UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 15 September 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 15 September 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 15 September 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Ingerana aizawl

September 15, 2026
Ingerana aizawl

Ingerana aizawl Latest News

A small frog named Ingerana aizawl found along a stream on the Mizoram University campus in Aizawl has been formally recognised as a new species.

About Ingerana aizawl

  • It is a new species of frog.
  • It was discovered at Hratdawng Stream on the Mizoram University campus, about 15 km west of central Aizawl.  

Ingerana aizawl Features

  • The new frog is small and stout-bodied. 
  • Adult males measure 22–25.5 mm in snout-to-vent length, while females measure 24.4–26 mm. 
  • It has a distinct circular tympanum, a prominent supratympanic fold, small rounded discs at the tips of its fingers and toes, and a notably wrinkled dorsal surface. 
  • The frog is predominantly dark brown to reddish-brown, with darker lateral surfaces forming a diffuse band extending towards the groin. 
  • Its iris is dark brown to blackish with a faint coppery tint. 
  • The species is closely associated with water and forest habitats. 
  • Researchers found it around streams, wetlands, and marshes between 94 and 823 metres above sea level, with most individuals encountered at night on wet rocks in or beside trickling, fast-flowing, and cascading streams. 
  • During the day, the frogs shelter in rock crevices, moist leaf litter, and bushes. 
  • Its breeding season appears to coincide with the monsoon.  
  • The frog’s call consists generally of 12 notes, with the analysed call lasting about 1.42 seconds and having a dominant frequency of 3,359 Hz.

News: NEN

Ingerana aizawl FAQs

Q1: What is Ingerana aizawl?

Ans: It is a new species of frog.

Q2: Where was Ingerana aizawl discovered?

Ans: At Hratdawng Stream on the Mizoram University campus.

Q3: What is the predominant colour of Ingerana aizawl?

Ans: Dark brown to reddish-brown.

Q4: At what types of locations has Ingerana aizawl been found?

Ans: Around streams, wetlands and marshes.

SARAL AI

September 15, 2026
SARAL AI

SARAL AI Latest News

The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) has taken a new step towards strengthening science communication by leveraging SARAL AI. 

About SARAL AI

  • It is an initiative of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) New Delhi.
  • It converts research published in its journals into engaging and accessible videos.
  • It is an AI-based platform that demystifies and converts complex research publications and patents into podcasts, short videos, posters, business briefs.
  • Features
    • Researchers upload research papers via arXiv links or direct LaTeX files. The system automatically extracts content and figures.
    • AI Script Generation: System generates engaging presentation scripts using advanced AI models like Gemini and GPT for educational content.
    • Voice Synthesis: System converts scripts to natural-sounding audio narration with support for multiple Indian languages including Hindi.
    • Video Production: System automatically creates professional presentation videos combining slides, narration, and visual elements. The video can be shared on social media
    • Multilingual Support: It presents rich social media content in 18 Indian languages, enabling wider dissemination of scientific knowledge across the country.

Source: PIB

SARAL AI FAQs

Q1: What is SARAL AI?

Ans: It is an AI-based platform that demystifies and converts complex research publications and patents into podcasts, short videos, posters, business briefs.

Q2: Who initiated SARAL AI?

Ans: It is an initiative of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) New Delhi.

Kawal Tiger Reserve

September 15, 2026
Kawal Tiger Reserve

Kawal Tiger Reserve Latest News

A 12-year study conducted between 2010 and 2022 confirmed that no tigers live permanently in Kawal tiger reserve.  

About Kawal Tiger Reserve

  • Location: It is located in the state of Telangana.
  • 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:  The major wild animals include: tiger, nilgai, chousinga, chinkara, black buck, sambar, spotted deer, wild dog, wolf, jackal, fox, leopard,  and the jungle cat.

Source: Scroll

Kawal Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Kawal Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Telangana

Q2: Which rivers drains the Kawal Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Godavari and Kadam

Kandaleru Dam

September 15, 2026
Kandaleru Dam

Kandaleru Dam Latest News

The Andhra Pradesh government recently stopped the release of Krishna River water to Chennai from the Kandaleru reservoir.

