UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 23 July 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 23 July 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 23 July 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Hedychium zubeengargianum

July 23, 2026
Hedychium zubeengargianum

Hedychium zubeengargianum Latest News

A new species of ginger lily named Hedychium zubeengargianum was recently discovered in Shillong.

About Hedychium zubeengargianum

  • It is a new species of ginger lily.
  • It was identified by botanists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong, Meghalaya, after years of studying an unusual plant growing in the institute’s botanical garden. 
  • Although it had been growing there since at least 2018, its original source could not be traced because no collection records were available. 
  • The species was named after Meghalaya-born Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg. 
  • Popularly known as ginger lilies, Hedychium species are among the Northeast’s most striking flowering plants. 
  • India is home to about 41 taxa, most of them occurring in the biodiversity-rich landscapes of the Northeast and the Western Ghats. 
  • Hedychium zubeengargianum stands apart from its closest relative, Hedychium gracile, by its creamy-white fragrant flowers, yellow anthers, densely hairy flowering stalk, and an earlier flowering season from April to May. 

News: HUB

Hedychium zubeengargianum FAQs

Q1: What is Hedychium zubeengargianum?

Ans: It is a newly identified species of ginger lily.

Q2: Which organization identified Hedychium zubeengargianum?

Ans: The Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong.

Q3: After whom was Hedychium zubeengargianum named?

Ans: After whom was Hedychium zubeengargianum named?

Q4: What is the flower colour of Hedychium zubeengargianum?

Ans: Creamy white.

Borophene

July 23, 2026
Borophene

Borophene Latest News

Scientists in India recently achieved a significant breakthrough in sustainable lubrication by demonstrating, for the first time, the use of borophene as a high-performance lubricant additive in castor oil. 

About Borophene

  • It is an allotrope of boron.
  • It is composed of a single-atom-thick sheet of boron atoms arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) lattice. 
  • Unlike graphene, which consists of carbon atoms in a perfect hexagonal structure, borophene is highly polymorphic — meaning its atomic structure can vary depending on the synthesis conditions, leading to multiple possible configurations. 
  • First predicted by theory in the mid-1990s, different borophene structures were experimentally confirmed in 2015.  
  • Properties: 
    • It is known for its ultra-light weight, flexibility, and exceptional strength. 
    • It has excellent properties, including thermal and electrical conductivity, high capacitance, metallic nature, etc. 
    • Its electrical and mechanical properties vary with direction, offering tunable features for specialized applications. 
    • It is highly reactive, allowing strong interaction with other atoms or molecules, which is valuable in catalysis, energy storage, and sensor technologies. 
  • Due to these outstanding properties, borophene is mainly used in a range of applications in the fields of thin-layer electronics, optoelectronics, capacitors, and biosensors. 

Why Are Recent Findings Important? 

  • Friction and wear are major causes of energy loss and equipment failure in industries worldwide.
  • Developing advanced lubricants that can effectively minimize these losses is therefore a key scientific and technological challenge. 
  • While castor oil is an attractive renewable and biodegradable lubricant, its performance can be further enhanced using suitable additives. 
  • The recent study found that adding just 0.1 percent borophene by weight to castor oil reduced friction by around 42 percent compared to pure castor oil, while also improving wear resistance and load-bearing capacity. 
  • The researchers found that borophene disperses uniformly in castor oil without requiring chemical modification. 
  • During operation, it forms a durable protective layer, known as a tribofilm, comprising iron oxides, carbon-based compounds, and boron-containing compounds. 
  • This layer reduces shear stress, protects contact surfaces, and minimises wear. 
  • This research has the potential to transform the lubrication industry by advancing renewable energy systems, marine applications, green lubrication technologies, and sustainable manufacturing.

News: DST

Borophene FAQs

Q1: What is borophene?

Ans: Borophene is a two-dimensional allotrope of boron.

Q2: What is the basic structure of borophene?

Ans: A single-atom-thick sheet of boron atoms arranged in a two-dimensional lattice.

