UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 February 2026
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 February 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1:
• The Splendour of the Hoysalas
The Splendour of the Hoysalas
GS Paper 3:
• Declining Naxalism in India
Declining Naxalism in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Demolishment
Operation Demolishment
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Satellite Phone
Satellite Phone
• The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Model
The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Model
• The International Energy Agency (IEA)
The International Energy Agency (IEA)
• New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026
New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026
• Galapagos giant tortoise reintroduction
Galapagos giant tortoise reintroduction
Mapping:
• Takeshima/Dokdo Islands
Takeshima/Dokdo Islands
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 February 2026
GS Paper 1 :
The Splendour of the Hoysalas
Source: TH
Context: In 2023, the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• In 2026, architectural enthusiasts and historians are increasingly focusing on the silent or overlooked Hoysala monuments in rural Karnataka, such as Koravangala and Doddagaddavalli.
About The Splendour of the Hoysalas:
What it is?
• The Hoysala Empire (11th–13th century) transformed the landscape of modern-day Karnataka into a canvas of Soapstone (Chloritic Schist).
• Their splendor lies in their ability to treat stone like sandalwood; they moved away from the austere styles of their predecessors to create the most ornate, intricate, and high-relief carvings in Indian history.
Important Hoysala Temples:
• Halebidu (Hoysaleshwara Temple)
• History: Constructed around 1121 CE by Ketamalla, an official of King Vishnuvardhana, it was the capital city’s (Dorasamudra) crowning achievement.
• Key Features: Dvikuta Plan: It consists of two identical temples side-by-side, dedicated to Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara. The Friezes: The outer walls contain miles of continuous carvings depicting elephants (strength), lions (courage), and floral scrolls. Nandi Pavilions: Features two massive monolithic Nandi statues housed in open-pillared pavilions. The Dark Polish: The interior pillars are so finely lathed they possess a metallic, mirror-like sheen.
• Dvikuta Plan: It consists of two identical temples side-by-side, dedicated to Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara.
• The Friezes: The outer walls contain miles of continuous carvings depicting elephants (strength), lions (courage), and floral scrolls.
• Nandi Pavilions: Features two massive monolithic Nandi statues housed in open-pillared pavilions.
• The Dark Polish: The interior pillars are so finely lathed they possess a metallic, mirror-like sheen.
• Belur (Chennakeshava Temple)
• History: Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE to commemorate his victory over the Cholas at Talakadu.
• Key Features: The Madanikas: Famous for 42 Salabhanjika (bracket figures) depicting celestial dancers in incredibly detailed poses. Star-Shaped Platform (Jagati): The temple sits on a raised platform that follows the jagged contours of the shrine, providing a walkway for circumambulation. Gravity Pillar: Features a 42-foot high monolithic pillar in the courtyard that stands on its own weight without a foundation. Detailed Intricacy: The Narasimha Pillar once could be rotated because of the precision of the stone ball-bearings used by the artisans.
• The Madanikas: Famous for 42 Salabhanjika (bracket figures) depicting celestial dancers in incredibly detailed poses.
• Star-Shaped Platform (Jagati): The temple sits on a raised platform that follows the jagged contours of the shrine, providing a walkway for circumambulation.
• Gravity Pillar: Features a 42-foot high monolithic pillar in the courtyard that stands on its own weight without a foundation.
• Detailed Intricacy: The Narasimha Pillar once could be rotated because of the precision of the stone ball-bearings used by the artisans.
• The Silent Sites (Overlooked Jewels)
• Lakshmidevi Temple, Doddagaddavalli: One of the earliest Hoysala temples (1114 CE) featuring a Chatuskuta (four-shrine) plan. Notable for its Mahakali shrine guarded by skeletal Betalas (ghouls).
• One of the earliest Hoysala temples (1114 CE) featuring a Chatuskuta (four-shrine) plan.
• Notable for its Mahakali shrine guarded by skeletal Betalas (ghouls).
• Bucheshwara Temple, Koravangala: A grand Dvikuta temple where the carvings represent the transition into the peak Hoysala style.
• A grand Dvikuta temple where the carvings represent the transition into the peak Hoysala style.
• Hulikere Kalyani: A magnificent stepwell featuring 12 shrines with towers (shikharas) and 14 without, symbolizing the zodiac and lunar mansions.
• A magnificent stepwell featuring 12 shrines with towers (shikharas) and 14 without, symbolizing the zodiac and lunar mansions.
