UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 22 June 2026

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.

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.