UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 21 July 2026

India’s First and Deepest Geothermal Wells Commissioned in Ladakh

In News

India has commissioned its first and deepest geothermal wells at Puga Valley of Ladakh, a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition.

Geothermal energy

It refers to the heat and electricity produced by using the heat from the interior of the Earth.

It exists because the Earth grows progressively hotter with increasing depth. Where the geothermal gradient is high, high temperatures are found at shallow depths.

Defections Affect Moral Sanctity of Democracy

Context

Frequent post-election defections and party realignments in Indian politics have reignited concerns about the erosion of democratic ethics, voter trust, and the sanctity of the electoral mandate.

What is Political Defection?

Political defection refers to the change of party affiliation by an elected representative after being elected on the ticket of another political party.

In the late 1960s and 70s, defections in Parliament and State Legislatures became so frequent that the epithet "Aaya Ram Gaya Ram" was coined to describe the same.

India, Moldova Discuss UNSC Reforms

Context

India and Moldova discussed reforms of multilateral organisations, including the UN Security Council, as President Droupadi Murmu paid an official visit to the country.

About

It is the first Indian head of state visit to the landlocked Eastern European country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

Both countries are also exploring cooperation in digital public infrastructure, innovation, food processing, logistics and skills development.

India, Spain Advance talks on UPI-Bizum Interoperability

Context

India and Spain have agreed to fast-track discussions on enabling interoperability between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Spain's Bizum digital payments platform.

Other Highlights

The two countries commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations and celebrate the India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence 2026.

The two countries have also discussed ways to strengthen investment facilitation, improving mobility of professionals and promoting joint investments in Latin America.

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Context

Recently, India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 123rd member to join the Agreement.

About WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

It was adopted by consensus at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022.

It entered into force on 15 September 2025 after receiving acceptance from two-thirds of WTO members.

Chattigarh’s River Protection Measures: Case Study

In News

The Chhattisgarh government has informed the High Court that it has taken several measures to prevent river pollution following concerns raised over untreated industrial water discharge, polluted water and fish deaths in the Shivnath and Kharun rivers.

River conservation

It is the planned protection and sustainable management of rivers and their ecosystems to ensure long term availability of freshwater for human needs, agriculture, industry and biodiversity.

There is a need for strict and effective river laws as pressures from climate change, population growth, pollution, illegal encroachments and excessive water extraction mount up.

News In Short 21-07-2026

In News

India is setting up the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat to display the country’s 4,500-year-old maritime history and the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Lothal

Lothal was a major city of the Indus Valley Civilisation around 2400 BCE.

In Gujarati, its name means ‘the mound of the dead’.