26th September 2025

Explanation:
It is a large design or motif (generally longer than 4 metres) produced on the ground and typically formed by clastic rocks or similarly durable elements of the landscape, such as stones, stone fragments, gravel, or earth. A geoglyph is created by arranging or moving objects within a landscape. There are two types of geoglyphs, namely positive and negative geoglyphs. 

• Positive geoglyph: It is formed by the arrangement and alignment of materials on the ground in a manner akin topetroforms (which are simply outlines created using boulders). 

• Negative geoglyph: It is formed by removing part of the natural ground surface to create differently coloured or textured ground in a manner akin to petroglyphs. 

Explanation:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. 

Symptoms:
People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. They may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. 

Initiatives to Raise Awareness on ASD:
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Sustainable Development Goals deal with rights of people with disabilities including autism. The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 increased the types of disabilities from 7 to 21. It also added autism spectrum disorder among others. 

Explanation:
Tropical cyclones are intense, rotating storm systems with a low-pressure centre, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain. They are known by different names in different parts of the world — 

• Typhoon: In the Northwest Pacific Ocean (affecting East and Southeast Asia). 

• Hurricane: In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific Oceans. 

• Cyclone: In the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

A Super Typhoon is an extremely intense typhoon, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds exceeding 240 km/h. 

Explanation:
The Global Conference on Climate and Health held in Brazil in July 2025 shaped the Belém Health Action Plan which will be launched at COP30. The plan marks a global shift towards placing health at the centre of climate action. 

Belém Health Action Plan: The Belém Health Action Plan aims to become a global reference for strengthening climate-resilient health systems. The draft plan is structured around three main pillars — 

Surveillance and Monitoring: Aims to strengthen health surveillance systems to effectively respond to climate-related threats, such as vector-borne disease outbreaks and mental health impacts from extreme weather events. 

Evidence-Based Policy Strategy: Seeks to accelerate the implementation of proven solutions by fostering cooperation among governments, academic institutions, civil society, and other key actors. 

Innovation and Production: Proposes investments in research and technology to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations. 

Explanation:
India is the second-largest producer and consumer of tea and the third-largest exporter. Tea cultivation spans across Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, providing employment to over 1.2 million workers directly and sustaining millions more indirectly. 

Production: In 2024, India produced 1.303 billion kg of tea, contributing significantly to the global production of 7.074 billion kg. 

Consumption: Domestic consumption stood at 1.22 billion kg, highlighting India's centrality in balancing global supply and demand. 

Exports: India exported 255 million kg, valued at nearly $800 million, positioning itself after Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka.