UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 20 September 2026

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

September 20, 2026

Battery Energy Storage System Latest News

NTPC Ltd recently terminated a ₹ 413.37 crore contract awarded to GR Infraprojects Ltd (GRIL) for a 400 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at its Mouda Super Thermal Power Station in Maharashtra.

About Battery Energy Storage System

A BESS is a system that stores electrical energy in rechargeable batteries and releases it when power is needed.
A complete BESS is more than a battery. A complete BESS typically includes:
- Battery cells or modules, which store the energy
- A Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors cell voltage, temperature, and state of charge to keep the battery safe and efficient
- A Power Conversion System (PCS), often called an inverter, which converts stored DC power to usable AC power (and back again during charging)
- Thermal management, such as cooling or heating systems, to keep the battery within a safe operating temperature range
- A control and monitoring system, sometimes cloud-connected, that manages charging and discharging based on rules, schedules, or grid signals
- An enclosure, ranging from a small wall-mounted box for homes to a shipping-container-sized unit for utility projects.
It operates by capturing electricity from various sources (either from the grid, from solar panels, from wind turbines, or from any other generation source), storing it, and discharging it when needed.
BESS technology allows electricity to be stored when supply is abundant, demand is low, or power prices are favorable.
The system can then discharge during outages, peak demand periods, renewable generation dips, or times when electricity is more expensive.
This flexibility makes BESS valuable for commercial facilities, industrial sites, utilities, microgrids, and renewable energy projects.
Battery storage supports peak shaving, load shifting, backup power, renewable energy integration, and grid reliability.
It also gives operators more control over when electricity is used, which can improve energy economics and reduce strain on the grid.
BESS are rated on energy storage capacity (kWh), which determines how much energy can be stored, and power rating (kW), which determines how quickly that energy can be delivered.

News: ET

Battery Energy Storage System FAQs

Q1: What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

Ans: A BESS is a system that stores electrical energy in rechargeable batteries and releases it when power is needed.

Q2: From which sources can a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capture electricity?

Ans: A BESS can capture electricity from the grid, solar panels, wind turbines and other generation sources.

Q3: When can a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) discharge stored electricity?

Ans: It can discharge electricity during power outages, peak-demand periods, renewable-generation dips or periods of high electricity prices.

Q4: Which sectors can benefit from Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology?

Ans: BESS is valuable for commercial facilities, industrial sites, utilities, microgrids and renewable-energy projects.

Global Business Climate Survey 2026

September 20, 2026

Global Business Climate Survey Latest News

India has been ranked first in business climate among forty plus global markets in the latest Business Climate Survey 2026 by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India.

About Global Business Climate Survey

It is jointly produced by Business Sweden, the Swedish Chambers of Commerce (SCI), and Sweden’s embassies and consulates and covers 41 markets in Western Europe, APAC, MEA+, and the Americas.
The survey was first carried out in 2020 and captures the viewpoints, experiences, and insights of Swedish business leaders overseas.
The Global Business Climate Survey 2026 edition presents insights from 41 markets, offering a broad view of Swedish companies’ perspectives on doing business abroad.
The survey aims to provide a framework for comparing economic performance, outlook, and operating conditions over time in key Swedish export markets.
It highlights the challenges companies face and identifies opportunities for Swedish companies considering entry into new markets or expansion in existing ones.
2026 Survey Highlights:
- India has been ranked first in the survey, followed by Vietnam.
- The 2026 survey found that Swedish companies remain strongly committed to India as a long-term market.
- Most respondents reported positive business conditions, while a clear majority said they expected to increase investments in India during the coming year.
- Asia-Pacific was the most optimistic region in the survey.
- The Philippines and India ranked among the top markets for planned investment.
- The report noted a more cautious mood across the Middle East and Africa.
- In Saudi Arabia, the share of firms with a positive outlook fell from 90% in 2025 to 44% in 2026.
- The Americas and Europe looked somewhat better than in 2025.
- India, the Philippines and Poland led on market-level growth expectations.

News: NOA

Global Business Climate Survey FAQs

Q1: Who jointly produces the Global Business Climate Survey?

Ans: It is jointly produced by Business Sweden, the Swedish Chambers of Commerce (SCI), and Sweden’s embassies and consulates.

Q2: Which regions are covered by the Global Business Climate Survey 2026?

Ans: It covers markets across Western Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA+), and the Americas.

Q3: Whose viewpoints and experiences are captured by the Global Business Climate Survey?

