UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 September 2026

Moth Bean

September 14, 2026

Moth Bean Latest News

Recently, ICAR’s Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, has developed a new generation of moth bean varieties capable of withstanding highly variable weather conditions, including prolonged drought and excessive rainfall.

About Moth Bean

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia), commonly called dew bean or matki, is one of the hardiest pulse crops cultivated in India.
It is a creeping, annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family.
Its fast-penetrating taproot system enables it to access moisture from lower soil layers, which is a key adaptation for survival in arid environments.
Required Climatic Conditions
- Temperature: It performs best at temperatures between 24-32°C but can tolerate daytime temperatures as high as 45°C.
- Rainfall: The ideal annual rainfall for production is 500-750 mm, the crop can sustain growth with just 200-300 mm.
- Soil: This legume thrives in well-drained sandy loam soils that are common across India’s western desert regions.
- It tolerates a remarkably wide pH range of 3.5 to 10 and can handle slight salinity.
Major cultivation states: Grown primarily in the arid and semi-arid zones of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana.
It serves farmers as a source of protein-rich dal, nutritious fodder for livestock, and a natural green manure that enriches the soil.

Source: PIB

Moth Bean FAQs

Q1: What is Moth Bean?

Ans: It is a creeping, annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family.

Q2: Which are the major Moth Bean cultivation states of India?

Ans: Grown primarily in the arid and semi-arid zones of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana.

INS Kulish

September 14, 2026

INS Kulish Latest News

Recently, Indian Navy’s guided missile corvette INS Kulish reached Ream Naval Base in Cambodia as part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment.

About INS Kulish

It is a Kora-class corvette of the Indian Navy.
The Kulish meaning is Thunderbolt in Sanskrit.
It was built from 1995-2001 and commissioned in 2001.
Designed by: It has been designed & built within India by Indian shipbuilders Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers [GRSE].
Features
- Their primary weapon is the Russian-origin Kh-35 Anti-Ship Cruise missile.
- It has state-of-the-art sensors and electronic equipment, and is capable of operating at extended ranges up to 2,500 nautical miles without replenishment.
- Displacement Capacity: The ship has a displacement of 1,500 tonnes.
- It is powered by twin diesel engines generating a maximum speed of 25 knots.
- The capability to operate Chetak Helicopter gives the ship extra flexibility in discharge of its duties.
- It is armed with modern weapon systems, which include surface-to-surface missiles, and long range guns for delivering attacks on enemy units at sea and surface to air missiles for self-defence.

Source: PIB

INS Kulish FAQs

Q1: INS Kulish belongs to which class of navy vessel?

Ans: Kora-class corvette

Q2: When was INS Kulish commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Ans: In the year 2001.

Tso Kar Lake

September 14, 2026

Tso Kar Lake Latest News

The Ladakh administration recently launched an ambitious project to revive and restore the shrinking Tso Kar Lake by diverting nearly 320 million litres of untapped glacier water daily from the glacial stream, Rupsho Kharnak.

About Tso Kar Lake

Tso Kar, meaning “White Lake” in Ladakhi, is a high-altitude salt lake located in the Rupshu Valley of Ladakh.
At an elevation of approximately 15,280 feet (4,660 meters), it is the smallest of the three prominent lakes in the region, alongside Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
The lake's name derives from the white salt deposits that fringe its shores, remnants of its saline nature.
The Tso Kar basin includes both Tso Kar Lake and Startsapuk Tso (a nearby freshwater lake), creating a rare wetland system.
It experiences extreme winters with temperatures falling below -40 °C, while summers see a maximum of 30°C.
The nomads, commonly known as Khampas, inhabit the Tso Kar area, and they make a living here by collecting the salt from the banks of Tso Kar Lake and selling it to the regions nearby.
The lake is surrounded by marshlands, which host different types of birds. Some of these are Brahmi Ducks, bar-headed geese, and great crested grebe.
The most commonly spotted birds at the lake, though, are the black-necked cranes, which visit the lake to lay eggs.
Mammals like Kianga, the largest of the wild asses, can also be spotted. The area surrounding the lake is also home to ibex, snow leopards, and snow foxes.
Ramsar Site: In 2020, Tso Kar was recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its ecological significance.

News: TRIB

Tso Kar Lake FAQs

Q1: What type of lake is Tso Kar?

Ans: A high-altitude salt lake.

Q2: Where is Tso Kar Lake located?

Ans: In the Rupshu Valley of Ladakh.

Q3: Why is Tso Kar known as the “White Lake”?

Ans: Because of the white salt deposits along its shores.

Q4: Which nomadic community inhabits the Tso Kar area?

