13 June 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS 1 (Geography)

Shiveluch Volcano

News:

The Shiveluch Volcano recently erupted, sending massive ash clouds nearly 10 km into

the atmosphere and triggering red-level aviation warnings in the surrounding region.

About Shiveluch Volcano

• Shiveluch is among the largest and most active volcanoes on the Kamchatka

Peninsula in eastern Russia.

• It is located in one of the world’s most volcanically active zones.

• Scientists estimate the volcano to be approximately 60,000–70,000 years old.

Type of Volcano

• Shiveluch is a stratovolcano (composite volcano).

• It is formed by alternating layers of:

• Lava flows

• Volcanic ash

• Pyroclastic materials and volcanic debris

• Such volcanoes are typically characterized by steep slopes and explosive

eruptions.

Physical Features

• The volcano reaches an elevation of about 3,283 metres (10,771 feet).

• Its summit contains a broad caldera nearly 9 km wide.

• A prominent lava dome complex has developed within the caldera.

• Additional lava domes are present on the outer flanks of the volcano.

GS 1 (Geography)

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

News:

Enhanced solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances recently raised the possibility

of witnessing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) from certain parts of India.

What is Aurora Borealis?

• Aurora Borealis is the scientific term for the spectacular natural light display

seen in the skies of the Northern Hemisphere.

• It is commonly known as the Northern Lights.

• The phenomenon is concentrated around the Arctic region, near the Earth’s

magnetic north pole.

Southern Hemisphere Counterpart

• The equivalent phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere is called Aurora

Australis, or the Southern Lights.

How are Auroras Formed?

1. Solar Activity

• Auroras originate from energetic processes occurring on the Sun.

• The Sun continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar

wind.

2. Interaction with Earth’s Magnetic Field

• Most solar wind particles are deflected by Earth’s magnetic field.

• Some particles become trapped and are guided toward the polar regions along

magnetic field lines.

GS 3 (Environment & Ecology)

Bovista Colorata (Yellow Puffball Mushroom)

News:

A rare yellow puffball mushroom, Bovista colorata, has recently been recorded from the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh.

About Bovista Colorata

• Bovista colorata, commonly called the Yellow Puffball Mushroom, belongs to the

Agaricaceae family of fungi.

• It is generally found in grasslands, meadows, open fields, and disturbed soil

habitats.

Key Features

1. Distinct Appearance

• Characterized by a spherical or ball-shaped fruiting body.

• Notable for its bright yellow coloration, making it easily distinguishable from

other puffball species.

2. Unique Spore Production

• Unlike typical mushrooms that release spores through gills, puffball fungi

develop spores inside a closed fruiting body.

• The spores remain enclosed until the fungus reaches maturity.

3. Maturation Process

• As the mushroom ages, its inner tissue gradually converts into a fine powdery

mass of spores.

• This transformation prepares the fungus for effective spore release.