Q3: How is borophene different from graphene?

Ans: Unlike graphene's perfect hexagonal structure, borophene is highly polymorphic and can have multiple atomic configurations.

Q4: What are the major physical properties of borophene?

Ans: Ultra-light weight, flexibility, and exceptional strength.

Q5: Does borophene have good electrical conductivity?

Ans: Yes, it has excellent electrical conductivity.

Mission Vatsalya Scheme

July 23, 2026
Mission Vatsalya Scheme

Mission Vatsalya Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development informed about the Mission Vatsalya Scheme.

About Mission Vatsalya Scheme

  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • It is implemented by the States and Union Territories (UTs) to support Children in Need of care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL).
  • Objective: The objective of the Scheme is ensuring care, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of children in difficult circumstances, including missing and vulnerable children.
  • It promotes family- and community-based care, institutional support services, counselling, and emergency outreach for children in need.
  • The Scheme provides institutional and non-institutional care and support services for children in difficult circumstances under the statutory framework of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
  • Section 55 of the JJ Act, 2015 provides for the evaluation of the functioning of relevant service delivery structures.
    • Under this provision, the Central Government, State Government, or District Magistrate may independently evaluate the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board, Child Welfare Committee, Special Juvenile Police Units, registered institutions, and recognised fit facilities or persons, at such intervals and through such agencies as prescribed.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development

Source: PIB

Mission Vatsalya Scheme FAQs

Q1: Mission Vatsalya is implemented by which Ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Women & Child Development

Q2: Mission Vatsalya is a centrally sponsored scheme that subsumed which earlier scheme?

Ans: Child Protection Services - CPS Scheme

Samudra Pradakshina

July 23, 2026
Samudra Pradakshina

Samudra Pradakshina Latest News

Raksha Mantri flagged-in ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition through video conferencing recently. 

About Samudra Pradakshina

  • It was the first ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation.
  • The expedition brought together officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force on a single mission.
  • The expedition, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, with Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju as the Deputy Expedition Leader, was flagged off from Mumbai’s historic Gateway of India on 11 September 2025. 
  • Aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, nine women officers of the three Services returned to Mumbai on July 22, 2026 after successfully completing a 314-day voyage covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.  
  • The expedition successfully fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for a circumnavigation by 
    • crossing all meridians of longitude;
    • crossing the Equator twice;
    • crossing the International Date Line; and 
    • rounding the Three Great Capes - Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America) and the Cape of Good Hope (Africa). 
  • The successful passage through the formidable Drake Passage and rounding of Cape Horn earned the crew membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who conquer one of the world’s most demanding maritime passages.
  • The mission was made possible through meticulous planning, nearly two years of intensive training, and a dedicated 24X7 shore-based support network. 

News: PIB

Samudra Pradakshina FAQs

Q1: What is Samudra Pradakshina?

Ans: It is the first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition.

Q2: Which three Services participated in the Samudra Pradakshina expedition?

Ans: The Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

Q3: Who led the Samudra Pradakshina expedition?

Ans: Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar.

Q4: Which vessel was used for the Samudra Pradakshina expedition?

Ans: Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.

Karlapat Bauxite Block

July 23, 2026
Karlapat Bauxite Block

Karlapat Bauxite Block Latest News

Some of India's biggest industrial groups, including Adani, Reliance Industries, Hindalco, Vedanta Aluminium, Naveen Jindal-backed Powercem and Coal India, are eyeing Odisha's Karlapat bauxite block.

About Karlapat Bauxite Block

  • It is a bauxite deposit in Odisha's Kalahandi district.  
  • It is a greenfield mining block, which means it has not previously been commercially mined.
  • It has an estimated resource of about 207 million tonnes, comprising 153 million tonnes of proved reserves and 54 million tonnes of possible reserves. 
  • The block spans a plateau area of about 9.6 sq.km with an average ore thickness of nearly 12 metres. 
  • The deposit is classified under proved and possible resource categories and records an alumina content of about 45.2 per cent with low silica content.

