10 February 2026 – Daily Current Affairs Updates

GS–1 | INDIAN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

1. Sharda River

Subtopic: Transboundary Rivers, Himalayan Drainage

Value Addition:

• Geographical Nature:

  • A transboundary river system shared by India and Nepal, highlighting cross-border water management issues.

• Source Region:

  • Originates as the Kali River in the Great Himalayas, on the eastern slopes of the Nanda Devi massif.

• Course Characteristics:

  • Upper course flows south-southwest.

  • Forms a natural international boundary between Uttarakhand (India) and Nepal for a considerable stretch.

• Physiographic Transition:

  • Descends from the Himalayas to enter the Indo-Gangetic Plain at Barmdeo Mandi (Nepal).

  • After this point, it is known as the Sharda River.

• Downstream Course:

  • Flows southeastward through northern Uttar Pradesh.

  • Joins the Ghaghara River southwest of Bahraich.

• Major Tributaries:

  • Dhauliganga

  • Goriganga

  • Sarju

• Hydraulic Infrastructure:

  • Sharda Barrage near Banbasa (Uttarakhand).

  • Source of the Sharda Canal (1930), one of northern India’s longest irrigation canals.

• Current Context:

  • Foundation stone laid for Sharda River Corridor at Tanakpur (Champawat district) to promote riverfront development and tourism.

Subject Analysis:

• High-yield GS-1 topic combining Himalayan rivers, international boundaries, and irrigation geography.

• Useful for prelims on river–tributary matching and mains on transboundary water management.

GS–3 | WILDLIFE & BIODIVERSITY

2. Reticulated Python

Subtopic: Reptile Diversity, Mega-Fauna

Value Addition:

• Scientific Name: Malayopython reticulatus.

• Taxonomic Family: Pythonidae.

• Global Record:

  • Recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest snake species (7.22 m).

• Global Ranking:

  • Longest snake in the world.

  • Third heaviest after green anaconda and Burmese python.

• Venom Status:

  • Non-venomous constrictor.

• Feeding Behaviour:

  • Ambush predator.

  • Kills prey by constriction, leading to circulatory and respiratory failure.

• Distribution:

  • Native to South and Southeast Asia.

  • Found in India, Indonesia, Philippines, and adjoining regions.

• Habitat:

  • Tropical forests, wetlands, river edges.

• Physical Features:

  • Greyish-tan body with net-like (reticulated) diamond patterns.

  • Elongated head, orange eyes, vertical pupils.

• Sensory Adaptation:

  • Heat-sensing pits along lips for detecting warm-blooded prey.

• Conservation Status:

  • IUCN: Least Concern.

Subject Analysis:

• GS-3 relevance for species-based questions, behavioural adaptations, and conservation status.

• Frequently tested in prelims via record-holding fauna and IUCN mapping.

GS–3 | BIODIVERSITY & SPECIES DISCOVERY

3. Titanidiops kolhapurensis

Subtopic: New Species Discovery, Grassland Ecosystems

Value Addition:

• Taxonomic Group: Trapdoor spider.

• Discovery Location:

  • Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

• Habitat:

  • Native grassland ecosystems and natural forest patches.

• Burrowing Behaviour:

  • Constructs vertical or slanted burrows in soil.

  • Burrow entrance camouflaged with soil and vegetation debris.

• Ecological Sensitivity:

  • Absent in areas dominated by exotic plantations like Gliricidia sepium.

• Threat Status:

  • Facing local extinction risk due to habitat degradation and land-use change.

About Trapdoor Spiders (Value Add):

• Burrowing spiders with silk-lined hinged trapdoors.

• Ambush predators feeding on insects and arthropods.

• Non-aggressive; bites are not medically significant.

• Found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Subject Analysis:

• GS-3 importance for new species discovery, grassland conservation, and habitat loss.

• Strengthens answers on biodiversity beyond forests.

GS–3 | DEFENCE & INDIGENISATION

4. INS Arnala

Subtopic: Indigenous Naval Platforms, Anti-Submarine Warfare

Value Addition:

• Class: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).

• Series Status:

  • First of eight such vessels for the Indian Navy.

• Design & Construction:

  • Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.

• Strategic Significance:

  • Symbolises India’s shift from Buyer’s Navy to Builder’s Navy.

• Commissioning:

  • Commissioned on 18 June 2025 under Eastern Naval Command.

• Name Origin:

  • Named after Arnala Fort (Maharashtra), linking naval power with maritime heritage.

• Specifications:

  • Length: 77 m.

  • Displacement: >1,490 tonnes.

  • Largest Indian naval vessel using Diesel Engine–Waterjet propulsion.

• Operational Roles:

  • Coastal and shallow-water anti-submarine warfare.

  • Underwater surveillance.

  • Search and rescue.

  • Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).

• Combat Systems:

  • Indigenous stealth features.

  • Electronic warfare systems.

  • Advanced sensors and mine-laying capability.

Subject Analysis:

• High-value GS-3 topic for defence indigenisation, naval capability, and maritime security.

• Useful in mains answers on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

GS–3 | STRATEGIC MISSILE SYSTEMS

5. Agni-3 Missile

Subtopic: Ballistic Missiles, Nuclear Deterrence

Value Addition:

• Category: Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).

• Type: Surface-to-surface strategic missile.

• Propulsion:

  • Two-stage, solid-fuel missile.

  • First stage: Maraging steel motor case.

  • Second stage: Carbon-fibre motor case.

• Control Mechanism:

  • Thrust Vector Control (TVC) for enhanced accuracy.

• Range: 3,000–3,500 km.

• Payload Capacity: Up to 1,500 kg.

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 16.7 m.

  • Diameter: 2 m.

  • Launch weight: ~48,300 kg.

• Guidance System:

  • Strapdown Inertial Navigation System + GPS.

  • Circular Error Probable (CEP): ~40 m.

• Strategic Role:

  • Designed primarily as a nuclear delivery system.

  • Estimated warhead yield: 200–300 kilotons.

• Recent Context:

  • Successful test-fire from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).

Subject Analysis:

• GS-3 relevance for strategic deterrence, missile technology, and national security.

• Frequently tested in prelims for range–payload classification.

GS–3 | PROTECTED AREAS & ECO-TOURISM

6. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Subtopic: Elephant Habitats, Plateau Ecosystems

Value Addition:

• Location: Near Jamshedpur, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.

• Physiographic Setting:

  • Located in the Dalma Hills, part of the Chotanagpur Plateau.

• Terrain:

  • Hilly, rocky landscape with forest and grassland patches.

• Cultural Link:

  • Named after Dalma Mai, a revered local goddess.

• Establishment: 1975.

• Hydrology:

  • Lies within the catchment of Subarnarekha River and Dimna Lake.

• Natural Features:

  • Waterfalls: Sitaguldi and Dassam.

  • Dalma Shiva Temple inside the sanctuary.

• Forest Types:

  • Dry Peninsular Sal forests.

  • Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous forests.

• Flora:

  • Medicinal plants: Ananatmula, Satawari, Sarpgandha.

  • Rich diversity of orchids, climbers, shrubs.

• Fauna:

  • Indian elephant (flagship species).

  • Barking deer, wild boar, giant squirrel, pangolin, sloth bear.

  • Birds: falcons, hornbills, paradise flycatcher, peafowl.

• Current Context:

  • Jungle safari and eco-cottages launched to promote eco-tourism and livelihoods.

Subject Analysis:

• GS-3 relevance for protected areas, elephant conservation, and sustainable tourism.

• Good case study for mains on eco-development vs conservation balance.