UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 23 August 2026

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)

August 23, 2026

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Latest News

A tanker was boarded by six armed people who took control of the vessel and diverted it towards Somalia, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said recently.

About United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations

It is a British Royal Navy-sponsored organisation that was formed in 2001 with an office in Dubai to handle distress calls during maritime security threats.
In 2014, it was moved to Portsmouth in the U.K.
It is the primary point of contact for commercial vessels with military forces in the region.
For its scale of operations, the UKMTO is a lean organisation with a team of 15 civilian ‘watchkeepers’ and three managers.
The team, which works in shifts, takes calls from ship masters irrespective of their nationalities and coordinates rescue responses and issues warnings and advisories.
The UKMTO works in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region through an information framework agreement and operates a “Voluntary Reporting Scheme (VRS) within the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA)” outlined in a maritime security chart.
This zone stretches to almost 2.5 million sq. miles of the ocean and includes the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, a majority of the northwestern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf.
The UKMTO has three 24/7 phone lines and an e-mail to report emergencies or incidents.
Ship masters are requested to file multiple reports — an initial report when entering the VRA, a daily report while transiting the area, and a final report after exiting the VRA or reaching a port.
UKMTO issues several categories of communication to the maritime community. These are in the form of Warnings, Advisories, Reports, and Records of Maritime Information Exchange Meetings.
The UKMTO hosts all warnings on its website as well as hosting notices from partner organisations.

News: TP

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations FAQs

Q1: What is United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations?

Ans: It is a British Royal Navy-sponsored organisation that supports maritime security and serves as a point of contact between commercial vessels and military forces.

Q2: Where was United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations moved in 2014?

Ans: It was moved to Portsmouth, United Kingdom, in 2014.

Q3: What is the primary role of United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations?

Ans: It serves as the primary point of contact between commercial vessels and military forces in the region.

Q4: Which regions does United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations cover?

Ans: It operates across West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.

Mauritius

August 23, 2026

Mauritius Latest News

Recently, India and Mauritius have inked a long-term fuel supply agreement with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) to supply the island nation’s entire import requirement of petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel.

About Mauritius

Location: It is an island country located off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean.
It is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Both the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Commission have their headquarters in Mauritius.
Capital City: Port Louis.

Geographical Features of Mauritius

It is part of the Mascarene islands, a group of islands created by volcanic activity in the Indian Ocean.
Terrain: It is made up of the main island of Mauritius and several outlying islands, like Ambre Island, Est Island, Cerfs Island, Benitiers Island, etc.
The island of Mauritius is a volcanic island formed by volcanic activity around 8 million years ago.
Climate: The climate is maritime subtropical, with fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year.
Highest peak: , is located in the southwest of the plateau.
Lakes: Lake Vacoas, which is a main water source.
Major Rivers: Grand River South East and the Black River.

Source: NIE

Mauritius FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Mauritius?

Ans: Port Louis

Q2: Where is Mauritius located?

Ans: Indian Ocean

Narwhals

August 23, 2026

Narwhals Latest News

Scientists recently discovered that a narwhal’s uniquely straight tusk grows strong because opposing twists in its inner and outer collagen fibril layers create internal tension that keeps it straight.

About Narwhal

It is a medium-sized toothed whale that belongs to the family Monodontidae.
The only other member of this family is the beluga whale.
Scientific Name: Monodon monoceros

Narwhal Habitat and Distribution

They live in the Arctic Ocean, mostly in the Atlantic sector, but they have also been recorded in the Pacific sector.
Their largest numbers live around Canada, Greenland, and eastern Russia.
They usually migrate from under the ice in the winter to inshore waters in the spring and coastal waters in the summer.

Narwhal Features

It is best known for its tusk—a long, spiraled tooth that usually only the males develop. (Females occasionally do.)
- Recent observations suggest that the males use their tusks to hunt fish and to detect the level of salt in the waters through which they swim.
- The tusk can grow to 3 meters long and weigh more than 10 kilograms.
- In mediaeval times, narwhals were hunted for their tusks, and people would sell them as unicorn horns—earning narwhals the nickname 'unicorn of the sea'.
Narwhals have stout, torpedo-shaped bodies with a low dorsal ridge in place of a dorsal fin and a concave-shaped tail fin.
Like belugas, narwhals have short paddle-shaped front flippers, but they lack their extremely flexible neck and well-defined beak.
Adult narwhals are light grey with numerous irregular black spots; the spots are more numerous on the back and fewer on the belly.
Narwhals tend to travel in groups of 15 to 20, though larger gatherings of hundreds or even thousands of individuals have been observed.
They are one of the deepest diving whales in the world and can hold their breath for 25-30 minutes at a time.
Narwhals feed on fish, squid, and shrimp.
They use sound to communicate with each other, as well as to navigate their surroundings, hunt, and see.

