UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 July 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 24 July 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 July 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Tetragonula yikhumensis

July 24, 2026
Tetragonula yikhumensis

Tetragonula yikhumensis Latest News

A team of researchers recently discovered a new species of stingless bee named Tetragonula yikhumensis in Wokha district, Nagaland.

About Tetragonula yikhumensis

  • It is a new species of stingless bee.
  • It was discovered in Wokha district, Nagaland.
  • It is named after Yikhum village, where it was first collected.
  • It is a subterranean species that nests underground and is distinguished by its size, unique morphology, and nest architecture.      
  • It measures about 5.59 mm in body length, making it the largest stingless bee recorded in India. 
  • The discovery increases the number of stingless bee species known from India from 25 to 26, while the genus Tetragonula now comprises 18 species in the country. 
  • It is only the second underground-nesting species of the genus documented in India. 
  • Researchers found that the colonies were built more than two metres below the ground. 
  • The nests comprised distinct chambers for honey, pollen, and brood, protected by hard layers of batumen and connected to the surface through narrow entrance tunnels. 
  • The Lotha community in Wokha refers to these subterranean stingless bees as "litsuk", or "ground bees", and highly values their honey and bee pollen for their medicinal properties.

News: EMN

Tetragonula yikhumensis FAQs

Q1: What is Tetragonula yikhumensis?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of stingless bee.

Q2: Where was Tetragonula yikhumensis discovered?

Ans: Wokha district, Nagaland.

Q3: Why was the species named Tetragonula yikhumensis?

Ans: Because it was first collected in Yikhum village.

Q4: Is Tetragonula yikhumensis a subterranean species?

Ans: Yes, it is a subterranean species.

Aerosols

July 24, 2026
Aerosols

Aerosols Latest News

A new study revealed that South Asia faces the highest climate impacts from dust-pollution aerosols, leading to significant atmospheric heating. 

About Aerosols

  • Aerosols are tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere.
  • Source: They originate from sources such as desert dust, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution and forest fires.
  • Properties
    • Size: Aerosols range in size from a few tens of nanometers to several tens of micrometers.
    • These particles can either reflect sunlight back into space or absorb it,
    • They are often not or barely visible to the human eye, yet their impact on climate, weather, health, and ecology are significant.
    • These particles alter Earth's energy balance and influence temperatures, cloud formation and rainfall.
  • Types
    • Primary Aerosols: These are injected into the atmosphere directly and are known as 'primary aerosols'. 
    • Examples: Sea spray, mineral dust, smoke, and volcanic ash are all primary aerosols.
    • Secondary aerosols: These are aerosols which were emitted in another form (e.g. gases), then become aerosol particles after going through chemical reactions in the atmosphere,
    • Example:  Sulfate aerosols from volcanoes or industrial emissions.

Key Highlights of the Study

  • Scientists classified aerosols into seven categories:
    • Pure dust, dust-dominated mixtures, pollution-dominated mixtures, very weakly absorbing, weakly absorbing, moderately absorbing and strongly absorbing aerosols
  • Pure dust dominates northern Africa, while Europe and North America are largely characterised by less-absorbing urban and industrial aerosols.
  • Strongly absorbing aerosols, which often contain high levels of black carbon, produced the greatest atmospheric warming.
  • Very weakly absorbing aerosols had the lowest atmospheric forcing, reflecting more sunlight back into space and producing a much smaller warming effect.
  • Tropical regions affected by biomass burning are mainly dominated by strongly absorbing aerosols.
  • Black carbon-rich aerosols drive stronger warming

Source: PIB

Aerosols FAQs

Q1: What are the natural source of aerosols?

Ans: Volcanic eruptions, Sea spray, Dust storms, Forest fires

Q2: What NASA instrument sensor gathers information on aerosols?

Ans: CloudSat and CALIPSO

Picrorhiza Kurroa

July 24, 2026
Picrorhiza Kurroa

Picrorhiza Kurroa Latest News

A sustainable cultivation model adopted by farmers in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district is showing promising signs of conserving the Picrorhiza kurroa species. 