 Bauxite Deposits in Odisha

  • India’s major bauxite resources are concentrated in the East Coast deposits of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.  
  • Odisha had about 2,057 million tonnes of bauxite resources.
  • Odisha accounted for 41 percent of India’s bauxite resources. 
  • In Odisha, bauxite occurs in Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendujhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Sundargarh districts. 

Why is Bauxite Important?

  • Bauxite is the only commercial ore used to produce aluminium. 
  • Aluminium is the second most abundant metal used by industry after silica-based materials and finds applications across transport, construction, power, chemicals and manufacturing.

News: BS

Karlapat Bauxite Block FAQs

Q1: Where is the Karlapat Bauxite Block located?

Ans: Odisha's Kalahandi district.

Q2: What type of mining block is the Karlapat Bauxite Block?

Ans: It is a greenfield mining block.

Q3: What is the estimated bauxite resource in the Karlapat Bauxite Block?

Ans: About 207 million tonnes.

Q4: What is the approximate area covered by the Karlapat Bauxite Block?

Ans: About 9.6 square kilometres.

Q5: Where are India's major bauxite resources concentrated?

Ans: In the East Coast deposits of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Sal Borer

July 23, 2026
Sal Borer

Sal Borer Latest News

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh forest department has sought permission from the central government to fell nearly 150,000 sal trees in Dindori district after a severe infestation of sal borer insects.  

About Sal Borer

  • It is a beetle of the order- Coleoptera, family-Cerambycydae. 
  • It is the most devastating insect pest responsible for catastrophic damage of sal forests of the country.
  • Appearance: It looks dark brown in color and is about the size of a human finger.
  • It causes extensive damage to sal trees both in standing as well as freshly felled timbers.
  • The less vigorous, weak, unhealthy trees or those with reduced vitality are easily attacked or killed due to borer.
  • The attack of the borer is considered epidemic when the sal trees affected are more than 1% of the total number of trees. 

Key Facts about Sal Tree

  • It is one of the oldest and strongest trees found in India.
  • It’s called the ‘Sentinel of the Forests’ because it can live for dozens of years and has the ability to withstand environmental changes.
  • Distribution: It is found naturally in Uttarakhand, Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
  • Required Climatic Conditions for Sal Tree
    • Temperature: It can tolerate temperatures as high as 40-45°Celcius in summers and as low as 5°Celcius in winters.
    • Soil: It can be grown in the plains, provided there is light loamy soil with good drainage and the area receives approximately 1000 mm – 3000 mm of annual rainfall.
    • Climate: It requires a warm and humid climate and can thrive at altitudes up to 1500 metres above the sea level.
    • This tree can live up to 100 years and doesn’t require frequent watering or care.

Source: DTE

Sal Borer FAQs

Q1: Sal Borer is a major pest of which tree?

Ans: Sal tree / Shorea robusta

Q2: Sal Borer belongs to which family of insects?

Ans: Cerambycidae / Longhorn Beetles

National Chambal Sanctuary

July 23, 2026
National Chambal Sanctuary

National Chambal Sanctuary Latest News

Recently, the Supreme Court said preventive detention orders should be passed against those facilitating illegal sand mining activities in and around the National Chambal Sanctuary. 

About National Chambal Sanctuary

  • It is also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • It is a tri-state protected riverine sanctuary along the Chambal River and ravines.
  • Location: It lies at the tri-junction of three states Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
  • The main focus of the sanctuary is to protect the critically endangered Gharial, Red-crowned roof turtle & endangered Ganges dolphin.
  • Chambal supports the largest population of Gharials in the wild.
  • It is listed as an important bird area (IBA).
  • Topography: The topography is full of ravines, hills & sandy beaches.
  • Vegetation: It is part of the Kathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
  • Fauna: It includes threatened categories like mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otters, Striped Hyena & Indian wolves, Indian narrow-headed soft shell turtle, three- striped roof turtle & crowned river turtle. 
    • Mammals are also seen, which include Sambhar deer, Neel Gai (blue bull), Indian gazelle, Rhesus Monkey, Hanuman Langur etc.

Source: NIE

National Chambal Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Which river forms the core of National Chambal Sanctuary?

Ans: Chambal River

Q2: National Chambal Sanctuary is famous for the conservation of which critically endangered reptile?

Ans: Gharial / Gavialis gangeticus

Kawal Tiger Reserve

July 23, 2026
Kawal Tiger Reserve

Kawal Tiger Reserve Latest News

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently identified Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana as a ‘priority recipient site’ for tiger recovery.

About Kawal Tiger Reserve

  • It is located in the state of Telangana.
  • It is along the banks of the river Godavari, forming part of the Deccan peninsula-central highlands.
  • The reserve is nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges.
  • Geographically, the reserve is situated at the southernmost tip of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, having linkages with the Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) tiger reserves.
  • Rivers: It is a major catchment of the river Godavari and local rivulets like Peddavagu and Kadam.
  • Habitat: It has diverse habitats comprising dense forests, grasslands, rivers, streams, and water bodies.
  • Vegetation: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.
  • Flora: It consists of teak along with bamboo and other species like Anogeissus latifolia, Mitragyna parviflora, Terminalia crenulata, Terminalia arjuna, Boswellia serrata, etc.
  • Fauna:  
    • It has a faunal diversity which is typical of the Deccan Plateau.
    • The major wild animals include: tiger, nilgai, chousinga, chinkara, black buck, sambar, spotted deer, wild dog, wolf, jackal, fox, leopard,  and the jungle cat.

News: TOI

Kawal Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Kawal Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: It is located in the state of Telangana.

Q2: Along the banks of which river is Kawal Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: The Godavari River.

Q3: Kawal Tiger Reserve forms part of which physiographic region?

Ans: The Deccan Peninsula–Central Highlands.

Q4: What is the dominant forest type in Kawal Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.

PM-YASASVI Scheme

July 23, 2026
PM-YASASVI Scheme

PM-YASASVI Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Lok Sabha about the PM-YASASVI Scheme.

About PM-YASASVI Scheme

  • The PM-YASASVI (Prime Minister Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India) umbrella scheme. 
  • It is aimed at uplifting students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing them with access to quality education during their formative years.
  • Objective: To reduce financial barriers and promote inclusive, equitable and quality education for eligible students from these communities.
  • Eligibility: Students from OBC, Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and DNT students with family income up to Rs 2.5 lakh per annum are eligible for this scheme.
  • It comprises four major scholarship components designed to support students at different stages of education.
  • These include the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Top Class Education in Schools Scheme, and Top Class Education in Colleges Scheme for eligible students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT communities.
  • Implementing by: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Source: PIB

PM-YASASVI Scheme FAQs

Q1: PM-YASVI Scheme provides scholarships to students belonging to which groups?

Ans: OBC, EBC, DNT and Nomadic Tribes

Q2: PM-YASVI Scheme was launched in which year?

Ans: 2021

Methane

July 23, 2026
Methane

Methane Latest News

A new study in NatureFood has found that India’s rice fields now rank among world’s top methane hotspots. 

About Methane

  • It is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas. 
  • It is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for about 30% of the global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution.
  • It is the primary component of natural gas and a byproduct of fossil fuel exploration.
  • It is 86 times more efficient at trapping heat over a 20-year-period than carbon dioxide.
  • Major Sources: The three major anthropogenic sources of methane emissions are  agriculture, energy, and waste sectors.

Characteristics of Methane

  • It is a colourless, odourless, and highly flammable gas, also known as marsh gas.
  • It remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period — about 12 years — than carbon dioxide,
  • It traps far more heat in the near term, making it a key driver of short-term climate change, contributing 28 times more to global warming than carbon dioxide for every tonne.

Source: TH

Methane FAQs

Q1: Which gas is produced along with methane in landfills?

Ans: Carbon Dioxide - CO2

Q2: Which satellite launched for monitoring methane emissions globally?

Ans: MethaneSAT

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