UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 September 2026

Indian Peafowl

September 29, 2026

Indian Peafowl Latest News

Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve recently recorded the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) for the first time, adding a new species to the protected area’s biodiversity record and another chapter to Assam’s rich birdlife.

About Indian Peafowl

Indian peafowl are a species in a group of birds called pheasants.
The males are called peacocks, while the females are called peahens. Together, they are peafowl.
Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus

Indian Peafowl Habitat and Distribution

They are resident breeders across the Indian subcontinent and inhabit the drier lowland areas of Sri Lanka.
They are found in moist and dry deciduous forests near water and in montane forests and can also adapt to live in cultivated regions and around human habitations.
It is the national bird of India and has a significant cultural and historical presence.
The famous peacock throne of the Mughal empire, Jaipur's enthralling Peacock Gate, and a popular tourist destination, the Peacock temple in Tumkur, Karnataka—the bird has marked its presence across cultures, regions, and beliefs.

Indian Peafowl Features

Peafowl are among the largest of all birds that fly.
The head and body of adult peafowl range from 3 to 4 feet long, and their tail can be 5 feet long.
Males and females show strong physical differences.
- Peacock is brightly colored, with a predominantly blue fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers, and is best known for the long train (tail) made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers, which bear colorful eyespots.
- These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship.
- Despite the length and size of these covert feathers, peacocks are still capable of flight.
- Peahens lack the train and have a greenish lower neck and duller brown plumage.
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on seeds, grains, fruits, insects, reptiles, and other small animals.

Indian Peafowl Conservation Status

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

News: HUB

Indian Peafowl FAQs

Q1: Which group of birds does the Indian Peafowl belong to?

Ans: Pheasants.

Q2: Where is the Indian Peafowl naturally distributed?

Ans: Across the Indian subcontinent and the drier lowland areas of Sri Lanka.

Q3: What is the national bird of India?

Ans: Indian Peafowl.

Q4: What is the IUCN Red List conservation status of the Indian Peafowl?

Ans: Least Concern.

Swell Wave

September 29, 2026

Swell Wave Latest News

Recently, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a Red Alert across all coastal districts in Keralam, warning residents and authorities of dangerous sea conditions caused by potential swell waves.

About Swell Wave

Swell waves are long-wavelength ocean waves formed on the surface of the seas and travel away from their places of origin.
These are composed of a series of surface gravity waves.
Swell waves are also called Kallakkadal waves in India, which is a colloquial term used by Keralam fishermen.
These waves organise themselves into groups of similar heights and periods, and then travel long distances without much change.
Early warning systems in India: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) Swell Surge Forecast System launched in 2020 which gives forewaring seven days in advance.
Formation
- They are usually created by windstorms or other weather systems.
- Windstorms and other powerful air current systems transfer energy from the air to water, making swell waves more powerful than locally generated waves.
- During such storms, huge energy transfer takes place from the air into the water, leading to the formation of very high waves. Such waves can travel thousands of kilometres from the storm centre until they strike shore.
- They occur not due to the local winds, but rather due to distant storms like hurricanes, or even long periods of fierce gale winds.

Features of Swell Wave

Swells have a narrower range of frequencies and directions than locally generated wind waves.
It is because swell waves have dispersed from their generation area, have dissipated and therefore lost an amount of randomness, taking on a more defined shape and direction.
These waves can propagate in directions that differ from the direction of the wind, in contrast to a wind sea.
Their wavelengths may rarely exceed more than 150 m. Swell wavelength, also, varies from event to event. Occasionally, swells which are longer than 700 m occur as a result of the most severe storms.
It occurs without precursors or any kind of local wind activity and as a result.

Source: TH

Swell Wave FAQs

Q1: What are Swell waves?

Ans: Swell waves are long-wavelength ocean waves formed on the surface of the seas and travel away from their places of origin.

Q2: Which organisation formed the Swell Surge Forecast System?

Ans: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Exercise KAZIND

September 29, 2026

Exercise KAZIND Latest News

A 60-member Indian Armed Forces contingent departed for Oskemen, Kazakhstan, to participate in the ninth edition of the Exercise KAZIND.

