Current Affairs 10/02/2026
1. `Lyriothemis keralensis’ that was recently seen in news?
Answer : A new species of dragonfly
Lyriothemis keralensis: A Newly Identified Dragonfly Species
Lyriothemis keralensis is a new species of dragonfly recently identified by Indian researchers, drawing attention to India’s rich but still underexplored insect biodiversity. The species belongs to the family Libellulidae, commonly known as skimmers.
The dragonfly was discovered in Kerala, where it had been observed earlier but was mistakenly identified as a closely related species. Detailed morphological studies later confirmed it as a distinct species, leading to its formal recognition and scientific naming. The species name keralensis reflects its regional association with Kerala.
One of the notable aspects of Lyriothemis keralensis is its habitat preference. Unlike many dragonfly species that are largely confined to forest ecosystems, this species thrives in human-modified landscapes, such as agricultural fields, irrigation canals, and seasonal water bodies. This highlights the ecological importance of farmlands and semi-natural habitats in supporting biodiversity.
The discovery of Lyriothemis keralensis is significant for biodiversity documentation and conservation biology. It underscores the need for systematic surveys even in non-forest areas and emphasizes that new species can still be found in well-inhabited regions. The finding also strengthens the case for integrating biodiversity conservation into land-use planning beyond protected areas.
Overall, the identification of Lyriothemis keralensis adds to India’s growing list of odonate species and reinforces the country’s status as a global hotspot for insect diversity.
2. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is an Earth observation satellite mission developed by which space agency?
Answer : European Space Agency (ESA)
Copernicus Sentinel-2 Mission: Developed by the European Space Agency
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is an advanced Earth observation satellite programme developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the European Union’s Copernicus Programme. The mission consists of a pair of satellites—Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B—designed to provide high-resolution, multispectral imagery of Earth’s land surfaces.
Sentinel-2 satellites play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, offering detailed data for applications such as agriculture, forestry, land-use mapping, disaster management, water resource monitoring, and climate change studies. Equipped with a Multispectral Instrument (MSI), the satellites capture images in 13 spectral bands, enabling precise analysis of vegetation health, soil conditions, and surface changes.
Developed and operated by ESA, the Sentinel-2 mission supports evidence-based policymaking and scientific research by delivering free and open-access data to users worldwide. Its contribution significantly enhances Europe’s capacity for sustainable development, environmental protection, and global Earth system monitoring.
3. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) was established under which ministry?
Answer : Ministry of Earth Sciences
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous organization established under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. Headquartered in Hyderabad, INCOIS serves as a national hub for ocean data management, advisory services, and applied ocean research.
INCOIS plays a critical role in monitoring oceanographic conditions and translating complex marine data into user-friendly services. Its key responsibilities include providing ocean state forecasts, potential fishing zone (PFZ) advisories, and early warning systems for marine hazards, particularly tsunamis. INCOIS operates India’s Tsunami Early Warning Centre, which issues timely alerts to safeguard coastal populations in the Indian Ocean region.
The institution integrates data from satellites, ocean buoys, coastal radars, and numerical models to support sectors such as fisheries, shipping, offshore industries, coastal zone management, and climate research. It also contributes to international collaborations and regional ocean observing systems, strengthening India’s role in global ocean science initiatives.
Overall, INCOIS acts as a vital scientific and operational arm of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, enhancing India’s preparedness for ocean-related disasters while promoting the sustainable and informed use of marine and coastal resources.
4. Thwaites Glacier, that was recently seen in news, is located in which region?
Answer : Antarctica
Thwaites Glacier: The “Doomsday Glacier” of Antarctica
Thwaites Glacier is a massive glacier located in West Antarctica, and it has recently attracted global attention due to growing concerns over its rapid melting and potential impact on sea-level rise. Often referred to as the “Doomsday Glacier,” Thwaites is one of the most critical and unstable glaciers on the Antarctic continent.
The glacier spans an area roughly the size of Great Britain and drains a significant portion of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet into the Amundsen Sea. Scientists consider Thwaites particularly vulnerable because warm ocean currents are eroding it from below, weakening the ice shelf that helps hold the glacier in place.
