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  • [pib] Mahatma Ayyankali (1863–1941)

    Why in the News?

    On his Jayanti (August 28), PM paid tribute to Mahatma Ayyankali.

    About Mahatma Ayyankali:

    • Birth: August 28, 1863, in Venganoor, Travancore (present-day Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala).
    • Community: Belonged to the Pulayar caste, among the most oppressed and excluded groups.
    • Background: Faced severe caste discrimination despite family owning land; denied access to temples, schools, roads, and public spaces.
    • Legacy: Remembered as a Dalit leader of modern Kerala and a pioneer of social justice, education, and labour rights.

    Key Reforms and Contributions:

    • Caste Defiance: Famous Villuvandi Yatra (1893) – ox-cart ride on caste-restricted roads, triggering riots but also mass mobilization for Dalit rights.
    • Education Movement: Demanded access for Dalit children to public schools; Travancore government issued 1907 order allowing entry, implemented by 1910.
    • Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS): Founded in 1907 to promote Dalit education, legal aid, and social upliftment; expanded into hundreds of branches.
    • Legislative Role: In 1910, became the first Dalit member of the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly (Travancore Legislative Council).
    • Labour Reforms: Fought for higher wages and dignity for agricultural labourers.
    • Social Reforms: Campaigned for Dalit women’s right to cover their upper bodies in public, a practice denied earlier.
    • Temple Entry Movement: Early campaigns from 1895 onwards contributed to the 1936 Temple Entry Proclamation, ending exclusion of Dalits from temples in Travancore.
    • Recognition: Admired by Mahatma Gandhi, who called him the “Pulaya King”. Indira Gandhi later hailed him as “India’s greatest son”.
    [UPSC 2025] Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

    Options: (a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker * (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav (d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

     

  • [pib] Nuakhai Festival

    Why in the News?

    PM extended wishes to the Odia-speaking communities on the occasion of Nuakhai.

    About Nuakhai Festival:

    • Meaning: Derived from “Nua” (new) and “Khai” (food); literally “new food”, marking the first consumption of freshly harvested rice.
    • Region: Celebrated mainly in Western Odisha and also observed in parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand by Odia-speaking communities.
    • Significance: Agrarian thanksgiving to deities, ancestors, and the earth; symbol of prosperity, good harvest, and family unity.
    • Date: Observed on Bhadraba Sukla Panchami (5th day after Ganesh Chaturthi).
    • Historical Roots: Traces to Vedic rituals of first grain offerings (Pralambana yajna); formalized in the 14th century by Raja Ramai Deo of Patna State, Sambalpur.
    • Social Role: Strengthens community bonds; people greet with “Nuakhai Juhar”, reconcile disputes, and seek elders’ blessings.

    Festivities and Cultural Elements:

    • Preparations: Begin 15 days in advance; involve nine ritual steps (Navaranga) such as fixing the date, cleaning homes, harvesting grain, offering puja, and sharing food.
    • Ritual Practice: Family head or priest performs puja, offering the first grain to the local deity, followed by distribution within the family.
    • Cultural Celebrations: Sambalpuri folk dances like Rasarkeli, Dalkhai, Maelajada, Sajani; folk songs praising harvest and community spirit.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs: Tradition | State

    1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

    2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

    3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3

     

  • Addiction, Not Play

    Introduction

    Online real-money gaming is no longer an innocent form of entertainment. With mechanics borrowed from gambling, variable rewards, high engagement loops, and rapid gratification, these games are engineered to create dependency. For India’s youth, this shift has manifested in addiction, financial losses, academic decline, and severe mental health crises. The government’s ban may seem like a safeguard, but the issue is deeper: India’s children deserve not just a firewall, but also psychological care, awareness, and structured support.

    Online Gaming Addiction as a Pressing Concern

    1. Gambling-like mechanisms: Real-money games mirror casino psychology, using reward loops to sustain engagement.
    2. Rising cases of harm: Children have drained family bank accounts, hidden debts, and even attempted suicide due to gaming stress.
    3. Mental health crisis: Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among adolescents point to an urgent public health issue.

    The Fallout of Gaming Addiction on Families

    1. Toxic home environments: Addiction leads to secrecy, conflict, and breakdown of trust.
    2. Academic decline: Falling grades and inability to concentrate fuel further parental distress.
    3. Financial stress: Unexpected credit card bills or loans worsen family relations.

    The Limits of Gaming Bans

    1. Immediate relief: Bans reduce household conflicts and financial shocks.
    2. Partial bans & age-gating: Allowing adults while protecting minors can delay addiction onset.
    3. Psychological displacement: Without therapy, children may shift to pornography, substance abuse, or compulsive social media use.

    Towards a Comprehensive Strategy Against Gaming Addiction

    1. School-based interventions: Routine mental health screenings and workshops on digital addiction.
    2. Parental guidance: Training parents to spot early warning signs and encourage healthy digital habits.
    3. Child-friendly counselling: Access to therapy services designed for adolescents.
    4. Awareness campaigns: Multi-stakeholder efforts targeting students, caregivers, and teachers.

