What are GLP-1 Drugs?

• GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone (incretin) released after food intake.
• It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, lipid metabolism, and appetite.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists are synthetic drugs that mimic this hormone, binding to its receptors to activate similar physiological responses.
• These drugs are mainly injectables, though oral versions are under development.
• Examples: Two leading GLP-1 drugs are:
  • Semaglutide (by Novo Nordisk)
  • Tirzepatide (by Eli Lilly)
• Both have been introduced in India and are transforming obesity and diabetes treatment.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

• These drugs act by:
  • Increasing insulin secretion when glucose is high.
  • Inhibiting glucagon release, reducing liver glucose output.
  • Slowing gastric emptying, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.
  • Suppressing appetite, making the person feel full sooner.
• Tirzepatide additionally mimics GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) for dual action.

Genesis and Development

• Though incretins were first discussed in 1906, their potential was recognised only after insulin's discovery in 1921.
• The hormone GLP-1 was isolated in 1986.
• Initial trials in the 1990s showed promising results, but the hormone was unstable.
• Novo Nordisk developed liraglutide (daily injectable) and later semaglutide (weekly), which had greater weight loss efficacy and fewer side effects when doses were carefully adjusted.

What is Statistics Day?

• Statistics Day is celebrated annually on 29th June to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a pioneering Indian statistician and planner.
• The day aims to create awareness, especially among the youth, about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and evidence-based policymaking.
• Theme of Statistics Day 2025: “75 Years of National Sample Survey”
• It highlights the long-standing contribution of the National Sample Survey (NSS) in providing reliable, timely, and large-scale socio-economic data essential for governance and national development.
• Organised by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

About Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis

• Birth: 29 June 1893
• Known as the Father of Indian Statistics.
• Creator of Mahalanobis Distance – a key statistical metric for multivariate data analysis.
• Founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931.
• Established the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950.
• Member of India’s First Planning Commission, contributed to Five-Year Plans.
• Awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to science and statistics.
• Advocate of data-based governance and

Other Important Facts

• National Statistics Day was first celebrated in
• World Statistics Day is observed by the United Nations every five years on 20th October.

What is DNA?

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the hereditary material found in almost all human cells – blood, skin, bone, teeth, etc.
• Humans have 46 chromosomes:
  • 23 inherited from the father (via sperm)
  • 23 inherited from the mother (via egg)
• Genes within chromosomes determine physical traits and biological identity.

DNA Polymorphisms

• DNA polymorphisms are variations in DNA sequences unique to individuals.
• Useful for:
  • Parentage identification
  • Genetic lineage tracing
  • Identity verification in Forensic Science
• Enable accurate matching between body samples and known relatives.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

• STRs are short, repeating sequences of DNA bases (e.g., GATCGATC).
• Each individual has a unique STR pattern, making them ideal for:
  • Criminal investigations
  • Forensic victim identification
  • Ancestry and paternity testing
• STRs are inherited, providing strong evidence for genetic relationships.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in DNA Amplification

• PCR is a technique to amplify small amounts of DNA for analysis.
• Steps involved:
  • DNA Extraction from bones, blood, or tissue
  • Denaturation (95°C): DNA strands are separated
  • Annealing (60°C): Primers bind to specific DNA sequences
  • Extension (72°C): DNA polymerase builds new strands
  • Cycling: Steps are repeated to create millions of DNA copies

DNA Fingerprinting

• A DNA fingerprinting is a unique genetic profile built using STR variations.
• Capillary Electrophoresis separates STR fragments based on size using electric current.
• Final output is a distinct DNA profile, unique to each person (except identical twins).
• Sources for DNA: blood, saliva, bone, teeth, skin cells, sweat, semen.

About Mahua

About Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt

• The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt is a region of ancient rock formations located on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Quebec, Canada.
• These rocks have been known for their exceptional age and unique geological features, making the region a critical site for studies of Earth’s early history.
• This makes them potentially the oldest known rocks on Earth, challenging earlier estimates and rivalling other ancient formations like the Acasta Gneiss Complex (∼4 billion years old).

Scientific Significance

• Researchers use radiometric dating, which tracks the decay of radioactive isotopes over time.
• Earth formed around 5 billion years ago, but most early rocks were destroyed or transformed due to tectonic activity and melting.
• Rocks older than 4 billion years are extremely rare and provide a window into the planet's earliest crust.
• The rock site lies on Inuit tribal land in Inukjuak, Nunavik.
• Due to environmental damage from earlier research and reports of rock samples being sold online, the local Inuit community has restricted further sampling.
• The community, led by the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, seeks to collaborate with scientists to create a provincial park to balance research and conservation.

What are Ultramafic Rocks?

• Ultramafic rocks are dark-colored igneous or meta-igneous rocks rich in Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and Iron Oxide (FeO), but low in Silica.
• They contain over 90% mafic minerals, and are poor in potassium.
• The Earth’s mantle is believed to be composed predominantly of ultramafic rock types.
• These rocks are commonly found in orogenic (mountain-forming) belts and can offer insights into mantle composition and deep Earth processes.

About Jellyfish:

• It is an ancient and resilient gelatinous zooplankton of the phylum Cnidaria.
• These are highly adaptable marine organisms with simple anatomy, stinging tentacles and efficient jet propulsion.
• Characteristics of Jellyfish
  • These are simple invertebrates, members of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes creatures such as sea anemones, sea whips, and corals.
  • The body parts of a jellyfish radiate from a central axis. This “radial symmetry” allows jellyfish to detect and respond to food or danger from any direction.
  • They are pretty simple, lack brains, blood, or even hearts.
  • They are composed of three layers: an outer layer, called the epidermis; a middle layer made of a thick, elastic, jelly-like substance called mesoglea; and an inner layer, called the gastrodermis.
  • Jellyfish have the ability to sting with their tentacles.
• Ecological Impact of Jellyfish
  • They play essential roles in marine food webs as both predators and prey.
  • Its populations can explode into dense “blooms” under favourable conditions — events increasingly driven by human-induced and environmental stressors.
  • These blooms disrupt marine ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, outcompeting native species and collapsing fish and invertebrate populations.
  • They also pose economic and operational challenges by clogging fishing nets, damaging aquaculture gear, blocking power plant intakes and affecting tourism.

About Silica Gel Desiccant:

• Silica gel desiccants are common moisture adsorbing agents used throughout many industries worldwide.
• The silica gel desiccant removes excess moisture from the air.
• Composition of Silica Gel Desiccant
  • It is made of silicon dioxide (like most sands or quartz) which is a hydrophilic or water-loving material.
  • Some variants of silica gel contain a moisture-sensitive dye. One particular variant is based on cobalt chloride.
• Working
  • The beads are porous on the nano-scale with pore sizes only 15 times larger than the radius of their atoms.
  • These pores have a capillary effect, meaning they condense and draw moisture into the bead similar to how trees transport water through the channelled structures in wood.
  • In addition, sponge-like porosity makes their surface area very large. A single gram of silica gel can have an area of up to 700 square metres.
• Application of Silica Gel Desiccant
  • It can be used in safeguarding sensitive and effective raw materials like electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, or precision instruments.
  • It is used as a drying agent in industrial gases, and dehydration processes
  • It is very useful in the control of moisture levels in the manufacturing, packaging, or storage of automotive parts and vehicles.
  • It prevents the formation of rust and corrosion.
  • It is uses in air conditioning systems i.e one can use silica gel in automotive air conditioning system to soak up excess moisture and keep your humidity levels at optimal levels.

About Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited:

• It is India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the maritime sector.
• It was formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited.
• SMFCL —a Mini Ratna, Category-I, Central Public Sector Enterprise—has been formally registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• As a sector-specific NBFC, SMFCL is uniquely poised to bridge financing gaps in the maritime sector and catalyse economic growth.
• Functions: The Corporation will offer tailored financial products—including short, medium, and long-term funding—to a diverse range of stakeholders such as port authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs, startups, and maritime educational institutions.
• It will also support strategic sectors like shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, and maritime education, further reinforcing India’s vision to emerge as a global maritime leader.
• It is set to provide a more focused and accessible financial ecosystem for India’s maritime growth, enabling projects that contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and national logistics efficiency.
• SMFCL is now positioned to play a transformative role in India’s maritime infrastructure development, in alignment with the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

About Sugamya Bharat App:

• It is a flagship initiative of the Government of India dedicated to enhancing accessibility for divyangjan and elderly citizens in India.
• It was launched in 2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Features of App
  • Users can easily upload geo-tagged photos of locations where accessibility barriers exist, enabling authorities to take prompt corrective action. 
  • It serves as an essential platform for citizens to report accessibility issues across public infrastructure, transportation, and information and communication technology (ICT) systems.
  • It is a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
  • It is revamped to AI-powered chatbot support to assist users in real time
  • Through this app one can get to know circulars and notifications about new initiatives related to accessibility
  • Integration of government schemes and other valuable resources for persons with disabilities.
  • It is available in 10 languages.
  • Only accessibility related issues pertaining to Buildings, Transportation System and ICT (websites and TV viewing) can be registered at Sugamya Bharat App. 

About Kharai camel:

• It is indigenous to Gujarat, derives its name from the local term “Khara,” meaning saline, reflecting its adaptability to both desert and coastal ecosystems.
• The Kharai is known for its rare ability to swim long distances and graze on mangroves.
• The camels swim long distances in the sea to reach its grazing areas, usually more than 3 km at a time even in deep waters.
• It has been preserved by the Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes for over 400 years
• These camels exist, primarily in Kutch, where they play a crucial role in local ecosystems, particularly in maintaining mangrove forests.
• Kharai camel milk is not only rich in nutrients but also has therapeutic properties.
• The milk contains antibodies that are similar to those found in human milk, making it easier to digest and beneficial for boosting the immune system.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Endangered
• Threats: The steadily decreasing mangroves because of heavy industrialisation along the coast have affected the traditional grazing routes.