2025 for January 1970

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network

December 3, 2025

UNESCO's Creative Cities Network Latest News

Recently, Lucknow has officially joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the Gastronomy category during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference.

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network

It was created in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
It was launched to promote UNESCO’s goals of cultural diversity and strengthen resilience to threats such as climate change, rising inequality, and rapid urbanisation.
The network covers seven creative fields: crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music.
Aim of UCCN: The network is aimed at leveraging the creative, social, and economic potential of cultural industries.
Indian Cities in the UCCN: Kozhikode (Literature) and Gwalior (Music) Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Lucknow (Gastronomy), and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts).

Objectives of the UCCN

It allows member cities to recognise creativity as an essential component of urban development, notably through partnerships involving the public and private sectors and civil society.
It envisages developing hubs of creativity, innovation and broadening opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector.
These cities have to achieve the UN agenda of sustainable development.

Source: TH

UNESCO Creative Cities Network FAQs

Q1: When was the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) established?

Ans: 2004

Q2: What is the primary objective of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)?

Ans: To foster cooperation among cities that prioritize creativity in their urban development.

Chaolung Sukapha

December 3, 2025

Chaolung Sukapha Latest News

Recently, the union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways led a vibrant celebration of Assam Day and paid rich tributes to Chaolung Sukapha.

About Chaolung Sukapha

He was a visionary 13th-century ruler who founded the Ahom kingdom that ruled Assam for six centuries.
He is widely referred to as the architect of “Bor Asom” or “greater Assam”.
It was in Charaideo that Sukapha established his first small principality, sowing the seeds of further expansion of the Ahom kingdom.

Administration of Chaolung Sukapha

He divided the kingdom into territorial units called khels or phoids, each under an officer responsible for supplying a fixed number of paiks.
- Paiks are the able-bodied male population who owed labour and military service to the state.
- Every adult male between sixteen and fifty was registered as a paik and served the king for part of the year in agriculture, construction, or war. In return, he was allotted land for personal cultivation.
He emphasized guerrilla tactics suited to the terrain of rivers, jungles, and hills.

Why is Chaolung Sukapha Important?

Sukapha’s significance — especially in today’s Assam — lies in his successful efforts towards assimilation of different communities and tribes.
He adopted a policy of conciliation and assimilation rather than annihilation.
Sukapha developed very amiable relationships with the tribal communities living in Assam — especially the Sutias, the Morans and the Kacharis.

Source: PIB

Chaolung Sukapha FAQs

Q1: Who was Chaolung Sukapha?

Ans: A Ahom king

Q2: What is Chaolung Sukapha's significance in Indian history?

Ans: He unified Assam under one rule.

New Geographical Indication Products

December 3, 2025

New Geographical Indication Products Latest News

Recently, five products from Tamil Nadu have secured the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

About New Geographical Indication Products

Woraiyur Cotton Sari

It is native to Tiruchi district, and is woven in Manamedu on the banks of the Cauvery.
They are known for their distinctive Korvai border (a continuous running pattern) — block colour palettes, and geometric motifs.
The border has different motifs, including many geometrical shapes.
The Devanga community has been the driving force behind the Woraiyur cotton sarees for generations.

Thooyamalli Rice

Thooyamalli, meaning ‘pure jasmine’, is a traditional sambha-season rice variety grown over 135 - 140 days.
It is often referred to as ‘pearl rice’ due to its shiny nature and is regarded highly for its nutritional benefits.

Kavindapadi ‘Naatu Sakkarai’

Kavindapadi in Erode district is a major supplier of jaggery powder in Tamil Nadu, with vast stretches of sugarcane fields nourished by the Lower Bhavani Project canal.
It is made locally by mechanically crushing the cane and slowly evaporating the extracted juice.

Namakkal ‘Kalchatti’

Namakkal’s famed cookware is made using soapstone (makkal pathirangal).
It is popularly known as kalchatti, and has been a staple in South Indian kitchens for generations.

Ambasamudram ‘Choppu Saman’

Origin: The art of making choppu saman (wooden toys) has been practiced for over two centuries, with origins tracing back to the 18th century.
This craft involves the careful handcrafting of miniature wooden toys — from tiny kitchen utensils to small tables, chairs, and other play objects.
Material used:Traditionally, these toys were carved from indigenous trees like the Manjal Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba), teak, and rosewood.

Source: TH

New Geographical Indication Products FAQs

Q1: What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?

Ans: A sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical location.

Q2: Which community is known for weaving Woraiyur Cotton Sari?