Ans: It captures the viewpoints, experiences and insights of Swedish business leaders operating overseas.

Q4: Which country ranked first in the Global Business Climate Survey 2026?

Ans: India ranked first.

Bidriware

September 20, 2026

Bidriware Latest News

Recently, it was observed that Bidriware, the centuries-old metal craft, is facing fresh pressure from the rising prices of silver, copper, and zinc.

About Bidriware

It is a form of metal handicraft which has been made for centuries by artisans from Karnataka’s Bidar district.
It is renowned for its intricate, handcrafted designs.
It has obtained a Geographical Indications (GI) tag.
Origin
- The origin of Bidriware as a craft is attributed mostly to the Bahamani Sultans who ruled the region during the 14th and 15th centuries.
- It was first brought to India by the noted Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti in the form of utensils.
- The art form developed in the kingdom was a mix of Turkish, Persian and Arabic influences, which were intermingled with the local styles, and thus a unique style of its own was born.

How is Bidriware made?

It is made primarily from a zinc-copper alloy, while silver is used for intricate inlay work.
The craftsman uses small chisels to engrave the design over the freehand etching. Craftsmen engrave delicate floral and geometric patterns on the surface and inlay silver into them.
Fine wire or flattened strips of pure silver are then carefully hammered into these grooves.
The characteristic deep-black lustre is produced using soil sourced from the historic Bidar Fort.
The soil is added to a chemical solution during the final stage of the process, giving the metal its distinctive black finish.
The product then undergoes a process called buffing to smoothen the surface.

Source: TH

Bidriware FAQs

Q1: What is Bidriware?

Ans: It is a form of metal handicraft which has been made for centuries by artisans from Karnataka’s Bidar district.

Q2: Which metals are used in Bidriware?

Ans: It is made primarily from a zinc-copper alloy, while silver is used for intricate inlay work.

Kavach System

September 20, 2026

Kavach System Latest News

Indian Railways has approved the provision of Kavach Version 4.0 on over six hundred Route Kilometres of the Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway.

About Kavach System

It is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that provides Train Protection as well as Collision Prevention capabilities for trains.
It was adopted as the National ATP system in July 2020.
It has been developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
Working Principle
- It operates through continuous real-time communication between trackside systems and locomotives using secure Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio antenna and track-mounted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.
- These tags provide precise train location, while wayside (stationary) units collect live data from station interlocking systems, including signal aspects, point positions, track occupancy, and route status.

Key Safety Features of Kavach

Detection and prevention of Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD): It automatically stops the train before the signal.
Cab signaling with display of movement authority, target distance, speed, and signal aspects.
Prevention of all types of train collisions: head-on, rear-end, and side-on.
Continuous real-time updates to the locomotive.
Automatic horn activation when approaching Level Crossing Gates.
Roll Back / Roll Forward protection – prevents unintended backward or forward movement of the train, especially on gradients or during halts.
Emergency Stop (SoS) messages in critical situations.
Centralized live monitoring of train movements through the Network Management System (NMS).

Source: News On Air

Kavach System FAQs

Q1: What is Kavach System?

Ans: It is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that provides Train Protection as well as Collision Prevention capabilities for trains.

Q2: Which organisation designed the Kavach System?

Ans: It has been developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

Giant African Snail

September 20, 2026

Giant African Snail Latest News

Recently, the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has launched a special project to eradicate African snails (Lissachatina fulica) following a request from the Agriculture department.

About Giant African Snail

It is the common name for several large African land snail species. The most damaging of these pests is Lissachatina fulica.
It is one of the world’s worst invasive species.
It is native to East Africa but it has been widely introduced to other parts of the world through the pet trade, as a food resource, and by accidental introduction.
Habitat
- It thrives in warm tropical climates with mild temperatures all year round and high humidity.
- It is found in agricultural areas, coastal areas and wetlands, natural and planted forests, riparian zones, scrublands and shrublands, and the urban zones.
Diet : Mature, adult snails generally feed on decaying organic matter, including garbage, fallen fruit and animal manure.
Key Features
- It is a hermaphrodite.
- Adult snails are very large with a long, narrow, cone-shaped shell.
- The shell is usually light brown with darker brown vertical stripes.
Health Impact: The snails can carry the rat lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans.

Source: TH

Giant African Snail FAQs

Q1: Where do we find Giant African Snail?

Ans: It thrives in warm tropical climates with mild temperatures all year round and high humidity.

Q2: Which type of parasite is carried by Giant African Snail?

Ans: It can carry the rat lungworm parasite.

INS Trishul

September 20, 2026

INS Trishul Latest News

Recently, Indian Navy’s INS Trishul made a port call at Alexandria, Egypt.

About INS Trishul

It is a front-line Talwar-class guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy,
It joined the arsenal of the Indian Navy in 2003.
It is equipped for multi-dimensional maritime operations.

Features of INS Trishul

It is a 125-metre-long vessel fitted with state of the art equipment and also incorporates stealth features.
Capacity: It has a carrying capacity of 3,700-tonne.
Speed: It has a top speed in excess of 30 knots and an endurance of 30 days at sea.
Armaments
- Trishul became the second Indian warship to incorporate an eight cell KBSM 3S-14NE Vertical Launcher.
- It was the first to upload the new Indian/Russian designed missile, the supersonic BrahMos PJ-10 AShCM (anti-sub/ship/surface cruise missile).

What is the Talwar class of frigates?

These have been built in Russia under an Indo-Russian joint production.
These missile frigates are modified Krivak III class frigates from Russia.
It has a displacement capacity of 4,000 tons and a speed of 30 knots and is capable of accomplishing a wide variety of naval missions, primarily, finding and eliminating enemy submarines and large surface ships.

Source: PIB

INS Trishul FAQs

Q1: What is INS Trishul?

Ans: It is a front-line Talwar-class guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy,

Q2: When was INS Trishul commissioned?

Ans: It was commissioned in 2003.

Naegleria fowleri

September 20, 2026

Naegleria fowleri Latest News

Scientists have figured out how Naegleria fowleri amoebae go from the nose to the brain, with N. gruberi as a proxy.

About Naegleria fowleri

It is commonly known as “brain-eating amoeba,” is a single-cell organism.
Habitat: It thrives in warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers. It can also survive in poorly maintained swimming pools in rare cases.
Only one species of Naegleria, Naegleria fowleri, infects people.
It causes Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis or PAM.
Humans Infection Process
- It is typically acquired through the nasal passage and mouth when a person goes swimming, diving.
- The amoeba then migrates through the olfactory nerve to the brain, where it causes severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.
- The Naegleria fowleri infection does not spread from person to person, nor does it manifest symptoms when contracted in other forms.
- The infection is primarily associated with a warm freshwater environment, especially during hot summer months when water temperatures are higher.

Key facts about Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

It is caused by Naegleria fowleri.
It is non-communicable and people cannot get infected with Naegleria fowleri from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba.
Symptoms
- It includes headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. Later on, the patient may have a stiff neck and experience confusion, seizures, hallucinations and slip into a state of coma.
- Most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.
Treatment
- There are no effective treatments for the disease yet.
- At present, doctors treat it with a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.

Source: TH

Naegleria fowleri FAQs

Q1: What is Naegleria fowleri?

Ans: It is commonly known as “brain-eating amoeba,” is a single-cell organism.

Q2: Where do we find Naegleria fowleri?

Ans: It thrives in warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers.

Geran-2

September 20, 2026

Geran-2 Latest News

New satellite imagery is shedding light on Russia’s expanding Geran-2 drone production at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan.

About Geran-2

It is a long-range one-way attack drone, often referred to as a kamikaze drone.
It is essentially a domestically manufactured Russian version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136.
The Geran is mainly used for long-range strike, both as a primary system and as a low-cost complement to the much more sophisticated cruise and ballistic missiles.
A Shahed/Geran drone costs between €25,000 and €40,000 — a tiny fraction of a ballistic missile.
The Geran-2 drones are launched in swarms to maximize the probability of success against strategic infrastructures.

Geran-2 Features

While the Geran-2 retains the core aerodynamic layout of the Shahed-136—featuring a delta wing, composite honeycomb structure, and a rear-mounted piston engine—it incorporates substantial upgrades.
The wingspan measures approximately 2.5 meters and fuselage length approximately 3.5 meters.
Powered by a 50–90 HP piston engine, the drone can reach speeds up to 180 km/h with a flight endurance of up to 12 hours.
Warhead weight: 50 kilograms original, can be increased up to 90 kg with reduced fuel load.
Operational range: 2,500 km (1,600 mi) (reported)
Launch: Rocket-assisted take-off, or from moving vehicle
It features advanced navigation systems resistant to jamming and spoofing, including multi-antenna Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPA), 3G/LTE modems for real-time data links, and improved inertial navigation units.

News: TOI

Geran-2 FAQs

Q1: What is Geran-2?

Ans: Geran-2 is a long-range one-way attack drone, often referred to as a kamikaze drone.

Q2: What is the Geran-2 based on?

Ans: It is essentially a domestically manufactured Russian version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136.

Q3: How are Geran-2 drones typically launched during attacks?

Ans: They can be launched in swarms to increase the probability of successfully striking strategic infrastructure.

Q4: What is the reported operational range of the Geran-2?

Ans: Its reported operational range is approximately 2,500 km.

Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

September 20, 2026

Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve Latest News

Authorities of the BRT Tiger Reserve are seeking immediate action on fallow lands, warning that these neglected plots are turning into suitable habitats for big cats and increasing risks in fringe villages.

About Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

It is located in the BR Hills (Biligiri Rangana Hills) in Chamarajanagar District of southeastern Karnataka.
It is spread over an area of 574.82 sq.km. and lies at an elevation of 5,091 feet above sea level.
The reserve gets its name from Biligiri, meaning “white rocky cliff,” which is home to the ancient Rangaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It is also believed that the hill range gets its name due to white mist and silvery clouds which cover these lofty hills for a greater part of the year.
It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects the Eastern Ghats to the Western Ghats, which in turn facilitates gene flow between the population species inhabiting both the mountain ranges.
The reserve is home to the Soliga community — a forest-dwelling indigenous people who have lived within the BRT hills for centuries.
- Soligas was the first tribal community living inside a tiger reserve and getting their forest rights recognised by a court in a judgement in 2011.
Vegetation:
- The vegetation is predominantly dry scrub jungle to evergreen forests and high-altitude shola grassland habitat.
- Dry deciduous and scrub forests are found in the foothills.
Flora: The major species include Anogeissus latifolia, Dalbergia paniculata, Grewia teliaefolia, Terminalia alata, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia paniculata, etc.
Fauna: Animals including tiger, elephant, leopard, wild dog, bison, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, sloth bear, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, varieties of reptiles, birds, etc., are found in the Tiger Reserve.

News: TOI

Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: It is located in the BR Hills (Biligiri Rangana Hills) of Chamarajanagar district in southeastern Karnataka.

Q2: Which two major mountain ranges are connected by the BRT Tiger Reserve?

Ans: It connects the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats.

Q3: Which indigenous tribal community lives in the BRT Tiger Reserve?

Ans: The Soliga community lives in the BRT Hills.

Q4: What type of vegetation is found in the BRT Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Vegetation ranges from dry scrub jungle to evergreen forests, along with high-altitude shola grassland habitats.

Vallur Thermal Power Project

September 20, 2026

Vallur Thermal Power Project Latest News

The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently admitted an application alleging that the Vallur Thermal Power Project is discharging hot effluent directly into the Kosasthalaiyar river and its backwaters in violation of environmental and CRZ clearances.

About Vallur Thermal Power Project

It is a coal-fired power project located in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu.
It has a capacity of 1500 MW (3 units of 500 MW).
The project was developed by NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited (NTECL).
- NTECL is a 50:50 joint venture company formed between NTPC and Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd. (TNPGCL).
It was commissioned to its full capacity and has been operating since 2015.
Around 70 percent of the power from this station is supplied to Tamil Nadu, and the rest to neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Pondicherry.
The plant consumes approximately 9 MMT of coal in a year.
The coal is brought from the Mahanadi Coal Fields, Central Coal Fields, Eastern Coal Fields, etc through rail cum sea to Ennore Port.
- From there it is transported by a 4.2 km long pipe conveyor to the plant.
- This pipe conveyor is one of the important features of this plant for dust-free operation over the Ennore Creek to ensure environmental protection.
The unique feature of this plant is that the total plant water requirement is met from sea water.
- Being close to the sea, this plant has a seawater desalination unit of 20 MLD capacity. This takes care of the entire water requirement.

News: NIE

Vallur Thermal Power Project FAQs

Q1: Where is the Vallur Thermal Power Project located?

Ans: It is located in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

Q2: What type of power project is the Vallur Thermal Power Project?

Ans: It is a coal-fired thermal power project.

Q3: What is the total installed capacity of the Vallur Thermal Power Project?

Ans: It has an installed capacity of 1,500 MW.

Q4: Which company developed the Vallur Thermal Power Project?

Ans: It was developed by NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited (NTECL).