Narwhal Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List.

News: TH

Narwhal FAQs

Q1: What is a narwhal?

Ans: A narwhal is a medium-sized toothed whale belonging to the family Monodontidae.

Q2: Where do narwhals primarily live?

Ans: They primarily live in the Arctic Ocean, especially in the Atlantic sector.

Q3: Around which regions are the largest numbers of narwhals found?

Ans: Around Canada, Greenland and eastern Russia.

Q4: What is the most distinctive feature of a narwhal?

Ans: Its long, spiraled tusk, which is actually an elongated tooth.

Q5: What is the IUCN Red List conservation status of the narwhal?

Ans: Least Concern.

Thiksey Monastery

August 23, 2026

Thiksey Monastery Latest News

Recently, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the historic Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh.

About Thiksey Monastery

Location: It is one of the largest and most prominent monastic complexes located in central Ladakh.
It was founded in 1433 which belongs to the Gelug sect.
It was founded by Spon Palden Sherab with his Master Jangsem Sherab Zang (the founder of Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism).
The structure and architecture of Thiksey resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet.

Features of Thiksey Monastery

Architectural uniqueness: The twelve storey complex resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa and is one of the most visually striking monasteries in India.
It is also home to a 15-metre-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, installed in the 1980s.
Cultural assets: It houses stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and ancient artifacts showcasing Buddhist artistic richness.
- An annual festival held in the monastery precincts is known as the Gustor ritual, which is held from the 17th to 19th day of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar (October–November).
Religious Role: Thiksey functions as a major centre for monastic education and spiritual training in Ladakh.

Source: DD India

Thiksey Monastery FAQs

Q1: Thiksey Monastery belongs to which sect of Buddhism?

Ans: Gelugpa - Yellow Hat sect

Q2: Where is Thiksey Monastery located?

Ans: Ladakh

Long Tailed Marmot

August 23, 2026

Long Tailed Marmot Latest News

Recently, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra brings thousands of pilgrims into a fragile Himalayan ecosystem where long‑tailed marmots live.

About Long Tailed Marmot

It is a rodent of the high-altitude areas of the Kashmir Himalaya.
It is also known as the golden marmot and is a member of the Sciuridae family.
Appearance: It has vibrant golden fur and has a relatively long tail, robust body, and golden-brown coat that vary among subspecies.
Habitat: It inhabits alpine meadows and rocky slopes, where its life is closely linked to the seasonal availability of vegetation.
Distribution: They are found in parts of Central Asia and South Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Northwestern India.
- In India, they are found in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. They occur between 3200 to 4850 m above sea level.
Diet: Herbivorous by nature, it feeds on vegetation in its alpine habitat.
It is a diurnal and social mammal that thrives in challenging alpine habitats.
It hibernates from September to April/May
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Source: DTE

Long Tailed Marmot FAQs

Q1: What is the Scientific name of Long-tailed Marmot?

Ans: Marmota caudata

Q2: What is the IUCN status of Long-tailed Marmot?

Ans: Least Concern

Squint Eye

August 23, 2026

Squint Eye Latest News

A recent study estimated that horizontal strabismus affects 1.81% of the global population, or about 138.5 million people.

About Squint Eye

It is medically known as strabismus.
It is a condition in which the two eyes do not align properly.
It can affect children and adults and, when it develops during childhood, can interfere with the normal development of vision.
In this condition one eye may turn inwards towards the nose (esotropia), outwards (exotropia), upwards or downwards, while the other eye remains focused on an object.
Causes of Squint Eye
- Strabismus occurs when the systems that control eye movement and alignment do not work properly together.
- Genetic factors can play a role, and children with a family history of strabismus are at higher risk.
- It is also more common in children with certain neurological or developmental conditions. Being born prematurely or with low birth weight are recognised risk factors.
- In adults, strabismus can develop due to conditions such as diabetes, thyroid eye disease, stroke, neurological disorders or trauma.
Symptoms of Squint Eye
- The most obvious sign is that the eyes appear to point in different directions.
- Some children may close one eye in bright light, tilt or turn their head to see, or have difficulty judging distances.
- Adults may experience double vision, blurred vision, eye strain, headaches or difficulty with depth perception.
Treatment: Glasses are often the first treatment when a refractive error contributes to the misalignment. Surgery may be needed when glasses and other treatments do not adequately correct the misalignment.

