1. New Marine Worm Species (Polychaetes)
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of marine polychaete wormsSegmented marine worms with parapodia (bristle-bearing appendages) used for movement and breathing. from the Nereididae family along the coast of West Bengal in the Bay of Bengal region.
Namalycastis solenotognatha
- Name Origin: Greek 'Solenotos' (channeled) + 'Gnatha' (jaw).
- Feature: Unique channeled jaw structure with multiple canals.
- Habitat: Sulfide-rich, foul-smelling mudflats and decomposing mangrove wood.
- Role: Breakdown of organic waste (detritus).
Nereis dhritiae
- Named after: Dhriti Banerjee (First woman Director of ZSI).
- Habitat: Inside wooden dock piles and sandy beaches.
- Tolerance: Can survive fluctuating salinity levels.
- Ecological Role: Indicator of estuarine health.
Ecological Note: These worms are benthic organismsOrganisms that live on, in, or near the bottom of a sea, river, or lake. that enhance bioturbationThe disturbance of sedimentary deposits by living organisms, which helps aeration. and sediment aeration.
2. Model Context Protocol (MCP)
The National Statistics Office (NSO) has launched the beta version of the MCP server integrated with the eSankhyiki portal. This is an open technical standard designed for interoperability between AI systems and structured datasets.
Significance
- Allows AI to connect directly to databases, local files, and APIs.
- Facilitates dynamic retrieval of contextual data by Large Language Models (LLMs).
- Enhances real-time analytics for government statistics.
eSankhyiki Portal Features
3. India’s First Indigenous Green Urea Plant
To be developed at the Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub in Andhra Pradesh. This project is a collaboration between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Assago Industries.
Objective
Produce Green UreaUrea produced using Green Hydrogen and renewable energy, instead of fossil fuels like natural gas. to reduce dependence on imported fertilizers and fossil fuels.
- Net Zero: Supports India's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- Employment: Expected to create 8,000 jobs.
- Policy: Aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
4. INS Arnala
Commissioned on June 18, 2026, into the Indian Navy. It is the first of eight indigenous ASW-SWCAnti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft: Small warships designed to hunt submarines in coastal/shallow waters. planned for induction.
Builder
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Name Origin
Named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.
Propulsion
Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination for high manoeuvrability in shallow waters.
Role
Underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and mine-laying.
5. Agni-3 Missile
Successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha) on Feb 6, 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | IRBMIntermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (Range: 3,000–5,500 km). |
| Range | 3,000 – 3,500 km |
| Fuel | Two-stage, solid-fuel |
| Significance | Nuclear delivery system; strengthens Credible Minimum DeterrenceA policy implying that India's nuclear arsenal is sufficient to deter attack, but not larger than necessary.. |
6. Reticulated Python
News: A 7.22m female found in Sulawesi is the longest measured snake.
- Sci Name: Malayopython reticulatus
- Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
- Habitat: SE Asia, Tropical forests.
- Trait: Non-venomous constrictor.
7. Places in News: Malaysia
Context: PM of India visited Malaysia.
- Split by South China Sea.
- Neighbors: Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia.
- Key Waterway: Strait of Malacca.
8. Trapdoor Spider (Titanidiops kolhapurensis)
New species discovered in the grasslands of Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
- Behavior: Builds camouflaged burrows; ambush predator.
- Threats: Habitat degradation and monoculture plantations.
- Significance: Indicator of grassland ecosystem stability.
9. GCC & India
Signed TOR for Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
10. BharatGen
India's first government-supported sovereign AI initiative.
Will complete text models in all 22 Scheduled Languages.
11. Anti-Drone System
V.O. Chidambaranar Port becomes the first Indian port to deploy this.
Includes RF detection, radar, and jammers.
12. SC Ruling on UP Contractual Teachers
The Supreme Court directed the UP government to pay ₹17,000 monthly (up from ₹7,000) to contractual teachers, stating that low pay for permanent-nature work amounts to 'Begar'Forced labour without payment, prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution..
Key Directions
- Pay ₹17,000/month w.e.f April 1, 2026.
- Continuous service > 10 years = Deemed Permanent.
- Honorarium must be revised every 3 years.
Facts to Remember
Polychaetes
New marine worms found in West Bengal: Namalycastis solenotognatha & Nereis dhritiae.
MCP Protocol
Standard for AI connecting to data/APIs. Launched with eSankhyiki portal.
Green Urea
India's first plant at Pudimadaka, AP. Uses Green Hydrogen & Ammonia.
Article 23
SC ruled indefinite low pay for teachers is 'Begar' (Forced Labour).
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