UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 27 July 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 27 July 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 27 July 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

South China Sea

July 27, 2026
South China Sea

South China Sea Latest News

Recently, a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 sank during stormy weather in the contested South China Sea. 

About South China Sea

  • It is an arm of the western Pacific Ocean that borders the Southeast Asian mainland. 
  • Boundaries: It is bordered by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
  • It is connected by the Taiwan Strait with the East China Sea and by the Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea (both marginal seas of the Pacific Ocean).
  • The South China Sea and the East China Sea together form the China Sea.
  • The two major archipelagos are known as the Paracel Islands, controlled by China, and the Spratly Islands.
  • Climate: Weather in the sea is tropical and largely controlled by monsoons.
  • Maritime Significance: It is a significant trade route for crude oil from the Persian Gulf and Africa through the Strait of Malacca to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. 
  • Major Ports: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan.

Source: TH

South China Sea FAQs

Q1: Scarborough Shoal is disputed between?

Ans: China and Philippines

Q2: The South China Sea is a part of which ocean?

Ans: Pacific Ocean

Panama

July 27, 2026
Panama

Panama Latest News

Recently, India & Panama held bilateral talks to deepen maritime security, logistics, Skilling and digital transformation. 

About Panama

  • Location: It is a country of Central America located on the Isthmus of Panama.
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia.
  • Water Bodies: It is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the north and by the Pacific Ocean to the south.
  • Capital City: Panama City.

Geographical Features of Panama

  • Climate: Panama has a moist tropical and subtropical climate. 
  • Lakes: Lake Gatun which also plays a vital role in the operation of the Panama Canal.
  • River: Tuira River is the longest river of Panama.
  • Mountain Range: The Cordillera Central, or Central Mountain Range, runs down the middle of Panama.
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of gold, copper, manganese, and iron.

Source: PIB

Panama FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Panama?

Ans: Panama City

Q2: Where is "Darien Gap" ?

Ans: Panama

National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)

July 27, 2026
National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)

National Film Development Corporation of India Latest News

The National Film Development Corporation has officially opened entries for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026.

About National Film Development Corporation of India

  • It is a specialised organization set up by the Government of India to promote the growth and development of the Indian film industry. 
  • Founded in 1975, NFDC operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. 
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Its primary goal is to plan, promote, and organize an integrated and efficient development of the Indian film industry, fostering excellence in cinema.  
  • In 1980, Film Finance Corporation and Indian Motion Picture Export Corporation were merged with NFDC.  
  • In 2022, the Government merged four film media units with the NFDC:
    • Films Division
    • Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF)
    • National Film Archive of India (NFAI)
    • Children's Film Society, India (CFSI)
  • NFDC’s contributions span various aspects of the film industry, including financing, production, and distribution. 
  • The corporation has funded and produced over 300 films in multiple Indian languages, many of which have received national and international acclaim. 
    • These films often address socially relevant themes and showcase the artistic talents of Indian filmmakers. 
  • In addition to its production and financing activities, NFDC is committed to promoting skill development in the media and entertainment sector. 
    • The corporation offers training programs for aspiring filmmakers, technicians, and other industry professionals, ensuring that the Indian film industry remains competitive on a global scale.  
  • Furthermore, NFDC is dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s cinematic heritage. 
    • The corporation manages the National Museum of Indian Cinema, which showcases the history and evolution of Indian cinema through various exhibits and interactive displays. 
  • NFDC organizes Film Bazaar India, a co-production and distribution market for the South Asian region alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. 

Key Facts about International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

  • The IFFI, founded in 1952, is Asia’s oldest international film festival. 
  • Its goal is to provide a single platform for ambitious filmmakers, cineastes, and industry professionals to have access to excellent cinema from across the world. 
  • The first edition of the event was held in Mumbai, which in the subsequent years moved to Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, and Trivandrum.
  • Since its third edition, the event has become competitive.
  • Since 2004, IFFI has moved to its permanent venue in Goa.
  • It is jointly organized each year by the NFDC, in collaboration with the State Government of Goa and the Indian Film Industry.
  • It is the only film festival in South Asia that is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers and Associations (FIAPF) as a competitive feature film festival.

News: NOA

National Film Development Corporation of India FAQ's

Q1: What is the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)?

Ans: It is a specialized organization set up by the Government of India to promote the growth and development of the Indian film industry.