Source: TH

Squint Eye FAQs

Q1: What is the medical term for Squint Eye?

Ans: Strabismus

Q2: Which complication will occur in children if squint not treated early?

Ans: Amblyopia

Endoscopic Camera

August 23, 2026

Endoscopic Camera Latest News

A Chhattisgarh professor and five students were recently arrested for allegedly leaking an entomology exam using an endoscopic camera.

About Endoscopic Camera

It is a device used to view, capture, and record videos in small, hard-to-reach places of the human body with limited to no visibility.
It allows doctors to visualize the surgery or diagnostic procedure on a larger medical-grade screen, like a TV display, a computer monitor, or a stereoscopic viewing console.
Most modern endoscope camera modules utilize “chip-on-tip” technology, where the lens and imaging electronics are combined into a miniature package located at the end of the device.
Endoscopic cameras illuminate the anatomical area through fiber optics or LEDs on the tip, and the image signal is transferred out from the camera on an electrical cable.
The light source must provide sufficient brightness and illumination angle to ensure true-color properties and brilliant image presentation to aid medical professionals in their diagnoses and procedures.
There are many types of endoscopes used for diagnostic, preventative, and surgical applications:
- Cystoscope: This is used to study the inside of the bladder, urethra, urinary tract, and prostate (in men) and is often inserted through the urethra.
- Laryngoscope: This is an endoscope used to view the larynx or the voice box and is inserted through the mouth.
- Otoscope: The otoscope is designed for visual examination of the eardrum and the passage of the outer ear.
- Gastroscope: This is used to check the upper part of the digestive system, which includes the inside of your throat, food pipe (esophagus), and stomach.
- Laparoscope: A laparoscope is inserted through the abdomen to study the stomach, liver, abdominal organs, and female reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries.
- Arthroscope: An arthroscope is an endoscope that’s inserted into the joint through a small incision near the site.
- Duodenoscope: This is a long flexible endoscope inserted through the mouth to the top of the small intestine (duodenum).
It has revolutionized numerous fields due to its ability to inspect internal or hard-to-reach areas without requiring invasive procedures.
Its use has expanded across various sectors such as industry, research, and even security.

News: TH

Endoscopic Camera FAQs

Q1: What is an endoscopic camera?

Ans: It is a device used to view, capture and record images or videos from small, hard-to-reach areas of the human body with limited or no visibility.

Q2: How does an endoscopic camera help doctors during medical procedures?

Ans: It allows doctors to visualize diagnostic procedures or surgery on a larger medical-grade screen.

Q3: What is “chip-on-tip” technology in an endoscopic camera?

Ans: It is a technology in which the lens and imaging electronics are combined into a miniature package at the tip of the endoscope.

Q4: How is the image signal transferred from an endoscopic camera?

Ans: The image signal is transferred through an electrical cable from the camera.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 (TCQ 3.0)

August 23, 2026

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Latest News

The Territorial Army, along with CyberPeace, recently launched the third edition of Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 (TCQ 3.0), a national-level hackathon focused on cybersecurity, defence and digital threats.

About Terrier Cyber Quest 2026

It is a national-level hackathon focused on cybersecurity, defence, and digital threats.
It is being organised by the Territorial Army in collaboration with CyberPeace (an Indian non-partisan civil society organisation).
The competition aims to bring together talent from educational institutions, industry, research organisations, government bodies, and the Armed Forces.
Participants will work on technology-based solutions to address emerging cybersecurity and national security challenges.
This year's competition will be held across three tracks.
- Bug Hunting: Participants will identify security flaws in simulated critical infrastructure systems. The challenge will begin with an online Capture-the-Flag round, followed by a live final round.
- AI Kavach: This track will focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Participants will develop solutions for detecting threats, identifying unusual activity, and improving cyber defence.
- Creators Challenge: Content creators, communicators, and influencers can take part in this track. They will be asked to create digital campaigns on threats such as deepfakes, phishing, online scams, and misinformation.
The hackathon gives students, technology enthusiasts, and other participants a chance to showcase their skills and work on real-world cybersecurity challenges linked to national security.
Winners could further get a chance to visit defence establishments and contribute to future cybersecurity initiatives with the Territorial Army.

