UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 16 July 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 16 July 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 16 July 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Ravidassias

July 16, 2026
Ravidassias

Ravidassias Latest News

Recently, members of the Ravidassia community gathered in Punjab to renew calls for a longstanding demand for the creation of a separate “Ravidassia religion” category in the Census. 

About Ravidassias

  • The Ravidassias are a Dalit community which follows a spiritual path based on the teachings of Shri Guru Ravidas.
  • They live in the Doaba region of Punjab, which includes districts such as Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshar and Jalandhar.
  • Key Features of Ravidassias Community
    • Holy Book: The Ravidassia community adopted the Amrit Bani of Guru Ravidas as its holy book which contains 200 hymns of Guru Ravidas.
    • Concept of Begampura: It is an ideal concept given by Guru Ravidas which explains a city without sorrow, fear, or inequality.
    • Sacred Site: Seer Goverdhanpur in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)is one of the most important pilgrimage locations of the Ravidassia tradition.

Who was Guru Ravidas?

  • Guru Ravidas (1377-1527 C.E.) was a renowned saint known for his contributions to the Bhakti movement.
  • Guru Ravidas is also known as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas.
  • Ravidas is traditionally seen as a student of the bhakti-poet Ramananda. 
  • He is also thought to have lived around the same time as poet Kabir
  • Philosophy and Teachings
    • The core of Guru Ravidas’s philosophy was the rejection of the caste system and the promotion of human rights and dignity. 
    • He envisioned a society called ‘Beghumpura’ (a city without sorrow), where there is no suffering, no fear, and no discrimination.
    • He emphasised the philosophy of spiritual freedom.
    • He abandoned the saguna (with attributes, image) forms of supreme beings and focussed on the nirguna (without attributes, abstract) form of supreme beings.

Source: IE

Ravidassias FAQs

Q1: Ravidassias are followers of which saint?

Ans: Guru Ravidas

Q2: Guru Ravidas belonged to which century?

Ans: 15th - 16th Century

Greater Tunb Island

July 16, 2026
Greater Tunb Island

Greater Tunb Island Latest News

The U.S. military’s Central Command recently said that it had launched airstrikes on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian defence installations and missile sites.

About Greater Tunb Island

  • It is a small island in the Persian Gulf near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. 
  • Area: Approximately 10.3 sq. km. 
  • The island, under Iranian control since 1971, is regarded as a strategically important location in the strait. 
  • Iran has established military facilities, including naval installations and an airstrip, on the island. 
  • Along with Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, Greater Tunb overlooks the approach to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. 
  • It plays an important role in monitoring and influencing traffic through one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. 
  • Point of contention between Iran and UAE:
    • Iran assumed control of three islands, Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, in 1971. 
    • Since then, the United Arab Emirates has maintained its claim over them. 
    • The sovereignty of the three islands has remained a longstanding source of dispute between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.

News: TH

Greater Tunb Island FAQs

Q1: Where is Greater Tunb Island located?

Ans: It is located in the Persian Gulf near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

Q2: Why is Greater Tunb Island strategically important?

Ans: It is located near the Strait of Hormuz, a major global maritime chokepoint.

Q3: Since which year has Iran controlled Greater Tunb Island?

Ans: Since 1971.

Q4: Which countries are involved in the dispute over Greater Tunb Island?

Ans: Tunb Island? Answer:

Colobus congoensis

July 16, 2026
Colobus congoensis

Colobus congoensis Latest News

A team of researchers recently confirmed the discovery of a previously unknown species of African monkey named Colobus congoensis in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking one of the most significant primate discoveries in decades.