    Gaming Addiction as a Behavioural Health Challenge

    1. Beyond discipline: Punishment or restriction alone worsens secrecy and aggression.
    2. Long-term healing: A behavioural approach can repair family rifts and promote healthy tech use.
    3. Balanced future: Children should grow up with resilience, not dependency, in digital spaces.

    Way Forward: Towards a Balanced Approach

    1. Public Health Lens: Treat gaming addiction as a behavioural health issue with school screenings, awareness drives, and accessible counselling.
    2. Smart Regulation: Use age-gating, spending caps, and parental consent instead of blanket bans.
    3. Global Lessons:
      • China: Strict weekly limits → relief but drove youth to unregulated platforms.
      • UK/EU: Regulate loot boxes as gambling → targeted, flexible control.
      • South Korea: Late-night gaming ban + rehab centres → balance of restriction and support.
    4. India’s Path: A middle way combining safeguards with education and digital literacy, avoiding both overregulation and laissez-faire neglect.

    Conclusion

    India’s youth deserve more than prohibitionist measures. A firewall can block access, but not heal emotional wounds. True protection lies in combining thoughtful regulation with robust mental health programmes, counselling, and awareness. Only then can families find balance and children grow with a healthier relationship to technology.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] “Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.”

    Linkage: Online real-money gaming, like mobile phones, is replacing natural child–parent interaction with addictive digital engagement. This weakens socialization, fuels secrecy and conflict within families, and erodes trust. Both highlight how technology-driven dependence disrupts healthy emotional development in children.

  • Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab

    Why in the news?

    Floods hit Punjab villages due to heavy rain in Himachal, high dam discharges (Bhakra, Pong, Ranjit Sagar), and regulated headworks flow.

    Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab

    About the Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab:

    River Origin & Entry into Punjab Major Dam (Location & Key Facts) Headworks & Functions
    Sutlej Origin: Rakshastal Lake (Tibet); enters India at Shipki La (HP); enters Punjab at Rupnagar; joins Beas at Harike, then Chenab in Pakistan. Bhakra Dam (near Nangal, HP–Punjab border).

    One of India’s highest gravity dams; reservoir = Gobind Sagar Lake; irrigation + hydropower.

    		 Ropar: Feeds Sirhind & BML canals (Punjab + Haryana).

    Harike: Diverts Sutlej–Beas water to Rajasthan & Punjab canals.

    Hussainiwala: Feeds Bikaner & Eastern Canals (Punjab + Rajasthan).
    Beas Origin: Beas Kund (Rohtang Pass, HP); enters Punjab near Mukerian (Hoshiarpur); flows via Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar. Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Sagar), HP (Kangra).

    Major irrigation + power dam; supplies Harike.

    		 Harike: Regulates Beas + Sutlej water; feeds Rajasthan & Punjab canals.
    Ravi Origin: Bara Banghal (Rohtang Pass, HP); enters Punjab near Pathankot; flows via Pathankot, Gurdaspur;

    Enters Pakistan and joins Chenab.

    		 Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam), Pathankot (Punjab–J&K border). Irrigation + hydropower. Madhopur: Feeds UBDC canal (Punjab).

    Madhopur–Beas Link: Transfers surplus Ravi to Beas before Pakistan.

     

    [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indus river system, among the following four rivers, one of them joins the Indus directly:

    Options: (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej*

     

  • Mawsynram and Cherrapunji no longer Wettest Places in India

    Why in the News?

    Cherrapunji and Mawsynram have recorded about 50% below normal rainfall this year.

    About the Wettest Places in India:

    • Cherrapunji (Sohra, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya) and Mawsynram (same district) are globally known as the wettest places on Earth.
    • Average annual rainfall: ~11,000–12,000 mm.
    • World record events:
      • Highest annual rainfall: Mawsynram holds the record for highest annual rainfall.
      • Heaviest rainfall: Cherrapunji recorded 2,493 mm in 48 hours (June 1995), one of the heaviest rainfalls ever documented.

    Comparative Rainfall Data (for 2025 Monsoon Season):

    • Cherrapunji (Sohra): ~3,500 mm (≈50% deficit from normal).
    • Surlabbi (Kodagu, Karnataka): ~7,300 mm (highest in India this year).
    • Tamhini (Maharashtra): 5,788 mm (June–July).
    • Trend: At least 32 stations across India received more rainfall than Cherrapunji in June–July 2025.
    • Historical Low for Sohra: 5,401 mm in 1962 → 2025 may break this record if deficit continues.

    Why Mawsynram /Cherrapunji receive such high rainfall?

