Daily Current Affairs Quiz: June 17, 2026

Notes:
Researchers recently identified a new species of lynx spider named Hamataliwa mawlyngot in Meghalaya. The species was discovered in the East Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya. The spider was named after Mawlyngot Village, where it was discovered. This discovery marks the first recorded presence of the lynx spider genus Hamataliwa in Meghalaya. Lynx spiders are agile hunters that do not build webs to trap prey. They actively stalk insects using sharp vision and quick movements.

Notes:
India will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 from 20 July to 7 August 2026 along with 18 other nations. Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is considered the flagship international flying exercise of the RAAF. The name “Pitch Black” comes from the emphasis on night-time flying operations over large unpopulated areas.

Notes:
A recent study on Crohn’s Disease mapped changes in gene activity across more than 50 gut cell types. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, but it usually affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The inflammation may spread into the deeper layers of the bowel. Crohn’s disease can be painful, debilitating, and may sometimes lead to serious complications.

Notes:
Researchers from Kerala recently identified a new bryophyte plant named Indocolea devendrae. The species was discovered in the forests of northern Kerala. It has been named in honour of Devendra Kumar Singh, a noted expert in non-flowering plants. A unique feature of this plant is that it grows on the mushroom Phellinus fastuosus found on tree trunks. Indocolea is an entirely new genus discovered in India. Bryophytes are simple, non-flowering plants that usually grow in moist environments.

Notes:
The Usutu virus was recently detected in blackbirds in Scotland for the first time. Usutu virus is a mosquito-borne virus that originally originated in Africa. The virus is mainly spread by Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Scientists were surprised by the detection because Scotland was previously considered too cold for the virus to thrive. The discovery was linked to the deaths of blackbirds showing symptoms such as weakness, disorientation, and twisted necks. The virus is named after the Usutu River, near where it was first identified in 1959.