In News <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDanish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk launched its weekly insulin shot(icodec) in India , making blood sugar control easier and more convenient for Indian diabetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historical Evolution of insulin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Prior to 1921, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) was almost universally fatal with treatment consisting of severe calorie restriction and fasting.\n
\n- Early insulin was derived from pig and cow pancreases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The structure of insulin was discovered in the 1960s. In the 1970s, recombinant DNA technology was developed that resulted in the production of insulin as recombinant human insulin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modern insulin analogues have been modified to improve absorption and to prolong duration of action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insulin’s function:\u00a0<\/strong>\n
\n- Type 1 diabetes:<\/strong> The body produces little or no insulin and therefore insulin injections are needed for life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type 2 diabetes:<\/strong> While many patients can be treated at first with oral medicines, about 25-30% will eventually require insulin therapy as the disease progresses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDo you know?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- There are around 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people with pre-diabetes in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eventually about 20-30% of patients with Type 2 diabetes will need insulin, so that\u2019s about 20 million potential users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At present, only about 6 million Indians are on insulin, so there is a lot of underutilisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Icodec\/Awiqli drug<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Insulin icodec is a genetically engineered insulin analogue (modified human insulin) that is engineered to stay active in the body for a much longer period of time than conventional insulin, allowing for once-weekly dosing instead of daily injections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is the world\u2019s first long-acting insulin shot that reduces the number of pricks to just one a week, from the current once daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It cuts the number of injections from 365 a year to just 52.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It will be sold under the brand name Awiqli for just Rs 261 per week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Advantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It enhances patient compliance with therapy by reducing the frequency of dosing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It Improves long term blood sugar (HbA1c) management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It may encourage earlier insulin initiation, reducing complications involving the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It can be safely combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists, helping to improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Adverse effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is the most common side effect of insulin icodec and affects about 1 in 10 patients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts say the risk is similar to daily conventional insulin injections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The hypoglycemia becomes more evident as the insulin brings down the previously high blood glucose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some of the oral diabetes medications may also cause hypoglycemia . This is less noticeable when blood sugar levels are still very high .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :IE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nOperation Amistad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus:GS2\/IR\/GS3\/Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOperation Amistad has concluded successfully with the return of the Indian contingent to New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operation Amistad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It is\u00a0 India\u2019s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Highlights <\/strong>\u00a0: Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carried a 41-member contingent from the Indian Army\u2019s 60 Para Field Hospital Unit to Venezuela. It comprised surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, dental and other physicians, paramedical staff and support personnel.\n
\n- It also included two BHISHM Cubes, which are state-of-the-art modular and portable mobile mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response, 6 tons of essential medicines and medical equipment, and 30 tons of emergency relief supplies, including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers, and generator sets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
India\u2019s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) paradigm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It is backed by a robust policy and institutional architecture that ensures coordinated, timely and credible responses to humanitarian crises both at home and abroad through a whole-of-government approach combining diplomacy, defence, disaster management and public health.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- International HADR operations are regulated by\u00a0 the Prime Minister\u2019s 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction and NDMA\u2019s International HADR Guidelines (October 2024).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These guidelines institutionalise overseas disaster response based on principles of respect for sovereignty, respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct, in line with the UNDRR Gender Action Plan (2024) to promote inclusive humanitarian action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0They also recognise the Indian Armed Forces as enablers of rapid response and assign them critical roles in strategic airlift, logistics, medical support, evacuation, engineering assistance and use of advanced technologies such as drones and AI-enabled forecasting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Major International HADR Operations\/Evacuation \/ Relief Operations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- India has emerged as a dependable first responder in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, guided by the principles of \u201cVasudhaiva Kutumbakam\u201d and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0India provides humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, evacuation, medical aid and reconstruction support to the global community through the joint efforts of the Army, Navy and Air Force.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The induction of INS Sunayna as IOS SAGAR (2025) with personnel from Indian Ocean countries is a reflection of India\u2019s commitment towards collective maritime security, regional cooperation and capacity building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India\u2019s major HADR operations include\n
\n- \u00a0Operation Maitri<\/strong> (Nepal, 2015) for rapid rescue, relief, and $2 billion commitment for reconstruction after the earthquake;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Devi Shakti <\/strong>(Afghanistan, 2021) for the evacuation of 669 people and humanitarian aid;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mission SAGAR<\/strong> (2020 onwards) where the Indian Navy provided food, medical oxygen and relief materials to 15 Indian Ocean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Samudra Setu<\/strong> (2020) to repatriate 3,992 Indians by sea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Operation Ganga <\/strong>(Ukraine, 2022) to evacuate more than 18,000 Indian citizens during the conflict,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Dost<\/strong> (T\u00fcrkiye and Syria, 2023) to send medical teams, field hospitals, rescue teams and more than 135 tonnes of relief material after the deadly earthquakes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Kaveri <\/strong>(Sudan, 2023) to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals during civil conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Operation Brahma<\/strong> (Myanmar, 2025) to provide approximately 750 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, field hospital for\u00a0 earthquake-hit Myanmar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :Air<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nGI Tag to Jodhpur Mojari <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The iconic Jodhpur Mojari, a handcrafted footwear tradition from Rajasthan, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About Jodhpur Mojari<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It is a leather boot known for its high craftsmanship, delicate embroidery and timeless style.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is predominantly created by the Jinagar community who were traditionally engaged in saddle manufacture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The craft has a history of around 200 years and was originally patronised by the royal family of Rajasthan and has evolved into a distinct cultural character of Jodhpur.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The domestic market of Jodhpuri Mojari is anticipated to be over \u20b9100 crore while exports are worth nearly \u20b910 crore and the GI tag is expected to further improve its global market potential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mojari, worn by both men and women, suited the hot climate of Rajasthan. It is airy, easy to walk long distances, tough and flexible, and easy to take off at homes and temples. It was designed as slip-on shoes with the top, side and back of the foot almost bare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-116.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRecent GI tags<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Chandannagar\u2019s Jolbhora Sandesh and Janai\u2019s Manohara:<\/strong> In June 2026, West Bengal received GI tags for four more products, taking the total to 21 products. Alongside Chandannagar\u2019s Jolbhora Sandesh, Janai\u2019s Monohara, and Balagarh\u2019s traditional wooden boats have also received recognition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Khurasani Imli of Mandu: T<\/strong>he fruit of iconic Baobab trees of mandu, Madhya Pradesh, locally known as Khurasani Imli, was awarded the GI tag in June 2026.\n
\n- It is famous for its distinctive sweet-sour flavour and high nutritional value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bhagaiya silk, <\/strong>Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and bamboo craft of Jharkhand received GI recognition last month. It gives national recognition to crafts rooted in traditional knowledge.\n
\n- The Munda jewellery is known for its distinctive designs, traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance, reflecting the identity of the Munda community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ponduru Khadi of Andhra Pradesh<\/strong>: Ponduru Khadi is a traditional hand-woven cotton fabric produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, locally known as Patnulu.\n
\n- The fabric is made using Hill cotton, Punasa cotton, and Red cotton grown in the same region.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One of its most distinctive features is the use of the jawbone of the Valuga fish for cleaning cotton, a practice not found anywhere else in the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nIndia’s First Hydrogen Train<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Tech<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Indian Railways has notified India’s first hydrogen-powered train<\/strong>, which is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 July<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About India’s first hydrogen-powered train<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana<\/strong> has been selected as the pilot corridor for the project.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fully designed and developed in India<\/strong>, it is built on a Broad Gauge<\/strong> platform and is currently the world’s longest hydrogen-powered train<\/strong> with 10 coaches<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The train is powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system<\/strong> and has a maximum operating speed of 75 kmph<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The project includes:\n
\n- Conversion of two 1,600 HP diesel power cars<\/strong> into hydrogen fuel cell-powered coaches.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Establishment of a hydrogen storage and refuelling facility<\/strong> at Jind, Haryana<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO)<\/strong> is responsible for the design, validation, and testing of the project.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Significance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The hydrogen train is part of Indian Railways’ broader vision to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains<\/strong> under the \u201cHydrogen for Heritage\u201d initiative <\/strong>\u2014 specially designed to run on heritage and hill routes across India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It marks a historic step in India\u2019s mission to build hydrogen-powered trains, a feat achieved by a few nations like Germany and China.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This also brings India one step closer to Indian Railways\u2019 bold target \u2014 to become a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHydrogen Fuel Cell Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- It generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen<\/strong>, producing water vapour as the only by-product<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It offers a cleaner alternative<\/strong> to conventional fossil fuel-based railway propulsion systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Prior to 1921, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) was almost universally fatal with treatment consisting of severe calorie restriction and fasting.\n
- \n
- Early insulin was derived from pig and cow pancreases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The structure of insulin was discovered in the 1960s. In the 1970s, recombinant DNA technology was developed that resulted in the production of insulin as recombinant human insulin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modern insulin analogues have been modified to improve absorption and to prolong duration of action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insulin’s function:\u00a0<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Type 1 diabetes:<\/strong> The body produces little or no insulin and therefore insulin injections are needed for life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type 2 diabetes:<\/strong> While many patients can be treated at first with oral medicines, about 25-30% will eventually require insulin therapy as the disease progresses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDo you know?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- There are around 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people with pre-diabetes in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eventually about 20-30% of patients with Type 2 diabetes will need insulin, so that\u2019s about 20 million potential users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At present, only about 6 million Indians are on insulin, so there is a lot of underutilisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Icodec\/Awiqli drug<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Insulin icodec is a genetically engineered insulin analogue (modified human insulin) that is engineered to stay active in the body for a much longer period of time than conventional insulin, allowing for once-weekly dosing instead of daily injections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is the world\u2019s first long-acting insulin shot that reduces the number of pricks to just one a week, from the current once daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It cuts the number of injections from 365 a year to just 52.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It will be sold under the brand name Awiqli for just Rs 261 per week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Advantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It enhances patient compliance with therapy by reducing the frequency of dosing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It Improves long term blood sugar (HbA1c) management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It may encourage earlier insulin initiation, reducing complications involving the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It can be safely combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists, helping to improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Adverse effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is the most common side effect of insulin icodec and affects about 1 in 10 patients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts say the risk is similar to daily conventional insulin injections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The hypoglycemia becomes more evident as the insulin brings down the previously high blood glucose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some of the oral diabetes medications may also cause hypoglycemia . This is less noticeable when blood sugar levels are still very high .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :IE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operation Amistad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus:GS2\/IR\/GS3\/Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Operation Amistad has concluded successfully with the return of the Indian contingent to New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operation Amistad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It is\u00a0 India\u2019s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Highlights <\/strong>\u00a0: Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carried a 41-member contingent from the Indian Army\u2019s 60 Para Field Hospital Unit to Venezuela. It comprised surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, dental and other physicians, paramedical staff and support personnel.\n
- \n
- It also included two BHISHM Cubes, which are state-of-the-art modular and portable mobile mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response, 6 tons of essential medicines and medical equipment, and 30 tons of emergency relief supplies, including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers, and generator sets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
India\u2019s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) paradigm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It is backed by a robust policy and institutional architecture that ensures coordinated, timely and credible responses to humanitarian crises both at home and abroad through a whole-of-government approach combining diplomacy, defence, disaster management and public health.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- International HADR operations are regulated by\u00a0 the Prime Minister\u2019s 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction and NDMA\u2019s International HADR Guidelines (October 2024).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These guidelines institutionalise overseas disaster response based on principles of respect for sovereignty, respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct, in line with the UNDRR Gender Action Plan (2024) to promote inclusive humanitarian action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0They also recognise the Indian Armed Forces as enablers of rapid response and assign them critical roles in strategic airlift, logistics, medical support, evacuation, engineering assistance and use of advanced technologies such as drones and AI-enabled forecasting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Major International HADR Operations\/Evacuation \/ Relief Operations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- India has emerged as a dependable first responder in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, guided by the principles of \u201cVasudhaiva Kutumbakam\u201d and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0India provides humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, evacuation, medical aid and reconstruction support to the global community through the joint efforts of the Army, Navy and Air Force.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The induction of INS Sunayna as IOS SAGAR (2025) with personnel from Indian Ocean countries is a reflection of India\u2019s commitment towards collective maritime security, regional cooperation and capacity building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India\u2019s major HADR operations include\n
- \n
- \u00a0Operation Maitri<\/strong> (Nepal, 2015) for rapid rescue, relief, and $2 billion commitment for reconstruction after the earthquake;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Devi Shakti <\/strong>(Afghanistan, 2021) for the evacuation of 669 people and humanitarian aid;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mission SAGAR<\/strong> (2020 onwards) where the Indian Navy provided food, medical oxygen and relief materials to 15 Indian Ocean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Samudra Setu<\/strong> (2020) to repatriate 3,992 Indians by sea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Operation Ganga <\/strong>(Ukraine, 2022) to evacuate more than 18,000 Indian citizens during the conflict,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Dost<\/strong> (T\u00fcrkiye and Syria, 2023) to send medical teams, field hospitals, rescue teams and more than 135 tonnes of relief material after the deadly earthquakes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Kaveri <\/strong>(Sudan, 2023) to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals during civil conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Operation Brahma<\/strong> (Myanmar, 2025) to provide approximately 750 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, field hospital for\u00a0 earthquake-hit Myanmar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :Air<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
