UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 October 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 14 October 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 14 October 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Ceropegia tamilnaduensis

October 14, 2026
Ceropegia tamilnaduensis

Ceropegia tamilnaduensis Latest News

Recently, botanists from the Botanical Survey of India have discovered and described a new plant species, named Ceropegia tamilnaduensis. 

About Ceropegia tamilnaduensis

  • It is a new plant species discovered from the hill slopes of the Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
  • This perennial herb was found thriving at an elevation of approximately 380 meters on a stream-adjacent hill slope surrounded by evergreen forest.
  • Features
    • It features solitary flowers growing directly from the leaf axils with drooping stems.
    • It possesses a glabrous (hairless) central corona and a pollinial corpusculum with lateral wings.
    • It produces unusually large seeds measuring up to 14 mm long.
    • It shows close morphological similarity to Ceropegia annamacharyae (in flower structure) and Ceropegia swarupa (in narrow leaves/body structure).

Key Facts about Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu.
  • It earned the title of wildlife sanctuary in 2015.
  • Geography: It features 29 mountain peaks, including Sivagiri Mala (highest peak at 1,748 m), Totti Malai, Kalli Malai, and Aruitalai Mottai.
  • Rivers: It is sustained by the drainage network of the Cauvery, Moyar, Bhavani, Vaigai, and Tamirabarani River Systems. 
  • Flora: It Santalum album (Sandalwood), Shorea, Tectona grandis, Shola tree species, Avicennia mangroves, Strobilanthes kunthiana.
  • Fauna: It is home to Nilgiri Tahr, Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Gaur, Sloth Bear.

Source: RM

Ceropegia tamilnaduensis FAQs

Q1: What is Ceropegia tamilnaduensis?

Ans: Plant Species

Q2: Where was Ceropegia tamilnaduensis discovered?

Ans: It was discovered from the hill slopes of the Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

Czech Republic

October 14, 2026
Czech Republic

Czech Republic Latest News

Recently, the Indian defence minister held a bilateral meeting with the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of Czech Republic in New Delhi.

About Czech Republic

  • Location: It is a landlocked country located in Central Europe.
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by 4 nations: by Poland in the north and northeast; by Slovakia in the east; by Austria in the south and by Germany in the west and northwest.
  • Capital City: Prague

Geographical Features of Czech Republic

  • Climate: The climate is temperate with warm summers, and cold, cloudy, and humid winters.
  • Mountains: These include the Carpathian, Ore, Sudetic and the Sumarva mountains.
  • Highest Point: The highest point is Mt. Snezka in the Sudetic Mountains; it rises to 5,259 ft. (1,603 m). 
  • Rivers: It is drained by Elbe, Oder River (flows north to the Baltic Sea), Vltava Moravia and Morava Rivers.
  • Natural Resources: The country is blessed with different types of natural resources such as arable land, Kaolin, graphite, clay, forests, and coal.

 Source: PIB

Czech Republic FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Czech Republic?

Ans: Prague

Q2: Which mountains are found in Czech Republic?

Ans: It include the Carpathian, Ore, Sudetic and the Sumarva mountains.

Yenisei River

October 14, 2026
Yenisei River

Yenisei River Latest News

Recently, it was observed that there is a rising Brown Bear attack outside the settlement of Podtesovo, located on the banks of the Yenisei River. 

About Yenisei River

  • It is a river in central Russia.
  • It is the largest river system draining into the Arctic Ocean and ranks as the fifth-largest river in the world.
  • Formation: It is formed as a result of the confluence of the Great Yenisei and Little Yenisei rivers at Kyzyl in Russia.
    • The Great Yenisey rises on the Eastern Sayan Mountains of Tyva, and the Little Yenisey, or Ka-Khem, rises in the Darhadïn Bowl of Mongolia. 
  • It runs from south to north across the great expanse of central Siberia.
  • It ultimately empties into the Kara Sea, a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean.
  • Tributaries:  The Angara River, which drains Lake Baikal, is one of the major headwater tributaries of the Yenisei.
  • The river plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the Siberian taiga, characterized by its vast boreal forests. 
  • Fauna: The Yenisei River hosts around 55 native fish species in its waters. Siberian sturgeons, Arctic flounders, Common roaches, Northern pikes,

Source: DD News

Yenisei River FAQs

Q1: Yenisei River drains which country?