Ans: Devanga community

Rock Eagle Owl

December 3, 2025

Rock Eagle Owl Latest News

Recently, a Rock Eagle Owl nest prompted the Telangana forest department to halt quarrying operations for over a month.

About Rock Eagle Owl

It is also called Indian eagle-owl (Bubo bengalensis) or Bengal eagle-owl.
It is a large-horned owl species native to hilly scrub forests in India.
Appearance
- It is usually brown and grey in colour, with a white throat patch that has black stripes.
  It was earlier treated as a subspecies of the Eurasian eagle-owl.
- Its chicks are born with white fluff which is gradually replaced by speckled feathers during the pre-juvenile moult after about two weeks.
- It is usually seen in pairs. It has a deep resonant booming call that may be heard at dawn and dusk.
Habitat: They are especially seen near rocky places within the mainland of the Indian Subcontinent south of the Himalayas. They avoid humid evergreen forests and extremely arid areas.
Distribution: It is mainly found in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan

Conservation Status of Rock Eagle Owl

IUCN: Least Concern
CITES: Appendix II

Source: IE

Rock Eagle Owl FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Rock Eagle Owl?

Ans: Bubo bengalensis

Q2: What is a distinctive feature of the Rock Eagle Owl?

Ans: Large ear tufts

Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary

December 3, 2025

Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A rare striated grassbird was recently recorded in Chaprala wildlife sanctuary in Gadchiroli district, marking a major range extension for the species in Maharashtra.

About Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
Established in 1986, it covers an area of approximately 134.78 sq.km.
The Markhanda and Pedigundam hills flank the sanctuary from northeast and south, and the Pranhita River flows along its western boundary.
It is located on the bank of the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.
During the monsoons, river water swells and enters the sanctuary.
Additionally, several water bodies, including the Murgikunta, Raikonta, and Komatkunta tanks, further contribute to the sanctuary’s biodiversity.
Vegetation: It is dominated by southern tropical dry deciduous forests interspersed with grasslands.
Flora: The dominant tree species include teak, Arjun, salai, mahua, bel, dhawada, tendu, sissoo, and semal.
Fauna:
- It is inhabited by Tiger, Leopard, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Wild dogs, Langurs, Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Jackal, Mongoose, etc.
- The sanctuary also features a distinctive riparian ecosystem that supports a diverse aquatic fauna, including fish, prawns, and turtles.

Key Facts about Striped Grassbird

It is a species of bird in the Locustellidae family.
Scientific Name: Megalurus palustris
Distribution: It is widely found across South and Southeast Asia, including China, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Features:
- It has a large body size of 22-28 cm with a body weight of about 38-56 g.
- The upper body is light reddish brown.
- There are thick black streaks on the back and wing covers.
- Dark yellow eyebrows.
- The tail is elongated and sharp.
- Lower body whitish, black streaks on chest.
- Iris brown, upper beak black, underside pink, and feet pink.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Source: TOI

Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Maharashtra

Q2: What is the approximate area of Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: It covers an area of approximately 134.78 sq.km.

Q3: Which river flows along the western boundary of Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Pranhita River

Q4: haprala Wildlife Sanctuary lies near the confluence of which two rivers?

Ans: It is located on the bank of the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

December 3, 2025

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research Latest News

Recently, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) celebrated its Silver Jubilee and also released commemorative postage stamps.

About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

It was established as an autonomous Research and Development Institution on the 25th May 1998.
It was formerly known as the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).
It has been at the forefront of leading India's scientific expeditions and research programmes in the Polar regions and the Southern Ocean.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India
Location: Vasco da Gama, Goa.

Mandate and Functions of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

It is designated as the nodal organization for the co-ordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic Programme, and executing polar expeditions in the Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean, and Himalayas.
It also works on strategically vital projects like: Mapping of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Continental shelf surveys, and the Deep Ocean Mission.
It has established and operationalised permanent Indian research stations -- DakshinGangotri, Maitri, and Bharati in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic, along with the Himalayan station Himansh.

Source: PIB

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research FAQs

Q1: Where is the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research located?

Ans: Goa

Q2: Under which ministry does NCPOR operate?

Ans: Ministry of Earth Sciences

Chambal River

December 3, 2025

Chambal River Latest News

Efforts to reclaim degraded land from Chambal ravines expose both people and biodiversity to ecological risks from erosion and flooding.

