Why in the News?
The Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, announced that the Indian Navy is setting up a detachment on Bitra Island, and the facility is almost completed. This will make Bitra the third island in Lakshadweep to host a defence establishment.
About Bitra Island
- Location: Northern Lakshadweep, Arabian Sea
- Smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep
- Land area: 0.105 sq. km
- Dimensions: Length â 0.57 km | Width â 0.28 km
- Lagoon area: 45.61 sq. km (significantly larger than the landmass)
- Population (2011): 271
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Key Features
- Cultural Significance: Hosts a shrine of Malik Mulla, an Arab saint believed to be buried there.
- Important pilgrimage site for locals across Lakshadweep.
- Ecology: Once covered with thick shrubs.
- Historically a major breeding ground for seabirds, which declined in the 19th century due to human interference.
- Climate: Similar to Kerala’s climate.
- Hottest months: MarchâMay
- Temperature: 25°C â 35°C
- Humidity: 70â76% throughout most of the year.
Strategic Importance
- Located in a key position in the Arabian Sea, critical for maritime security.
- Enhances surveillance over sea lanes close to Indiaâs western maritime frontier.
- Adds to Lakshadweepâs defence infrastructure:
- INS Dweeprakshak â Kavaratti
- INS Jatayu â Minicoy
- New Navy detachment â Bitra Island
Prelims Pointers
- Bitra = smallest inhabited island of Lakshadweep
- Features a shrine of Malik Mulla
- Large lagoon-to-land ratio
- Strategically vital for Indiaâs naval presence in the Arabian Sea
- Climate closely resembles Kerala
| Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the âTen Degree Channelâ? (2014)
(a) Andaman and NicobarÂ
(b) Nicobar and SumatraÂ
(c) Maldives and LakshadweepÂ
(d) Sumatra and Java |
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Why in the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidelines (Dec 1, 2025) supporting the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs as long-term treatment for obesity in adults, alongside diet and exercise.
These guidelines emphasise equitable access, affordability, and caution about long-term safety.
What are GLP-1 Drugs?
- GLP-1 = Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists
- Originally developed for type 2 diabetes
- Now widely used for medically supervised weight loss
- Examples: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Liraglutide
- Mechanism:
- Reduce appetite
- Slow gastric emptying
- Improve insulin sensitivity
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Key WHO Recommendations
Conditional approval for adults
- GLP-1 drugs may be used for long-term obesity management
- Excluded: pregnant women
- Reason for âconditionalâ status:
- Limited long-term efficacy & safety data
- Uncertainty about outcomes after discontinuation
- High cost and global inequity in access
Must be combined with lifestyle interventions
- Balanced diet + regular physical activity remain essential
- Drugs cannot replace behavioural changes
 Equity and affordability
- WHO urges:
- Generics development
- Insurance coverage
- Lower pricing
- Obesityâs global economic cost projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030
| A company marketing food product advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers? (2011)
1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.Â
2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils.Â
3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers.Â
(a) 1 only (c) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
A rare conservation incident unfolded at Yenakathala village, Vikarabad district (Telangana) where operations in a stone quarry were halted for 30+ days to protect five eggs of the endangered Rock Eagle Owl found in a rock crevice. The quarry is incurring âš1.2 lakh loss per day (âš35 lakh total) to ensure safe hatching. This has been hailed as a âmiracleâ rescue and an example of community-led wildlife protection.
About the Rock Eagle Owl (Indian Eagle-Owl) â Bubo bengalensis
- Also called Bengal Eagle-Owl
- Large horned owl species
- Habitat: Hilly scrub forests, cliffs, rock crevices
- Camouflage: Brown & grey plumage with a white throat patch
- Distribution: Throughout India
- IUCN Status: Least Concern globally, but population decreasing
- In India:
- Protected under Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- This places it at par with species like tigers and elephants in terms of legal protection
- Threats:
- Habitat loss
- Quarrying and mining
- Poaching (âš35â40 lakh per bird in black market)
- Superstitious killings
Important:
- Nesting sites are difficult to locate; nests are usually in rock niches and cliffs, not trees.
The species abandons the nest if touched by humans.
| In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ? (2017)
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.Â
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction.Â
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.Â
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context. |
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Why in the News?
Five traditional products from Tamil Nadu have received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, highlighting the Stateâs rich textile, agricultural, and handicraft heritage. With these additions, Tamil Nadu now has 74 GI-tagged products, one of the highest in India. Applications were filed by IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi on behalf of the concerned associations.
Newly Awarded GI Products (2025)
Woraiyur Cotton Sari
- Region: Woraiyur & Manamedu (Tiruchirappalli district)
- Material: Cotton yarn sourced from Coimbatore & Rajapalayam
- Dyes: From Jayamkondam
- Features:
- Light-weight, soft handloom cotton
- Known for intricate designs and distinct regional weaving patterns
- Significance: Represents age-old weaving traditions on the banks of the Cauvery River.
Kavindapadi Naatu Sakkarai (Jaggery Powder)
- Region: Kavindapadi, Erode district
- Raw Material: Sugarcane from fields irrigated by the Lower Bhavani Project canal
- Process:
- Mechanically crushed
- Cane juice slowly evaporated
- No chemical additives â retains natural minerals
- Importance: Major jaggery powder supplier for Tamil Nadu; valued for purity and aroma.
Thooyamalli Rice
- Meaning: âThooyaâ (pure) + âMalliâ (jasmine) â named for its fragrance
- Type: Traditional samba-season paddy, duration 135â140 days
- Application: Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board, supported by NABARD Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum
- Features:
- Long-duration rice variety
- High nutritional value
- Aromatic and suitable for traditional dishes
 Namakkal Makkal Pathirangal (Soapstone Cookware / Kalchatti)
- Region: Namakkal district
- Material: Soft soapstone carved into cooking vessels
- Cultural Roots: Used in South India for centuries; retains heat and enhances flavour
- GI History:
- First application by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts (Poompuhar) withdrawn (2019)
- Final successful application submitted in 2022 by:
- Namakkal Stone Products Manufacturers
- MSME Technology Development Centre â IP Facilitation Centre
 Ambasamudram Choppu Saman (Wooden Toys)
- Region: Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli district
- Tradition: Over 200 years old (origin in the 18th century)
- Craft: Handcrafted wooden miniature toys such as:
- Kitchen utensils
- Tables, chairs
- Household play items
- Wood Used:
- Manjal Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
- Teak
- Rosewood
- Significance: Traditional childrenâs play items that promote creativity and fine motor skills.
About GI (Geographical Indications)Â
- A GI tag is a sign used on products with a specific geographical origin, possessing qualities/ reputation due to that origin.
- Governed by:
- Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999
- Validity: 10 years, can be renewed
- Indiaâs first GI: Darjeeling Tea
|
| Which of the following has/have been accorded âGeographical Indicationâ status? (2015)
(1) Banaras Brocades and SareesÂ
(2) Rajasthani Daal-Bati-ChurmaÂ
(3) Tirupathi LadduÂ
Select the correct answer using the code given below.Â
(a) 1 onlyÂ
(b) 2 and 3 onlyÂ
(c) 1 and 3 onlyÂ
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
Assam Day was celebrated in New Delhi on 2 December 2025, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, paying tribute to Chaolung Sukapha, founder of the Ahom Kingdom and architect of âGreater Assam.â
About Chaolung Sukapha
- Founder of the Ahom Kingdom (established c. 1228 CE).
- Migrated from present-day Yunnan region (original Tai-Ahom lineage).
- Crossed the Patkai Hills to enter Assam.
- Known for integrating diverse communities through:
- Goodwill
- Empathy
- Just and inclusive administration
- Believed in winning the âhearts of peopleâ as the basis for stable governance.
- Sukapha is revered as the architect of âGreater Assam.â
- Sukapha Divas / Assam Day is celebrated on 2 December.
- First official celebration in 2016 at Charaideo, during Sonowalâs tenure as CM.
Ahom Kingdom
- Ruled Assam for nearly 600 years (1228â1826).
- Capital at various times: Charaideo, Sibsagar, Garhgaon, etc.
- Famous for:
- Efficient land revenue system (Paik system)
- Strong military organisation
- Architecture: Maidams (Ahom burial mounds)
- Successfully resisted Mughal expansion (Battle of Saraighat, 1671).
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| In the context of Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2021)
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.Â
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.Â
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Â
(a) 1 and 2Â
(b) 2 onlyÂ
(c) 2 and 3Â
(d) 3 only |
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