UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 28 June 2026

Tetrastichus narayandebnathi

June 28, 2026

Tetrastichus narayandebnathi Latest News

A new wasp ('bolta') species named Tetrastichus narayandebnathi was recently discovered in Rajarhat.

About Tetrastichus narayandebnathi

It is a new species of parasitoid wasp.
It was discovered in the Rajarhat region of West Bengal.
It has been named after award-winning cartoonist and creator of 'Batul' and 'Nonte-Phonte', Narayan Debnath.
It has been recorded as a gregarious primary parasitoid of a tortoise beetle pupa.
- A parasitoid is an organism that spends a significant portion of its life cycle attached to or inside a single host organism, which it ultimately consumes and kills.
Not only the third account of the genus Tetrastichus Haliday, 1844, as a parasitoid of Cassidinae (a subfamily of leaf beetles), but it's also the second report from India among 86 valid Indian species.

News: TOI

Tetrastichus narayandebnathi FAQs

Q1: What is Tetrastichus narayandebnathi?

Ans: It is a new species of parasitoid wasp.

Q2: Where was Tetrastichus narayandebnathi discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Rajarhat region of West Bengal.

Q3: What type of parasitoid is Tetrastichus narayandebnathi?

Ans: It is a gregarious primary parasitoid.

Q4: Why was the species named Tetrastichus narayandebnathi?

Ans: It was named to honour the renowned Bengali cartoonist Narayan Debnath for his contributions to literature and comics.

New GI-Tagged Tribal Crops of Madhya Pradesh

June 28, 2026

New GI-Tagged Tribal Crops of Madhya Pradesh Latest News

In a significant milestone for biodiversity conservation and traditional agriculture, four unique traditional crops of Madhya Pradesh have been recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.

About New GI-Tagged Tribal Crops of Madhya Pradesh

The four crops recognised are Sitahi Kutki (Sitahi Minor Millet), Nagdaman Kutki (Nagdaman Minor Millet), Baigani Arhar (Baigani Pigeon Pea) and Chhatriya Dhan (Chhatriya Paddy).
These crops have been traditionally preserved for generations, particularly by the Baiga tribe from the Dindori region of Madhya Pradesh.
Sitahi and Nagdaman Kutki:
- They are highly nutritious minor millets, rich in dietary fiber, minerals and antioxidants, making them health-promoting.
- These two specific varieties are inherently climate-resilient.
Baigani Arhar:
- Deeply integrated with the heritage of the Baiga tribe, this local variety of pigeon pea (toor dal) is completely cultivated using organic, age-old tribal practices.
- It stands out for having a notably higher natural protein content and a distinct sweet flavor compared to commercial varieties.
- It has a shorter maturation cycle (5–6 months) and requires significantly less cooking time, retaining its high concentration of dietary fibre, iron, calcium, and B-complex vitamins.
Chhatriya Dhan:
- Cultivated across the fertile wetlands of Jabalpur and Katni, this traditional rice variety is historically revered for its hardiness and culinary excellence.
- It is famous for its distinct aroma, taste, and local adaptability.
- Unlike heavily processed white rice, Chhatriya Dhan retains its vital bran layer, providing a rich source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), essential minerals, and healthy fats.
- It offers clean, easily digestible energy with a balanced amino acid profile, making it a wholesome staple.

News: HIT

New GI-Tagged Tribal Crops of Madhya Pradesh FAQs

Q1: What are the four newly GI-tagged tribal crops of Madhya Pradesh?

Ans: Sitahi Kutki, Nagdaman Kutki, Baigani Arhar, and Chhatriya Dhan.

Q2: What type of crops are Sitahi Kutki and Nagdaman Kutki?

Ans: They are minor millets.

Q3: Why are Sitahi Kutki and Nagdaman Kutki considered health-promoting crops?

Ans: They are rich in dietary fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.

Q4: Baigani Arhar is a local variety of which crop?

Ans: Pigeon pea (toor dal).

Q5: Which tribal community is closely associated with Baigani Arhar?

Ans: The Baiga tribe.

FP-5 Flamingo Missile

June 28, 2026

FP-5 Flamingo Missile Latest News

Ukraine recently claimed that its domestically developed FP-5 Flamingo long-range missiles struck a key Russian defence manufacturing facility in the Volgograd region.

About FP-5 Flamingo Missile

It is a long-range, ground-launched cruise missile developed by Ukrainian defense company Fire Point.
It entered service in 2025.

FP-5 Flamingo Missile Features

It has a reported 6-meter wingspan, and an estimated length of 12-14 meters excluding the pitot tube.
It is designed to deliver a specified combat payload of up to 1150 kg to strike ground targets with fixed topographic coordinates at a range of up to 3000 km, both day and night.
It is designed for low-altitude flight to avoid detection.
It reaches a maximum speed of up to 950 km/h, with a cruising speed of 650 to 700 km/h.
The missile is capable of hitting a target even under conditions of active electronic interference.
It stands out for its ease of use and low cost.
It does not require expensive launch platforms—its launchers are reusable, making deployment more economical.

News: TOI

FP-5 Flamingo Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the FP-5 Flamingo?

Ans: It is a long-range, ground-launched cruise missile.

Q2: Which country developed the FP-5 Flamingo missile?

Ans: Ukraine.

Q3: Which company developed the FP-5 Flamingo missile?

Ans: The Ukrainian defense company Fire Point.

Q4: What is the maximum combat payload that the FP-5 Flamingo can carry?

Ans: It can carry a combat payload of up to 1,150 kg.

Q5: What is the maximum range of the FP-5 Flamingo missile?

Ans: It has a range of up to 3,000 km.

Bharat Taxi

June 28, 2026

Bharat Taxi Latest News

The Union Home Minister officially launched the cooperative-model ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, in Gujarat, recently.

About Bharat Taxi

Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led, driver-owned, ride-hailing platform registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
It is a government-supported initiative developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
It differs from private ride-hailing platforms by treating drivers as “Sarathis” and making them shareholders in the cooperative instead of merely service providers.
Developed by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, Bharat Taxi is backed by eight major cooperative institutions -- NCDC, GCMMF (Amul), NDDB, NAFED, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NABARD, and NCEL.

Bharat Taxi Features

Driver-Owned Fleet: Drivers can purchase shares and become cooperative members, giving them transparency and decision-making power.
Zero Commission: Unlike private cab aggregators that take a large cut, Bharat Taxi transfers the full fare to the driver.
Transparent, No-Surge Pricing: Fares will remain predictable, with no surge charges.
Platform Integration & Technical Architecture: Integration of the Bharat Taxi platform with national digital platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu.
Security, Compliance & Infrastructure: Ensuring adherence to Government of India’s data protection norms and cybersecurity standards and advising on robust technical infrastructure.
Bharat Taxi would provide support to Sarathis through loans, insurance, and business expansion opportunities.

News: NDTV

Bharat Taxi FAQs

Q1: What is Bharat Taxi?

Ans: Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led, driver-owned ride-hailing platform.

Q2: Under which Act is Bharat Taxi registered?

Ans: It is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.

Q3: What ownership model does Bharat Taxi follow?

Ans: A cooperative, driver-owned model.

Q4: How can drivers become members of Bharat Taxi?

Ans: By purchasing shares and becoming cooperative members.

Dal Lake

June 28, 2026

Dal Lake Latest News

Labourers from the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) recently removed weeds from the waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

About Dal Lake

It is an urban freshwater lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.
It is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
It covers an area of about 18 sq.km. It is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir after the Wular Lake.
It is one of the world’s largest natural lakes and also known as the Lake of Flowers.
The lake gets its water mainly from the Telbal stream. This stream flows from the Jhelum River.
During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11°C (12°F), freezing the lake.
The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered an independent lake).
Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank, respectively.
The floating gardens, locally known as “Rad,” are a spectacular highlight of the lake.
- These are patches of land that float on the water.
- Farmers grow vegetables and flowers on them.
- It blossoms with lotus flowers during July and August.
It is also popular for the floating market, where vendors have their own Shikaras/wooden boats and approach tourists.
The shoreline of the lake, about 15.5 km, is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels.

News: REUT

Dal Lake FAQs

Q1: Where is Dal Lake located?

Ans: Dal Lake is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Q2: What type of lake is Dal Lake?

Ans: It is an urban freshwater lake.

Q3: Which mountain range surrounds Dal Lake?

Ans: The Pir Panjal Mountains surround Dal Lake.

Q4: What is Dal Lake popularly known as?

Ans: It is known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel.”

Q5: What are the floating gardens of Dal Lake locally known as?

Ans: They are locally known as “Rad.”

e-Sushrut@Clinic

June 28, 2026

https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-exam/swadeshi-movement/

e-Sushrut@Clinic Latest News

Aimed at helping small outpatient clinics that face challenges with manual processes and lack of affordable digital solutions, the Union Health Ministry is all set to launch the e-Sushrut@Clinic.

About e-Sushrut@Clinic

It provides a lightweight, cloud-based Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) for outpatient clinics.
This government-backed HMIS is designed specifically for small and medium healthcare providers, including general practitioners, specialists, clinic administrators, pharmacists, and lab technicians.
It can also be used by allied health workers and staff for administrative tasks.
The platform includes modules for outpatient management, pharmacy, and nursing, and is designed to digitise patient records, prescriptions, and billing.
It marks a pivotal step in expanding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ecosystem.
The application developed by C-DAC is a lighter version of their flagship e-Sushrut HMIS software.
- The eSushrut HMIS software is currently in use at 17 AIIMS and more than 4000 health facilities all over the country.

e-Sushrut@Clinic Features

Any healthcare provider can onboard it from his/her laptop/mobile on a webpage through their Health Facility Registry (HFR) and Health Professionals Registry (HPR).
If the healthcare provider is not registered on HFR/HPR, they would be able to register on eSushrut@Clinic itself.
The platform enables small clinics, sub-centres, and medium-sized hospitals to digitize patient records, prescriptions, and billing with minimal technical overhead.
The system supports both online and offline functionalities for seamless clinic operations.
It delivers essential functionalities at a low per-user cost.
The system also integrates several services from the ABDM, including the AIIMS Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) for hypertension and diabetes, which are provided free of charge for all ABDM-integrated software.
- This CDSS helps improve patient care by supporting doctors in making better diagnoses and treatment.

News: TH

e-Sushrut@Clinic FAQs

Q1: What is e-Sushrut@Clinic?

Ans: It is a lightweight, cloud-based Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) for outpatient clinics.

Q2: For whom is e-Sushrut@Clinic specifically designed?

Ans: It is designed for small and medium healthcare providers.

Q3: Which modules are included in the e-Sushrut@Clinic platform?

Ans: Outpatient management, pharmacy, and nursing modules.

Q4: What is the main objective of e-Sushrut@Clinic?

Ans: To digitise patient records, prescriptions, and billing.

Q5: Which organization developed e-Sushrut@Clinic?

Ans: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary

June 28, 2026

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A four-year-old leopard was killed on the spot after being hit by an unidentified vehicle near Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary recently.

About Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary

It is situated in the Mysore District of Karnataka.
It was a game reserve till 1985, when it was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
It is spread over 13.5 sq.km. and includes the Arabithittu State Forest.
Entry to the forest is highly restricted due to the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) installations nearby.
Flora: It has tropical dry deciduous forest and scrubland, surrounded by cultivation and grazing land.
There is also a large area of eucalyptus and sandalwood plantations located within the sanctuary.
Other tree species include Ailanthus triphysa, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Anogeissus latifolia, Butea sp.,
Fauna:
- Leopard, fox, spotted deer, wild pig, porcupine, hare, and common mongoose are the fauna spotted here.
- The sanctuary also boasts more than 250 species of birds.

News: TOI

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: It is located in the Mysore District of Karnataka.

Q2: Which state forest is included within the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: The Arabithittu State Forest is included within the sanctuary.

Q3: What type of forests are found in the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Tropical dry deciduous forests and scrublands are found in the sanctuary.

Q4: Which plantation species are extensively found within the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Eucalyptus and sandalwood plantations are extensively found within the sanctuary.

ICGS Akshay

June 28, 2026

ICGS Akshay Latest News

Recently, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), was commissioned into the Bharatiya Tatrakshak Fleet at Goa.

About ICGS Akshay

It is a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV).
It is named Akshay, meaning Indestructible.
It is the fourth vessel in the adamya class series of eight fast patrol vessels.
Functions: It is equipped to undertake a wide range of Coast Guard operations including;
- Maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and assistance to mariners in distress, thereby enhancing the operational capability of Bharatiya Tatrakshak.
It is designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard.
Features of ICGS Akshay
- Armaments: It is armed with a 30mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7mm stabilised remote-controlled guns with fire-control systems.
- It is equipped with advanced Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) propulsion systems paired with two 3,000 kW diesel engines.
- The vessels measure 52 metres in length with a displacement of 320 tonnes.
- Significance: It carries over 65 percent indigenous content.

Source: PIB

ICGS Akshay FAQs

Q1: Who built ICGS Akshay & with what indigenous content?

Ans: Goa Shipyard Limited with 60% indigenous content

Q2: What series does ICGS Akshay belong to?

Ans: Adamya-class

Amrabad Tiger Reserve

June 28, 2026

Amrabad Tiger Reserve Latest News

The All-India Tiger Estimation- (AITE) 2026 has recorded a strong tiger presence in Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR).

About Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located in the Nallamala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana state.
It was originally part of the larger Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.
Terrain: The reserve is renowned for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests.
Rivers: The Krishna River and its perennial streams originating within the reserve contribute to the water supply of major reservoirs such as the Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.
Tribal Community: The Chenchu tribe is one of the major tribal communities that live in the ATR.
Flora
- Amrabad is characterized by dry deciduous forests, primarily made up of sal, teak, bamboo, and acacia trees.
- The forest is rich in medicinal plants and shrubs, which have long been used by local tribes for traditional remedies.
Fauna
- It is home to leopards and wild cats, along with herbivores like sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, and the Indian bison (gaur).
- Over 303 bird species have been identified in this region. Some important groups include Eagles, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Drongos, etc.

Source: TOI

Amrabad Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Amrabad Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Telangana

Q2: Which river flows through Amrabad TR?

Ans: Krishna River

Colombia

June 28, 2026

Colombia Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India congratulated Abelardo de la Espriella on his victory in the Colombian presidential elections.

About Colombia

Location: It is a country located in the northwestern part of South America.
It is known as the “Gateway of South America”, strategically located in the northwest, connecting South America with Central and North America.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Panama to the northwest; by Ecuador and Peru to the south; by Venezuela to the east, and by Brazil to the southeast.
Maritime Borders: It is also bounded by the Caribbean Sea in the north and by the Pacific Ocean in the west.
It is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) from 2020.
Capital City: Bogotá.

Geographical Features of Colombia

Climate: The climate is tropical along the coasts and eastern plains, and cooler in the highlands.
Highest Peak: Its highest point is Pico Cristobal Colon.
Major Rivers: Major rivers include the Magdalena, Amazon, and Orinoco.
Natural Resources: It is rich in natural resources like petroleum, natural gas, coal, and gold.

Source: DD News

Colombia FAQs

Q1: Which countries border Colombia?

Ans: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama

Q2: What is Colombia’s highest point?

Ans: Pico Cristóbal Colón