UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 21 July 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 21 July 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 21 July 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Senegal

July 21, 2026
Senegal

Senegal Latest News

Recently, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Faye, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

About Senegal

  • Location: It is a West African country.
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by four countries; Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau to the north, east, southeast, and southwest, respectively.
  • Maritime Border: The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. 
  • Capital City: Dakar

Geographical Features of Senegal

  • It is a flat country that lies in the depression known as the Senegal-Mauritanian Basin. 
  • Major Geographical regions: Cap-Vert Peninsula (It is the Western most point of Africa), Sahelian Zone (Baunez Ridge (648 m) located in this region), Sudanian Zone and Casamance Region.
  • Climate: It has a tropical and dry climate.
  • Rivers: Senegal River (forms the northern border with Mauritania), River Gambia River, Saloum Delta.
  • Natural Resources: Senegal is rich in critical minerals, including titanium, zirconium, gold, and phosphate.

Source: News On Air

Senegal FAQs

Q1: Senegal is located in which continent?

Ans: Africa

Q2: What is the Capital of Senegal ?

Ans: Dakar

QDENGA (TAK-003)

July 21, 2026
QDENGA (TAK-003)

QDENGA (TAK-003) Latest News

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) recently granted market authorisation to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India’s QDENGA (TAK-003), making it the first dengue vaccine to be approved in the country.

About QDENGA (TAK-003)

  • It is a dengue vaccine developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda.
  • It is the first dengue vaccine to be approved in India.
  • The vaccine has been approved for the prevention of dengue in individuals aged four to 60. 
  • QDENGA is a live-attenuated (weakened) tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).
  • It is administered as a two-dose regimen, with doses given three months apart.
  • The vaccine can be administered irrespective of whether an individual has had a previous dengue infection and does not require pre-vaccination screening.
  • The vaccine has already been approved in more than 40 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Indonesia, and Argentina. 

 What is Dengue?

  • Dengue disease is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, leading to mild, flu-like symptoms in most people.
  • However, a small number of patients develop severe disease, with potentially fatal bleeding and organ damage.
  • It poses a significant global public health threat, with prevalence in over 125 countries.
  • India accounts for nearly one-third of the global dengue burden.

Source: TH

QDENGA (TAK-003) FAQs

Q1: QDENGA (TAK-003) is a vaccine for which disease?

Ans: Dengue

Q2: QDENGA is a vaccine against how many serotypes of dengue virus?

Ans: All 4 serotypes

Key Facts about Moldova

July 21, 2026
Moldova

Key Facts about Moldova Latest News

The President of India recently reached Moldova, marking the first visit by an Indian President to Moldova. 

About Moldova

  • Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
  • It is situated in the east of the Carpathian Mountains between the Prut and Dniester Rivers. 
  • It is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.
  • History
    • Formerly known as Bessarabia, this region was an integral part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812, when it was ceded to Russia by its suzerain, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
    • Bessarabia remained a province of the Russian Empire until after World War I, when it became a part of Greater Romania.
    • It reverted to Russian control in 1940–41.
    • Again after World War II, it was joined to a strip of formerly Ukrainian territory, the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, on the left bank of the Dniester River to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
    • Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, this republic declared its independence and took the name Moldova.
  • Government: The government system is a republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister.
  • Capital: ChiÈ™inău
  • Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL)
  • Language: Romanian is the official language.
    • Russian, Gagauze, and Ukrainian are the major minority languages spoken in the country.
  • Economy: Moldova's economy is primarily agricultural, with wine production being a significant aspect of its identity, as the country is famous for its vineyards and winemaking traditions. 

Source: PIB

Moldova FAQs

Q1: Moldova is a landlocked country located in which region?

Ans: Eastern Europe

Q2: Moldova is bordered by which two countries?

Ans: Ukraine and Romania

White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network

July 21, 2026
White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network

White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network Latest News

The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy recently commissioned the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory (RRSL), Bengaluru,

About White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network

  • It was commissioned at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory (RRSL) in Bengaluru.
  • It was developed jointly by the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 
  • The system disseminates IST, traceable to national time-keeping authority UTC (NPLI), using Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based White Rabbit technology. 
  • The system is designed to deliver highly accurate, secure and resilient time synchronisation for critical sectors, including banking, financial markets, telecommunications, power systems, transportation, digital governance and other strategic infrastructure.
  • This network has already successfully verified the secure transmission of IST between RRSL Bengaluru and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Chennai.

What is White Rabbit Technology?

  • White Rabbit is an advanced networking protocol that allows devices connected via optical fibre to synchronise their internal clocks with an accuracy of less than one nanosecond (one-billionth of a second).
  • Originally developed at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research), this technology acts as a high-precision upgrade to standard Ethernet networking. 
  • Its primary innovation is its ability to continuously monitor and compensate for signal delays across long distances.
  • By doing so, it ensures that every node in a network remains perfectly aligned, effectively eliminating the "time drift" that occurs in conventional systems. 
  • Why is this deployment critical for India?
    • Currently, many of India’s digital systems—ranging from telecommunications to banking—rely on foreign satellite-based timing services such as the US-operated GPS.
    • While these systems are functional, they are vulnerable to external risks.
    • An indigenous time dissemination network will make these services more secure and resilient by reducing dependence on external sources.

 Source: DD News

White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network FAQs

Q1: White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time Dissemination Demonstration Network was launched by?

Ans: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi

Q2: The White Rabbit IST Dissemination Network uses which technology?

Ans: Ethernet-based technology

Pachycheles ravichandrani

July 21, 2026
Pachycheles ravichandrani

Pachycheles ravichandrani Latest News

Scientists recently discovered a new species of porcelain crab named Pachycheles ravichandrani living in the shallow coral reefs of the Lakshadweep Islands.

About Pachycheles ravichandrani

  • It is a new species of porcelain crab.
    • While they look like true crabs, porcelain crabs are actually more closely related to squat lobsters, known for their fragile bodies, like porcelain, and tendency to lose limbs easily to escape predators.
  • Pachycheles ravichandrani was found living in the shallow coral reefs of the Lakshadweep Islands, India.
  • The tiny crustacean, which sports a striking deep-red colour, was found during a survey of the rocky shores of Agatti Island. 
  • It was found hiding among rock boulders covered in coralline algae at depths of less than one meter. 
  • It has a unique sub-circular shell and specialised hair-like structures, called setae, along its ridges. 
  • It has a distinct gap between the fingers of its smaller claw and a unique truncate cutting edge that is not seen in similar species.
  • In its natural habitat, the crab is visually distinct, featuring a dark carmine red shell decorated with a white blotch down its back and white spots on its claws.
  • Its walking legs are patterned with horizontal carmine stripes.

Source: RM

Pachycheles ravichandrani FAQs

Q1: Pachycheles ravichandrani is a species of?

Ans: Porcelain crab

Q2: Pachycheles ravichandrani was discovered from which coast of India?

Ans: West Coast of India

Digital Local Pass System

July 21, 2026
Digital Local Pass System

Digital Local Pass System Latest News

Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has expanded the digital services available on the RajmargYatra mobile application by introducing a digital Local Pass System. 

About Digital Local Pass System

  • It enables eligible commuters to purchase monthly toll passes digitally through the RajmargYatra mobile application without the need to visit a toll plaza.
  • It has been rolled out initially at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Toll Plaza on Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi.

Features of Digital Local Pass System

  • Under the new system, residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of an eligible toll plaza can purchase a Local Pass through the app, allowing them unlimited travel through the respective toll plaza for one month.
  • It uses consent-based integration with government platforms such as DigiLocker and VAHAN to automatically retrieve verified information related to a commuter’s address, vehicle registration and linked FASTag.
  • Eligibility is further verified using GIS-based validation.

Key Facts about Rajmargyatra App

  • It is a citizen-centric mobile App developed for smoother and better experience of citizens on highways, integrated with a web-based application for updating information and monitoring of complaint redressal.
  • It provides information about the highway, toll plaza, nearby amenities such as petrol pumps, hospitals, charging stations, weather updates, etc. 

Source: DD News

Digital Local Pass System FAQ's

Q1: Who can apply for Digital Local Pass?

Ans: Residents living within 20 km radius of a fee plaza

Q2: Digital Local Pass is issued by which organization?

Ans: NHAI - National Highways Authority of India

Central Bureau of Narcotics

July 21, 2026
Central Bureau of Narcotics

Central Bureau of Narcotics Latest News

Recently, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has prevented an attempt to illegally divert an export consignment of 12 crore high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets.

About Central Bureau of Narcotics

  • It is a central government organization dealing with the international trade of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and Precursor Chemicals.
  • It works under the ambit of various United Nations Conventions and the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
  • Nodal Ministry: It works under the Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance.
  • Headquarter: Gwalior
  • Organization
    • The Narcotics Commissioner is the head of the Central Bureau of Narcotics.
    • A Deputy Narcotics Commissioner is in-charge of each of the three opium growing States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
    • The Deputy Narcotics Commissioner is assisted by the Assistant Narcotics Commissioner and District Opium Officers.
    • The District Opium Officer issues licences for cultivation of opium poppy as per the General Licencing Conditions notified by the Central Government.

Functions of Central Bureau of Narcotics

  • Supervision over licit cultivation of opium poppy in India
  • Preventive and enforcement functions especially in the three poppy growing States.
  • Investigation of cases under the NDPS Act, 1985 and filing of complaint in the Court.
  • Issue of licences for manufacture of synthetic narcotic drugs.
  • Issuance of Export Authorisations/ Import Certificate for export/ import of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
  • Issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import/ export of a select number of Precursor Chemicals.

Source: News On Air

Central Bureau of Narcotics FAQs

Q1: Central Bureau of Narcotics functions under which Ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Finance

Q2: What is the main function of Central Bureau of Narcotics?

Ans: Regulation and supervision of cultivation of opium poppy and production of opium

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana

July 21, 2026
Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister for Culture informed the Lok Sabha about the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY). 

About Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana

  • It is an umbrella scheme under the Ministry of Culture for the promotion of art and culture in the country.
  • Under this financial assistance is provided to eligible cultural organizations/ individuals working in the field of performing arts.
  • It was launched to promote, preserve, and develop India’s rich art and cultural heritage.
  • It has the following sub-schemes 
    • Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)
    • Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture.
    • Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture.
    • Financial Assistance for Construction of Tagore Cultural Complexes (TCC)
    • Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists.
    • Seva Bhoj Yojana
    • National Gandhi Heritage Site Mission
    • National Award Scheme

Read more about Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY)

Features of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana

  • Financial Assistance: Provides grants to artists, cultural organizations, NGOs, and institutions for conducting programs and activities.
  • Support for Cultural Programs: Encourages organization of festivals, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and performances at various levels.
  • Infrastructure Development: Offers funding for creation and modernization of cultural infrastructure like auditoriums, museums, and cultural centers.
  • Focus on Intangible Heritage: Aims to safeguard traditions such as music, dance, crafts, and rituals, including those recognized by UNESCO.
  • Inclusive Approach: Promotes participation from rural areas, tribal communities, and underrepresented groups.
  • Pan-India Coverage: Ensures cultural development and outreach across all states and regions of India.

Source: PIB

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana FAQs

Q1: Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana is a scheme of which Ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Culture

Q2: What is the main objective of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana?

Ans: Promote and preserve Indian art and culture

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

July 21, 2026
WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies Latest News

Recently, India has deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) and became a Party to the Agreement.

About WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

  • It was adopted by consensus at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022.
  • It is the first multilateral WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.
  • It prohibits government support to illegal fishing activities and overexploitation of stocks, contributing to the protection of marine life.
  • The Agreement entered into force on 15 September 2025 after acceptance by two-thirds of WTO Members.
  • India is the 123rd Member of the WTO to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance.

Key Features of WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

  • The Agreement focuses on subsidies related to marine wild capture fishing and fishing-related activities at sea.
    • Aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside the scope of this Agreement.
  • It protects the livelihoods of traditional and small-scale fishers by promoting sustainable fisheries.
  • It prohibits subsidies linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing of overfished stocks,
  • It also creates a more equitable global fisheries regime by disciplining harmful subsidies that support large, heavily subsidised industrial fishing fleets operated by distant water fishing nations.

Source: PIB

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies FAQs

Q1: WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was adopted at which Ministerial Conference?

Ans: 12th WTO Ministerial Conference - MC12, Geneva 2022

Q2: What is the main objective of WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement?

Ans: Curb harmful fisheries subsidies and prevent overfishing

e-Shram Portal

July 21, 2026
e-Shram Portal

e-Shram Portal Latest News

India's e-Shram portal has registered more than 31.78 crore unorganised workers, strengthening its role as the country's largest digital database for workers in the informal sector.

About e-Shram Portal

  • It was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26th August 2021 to support and empower the unorganized workforce.
  • It is designed to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
  • It is the first-ever national database of unorganised workers including migrant workers, construction workers, gig and platform workers, etc.

Objectives e-Shram Portal

  • Establish a centralized database of unorganized workers for effective policy implementation.
  • Enhance access to social security schemes and benefits for workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, and street vending.
  • Facilitate job matching and skill development opportunities.
  • Strengthen labor market resilience by integrating unorganized workers into the formal economy.
  • Promote financial inclusion through direct benefit transfers and digital payments.

Eligibility for Registering on e-SHRAM Portal

  • An unorganised worker (UW).
  • Age should be between 16-59 years.
  • Not a member of EPFO/ESIC or NPS (Govt. funded)
  • Possess an Aadhaar card, a valid mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and a bank account.

Features of e-SHRAM Portal

  • Universal Account Number (UAN): Registered workers receive a UAN linked to their Aadhaar, enabling seamless access to benefits.
  • Single Registration Process: The portal streamlines the registration process, requiring minimal documentation such as Aadhaar and bank account details. The ease of self-registration is also available to the beneficiaries.
  • Multilingual Support: Workers from diverse regions can access the portal in multiple Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity.
  • Grievance Redressal Mechanism: A dedicated helpline and support system address workers’ queries and grievances promptly.
  • Integration with Employment and Skill Opportunities: Registered workers can connect with employment opportunities, skilling, apprenticeship, pension schemes, digital skilling, and state-specific schemes through the portal.
  • Family Details for Migrant Workers: Family details for migrant workers are captured, aiding in the provision of child education and women-centric schemes for those who have migrated with their families.
  • Data Sharing with BOCW Welfare Boards: The data of construction workers registering on e-Shram is shared with the concerned Building and Other Construction Workers’ (BOCW) Welfare Boards, ensuring their registration with the respective boards and access to schemes meant for them.
  • Data Sharing Portal (DSP): A Data Sharing Portal has been launched to allow the secure sharing of e-Shram beneficiary data with State and Union Territory governments.

Source:  Devdiscourse

e-Shram Portal FAQs

Q1: Who can register on the e-Shram Portal?

Ans: Unorganised workers aged between 16-59 years

Q2: e-Shram Portal was launched by which Ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Labour & Employment

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