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Spardha Daily Brief (SDB) – 11 February 2026 | Daily Current Affairs for UPSC & PSC

Spardha Daily Brief - Feb 11, 2026
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Lyriothemis keralensis: The Slender Bombardier

Researchers have discovered a new Odonate species from the low-lying coastal regions of Kerala. Named Lyriothemis keralensis, this discovery marks a major addition to India's biodiversity.

Male Profile

Deep blood-red abdomen with black markings; uniquely shaped genital structures.

Female Profile

Displays yellow and black coloration; slightly broader than the male counterpart.

Ecological Significance: Dragonflies are vital Bioindicators. This species thrives in Agro-ecosystems like pineapple and rubber farms.
Occurrence
Seasonal (Monsoon Peak)
Habitat
Human-modified Landscapes
🚀

SCALP (Storm Shadow) Missile Deal

India-France: ₹3,200 Crore Deal

Air-Launched Precision

Operational Profile

SCALP is a long-range Cruise Missile designed for deep-strike capability. It uses a Tandem warhead to neutralize hardened bunkers.

  • • Range: ~250 km (Deep Strike)
  • • Weight: 1,300 kg / Turbojet Powered
  • • Precision: Terrain-referencing & GPS

Strategic Context

The missile was effectively used by the IAF during Operation Sindoor for precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure.

Infrared Seeker for High Precision
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Chandrayaan-4: Landing Site Identified

ISRO Targets Mons Mouton

A potential landing site for the sample return mission near the Moon's South Pole. Mons Mouton is a mountain ~6,000m high on the rim of the South Pole-Aitken Basin.

Environment

Near Permanently Shadowed Craters.

Resources

Extended sunlight exposure for long-term solar power.

👩‍💼

Women Entrepreneurship: Swavalambini

Student to Job Creator

Launched as a pilot by the Ministry of Skill Development, Swavalambini empowers 1,200 female students through structured training via NIESBUD and IIE.

21 Weeks of Intensive Mentorship & Mentoring Recognition under ATR initiative.

1,200
Target Students
600
EDP Participants

Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project

Largest Hydro Power Project in J&K

Located on the Chenab River in Ramban, this 1,856 MW Run-of-the-River project strengthens India's Indus Basin water utilisation strategy.

1,856 MW
Total Capacity
Dam: 192.5m Roller Compacted Concrete
Generation: ~8,000 Million Units (MU) Annually
Structure: 9 Underground Power Turbines
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Places & Environment

Eritrea (Horn of Africa)

Bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. A member of AU and COMESA. Recent tensions with Ethiopia over troop withdrawal.

Capital: Asmara Peak: Mt. Emba Soira

Peregrine Falcon Speed

Fastest bird on Earth. Siberian subspecies recently spotted in Australia. Apex predator regulating bird populations.

Dive Speed during Stoop: 300 km/h+
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Uttar Pradesh Budget Summary

₹9.12L Cr
Total Outlay
13.4%
GSDP Growth
3%
Fiscal Deficit
2.24%
Unemployment

Key Sector Funds

Energy Transition₹65,926 Cr
Roads & Bridges₹34,468 Cr
Rural Water Supply₹22,676 Cr

Milestones

  • UP produces 65% of India's mobile phones.
  • 6 crore people lifted from Multi-dimensional Poverty.
  • Vision: USD 1 Trillion GSDP by 2029.

Memory Flashcards

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Nature

Slender Bombardier discovery proves Kerala's coastal agro-biodiversity.

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Defense

SCALP Missile deal (₹3,200 Cr) targets deep-strike bunker penetration.

🛰️

Space

Mons Mouton: The 6,000m high lunar peak for Chandrayaan-4 landing.

🗳️

Growth

UP Budget (₹9.12L Cr) sets mobile manufacturing as a key priority.

"When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — Paulo Coelho

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