UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 22 April 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 22 April 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 22 April 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Stauranthera aureoglossa

April 22, 2026
Stauranthera aureoglossa

Stauranthera aureoglossa Latest News

A team of botanists recently discovered a new plant species with a unique ‘golden tongue’ in the shaded streams of the Himalayas, named Stauranthera aureoglossa.

About Stauranthera aureoglossa

  • It is a new plant species.
  • It was discovered in the dense, mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is a perennial herb clinging to damp rocks and soil right beside flowing streams and rivulets.
  • The plant stands out from its closest relatives with a distinct, bell-shaped, bluish-purple flower. 
  • Unlike similar species, its flower lacks a tubular projection called a spur at its base. 
  • Instead, it features a raised, bumpy, yellow patch inside the lower lip of its petals. 
  • This striking feature inspired its new scientific name, with “aureoglossa” translating to the golden-yellow, tongue-like appendage seen on the flower.
  • It has diamond- or spear-shaped leaves. 
  • Because their fragile streamside habitats are being actively damaged by logging, landslides, and road-widening projects, the scientists have provisionally classified this rare, golden-tongued herb as an endangered species.

Source: RM

Stauranthera aureoglossa FAQs

Q1: What is Stauranthera aureoglossa?

Ans: It is a newly discovered plant species.

Q2: Where was Stauranthera aureoglossa discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Q3: In what type of habitat is Stauranthera aureoglossa found?

Ans: It is found in dense, mid-elevation evergreen forests.

Q4: How have scientists provisionally classified Stauranthera aureoglossa?

Ans: As an endangered species.

Druzhba Pipeline

April 22, 2026
Druzhba Pipeline

Druzhba Pipeline Latest News

The Druzhba pipeline that carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia has been repaired and can resume operations, the Ukrainian President has announced recently, ending a months-long standoff between Kyiv and Budapest.

About Druzhba Pipeline

  • The Druzhba Pipeline, also known as the Friendship Pipeline, is one of the biggest crude oil pipeline networks in the world. 
  • It was built in the 1960s to supply oil from the USSR to countries in Europe. 
  • Today, it is the largest principal artery for the transportation of Russian (and Kazakh) oil across Europe.
  • The total length of the pipeline system, including all its branches, is around 5500 km. 
  • The official beginning of the Druzhba network is in Almetyevsk in the Russian Federation, where pipelines carrying crude oil from Siberia, the Urals, and the Caspian Sea meet. 
  • Druzhba runs to Mozyr in Belarus, where it splits into a northern and a southern branch. 
  • The northern branch continues via Belarus and Poland to Germany. 
  • The southern branch runs through Ukraine, splitting in Uzhgorod, into Druzhba 1, continuing to Slovakia (where it splits again and goes to the Czech Republic in one branch and Hungary in another), and Druzhba 2, continuing to Hungary. 
  • The current capacity of Druzhba is 1.2–1.4 million barrels a day, with the possibility to increase up to 2 million barrels a day.

Source: MSN

Druzhba Pipeline FAQs

Q1: What is another name for the Druzhba Pipeline?

Ans: It is also known as the Friendship Pipeline.

Q2: When was the Druzhba Pipeline built?

Ans: It was built in the 1960s to supply oil from the USSR to countries in Europe.

Q3: What is the present significance of the Druzhba Pipeline?

Ans: It is the largest principal artery for transporting Russian (and Kazakh) oil across Europe.

Q4: What is the approximate total length of the Druzhba Pipeline system?

Ans: Around 5500 km.

Q5: Where does the Druzhba Pipeline officially begin?

Ans: Almetyevsk in the Russian Federation, where pipelines carrying crude oil from Siberia, the Urals, and the Caspian Sea meet.

Aspero

April 22, 2026
Aspero

Aspero Latest News

Archaeologists in Peru recently uncovered a structure at Áspero that appears to have been used to observe the sky, adding detail to what is known about early scientific practices in the Caral Civilisation.

About Aspero

  • It is a late preceramic archaeological site associated with the Norte Chico civilization (also called Caral-Supe civilization), one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas.
  • It is located in Peru on the right bank of the Supe River, only 500 meters from the Pacific Ocean.
  • Once a major fishing centre for the city of Caral, Áspero was inhabited throughout the Late Archaic period from before 3000 BC to approximately 1800 BC.
  • It was a major urban center with monumental architecture, including large platform mounds and sunken circular plazas, serving as a hub for trade, agriculture, and religious rituals.
  • Aspero was the main supplier of marine products during this period.
  • Researchers have identified 25 architectural complexes that demonstrate a complex social organization, based on the use of marine resources and exchange with populations from the coast, the highlands, and the jungle.
  • Among the site’s most notable findings are elite funerary contexts such as the Lady of the Four Tupus, the Elite Male, and the recent burial of a high-status girl. 
  • Áspero functioned not only as a fishing center but also as a place for the development of scientific and ritual knowledge. 
  • Astronomical observations conducted there helped its inhabitants understand and predict environmental changes, highlighting the settlement’s advanced knowledge of its natural surroundings.