About Chambal River

The Chambal River, called Charmanvati in ancient times, is one of the major tributaries of the Yamuna River.
Located in Central India, the river forms part of the greater Gangetic drainage system.
It is known for its clear and pristine waters, and it is also one of the cleanest rivers in India.
Course:
- It is a perennial river and has its source in Janapav, located to the south of Mhow Town close to Indore on the southern sides of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh.
- The river flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, running for a time through Rajasthan, then forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before turning southeast to join the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.
- It flows through three Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- It is the largest of the rivers flowing through Rajasthan.
- Total Length: 1024 kilometres
Drainage:
- To its south, east, and west, the basin is defined by the Vindhyan mountain ranges, while the northwestern boundary is marked by the Aravalli range.
- The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh, while its tributary, the Banas, which rises in the Aravalli Range, drains southeastern Rajasthan.
Tributaries: The main tributaries of Chambal include the Banas and Mej rivers on the left and the Parbati, Kali Sindh, and Shipra rivers on the right.
Major Dams: Gandhi Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, and Kota Barrage dams are built on this river.
Notable Landmark: Pachnada confluence in Uttar Pradesh, where it meets the Kwari, Yamuna, Sind, and Pahuj rivers.
National Chambal Sanctuary:
- Established in 1979, it covers 5400 sq.km. across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Known for protecting the critically endangered Gharial crocodile, along with other crocodile species, turtles, and diverse fish.
- A hotspot for birdwatching with over 300 bird species, including the endangered Indian Skimmer.

What is a Ravine?

It is a narrow valley with steep sides, usually caused by stream bank erosion.
Their slopes can be quite sharp, often between 20% and 70% in gradient.
Ravines are smaller than canyons and larger than gullies.

Source: DTE

Chambal River FAQs

Q1: Where does the Chambal River originate?

Ans: It has its source in Janapav, located to the south of Mhow Town close to Indore on the southern sides of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh.

Q2: The Chambal River is a major tributary of which river?

Ans: Yamuna

Q3: Chambal River flows through which Indian states?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Q4: What is the total length of the Chambal River?

Ans: 1024 km

Cold Wave

December 3, 2025

Cold Wave Latest News

Higher than normal cold wave days are expected to impact parts of central India as well as some regions in northwest and northeast India, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

About Cold Wave

Cold waves are unusual weather occurrences caused by extremely low temperatures in the near-surface atmosphere.
Their duration can range from several days to a few weeks, contingent upon the geography and climatic conditions of the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a cold wave as a rapid fall in temperature within 24 hours.
This is distinguished by a marked cooling of the air, or with the invasion of very cold air, over a large area.
As per IMD, a cold wave is considered when the minimum temperature of a station is 10°C or less for plains and 0°C or less for hilly regions.
- A cold wave and severe cold wave is considered a negative departure from normal i.e., 4.5°C to 6.4°C and more than 6.4°C in hill stations, respectively.
- Similarly, the departure in minimum temperature of ≤ 04°C and ≤ 02°C for plains is considered a cold wave and severe cold wave, respectively.
Cold waves are predominantly experienced during the period December-February, when minimum temperatures drop to very low levels, especially over the northern parts of India.
Health Risks:
- Exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses.
- Non-freezing cold injuries, such as Immersion Foot—caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions—are also a risk.
- In extreme cases, cold exposure may result in fatalities if adequate precautions are not taken.

Source: HT

Cold Wave FAQs

Q1: What is a cold wave according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)?

Ans: A rapid fall in temperature within 24 hours over a large area.

Q2: As per IMD, what minimum temperature qualifies as a cold wave in the plains?

Ans: 10°C or less

Q3: Cold waves are most commonly experienced in India during which months?

Ans: December–February

Q4: What indicates a severe cold wave in hilly regions?

Ans: Departure of minimum temperature ≥ 6.4°C from normal.

GLP-1 Drugs

December 3, 2025

GLP-1 Drugs Latest News

Recently, the World Health Organization has finally issued global guidelines on the use of popular GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.

About GLP-1 Drugs

The Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or GLP-1 receptor agonists are synthetic drugs which are being used for the treatment of obesity in adults.
These drugs are mainly injectables, though oral versions are under development.
- Examples: Two leading GLP-1 drugs are: Semaglutide and 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.

Key Facts about Glucagon-like peptide-1

GLP-1 is both an incretin hormone and a neurotransmitter.
It is a naturally occurring gut hormone (incretin) released after food intake.
It is secreted from the small intestine and from the hindbrain after we eat a meal.
It travels to the pancreas, where it helps to regulate our blood sugar by increasing insulin and decreasing glucagon.
It works for just a few minutes, so after you eat a meal and GLP-1 is secreted naturally, it gives an immediate effect that lasts maybe 30 minutes.
GLP-1 also has beneficial effects in many organs, such as the kidney, liver, and cardiovascular system.

