Oxytocin

Why in news?

• Recently, the Delhi High Court has taken serious note of the continued use of the Oxytocin in dairies across the national capital which amounts to ‘animal cruelty’.

About Oxytocin

• It is a hormone that is naturally secreted by the pituitary glands of mammals during sex, childbirth, lactation, or social bonding.
• It is being administered to cattle to force milk let-down and increase the production of milk.
  • It is not only harmful to the health of the cattle but also to humans who consume the milk.
• The Union governmenthad banned the use of Oxytocin in 2018, citing its misuse on milch cattle to increase yield.
  • Despite the ban, the hormone continues to be used in dairies across Delhi.

Swell Waves

Why in news?

• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has forecasted that swell waves might hit several Indian coastal areas in the upcoming days.

What are Swell Waves?

• They are high sea waves that are formed by an ocean swell.
• Ocean swells occur due to distant storms like hurricanes and not due to the local winds.
• During such storms, huge energy transfer takes place from the air into the water, leading to the formation of very high waves.
• Such waves can travel thousands of kilometres from the storm centre until they strike shore.
  • In March 2024, swell waves led to flooding in several areas of Kerala. Such flooding events are called Kallakkadal in Kerala.
• To forecast swell waves, INCOIS launched the Swell Surge Forecast Systemin 2020 which can give forewarning seven days in advance.

GI Tag to Kutch Ajrakh 

Why in news?

• Ajrakh from Kutch gets GI tag by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM).

About Ajrakh 

• The term “Ajrakh” is derived from the word ‘Azrak,’ which means indigo, a primary dye used in the printing process.
• Ajrakh is a traditional textile craft originating from Gujarat, particularly in areas like Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch. 
• This art form involves intricate hand-block printing on specially treated cotton fabric, creating elaborate designs that are steeped in symbolism and historical significance.
• Introduced more than 400 years ago by Sind Muslims, Ajrakhis a popular attire among nomadic pastoralist and agricultural communities such as the Rabaris, Maldharis, and Ahirs.