Source: HD

Aspero FAQs

Q1: What is Áspero?

Ans: It is a late preceramic archaeological site.

Q2: With which civilization is Áspero associated?

Ans: The Norte Chico civilization (Caral-Supe civilization).

Q3: Where is Áspero located?

Ans: In Peru on the right bank of the Supe River.

Q4: What is the approximate time span of Áspero’s habitation?

Ans: From before 3000 BC to around 1800 BC.

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

April 22, 2026
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Sewage from commercial activities related to religious tourism in Kollur has emerged as a threat to the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi district, with the depleted Souparnika river carrying sewage and sludge to the core area in summer.

About Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka.
  • Set in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary covers an area of approximately 370 sq.km.
  • The sanctuary is named after the presiding deity of the Kollur Mookambika Temple, which is located within its boundaries. 
  • It forms a vital connecting link between Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary located on the southern side and Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary located on the northern side.
  • At the heart of the sanctuary lies the revered Kodachadri Peak, often referred to as a “botanical paradise.”
  • The sanctuary boasts two significant rivers – River Chakra and River Souparnika.
  • It is home to many beautiful waterfalls such as Koosalli waterfalls and Belkal Theertha waterfalls. 
  • Vegetation: The vegetation type is a mix of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests covering the steep slopes typical of the Western Ghats Mountains. 
  • Flora: 
    • Some of the eminent tree species are found in this region, including trees like Dipterocarpus Indicus, Calophyllum Tomentosum, and Hopea Parviflora. 
    • A rare species of the climber, Coscinium Fenestratum, is found here.
    • Small patches of teak plantations are also there. 
  • Fauna: It is known for the presence of rare animals like the slender loris and lion-tailed macaque, alongside larger wildlife such as tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, chital, wild pig, barking deer, gaur, porcupine, and otter.

Source: DH

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: In the Udupi district of Karnataka.

Q2: In which mountain range is the sanctuary situated?

Ans: The Western Ghats.

Q3: After which temple is the sanctuary named?

Ans: Kollur Mookambika Temple.

Q4: Which rivers flow through the sanctuary?

Ans: River Chakra and Souparnika River.

Q5: What types of vegetation are found in the sanctuary?

Ans: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests.

Germany

April 22, 2026
Germany

Germany Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Defence called for enhanced India-Germany defence industrial partnerships during an address to German Parliamentarians in Berlin.

About Germany

  • Location: It is located in central Europe.
  • Bordering Countries: Denmark (North), Poland and Czech Republic (East), Austria and Switzerland (South), and France, Luxemburg, Belgium and Netherlands (West).
  • Maritime Border: It is bounded by the North Sea in the northwest and by the Baltic Sea in the northeast.
  • Capital City: Berlin

Geographical Features of Germany

  • Climate: It is favored with a generally temperate climate.
  • Major mountain Ranges: Alps & Bavarian highlands
  • Major River: The most substantial rivers in Germany are the Rhine, the Elbe, and the Danube. 
  • Lake: Lake Constance is the largest freshwater lake, bordering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
  • Natural Resources: Germany possesses a wide range of natural resources, including lignite, coal, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, potash, uranium.

Source: PIB

Germany FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Germany?

Ans: Berlin

Q2: What are the two houses of the German parliament called?

Ans: Bundestag & Bundesrat

Prajna System

April 22, 2026
Prajna System

Prajna System Latest News

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs recently received an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system, ‘Prajna’.

About Prajna System

  • It is an indigenously developed satellite imaging system to enhance the real-time decision support for the security agencies.
  • The AI-enabled system was developed by the DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR).
  • It is intended to strengthen the country’s internal security by monitoring sensitive regions and aiding counter-terrorism operations.
  • The system integrates satellite imagery with advanced AI-driven analytics to provide actionable insights in real time.
  • It is designed to significantly improve situational awareness and support faster, more accurate decision-making during critical operations.
  • By leveraging artificial intelligence, it can process vast volumes of satellite data, identify patterns and flag anomalies that may otherwise go unnoticed through conventional methods.

Source: NIE

Prajna System FAQs

Q1: What is the Prajna System?

Ans: It is an indigenously developed satellite imaging system.

Q2: What is the main purpose of the Prajna System?

Ans: To enhance real-time decision support for security agencies.

Q3: Which organization developed the Prajna System?

Ans: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q4: Which DRDO lab developed the Prajna System?

Ans: Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR).

Q5: How does the Prajna System enhance internal security?

Ans: By monitoring sensitive regions and aiding counter-terrorism operations.

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary

April 22, 2026
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary Latest News

Recently, the Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh was designated as a Ramsar site, taking India’s total to 99.