About Colobus congoensis

  • It is a new species of monkey.
  • It was discovered in the rainforest between the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) rivers in the east-central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  
  • Locally known as the Likweli, it is only the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa in the past 75 years.  
  • It belongs to the genus Colobus while revealing that it diverged from its closest known relative, Colobus satanas, approximately 4 to 5 million years ago. 
  • The monkey is immediately recognizable by its glossy black coat, long cape-like fur, sweeping tail, and striking orange-cream facial markings. 
  • Weighing about 15 pounds, it is smaller than its closest relatives and possesses distinctive cranial, dental, and skeletal characteristics that separate it from every other known African colobus monkey. 
  • It also has a distinctive "roaring" call. " 
  • Given their restricted range, small population size, and the pressures of hunting and habitat loss, the researchers recommend that Colobus congoensis be classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

News: EUR

Colobus congoensis FAQs

Q1: What is Colobus congoensis?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of monkey.

Q2: Where was Colobus congoensis discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the rainforest between the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) rivers in east-central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC

Q3: What is the coat color of Colobus congoensis?

Ans: It has a glossy black coat.

Q4: What distinctive facial feature does Colobus congoensis possess?

Ans: It has striking orange-cream facial markings.

Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme

July 16, 2026
Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme

Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a budgetary outlay of Rs 62,500 crore.  

About Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme

  • It is launched by the government of India to further scale up production, deepen domestic value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, and enhance global competitiveness.
  • Aim: It aims at building Indian brands to achieve technological sovereignty, capture large economic value and create Indian patents in design and R&D.
  • Time Period: The scheme tenure shall be 5 Years i.e. from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
  • Features
    • The scheme provides incentive support on eligible sales for manufacturing of mobile phones in India at differentiated rates ranging from 2.25% to 5%.
    • The scheme also provides additional incentive of up to 1.5% linked to domestic sourcing of key components/ sub-assemblies.
    • For building Indian brands, an additional incentive of 3% on Eligible Sales for design and R&D of the product.

Source: PIB

Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme FAQ's

Q1: What is the time period of Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme?

Ans: It shall be 5 Years i.e. from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Q2: What is the main objective of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme?

Ans: Scale up production, deepen value addition and build Indian brands

Korku Tribe

July 16, 2026
Korku Tribe

Korku Tribe Latest News

Recently, the indigenous Korku community of Madhya Pradesh have demanded the forest department and district administration to remove encroachments from forest lands.  

About Korku Tribe

  • The Korkus belong to the Munda or Kolarian group. 
  • The Korku are mostly found in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and adjoining Melghat region of Maharashtra.
  • Language: A few groups have been more successful in preserving their language, especially the Potharia Korku (from the Vindhya mountains).
    • Korku is one of the 196 languages termed endangered by UNESCO.
  • Culture and Society
    • The traditional healing methods are still widely practiced by this tribe and they regard their dead as Gods.
    • To commemorate the dead, they install a memorial pillar, which is called Munda.
    • Dance: They perform a traditional Korku dance called Gadli.
      • In this dance Men wear white costumes and pagdis, while womenfolk wear red, yellow, green and blue kinari sarees with minimal jewellery.
      • The women also have an instrument called Chitkola that they use while performing.
  • Korku women are fond of tattoos. The two dots above and below the letter S on the forehead are called ‘Kapar-Godai’.
  • Economy: The Korku are primarily cultivators.
  • Self-Governance: The Korku tribe has a long-standing system of self-governance.
    • This traditional form of self-governance in the community solves all problems. 'Chavadi Swashasan' is the term for Korku's traditional form of self-governance. 

Source: DTE

Korku Tribe FAQs

Q1: Korku Tribe is primarily found in which states?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

Q2: What aer the main festival of Korku tribe?

Ans: Dandari-Gussadi festival

CapaCITIES Programme

July 16, 2026
CapaCITIES Programme

CapaCITIES Programme Latest News

Recently, an event ‘Scaling Urban Climate Resilience: The CapaCITIES Legacy and Way Forward’, celebrated the progress made over a decade of the CapaCITIES programme.

About CapaCITIES Programme

  • It was launched in 2016.
  • The Capacity Building Project on Low Carbon and Climate Resilient City Development in India (CapaCITIES) programme strengthens the capacities of Indian cities to promote low-carbon, climate-resilient urban development.
  • Funding: It is funded by the Embassy of Switzerland to India and Bhutan.
  • Implemented By: The initiative was implemented through a collaborative partnership involving ICLEI South Asia, South Pole and econcept.
  • Knowledge Partner: the National Institute of Urban Affairs
  • Phases:  First phase (2016-19) AND second phase (2019-23)
  • Key Features
    • It has equipped Indian cities with the knowledge, tools, and institutional capacities to mainstream low-carbon, climate-resilient development into urban governance.
    • City Support: It has supported cities like Coimbatore, Thiruchirappalli Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Udaipur and Siliguri and the state governments of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu.
    • Institutional Governance: Established permanent Net-Zero and Climate Action Cells in six project cities to enable long-term implementation, monitoring, and climate budgeting.

Source: PIB

CapaCITIES Programme FAQs

Q1: The main objective of CapaCITIES is to?

Ans: Build capacity of cities for climate action planning and urban resilience

Q2: What is the duration of CapaCITIES Programme Phase 1?

Ans: 2019 to 2023

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

July 16, 2026
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The Bengal government recently decided to shrink the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary from 5 km to 1 km. 

About Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
  • It is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and in between the Teesta and the Mahananda rivers.
  • It was started as a game sanctuary for children in 1955. In 1959 it got the status of a sanctuary mainly to protect the Indian Bison and Royal Bengal Tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction. 
  • The altitude varies from 500 ft. at the southern area near Sukna and rises up to 4,300ft towards the northern area near a place called Latpanchar.  
  • Vegetation: It varies mainly from riverine forests to dense mixed-wet forests due to the difference in altitude. 
  • Flora:
    • It is the home of 300 different kinds of plantations, but the prominent ones are Sal, Simul, Sisco, and Khair. 
    • Some of the other trees include Lali, Jamur, Gamar, Bamboos, Fern, Orchids, Fern, Teak, Udal, and more. 
  • Fauna:
    • The important mammalian species include Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian elephants, Indian bison, spotted deer, barking deer, many species of lesser cat, Himalayan black bear, leopard including clouded leopard and many other smaller animals like rare mountain goat (Serow), porcupines, snakes, etc. 
    • In the plain areas of the lower region, you will get to see several elephants migrated from Nepal, Assam, or other forests of West Bengal. 
    • There are about 243 avian species found here, including the Himalayan pied hornbill, peacock, peafowl, fouls, king fisher, drongo, robin, fly catchers, woodpeckers and others . 
    • It is also a haven for the migratory birds, which arrive here from Central Asia.

News: TOI

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: It is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

Q2: The Teesta and the Mahananda rivers.

Ans: What type of vegetation is found in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary?

Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple

July 16, 2026
Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple

Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple Latest News

The oft-used phrase “rising like a phoenix from the ashes” finds its perfect expression in the story of the Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

About Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple

  • The Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple, also known as Abathsahayeswarar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • It is situated on the banks of the Arasalar River in Thukkachi village, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
  • The temple’s origins date back to the Chola dynasty period, around the 10th to 11th centuries AD. 
  • During this time, the Chola rulers played a key role in the promotion of Shaivism across southern India. 
  • The inscriptions portray that Kulothunga Cholan and Vikkirama Cholan maintained the temple in the past.  
  • Architecture:
    • The architecture of the Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple reflects the typical features of Chola architecture.
    • The temple consists of a sanctum (garbhagriha) where the main deity, Shiva, is enshrined. 
    • The main entrance features a gopuram, now conserved through recent restoration, marking the eastern orientation of the entire layout, which aligns with solar symbolism prevalent in South Indian temple design.  
    • The outer walls are adorned with detailed carvings that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.
    • The temple’s pillars are also known for their fine craftsmanship, and many of them bear inscriptions that provide insight into the cultural and religious practices of the period. 
    • These inscriptions are valuable sources for historians studying the Chola period and the development of religious traditions in South India.
  • After years of neglect leading to dilapidation, the temple underwent comprehensive restoration.
  • On December 6, 2024, it received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2024 for exemplary revival of a living Hindu temple while preserving its heritage integrity.

News: TH

Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is the Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple located?

Ans: Thukkachi village, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

Q2: On the banks of which river is the Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple situated?

Ans: The Arasalar River.

Q3: To which dynasty does the origin of the Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple date back?

Ans: The Chola dynasty.

Q4: Which architectural style is reflected in the Thukkachi Abatsahayesvar Temple?

Ans: Chola architecture.

Greenland

July 16, 2026
Greenland

Greenland Latest News

An international team of scientists set sail for Greenland to investigate whether the island’s rapidly melting glaciers could disrupt a major Atlantic Ocean current system. 

About Greenland

  • It is the world’s largest (non-continent) island located between the continents of North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • It is geographically considered a part of the North American continent.
  • It was once a Danish colony and is now an autonomous province of Denmark.
  • Borders of Greenland: It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north; by the Greenland Sea to the east; by the North Atlantic Ocean to the southeast; Davis Strait to the southwest and Baffin Bay to the west.
  • Capital City: Nuuk

Geographical Features of Greenland

  • Climate: Greenland is in the polar zone, where winter temperatures reach as low as -50°C and summer temperatures rarely exceed 10–15°C.
  • Highest Point: Gunnbjorn’s Fjeld
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of Coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold, platinum, niobium.

Source: DD News

Greenland FAQs

Q1: What is the Capital of Greenland?

Ans: Nuuk

Q2: Greenland is located between which two oceans?

Ans: Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean

Gandak River

July 16, 2026
Gandak River

Gandak River Latest News

Due to heavy rainfall in Nepal’s catchment area, the water levels of the Gandak River in Bihar have been rising continuously.

About Gandak River

  • It is one of the major rivers of North India and a significant left-bank tributary of the Ganga River. 
  • It is mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.
  • Course:
    • It originates at an altitude of 7620 m above msl to the north of Dhaulagiri Mountain in Tibet near the Nepal border. 
    • It is formed by the union of the Kali and Trisuli Rivers, which rise in the Great Himalayas of Nepal. 
    • From their meeting point till the Indian border, the river is known as the ‘Kali Gandaki’ and ‘Narayani’ in Nepal. 
    • It enters India near Valmikinagar in Bihar and briefly touches Uttar Pradesh, forming a small stretch of boundary.  
    • The entry point of the river is at the Indo–Nepal border and is known as Triveni.
    • After this, the river flows mainly through Bihar, covering districts like West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, and Saran. 
    • The Gandak finally joins the Ganga River opposite Patna, near Hajipur in Vaishali district, Bihar. 
  • It has a total length of about 630 kilometers, out of which 185 kilometers lie in Nepal and around 445 kilometers in India.  
  • The basin is bounded by the Himalayas to the north and the Ganga River to the south.
  • On the sides, it lies between the Kosi basin in the east and the Karnali (Ghaghara) basin in the west. .
  • There are about 1,710 glaciers and over 300 lakes in the upper catchment of Gandak.
  • The basin includes three peaks over 8,000 m: Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna Massif.
  • Due to the steep slope and loose soil in the upper catchment, Gandak carries a lot of silt and other deposits to the Indian side, resulting in a continuous shifting course of the river.
  • While flowing through the Nepal Himalayas, it forms the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest river gorges in the world.
  • Two important protected areas, Chitwan National Park in Nepal and the adjacent Valmiki Tiger reserve in India, have been established in the basin.
  • Major Tributaries: Daraudi, Seti, Madi, Marsyandi, and Budhi Gandaki.

News: NOA

Gandak River FAQs

Q1: Which major river is the Gandak a tributary of?

Ans: The Gandak is a major left-bank tributary of the Ganga River.

Q2: Where does the Gandak River originate?

Ans: It originates north of Dhaulagiri Mountain in Tibet near the Nepal border at an altitude of about 7,620 m above mean sea level.

Q3: Near which place does the Gandak River enter India?

Ans: Near Valmikinagar in Bihar.

Q4: What is the total length of the Gandak River?

Ans: It has a total length of about 630 kilometers, out of which 185 kilometers lie in Nepal and around 445 kilometers in India.

Enquire Now