2 APRIL 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-2: Environment / Biodiversity Governance

⭐ Bhavasagara Referral Centre

⭐ Why in News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has designated

the Bhavasagara Referral Centre (CMLRE) as the National Repository for Deep-Sea

Fauna.

⭐ Designation and Legal Basis

• Recognised as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna.

• Designation granted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

⭐ Institutional Role

• Acts as a national facility for conservation, research, and documentation of India’s

deep-sea biodiversity.

⭐ Specimen Repository

• Houses over 3,500 scientifically identified and geo-referenced voucher specimens.

⭐ Diversity of Species

• Contains a wide variety of marine organisms.

• Invertebrates include:

• Cnidarians

• Annelids

• Molluscs

• Arthropods

• Echinoderms

• Vertebrates include:

• Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays)

• Teleost fishes

GS Paper-3: Environment / Species

⭐ Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)

⭐ Why in News

Recent research suggests a decline in jungle cat populations, highlighting the need for

conservation beyond protected areas.

⭐ Taxonomy and Size

• Scientifically known as Felis chaus.

• A medium-sized wild cat.

• The largest species within the genus Felis.

⭐ Origin of Name

• The name is linked to the Caucasus region, where the species was first identified.

⭐ Other Names

• Commonly called the swamp cat or reed cat.

⭐ General Features

• Characterised by long legs and a slender body.

• Females are smaller and lighter than males.

⭐ Distinctive Traits

• White muzzle and yellowish eyes.

• Large ears with black tufts at the tips.

• Legs may show faint stripe patterns.

⭐ Habitat Range

• Found in diverse habitats such as:

• Grasslands

• Wetlands

• Semi-arid and desert regions

GS Paper-3: Defence

⭐ INS Dunagiri

⭐ Why in News

The Indian Navy has inducted INS Dunagiri, a stealth frigate under Project 17A.

⭐ About INS Dunagiri

• It is the fifth vessel of the Nilgiri-class frigates under Project 17A.

⭐ Design and Construction

• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau.

• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

⭐ Delivery Status

• It is the fifth Project 17A frigate delivered to the Indian Navy.

⭐ Legacy

• Revives the legacy of the earlier INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that served in

the Indian Navy.

⭐ Key Features

➤Propulsion System

• Uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.

• Equipped with both a diesel engine and a gas turbine.

• Features Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on each shaft.

• Supported by an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

➤Armament and Weapon Systems

• Equipped with BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles.

• Fitted with MF-STAR radar and MRSAM air defence system.

• Armed with a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.

• Includes 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems.

• Capable of deploying rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.