About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary

  • Location: It is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is a typical monsoonal wetland of the Gangetic plains.
  • It is a fresh water perennial water body that came into existence after the formation of the Upper Ganges Canal in 1852 which flows adjacent to the lake. 
  • It acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.
  • Vegetation
    • The submerged vegetation consists of Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Vallisneria spiralis, Potamogeton crispus and Najas.
    • Free-floating vegetation consists of Salvinia and Azolla, Eichhornia crassipes. Rooted floating vegetation includes Nymphoides cristata and Nymphoides indica.
  • Fauna: It is providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork and various ducks during the winter season. 

What are Ramsar Sites?

  • It is a wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention (1971) for its international importance in conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecological balance.
  • These wetlands provide critical habitats for migratory birds, endangered species, and unique flora and fauna.
  • They help in groundwater recharge, flood control, and climate regulation, while supporting local livelihoods like fishing and agriculture.
  • India currently has 99 Ramsar Sites spread across 28 states and union territories.

Source: PIB

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: How did Shekha Jheel come into existence?

Ans: Formed after construction of Upper Ganges Canal in 1852

Q2: Where is Shekha Bird Sanctuary located?

Ans: Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh

Truck Mounted Attenuator

April 22, 2026
Truck Mounted Attenuator

Truck Mounted Attenuator Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a truck mounted safety system i.e Truck Mounted Attenuator to reduce risks in construction and maintenance zones.

About Truck Mounted Attenuator

  • Truck Mounted Attenuators are specially designed impact-absorbing safety devices that play a critical role in protecting both workers and road users.

Functions of Truck Mounted Attenuators

  • In the event of a collision, these systems absorb and dissipate kinetic energy, reducing the force of impact. This helps:
    • Protect maintenance crews working ahead of the vehicle
    • Reduce injury risks for occupants of the impacting vehicle
    • Minimize the severity of accidents in highway work zones
  • Early warnings that prevent accidents: These TMAs are equipped with high-intensity wig-wag warning lights, designed to flash in alternating patterns that form directional arrows.
    • These signals provide clear and timely warnings to approaching drivers.
    • It is especially valuable on high-speed highway corridors, during night-time operations and in foggy or low-visibility conditions
    • By alerting drivers well in advance, these systems help prevent collisions before they occur.

Source: PIB

Truck Mounted Attenuator FAQs

Q1: What is a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA)?

Ans: A crash-absorbing device mounted on trucks to protect highway workers in construction zones

Q2: What does NHAI aim to develop using technologies like TMA?

Ans: Zero-fatality corridors on national highways

Jamun

April 22, 2026
Jamun

Jamun Latest News

According to a new study, Jamun has been found to have originated much earlier than previously believed, with India playing a central role in its evolutionary history.

About Jamun

  • It is an important indigenous minor fruit of commercial value.
  • It is also known as black plum, Indian black cherry, Ram jamun etc. in different parts of India.
  • Distribution: The original home of jamun is India and also found in Thailand, Philippines, Madagascar and some other countries.
    • In India, the maximum number of jamun trees are found scattered throughout the tropical and subtropical regions.
    • It also occurs in the lower range of the Himalayas up to an elevation of 1,300 meters and in the Kumaon hills up to 1,600 meters.

Required Climatic Conditions for Jamun

  • Soil: It can be grown in deep loam and a well-drained soil is needed.
  • Jamun can grow well under salinity and waterlogged conditions too.
  • It prefers to grow under tropical and subtropical climate.
  • It requires dry weather at the time off towering and fruit setting.
  • In subtropical areas, early rain is considered to be beneficial for ripening of fruits and proper development of its size, colour and taste.

Source: PIB

Jamun FAQs

Q1: Which plant part of Jamun is traditionally used for managing diabetes?

Ans: Seed powder/kernel

Q2: What compound gives Jamun fruit its deep purple colour?

Ans: Anthocyanin

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

April 22, 2026
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Latest News

A recent report released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), projects that inflation in developing economies in the region will climb to 4.6 per cent in 2026, up from 3.5 per cent in 2025.

About United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

  • It is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • It was established in 1947.
  • Mandate: To promote economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region by fostering cooperation between its members and associate members.
  • Members: The Commission promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges.
  • It is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.
  • Functions: One of the main functions of UNESCAP is to promote economic and social development through regional and subregional cooperation and integration.
  • It carries out work in the areas like 
    • Macroeconomic Policy, Poverty Reduction and Financing for Development, Trade, Investment and Innovation, Transport, Environment and Development, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction and Social Development etc.
  • Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand

Source: DTE

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific FAQ's

Q1: How many member states and associate members does UNESCAP have?

Ans: 53 member states + 9 associate members

Q2: Where is the headquarters of UNESCAP located?

Ans: Bangkok

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