Source: TH

GLP-1 Drugs FAQs

Q1: What is the primary use of GLP-1 drugs?

Ans: To manage type-2 diabetes and obesity

Q2: How do GLP-1 drugs work?

Ans: It works by suppressing glucagon and slowing stomach emptying.

Bitra Island

December 3, 2025

Bitra Island Latest News

The Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command recently said the Navy is setting up a detachment in Bitra Island, which "is more or less completed".

About Bitra Island

It is located in the northern region of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea.
It is the smallest inhabited island in the territory.
It has a land area of 0.105 sq.km.
It has a length of 0.57 km and a width of 0.28 km at the broadest point.
Though the land area is small, its lagoon area is 45.61 sq.km.
There is a small shrine of Malik Mulla, an old Arab saint who is said to have been buried here. The shrine is a place of pilgrimage for the people of other islands.
As per the 2011 census, the population of Bitra Island is 271.
Climate:
- The climate of Bitra is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. March to May is the hottest period of the year.
- The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C, and humidity ranges from 70 to 76 percent for most of the year.
It used to be covered by thick shrubs and was the breeding ground for seabirds. In the early 19th century the birds left the place due to human interference.
It is strategically important to India, as it lies in a key position in the Arabian Sea.
Bitra would become the third island in the archipelago with a defence establishment – two Indian naval bases in the archipelago are INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, the capital of the UT, and INS Jatayu in Minicoy.

Source: NIE

Bitra Island FAQs

Q1: Where is Bitra Island located?

Ans: It is located in the northern region of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea.

Q2: What is the land area of Bitra Island?

Ans: It has a land area of 0.105 sq.km.

Q3: Which saint’s shrine is located on Bitra Island?

Ans: Malik Mulla, an old Arab saint.

Q4: As per the 2011 Census, what is the population of Bitra Island?

Ans: 271

Bonda Tribe

December 3, 2025

Bonda Tribe Latest News

Members of the Bonda community in Odisha’s Malkangiri district are set to transition from fragile thatched huts to permanent pucca houses under the Union government’s PM-Janman scheme.

About Bonda Tribe

The Bondas are exclusively found in the Malkangiri district of Odisha and are mostly concentrated in the Khairaput block of the district.
It is a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) and one of the oldest tribes of India.
They are also known as Bondo, Bondas, Bonda Paraja, and Bhonda.
With a population of approximately 7,000 people, they live in a mountainous and forest ecosystem
They are considered one of the first settlers in India, with their lineage tracing back to the Austroasiatic race.
Language:
- The Bonda people speak Remo, a language belonging to the Austroasiatic linguistic family.
- This is distinct from mainstream Indian languages, making it difficult for outsiders to communicate with them.
The Bondas are divided into two groups because of their distinct cultural practices:
- The Lower Bondas, who live in the Malkangiri district in south Odisha and border Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and
- The Upper Bondas, who live in the remote villages of the district’s hilly terrain.
The social organization is hierarchical, with a council of elders that makes important decisions for the community.
The Bonda people live in small villages organized around communal spaces where ceremonies and meetings take place.
Bonda architecture is characterized by mud and thatched-roof houses, designed to adapt to the mountainous environment and climatic conditions.
The art of the Bonda is expressed mainly through the creation of decorative tools and utensils, in addition to their colorful fabrics and jewelry.
They have an interesting dressing style – ladies are semiclad and wear different sorts of rings and pieces of jewelry around their bodies, while the men wear deadly attires.
Religion: The religion of the Bonda people is animistic, focused on the worship of nature and ancestral spirits.
Occupation:
- Their economy is based mainly on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and gathering.
- They are known for their unique practice of shifting cultivation called dangar chas.
- They grow crops like paddy, millet, pulses, and vegetables.
Only 6% of Bondas are literate. The life expectancy of the tribe is so low they are nearly extinct.

Source: DC

Bonda Tribe FAQs

Q1: The Bonda Tribe is primarily found in which Indian state?

Ans: Odisha

Q2: The Bonda Tribe is classified under which category?

Ans: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)

Q3: The language spoken by the Bonda people, Remo, belongs to which linguistic family?

Ans: Austroasiatic linguistic family.

Q4: What is the estimated population of the Bonda Tribe?

Ans: About 7,000

Q5: What type of agriculture is traditionally practiced by the Bonda people?

Ans: Shifting cultivation (dangar chas)