If Thwaites Glacier were to collapse completely, it could contribute to a global sea-level rise of over 60 centimeters, and potentially trigger the destabilization of neighboring glaciers, leading to even greater long-term impacts. This makes it a focal point for international scientific research and climate monitoring.
Recent studies and expeditions have emphasized the urgency of understanding Thwaites’ behavior, as its future stability has serious implications for coastal communities, global climate systems, and long-term sea-level projections. The glacier’s condition serves as a stark indicator of the accelerating effects of climate change in Antarctica.
5. What is the name of the fellowship programme launched to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation in hydrogen technologies?
Answer : Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme
Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme
The Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme is a bilateral initiative launched to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation in hydrogen technologies, with a particular focus on green and clean hydrogen solutions. The programme is designed to promote knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and capacity building between the two countries in line with their shared commitments to clean energy transition and climate action.
Under this fellowship, selected Indian researchers, professionals, and policymakers receive opportunities for advanced training, research exposure, and institutional engagement in the Netherlands. Fellows work closely with Dutch universities, research institutes, innovation centres, and industry stakeholders, gaining practical insights into hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and end-use applications across sectors such as industry, mobility, and power generation.
The programme complements India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and leverages the Netherlands’ expertise as a global leader in hydrogen infrastructure and energy innovation. By facilitating long-term academic and industrial partnerships, the fellowship aims to accelerate technology development, skill enhancement, and policy alignment between the two nations.
Overall, the Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme represents a strategic step toward fostering international collaboration in clean energy, supporting sustainable development goals and advancing the global hydrogen economy.
6. Which are the theme states for the Surajkund International Crafts Fair 2026?
Answer : Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya
Surajkund International Crafts Fair 2026: Theme States Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya
The Surajkund International Crafts Fair 2026, one of India’s most prominent celebrations of traditional arts and crafts, has selected Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya as its theme states. The fair, held annually at Surajkund in Haryana, serves as a global platform for artisans, craftsmen, and cultural performers from India and abroad.
As theme states, Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are given special prominence through curated pavilions, live craft demonstrations, folk performances, and traditional cuisine. Uttar Pradesh showcases its rich legacy of handicrafts such as chikankari embroidery, brassware, wood carving, terracotta, and handloom textiles, reflecting centuries of artistic excellence rooted in the Indo-Gangetic cultural tradition.
Meghalaya, representing India’s northeastern cultural heritage, highlights its indigenous crafts, bamboo and cane products, handwoven textiles, tribal jewelry, and folk music and dance forms. The state’s participation emphasizes sustainable craftsmanship and the close relationship between nature, community, and traditional knowledge systems.
By choosing Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya as theme states, the Surajkund International Crafts Fair 2026 underscores India’s cultural diversity and promotes inclusive cultural exchange, artisan livelihoods, and the preservation of traditional skills. The event continues to strengthen India’s soft power by blending heritage, creativity, and global engagement on a single platform.
7. Which port became the first major port in India to deploy an advanced anti-drone system?
Answer : V.O. Chidambaranar Port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port: India’s First Major Port to Deploy an Advanced Anti-Drone System
V.O. Chidambaranar Port (formerly Tuticorin Port), located in Tamil Nadu, has become the first major port in India to deploy an advanced anti-drone system, marking a significant milestone in strengthening maritime security infrastructure.
The deployment of this state-of-the-art system is aimed at detecting, tracking, and neutralising unauthorised drones in and around the port area. With the increasing use of drones posing potential risks related to surveillance, smuggling, sabotage, and security breaches, the initiative enhances the port’s preparedness against emerging aerial threats.
As a strategically important port handling container cargo, bulk commodities, and industrial shipments, V.O. Chidambaranar Port plays a vital role in India’s maritime trade and coastal security. The introduction of the anti-drone system aligns with national efforts to modernise critical infrastructure and safeguard key economic assets.
This move sets a benchmark for other major ports in India, highlighting the growing emphasis on integrating advanced technologies into port security management.