UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 26 June 2026

Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

June 26, 2026

Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System Latest News

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the Indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

About Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

It is an airborne radar and command platform built around an Embraer EMB-145 aircraft.
It is commonly known as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) “Eye in the Sky.”
It is developed indigenously by the Bengaluru-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
India is the fifth country in the world to develop this capability.

Features of Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

It is designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, differentiate friend from foe and direct friendly fighters in real time.
Detection Range: It offers real-time battlefield management, 250-500+ km detection ranges and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and missiles.
It uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 aircraft as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array radar in its dorsal fin.
The system encompasses a sophisticated suite of mission equipment, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), mission computer, secure communication networks, electronic support measures (ESM) and communication support measures.
Unlike ground-based radar, an AEW&C aircraft operates at altitude, allowing it to see farther over terrain and provide a broader picture of aircraft, drones and other airborne activity.
It can also share real-time information with fighter jets, ground stations and other military assets.

Source: PIB

Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control system FAQs

Q1: What is NETRA?

Ans: DRDO’s indigenous Airborne Early Warning & Control system.

Q2: Which aircraft is NETRA Mk1 based on?

Ans: Embraer EMB-145I – Brazilian twin-engine jet; modified by CABS, DRDO Bengaluru

Banganapalle Mango

June 26, 2026

Banganapalle Mango Latest News

Recently, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore.

About Banganapalle Mango

It is one of the most popular mango varieties cultivated in the town of Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh, India.
It is also known as Beneshan, Baneshan, Benishan, Chappatai and Safeda.
It is known for its golden-yellow colour, fibreless pulp, rich sweetness and pleasant aroma. The variety enjoys strong demand in international markets and offers significant scope for expanding India’s mango exports.
It received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

Key Facts about Geographical Indication (GI) 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: PIB

Banganapalle Mango FAQs

Q1: When did Banganapalle get GI tag?

Ans: GI tag in 2017

Q2: What are key features of Banganapalle Mango?

Ans: It has large obliquely oval shape and Golden-yellow skin.

Lake Laach

June 26, 2026

Lake Laach Latest News

More than 1,000 tiny earthquakes have exposed a deeper, slanted reservoir beneath Germany’s Lake Laach volcano, not the vertical body scientists expected.

About Lake Laach

Lake Laach, also known as Laacher See, is a volcanic caldera lake located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
With around 3.3 sq.km. and a depth of 53 m, it is the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate.
It is part of the East Eifel volcanic field within the larger volcanic Eifel region.
The lake is oval in shape and surrounded by high banks.
It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 13,000 years ago.
Traces of volcanic activity can still be found in the form of volcanic outgassing, the so-called mofettes, on the eastern shore of the lake.
- Small bubbles rise up in the water - these so-called mofettes are rising carbon dioxide and illustrate the volcanic history of the lake.
The lake has no natural outlet but is drained by a tunnel dug before 1170 and rebuilt several times since.

News: EARTH

Lake Laach FAQs

Q1: What type of lake is Lake Laach?

Ans: It is a volcanic caldera lake.

Q2: In which country is Lake Laach located?

Ans: Germany

Q3: Lake Laach is part of which volcanic field?

Ans: The East Eifel volcanic field.

Q4: How was Lake Laach formed?

Ans: It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 13,000 years ago.

Q5: What evidence indicates that volcanic activity still exists around Lake Laach?

Ans: Volcanic outgassing in the form of mofettes.

Maharishi Sushruta

June 26, 2026

Maharishi Sushruta Latest News

A bronze statue of Maharishi Sushruta, revered as the Father of Surgery, has been recently unveiled at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.

About Maharishi Sushruta

Sushruta, known as the “father of Indian medicine” and the “father of surgery” , was a pioneering figure in ancient Indian medicine.
For Sushruta, the concept of shalya tantra (surgical science) was all-encompassing.
His contributions have influenced the field of surgery, especially cosmetic surgery and medical practices within the global community.
According to medical scholars, Sushruta lived and practiced medicine from 600 BC to 1000 BC.
Sushruta was believed to be the disciple of the God of Ayurveda – Lord Dhanvanthri.
He taught and practiced medicine in the city of Varnashi.
He is known for his pioneering operations and techniques and for his influential treatise Sushruta-samhita, the main source of knowledge about surgery in ancient India.
- Though composed over 2500 years ago, it contains detailed instructions on surgery and medicine.
- The Sushruta Samhita comprises 184 chapters. This extensive work lists more than 300 surgical procedures.
- It describes over 120 surgical instruments and provides details on various types of wounds, fractures, dislocations, conditions, and their treatments.
- The Sushruta-samhita also provides details on toxicology, pediatrics, pharmacology, and other branches of the traditional system of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda.
- Furthermore, the text includes descriptions of over 100 medicinal plants, detailing their taste, usage, and effects.
- It remains one of the most important contributions to both Ayurveda and the early history of medical science.
Examples of some of his groundbreaking operations include rhinoplasty (the repairing or remaking of a nose), removal of a dead fetus, and lithotomy (surgical incision into hollow organs such as the urinary bladder to remove stones, or calculi).
He also developed many unique and practical techniques to dissect the human body and study its structure.
His systematized approach to surgery, with the use of herbal anaesthetics and postoperative care, laid the foundation for surgical practices.
Sushruta's emphasis on practical experience, dissection of cadavers, and detailed documentation established standards that continue to underpin surgical education today.
The influence of his detailing surgical techniques and surgical instruments extended beyond ancient India, spreading to other parts of the world and shaping the development of reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and many more fields.

