UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 26 June 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 26 June 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 26 June 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

HELINA Missile

June 26, 2026
HELINA Missile

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

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

Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project

June 26, 2026
Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project

Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project Latest News

The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district of Chenab Valley has entered the final phase of construction, with the latest monitoring report of the Centre showing that more than 83 percent of the work has been completed.

About Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project

  • It is a 624 MW run-of-the-river scheme being developed over the Chenab River in Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
  • It is located between the Kirthai II hydroelectric project upstream and the Kwar hydroelectric project downstream.
  • The project will include the construction of a concrete gravity dam with a height of 135 m and an underground powerhouse located on the left bank of the river that will comprise four vertical Francis turbines with a capacity of 156 MW each.
  • The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC, 49%), Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%), and Power Trading Corporation (PTC, 2%). 
  • The project shall provide much-needed power in the northern grid and shall accelerate the process of development of remote areas of J&K. 

News: GK

Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project FAQ's

Q1: What is the installed capacity of the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project?

Ans: 624 MW.

Q2: On which river is the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project being developed?

Ans: The Chenab River.

Q3: What type of dam will be constructed under the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project?

Ans: A concrete gravity dam.

Q4: Which company is developing the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project?

Ans: Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP).

Golden Langurs

June 26, 2026
Golden Langur

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

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