Prelims Focus 22nd July 2026

22/07/2026

32 4 minutes read

National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal

In News: In Gujarat, the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal is being established to present the ancient maritime culture and Indus Valley Civilisation heritage of India at its location.

Lothal was an important city of the Indus Valley Civilisation, c. 2400 BC.
It is called ‘the mound of the dead’ in Gujarati.
It was excavated from 1955 to 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and a very well-developed urban settlement and trading centre was unearthed.
Archaeologists suspect that Lothal was strategically located in a great river system that linked Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat and was one of the ancient trade routes of ancient Mesopotamia.
It is the most significant discovery of the oldest man-made dockyard in the world and an acropolis, a lower town, a bead factory, warehouses, markets and an advanced drainage system.
One can trace the planned Harappan city in its canal and dock facilities, which exhibit their engineering skills.
Lothal is one of the most important trading ports of the ancient world.
Historical records indicate that Lothal was linked with other distant locations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia for trade.

Mount Olympus

In News: The UNESCO World Heritage status of the Greek mountain that is said to be home to the ancient Greek gods, particularly Zeus, is being explored as Greece proposes to have the mythological site inscribed on the World Heritage list.

This nomination was initiated in 2014 and is currently being considered by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee.
Mount Olympus (2,918m) lies between Macedonia and Thessaly.
It is a unique area with a unique microclimate, biodiversity and magnificent landscapes.
Mythological significance: It was believed to be the dwelling place of Zeus and the 12 Olympian gods of Greek mythology.
Homer and Hesiod called it the home of the gods, where Zeus defeated the Titans and became the king of the gods.
The peak of Agios Antonios has been inhabited for a long time, as is evident through archaeological discoveries, including the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Ancient settlements all around have been unearthed and preserved, so recently that one of the archaeological sites was opened to visitors.
However, Christian traces are found in Olympus too, since the 16th-century Chapel of Prophet Elias, which is the highest Orthodox chapel and is located on the site of the royal palace of Antoninus Susaianus, as well as the Old Monastery of Hosios Dionysios.
Natural Heritage: It was established as Greece’s first National Forest in 1938 and is renowned for its rich ecosystems, comprising four types of vegetation ranging from Mediterranean woods to alpine meadows above the highest tree line in the Balkans, and many rare and endemic plant species.

Operation Vajra

In News: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) is on board to prevent the trafficking of high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride (TH 250 mg) tablets under “Operation Vajra”.

Why is this a special kind of seizure?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid painkiller, popularly known as the ‘Fighter Drug’. There are accounts of fighters (including ISIS militants) using it to dull the effects of pain and fatigue.
Tramadol uses are legitimate, but its diversion and misuse for illicit purposes may cause addiction as well as public health and security problems.
India classified Tramadol under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985) in 2018, which rendered its manufacturing and sale illegal without mandating its approval from the Central Bureau of Narcotics.
Also, the seizure points up the more significant problem of Asian involvement in drug trading, with two significant areas being the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle.

Magnetic Levitation

In News: The Japanese government has permitted the construction of the first 500-km superconducting maglev (SCMAGLEV) railway line between Tokyo and Osaka, passing through the Kanagawa towns of Kobe, Nagano, Nagoya and Kyoto.

Maglev means to lift a vehicle without any mechanical support with the help of a magnetic field generated by either permanent magnets or electromagnets.
The maglev trains lift and move the train with strong magnetic forces, with no rolling friction and high speed, up to 400km per hour.

Dyslipidemia

In News: A landmark Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study shows that 87.3% of Indian adults have dyslipidemia, meaning an unhealthy balance of fats or cholesterol in the blood. This silent condition affects nearly nine in ten individuals across the country.

Key Findings of the Study

Most common issue: Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol affects 66.8% of adults.
Other imbalances: High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high total cholesterol follow.
Unexpected groups: The condition peaks early in adults aged 30 to 39 and affects women more than men.
Healthy individuals: Around 40% of people with normal blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure still have abnormal lipid levels.

About Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is an unhealthy imbalance of fats (lipids) in your blood. It usually means your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) or triglycerides are too high, or your “good” cholesterol (HDL) is too low.

Key points

Danger: It builds up plaque in your arteries, heavily increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Symptoms: It has no symptoms. Most people only find out through a routine blood test or a sudden heart emergency.
Causes: Poor diet (high in trans/saturated fats), lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, diabetes, or genetics.
Treatment: Eating more fiber and healthy fats, exercising for 150 minutes a week, losing weight, and taking prescribed medications like statins.

Batukeshwar Dutt

In News: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes to freedom fighter Batukeshwar Dutt on his death anniversary on July 20. Both leaders highlighted his unmatched courage, selfless sacrifice, and dedication to India’s independence.

Key Historical Contributions

Central Assembly Bombing: Threw low-intensity bombs with Bhagat Singh in the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929, to protest against oppressive laws without intending to hurt anyone.
Prisoner Rights: Courted arrest and went on a historic hunger strike alongside Bhagat Singh to demand humane and equal treatment for Indian political prisoners versus European inmates.
Cellular Jail Imprisonment: Endured brutal imprisonment and deportation to the Cellular Jail (Kalapani) in the Andaman Islands.