News: TH

Maharishi Sushruta FAQ's

Q1: Who is known as the "Father of Indian Medicine" and the "Father of Surgery"?

Ans: Maharishi Sushruta.

Q2: Which branch of medicine was pioneered by Maharishi Sushruta?

Ans: Surgery (Shalya Tantra).

Q3: During which period is Sushruta believed to have lived and practiced medicine?

Ans: Between 600 BC and 1000 BC.

Q4: What is the name of the famous medical treatise written by Sushruta?

Ans: Sushruta Samhita.

HELINA Missile

June 26, 2026

HELINA Missile Latest News

State-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited recently secured an order worth Rs 1,109.37 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply launchers for helicopter-launched anti-tank Nag (Helina) missiles.

About HELINA Missile

HELINA (Helicopter-launched NAG) is an indigenous, third-generation "fire-and-forget" anti-tank guided missile (ATGM.)
It is the helicopter-based version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
The Air Force version of the missile is called Dhruvastra, along with an ATGM version, which can be fired by soldiers.
It has been developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

HELINA Missile Features

The Helina ATGM system measures 1.94 m in length, 150 mm in diameter, and weighs 44 kg.
Helina missile systems are outfitted with two twin launchers, one on each side, capable of carrying a total of eight missiles.
It can cover distances ranging between 500 m and 7,000 m and is guided by an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker with lock-on before launch capability.
- It means the crew locks on to the target before the launch, and the missile then guides itself to the target without any further control from the helicopter.
The missile climbs sharply after the launch and then plunges directly onto the top of the tank.
The system is equipped for day and night operations in all weather conditions, capable of neutralising battle tanks equipped with both conventional armour and explosive reactive armour.

News: BS

HELINA Missile FAQs

Q1: What type of missile is HELINA?

Ans: It is an indigenous, third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

Q2: What is the Air Force version of the HELINA missile called?

Ans: Dhruvastra.

Q3: Which organisation developed the HELINA missile?

Ans: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q4: What is the maximum range of the HELINA missile?

Ans: 7,000 metres (7 km).

Q5: Which guidance system is used by the HELINA missile?

Ans: An Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker.

Narco-Coordination Centre

June 26, 2026

Narco-Coordination Centre Latest News

The Union Home Minister is scheduled to chair the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi.

About Narco-Coordination Centre

The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism was established in 2016 for better coordination between states and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It has been further strengthened through a four-tier system in 2019.
Purpose: To enhance coordination between the States, the Ministry of Home Affairs and concerned stakeholders in addressing the challenge of the drug menace in a holistic manner.
It is designed to facilitate better communication, cooperation, and intelligence sharing among law enforcement and drug control agencies.
Structure of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)
- Apex Level NCORD Committee: It is headed by Union Home Secretary;
- Executive Level NCORD Committee: It is headed by Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs;
- State Level NCORD Committees: It is headed by Chief Secretaries; and
- District Level NCORD Committees: It is headed by District Magistrates.
Initiatives of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)
- Mission SPANDAN – Partnership with spiritual institutions for awareness have emerged out of the NCORD mechanism.
- MANAS Helpline: A toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933 has been launched.

Source: News On Air

Narco-Coordination Centre FAQs

Q1: What is the objective of NCORD?

Ans: Real-time coordination among supply reduction, demand reduction & harm reduction agencies to combat drug trafficking

Q2: When was NCORD mechanism constituted?

Ans: It was established in 2016 by the Ministry of Home Affairs

Senna Spectabilis

June 26, 2026

Senna Spectabilis Latest News

Uprooting of the highly invasive plant Senna Spectabilis has been going on in Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, and soon after its uprooting, the area cleared will be replaced by grass cover, among other forest plant species, to increase fodder availability.

