1. What is Lycodon irwini?

Researchers have officially identified Lycodon irwini, a glossy black wolf snake species found on Great Nicobar Island.

About Lycodon irwini:

• A newly discovered snake species from the southern tip of the Nicobar Islands.

• Belongs to the Lycodon subcinctus group.

• Named in honour of Australian conservationist Steve Irwin.

• Previously misidentified due to its resemblance to a common related species.

• Known only from Great Nicobar so far.

• Features a uniform glossy-black colour, unlike similar snakes with white markings.

• Slender, nocturnal, and grows up to 1.2 metres.

• Has more belly and tail scales compared to related species.

Source: New wolf snake discovered on Great Nicobar Island, named after Steve Irwin

2. Key Facts about Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting, bone health, and heart health, yet is often overlooked.

About Vitamin K:

• A fat-soluble vitamin available in two forms: Vitamin K1 (in leafy greens) and Vitamin K2 (in animal and fermented foods).

• Vitamin K2 can also be produced by gut bacteria.

• Essential for producing proteins such as prothrombin (blood clotting) and osteocalcin (bone formation).

• Present in various organs including the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, and bones.

• Rapidly broken down and excreted, making toxicity rare.

Why deficiency is common today:

• Diets lacking greens and fermented foods.

• Overcooked vegetables reduce vitamin content.

• Long-term antibiotics, liver disease, and fat-absorption issues lower Vitamin K levels.

• Deficiency may cause excessive bleeding, weak bones, osteoporosis, and heart problems.

Source: Vitamin K: The unsung hero for blood, bones, and heart health. Here's check symptoms of its deficiency, causes, and how to prevent it

3. Key Facts about Dariya Bahadur Island

Eight people were recently booked for illegally entering Dariya Bahadur (Bhadragada) Island, a restricted area near Malpe, Udupi.

About the Island:

• Located in Udupi district, Karnataka; one of four islands near Malpe Beach.

• Also known as Lighthouse Island or Bhadragada Island.

• A small rocky island (approx. 1.6 sq. km).

• Home to the historic Daira Bahadurgarh Fort, built by Basavappa Naik of Bidanur.

• Local legend suggests the king’s treasure was buried here to evade Haider Ali’s invasion.

• Surroundings include an old tile factory and several temples.

Source: Case booked against 8 for entering restricted island

4. Kwar Hydroelectric Project

A recent truck fire inside a tunnel at the Kwar Hydro Power Project led to the safe rescue of several labourers.

About the Project:

• A 540 MW run-of-river hydropower project on the Chenab River, Kishtwar (J&K).

• Developed by CVPPL, a JV between NHPC (51%) and JKSPDC (49%).

• Expected to generate 1,975.54 million units annually (90% dependable year).

• The Centre is providing financial support for infrastructure and JKSPDC’s equity contribution.

Source: Truck catches fire in Kwar hydroelectric project tunnel

5. National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA)

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has announced the NGRA 2025 winners.

About NGRA:

• India’s highest honour in the livestock and dairy sector.

• Instituted under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in 2021.

• Rewards excellence among dairy farmers, cooperatives, milk companies, FPOs, and AI technicians.

Award categories:

• Best indigenous cattle/buffalo farmer

• Best DCS/MPC/FPO

• Best Artificial Insemination Technician

• Special award for North Eastern & Himalayan States

Prize:

• ₹5 lakh (1st), ₹3 lakh (2nd), ₹2 lakh (3rd), plus certificates and mementos.

Source: National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 announced; felicitation on November 26 during National Milk Day celebrations

6. Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT)

COP30 (Belem, Brazil) has launched the IFCCT, a new platform linking climate action with global trade.

About the Forum:

• A political forum enabling countries to discuss climate–trade intersections.

• Co-chaired by Brazil and a developed-country partner.

• Open to all UNFCCC Parties but independent of UNFCCC and WTO.

• Will not produce binding decisions or handle disputes.

• Will begin consultations through 2026 to define discussion topics.

• Aims to promote interoperability, reduce fragmentation, and include civil society & business groups.

Source: COP30 launches forum to navigate climate and trade tensions

7. United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to decide on ratifying the UN Cybercrime Convention.

About the Convention:

• Adopted by the UNGA in December 2024.

• First global legally binding treaty to strengthen worldwide cooperation against cybercrime.

• Enters into force after 40 countries ratify it.

• India has not yet signed.

• Developed by UNODC.

Key provisions:

• Addresses illegal access, hacking, ransomware, financial fraud, online child exploitation.

• Ensures data privacy & human rights safeguards.

• Enables cross-border sharing of electronic evidence.

• Establishes a 24/7 cooperation network.

• Recognises non-consensual sharing of intimate images as a crime.

Source: ‘Digital arrest’ scams: Supreme Court asks Centre to decide on ratifying UN cybercrime treaty, warns of ‘unusual orders’

8. Sentinel-6B Satellite

The Sentinel-6B ocean-monitoring satellite has been launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

About Sentinel-6B:

• A joint mission of NASA, NOAA, and European Space Agency.

• Tracks global sea-level rise and ocean conditions.

• Successor to Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich (2020).

• Orbits Earth at 7.2 km/sec, completing a revolution every 112 minutes.

• Covers 90% of oceans with high-precision sea level measurements (approx. 1 inch accuracy).

• Mission life: 5.5 years.

• Equipped with six scientific instruments and solar arrays.

Significance:

• Improves weather forecasts and flood predictions.

• Helps protect coastal communities and infrastructure.

Source: Sentinel-6B: new satellite to observe ocean

9. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR

The eighth edition of Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.

About the Exercise:

• A bilateral India–UK military exercise, held biennially since 2011.

• Indian Army is represented by the Sikh Regiment.

• Conducted under UN mandate, focusing on counter-terrorism in semi-urban terrain.

• Includes joint mission planning, integrated drills, simulations, and company-level operations.

• Strengthens interoperability, tactical skills, and shared commitment to regional security.

Source: INDIA–UK JOINT MILITARY TRAINING EXERCISE ‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’ COMMENCES IN RAJASTHAN

10. Adam Chini Rice

BHU scientists have enhanced the traditional Adam Chini Rice, improving its yield and resilience through mutagenesis.

About Adam Chini Rice:

• An aromatic black rice variety from Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi, Chandauli, Vindhya).

• Known for fragrance, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and sugar-crystal-like grains.

• Tall (165 cm), long-maturing (155 days), and low-yielding (20–23 q/ha).

• Holds a GI tag since 2023.

Improved traits:

• Shorter height (105 cm)

• Early maturity (120 days)

• Higher yield (30–35 q/ha)

• Retains its unique aroma, making it suitable for large-scale cultivation.

Source : BHU researchers revive timeless rice variety ‘Adam Chini’ with innovation