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Monthly DNA
17 Jan, 2026
8 Min Read
| Paper | Topics | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| PT Pointer | Ponduru Khadi | Economic Issues |
| Red-Shanked Douc Monkey | Biodiversity & Environment |
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Recently, Ponduru Khadi has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This recognition provides legal protection to the product and highlights its cultural and economic significance.
About Ponduru Khadi
Ponduru Khadi is a renowned handspun and handwoven cotton fabric originating from Andhra Pradesh. It is locally known as Patnulu and is traditionally produced in Ponduru village, located in the Srikakulam district.
The fabric has been nominated under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme for the Srikakulam district. During the pre-independence period, Mahatma Gandhi praised the virtues of Ponduru Khadi in Young India, the national weekly edited by him.
Key Characteristics of Ponduru Khadi
Production Process
Ponduru Khadi is produced using three indigenous varieties of cotton—hill cotton, punasa cotton, and red cotton. The cotton is locally grown in and around the Srikakulam district.
The entire process, from raw cotton to finished fabric, is carried out manually, preserving traditional techniques.
Unique Features of Ponduru Khadi
Traditional Cotton Cleaning
A distinctive feature of Ponduru Khadi is the cleaning of cotton using the jawbone of the Valuga fish, a practice that is unique to Ponduru and not followed anywhere else in the world.
Spinning Technique
Ponduru is the only place in India where spinners still use single-spindle charkhas with 24 spokes, popularly known as the “Gandhi Charkha”.
High Yarn Count
The final fabric has a very high yarn count, ranging between 100 and 120 counts, giving Ponduru Khadi its fine texture and superior quality.
Significance of the GI Tag
The GI tag helps in protecting the traditional knowledge of local artisans, preventing misuse of the name Ponduru Khadi, and enhancing market access for weavers. It also promotes rural livelihoods, handloom heritage, and sustainable textile practices.
Source: THE HINDU
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Recently, customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) arrested a passenger for smuggling two Red-shanked douc monkeys, highlighting concerns related to illegal wildlife trade.
About Red-Shanked Douc Monkey
The Red-shanked douc monkey (Pygathrix nemaeus) is an Old World monkey and is often referred to as the “Queen of Primates” due to its striking appearance.
Habitat and Distribution
Habitat
Red-shanked douc monkeys inhabit subtropical and tropical broadleaf evergreen forests and semi-deciduous forests. They are also found, though to a lesser extent, in secondary evergreen forests and mixed bamboo forests.
Geographical Distribution
They are primarily found in Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam, southern Laos, and Cambodia.
Characteristics of Red-Shanked Douc Monkey
Physical Appearance
The species is popularly known as the “costumed ape”, as it is among the most colorful primates in the world.
Behaviour
Red-shanked doucs are arboreal, diurnal, and herbivorous animals. They eat and sleep in trees, rarely descending to the ground.
Communication
They communicate with one another using a variety of facial expressions, reflecting complex social behaviour.
Conservation Status and Threats
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Major Threats
The primary threat to the species is hunting, both for subsistence use and traditional medicine. Additionally, they are targeted for the illegal international pet trade, contributing significantly to their population decline.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved two new oral medicines—Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) and Blujepa (gepotidacin)—for the treatment of gonorrhoea, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has shown increasing resistance to existing antibiotics. Th
Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), the construction contractor for the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, recently stated that it may withdraw from the project if the local administration fails to prevent threats and interference from local groups and political actors. The statement
The Congress party has recently criticised the Prime Minister over India’s exclusion from the United States–led strategic initiative called Pax Silica. The party linked this exclusion to what it described as a sharp downturn in India–US relations, particularly with US President
The Orissa High Court recently directed the State and Central education authorities to amend the consent form used for generating the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID. The court ordered that the consent form must contain a clear and explicit opt-out option, ensuring that
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 7th edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) in 2025 during the 7th session of UNEP held in Nairobi, Kenya. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of the global environment, emerging risks, and pathways to
Recently, the Government of India highlighted the country’s pioneering achievements in rural transformation and development leadership at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – India Day event, which was held in Rome, Italy. The event showcased India’s exp
In a first-of-its-kind study in eastern India, a Bar-Headed Goose fitted with a GSM-GPS transmitter has revealed its migration route and flying patterns. This research provides valuable insights into high-altitude migratory behavior, helping conservationists and scientists understand the species
Members of Parliament from the INDIA bloc have proposed to move an impeachment motion in Parliament against Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. This move follows a judicial order directing the Subramaniya Swamy Temple authorities to ensure the lighting of a l
Recently, the National Sanskrit University (NSU) organised a symposium, panel discussion, and exhibition highlighting the unique and traditional privileges of the Chenchu tribal community in relation to the Ahobilam shrine and the deity Lord Narasimha. The event brought attention to the cultural
A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) shows that infertile couples in India face a heavy financial burden. According to the report, a single IVF cycle costs over ?1 lakh even in public hospit
Recently, Siliserh Lake in Alwar, Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh have been officially designated as Ramsar Sites, joining the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. About Ramsar Sites Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated under th
05 Apr, 2026
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R1: Geography And Environment