GI Tag to Jodhpur Mojari <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The iconic Jodhpur Mojari, a handcrafted footwear tradition from Rajasthan, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About Jodhpur Mojari<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It is a leather boot known for its high craftsmanship, delicate embroidery and timeless style.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is predominantly created by the Jinagar community who were traditionally engaged in saddle manufacture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The craft has a history of around 200 years and was originally patronised by the royal family of Rajasthan and has evolved into a distinct cultural character of Jodhpur.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The domestic market of Jodhpuri Mojari is anticipated to be over \u20b9100 crore while exports are worth nearly \u20b910 crore and the GI tag is expected to further improve its global market potential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mojari, worn by both men and women, suited the hot climate of Rajasthan. It is airy, easy to walk long distances, tough and flexible, and easy to take off at homes and temples. It was designed as slip-on shoes with the top, side and back of the foot almost bare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRecent GI tags<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Chandannagar\u2019s Jolbhora Sandesh and Janai\u2019s Manohara:<\/strong> In June 2026, West Bengal received GI tags for four more products, taking the total to 21 products. Alongside Chandannagar\u2019s Jolbhora Sandesh, Janai\u2019s Monohara, and Balagarh\u2019s traditional wooden boats have also received recognition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Khurasani Imli of Mandu: T<\/strong>he fruit of iconic Baobab trees of mandu, Madhya Pradesh, locally known as Khurasani Imli, was awarded the GI tag in June 2026.\n
- \n
- It is famous for its distinctive sweet-sour flavour and high nutritional value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bhagaiya silk, <\/strong>Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and bamboo craft of Jharkhand received GI recognition last month. It gives national recognition to crafts rooted in traditional knowledge.\n
- \n
- The Munda jewellery is known for its distinctive designs, traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance, reflecting the identity of the Munda community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ponduru Khadi of Andhra Pradesh<\/strong>: Ponduru Khadi is a traditional hand-woven cotton fabric produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, locally known as Patnulu.\n
- \n
- The fabric is made using Hill cotton, Punasa cotton, and Red cotton grown in the same region.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One of its most distinctive features is the use of the jawbone of the Valuga fish for cleaning cotton, a practice not found anywhere else in the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
India’s First Hydrogen Train<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Tech<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Indian Railways has notified India’s first hydrogen-powered train<\/strong>, which is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 July<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About India’s first hydrogen-powered train<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana<\/strong> has been selected as the pilot corridor for the project.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fully designed and developed in India<\/strong>, it is built on a Broad Gauge<\/strong> platform and is currently the world’s longest hydrogen-powered train<\/strong> with 10 coaches<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The train is powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system<\/strong> and has a maximum operating speed of 75 kmph<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The project includes:\n
- \n
- Conversion of two 1,600 HP diesel power cars<\/strong> into hydrogen fuel cell-powered coaches.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Establishment of a hydrogen storage and refuelling facility<\/strong> at Jind, Haryana<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO)<\/strong> is responsible for the design, validation, and testing of the project.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Significance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The hydrogen train is part of Indian Railways’ broader vision to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains<\/strong> under the \u201cHydrogen for Heritage\u201d initiative <\/strong>\u2014 specially designed to run on heritage and hill routes across India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It marks a historic step in India\u2019s mission to build hydrogen-powered trains, a feat achieved by a few nations like Germany and China.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This also brings India one step closer to Indian Railways\u2019 bold target \u2014 to become a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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\nHydrogen Fuel Cell Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- It generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen<\/strong>, producing water vapour as the only by-product<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It offers a cleaner alternative<\/strong> to conventional fossil fuel-based railway propulsion systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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- It offers a cleaner alternative<\/strong> to conventional fossil fuel-based railway propulsion systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- It marks a historic step in India\u2019s mission to build hydrogen-powered trains, a feat achieved by a few nations like Germany and China.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Establishment of a hydrogen storage and refuelling facility<\/strong> at Jind, Haryana<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fully designed and developed in India<\/strong>, it is built on a Broad Gauge<\/strong> platform and is currently the world’s longest hydrogen-powered train<\/strong> with 10 coaches<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana<\/strong> has been selected as the pilot corridor for the project.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Indian Railways has notified India’s first hydrogen-powered train<\/strong>, which is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 July<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Khurasani Imli of Mandu: T<\/strong>he fruit of iconic Baobab trees of mandu, Madhya Pradesh, locally known as Khurasani Imli, was awarded the GI tag in June 2026.\n
- Chandannagar\u2019s Jolbhora Sandesh and Janai\u2019s Manohara:<\/strong> In June 2026, West Bengal received GI tags for four more products, taking the total to 21 products. Alongside Chandannagar\u2019s Jolbhora Sandesh, Janai\u2019s Monohara, and Balagarh\u2019s traditional wooden boats have also received recognition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Devi Shakti <\/strong>(Afghanistan, 2021) for the evacuation of 669 people and humanitarian aid;\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u00a0Operation Maitri<\/strong> (Nepal, 2015) for rapid rescue, relief, and $2 billion commitment for reconstruction after the earthquake;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It also included two BHISHM Cubes, which are state-of-the-art modular and portable mobile mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response, 6 tons of essential medicines and medical equipment, and 30 tons of emergency relief supplies, including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers, and generator sets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Type 2 diabetes:<\/strong> While many patients can be treated at first with oral medicines, about 25-30% will eventually require insulin therapy as the disease progresses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Type 1 diabetes:<\/strong> The body produces little or no insulin and therefore insulin injections are needed for life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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