Q2: Which Ministry administers the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)?

Ans: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Q3: Where is the headquarters of the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) located?

Ans: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Q4: What is the primary objective of the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)?

Ans: To plan, promote, and organize the integrated and efficient development of the Indian film industry while fostering excellence in cinema.

Q5: Which museum is managed by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)?

Ans: The National Museum of Indian Cinema.

Caridina sharmai

July 27, 2026
Caridina sharmai

Caridina sharmai Latest News

Researchers recently identified a new species of freshwater shrimp named Caridina sharmai living in the Gomti River, marking the first time this type of crustacean has been recorded in the Lucknow region.

About Caridina sharmai

  • It is a new species of freshwater shrimp.
  • It was discovered in the upper reaches of the River Gomti (tributary of the Ganges) in the Lucknow region of Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is distinguished by several unique physical characteristics that set it apart from its closest relatives, such as Caridina jalihali and Caridina mathiassi.  
    • Most notably, it features a short, knife-shaped rostrum (the beak-like extension at the front of its head) with 15 to 22 teeth on top and 4 to 9 on the underside. 
    • It ranges from 15 to 24 millimetres in length. 
    • Unlike many of its cousins, this new shrimp lacks a median spine on its tail (the telson) and possesses a deep, distinctive hollow or excavation on the joints of its front legs. 
    • These legs are also equipped with long, brush-like hairs that the shrimp uses to scrape algae from aquatic plants and filter food from the water. 
    • In the wild, these shrimps appear dark brown or black with yellowish-grey stripes, allowing them to blend into the shadows of the riverbed.  
    • The researchers observed that when kept in aquariums, the shrimp’s colour gradually fades until the creature becomes almost entirely transparent. 
    • They are described as calm, social animals that prefer to live in groups, clinging to underwater vegetation. 

News: RM

Caridina sharmai FAQs

Q1: What is Caridina sharmai?

Ans: It is a new species of freshwater shrimp.

Q2: Where was Caridina sharmai discovered?

Ans: In the upper reaches of the River Gomti near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Q3: What is the natural colour of Caridina sharmai in the wild?

Ans: Dark brown or black with yellowish-grey stripes.

Q4: What happens to the colour of Caridina sharmai when kept in an aquarium?

Ans: Its colour gradually fades until it becomes almost entirely transparent.

PRAXIS Mission

July 27, 2026
PRAXIS Mission

PRAXIS Mission Latest News

NASA has just selected a mission concept called ‘PRAXIS’ for its Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) 2026 phase I funding.

About PRAXIS Mission

  • PRAXIS is an acronym of ‘Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling’ is designed to collect and study ring particles directly.
  • It is conceptualized by NASA.
  • It will transform understanding of ring structure and origins for Saturn (dense), Uranus and Neptune (tenuous), rings of other objects such as Centaurs Chariklo and Chiron.
  • It will transform understanding of ring structure and origins for Saturn (dense), Uranus and Neptune (tenuous), rings of other objects such as Centaurs Chariklo and Chiron.
  • It will consist of a bio-inspired robotic explorer driven by an AI model, and will be capable of directly sampling particles from planetary ring systems.
  • It combines robotic autonomy for collision avoidance, precision sampling, and on-site analysis.
  • It also uses technology inspired by sport casting to capture free-floating particles and miniaturised instruments for real-time scientific analysis.
  • It currently plans to just graze the ring plane.

Working of the Mission

  • Once it has picked a target particle, the spacecraft will perform a touch-and-go sample of the particle’s surface using a long deployable boom, staying at a safe distance from the moving ring particles.
  • Once it has a sample, the craft will move on to another region or gap in the rings to sample from another area.
  • When it has a sample, small instruments will snag free-floating particles and the AI model will help measure particle size, porosity, and composition.
  • PRAXIS addresses a key Decadal priority by delivering the first direct observations of mm- to cm-scale ring particles.

Source: TH

PRAXIS mission FAQs

Q1: The PRAXIS mission is proposed by which space agency to study?

Ans: NASA to study Saturn's Rings

Q2: How is PRAXIS mission is different from Cassini mission?

Ans: Cassini studied Saturn's atmosphere, PRAXIS will do in-situ sampling of ring particles

Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary

July 27, 2026
Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary

Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary

Altogether 24 fishermen were arrested by wildlife officials on Friday for illegally fishing inside Nalabana wildlife sanctuary. 

About Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, is the core area of the Ramsar-designated wetlands of Chilika Lake, located in the state of Odisha.
  • In the center of the lake, it is a major island with an area of 15.53 sq.km.  
  • The Island of Nalabana was declared a bird sanctuary in the year 1987 after observing the sheer number of diverse bird species found there.
  • It supports a congregation of about 60% of the total migratory birds visiting Chilika Lagoon each year.    
  • Rare or threatened species such as the Asian dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus), the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper (Calidris pygmaea), and Pallas’ fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) are often recorded as part of this crowd. 
  • During monsoons, the entire sanctuary is submerged under water with only a few treetops and watchtower above water level. 

Key Facts about Chilika Lake

  • It is a brackish water lake and a shallow lagoon with estuarine character located in the state of Odisha.
  • It is Asia’s largest brackish water lake.
  • It is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in the world, after the New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.
  • It is connected to the Bay of Bengal by a 32 km long and 1.5 km wide channel that mostly runs parallel to the Bay, separated by a narrow spit.
  • The Daya and Bhargavi rivers feed the lake except during the dry months from December to June, when saline ocean water enters through a small passage.  
  • In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
  • Chilika supports some of the largest congregation of migratory birds in the country, particularly during the winter.  
  • Flocks of migratory waterfowl arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh, and the Himalayas.

News: TOI

Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: What is Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: It is the core area of the Ramsar-designated wetlands of Chilika Lake in Odisha.

Q2: Which wetland is Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary a part of?

Ans: The Ramsar-designated Chilika Lake wetlands.

Q3: What happens to Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary during the monsoon season?

Ans: It is almost completely submerged under water.

Q4: Why is Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary important for bird conservation?

Ans: It supports about 60% of the migratory birds visiting Chilika Lagoon and provides habitat for several rare and threatened bird species.

Asiatic Wild Dog

July 27, 2026

Asiatic Wild Dog Latest News

A recent study showed that Asiatic wild dogs are ‘hypercarnivore’ (over 70 per cent of their diet consists of meat) canids mostly eat sambar and chital and very little livestock at least in Central India. 

About Asiatic Wild Dog

  • The Asiatic wild dog, also called Dhole, is a wild Asian carnivore of the dog family (Canidae).
  • Other Names: Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf, red dog, and mountain wolf.
  • Distribution
    • They are found throughout Central, Eastern and Southeastern Asia. 
    • In India, they are found in three clusters across India, namely the Western and Eastern Ghats, the central Indian landscape, and Northeast India. 
    • The Western and Eastern Ghats are stronghold regions for dholes.
  • Habitat: They inhabit dense jungles, steppes, mountains, scrub forests, and pine forests.
  • Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Endangered

Features of Asiatic Wild Dog

  • It is a sleek, reddish-brown, medium-sized dog.
  • Males are generally more muscular than females.
  • This species tends to live in groups with numbers ranging from 2-25 individuals. 
  • They are fast runners, excellent swimmers, and impressive jumpers.
  • They are great communicators and use an eerie whistle to communicate with each other. 

Source: DTE

Asiatic Wild Dog FAQs

Q1: Dhole is listed under which Schedule of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?

Ans: Schedule II

Q2: What is the IUCN Red List status of Dhole?

Ans: Endangered

Central Reserve Police Force

July 27, 2026
Central Reserve Police Force

Central Reserve Police Force Latest News

Recently, the Lok Sabha Speaker extended greetings to all the soldiers, officers, and their families on the Foundation Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

About Central Reserve Police Force

  • It is a premier central police force of the Union of India, entrusted with the critical task of maintaining internal security.
  • It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India.
  • The force is headed by a Director General and is further divided into four zones located in Jammu, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, each under the command of Special Directors General (DGs). 

Historical Background

  • It was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police on July 27, 1939, in response to escalating political turmoil and unrest within the princely states.
  • Post-independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949.

Key Functions of Central Reserve Police Force

  • Crowd Control and Riot Control: CRPF personnel are trained in crowd management techniques to handle large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations.
  • Counter-Insurgency Operations: CRPF battalions deployed in areas facing insurgency threats are well-equipped and specially trained for combat operations.
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection: Approximately 8.5% of CRPF personnel are dedicated to protecting critical Central and State Government facilities, especially in insurgency-affected regions.
  • UN Peacekeeping Missions: CRPF personnel have a commendable record of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts under the UN flag. 
  • Disaster Management: The force actively participates in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. 