About Exercise KAZIND

It is a joint military exercise conducted between India–Kazakhstan.
Participating Contingent: The Indian contingent is drawn mainly from a battalion of the GARHWAL RIFLES, along with troops from other arms and services, and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen the joint capability of both forces to undertake Joint Counter-Terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate.
KAZIND-2026 will focus on
- Joint Counter-Terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on joint planning and execution, air mobility and the integrated employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS capabilities.
The participating contingents will train together in joint responses to terrorist actions, raids, search-and-destroy missions, cordon-and-search operations, the securing of helipads and landing sites, and Special Heliborne Operations, among other activities.
It will further deepen military-to-military cooperation between India and Kazakhstan and reinforce the shared commitment of both nations towards regional peace, stability and collective security.

Source: PIB

Exercise KAZIND FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise KAZIND?

Ans: It is a joint military exercise.

Q2: Exercise KAZIND is conducted between which countries?

Ans: India–Kazakhstan

National Digital Tourism Stack

September 29, 2026

National Digital Tourism Stack Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism on World Tourism Day 2026 launched the National Digital Tourism Stack and the National Mission for Alternative Destinations — Dekho Apna Desh Campaign 2.0.

About National Digital Tourism Stack

It is an open digital public infrastructure initiative aimed at making tourism offerings more discoverable, accessible and trustworthy.
Developed by: It is being developed in collaboration with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the support of International Centre for DPI Innovation and Advancement (ICDIA),
Features
- It will enable tourism providers to make their offerings available across participating platforms, supported by capabilities such as verified identities and supplier credentials, search and discovery, payments, ratings and grievance redressal.
- It is envisaged as a collaborative effort involving the Ministry, States, Union Territories and industry, the programme will be implemented in phases with a pilot planned for January 2027.

Key Facts about National Mission for Alternative Destinations

It is a mission for distribution of tourism demand and promotion of lesser-known destinations under Dekho Apna Desh Campaign 2.0.
It seeks to promote tourism-ready, lesser-known destinations across India to diversify domestic tourist flows, improve visitor experience and create opportunities for local communities and tourism enterprises.

Four Pillars of the National Mission for Alternative Destinations

Selection of destinations: States and Union Territories will nominate tourism-ready destinations with a distinct appeal, adequate infrastructure and accommodation capacity to receive additional visitors, and willingness to share tourism data.
- The pilot themes: Mountain alternatives, coastal and waterfront alternatives, heritage and cultural destinations, and regional pilgrimage alternatives.
Packaging of tourism products: Selected destinations will be developed into bookable tourism products and themed itineraries integrating accommodation, transport, food, experiences and local activities.
- The packages will connect artisans, self-help groups, guides, food vendors and cultural groups with tourism opportunities, enabling greater participation by local communities.
Joint promotion: Destinations will be promoted through coordinated campaigns with States, Union Territories and industry partners.
Data-driven management: A national tourism monitoring dashboard or framework will support destination management by tracking tourist footfall, carrying capacity and visitor feedback.

Source: PIB

National Digital Tourism Stack FAQ's

Q1: What is National Digital Tourism Stack ?

Ans: It is an open digital public infrastructure initiative aimed at making tourism offerings more discoverable, accessible and trustworthy.

Q2: Who is developing the National Digital Tourism Stack ?

Ans: It is being developed in collaboration with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the support of International Centre for DPI Innovation and Advancement

Dengue

September 29, 2026

Dengue Latest News

Kerala scientists recently developed a Dengue Early Warning System (DEWS) using machine learning, six years of case data, and weather variables to forecast district-level dengue trends and help health authorities act before outbreaks intensify.

About Dengue

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV).
While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases and even death.
The virus is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, including Central and South America, Africa, parts of Asia, and the Pacific Islands, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons.

Dengue Transmission

It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes carrying one of four types of dengue virus (DENV).
It isn’t contagious from person to person except when passed from a pregnant person to their child.
An estimated 400 million dengue infections occur worldwide each year, with about 96 million resulting in illness.
A person can be infected with dengue multiple times in their life.

Dengue Symptoms

The most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Most will get better in 1–2 weeks.
A very small portion of people with dengue fever get a severe case. It’s called dengue hemorrhagic fever.
This severe form of dengue fever happens when the infection harms blood vessels and causes them to leak.
The number of clot-forming cells, called platelets, in the bloodstream drops.
This can lead to shock, bleeding inside the body, organ failure, and death.
Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue.