About Senna Spectabilis

It is a versatile, flowering tree belonging to the family Fabaceae native to the tropical Americas.
Common names: Popcorn Bush Cedar, Archibald’s Cassia, Calceolaria Cassia, Golden Shower, Golden Wonder, Scented Shower, Fetid Cassia.
It is admired for its vivid yellow blossoms and its capacity to grow in a variety of climates, making it a popular choice as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks worldwide.
However, this adaptability has led to it becoming invasive in some regions of the world.
It forms dense, sterile thickets, choking out native plants, altering soil chemistry and depriving herbivores of food.
It typically grows between 7 to 15 meters in height and has a spreading, rounded crown.
The bright yellow flowers, arranged in large terminal panicles, bloom from summer to fall.
- It resembles Kerala’s state flower, Cassia fistula, known locally as kanikkonna.
This tree prefers sunny areas and welldrained, loamy soils but is adaptable to various soil types.
Once established, Senna spectabilis can tolerate drought, making it suitable for both dry and tropical regions.
It is classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List.
Challenges: It has a very aggressive growth rate and degrades lands in forest ecosystems, which make it challenging to control its spread.

Key Facts about Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located at the intersection of the Western and the Eastern Ghats and falls in the Chamarajanagara District of Karnataka.
It is contiguous to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
It’s the home of the famous Male Mahadeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Mahadeshwara.
It is bound by the Kaveri River to the northeast and by the Palar River to the south.
Flora: The forests are principally of the dry deciduous type, degrading to scrub forest in the fringe areas, and are interspersed with patches of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen and shola forests occurring at varying altitudes.
Fauna:
- It is home to several animals, including elephants, Indian bison, wild dogs, leopards, foxes, sambars, spotted deer, and many species of birds.
- It is also a tiger habitat noted for its increasing number of tigers.

News: DC

Senna Spectabilis FAQ's

Q1: What is Senna spectabilis?

Ans: It is a versatile flowering tree belonging to the family Fabaceae.

Q2: Where is Senna spectabilis native to?

Ans: The tropical Americas.

Q3: Why has Senna spectabilis become invasive in some regions?

Ans: Due to its high adaptability and aggressive growth.

Q4: What is the colour of the flowers of Senna spectabilis?

Ans: Bright yellow.

Q5: What is the IUCN Red List status of Senna spectabilis?

Ans: Least Concern.

Golden Langurs

June 26, 2026

Golden Langur Latest News

Recently, seven endangered golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei), rescued from wildlife traffickers, were released in the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park.

About Golden Langur

It is an Old World monkey which is also known as Gee's golden langur.
It can be most easily recognized by the color of their fur, after which they are named.
Distribution
- It is found only in a narrow geographic corridor comprising western Assam and the foothills of southern Bhutan.
- The area they inhabit is restricted to the region surrounded by four geographical landmarks: the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
Habitat
- They occupy moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests as well as some riverine areas and savannas in Assam and Bhutan.
- They are very much dependent on trees, living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and in more temperate forests in the north.
- They may be found at elevations close to sea level in the south and up to 3000 m at the foothills of Bhutan in the north.
Characteristics
- It has been noted that their fur changes colors according to the seasons.
- The color of the young also differs from adults in that they are almost pure white.
- These are arboreal and diurnal creatures.
Conservation status
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Source: TH

Golden Langur FAQs

Q1: Why is Golden Langur important for conservation?

Ans: It is because this langur is a flagship species of Manas-Bhutan landscape and indicator of forest health.

Q2: What is the scientific name of Golden Langur?

Ans: Trachypithecus geei

Caspian Sea

June 26, 2026

Caspian Sea Latest News

Recent data suggests that since the mid-1990s, the Caspian Sea has lost roughly 24,000km² of surface area and water levels have fallen by about two metres.

About Caspian Sea

It is the world’s largest water body that is enclosed or bordered by land on all sides.
Location: It is located between Asia and Europe.
The sea’s name derives from the ancient Kaspi peoples, who once lived in Transcaucasia to the west.
Basin: It is an endorheic basin (drainage basin without an outflow).
Bordering countries: It is bordered by Russia and Azerbaijan on the west, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on the north and east, and Iran on the south.
The composition of the water of the Caspian Sea also varies from almost fresh in the northern parts of the lake to saltier southwards.
Water Source: Three major rivers—the Volga, the Ural, and the Terek—empty into the Caspian from the north.
Cities on Caspian Sea: Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the largest city on the Caspian. Another important city along the Caspian is Iran’s Nowshahr.
Islands: The largest are Chechen, Tyuleny, Morskoy, Kulaly, Zhiloy, and Ogurchin.
Resources: It is also known for its abundance of energy resources (oil and natural gas reserves in offshore fields and onshore on the coast of the sea).

Source: DTE

Caspian Sea FAQ's

Q1: Which major river feeds the Caspian Sea?

Ans: Volga River

Q2: Which 5 countries border the Caspian Sea?

Ans: Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan