UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 22 June 2026

Uzbekistan Joins New Development Bank, Becomes 10th Member

June 22, 2026

Recently, Uzbekistan officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB) as its 10th member, becoming the first country from Central Asia to become part of this BRICS-led multilateral development institution.

About the New Development Bank (NDB)

The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established by the five BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The decision to establish the bank was taken at the 6th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014
It became operational in 2015
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Core objective: Mobilising financial resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDCs)

New Development Bank (NDB) Capital Structure

The authorised capital of the NDB is USD 100 billion. Out of this, the initial subscribed capital was USD 50 billion, which was equally contributed by the five founding BRICS members.

New Development Bank (NDB) Governance and Voting System

The governance model of the NDB is distinct from traditional institutions such as the World Bank.

Each member country has one vote, ensuring equal representation
There is no veto power, promoting collective decision-making
Unlike capital-based voting systems, influence is not directly tied to financial contribution
However, the combined voting share of the founding BRICS members is ensured to remain above 55 percent to maintain institutional balance

New Development Bank (NDB) Membership

The New Development Bank allows membership to all United Nations member countries, as per its Articles of Agreement. Since 2021, the bank has gradually expanded beyond its original five founding members.

The current membership includes:

Founding BRICS members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
Bangladesh (joined in 2021)
United Arab Emirates (joined in 2021)
Egypt (joined in 2023)
Algeria (joined in 2025)
Uzbekistan (joined in 2026)

In addition, Uruguay, Colombia and Ethiopia have been approved for membership by the Board of Governors. They will become full members once they complete the formal accession process.

Significance of Uzbekistan’s Entry in New Development Bank

Uzbekistan’s inclusion is important as it marks the first entry of a Central Asian country into the NDB. This expands the bank’s presence into a strategically important and fast-growing region.

It also strengthens infrastructure financing in developing and landlocked economies. In addition, it enhances the role of the Global South in global financial governance and supports the push for local currency-based financing to reduce dependence on the United States dollar.

Uzbekistan Joins New Development Bank FAQs

Q1: Which country has become the 10th member of the New Development Bank?

Ans: Uzbekistan has become the 10th member of the New Development Bank (NDB) with effect from 5 June 2026 after completing ratification of the Articles of Agreement.

Q2: Why is Uzbekistan’s membership in the New Development Bank (NDB) important?

Ans: Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian country to join the NDB, marking the bank’s expansion into Central Asia and strengthening its geographical diversity.

Q3: Which countries are current members of the New Development Bank (NDB) after expansion?

Ans: Current members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Bangladesh (2021), United Arab Emirates (2021), Egypt (2023), Algeria (2025), and Uzbekistan (2026).

Q4: What is the New Development Bank?

Ans: The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established by BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—to finance infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging markets and developing economies.

Q5: When was the New Development Bank (NDB) established and where is its headquarters?

Ans: The NDB was established following the 6th BRICS Summit in 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil and became operational in 2015. Its headquarters is located in Shanghai, China.

Khurasani Imli

June 22, 2026

Khurasani Imli Latest News

Recently, the Khurasani Imli, fruit of Mandu’s iconic Baobab tree, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Khurasani Imli

Khurasani Imli or Tamarind is a fruit of Mandu’s (Madhya Pradesh) iconic Baobab tree.
It was brought to Mandav during the reign of Mahmud Khilji in the 14th century and its name was changed from ‘Baobab’ to “Khurasani Imli.
It is known by one more name Mandav Imli.
It has a light green fruit with a tangy sweet-sour flavour, grows across villages in the Mandu region.
Benefits
- Tribal communities have traditionally used not only the pulp but also the tree’s juice and dried bark for treating ailments such as diabetes.
- It is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
- Tribal healers have long used it to treat digestive ailments, fever, and fatigue, while seeds and bark also hold medicinal value.

What is a Geographical Indication Tag?

It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Source: TOI

Khurasani Imli FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of Khurasani Imli?

Ans: Adansonia digitata – commonly called Baobab or Monkey-bread tree

Q2: What is the unique feature of Baobab trunk?

Ans: Water-storing swollen trunk

Solanum Pandeyi

June 22, 2026

Solanum Pandeyi Latest News

A new species of wild brinjal has been discovered from one of the remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago by a scientist from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and named it as Solanum pandeyi.

About Solanum Pandeyi

It is a species of wild brinjal recorded in the evergreen forest of Middle Andaman.
It was found growing in the open along the forest edges and was locally known as wild orange eggplant.
The new species is similar to Solanum lasiocarpum and belongs to the Leptostemonum clade of Solanum.
Uses of Solanum Pandeyi:
- It was used by an indigenous Negrito tribe, Great Andamanese, for food and medicinal purposes.
- Most seeds and roots are used to treat tooth infection.
- Ripe fruit with jaggery (a natural unrefined sugar), chilli, garlic, ginger, and salt are used to make sour-sweet sauce by the Ranchi and Bengali settler community of the island.