Ans: Russia

Q2: Yenisei River empties into which sea?

Ans: Kara Sea

Maritime State Development Council

October 14, 2026
Maritime State Development Council

Maritime State Development Council Latest News

Recently, the 21st Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) concluded in Mumbai with landmark outcomes for India’s maritime sector. 

About Maritime State Development Council

  • It is an apex advisory body which was constituted in May 1997 for the development of the Maritime sector.
  • The Indian Ports Act, 2025 grants statutory status to the Maritime State Development Council.
  • Aim: Its primary aim is to promote the integrated growth of Major and Non-Major ports in close coordination with State governments. 
  • Composition: The Council, chaired by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
  • Composition: It comprises Ministers responsible for ports from all Maritime States, Administrators of UTs, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies.

Functions of Maritime State Development Council

  • It monitors the development of minor ports, captive ports and private ports in the Maritime States with a view to ensure their integrated development with Major Ports and to assess the requirements of other infrastructure requirements like roads/rail/IWT and make suitable recommendations to the concerned Ministers.
  • It guides data collection and dissemination and transparency across ports, and advises the central government on national planning, legislative reforms, port efficiency, and connectivity.

Source: PIB

Maritime State Development Council FAQs

Q1: What is Maritime State Development Council?

Ans: It is an apex advisory body which was constituted in May 1997 for the development of the Maritime sector.

Q2: What is the aim of Maritime State Development Council?

Ans: Its primary aim is to promote the integrated growth of Major and Non-Major ports in close coordination with State governments. 

INS Samarthak

October 14, 2026
INS Samarthak

INS Samarthak Latest News

The Indian Navy is set to commission Samarthak at Naval Base, Karwar. 

About INS Samarthak

  • It is the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy.
  • It is built by M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd under the Government of India's Make in India initiative.
  • Motto: The ship's motto: Victory is Our Sole Aim.
  • The ship’s crest features an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence, and agility. 
  • Armaments: The ship's integrated combat suite combines indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems optimised for operations in challenging maritime conditions.
  • Functions
    • It is designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol.
    • It is also capable of undertaking Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Target Deployment & Trials Platform, Unmanned/ autonomous System Mothership, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), conversion to a limited hospital ship and fighting for salvage operations.
  • Significance: It will add a new indigenous multi-purpose platform to the Navy’s fleet and underline the growing role of domestic shipbuilding in meeting India’s maritime security requirements.

Source: PIB

INS Samarthak FAQs

Q1: What is INS Samarthak?

Ans: It is the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy.

Q2: What is the motto of INS Samarthak?

Ans: Victory is Our Sole Aim.

Central Electricity Authority

October 14, 2026
Central Electricity Authority

Central Electricity Authority Latest News

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is organising a two-day Brainstorming Conclave on “Making Indian Power Sector AI Enabled” (International Conference-cum-Exhibition) in New Delhi.

About Central Electricity Authority

  • It is a statutory body established under section 3(1) of the Electricity Supply Act 1948.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Power.

Functions of Central Electricity Authority

  • Advisory Role: Advise the Central Government on matters relating to the national electricity policy, formulate short-term and prospective plans for the development of the electricity system.
  • Specify the technical standards for the construction of electrical plants, electric lines, and connectivity to the grid;
  • Collect and record the data concerning the generation, transmission, trading, distribution and utilisation of electricity and carry out studies relating to cost, efficiency, competitiveness, and such like matters;
  • Promote research in matters affecting the generation, transmission, distribution and trading of electricity;

Central Electricity Authority Organisation Structure

  • It is headed by a Chairman, who is also ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India, and comprises six full-time Members. 
  • They are designated as Member (Thermal), Member (Hydro), Member (Economic and Commercial), Member (Power Systems), Member (Planning) and Member (Grid Operation and Distribution).

