06 June 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS 1 (Geography – Grassland Ecosystems)

Banni Grassland

News:

NTPC’s proposed solar power project in Gujarat’s Banni Grassland has triggered

concerns regarding its possible ecological impact on one of Asia’s largest

natural grassland ecosystems.

Location

• Banni Grassland is situated in the Kachchh (Kutch) district of Gujarat, along

the northern boundary of the region.

• It lies adjacent to the Great Rann of Kutch and represents a unique arid

grassland landscape.

Protected Areas

• The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary forms an important component of the

Banni ecosystem.

• The Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve is another significant conservation

area associated with the grassland.

People and Livelihoods

• The region is home to nearly 22 ethnic communities.

• Major inhabitants include pastoral communities such as the Maldharis,

Rabaris, Jats, Mutwas, and Meghwals.

• Livestock-based livelihoods remain central to the local economy.

Biodiversity Significance

• Banni is among India’s most ecologically valuable grassland ecosystems.

• The landscape supports rich floral and faunal diversity.

• It contains approximately 37 species of grasses and nearly 275 species of

birds.

GS 3 (Science & Technology / Astronomy)

Blue Micromoon

News:

A rare celestial phenomenon called a Blue Micromoon is expected to be visible in

the night sky. It combines the characteristics of both a Blue Moon and a Micromoon.

About Blue Micromoon

• A Blue Micromoon occurs when a Blue Moon coincides with a Micromoon.

• Such events are extremely uncommon and may occur only once in several

decades.

What is a Micromoon?

• A Micromoon is a full moon or new moon that occurs when the Moon is near

apogee, the farthest point in its orbit from Earth.

• Since the Moon is farther away than usual, it appears slightly smaller and

dimmer than a typical full moon.

Why Does a Micromoon Occur?

• The Moon revolves around Earth in an elliptical orbit, not a perfect circle.

• During each orbit, the Moon reaches both its nearest and farthest points from

Earth.

• When a full moon occurs near the farthest point, it is observed as a

Micromoon.

GS 3 (Environment & Biodiversity)

Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula)

News:

A Yellow-Throated Marten was recently

photographed for the first time in the Kaziranga

National Park during a routine camera-trapping survey.

About Yellow-Throated Marten

• The Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula) is the largest marten species in

Asia and belongs to the family Mustelidae.

• It is commonly known by local names such as “Kharza.”

• The species is recognized for its agile movement, striking coloration, and

adaptability to diverse environments.

Habitat

The Yellow-Throated Marten occupies a variety of habitats, including:

• Coniferous forests

• Broad-leaved forests

• Tropical and subtropical forests

• Mountain forests

• Shrublands

• Wetlands and lowland swamps

• High-altitude treeless regions

Distribution

• The species is widely distributed across South, Southeast, and East Asia.

• Its range extends from Indonesia in the south to the Korean Peninsula and

regions near the China–Russia border in the north.

• In India, it is primarily found in the Himalayan region, Northeast India, and

parts of the Western Ghats.