Key Facts of Botanical Survey of India

It is India’s apex taxonomic and floristic research institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It was established on 13 February 1890.
Function: It provides the scientific foundation for plant conservation, documentation, identification and sustainable use of the country’s plant wealth.

Source: TH

Solanum Pandeyi FAQs

Q1: To which family does Solanum pandeyi belong?

Ans: Solanaceae

Q2: Which indigenous tribe uses Solanum pandeyi for medicinal purposes?

Ans: Great Andamanese – Negrito tribe; seeds/roots used for tooth infection

Switzerland

June 22, 2026

Switzerland Latest News

Recently, the first round of talks between high-ranking U.S. and Iranian officials was held in Switzerland.

About Switzerland

Location: It is a landlocked mountainous country in Western and Central Europe.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by 5 Nations: by Germany in the north; Italy in the south; Austria and Liechtenstein in the east and France in the west.
Capital City: Bern
It is not a member state of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Geographical Features of Switzerland

Mountain Range: The Alpine ranges lie to the south and the Jura Mountains to the north.
Highest Point: Its highest point is Monte Rosa in the Pennine Alps.
Lakes: Its two largest lakes are Lake Geneva (shared with France) and Lake Neuchatel.
Four major European climates affect Switzerland: It is influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, dry and cold air arrives from the North Arctic areas, continental air and Mediterranean Sea.

Source: Reuters

Switzerland FAQs

Q1: Switzerland is not a member of which two major European blocs?

Ans: European Union (EU) and NATO

Q2: What are the 4 official languages of Switzerland?

Ans: German, French, Italian, Romansh

New Species of Cave-Dwelling Micro Snails

June 22, 2026

New Species of Cave-Dwelling Micro Snails Latest News

Researchers recently discovered two new species of miniature, cave-dwelling micro-snails named Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni.

About Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni

These are two new species of miniature, cave-dwelling micro-snails.
They were discovered deep inside the damp limestone caves of Northeast India’s Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Georissa meghalayaensis was discovered at the edge of Meghalaya's Krem Puri cave entrance.
- It stands out from its closest relatives due to its striking orangish-red colour and a highly detailed, mesh-like pattern of ridges covering its tiny shell.
- In contrast, its closest known snail cousins typically sport yellowish shells with sharp, widely spaced spiral lines.
Acmella bensoni was found clinging to walls deeper inside both the Krem Puri and Arwah caves of Meghalaya.
- This species distinguishes itself from similar snails by having a smaller, slightly transparent, whitish shell.
- It features deeply impressed grooves between the shell's spirals (whorls) and an incredibly fine, densely packed pattern of tiny ribs that make the shell appear almost smooth.
- This shiny little snail was named in honour of William H. Benson, a legendary 19th-century scientist, celebrated as the pioneer of Indian Malacology, the study of molluscs.

News: RM

New Species of Cave-Dwelling Micro Snails FAQ's

Q1: What are Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni

Ans: They are two new species of miniature, cave-dwelling micro-snails.

Q2: Where were Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni discovered?

Ans: They were discovered deep inside the damp limestone caves of Northeast India's Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Q3: Where was Georissa meghalayaensis discovered?

Ans: It was discovered at the edge of the entrance of the Krem Puri Cave in Meghalaya.

Q4: What is the distinguishing feature of Georissa meghalayaensis?

Ans: It has a striking orangish-red shell with a highly detailed, mesh-like pattern of ridges.

Q5: What are the distinguishing characteristics of Acmella bensoni?

Ans: It has a smaller, slightly transparent, whitish shell with deeply impressed grooves between the whorls and densely packed tiny ribs.

India’s first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules

June 22, 2026

India's first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules Latest News

Tamil Nadu is set to deploy India’s first 3D-printed artificial reef modules in coastal waters as part of an ambitious marine habitat restoration initiative under the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

About India's first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules

It is to be deployed by Tamil Nadu in coastal waters off the Ramanathapuram coast.
It is part of an ambitious marine habitat restoration initiative under the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
It will serve as a pilot to assess the performance of six newly developed reef designs created through advanced 3D-printing technology.
The modules, each weighing about 1 tonne, were developed by Chennai-based startup Tvasta, an IIT Madras-incubated company, in collaboration with Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
These modules will be deployed about two nautical miles offshore.