Source: PIB

Central Electricity Authority FAQs

Q1: What is Central Electricity Authority?

Ans: It is a statutory body established under section 3(1) of the Electricity Supply Act 1948.

Q2: Central Electricity Authority works under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Power

National Culture Fund

October 14, 2026
National Culture Fund

National Culture Fund Latest News

Recently, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the National Culture Fund and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for conservation and development of heritage sites.

About National Culture Fund

  • It was set up as a Trust on 28th November, 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890.

Objectives of National Culture Fund

  • To administer and apply the Fund for conservation, maintenance, promotion, protection, preservation and up-gradation of monuments protected or otherwise;
  • To impart training and facilitate development of a cadre of specialists and cultural administrators
  • To facilitate in providing additional space in existing museums & construct new museums to accommodate or create new & special galleries.
  • Documentation of cultural expressions and forms that have lost their relevance in contemporary scenarios and are either fading out or facing extinction.
  • Governance of National Culture Fund
    • It is managed and administered through a Governing Council chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Culture and has a maximum strength of 25 members to decide the policies.
    • An Executive Committee headed by Secretary (Culture) and has a maximum strength of 11 Members, to execute those policies.
  • Benefits to donors: Donations to the National Culture Fund are eligible for 100% tax benefit under Section 80G (ii) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
  • NCF’s activities are covered under Schedule VII No. (v) of the Companies Act, 2013 as valid receptacle of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution under:  
  • Protection of national heritage, art and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries; promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts.”
  • Contribution to NCF:  It can receive donations from Corporates, PSUs, Trusts and Individuals for maintenance and preservation of Centrally Protected monuments/ cultural projects through NCF.

Source: PIB

National Culture Fund FAQs

Q1: When was National Culture Fund was formed ?

Ans: It was set up as a Trust on 28th November, 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890.

Q2: How is National Culture Fund is governed?

Ans: It is managed and administered through a Governing Council chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Culture

Kanha Tiger Reserve

October 14, 2026
Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)

Kanha Tiger Reserve Latest News

Recently, eight wild buffaloes brought from Assam’s Kaziranga National Park were released into a 17-hectare enclosure at Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve.  

About Kanha Tiger Reserve

  • Location: It is located in the “Maikal” ranges of the Satpuras in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Corridor: It has an active corridor between Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves. Kanha is also connected with the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve of Chhattisgarh State. 
  • Terrain: It is characterized mainly by forested shallow undulations, hills with varying degrees of slopes, plateaus, and valleys.
  • Tribal Communities: The region is known for some of the ancient tribal communities, like the Gond and Baiga still inhabit the region. 
  • It is also the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”. 
  • Vegetation: It primarily consists of a moist Sal and moist mixed deciduous forest.
  • Flora: Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, and Lendia flourish.
  • Fauna: The Park has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs.

Source: DD News

Kanha Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Kanha Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh

Q2: Which tribal people are residing in Kanha Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Gond and Baiga still inhabit the region. 

Prosopis Juliflora

October 14, 2026
Prosopis Juliflora

Prosopis Juliflora Latest News

The Water Resources Department (WRD) started removing invasive Prosopis Juliflora from irrigation tanks along Palar River in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. 

About Prosopis Juliflora

  • It is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite.
  • It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.
  • It is one of the most invasive species in arid and semi-arid areas. 
  • It was brought to Delhi by the British in the 1920s, when the national capital was being built.
  • Other names: In India it is known locally by many names such as Bellary jaali, seemai karuvelam, seemai jaali, gando baval, vilayati kikar.

Characteristics of Prosopis Juliflora

  • Adaptability: It has a very wide ecological adaptability which can grow on soils from sand dune to clay soil, and from saline to alkaline soil type.
  • Rainfall: It can grow below 200 to above 1500 m above sea level, and with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 50 to 1500 mm
  • It is characterized by vigorous growth which helps them to outcompete indigenous plant species.