About Picrorhiza Kurroa

  • It is a perennial herb with the presence of rhizomes.
  • Picorrhiza word has been taken from the Greek language. In Greek, the word “Picros” means bitter and “Rhiza” means root, so bitter root. 
  • It is locally known as Kutki.
  • Habitat: It is native to the alpine and sub-alpine regions (2,700-4,500 metres) of the Himalayas.
  • Distribution: It is found in Himalayan region, from Garwal to Bhutan and Kashmir to Sikkim, Pakistan, Tibet, west of China and Myanmar.
  • Required Climatic Conditions
    • It prefers moist, relatively less exposed, north-west facing slopes.
    • Soil: Sandy clay textured soil is the best for its growth.
    • It needs porous soil layers, which facilitate horizontal spreading of the rhizomes underneath, that produce aerial sprouts from the nodes.
    • It suffers heavy mortality during prolonged and intense rains.
  • Propagation: The planting stock can initially be raised through seedlings, but can also be propagated through rhizomes/stolons/offsets.
    • Stolons are a side branch which creeps on the soil and possesses nodes and is a type of stem.

Applications of Picrorhiza Kurroa

  • Kutki is an anti-pyretic, anthelmintic, carminative, stomachic, hepatoprotector, anti-malarial, and laxative in small doses but cathartic in large doses.
  • It improves appetite and stimulates gas- tric secretions.
  • It is useful for asthma, cold, and cough.

Conservation Status of Picrorhiza Kurroa

  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II

Source: TH

Picrorhiza Kurroa FAQs

Q1: Picrorhiza kurroa is primarily found in which region of India?

Ans: Himalayan region

Q2: Which part of Picrorhiza kurroa is used for medicinal purposes?

Ans: Rhizome and Roots

Kusha Missile

July 24, 2026
Kusha Missile

Kusha Missile Latest News

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of ‘Kusha’ Missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island.

About Kusha Missile

  • It is a long-range Surface-to-Air missile.
  • Developed By: All weapon system elements, including the missiles, radars, command and control centre, have been developed by various DRDO laboratories and Industry partners.
  • Range: A long-range SAM typically has a range of over 200 km. 
  • Capability: It is capable of neutralising a wide variety of aerial threats including fighter jets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and large enemy aircraft within a wide range & altitude envelope. 
  • The successful test marks a key step in the development of Project Kusha, India's indigenous long-range air defence programme

Key Facts about Project Kusha

  • It is also referred to as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS).
  • It is being developed by DRDO as the backbone of India's future long-range air defence network.
  • The system is planned as a three-tier architecture comprising M1, M2 and M3 interceptor missiles with engagement ranges of approximately 150 km, 250 km and up to 350-400 km, respectively.
  • It is designed to integrate with India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for network-centric air defence.

Source: PIB

Kusha Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the primary role of Kusha Missile system?

Ans: Provide long-range air defence against aircraft, drones and missiles

Q2: Which organisation is developing Kusha missile system?

Ans: DRDO

Ratle Hydroelectric Project

July 24, 2026
Ratle Hydroelectric Project

Ratle Hydroelectric Project Latest News

Continuous heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Chenab River recently, damaging the temporary cofferdam at the under-construction 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project.

About Ratle Hydroelectric Project

  • It is an 850 MW hydroelectric power project being built on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar District of Jammu & Kashmir.
  • It is a run-of-river project.  
  • It is located downstream of the Dulhasti project and upstream of the Baghlihar project. 
  • The project is implemented by the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL).
    • RHPCL was formed as a joint venture (JV) between Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and India’s state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
    • NHPC and JKSPDC hold 51% and 49% equity ownership in RHPCL, respectively.
  • The construction work is being undertaken by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).
  • The project includes a 133-meter-tall and 194.8-meter-long concrete gravity dam, a diversion dam, and an underground powerhouse on the right bank of the river.
  • The underground powerhouse will house four 205 MW Francis turbine-generating units and a 30 MW auxiliary turbine-generating unit.
  • The project is expected to generate 3,137 GWh of electricity.
  • Pakistan has frequently alleged that the project violates the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.

News: PT

Ratle Hydroelectric Project FAQs

Q1: What is the Ratle Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: It is an 850 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power project on the Chenab River.

Q2: Where is the Ratle Hydroelectric Project located?

Ans: Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir.

Q3: What type of hydroelectric project is the Ratle Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: A run-of-river hydroelectric project.

Q4: Which corporation is implementing the Ratle Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL).

Romania

July 24, 2026
Romania

Romania Latest News

Recently, the President of India held bilateral talks with the Romanian President during her State Visit to Romania.

About Romania

  • Location: It is located in South Eastern Europe.
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Ukraine in the north; Moldova in the northeast; Bulgaria in the south, Serbia in the southwest and Hungary in the west.
  • Maritime Border: It is bounded by the Black Sea in the southeast.
  • Capital City: Bucharest
  • It joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007.

Geographical Features of Romania

  • Climate:  The climate is temperate and marked by four distinct seasons.
  • Relief: It is dominated by the Carpathian Mountains.
  • Major rivers: Danube, Arges, Tisza, Prut, etc.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Moldoveanu.
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of petroleum, gold, silver, uranium

Source: DD News

Romania FAQs

Q1: Romania shares border with which sea?

Ans: Black Sea

Q2: What is the Capital of Romania?

Ans: Bucharest

Black Sea

July 24, 2026
Black Sea

Black Sea Latest News

India issued a security warning recently for ships venturing into the Black Sea that are locally flagged or employ its seafarers.

About Black Sea

  • It is a large inland sea situated at the southeastern extremity of Europe.
  • It is located where Europe and Asia meet. 
  • It is one of the marginal seas of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The roughly oval-shaped body of water has a surface area of  436,000 sq.km.
  • Bordering Regions:
    • West: Balkan Peninsula (Southeastern Europe).
    • East: Caucasus Mountains.
    • North: East European Plains (Russia & Ukraine).
    • South: Anatolia (Turkey, Western Asia).
  • It is bordered by Ukraine to the north, Russia to the northeast, Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west. The Crimean Peninsula juts into the Black Sea from the north.
  • Though far inland, it connects with the Atlantic Ocean through a series of other waterways. 
    • The Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles Strait link the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and finally, the Atlantic. 
  • To its east, the Kerch Strait links the Black Sea to the smaller Sea of Azov. 
  • Major rivers flowing into it include the Danube, Dnieper, Southern Bug, Rioni, and Dniester.
  • Ukraine has the highest number of islands in the Black Sea, including the sea’s largest island, Dzharylhach Island. 
  • The Black Sea has lower salinity than the world’s oceans due to isolation from the Mediterranean.
  • Russia has the longest coastline (2,300 km), followed by Turkey (1,329 km) and Ukraine (1,282 km).
  • It is the starting point for the shipment of goods from Eastern Europe to the rest of the world. 

News: DC

 

Black Sea FAQs

Q1: Where is the Black Sea located?

Ans: It is a large inland sea situated at the southeastern extremity of Europe.

Q2: Which countries border the Black Sea?

Ans: Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Q3: Which strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara?

Ans: The Bosporus Strait.

Q4: Which country has the longest coastline along the Black Sea?

Ans: Russia.

Q5: What is the economic significance of the Black Sea?

Ans: It serves as the starting point for the shipment of goods from Eastern Europe to the rest of the world.

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems

July 24, 2026
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems Latest News

Recently, Chhattisgarh's digital policing framework has come under scrutiny after the latest National Crime Records Bureau assessment awarded the state just 64.97 out of 100 in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) performance index.

About Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems

  • It was conceptualized by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2009.
  • It aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the efficiency and effective policing at all levels and especially at the Police Station level.
  • It facilitates collection, updation, and sharing of data related to crime and criminals in near real time basis.
  • It facilitates various benefits to State/ Union Territory Police, Central Law Enforcement Agencies and citizens of India.
  • Objectives
    • Provide Citizen Centric Police Services via a web portal
    • Pan India search on National database of Crime & Criminal records
    • Crime and Criminal reports at State and Center
    • Computerization of Police Processes
  • The scope of CCTNS spans all States and Union Territories and covers all Police Stations (15,000+ in number) and all Higher Police Offices in the country.
  • The CCTNS project includes vertical connectivity of police units (linking police units at various levels within the States - police stations, district police offices, state headquarters, SCRB and other police formations) as well as horizontal connectivity, linking police functions at State and Central level to external entities.