India's first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules Features

- Unlike conventional artificial reefs made from reinforced concrete structures, the new modules feature complex geometries with multiple crevices, folds and attachment surfaces designed to enhance biodiversity.
- They are manufactured without iron reinforcement and incorporate material innovations aimed at increasing porosity and creating substrates more suitable for marine organisms, including corals, sponges and other reef-associated fauna.
- They allow greater structural complexity, higher surface area, and species-specific habitat design.
- The technology offers significant advantages over traditional reef modules, including faster fabrication, reduced labour requirements and flexibility to alter material composition according to site-specific ecological needs.

News: NIE

India's first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules FAQs

Q1: Where will India's first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules be deployed?

Ans: They will be deployed in the coastal waters off the Ramanathapuram coast in Tamil Nadu.

Q2: Under which scheme is the artificial reef project being implemented?

Ans: The project is being implemented under the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

Q3: Who developed India's first 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules?

Ans: The modules were developed by Chennai-based startup Tvasta, an IIT Madras-incubated company, in collaboration with Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.

Q4: How do the new 3D-Printed Artificial Reef Modules differ from conventional artificial reefs?

Ans: They feature complex geometries with multiple crevices, folds and attachment surfaces designed to enhance biodiversity.

Dongfeng-17 (DF-17)

June 22, 2026

Dongfeng-17 Latest News

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has for the first time aired footage showing the launch of a Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile recently.

About Dongfeng-17

It is a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile.
It was officially unveiled in 2019.
Its NATO code name is CSS-22.

Dongfeng-17 Features

It measures around 11 m in length, and weighs around 15,000 kg.
It is said to have a range of 1800 km to 2500 km.
It is mounted on a mobile launcher.
It carries a hypersonic glide vehicle DF-ZF (HGV — Hypersonic Glide Vehicle).
Its operation is as follows:
- The missile is launched outside the atmosphere like a classic ballistic missile.
- At a certain altitude, the DF-ZF warhead separates.
- The warhead reenters the atmosphere, but instead of descending in a straight line like ballistic missiles, it “glides” in the atmosphere with its fins.
- While gliding, it changes direction and maneuvers. Its speed is approximately Mach 5-10.
- This flight profile allows the vehicle to remain below radar detection for longer durations than a ballistic missile covering the same distance.

News: TOI

Dongfeng-17 FAQs

Q1: What is the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17)?

Ans: The Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) is a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile.

Q2: Which country developed the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17)?

Ans: The DF-17 was developed by China.

Q3: What is the operational range of the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17)?

Ans: It has an estimated range of 1,800 km to 2,500 km.

Q4: What type of fuel is used by the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17)?

Ans: The DF-17 uses solid fuel.

Nabha Fort

June 22, 2026

Nabha Fort Latest News

Volunteers recently cleared four trolley-loads of garbage from the 18th-century Nabha Fort and an adjoining park, renewing demands that the monument linked to Maharaja Ripudaman Singh be protected and developed as a tourism destination.

About Nabha Fort

It is located in Nabha city within the Patiala district of Punjab.
It served as the royal residence and administrative center of the Nabha princely state under the Phulkian dynasty.
Constructed and expanded over more than 150 years, notable rulers like Maharaja Hira Singh (1843-1911) contributed to its grandeur with decorative frescoes, intricate carvings, and spacious courtyards.
The fort played a significant role during the Anglo-Sikh Wars, with Nabha aligned with the British, which secured its sovereignty under colonial rule.

Nabha Fort Architecture

The fort features traditional Indian military architecture with thick walls, bastions, and large gates designed for defense, alongside palatial residences, gardens, and audience halls showcasing a blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Sikh architectural styles.
The fort also consists of painted chambers, gilding and mirror work, colored glass and decorative fanlights, wood carvings, decorative plasterwork, stone door frames, and stone jaalis.
Rediscovered artifacts include rare wall paintings depicting Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army and a unique cooling system in the basement known as the Sard Khana.

News: TOI

Nabha Fort FAQs

Q1: Where is Nabha Fort located?

Ans: Nabha Fort is located in the city of Nabha in the Patiala district of Punjab.

Q2: What was the historical significance of Nabha Fort?

Ans: It served as the royal residence and administrative centre of the Nabha princely state.

Q3: Which ruler significantly contributed to the grandeur of Nabha Fort?

Ans: Maharaja Hira Singh significantly contributed to the fort's grandeur.

Q4: What type of architecture is seen in Nabha Fort?

Ans: The fort features traditional Indian military architecture combined with Mughal, Rajput, and Sikh architectural styles.

Biochar

June 22, 2026

Biochar Latest News

Studies have indicated that Biochar can improve crop productivity by 10% to 30% and water-holding capacity by 10% to 25%, particularly in soils low in nutrients.