Dengue Treatment

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue. The focus is on treating pain symptoms.
It is generally treated with supportive care such as pain relievers, bed rest, and fluids.

News: NDTV

Dengue FAQs

Q1: What is dengue?

Ans: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV).

Q2: How is dengue primarily transmitted to humans?

Ans: Through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

Q3: In which regions of the world is dengue most common?

Ans: Tropical and subtropical regions.

Q4: Can dengue normally spread directly from one person to another?

Ans: No, dengue is not normally transmitted directly from person to person.

Q5: Is there a specific medicine that cures dengue?

Ans: No, there is no specific medicine to treat dengue.

Eurasian Whimbrel

September 29, 2026

Eurasian Whimbrel Latest News

Recently, Eurasian whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) was sighted at Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve of Keralam.

About Eurasian Whimbrele

It is a wading bird in the large family Scolopacidae.
Habitat: It winters mainly along the coastline, coastal wetlands, mangroves, marshes, and larger rivers.
Distribution
- They have an extensive range that spans across five continents: North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- They breed in the subarctic regions of Siberia and Alaska during the summer months before migrating south to wintering grounds in southern USA, Central America, South America, Africa, and South Asia, including Nepal.
Features
- It is a fairly large greyish-brown bird with a long, decurved bill with a kink.
- It has a distinct head pattern with dark eye-stripes and crown-sides.
- It is mottled dark brown above, pale below, with much brown streaking on the throat and breast.
- It is generally solitary when nesting, the Whimbrel tends to become gregarious outside of the breeding season.
- Whimbrels are known for their high-pitched call consisting of a repetitive series of seven notes.
- Diet: This species feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates and by picking small crabs and similar prey off the surface.
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Source: TH

Eurasian Whimbrel FAQs

Q1: What is Eurasian Whimbrel?

Ans: It is a wading bird in the large family Scolopacidae.

Q2: What is the IUCN status of Eurasian Whimbrel?

Ans: Least Concern

Bhima River

September 29, 2026

Bhima River Latest News

Karnataka Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister recently directed the State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to take action against industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area over reports of untreated industrial effluents being discharged into the Bhima River.

About Bhima River

It is a perennial river and the largest tributary of the Krishna River.
Course:
- It originates near Bhimashankar Temple in the Bhimashankar hills on the western side of the Western Ghats in the Pune District of Maharashtra.
- It flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
- It merges into the Krishna River in Karnataka’s Raichur district.
Total Length: It has a total length of 861 km, out of which 450 km flows through Maharashtra.
The Bhima drainage area is defined by the Western Ghats (west), the Balaghat Range (north), and the Mahadeo Hills (south).
It runs in a well-entrenched valley, and its banks are heavily populated.
The river is prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
Major Tributaries:
- Right Bank: Indrayani River, Mula River, Mutha River, and Pavana River.
- Left Bank: Sina and Nira, etc.
The basin has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Ancient kingdoms, including the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Yadavas, flourished along its banks.
Spiritual Significance:
- Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage centre located on the right bank of the Bhima River.
- The river is also referred to as Chandrabhaga River, especially at Pandharpur, as it resembles the shape of the moon.
- Bhimashankar Temple: It is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India.

News: TH

Bhima River FAQs

Q1: Bhima River is a tributary of which river?

Ans: It is the largest tributary of the Krishna River.

Q2: Where does the Bhima River originate?

Ans: Near Bhimashankar Temple in the Bhimashankar hills of Maharashtra.

Q3: Through which states does the Bhima River flow?

Ans: Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana.

Q4: What is the total length of the Bhima River?

Ans: About 861 km.

Q5: Which important pilgrimage centre is located on the right bank of the Bhima River?

