10 June 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS 1 (Geography – Mapping)

Mindanao Island

News:

A strong earthquake recently struck Mindanao,

the southernmost major island of the Philippines.

Location

• Mindanao is situated in the southern part of the Philippine archipelago.

• It is the second-largest island in the Philippines after Luzon.

• It is also among the most populous islands in the world.

Surrounding Water Bodies

Mindanao is bordered by:

• Sulu Sea to the west.

• Philippine Sea to the east.

• Celebes Sea to the south.

• Mindanao Sea to the north.

Plateaus

• Mindanao contains extensive upland plateaus, especially in Bukidnon and Lanao

del Sur.

• These plateaus were formed through basaltic lava flows mixed with volcanic

ash and tuff deposits.

• Their edges are deeply dissected by rivers, creating numerous canyons and

waterfalls.

Mountain Systems

• The island contains around ten major mountain ranges.

• These include both tectonic mountain systems and volcanic mountain chains.

• Mindanao is home to Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.

GS 3 (Science & Technology / Space Science)

Bolide

News:

Reports of bright flashes and loud booming sounds over Boston, USA, were suspected to be caused by a bolide, a highly energetic meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere.

What is a Bolide?

• A bolide is an exceptionally bright meteor that travels through Earth’s

atmosphere.

• It often explodes in the upper atmosphere due to intense heat and pressure

generated during entry.

• In some cases, fragments survive the descent and reach the ground as

meteorites.

Key Characteristics of a Bolide

Exceptional Brightness

• Bolides are significantly brighter than ordinary meteors.

• Their intense glow can be visible across large geographical areas.

Atmospheric Explosion

• They frequently undergo an airburst, exploding before reaching the Earth’s

surface.

• The explosion results from rapid heating and immense atmospheric pressure.

GS 3 (Environment & Biodiversity)

Eristalinus sapphirinus & Eristalinus brunettii

News:

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified two new species of

hover-flies—Eristalinus sapphirinus and Eristalinus brunettii—from the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal.

Discovery

• Both species were discovered in the Gangetic Plains region of West Bengal.

• Their identification adds to the documented diversity of hoverflies in India.

About Hoverflies

• Hoverflies belong to the family Syrphidae and are often mistaken for bees or

wasps.

• They are important pollinators and contribute significantly to ecosystem

health.

• Many species also help in the natural control of agricultural pests.

Naming of the Species

Eristalinus sapphirinus

• The species derives its name from its distinctive sapphire-blue metallic

coloration.

• Its striking appearance differentiates it from other members of the genus.

Eristalinus brunettii

• Named in honour of Enrico Adelmo Brunetti, a renowned entomologist.

• The naming recognizes his valuable contributions to the study of Indian Diptera

(flies).