#environment26 Gujarat Forest Department and the zoology department of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) concluded a two-day crocodile census, conducted on a 17.5 km stretch of the Vishwamitri river in Vadodara. The census was aimed at getting an insight into five important aspects of crocodiles inhabiting the Vishwamitri, making Vadodara a unique city to have marsh crocodiles or muggers (Crocodylus palustris) in their natural habitat among human population.

Source: The Indian Express

#global26 Angola, Botswana, Canada, Congo, Namibia
and Russia alone account for more than 85% of
the production of rough diamonds, in quantity and value terms. Though India is not a producer, is a major importer of rough diamonds, importing roughly 40% of the total global imports, both in quantity and value. As the world’s leading cutting and polishing hub, centered in Surat and Mumbai, India re-exports polished diamonds to major markets which include China, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Source: The Hindu

#agri26 Cashews thrive in well-drained laterite soils and tropical climates (20-30 degrees). Though native to Brazil, India is now the world’s largest processor. Maharashtra leads domestic production, followed by Andhra Pradesh. Economically, India remains a net importer of raw nuts to fuel its processing industry. Under the 2026 India-US trade deal, Indian cashews enjoy zero-tariff export status. Key by-product CNSL (Cashew Nut Shell Liquid) is vital for industrial resins.

Source: The Hindu

#science26 A wet dress rehearsal is the same concept taken to the closest safe approximation of launch day, and with the vehicle being fuelled with its actual cryogenic propellants (typically liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for large rockets).

Source: The Hindu

#social26 Also known as the “Wular Barrage”, the TNP was first conceived in the 1980s, and work on the project began in 1984. However, it was halted after Pakistan’s objections and the eruption of militancy in J&K in 1989. The project aimed to have a uniform flow of water in the Jhelum – one of three rivers in the Kashmir Valley that fall within the ambit of the now suspended IWT – throughout the year to ensure navigation in the water body. The TNP envisaged a lock-and-control structure on the Jhelum at its confluence with the Wular lake in north Kashmir’s Sopore town.

Source: The Indian Express

#science26 Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a diverse group of over 70 rare, inherited metabolic conditions that present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in genetically diverse and resource-limited settings like India. LSDs cause a buildup of toxic materials in the body’s cells. According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients with LSDs lack certain enzymes or the enzyme activator, a substance that helps the enzyme work. In their absence, the patient’s body fails to break down fats and sugars, which can accumulate and be harmful.

Source: The Indian Express

#global26 Underlining the respective strengths of both nations and recognising the importance of the relationship, the two leaders announced a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).

Source: MeA

#global26 Philadelphi Corridor

Source: Guardian

#science26 One of the new telescopes meant to study the sun, the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is a 2-metre aperture solar telescope, coming up in the Merak region near the Pangong Tso lake. The NLST will operate in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Source: The Indian Express

#science26 NLOT

Source: The Indian Express

#science26 TMT

Source: The Indian Express

#environment26 The apex body of Nagaland’s Sangtam community has passed a resolution to protect pangolins, the world’s most trafficked wild mammal, within its jurisdiction.

Source: The Hindu

#global26 Arctic Sentry” is a multi-domain mission to strengthen collective defence, coordination and stability in the strategically sensitive Arctic region.  Objective: The new mission will leverage NATO’s collective strength to protect its territory and ensure that the Arctic and the High North, a term referring to the Arctic Circle and its adjoining northernmost regions, remain secure. 

Source: ET

#global26 Established in May 2023, CTF 154 is dedicated to enhancing maritime security through multinational training programmes across the Middle East and the wider region + CTF 154’s core staff consists of members from Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Turkey, and the United States.

Source: The Indian Express

#agri26 Farmers can access Bharat-VISTAAR by dialling the dedicated telephone number and talking to the AI Assistant, named ‘Bharati’. They can also download a mobile app from the Google Play Store or access it through a web interface link, which functions similarly to the app. The link will be available on the websites of the Agriculture Ministry and in mobile apps such as PM KISAN and PMFBY, according to officials. Besides calling the telephone number, farmers can also have a conversation via chat.

Source: The Indian Express

#environment26 The Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. Legal Status: Protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Appendix I of CITES, and listed as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) + Indian Context: Unlike Olive Ridleys, they are not major mainland nesters; sightings are limited to the Gulf of Mannar and Andaman waters +They navigate using Earth's geomagnetic field + Climate Threat: Rising temperatures skew sex ratios (producing more females) and lead to smaller body/clutch sizes + They have the widest geographical range of any sea turtle, spanning the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Source: The Hindu

#science26 Hibiscus often flowers more on the sunlit side due to light-driven resource allocation. Higher light exposure increases photosynthesis, producing more carbohydrates that support bud formation. Auxin-mediated phototropic responses and better energy availability enhance growth and flowering on illuminated branches. Shaded regions receive fewer resources, limiting bloom density. Pruning improves light penetration, reducing asymmetrical flowering and promoting uniform canopy productivity.

Source: The Hindu

#social26 The Urban Policy calls for integrating climate resilience and disaster vulnerability into every layer of urban planning, such as land use, infrastructure design and investment decisions.

Source: The Indian Express

#culture26 The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny occurred 18–23 February 1946, beginning at HMIS Talwar (Bombay). It was triggered by grievances over poor food, low pay, and racial discrimination, and intensified by anger over the INA trials. Prominent figures include B.C. Dutt and M.S. Khan, with a Naval Central Strike Committee formed. The revolt spread to ~78 ships and 20 shore establishments across Bombay, Karachi, Calcutta, and Madras. Ratings hoisted Congress, Muslim League, and Communist flags. Congress (Sardar Patel) and Muslim League (Jinnah) urged surrender.

Source: The Hindu