Key Facts about Territorial Army

It is a part of the Indian Army that consists of volunteers who undergo military training and serve when required.
Unlike regular army officers, Territorial Army officers maintain their civilian jobs while dedicating a few weeks each year to military service.
It’s a platform for motivated individuals to contribute to national defence without sacrificing their primary professions.
Often called the “Second Line of Defence,” the TA plays a crucial role in:
- Relieving the regular army from static duties.
- Assisting the civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintaining essential services.
- Providing units for the regular Army as and when required.
Motto: Savdhani Va Shoorta (Vigilance and Valour)
Eligibility:
- Nationality: Citizens of India. (Men & Women).
- Age: 18 to 42 years
- Educational Qualifications: Graduate from any recognized university
- Physical Standards: A candidate must be physically and medically fit in all respects.
- Employment: Gainfully Employed
- Serving members of the Regular Army/Navy/Air Force/Police/GREF/Para Military and like forces are not eligible.

News: NDTV

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Ans: It is a national-level hackathon focused on cybersecurity, defence and digital threats.

Q2: Who is organising Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Ans: The Territorial Army is organising it in collaboration with CyberPeace.

Q3: What is the main objective of Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Ans: Its objective is to develop technology-based solutions to address emerging cybersecurity and national security challenges.

Q4: Who can participate in Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Ans: Talent from educational institutions, industry, research organisations, government bodies and the Armed Forces can participate.

KN-30 Missile

August 23, 2026

KN-30 Missile Latest News

Russia recently received North Korea’s KN-30 ballistic missile for the first time, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence directorate (HUR).

About KN-30 Missile

The KN-30 is the Western designation for the North Korean Hwasong-11C ballistic missile, also known as the Hwasong-11Da.
It is an enlarged version of the Hwasong-11 family and belongs to the short-range ballistic missile class.

KN-30 Missile Features

It is 10.1 to 10.2 m in length and 1.26 m in diameter.
It is powered by a solid-fuel engine and launched from a mobile ground-based launcher.
- The use of solid-fuel engines offers distinct advantages in terms of faster response times, longer storage capacity, and reduced deployment complexity compared to traditional liquid-fuel missiles.
Its estimated range reaches 600-900 km, and its claimed warhead mass reaches 2,500 kg.
Maximum speed is approximately Mach 5-6.
The missile can fly in a low quasi-ballistic profile at nearly 50 km in altitude, which reduces the engagement window compared with a higher and more conventional ballistic trajectory.

News: TOI

KN-30 Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the KN-30 missile?

Ans: The KN-30 is the Western designation for the North Korean Hwasong-11C ballistic missile, also known as the Hwasong-11Da.

Q2: What type of missile is the KN-30?

Ans: It is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM).

Q3: What type of engine powers the KN-30 missile?

Ans: A solid-fuel engine.

Q4: What is the estimated range of the KN-30 missile?

Ans: Approximately 600–900 km.

Chromium

August 23, 2026

Chromium Latest News

Decades of improper industrial waste management have contaminated groundwater with toxic hexavalent chromium across parts of three districts of Uttar Pradesh, exposing villagers to unsafe water and serious health risks.

About Chromium

It is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and in volcanic dust and gases.
There are two forms: trivalent chromium, which is safe for humans, and hexavalent chromium, which is a toxin.
Properties
- It is a very hard gray solid with a metallic luster.
- It does not tarnish in air, when heated it borns and forms the green chromic oxide.
- Chromium is unstable in oxygen, it immediately produces a thin oxide layer that is impermeable to oxygen and protects the metal below.

Applications of Chromium

It is used in iron, steel, and nonferrous alloys to enhance hardenability and resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
The use of chromium to produce stainless steel and nonferrous alloys are two of its more important applications.
Other applications are in alloy steel, plating of metals, pigments, leather processing, catalysts, surface treatments, and refractories.

Source: TH

Chromium FAQs

Q1: What is the main ore of Chromium?

Ans: Chromite

Q2: Which Indian state has the highest chromite reserves?

Ans: Odisha