Key Characteristics of Hoysala Architecture:
• Star-Shaped (Stellate) Plan: Most temples are built on a Jagati that follows a complex star-shaped layout, providing more wall space for carvings.
• Horizontal Friezes: The base of the temple consists of multiple horizontal layers (friezes) depicting elephants (strength), lions (courage), horses (speed), and floral motifs.
• Lathe-Turned Pillars: The interior halls (Mantapas) feature circular, polished pillars that reflect light beautifully.
• Soapstone Mastery: The use of soft Chloritic Schist allowed artisans to carve three-dimensional jewelry, lace, and fingernails on stone statues.
• Perforated Stone Screens (Jalis): Used in the walls of the Mantapa to provide filtered light and ventilation while maintaining privacy.
Significance of Hoysala Heritage:
• Artistic Zenith: Represents the pinnacle of Indian medieval sculpture, where stone was treated with the delicacy of wood.
• Religious Synthesis: The coexistence of Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Basadis reflects a period of great religious harmony and tolerance.
• Hydraulic Engineering: Sites like the Hulikere Kalyani demonstrate advanced medieval water conservation and sacred landscape planning.
• Socio-Economic History: Inscriptions on these temples provide deep insights into the roles of merchants, women, and artists in medieval Karnataka.
Conclusion:
The Hoysala legacy is more than just the grand monuments of Belur and Halebidu; it is an intricate network of rural shrines that whisper the stories of a masterful civilization. Preserving these silent wonders is essential for understanding the full spectrum of Indian temple architecture. Their stone tapestries remain a testament to a time when devotion and art were indistinguishable.
Q. How did the Chalukyas of Badami influence temple architecture in peninsular India? Examine the key features of their hybrid style. Assess how their architectural legacy shaped later dynasties like the Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas. (15 M)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 February 2026 GS Paper 3:
Declining Naxalism in India
Source: IE
Subject: Naxalism
Context: The surrender of Thippiri Tirupathi (alias Devuji), a top-ranking Maoist leader with a ₹1 crore bounty, marks a historic unravelling of the CPI (Maoist) leadership.
• This event, combined with the death of over 500 cadres since 2024, signals the potential endgame for the decades-old insurgency ahead of the government’s March 31 deadline.
About Declining Naxalism in India:
What it is?
• Naxalism, or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), is an armed Maoist insurgency that seeks to overthrow the state through guerrilla warfare. For decades, it was described as India’s greatest internal security threat.
• However, it is now in a state of terminal decline, transitioning from a Red Corridor that once spanned ten states to isolated pockets in the Bastar region and the Jharkhand-Bihar border.
Key Statistics & Data:
• Leadership Attrition: The Maoist Politburo is down to one active member (Misir Besra) from a peak of nearly 50 central committee members.
• Neutralization Rate: Security forces killed 285 Maoists in 2025 and have neutralized 22 in the first two months of 2026.
• Total Casualties: More than 500 Maoists have been killed in operations since the beginning of 2024.
• Shrinking Footprint: LWE-affected districts have reduced from over 100 a decade ago to just a few highly active clusters today.
• Loss of Symbols: Over 100 Maoist memorials have been demolished by security forces to erase the insurgency’s physical and psychological dominance.
Reasons for the Decline:
• Leadership Crisis: The core Telugu leadership that steered the movement for decades has been decimated by surrenders and deaths.
E.g. The surrender of Devuji and strategist Sonu (2025) has left the rank-and-file without ideological or tactical guidance.
• Aggressive Security Posture: The Greyhounds of Telangana and the COBRA units have shifted from defensive to proactive offensive operations.
E.g. The 2024-25 surge in neutralizations shows security forces are now entering no-go zones in South Bastar.
• Vacuum in Ideology: Modern tribal youth are more interested in digital connectivity and jobs than the Maoist People’s War ideology.
E.g. The lack of new, young recruits from Telangana/Andhra has forced the party to rely on lower-rung, less-educated militia.
• Infrastructural Penetration: The construction of roads and mobile towers in remote forests has broken the Maoists’ geographical advantage.
E.g. The Road Requirement Plan (RRP) in Sukma and Bijapur has allowed security forces to reach ambush points within minutes rather than days.
• Enhanced Intelligence: Real-time drone surveillance and technical intelligence have made it impossible for large Maoist Platoons to move undetected.
E.g. The pinpoint precision of the May 2025 operation that killed Nambala Keshav Rao highlights superior technical tracking.
Key Initiatives Taken:
• Operation SAMADHAN: A comprehensive strategy focusing on Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation, Actionable Intelligence, and Dashboard-based KPIs.
• Aspirational Districts Programme: Focused development in 35 LWE-hit districts to improve healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
• ROSHNI Scheme: A special placement-linked skill development initiative specifically targeting tribal youth in LWE-affected areas.
• Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy: Offering high cash incentives (e.g., ₹1 crore for top leaders) and land to encourage insurgents to join the mainstream.
Remaining Challenges:
• Hardened Pockets: Small, elusive units continue to hold out in the densest Abujhmad forests where terrain favors the guerrilla.
E.g. Continued sporadic ambushes in Bastar prove that while the army is gone, snipers remain active.
• Inter-State Coordination: Maoists often jump across state borders (e.g., Odisha-Chhattisgarh) to exploit jurisdictional gaps.
E.g. Leaders like Misir Besra remain active by moving between the difficult terrains of Jharkhand and Bihar.
• Governance Deficit: In the most remote hamlets, the delivery of basic services like clean water and healthcare still lags.
E.g. Maoists still exploit local grievances in Sukma regarding land rights and forest produce pricing.
• Overground Fronts: Intellectual support groups and frontal organizations still provide a legal and logistical smokescreen.
E.g. Intelligence reports suggest that even as leaders surrender, urban networks still try to radicalize university students.
• Weaponry and IEDs: The use of sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remains a low-cost, high-casualty tool for insurgents.
E.g. The frequent IED blasts targeting security convoys in Dantewada show their ability to disrupt peace despite low manpower.
Way Ahead:
• Sustaining Development: Ensure that the surrender of the insurgency is followed by the arrival of the state through permanent schools and hospitals.
• Tribal Language Outreach: Use local Gondi and Halbi languages for government communication to counter Maoist propaganda.
• Strengthening Local Police: Gradually replace Central Forces (CRPF) with local police who have better human intelligence and cultural ties.
• Focus on Mine Protected Vehicles (MPVs): Invest in better technology to safeguard troops against IEDs during the final stages of the clearance.
• Border Sealing: Use satellite mapping to monitor movements across the Tri-junction borders of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
Conclusion:
The unravelling of the CPI (Maoist) leadership signals that the movement has lost its strategic depth and ideological fire. While lone-wolf attacks may persist, the era of organized Maoist insurgency in India is effectively reaching its twilight. The challenge now lies in ensuring that development reaches the last mile to prevent any future resurgence of extremism.
Q. “The state has succeeded in degrading Naxalism’s armed capacity, but has not fully resolved the structural anxieties that first made insurgency thinkable”. Discuss. (15 M)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 February 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Demolishment
Context: Security forces have demolished over 200 Naxal-linked memorials and monuments in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh under Operation Demolishment, marking a new phase in anti-Naxal operations.
About Operation Demolishment:
What it is?
• Operation Demolishment is a counter-insurgency initiative focused on dismantling memorials and monuments allegedly built by Naxal groups to glorify their leaders and spread extremist ideology.
Launched by:
• Conducted by Indian security forces in coordination with state police and counter-insurgency agencies.
• Implemented mainly in Naxal-affected states like Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra as part of intensified anti-LWE operations.
Key Features:
• Ideological targeting strategy: Focuses on removing symbols and sites used by Naxal groups for propaganda, commemorative gatherings and recruitment influence.
• Integrated counter-insurgency approach: Runs parallel to armed operations against cadres, aiming to weaken both physical networks and psychological support structures.
Significance:
• Weakening extremist influence: By dismantling memorials, authorities aim to reduce ideological attraction among local youth and vulnerable communities.
• Shift toward holistic counter-insurgency: Represents a transition from purely military operations to targeting the narrative and social base sustaining Naxalism.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 3 – Internal Security
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism Role of external and internal state and non-state actors Challenges to internal security through Left-Wing Extremism
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism
• Role of external and internal state and non-state actors
• Challenges to internal security through Left-Wing Extremism
• GS Paper 2 – Governance
• Government policies and interventions for vulnerable regions Issues related to development and administration in tribal areas
• Government policies and interventions for vulnerable regions
• Issues related to development and administration in tribal areas
• Essay / Ethics
• Balancing security and development Counter-radicalisation and social integration
• Balancing security and development
• Counter-radicalisation and social integration
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –23 February 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Satellite Phone
Source: TH
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Security agencies have flagged the illegal use of undeclared satellite communication devices by vessels in Indian waters, citing national security concerns.
About Satellite Phone:
What is a Satellite Phone?
• A satellite phone (satphone) is a communication device that connects directly to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial mobile towers, enabling communication in remote or off-grid areas such as oceans, deserts, and disaster zones.
How Does It Work?
• The phone sends signals to a satellite in orbit, which relays them to ground stations or other users.
• Communication occurs through either Geostationary (GEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems.
• It requires a clear line-of-sight to the sky for effective transmission.
Key Features:
• Global/Remote Coverage: Works where cellular networks are unavailable (oceans, mountains, polar regions).
• Reliable Emergency Communication: Widely used for distress and safety operations (e.g., maritime GMDSS).
• Basic Functions: Voice calls, SMS, and limited data services.
• Resilience: Functions even during natural disasters when terrestrial networks fail.
• Hybrid Devices: Some modern models combine cellular + satellite connectivity.
Limitations:
• High Cost: Expensive devices and high per-minute call charges.
• Limited Data Speed: Mostly suited for voice/text; not high-speed internet.
• Line-of-Sight Requirement: Poor performance indoors or in dense terrain.
• Signal Delay: GEO satellites cause noticeable communication lag.
• Security Concerns: Difficult monitoring and tracing in certain regions, leading to regulatory restrictions.
The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Model
Source: TH
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently removed the ALARA principle from its radiation safety directives, marking a major shift in nuclear safety policy.
• This move has triggered global debate because international bodies still rely on the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model as the foundation of radiation protection standards.
About The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Model:
What is it?
• The LNT model is a risk assessment framework used to estimate the health risks of ionizing radiation. It posits that there is no safe level of radiation; even the smallest dose carries a statistical risk of causing biological damage or cancer.
Origin: The concept emerged in the late 1920s following Hermann Muller’s research on radiation-induced mutations in fruit flies. It was formally adopted by the ICRP in the 1950s and 60s as a cautious approach during the Cold War.
Aim: Its primary goal is to provide a precautionary baseline for regulatory standards, ensuring that public health is protected even when scientific data on very low doses is uncertain.
Mechanism and Features:
• Linearity: The risk of harm (specifically stochastic effects like cancer) increases in direct proportion to the dose received.
• Zero-Threshold: Unlike many toxins, there is no floor or threshold below which radiation is considered harmless.
• Cumulative Risk: It assumes that the biological impact of small doses over time adds up, rather than the body fully repairing all damage.
About The ALARA Principle:
Definition:
• ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. It is the operational wing of the LNT model. Since LNT says any radiation is risky, ALARA mandates that we shouldn’t just meet a legal limit, but should strive to keep exposure as low as possible, provided it is practical and cost-effective.
Key Features:
• The Reasonable Balance: It requires a trade-off between safety gains and socio-economic costs. If a safety measure costs millions to save a negligible fraction of a dose, it might not be reasonably achievable.
• Three Pillars of Protection: Time: Spending less time near a source. Distance: Increasing the space between the worker and the source. Shielding: Using barriers like lead or concrete.
• Time: Spending less time near a source.
• Distance: Increasing the space between the worker and the source.
• Shielding: Using barriers like lead or concrete.
• Continuous Improvement: It fosters a safety culture where facilities constantly seek better engineering controls and training.
The International Energy Agency (IEA)
Source: IE
Subject: International Organisation
Context: The International Energy Agency (IEA) ministerial meeting in Paris signalled that India’s bid for full membership has entered its final stages.
About The International Energy Agency (IEA):
What is the IEA?
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation that works to ensure global energy security, reliable energy data, and sustainable energy policies.
• It acts as a major global platform for energy analysis, policy guidance, and emergency energy cooperation.
Established In: 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis (Arab oil embargo).
Headquarters: Paris, France.
Aim: To help industrialized nations coordinate a collective response to major oil supply disruptions and ensure energy security.
Membership Structure:
• Full Members: Currently 33 countries (Colombia was inducted as the 33rd member in February 2026). Historically, a country must be a member of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) to join.
• Historically, a country must be a member of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) to join.
• Association Countries: 13 countries, including India, China, Brazil, and South Africa. These countries participate in discussions but lack decision-making rights.
Key Functions:
• Energy Security: Maintains a Strategic Petroleum Reserve mechanism where members must hold oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports.
• Data & Analysis: Publishes the World Energy Outlook and the Monthly Oil Market Report, considered the gold standard for energy statistics.
• Energy Transition: Leads global efforts on climate change, renewables, and decarbonization through the Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.
• Critical Minerals: Recently launched a program to secure supply chains for minerals (lithium, cobalt) essential for clean energy.
India and the IEA:
• Timeline: India became an Associate Member in 2017 and signed a Strategic Partnership in 2021.
• The October 2023 Request: India formally applied for full membership to have a seat at the table in global energy decision-making.
• The OECD Hurdle: India is not a member of the OECD and has no immediate plans to join. For India to become a full member, the IEA must amend its 1974 founding charter—a move the IEA leadership and major members now support to reflect India’s status as the world’s 3rd largest energy consumer.
• India is not a member of the OECD and has no immediate plans to join.
• For India to become a full member, the IEA must amend its 1974 founding charter—a move the IEA leadership and major members now support to reflect India’s status as the world’s 3rd largest energy consumer.
New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026
Source: PIB
Subject: Science and Technology/International Relations
Context: The AI Impact Summit concluded in New Delhi with 89 countries and international organizations endorsing the New Delhi Declaration.
• This landmark agreement establishes a global framework for “AI for All,” focusing on equitable access, ethical governance, and social empowerment.
About New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026:
What it is?
• The New Delhi Declaration is a comprehensive, multi-nation consensus document aimed at governing the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence.
• Grounded in the philosophy of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all), it serves as a non-binding roadmap for international AI cooperation.
Aim: The declaration seeks to bridge the AI Divide by ensuring that foundational AI resources, such as computing power and data, are not concentrated in a few nations but are democratized for global economic growth and social good.
Key Features of the Declaration:
• Seven Pillars (Chakras) Framework: Built around seven pillars including democratizing AI resources, secure AI, human capital development, AI for science, and resilient AI systems.
• Global Collaborative Platforms: Launch of initiatives like Global AI Impact Commons, Trusted AI Commons, and AI for Social Empowerment Platform to enable shared learning and innovation. Global AI Impact Commons A voluntary global platform designed to help countries share and replicate successful AI solutions. It enables adoption and scaling of proven AI use-cases across regions to maximize development impact. Trusted AI Commons A voluntary, non-binding collaborative repository that brings together AI tools, benchmarks, technical resources, and best practices. It helps stakeholders build secure and trustworthy AI systems adaptable to different national contexts. International Network of AI for Science Institutions A voluntary collaborative network connecting scientific institutions worldwide to pool AI research infrastructure and expertise. Its objective is to accelerate scientific innovation through AI-enabled research collaboration across countries.
• Global AI Impact Commons A voluntary global platform designed to help countries share and replicate successful AI solutions. It enables adoption and scaling of proven AI use-cases across regions to maximize development impact.
• A voluntary global platform designed to help countries share and replicate successful AI solutions.
• It enables adoption and scaling of proven AI use-cases across regions to maximize development impact.
• Trusted AI Commons A voluntary, non-binding collaborative repository that brings together AI tools, benchmarks, technical resources, and best practices. It helps stakeholders build secure and trustworthy AI systems adaptable to different national contexts.
• A voluntary, non-binding collaborative repository that brings together AI tools, benchmarks, technical resources, and best practices.
• It helps stakeholders build secure and trustworthy AI systems adaptable to different national contexts.
• International Network of AI for Science Institutions A voluntary collaborative network connecting scientific institutions worldwide to pool AI research infrastructure and expertise. Its objective is to accelerate scientific innovation through AI-enabled research collaboration across countries.
• A voluntary collaborative network connecting scientific institutions worldwide to pool AI research infrastructure and expertise.
• Its objective is to accelerate scientific innovation through AI-enabled research collaboration across countries.
• Democratic Diffusion of AI Charter: Promotes affordable access to foundational AI resources and supports locally relevant innovation ecosystems.
• Focus on Trusted & Secure AI: Encourages voluntary technical standards, benchmarks, and best practices for safe AI deployment.
• Human Capital & Reskilling: Introduces AI workforce development playbook and guiding principles for reskilling in an AI-driven economy.
• Energy-efficient & Resilient AI: Emphasizes sustainable AI infrastructure and efficient systems to reduce energy and resource pressures.
• Multistakeholder & Sovereignty-based Approach: Balances global cooperation with respect for national laws and policy frameworks.
Significance:
• Global Governance Milestone: Represents one of the largest multilateral consensuses on AI, with 89 countries aligning on shared AI principles.
• India’s Leadership in AI Diplomacy: Positions India as a key voice shaping inclusive AI governance through the philosophy of Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya.
Galapagos giant tortoise reintroduction
Source: BBC
Subject: Species in News
Context: The Galapagos National Park released 158 hybrid giant tortoises onto Floreana Island to help restore its delicate ecosystem.
• These juvenile tortoises carry significant DNA from the Chelonoidis niger, a species that had been considered extinct for 150 years.
About Galapagos giant tortoise reintroduction:
About The Galapagos Islands:
What it is?
• The Galapagos is an extraordinary volcanic archipelago consisting of 19 main islands and over 100 islets.
Location: Situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) west of the Ecuadorian coast.
Geological Origins: Formed by volcanic activity at the confluence of three tectonic plates (Nazca, Cocos, and Pacific).
Key Features:
• Evolutionary Hub: Known as a living museum of evolution, it famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
• Endemic Species: Home to species found nowhere else, including marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the iconic giant tortoises.
• UNESCO Heritage: Designated as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1978 for its unique biodiversity.
About Hybrid Giant Tortoises:
What it is?
• These are tortoises with mixed ancestry. While the original Floreana species (Chelonoidis niger) was hunted to extinction by the mid-19th century, scientists discovered hybrid descendants on Wolf Volcano (Isabela Island).
IUCN Status:
• Extinct in the Wild (Parent Species): The pure Chelonoidis niger is technically extinct.
• Conservation Status: The genus Chelonoidis as a whole is generally classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
• Conservation Goal: Through a selective breeding program, these hybrids (carrying 40%–80% original DNA) are being used to resuscitate the ecological role of the extinct species.
Key Characteristics:
• Ecological Engineers: They shape the landscape by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and creating wallows that serve as micro-habitats for other animals.
• Saddlebacked Carapace: Unlike the dome-shaped shells of some other islands, Floreana-descended tortoises often have saddlebacked shells, an adaptation that allows them to lift their necks higher to reach tall cacti.
• Longevity & Resilience: Released between ages 8 and 13, these tortoises are large enough to survive potential threats from introduced rats and cats. They can live for over 100 years.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 February 2026 Mapping:
Takeshima/Dokdo Islands
Source: FP
Context: South Korea lodged a firm diplomatic protest against Japan’s Takeshima Day, an annual event held in Shimane Prefecture to assert sovereignty over the disputed islets.
About Takeshima/Dokdo Islands:
What it is?
• The territory is a cluster of small, rocky outcroppings located in the Sea of Japan (referred to as the East Sea by South Korea).
• Composition: It consists of two main volcanic islets—Dongdo (East Island) and Seodo (West Island)—along with roughly 30 to 90 smaller rocks and reefs.
• Geographical Position: The islands lie roughly equidistant between the two nations but are physically closer to the South Korean island of Ulleungdo (approx. 87 km) than to Japan’s Oki Islands (approx. 157 km).
• The islands lie roughly equidistant between the two nations but are physically closer to the South Korean island of Ulleungdo (approx. 87 km) than to Japan’s Oki Islands (approx. 157 km).
History and Origin:
• Ancient Records: South Korea traces its claim back to the 6th-century Silla Kingdom, citing various historical maps and documents (like the Sejong Sillok Jiriji) that describe the islets as part of Korean territory.
• 1905 Annexation: Japan officially incorporated the islands into Shimane Prefecture in 1905, declaring them terra nullius (nobody’s land) during the Russo-Japanese War. South Korea views this as an illegal act of colonial aggression.
• Post-WWII (1945-1954): Following Japan’s defeat in 1945, the islands were placed under Allied control. In 1954, South Korea established a permanent coast guard presence on the islands, effectively regaining control after the end of Japanese colonial rule.
Features:
• Terrain: Volcanic rocks formed in the Cenozoic era. They feature steep cliffs, numerous sea caves, and a harsh, humid climate.
• Fisheries: The surrounding waters are a Goldilocks zone where warm and cold ocean currents meet, creating one of the world’s most fertile fishing grounds for squid, pollock, and cod.
• Energy Potential: Recent geological surveys suggest the seabed may hold 600 million tons of gas hydrates (often called fire ice). This natural gas resource is estimated to be worth nearly billion annually, making the islands a strategic energy asset.
• This natural gas resource is estimated to be worth nearly billion annually, making the islands a strategic energy asset.
Current Status:
• De Facto Control: South Korea maintains effective control over the islands, with a small detachment of police, lighthouse keepers, and a handful of residents.
• Legal Stance: South Korea refuses to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that there is no dispute to settle as the islands are an integral part of their sovereign territory.
• Japan continues to claim the islands as an inherent part of its territory, hosting Takeshima Day every February 22nd.
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