21 July 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

Manasbal Lake

Why in News:

Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir is showing signs of ecological recovery, reflected in the return of migratory birds.

About the Lake:

Manasbal Lake is the deepest natural freshwater lake in Jammu and Kashmir. It is popularly known as the "Supreme Gem of all Kashmir Lakes."

Location and Physical Setting

• It is located in Ganderbal district near Srinagar, in the Jhelum Valley.

• The lake lies at an altitude of about 1,585 to 1,600 metres above mean sea level.

• It is surrounded by the Baladar Mountains, the Karewa Plateau to the north and the Ahtung Hills to the south.

Hydrology

• The lake receives water mainly through precipitation.

• Its drainage basin covers about 10 square kilometres.

• Its outflow is regulated into the Jhelum River.

• It is a monomictic lake, which means its water column undergoes one complete mixing cycle every year.

• Thermal stratification is observed from March to November.

• The thermocline occurs at a depth of about 9 metres.

Ecology and Biodiversity

• The lake supports macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthic organisms.

• Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) grows extensively and blooms prominently during July and August.

• Fish species found in the lake include Schizothorax niger, Schizothorax esocinus, Cyprinus carpio and Neomacheilus latius.

• It is among the largest natural habitats for aquatic birds in Jammu and Kashmir.

• It supports several migratory bird species and is an important birdwatching destination.

Economic and Cultural Significance

• The lake supports local livelihoods through fishing, water supply and tourism.

• Lotus rootstocks are harvested and marketed for food and commercial purposes.

• The lake contains the ruins of a Mughal garden built by Nur Jahan.

Quick Revision

• Ganderbal district, Jhelum Valley, deepest natural freshwater lake of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Monomictic lake: one complete annual mixing cycle.

• Thermal stratification: March to November; thermocline: about 9 metres.

• Lotus blooms mainly in July and August.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Why in News:

The Prime Minister recently virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

About the Scheme:

The Ministry of Railways launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in 2022 to develop and upgrade railway stations across the Indian Railways network.

Approach: The scheme follows long-term, station-specific master planning. Improvements are implemented according to the needs and demand of each station rather than through a uniform model.

Objectives

• Modernise railway stations across India.

• Improve passenger amenities and the overall travel experience.

• Strengthen multimodal connectivity.

• Improve accessibility for all passengers, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

• Make stations cleaner, more comfortable and easier to use.

• Promote sustainable and aesthetically appealing infrastructure.

Key Features

• Modern entry and exit points.

• Spacious waiting halls and clean toilets.

• Improved platforms, platform roofing and passenger shelters.

• Lifts and escalators wherever required.

• Free Wi-Fi facilities.

• Better integration with other modes of transport for seamless passenger movement.

• Greener station premises through landscaping and beautification.

• Environmentally friendly station design.

Support for the Local Economy

• The scheme promotes the One Station One Product initiative through kiosks selling local products.

• It provides market visibility to local artisans, craftsmen and MSMEs.

Quick Revision

• Launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.

• Based on station-specific master plans.

• Major focus areas: passenger amenities, accessibility, multimodal connectivity and sustainability.

• One Station One Product supports local artisans and MSMEs.

Laudankia Vine Snake

Why in News: Wildlife enthusiasts recently photographed the rare Laudankia Vine Snake in the Ubeshwar Wildlife Area of Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Scientific Name: Ahaetulla laudankia.

Basic Nature: It is a diurnal, arboreal vine snake endemic to India. It is active during the day and primarily lives on trees.

Identification

• Slender, vine-like body.

• Chestnut-brown colour with fine black speckles.

• Pale white patches on the lower part of the head.

• Long, pointed snout.

• Large eyes with horizontal pupils, a distinctive feature of vine snakes.

Habitat and Distribution

• It inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, hill slopes and other natural green habitats.

• Its known distribution extends from the Eastern Ghats through Central India to eastern Rajasthan.

Diet and Venom

• It mainly feeds on lizards, geckos, small frogs and small birds.

• It is mildly venomous and rear-fanged.

• Its venom is mainly effective against small prey, and it is not considered seriously dangerous to humans.

Quick Revision

• Ahaetulla laudankia is endemic to India.

• Diurnal, arboreal and vine-like.

• Range: Eastern Ghats to Central India and eastern Rajasthan.

• Mildly venomous, rear-fanged and not seriously dangerous to humans.

MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter

Why in News:

The Indian Navy recently received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States.

About the Helicopter: The MH-60R Seahawk, popularly known as "Romeo", is a state-of-the-art, all-weather and shipborne multi-mission naval helicopter manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company.

Strategic Role: It serves as the United States Navy's primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter.

Roles and Missions

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

• Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW).

• Maritime surveillance.

• Search and Rescue (SAR).

• Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

• Shipborne operations.

Operators and India's Procurement

• Operators include the United States, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Greece, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Brazil.

• India signed an agreement with the United States in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R helicopters.

• The acquisition is part of the Indian Navy's helicopter fleet modernisation programme.

Technical Features

• Crew: 3 to 4 personnel.

• Additional passenger capacity: 5.

• Payload: nearly 3,000 kg.

• Maximum speed: about 330 km/h.

• Operational range: around 830 km.

• Endurance: up to 2.7 hours during ASW missions and up to 3.3 hours during ASuW missions.

Advanced Systems

• AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) dipping sonar.

• Sonobuoys and multi-mode radar.

• Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS).

• Satellite communication (SATCOM).

• Secure VHF/UHF communication systems.

Armament

• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes.

• Anti-Surface Warfare: AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes and machine guns.

Quick Revision

• Romeo: all-weather, shipborne, multi-mission naval helicopter.

• India signed a 2020 agreement for 24 helicopters.

• ASW systems include ALFS dipping sonar, sonobuoys and Mk 54 torpedoes.

• ASuW armament includes AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

• Speed: about 330 km/h; range: around 830 km; payload: nearly 3,000 kg.

Naying Hydroelectric Project

Why in News: The Central Government recently granted environmental clearance to the Naying Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh.

About the Project: Naying is a proposed 1,000 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project on the Siyom River, also known as the Yomgo River, in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Implementing Agency: North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).

Project Components

• A concrete dam.

• An underground powerhouse.

• Water-conveyance tunnels.

• Four turbines, each with a capacity of 250 MW.

Timeline and Power Generation

• Construction is expected to begin around 2028.

• The commissioning target is 2032.

• Estimated annual electricity generation is approximately 4,966.77 million units.

About NEEPCO

• NEEPCO is a Miniratna Schedule A Central Public Sector Enterprise.

• It functions under the Ministry of Power.

• It develops and operates power projects, particularly in the North Eastern Region.