SNIPPETS 20 JANUARY 2026

Indiaphonte bijoyi: A microscopic crustacean discovered from the Kavaratti lagoon in Lakshadweep Islands+ Genus name – Indiaphonte+ Honours India+ Species name – bijoyi, Named after S. Bijoy Nandan+ A new genus+ A new species+ Physical Characteristics: Extremely small size → 518 to 772 micrometres, Semi-cylindrical body-Wider in the middle, tapering at the end, Antenna-like appendages at the front, Females slightly larger than males+ Ecological Importance: Maintain sediment health, aid in nutrient cycling, form a crucial link in the aquatic food chain, indicate ecosystem health

Ozempic: An anti-diabetes medication launched recently in India, is gaining traction for its role in rapid weight loss+ Active ingredient is Semaglutide, specifically for rapid weight loss+In India, Ozempic is considered off label for weight loss, meaning it has been approved only for Type 2 diabetes and not for weight loss by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)+ Stopping Ozempic injections suddenly also results in medical complications

International Year of Cooperatives (IYC): The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC)+ India’s emergence as a global leader with over 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives + focus under the vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi+ India accounts for approximately 27% of all cooperatives worldwide+ As of late 2025, there are nearly 32 crore members, covering roughly 98% of rural India across 30 different sectors+ Out of 8.5 lakh registered societies, approximately 6.6 lakh are fully operational+  The sector includes 1,457 urban cooperative banks holding assets worth ₹7.38 trillion and deposits of roughly ₹5.84 trillion as of March 2025.

Chile (Capital: Santiago) : Violent wildfire raging in Southern Chile forced evacuation of more than twenty thousand people+ Location: Long narrow country in South America, with maximum width of 110 miles+ Neighbouring Countries: Peru and Bolivia (North), Argentina (East)+ Bordered by Pacific Ocean on the West+ Desert: Atacama+ Longest River: Loa (rising from Andes)+ Part of the Lithium triangle, along with Argentina and Bolivia+ Highest Peak: Ojos De Salado.