16 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-1: Geography (World Geography)

⭐ Nevado Ojos del Salado

⭐ Why in the News

A professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently successfully summited Nevado Ojos del Salado, bringing attention to this prominent volcanic mountain.

⭐ Location

• Nevado Ojos del Salado lies in the Andes mountain range, along the international border between Chile and Argentina.

• It is also recognised as the highest mountain located within Chile.

⭐ Geological Nature

• Nevado Ojos del Salado is considered the highest active stratovolcano in the world.

• The mountain was formed primarily through repeated lava flows and explosive volcanic eruptions, which gradually accumulated volcanic material over time.

⭐ Climate

• The region experiences a high-altitude desert climate because of its proximity to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.

• Temperatures show significant variation between day and night, with average daytime highs of about 18°C and nighttime lows dropping to around –10°C.

GS Paper-3: Agriculture & Economy

⭐ Joha Rice

⭐ Why in the News

India has recently enabled the export of 25 metric tonnes of Assam’s GI-tagged Joha rice to the United Kingdom and Italy, highlighting the growing international demand for this aromatic rice variety.

⭐ Nature of the Crop

• Joha rice is an indigenous rice variety native to the state of Assam.

• It is widely known for its distinct aroma, fine grain texture, and rich flavour, which makes it highly valued among aromatic rice varieties.

⭐ Cultivation Season

• Joha rice is primarily cultivated during the Sali season, which corresponds to the Kharif cropping season in Assam.

⭐ Major Varieties

Important varieties of Joha rice include:

• Kola Joha

• Keteki Joha

• Bokul Joha

• Kunkuni Joha

⭐ Nutritional Properties

• Joha rice contains several beneficial compounds such as antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.

• It also includes essential unsaturated fatty acids, particularly:

• Linoleic acid (Omega-6)

• Linolenic acid (Omega-3)

• These fatty acids are not produced naturally by the human body and therefore contribute to maintaining important physiological functions.

GS Paper-3: Environment & Biodiversity

⭐ Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb

⭐ Why in the News

A rare species of parasitic wasp, named Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb, has recently been discovered in a tea estate in Assam.

⭐ Discovery and Location

• The species was identified at the Nahortoli Tea Estate in Assam.

• Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb is a newly described species of parasitic wasp belonging to the genus Chelonus.

⭐ Behaviour

• These wasps act as egg–larval parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs inside the eggs of other insects.

• Their hosts are usually moths or butterflies.

• After hatching, the wasp larva develops by feeding on the host organism.

⭐ Role in Pest Control

• Many moth larvae are major agricultural pests that damage crops.

• Therefore, Chelonus species are considered beneficial insects, as they help naturally regulate pest populations in agricultural ecosystems, including plantations.

⭐ Significance of the Discovery

• The subgenus Carinichelonus is extremely rare and poorly documented globally.

• The identification of Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb is important because it represents only the second recorded species of this subgenus reported from India in recent years.

GS Paper-3: Environment & Biodiversity

⭐ Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

⭐ Why in the News

A recent study has revealed that spotted hyenas are playing an important ecological role in Mekelle, the second-largest city in Ethiopia, where they help maintain ecological balance.

⭐ Definition

• The spotted hyena, often called the “laughing hyena”, gets its name from the distinctive vocal sounds it produces.

• It is the largest species within the hyena family and is known for being a powerful and efficient predator.

⭐ Physical Appearance

• The species can be identified by its robust body, rounded ears, and spotted coat pattern.

• It has a less prominent mane and strong teeth specially adapted for both crushing bones and cutting flesh.

• Female spotted hyenas possess a pseudo-penis, which is a rare biological characteristic among mammals.

⭐ Habitat

• Spotted hyenas are highly adaptable animals and inhabit a variety of environments including savannas, grasslands, dry woodlands, mountains, tropical forests, semi-deserts, and coastal areas.