Ans: The Khampas.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

September 14, 2026

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Latest News

Hundreds of street vendors have been left struggling after being recently evicted from the roads surrounding the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple as part of measures to regulate traffic and pedestrian movement ahead of the temple’s Maha Kumbabishekam.

About Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also called Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati; her consort Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva; and her brother Alagar, a form of Vishnu.
The temple is theologically significant, as it represents a confluence of the Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism denominations of Hinduism.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple History

It was built during the Pandya reign by Kulasekarer Pandya.
According to historical findings, the creation of this temple can be traced back to early A.D.
There are mentions of this temple in the songs of the great Hindu Saint Thirugnanasambandar, who lived during the 7th century.
It is also said that during the 12th or 13th century, at the time of Islamic conquest, this temple was destroyed to an extent.
However, later it was restored to its present structure. It was later expanded during the rule of Thirumalai Nayak (1623-55 AD). During this time, the present structure of the temple came into being.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Architecture

It is a finest example of the Dravidian style of architecture.
Spread over an area of 45 acres of land, it is a massive complex measuring 254 by 237 meters.
The temple is surrounded by 14 towers, the tallest of which, the famous Southern tower, rises to over 170 feet high, built in the year 1559.
The oldest gopuram is the eastern one, built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan during 1216-1238.
The west tower (gopuram) of the temple is the model on which the Tamil Nadu State Emblem is based.
The temple has four entrances, while the entrance on the Eastern side being the main temple entrance.
There are several corridors, and halls such as Aayirankaal (1000-pillared hall), Kilikoondu-mandapam, Golu-mandapam, and Pudu-mandapam, and shrines inside the temple. The corridors and pillars are adorned with wonderful artwork.
The Thousand Pillar Hall contains 985 (instead of 1000) carved pillars. It was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar in 1569 and currently houses a museum with artifacts collected from Madurai from the 8th century onwards.
There are the Musical Pillars outside this hall towards the west. Each pillar produces a different musical note when struck.
The temple is an architectural wonder with an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple.

News: NIE

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple located?

Ans: Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Q2: Which Pandya ruler is associated with the construction of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple?

Ans: Kulasekarer Pandya.

Q3: Which ruler played an important role in expanding the present structure of the temple?

Ans: Thirumalai Nayak.

Q4: Which architectural style is exemplified by the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple?

Ans: Dravidian architecture.

Planet Mercury

September 14, 2026

Planet Mercury Latest News

Mercury may have shrunk more than scientists previously estimated, with the planet’s diameter potentially reducing by as much as 23 km, a recent study has revealed.

About Planet Mercury

It is the smallest planet in our solar system and the nearest to the Sun.
It is one of the four terrestrial (rocky) planets, along with Venus, Earth, and Mars.
As the closest planet to the Sun, it experiences extreme temperature variations at its surface, from about +450ºC (day) down to –180ºC (night).
- However, Mercury is not the hottest planet; Venus has the highest average surface temperature because of its thick atmosphere and strong greenhouse effect.
It has permanently shadowed regions at its poles that never see sunlight and thus enables ice to exist on its floor.
Mercury’s ancient, cratered surface shows signs of past volcanic and tectonic activity and is heavily weathered by the harsh space environment.
The planet has huge impact basins, including the Caloris Basin, one of the largest impact features in the solar system.
Mercury has a large iron-rich core, which occupies a substantial portion of the planet's interior.
Its closeness to the Sun and its smallness make it the most elusive of the planets visible to the unaided eye.
NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft became the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury, entering orbit in 2011 and studying the planet until 2015.
The BepiColombo mission, a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is studying Mercury and is expected to enter orbit in 2026.

Planet Mercury Facts

Diameter: 4879 km (0.38 Earths, or 1.40 Moons)
Surface area: 74.8 million sq.km. (0.147 Earths)
Gravity: 3.7 m/s2 (38% of Earth’s gravity)
Mass: 3.3 × 1023 kg (0.055 Earths)
Density: 5430 kg/m3 (Earth: 5515 kg/m3). It is the second-highest in the Solar System after earth.
Distance from Sun: 46001200 – 69816900 km (Earth: 149 597 900 km)
Solar irradiance: 6272 – 14448 W/m² (Earth: 1366 W/m²)
Day: 58 Earth days to turn once on its axis (Mercury rotation period); 176 days for the Sun to return to the same spot in the sky, as seen from a fixed point on the surface (Mercury solar day)
Year: 88 Earth days to orbit the Sun (Mercury orbital period). It has the shortest orbital period of any planet.
Obliquity to orbit (axial tilt): 0.01° (i.e., the equator of Mercury nearly coincides with the orbital plane of the planet)
Atmosphere: Very thin (<10–14 bar), including oxygen (42%), sodium (29%), hydrogen (22%), helium (6%), and trace gases
Moons: None

News: IT

Planet Mercury FAQs

Q1: Which is the smallest planet in the Solar System?