Impacts of Prosopis Juliflora on Environment

  • This tree absorbs more than four litres of water to obtain one kilogram of biomass.
  • It cannot even shelter birds as it produces less oxygen and more carbon dioxide.
  • It can also turn the groundwater poisonous.
  • It causes land erosion due to the loss of the grasslands that are habitats for native plants and animals.

Source: TH

Prosopis Juliflora FAQs

Q1: What is Prosopis Juliflora?

Ans: It is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite.

Q2: Where do we find Prosopis Juliflora?

Ans: It is one of the most invasive species in arid and semi-arid areas. 

Teesta River

October 14, 2026
Teesta River

Teesta River Latest News

Recently, the Bangladesh govt has sought China’s “involvement and support” for the Teesta restoration project.

About Teesta River

  • Origin: It originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake at an elevation of approximately 5,280 meters in North Sikkim, India.
  • It is glacier-fed, with sources like Pahurni Glacier, Khangse Glacier, and ChhoLhamo Lake contributing to its flow.
  • It is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh) and flows through India and Bangladesh.
  • Course
    • It then flows cutting a deep gorge through the Siwalik Hills east of Darjiling (in West Bengal, India).
    • It turns southeast to run through the Sivok Khola pass onto the plains of West Bengal.
    • It then enters Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna River in Bangladesh). 
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include Lachung Chhu, Dik Chhu, and Rangpo Chhu on the left bank and the Rangit River on the right bank.
  • Notably, 83% of the basin lies in India, while 17% is in Bangladesh.

Source: TOI

Teesta River FAQs

Q1: The Teesta water dispute is between which two countries?

Ans: India & Bangladesh

Q2: Teesta River originates from which location?

Ans: Tso Lhamo Lake, Sikkim

Tele-MANAS

October 14, 2026
Tele-MANAS

Tele-MANAS Latest News

India’s national mental health helpline, Tele-MANAS, has received nearly 48 lakh calls in four years.

About Tele-MANAS

  • Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) offers a wide range of mental health services.
  • It was started by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2022.
  • Aim: To provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental health care through a 24x7 tele-mental health service, forming a key digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
  • This service is available across all Indian States and Union Territories, with assured linkages to ensure seamless care.
  • Objectives
    • Expanding Access: Scaling up the reach of mental health services nationwide, ensuring that anyone across India can access support at any time through dedicated 24x7 tele-mental health facilities in every State and Union Territory.
    • Building a Comprehensive Mental Health Network: Establishing an integrated system that goes beyond counseling by offering medical and psychosocial interventions, video consultations with specialists, e-prescriptions, follow-up care, and connections to in-person services.
    • Reaching Vulnerable Populations: Prioritizing mental health services for vulnerable and difficult-to-reach groups, ensuring no one is left without essential care.
  • The service is structured in a two-tier system to optimize care delivery and enhance support.
    • Tier 1: It comprises state Tele MANAS cells staffed with trained counsellors and mental health specialists. These professionals provide immediate support through: Tele-Counseling and Tele-Consultation.
    • Tier 2: It comprises specialists from District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) facilities and medical colleges, offering additional resources for physical consultations and audiovisual consultations via e-Sanjeevani.
  • Tele MANAS launched its mobile app and video consultation services to enhance access to mental health support.
  • This app serves as a comprehensive platform offering mental health resources, including self-care tips, stress management strategies, and tools to recognize early distress signals.
  • It is enhanced with Multi-lingual user interface, Chatbot feature (Asmi), Accessibility, Emergency Module. 
  • It will now be available in 10 regional languages, in addition to the English and Hindi languages
  • These languages include Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Punjabi.
  •  

Source: TOI

Tele-MANAS FAQs

Q1: What services are offered by Tele-MANAS?

Ans: It provides universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental health care through a 24x7 tele-mental health service.

Q2: Which ministry launched the Tele-MANAS?

Ans: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

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