Source: NIE

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems FAQs

Q1: CCTNS is implemented by which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Home Affairs

Q2: What is the purpose of CCTNS?

Ans: It is an Indian government project for creating a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-Governance.

East Asia Summit (EAS)

July 24, 2026
East Asia Summit

East Asia Summit Latest News

Participating in the 21st East Asia Summit in Manila, the External Affairs Minister recently said that the global maritime channels “must remain safe and unimpeded”.

About East Asia Summit

  • It is the Indo-Pacific’s premier forum for strategic dialogue. 
  • It is the only leader-led forum at which all key Indo-Pacific partners meet to discuss political, security, and economic challenges facing the region.
  • It was established in 2005 with the convening of the 1st Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 
  • Members: 
    • The EAS has 19 members: the 11 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam) along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States. 
    • Timor-Leste became the latest member of the EAS following its ASEAN accession on 26 October 2025.  
    • India is a founding member of EAS.
  • ASEAN leads the forum, and the chair rotates annually among ASEAN member states. 
  • Six priority areas of regional cooperation within the framework of the EAS:
    • Environment and Energy,
    • Education,
    • Finance,
    • Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases,
    • Natural Disaster Management, and
    • ASEAN Connectivity.
  • The EAS is an annual Leaders' Summit usually held in October or November.  
  • Along with the Leaders' Summit, each year there is an EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and an EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting. 
  • Senior officials of EAS participating countries meet throughout the year to prepare for meetings of leaders and ministers and to engage in frank exchanges of views on political, regional security, economic, and other issues.

News: TH

 

East Asia Summit FAQs

Q1: What is the East Asia Summit (EAS)?

Ans: It is the Indo-Pacific's premier forum for strategic dialogue.

Q2: Where was the first East Asia Summit held?

Ans: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Q3: Is India a founding member of the East Asia Summit?

Ans: Yes.

Q4: Which six priority areas are identified for regional cooperation under the East Asia Summit?

Ans: Environment and Energy; Education; Finance; Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases; Natural Disaster Management; and ASEAN Connectivity.

Q5: Which countries outside ASEAN are members of the East Asia Summit?

Ans: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.

Arunachaleswarar Temple

July 24, 2026
Arunachaleswarar Temple

Arunachaleswarar Temple Latest News

A 38-year-old man was arrested for using duplicate keys to take devotees to worship at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai.

About Arunachaleswarar Temple

  • The Arunachaleshwarar Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, is a Hindu temple located at the base of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu.
  • It is one of the largest and most ancient temples in India.
  • It is dedicated to Lord Arunachalesvara, a form of Lord Shiva.
  • The temple’s origin dates back thousands of years, with references in ancient scriptures and Tamil Saiva texts. 
  • The current structure, however, was built during the period of the early Chola kings (9th century AD), expanded during the period of the later Cholas, Hoysala (Bhosala) kings, and Vijayanagarar Nayakar kings.

Arunachaleswarar Temple Architecture

  • The temple is a fine example of South Indian (Dravidian) architecture and sculpture.
  • Spread out over 25 acres, the temple complex is among the largest in the country.
  • It boasts four gopurams, or gateway towers, richly embellished with intricate carvings and pillars. 
  • Notably, the eastern tower, reaching a height of 66 meters and consisting of 11 stories, ranks among the tallest temple towers in India. 
  • The temple has 5 precincts. Each of the precincts has a huge Nandi (sacred bull of Shiva) and several towers .
  • The temple complex features numerous halls, with the most prominent being the thousand-pillared hall, constructed during the Vijayanagara period.

News: TH

Arunachaleswarar Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is the Arunachaleswarar Temple located?

Ans: At the base of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

Q2: To which deity is the Arunachaleswarar Temple dedicated?

Ans: Lord Arunachalesvara, a form of Lord Shiva.

Q3: During whose reign was the current structure of the Arunachaleswarar Temple first built?

Ans: The early Chola kings (9th century AD).

Q4: Which dynasties expanded the Arunachaleswarar Temple after the early Cholas?

Ans: The later Cholas, Hoysala (Bhosala) kings, and Vijayanagarar Nayakar kings.

Q5: Which style of architecture is seen in the Arunachaleswarar Temple?

Ans: South Indian (Dravidian) architecture.

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