About Kandaleru Dam

  • It is a major irrigation and water-supply project located in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. 
  • It is built across the Kandaleru River, a tributary of the Pennar (Penna) River. 
  • The construction began in the early 1980s and was completed in phases. 
  • The project became fully operational by the late 1990s, providing much-needed water resources to the region.
  • Key Construction Features:
    • Built using earthen materials (soil and rocks), making it one of the largest earthen dams in India.
    • Spanning 12 kilometers, it is one of the longest reservoirs in the country.
    • Connects with the Somasila Reservoir, ensuring smooth water distribution.
    • Designed to handle high water pressure, ensuring long-term durability.
  • It has a substantial storage capacity, with a maximum capacity of 68 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water. 
  • This capacity ensures a reliable supply for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
  • It also helps in flood control during the monsoon season by regulating the flow of the Kandaleru River. 
  • This project is a key component of the Telugu Ganga project, which facilitates the supply of drinking water to Chennai city from the Srisailam Reservoir on the Krishna River.  
    • The Telugu Ganga Project was approved in 1977, after an agreement between Tamil Nadu and the states from where the Krishna River flows i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.  
  • A network of canals and tunnels transports water to irrigation lands and Chennai (Kandaleru–Poondi canal).

News: NIE

Kandaleru Dam FAQs

Q1: Where is Kandaleru Dam located?

Ans: In Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

Q2: Across which river is Kandaleru Dam built?

Ans: It is built across the Kandaleru River, a tributary of the Pennar (Penna) River.

Q3: Which reservoir is connected with Kandaleru Dam?

Ans: The Somasila Reservoir.

Q4: Which major water project includes Kandaleru Dam?

Ans: The Telugu Ganga Project.

Q5: What is the main purpose of the Telugu Ganga Project?

Ans: To facilitate the supply of drinking water to Chennai.

Paniya Tribe

September 15, 2026
Paniya Tribe

Paniya Tribe Latest News

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission recently directed authorities to urgently rehabilitate Paniya tribal families living in makeshift tarpaulin shelters at Vaniyampuzha, across the Chaliyar River in Pothukal panchayat, Kerala.

About Paniya Tribe

  • The Paniya (Paniyan) tribe is one of the major Scheduled Tribes of Kerala. 
  • They are predominantly found in Wayanad and also in parts of the Kannur, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts of Kerala. 
  • Some are found in the Gudalur and Pandalur areas of the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and in the southern part of the Kodagu District of Karnataka. 
  • The Paniya community is the largest single scheduled tribe population in Kerala. 
  • The word "Paniyan" is derived from "pani" which is a Malayalam word, meaning work. 
  • The people of this tribal community are majorly labourers, and their past history also suggests the same.
  • In fact, these Paniyan are amongst those tribal people who have worked as bonded laborers in the ancient period. 
  • In the contemporary period, Paniyan tribes own their individual lands and also produce crops like rice and ragi.
  • The Paniya speak the Paniya language, which belongs to the Dravidian family, closely related to Malayalam.  
  • Thick lips, dark complexion, and curly hair are the physical appearance of the Paniyan people. 
  • There is a resemblance between the Paniya people with the people of Africa, and as per some scholars, the Paniya people are of African origin. 
  • According to some scholars, Kapiri (Africa or the Cape) is the land of origin of the Paniyan tribes. 
  • They have developed a unique style of making their houses. 
    • A Paniyan village comprises rows of huts all constructed from bamboo with thatched roofs. 
    • These houses of Paniyan tribes are either single- or double-storied. 
  • The Paniyas worship a deity called Kali and banyan tree. They hesitate to cut banyan trees and believe that if anyone attempts to cut the tree, they will fall sick.

News: TH

Paniya Tribe FAQs

Q1: Which state is home to the Paniya (Paniyan) tribe?

Ans: Kerala.

Q2: What is the meaning of the word “Paniyan”?

Ans: It is derived from the Malayalam word “pani,” meaning work.

Q3: What has traditionally been the major occupation of the Paniya people?

Ans: Labour work.

Q4: Which language is spoken by the Paniya community?

Ans: The Paniya speak the Paniya language, which belongs to the Dravidian family, closely related to Malayalam.

Q5: What origin have some scholars proposed for the Paniya people?

Ans: African origin.

Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

September 15, 2026
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Abandoned mining areas in the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary have emerged as the most bird-rich habitat studied in the area, with researchers finding that former quarries now support a diverse mix of scrub, grassland, rocky patches and water pools.

About Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is strategically located in the southern part of Delhi, bordering the state of Haryana.
  • It lies on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range.
  • It covers an area of 32.71 sq.km.
  • The sanctuary's core area begins near the ancient Tughlaqabad Fort and extends southward, encompassing the abandoned mining pits of Bhatti that have now become wetlands attracting diverse birdlife.  
  • It is also a vital part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor that starts from the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, passing through various districts of Haryana and finally meeting at the Delhi Ridge. 
  • In Delhi, Sanctuary passes through historical sites such as Chattarpur Temple, Tughlakabad, Surajkund, Anangpur Dam, and Adilabad Ruins.
  • The sanctuary's terrain is characterized by the typical Aravalli landscape - rocky hills with gentle slopes, deep valleys, and seasonal streams that flow during monsoon.  
  • The sanctuary's location in the Aravalli range is ecologically significant because these hills act as a barrier against desertification from the west and help moderate Delhi's climate. 
  • Flora: 
    • The semi-arid forest vegetation of the Aravali region provides homes to certain plant species. 
    • It includes dhak (flame of the forest), babool (Acacia), khejri, and various shrubs and grasses that are well-adapted to dry conditions.
  • Fauna: 
    • It is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Indian leopard, jackal, Indian blue bull, sambar deer, wild boar, and mongoose. 
    • It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds spotted here, including the Indian peafowl, crested serpent-eagle, and Indian roller.
    • Reptiles such as the monitor lizard, Indian cobra, and Russell’s viper can also be found here.

News: PTI

Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: In the southern part of Delhi, bordering Haryana.

Q2: On which hill range is Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: The Aravalli hill range.

Q3: What type of landscape characterizes Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: A typical Aravalli landscape, with rocky hills, gentle slopes, deep valleys and seasonal streams.

Q4: What type of vegetation is found in Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Semi-arid forest vegetation characteristic of the Aravalli region.

Steneucyrtus wayanadensis

September 15, 2026
Steneucyrtus wayanadensis

Steneucyrtus wayanadensis Latest News

Recently, researchers have identified a new species of darkling beetle, named Steneucyrtus wayanadensis in Kerala. 

About Steneucyrtus wayanadensis

  • It is a new species of darkling beetle.
  • It belongs to the genus Steneucyrtus, was discovered during a scientific survey deep within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • The researchers have officially named it for paying permanent tribute to its type locality in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Features
    • It possesses a striking blackish body that gleams with a uniform golden-greenish metallic iridescence.
    • It has completely flat hard front wings, called elytra, without any rough, wrinkled texturing (rugosity).
    • It also has shallower puncture marks and a distinct impression at the base of the fifth striae in the humeral region.

Key Facts about Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is located in the state of Wayanad, Kerala.
  • It forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • It is bordered by the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka on the northeastern side and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the southeastern side.
  • Rivers: Rivers like the Kabini, Cherupuzha, and Bavali flow through the sanctuary.
  • Tribes living in these forests include some scheduled adivasis, such as Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas.
  • Vegetation: It is a mosaic of the Western Ghats’ significant vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
  • Flora: Teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.
  • Fauna: It is home to leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and jungle cats

Source: RM

Steneucyrtus wayanadensis FAQs

Q1: What is Steneucyrtus wayanadensis?

Ans: It is a new species of darkling beetle

Q2: Where did Steneucyrtus wayanadensis find?

Ans: Kerala

Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections

September 15, 2026
Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections

Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections Latest News

India has stepped up efforts to expand access to clean and affordable cooking fuel with the launch of the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections.

About Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections

  • It is aimed at accelerating the growth of active domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across the country.
  • It enables households to access clean, safe and affordable cooking gas through piped supply.
  • It provides incentives to City Gas Distribution (CGD) network entities for converting unbilled connections into active, billed connections.
  • It was launched in 2026, and seeks to encourage City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities to connect more households to piped natural gas.
  • CGD networks are developed by entities authorised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). 
  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • Working
    • The scheme will be implemented in two tranches over a six-month period.
    • A minimum number of domestic connections has been fixed for every Geographical Area, with eligible CGD entities required to add billed domestic connections above the prescribed threshold during the performance period.
    • For each such incremental connection, the entity earns an additional allocation of 200 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) of gas.

Source: PIB

Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections FAQs

Q1: What is Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections?

Ans: It is aimed at accelerating the growth of active domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across the country.

Q2: Which ministry implements Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections?

Ans: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Vitamin D

September 15, 2026
Vitamin D

Vitamin D Latest News

Low vitamin D levels may make recovery from breast cancer surgery more painful, according to a study of 184 women undergoing mastectomy.

About Vitamin D

  • Vitamin D (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement.
  • Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it is produced endogenously when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.
  • During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is not available.
  • Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Most people get vitamin D in their diet from foods that are fortified. This means that vitamin D is added to the food. These foods may include milk, cereal, and yogurt. 
  • Foods that naturally have vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver.
  • The amount of vitamin D you need each day depends on your age.
  • Why is Vitamin D So Important?
    • Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and helps maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.
    • Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen.
    • Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including reduction of inflammation as well as modulation of such processes as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.
  • Vitamin D Deficiency:
    • In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, a disease in which the bones become soft, weak, deformed, and painful. 
    • In teens and adults, vitamin D deficiency causes osteomalacia, a disorder that causes bone pain and muscle weakness.
    • Vitamin D deficiency may be more common in people with higher skin melanin content (darker skin) and who wear clothing with extensive skin coverage.
  • Can Vitamin D be Harmful?
    • Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones. 
    • Extremely high levels of vitamin D can cause kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, and even death.

News: SD

Vitamin D FAQs

Q1: What is Vitamin D also known as?

Ans: Calciferol.

Q2: What type of vitamin is Vitamin D?

Ans: A fat-soluble vitamin.

Q3: Why is Vitamin D known as the “sunshine vitamin”?

Ans: Because it is produced in the body when UV rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.

Q4: Which minerals does Vitamin D help maintain at adequate levels in the blood?

Ans: Calcium and phosphorus.

Q5: What disease can Vitamin D deficiency cause in children?

Ans: Rickets

MERCOSUR Group

September 15, 2026
MERCOSUR Group

MERCOSUR Group Latest News

Recently, India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to facilitate acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin. 

About MERCOSUR Group

  • The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR for its Spanish initials) is a South American regional economic organization.
  • It is the fourth largest integrated market after the European Union (EU), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and ASEAN.
  • It was created in 1991 by signing the Treaty of Asunción.
  • Objective: Free movement of goods, services, capital and people and it became a customs union in January 1995. 
  • Member countries
    • It originally comprised Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay as its members. 
    • Bolivia and Venezuela joined it later. (Venezuela has been suspended since December 1, 2016).
    • Mercosur also counts Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname as associate members.
    • Headquarters: Montevideo, Uruguay.
    • Its official working languages are Spanish and Portuguese.
  • Governance of MERCOSUR Group
    • Common Market Council:  It is the bloc’s highest decision-making body, and provides a high-level forum for coordinating foreign and economic policy. 
    • The group consists of the foreign and economic ministers of each member state, or their equivalent, and decisions are made by consensus. 
    • The group’s presidency rotates every six months among its full members.

India and MERCOSUR

  • The India-MERCOSUR PTA was signed on 25 January 2004 and entered into force on 1 June 2009.
  • The Agreement provides preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines by India and 452 tariff lines by the MERCOSUR side.

Source: PIB

MERCOSUR Group FAQs

Q1: When did MERCOSUR Group form?

Ans: It was created in 1991 by signing the Treaty of Asunción.

Q2: Where is MERCOSUR Group located?

Ans: Montevideo, Uruguay.

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