Ans: Pandharpur

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

September 29, 2026

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana Latest News

The government is seeking to make insurance an integral part of aquaculture risk management through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

It is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched in 2024.
It focuses on formalization of the fisheries sector and supporting fisheries micro and small enterprises.
Funding: With an investment of over Rs. 6,000 crores
Time Period: It is implemented for 4 years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 across all the States and UTs.
Objectives
- Gradual Formalization of the unorganized fisheries sector
- Facilitating access to institutional financing fisheries sector micro and small enterprises
- Providing one-time incentive to beneficiaries for purchasing aquaculture insurance.
- lncentivizing fisheries and aquaculture microenterprises through performance grants
- Incentivising adoption and expansion of fish and fishery product safety and quality assurance systems
Intended Beneficiaries
- Fishers, Fish (Aquaculture) Farmers, Fish workers, Fish Vendors or such other persons directly engaged in fisheries value chain.
- Micro and Small enterprises Cooperatives, Federations Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) etc
- FFPOs also include Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs).
- Any other beneficiaries that may be included by the Department of Fisheries, Gol as targeted beneficiaries

Implementation Strategy of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

Component 1-A: Formalization of fisheries sector
- A National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) is created and all the stakeholders will be mobilized to register on it.
- It serves multiple functions including disbursement of financial incentives. It also undertakes activities such as training and extension support, improving financial literacy.
Component 1-B: Facilitating adoption of aquaculture insurance:
- It facilitates creation of appropriate insurance products and to cover at least 1 lakh hectare of aquaculture farms during the project period to provide the scale of operation.
- SC, ST and Women beneficiaries are provided an additional incentive @ 10% of the incentive payable for General Categories.
Component 2: Supporting microenterprises to improve fisheries sector value chain efficiencies
Component 3: Adoption and expansion of fish and fishery product safety and quality assurance systems
Component 4: Project management, monitoring and reporting
- The Project Management Units (PMUs) were set up to manage, implement, monitor and evaluate project activities.

Source: PIB

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana FAQs

Q1: What is Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana?

Ans: It is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched in 2024.

Q2: What is the time period of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana?

Ans: It is implemented for 4 years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 across all the States and UTs.

Tiangong Space Station

September 29, 2026

Tiangong Space Station Latest News

Pakistan is set to send its first astronaut into space under a cooperation programme with China, with one of two Pakistani candidates expected to join a short-duration mission aboard China’s Tiangong space station as a payload specialist.

About Tiangong Space Station

The Tiangong Space Station, translating to ‘Sky Palace’, is a Chinese-owned and operated permanently crewed space station in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
It represents the third and final step of China’s Manned Space Program.
The first module of the space station was launched in April 2021, following two precursor missions, Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2.
The station consists of a core module known as Tianhe, which connects two science modules, Wentian and Mengtian, as well as a planned space telescope module, Xuntian.
- Xuntian is a huge, Hubble-like space telescope, which will share the space station's orbit and be able to dock with it for repairs, maintenance, and possibly upgrades.
Tiangong orbits Earth at an altitude between 340 to 450 kilometers, approximately the same orbital height as the International Space Station (ISS).
Tiangong is much smaller than the ISS, with only three modules compared with 16 modules on the ISS.
Tiangong is also considerably lighter than the ISS, which weighs about 400 tons (450 metric tons); the Chinese station is about 20% as massive.
But unlike the ISS, Tiangong is operated by a single nation.
The station typically hosts three astronauts at a time for six-month stays. It can support six astronauts at a time during crew handovers.
China plans to expand Tiangong with additional modules in the coming years.
The aims of the Tiangong Space Station are to:
- Build a long-term, reliable space station in orbit.
- Guarantee the long-term health and safety of stationed astronauts.
- Provide conditions for scientific and technological experiments in space.
The station serves as an in-orbit laboratory with 23 enclosed experiment racks, each covering a different proposed experiment in the fields of:
- Space life sciences and biotechnology
- Microgravity fluid physics and combustion
- Material science in space
- Fundamental physics in microgravity
The space station also features platforms for exposed and unpressurised external experiments.

News: OUT

Tiangong Space Station FAQs

Q1: What is the Tiangong Space Station?

Ans: A Chinese-owned and operated permanently crewed space station in Low Earth Orbit.

Q2: When was the first module of the Tiangong Space Station launched?

Ans: April 2021.

Q3: What is the core module of the Tiangong Space Station called?

Ans: Tianhe.

Q4: How does Tiangong compare with the International Space Station in terms of size and mass?

Ans: Tiangong is considerably smaller and lighter than the ISS.

Q5: How many astronauts does Tiangong typically accommodate at a time?

Ans: The station typically hosts three astronauts at a time for six-month stays.