Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island
Why in News: The uncontrolled increase in the population of Chital deer is causing issues on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.
About Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island
Island Location and Renaming:
- Formerly known as Ross Island, now officially designated as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.
- Situated three kilometers east of Central Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.
- Part of the South Andaman administrative district within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Strategic Importance and History:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, lying between the Indian mainland, Myanmar, and Indonesia, and near crucial maritime routes.
- Initially governed by the Dutch and later by the British, the islands fell under Japanese control during World War II.
- The Azad Hind government gained de jure control from the Japanese by late 1943, with Subhash Chandra Bose arriving in Port Blair on December 29.
Renaming in Tribute:
- In recognition of the islands’ historical significance and to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island during the Prime Minister’s 2018 visit.
- Additionally, Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep and Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep.
Tourist Attractions:
- All three islands—Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), and Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)—are prominent tourist destinations.
Source: IE
Satpula Dam
Why in News: The ancient Satpula dam, constructed in the 14th century and the oldest one in Delhi, remains sturdy to this day.
About Satpula Dam
Construction and Name Origin:
- Satpula, meaning ‘seven bridges,’ was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughlaq (1325-1351).
- The dam’s name reflects its structure, with ‘sat’ referring to seven and ‘pula’ indicating openings of a bridge.
Building Material and Purpose:
- Constructed using Delhi quartz, a stone sourced from the Aravalli region.
- Integral to the defensive wall of Jahanpanah, the fourth city of Delhi.
Dual Functionality:
- The dam served two primary functions: providing a consistent water source for irrigation and fortifying against potential intruders.
Design and Development:
- Developed by identifying suitable topography, particularly a vast open plain ideal for water storage and irrigation of expansive flatlands.
- Equipped with sluice gates and a reservoir, the structure facilitated water management.
Cultural Significance:
- Located near the residence of Sufi saint Nasiruddin Mahmud, also known as Chirag Dehlavi, leading to beliefs about the canal water possessing healing properties.
- The area traditionally hosted a Diwali mela (fair) for centuries, where attendees would partake in a holy dip in the waters and often collect some to take home.
Source: IE
Mangal Pandey
Why in News: Mangal Pandey, a key figure in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, is commemorated annually on April 8, the anniversary of his death.
About Mangal Pandey
Role in the Rebellion:
- Mangal Pandey played a pivotal role in India’s initial uprising against British dominance in 1857, often referred to as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny.
Early Life:
- Born near Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh on July 19, 1827.
- In 1849, Pandey enlisted in the army of the British East India Company and served as a sepoy in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry stationed in Barrackpore.
Resistance against the East India Company:
- Pandey rebelled against the British East India Company’s decision to introduce cartridges greased with animal fat, which was offensive to the religious beliefs of the sepoys.
- His act of defiance sparked a broader movement that spread across India, inciting a mass revolt against colonial rule. Civilians also joined the uprising, protesting against oppressive colonial laws.
Execution and Legacy:
- On March 29, 1857, Pandey mutinied by firing at his Senior Sergeant Major.
- He was subsequently captured, tried by a Court Martial, and hanged on April 8, 1857, at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore.
- Following his execution, his regiment, like the 19th infantry at Behrampore, faced dissolution due to their display of discontent.
Source: IE
U.N. Membership Process
Why in News: The United Nations Security Council has directed the Palestinian application for full membership in the UN to a committee for further consideration.
About UN Security Council
Eligibility for UN Membership:
- UN full membership is available to all peace-loving states that agree to uphold the obligations outlined in the United Nations Charter and demonstrate their ability to fulfill these obligations.
Admission Procedure:
- States gain membership in the United Nations following a decision made by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
Application Process:
- A state wishing to join submits an application to the Secretary-General along with a formal letter acknowledging its acceptance of the Charter obligations.
- The Security Council reviews the application.
Security Council Recommendation:
- For an admission recommendation to be valid, it must receive affirmative votes from at least nine of the Council’s 15 members, provided none of the five permanent members (P5) cast a negative vote.
- The P5 members include China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.
General Assembly Consideration:
- If the Security Council recommends admission, the proposal is then presented to the General Assembly for deliberation.
- A two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly is required for the admission of a new state.
Effective Membership:
- Membership becomes official on the date when the Assembly adopts the resolution for admission.
Note on Government Changes:
- Changes in government, such as through democratic elections, do not raise any concerns regarding the credentials of the state’s representative.
Source: TH
Glycaemic Index
Why in News: Research from an international study indicates that adhering to diets with low glycaemic index and low glycaemic load may help in preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.
About Glycaemic Index
Blood Sugar Response:
- Carbohydrate-containing foods are ranked based on their post-meal blood glucose response.
- Higher blood sugar readings correspond to higher Glycaemic Index (GI) values.
Impact on Blood Sugar:
- GI indicates how rapidly a food affects blood sugar levels when consumed individually.
- Foods are rated on a scale of 0 to 100, with pure glucose having a GI of 100.
Influence of Processing and Composition:
- Lower GI foods lead to a slower increase in blood sugar levels post-consumption.
- Generally, processed foods have higher GI values, while foods rich in fiber or fat tend to have lower GI values.
Explaining Glycaemic Load:
Glycaemic load (GL) considers both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in a particular food.
It is calculated by multiplying the GI of a food by the amount of available carbohydrates in a serving.
Insight into Diabetes:
Chronic Condition:
- Diabetes is a chronic ailment resulting from the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin or the body’s ineffectiveness in utilizing the produced insulin.
Role of Insulin:
- Insulin, a hormone, regulates blood glucose levels in the body.
- Inadequate insulin production or utilization leads to elevated blood glucose levels, termed hyperglycaemia.
Long-term Effects:
- Prolonged high glucose levels are linked to bodily damage and dysfunction of various organs and tissues.
Types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes:
- An autoimmune condition where the immune system targets and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
- Individuals with type 1 diabetes typically produce little to no insulin and require daily insulin administration.
- Formerly known as juvenile diabetes, it often manifests in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Arises from the body’s ineffective utilization of the insulin it produces.
- Primarily associated with excess body weight and physical inactivity.
Source: TH