Special Units of Central Reserve Police Force

  • Rapid Action Force (RAF): The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is a specialized unit of the CRPF established in October 1992 to handle riots and public disturbances. 
  • Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA): The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialized unit created to conduct guerrilla and jungle warfare operations.
  • Mahila Battalions: The CRPF is the only paramilitary force in India with six all-women battalions.

Source: News On Air

Central Reserve Police Force FAQs

Q1: The headquarters of CRPF is located at which place?

Ans: New Delhi

Q2: What is the motto of CRPF?

Ans: Seva Evam Nishtha

Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile

July 27, 2026
Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile

Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Latest News

The United States recently deployed the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile in Guam for the first time.

About Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile

  • The Dark Eagle, also known as the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), is a non-nuclear, ground-launched hypersonic missile system of the United States Army.
  • It is the United States Army’s first operational hypersonic missile system. 
  • The missile component of the LRHW is being developed by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. 
  • The weapon is designed to strike heavily defended, time-sensitive targets, including command centres, air defence networks, missile launchers, naval facilities, and logistics hubs deep inside contested territory.  

Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Features

  • It is designed to strike targets at distances of up to 3,500  kilometers.
  • It comprises a mobile ground-based battery equipped with four Transporter Erector Launchers (TEL), supported by command and control elements, with each TEL capable of launching two missiles for a total of eight.
  • At the core of the Dark Eagle system is the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB)—a boost-glide vehicle capable of exceeding Mach 5 while performing high-G maneuvers to evade enemy missile defenses.  
  • The missile is launched via a two-stage solid-fuel booster that propels the glide vehicle into the upper atmosphere before it descends toward its target on an unpredictable trajectory. 
  • The glide body is equipped with a conventional high-explosive warhead, optimized for kinetic strike effects and capable of neutralizing hardened or deeply buried targets.  
  • The guidance system incorporates a precision inertial navigation system (INS), likely augmented by GPS-based corrections during the boost and glide phases.

News: FP

Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile?

Ans: It is a non-nuclear, ground-launched hypersonic missile system.

Q2: What is another name for the Dark Eagle missile system?

Ans: The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW).

Q3: Which country has developed the Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile?

Ans: The United States.

Q4: What is the maximum strike range of the Dark Eagle missile?

Ans: Up to 3,500 kilometres.

Gobind Sagar Lake

July 27, 2026
Gobind Sagar Lake

Gobind Sagar Lake Latest News

Himachal Pradesh is diversifying its tourism sector with the first-ever island tourism project at the Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district, which is likely to be operational soon.

About Gobind Sagar Lake

  • It is a manmade reservoir located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.
  • The lake is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh guru, who spent some time in the region during his military campaigns. 
  • It was created by the construction of the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River in the 1950s and 1960s. 
  • One of the world’s highest gravity dams, the Bhakra Dam is perched at an elevation of 225.5 m above its lowest foundations.
  • Gobind Sagar reservoir is 90 k.m. long and encompasses an area of approximately 170 sq. k.m.
  • It is one of the deepest man-made lakes in the world. 
  • It is surrounded by lush green hills and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
  • It is also the third-largest in the country concerning the storage of water. 
  • To maintain the level of water, the flow of river Beas was channelized to Gobind Sagar by the Beas-Sutlej link, which was accomplished in 1976. 
  • It helps in supplying water for irrigation to the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, significantly benefiting agriculture in the region.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • In 1962, the lake was recognized as the ‘waterfowl refuge.’
    • Even today, the lake is home to many species of birds and animals like Panther, Wolf, Chausinga, Sambar, Hyena, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, and wild boar. 
    • It is home to fifty species and sub-species of fishes, namely Tor Putitora (Mahasheer), Labeo Dero (Gid), Mystus Seenghala (Singhara), and mirror carp.

News: IE

Gobind Sagar Lake FAQs

Q1: What type of lake is Gobind Sagar Lake?

Ans: It is a man-made reservoir.

Q2: Where is the Gobind Sagar Lake located?

Ans: Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.

Q3: After whom is Gobind Sagar Lake named?

Ans: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru.

Q4: Which dam led to the formation of Gobind Sagar Lake?

Ans: The Bhakra Dam.

Q5: Which states receive irrigation water from Gobind Sagar Lake?

Ans: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

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