Ans: Mercury.

Q2: Why does Mercury experience extreme temperature variations?

Ans: Because of its proximity to the Sun and its extremely thin atmosphere.

Q3: What are the major geological features found on Mercury's ancient surface?

Ans: Craters, impact basins and evidence of past volcanic and tectonic activity.

Q4: What is the major composition of Mercury's core?

Ans: Iron.

Q5: Which spacecraft became the first to orbit Mercury?

Ans: NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft.

Java Sea

September 14, 2026

Java Sea Latest News

An Indonesian passenger ship carrying 243 people was reported missing after losing ‌contact in the Java Sea early during bad weather.

About Java Sea

It is a portion of the western Pacific Ocean situated between the islands of Java and Borneo.
It is bordered by Borneo (Kalimantan) on the north, the southern end of Makassar Strait on the northeast, Celebes and the Flores and Bali seas on the east, Java on the south, the Sunda Straits on the southwest and Sumatra on the west.
It forms part of the Sunda Shelf, a shallow part of the continental shelf of Southeast Asia.
The Java Sea experiences a typical monsoon climate.
It is home to several protected national parks such as Ujung Kulon and Karimunjawa.
Resources: It is home to a wealth of marine life, as well as petroleum and natural gas deposits that are instrumental to Indonesia's export economy.

Source: IT

Java Sea FAQs

Q1: Where is Java Sea?

Ans: It is a portion of the western Pacific Ocean situated between the islands of Java and Borneo.

Q2: Java sea experiences which type of climate?

Ans: Typical monsoon climate.

Malabari Goat

September 14, 2026

Malabari Goat Latest News

A new study suggested that ancient spice route networks may have shaped the maternal genetic history of the Malabari goat.

About Malabari Goat

Malabari also known as Tellicherry or Cutch are native to Keralam.
Appearance: All males and a small number of females are bearded. They have a medium sized head with a flat and occasionally a Roman nose with medium sized ears directed outward and downward.
- The animals are medium in size. They have no uniform colour and the coat varies from completely white to black.
These goats are reared for milk and meat and their skin is popular in the tanning industry.
Milk Yield: The milk yield ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 litres a day with an average of 90 kg in a lactation period of 178 days.
Adaptability: It exhibits exceptional adaptability to humid tropical stressors.
The main threat to this goat is the invasion of Boer goats and also goats from other parts of the country to the breeding tract of Malabari resulting in the dilution of the breed.

Key Highlights of the Study

These Malabari goats belong to a rare maternal genetic group found in only about 3% of domestic goats globally.
The goats were placed in mitochondrial haplogroup B1, a relatively uncommon lineage among domestic goats.
It also showed close maternal genetic relationships with goats from Oman, Arabia and Gujarat.

Source: TH

Malabari Goat FAQs

Q1: Malabari Goat is native to which Indian state?

Ans: Keralam

Q2: What is unique about Malabari Goat?

Ans: It exhibits exceptional adaptability to humid tropical stressors.

Willingdon Island

September 14, 2026

Willingdon Island Latest News

Diversification of operations and the comprehensive revitalisation of Willingdon Island are essential to unlock the full potential of Cochin Port and boost revenue and employment, a seminar organised by the Cochin Port Employees Organisation (CPEO) has said recently.

About Willingdon Island

It is a man-made island in the city of Kochi, Kerala.
It is one of the largest man-made islands in India.
History:
- The island was created in 1936 by dredging the soil from the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala.
- The aim was to create a deep-water port that could accommodate large ships and vessels and to improve the trade and commerce of Kochi.
- The project was initiated by Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India, who also gave his name to the island.
- Designed and created by the harbour engineer Sir Robert Bristow, it is today a massive commercial centre in Kochi.
Apart from its commercial significance, Willingdon Island also hosts several important institutions and facilities.
- The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is headquartered here.
- It is also home to the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Port of Kochi.
The island is connected to the mainland Kochi by the Venduruthy Bridge.

Who was Lord Willingdon (1931 – 1936)?

He was a British administrator who served in several high offices of the British Empire.
Positions held in India:
- Governor of Bombay: 1913–1918
- Governor of Madras: 1919–1924
- Viceroy and Governor-General of India: 1931–1936
He served as 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1931 to 1936.
Major events during his tenure:
- He succeeded Lord Irwin.
- His tenure coincided with the Civil Disobedience Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference (1931) in London shortly after Willingdon assumed office.
- After the failure of the conference, the Civil Disobedience Movement resumed, and the British government adopted a stricter policy toward nationalist leaders.
- The Communal Award (1932), introduced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, was announced during his tenure.
- The Poona Pact (1932) between Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar also took place during this period.
- The Government of India Act, 1935, an important constitutional reform that introduced provincial autonomy, was enacted during his tenure.

News: NIE

Willingdon Island FAQs

Q1: Where is Willingdon Island located?

Ans: Kochi, Kerala.

Q2: What type of island is Willingdon Island?

Ans: A man-made island.

Q3: How was Willingdon Island created?

Ans: The island was created in 1936 by dredging the soil from the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala.

Q4: What was the main objective behind the creation of Willingdon Island?

Ans: To create a deep-water port capable of accommodating large ships and to improve Kochi's trade and commerce.

Q5: Who initiated the project to create Willingdon Island?

Ans: Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India.

Melanoma

September 14, 2026

Melanoma Latest News

Melanoma, in India, most commonly presents on the soles of the feet or beneath the nails, sites that are rarely examined and even more rarely associated with cancer.

About Melanoma

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes.
- Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is called melanin.
It typically starts on skin that’s often exposed to the sun. This includes the skin on the arms, back, face and legs.
Rarely, it can happen inside the body, such as in the nose or throat.

Cause of Melanoma

The exact cause of all melanomas isn’t clear.
Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light, also called UV light, comes from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds.

Symptoms of Melanoma

A change in an existing mole.
The development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on the skin.
It doesn’t always begin as a mole. It also can happen on otherwise healthy skin.

Treatments for melanoma

Melanoma Surgery: In the early stages, surgery has a high probability of being able to cure melanoma.
Lymphadenectomy: In cases where melanoma has spread, removal of the lymph nodes near the primary diagnosis site may be required.
Metastasectomy: It is used to remove small melanoma bits from organs.

Source: TH

Melanoma FAQs

Q1: What is Melanoma?

Ans: Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes.

Q2: What are Melanocytes?

Ans: Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is called melanin.

Celiac Disease

September 14, 2026

Celiac Disease Latest News

Celiac disease, traditionally regarded as a childhood disorder, is increasingly being diagnosed among adults and the elderly, with doctors at the PGIMS, Rohtak, reporting a growing number of atypical cases.

About Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to react to a protein called gluten.
- Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.
- It may also be in other products like vitamins and supplements, hair and skin products, toothpastes, and lip balm.
When people with celiac disease eat gluten, it triggers an abnormal response from your immune system.
Your immune system attacks the gluten in your digestive system, causing inflammation.
This inflammation damages the inside of your small intestine.
The damage may prevent your body from absorbing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from the food you eat.
Without treatment, celiac disease can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition.
Malnutrition has many serious side effects, especially in children. Children with celiac disease may have growth and development delays.
The condition is also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy.

What Causes Celiac Disease?

The exact cause of celiac disease is not known.
Research suggests that celiac disease only happens in people who have certain genes and eat food that contains gluten.
Researchers are studying other factors that may play a role in causing the disease.

Celiac Disease Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of celiac disease can appear at any age. Healthcare providers most often see it develop during two clear age windows:
- Early childhood, between 8 and 12 months old (when children may begin eating solid foods with gluten in them, like crackers or cereals)
- Midlife, between the ages of 40 and 60
Celiac disease symptoms vary widely. Some people don’t notice any symptoms at all.
Some experience indigestion or other GI symptoms after eating gluten.
Others only begin to see signs of nutrient deficiencies later, when significant damage has been done.
Gastrointestinal (digestive) symptoms of celiac disease may include:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Nondigestive symptoms may include:
- Paleness
- Extreme tiredness
- Cold hands
- Indented (concave) nails
- Dental enamel defects
- Abnormal periods
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Irritability or depression
- Unexplained weight loss
- Growth faltering in children
Some people with celiac disease develop a condition called dermatitis herpetiformis. This is an itchy rash that looks like clusters of bumps or blisters. It affects your elbows, knees, butt, and scalp.

Is Celiac Disease serious?

While celiac disease itself isn't usually life-threatening, it can lead to serious complications and symptoms if it's not managed.
Untreated celiac disease also raises your risk for some types of cancer.

Celiac Disease Treatment

The only treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for life.
Sticking with a gluten-free diet will treat or prevent many of the symptoms and other health problems caused by celiac disease.
In most cases, it can also heal damage in the small intestine and prevent more damage.

News: TRIB

Celiac Disease FAQs

Q1: What is celiac disease?

Ans: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body reacts abnormally to gluten.

Q2: What happens when a person with celiac disease consumes gluten?

Ans: It triggers an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation and damages the small intestine.

Q3: Which part of the digestive system is primarily damaged by celiac disease?

Ans: The small intestine.

Q4: How does celiac disease affect nutrient absorption?

Ans: Damage to the small intestine can reduce the absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Q5: What are the common gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease?

Ans: Stomach pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea.