reign of Jai Singh I, who ruled from 1621 to 1667.
- He is credited with constructing the impressive Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) within the fort complex.
Following Jai Singh I's enhancements, successive rulers of the Kachwaha dynasty continued to contribute to Amer Fort's development, until the capital was shifted to Jaipur in 1727.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amber Fort Architecture

Its architecture is a noteworthy fusion of Rajput (Hindu) and Mughal (Islamic) styles.
It was built using pink and yellow sandstones.
With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront.
It has splendid palaces, courtyards, and the famous Sheesh Mahal.

Source: TOI

Amber Fort FAQs

Q1: Where is Amber Fort located?

Ans: In Amer, about 11 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Q2: Who originally built Amber Fort?

Ans: It was originally built by Raja Man Singh I, the Kachwaha Rajput ruler, in the late 16th century.

Q3: Who expanded and renovated Amber Fort significantly?

Ans: It underwent significant expansion and renovation under the reign of Jai Singh I, who ruled from 1621 to 1667.

Q4: Which architectural styles are combined in Amber Fort?

Ans: Rajput (Hindu) and Mughal (Islamic) styles.

Pelusium

April 20, 2026

Pelusium Latest News

The excavation at the Tell el-Farama site in northern Sinai by an Egyptian archaeological team has concluded and resulted in the discovery of a rarely seen round temple within the ruins of the ancient city of Pelusium, which also has a new identity than previously believed.

About Pelusium

Pelusium, located at the easternmost mouth of the Nile in Egypt, is an ancient city known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.
It lies about 32 km southeast of Port Said, in the Sinai Peninsula.
Originally called Sainu and Per-Amun, after its principal deity, Pelusium became a vital fortress and customs post on the border with Judaea during Pharaonic times.
The city was particularly famous for its flax production.
It witnessed several notable military events, including Cambyses' conquest in 525 BC (Battle of Pelusium, in which Persian king Cambyses II defeated Pharaoh Psamtik III’s Egyptian army) ,and later sieges involving Athenian assistance and attacks from various rulers, such as Artaxerxes III and the Seleucid king Antiochus IV.
After Alexander the Great's death, Pelusium served as an important customs station under the Ptolemies (a Greek (Macedonian) dynasty that ruled Egypt).
It was also the site of significant conflict during the Roman period, particularly during the rise of Octavian (Augustus) following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra.
The residents of Pelusium had a rich cultural life, venerating Isis, the goddess of sea voyages, and considering onions sacred, which has led to diverse interpretations of their practices.
Under the later Roman Empire, Pelusium was incorporated into the province of Augustamnica, affirming its enduring importance in the region’s history.

Source: TOI

Pelusium FAQs

Q1: Where was Pelusium located?

Ans: At the easternmost mouth of the Nile River in Egypt.

Q2: In which peninsula is Pelusium situated?

Ans: Sinai Peninsula.

Q3: For which economic activity was Pelusium famous?

Ans: Flax production.

Q4: Which major battle took place at Pelusium in 525 BC?

Ans: Battle of Pelusium, in which Persian king Cambyses II defeated Pharaoh Psamtik III’s Egyptian army.

Q5: Into which Roman province was Pelusium incorporated?

Ans: Augustamnica.

Muthuvan Tribe

April 20, 2026

Muthuvan Tribe Latest News

A recent report by the Kerala Food Commission has spotlighted significant discrepancies in the distribution of ration supplies in Edamalakkudy, Kerala's sole tribal panchayat, primarily inhabited by the Muthuvan tribe.

About Muthuvan Tribe

The Muthuvans, or Mudugars, live in the Western Ghats mountains in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The Muthuvan language is a special language spoken by the Muthuvan people. It belongs to the Dravidian language family.
There are two different groups among the Muthuvan, and they speak slightly different dialects. Hence, they call each other Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan.
They are known for coexisting with the wildlife with their traditional knowledge and understanding of hills.
They have expertise in traditional medicines, which are very effective, and these medicines and the medicine men are confidentially preserved and passed on to the generations.

Muthuvan Tribe Social Organization

The Muthuvan have six clans known as Koottams. Each koottam is again divided into sub-clans.
The functions of these divisions are mainly for marriage alliances, to keep up the social status, and to indicate descent and ancestry.
The Muthuvan adhere to community endogamy and clan exogamy.
These tribal people follow a unique system of governance called the ‘Kani System’.
The law and order in the community is handled by a council of elders under the leadership of the Kani, the headman.
The elders select the kani. They have various penal codes for breaking their traditions and moral standards.

Muthuvan Tribe Religion and Beliefs

They are animists and spirit worshippers and also worship the forest gods.
They believe that the spirits of their ancestors are to be the first migrants to the hill forests.
Nowadays, the Hindu gods and goddesses of the plains are also being worshipped, one of the effects of cultural infiltration.

Muthuvan Tribe Occupation

Virippukrishi (a form of shifting cultivation) is their traditional means of livelihood, and they cultivate a wide variety of food grains that are used only for consumption.
Ragi (Little Millet), Maize (Sorghum), Thina (Italian Millet), Varagu, Chama Rice, Tomato, Carrot, Sweet Potato, Potato, Cheeni Vala, Toppi, Mocha, etc., are principal food crops cultivated by the Muthuvan community.

Source: DEVD

Muthuvan Tribe FAQs

Q1: Where do the Muthuvan tribe live?

Ans: In the Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Q2: What are the clans of the Muthuvan tribe called?

Ans: Koottams.

Q3: What type of marriage system do the Muthuvans follow?

Ans: Community endogamy and clan exogamy.

Q4: Who is the head of the Muthuvan tribal administration?

Ans: The Kani.

Q5: What type of religious belief do the Muthuvans follow traditionally?

Ans: Animism and spirit worship.

Bulgaria

April 20, 2026

Bulgaria Latest News

Recently, Bulgarians are headed to the polls for the eighth time in five years, hoping to finally elect a parliament able to resolve the longtime political impasse.

About Bulgaria

Location: It is located in the south eastern region of the European continent, occupying the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by 5 countries: by Romania in the north; by Turkey and Greece in the south; by North Macedonia in the southwest and by Serbia in the west.
Maritime Border: It is bounded by the Black Sea in the east.
Capital City: Sofia

Geographical Features of Bulgaria

Climate: Most of Bulgaria has a moderate continental climate, which is tempered by Mediterranean influences in the south.
Mountain Ranges: The Balkan Mountains cut across the central part of the country, while the Rhodope Mountains run through southern Bulgaria, along its border with Greece.
Highest Point: Musala Mt (at 9,594 ft.) which is located in the Rila Mountains.
Major Rivers: Major rivers include the Danube River, Iskur, Maritsa, Struma, Tundzha and Yantra rivers.
Natural Resources: Bauxite, Copper, lead, zinc, coal etc.

Source: TH

Bulgaria FAQs

Q1: Which major European river forms part of Bulgaria’s northern border?

Ans: Danube

Q2: Which sea borders Bulgaria to the east?

Ans: Black Sea

Colorado River

April 20, 2026

Colorado River Latest News

Recently, the mystery of the Colorado River’s missing water has finally been solved by scientists from the University of Washington, revealing a critical shift in the American West’s hydrological cycle.

About Colorado River

It is a major river of North America.
Origin: It rises in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, U.S.
It flows generally west and south for 1,450 miles (2,330 kilometres) into the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico.
It flows through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states.
The river drains a vast arid and semiarid sector of the North American continent.
It is often referred to as the “Lifeline of the Southwest.”
Lakes: It forms several major reservoirs, including Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
International boundary: Colorado forms an international boundary between Arizona (US) and Mexico.
Tributaries: The Colorado River has several tributaries, including Green, Gunnison, San Juan, Dolores, Little Colorado, Gila, and Virgin Rivers.
One of the Colorado River’s most famous features is the Grand Canyon, which it carved over millions of years.
- Grand Canyon landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.
The river also flows through Canyonlands National Park and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.

Source: TOI

Colorado River FAQs

Q1: Which is the largest tributary of Colorado River by length and discharge?

Ans: Green River

Q2: The Colorado River originates in which country?

Ans: United States

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

April 20, 2026

Anaimalai Tiger Reserve Latest News

An elderly woman who went missing from her home was found dead in the Manampally forest range of the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve.

About Anaimalai Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located in the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi and Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu.
It lies south of the Palakkad gap in the Southern Western Ghats.
It is surrounded by the Parambikulum Tiger Reserve on the east, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulum National Park on the southwestern side.
The reserve is also surrounded by the Nenmara, Vazhachal, Malayattur, and Marayur reserved forests of Kerala.
It was declared a tiger reserve in the year 2007.
It is inhabited by six indigenous communities viz., Kadar, Muduvar, Malasar, Malai malasar, Eravalar and Pulayar.
Vegetation: It supports diverse habitat types, viz. Wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, dry thorn, and shola forests. Other unique habitats like montane grasslands, savannah and marshy grasslands are also present.
Flora: The reserve is rich in wild relatives of cultivated species like mango, jackfruit, wild plantain, ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric, pepper (Piper longum), cardamom, etc.
Fauna: The important wild animals of the reserve include: Tiger, Asiatic elephant, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Jackal, Leopard, Jungle cat, etc.

Source: TOI

Anaimalai Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in which state?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

Q2: Anamalai Tiger Reserve lies in which hills of the Western Ghats?

Ans: Anamalai Hills