About Biochar

Biochar is made by heating agricultural waste in low-oxygen conditions.
It offers a sustainable alternative to manage waste and capture carbon.
It is granular material obtained by heating crop residue at 400°C to 600°C in a kiln-shaped structure in the absence of oxygen.
Advantage of Biochar: It can hold carbon in the soil for 100-1,000 years due to its strong and stable characteristics, making it an effective long-term carbon sink.

Potential Applications of Biochar

Agriculture: It can improve water retention, particularly in semi-dry and nutrient-depleted soils.
Biochar is highly porous and contributes to aggregating soil particles, holding water and creating a suitable environment for microorganisms.
Industries: In carbon capture applications, modified biochar can adsorb CO₂ from industrial exhaust gases. However, its carbon removal efficiency is currently lower than that of conventional methods.
Construction sector: Biochar can be explored as a low-carbon alternative to building materials and makes building materials a stable carbon sink.
Wastewater Treatment: Biochar offers a low-cost and effective option to reduce pollution.

Source: TH

Biochar FAQs

Q1: What is biochar?

Ans: Carbon-rich charcoal produced by pyrolysis of biomass in low/no oxyge

Q2: What is the main environmental benefit of biochar?

Ans: Carbon sequestration – locks carbon for 100s-1000s years; mitigates climate change

Ammonia

June 22, 2026

Ammonia Latest News

Recently, an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district impacted many people.

About Ammonia

It is a colorless, pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3.
Properties: Ammonia gas can be dissolved in water. This kind of ammonia is called liquid ammonia or aqueous ammonia. Once exposed to open air, liquid ammonia quickly turns into a gas.
It exists naturally in humans and in the environment.
In the environment, ammonia is part of the nitrogen cycle and is produced in soil from bacterial processes.
Ammonia is also produced naturally from decomposition of organic matter, including plants and animals.
Industrial production: Manufactured mainly by the Haber–Bosch process (from nitrogen and hydrogen).
Uses
- The major use of ammonia is as a fertilizer.
- Ammonia is a basic building block for ammonium nitrate fertilizer, which releases nitrogen, an essential nutrient for growing plants.
- Additional uses include as a refrigerant, stabilizer, neutralizer, and purifier — particularly in food transport and water treatment applications.
- It can also be used in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, fabrics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
Impact on Health: Exposure to high levels of ammonia in air may be irritating to a person’s skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and cause coughing and burns.

Source: TH

Ammonia FAQs

Q1: What is the chemical formula and nature of ammonia gas?

Ans: NH₃ – Colourless, pungent gas

Q2: Which industrial process is mainly used for ammonia production?

Ans: Haber-Bosch Process

Periyar River

June 22, 2026

Periyar River Latest News

The Kerala High Court recently stressed the need for a unified authority to monitor the cleanliness of the Periyar River.

About Periyar River

It is the longest river in Kerala.
It is known as the “lifeline of Kerala” because it is an important source of irrigation and power generation.
Course:
- It rises in the Sivagiri Hills of the Western Ghats range near the border with Tamil Nadu.
- It flows north through Periyar National Park into Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 by the construction of a dam across the river.
- It further flows into the Vembanad Lake before emptying into the Arabian Sea about 24 km north of Kochi.
Total Length: 244 kilometers
It is one of the few perennial rivers of the region and is a crucial source of drinking water.
About 25 percent of Kerala’s industries are located along its banks.
Major Tributaries: Muthirapuzha River, Mullayar River, Cheruthoni River, Perinjankutti River and the Edamala River.
It plays a major role in generating hydro electricity.
- The largest hydroelectric project is the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, which generates a significant portion of the electricity for Kerala state.
- Other dams constructed across the river are Neriyamangalam, Pallivasal, Panniyar, Kundalam, Chenkulam, and Mullaperiyar.
The birthplace of Sankaracharya, the greatest Advaita philosopher, is at Kalady, which is situated on the bank of the Periyar.

News: TP

Periyar River FAQs

Q1: Which is the longest river in Kerala?

Ans: The Periyar River is the longest river in Kerala.

Q2: Why is the Periyar River known as the "Lifeline of Kerala"?

Ans: It is known as the "Lifeline of Kerala" because it is an important source of irrigation and power generation.

Q3: Where does the Periyar River originate?

Ans: It originates in the Sivagiri Hills of the Western Ghats near the border with Tamil Nadu.

Q4: Into which lake does the Periyar River flow before entering the Arabian Sea?

Ans: It flows into the Vembanad Lake before entering the Arabian Sea.

Q5: What is the total length of the Periyar River?

Ans: The total length of the Periyar River is 244 kilometres.