    • Geographical Location: Lies on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills, directly facing the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.
    • Orographic Effect: Moist monsoon winds hit the steep hills, rise rapidly, and cause heavy orographic rainfall.
    • Monsoon Duration: Receives rainfall almost continuously from June to September, with frequent cloudbursts.
    • Topography: Steep hills + valleys act as a trap for moisture-laden winds, leading to intense rainfall concentration.
    • Climatic Setting: Part of the Humid Subtropical/Monsoonal climate zone of Northeast India, with high moisture inflow.
    [UPSC 2015] Consider the following States:

    1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram

    In which of the above States do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests’ occur?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Origins of the modern Ganesh Chaturthi Festival 

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.

    How did the Public Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Start?

    • May 1894: Governor George Robert Canning Harris issued a circular regulating music in religious processions in Poona with a communal bias.
    • July 1894: During the palkhi procession of saints Dnyanoba & Tukaram, disturbances occurred near a dargah in Poona.
    • Newspapers (Kalpataru, Mumbai Vaibhav, Indu Prakash, Deenbandhu, Subodh Patrika) urged people to reduce participation in Moharram that year.
    • July 22, 1894: Reports indicated preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi on a larger public scale in Poona.
    • September 13, 1894: For the first time, large Ganesh idols were taken out in public processions with immersion ceremonies, modeled on the style of tabut processions.
    • Press Accounts: The Times of India and The Mahratta noted the transformation of Ganpati celebrations from private household worship to community-wide public processions.

    Role of Lokmanya Tilak:

    • Newspapers:
      • Through Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English), Lokmanya Tilak promoted Ganpati as a social and cultural festival.
    • 1894–95: Advocated that the festival be used to foster unity and collective identity.
    • September 1895 (Kesari editorial): Stated that a nation requires common laws, a common language, and a shared cultural identity.
    • Contribution:
      • Popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a community celebration, open to all sections of society.
      • Created a platform for mass participation, bridging the gap between political movements (Congress) and ordinary people.
    • Impact: Helped transform Ganesh Chaturthi into an instrument of socio-political mobilisation, while retaining its religious character.
    [UPSC 2016] What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

    Options: (a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics b Lord Minto

    (b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government*

    (c) Foundation of Muslim League

    (d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to the elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

     

  • Vithalbhai Patel and the Legacy of India’s Legislative Traditions

    Why in the News?

    The Delhi Assembly has hosted a two-day All India Speakers’ Conference to mark 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to today’s Parliament.

    Vithalbhai Patel and the Legacy of India’s Legislative Traditions

    Who was Vithalbhai Patel?

    • Early Life: Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873–1933), Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; trained lawyer (studied law in England, practiced in Bombay).
    • Political career:
      • Member, Bombay Legislative Council (1912).
      • Member, Imperial Legislative Council (1918).
      • Elected to Central Legislative Assembly in 1924 from Bombay city.
    • First Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly (1925), equivalent to today’s Lok Sabha Speaker under British rule.

    His Political Legacy:

    • Associated with Swaraj Party (1923): Co-founded by him, Motilal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, opposing Gandhi’s suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement.
    • Strengthening Speaker’s Authority: Asserted that the Assembly President (Speaker) was paramount, even over the Viceroy inside the House.
    • Parliamentary Security: Insisted on keeping Assembly security under Speaker’s control, even after Bhagat Singh’s 1929 bomb incident. This autonomy lasted until 2024 when CISF took over.
    • Independent Parliament Secretariat: Established a staff system reporting only to the Speaker, ensuring independence from executive interference.
    • Institution Builder: Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai supported his push, leading to creation of a separate Legislative Assembly Department in 1929.
    • Freedom Struggle Role: Critic of Gandhian withdrawal strategy; collaborated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose abroad to internationalize India’s cause.
    • Controversial Will: Left part of his wealth to support Bose’s political work, later overturned in court after family challenge.
    [UPSC 2016] For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel. Who drafted the Resolution Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?

    Options: (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru* (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Dr. BR Ambedkar

     

  • In news: Women Revolutionaries of Bengal 

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.

    Women in Revolutionary Movements:

    Pritilata Waddedar:

    • Early Life: Born on 5 May 1911 in Chittagong. One of the first Bengali women to lead an armed revolutionary group.
    • Education: Graduated in philosophy from Bethune College, Kolkata; became a school teacher.
    • Inspiration: Influenced by revolutionary literature and women’s activism; joined Deepali Sangha.
    • Role: Collected bomb cases, distributed pamphlets, gathered jail intelligence by posing as relatives.
    • Legacy: Left a suicide note explaining her cause; remembered as a fearless martyr.

    Kalpana Datta:

    • Early Life: Born in 1913 in Sripur, Chittagong; studied at Bethune College, joined Chhatri Sangha.
    • Activities: Conducted reconnaissance before the European Club attack; arrested a week earlier.
    • Later Role: Joined bombing attempt to free Surya Sen; sentenced to life, released in 1939.
    • Post-freedom: Became a Communist Party leader, focused on social activism.

    Bina Das:

    • Early Life: At 21, attempted assassination of Governor Stanley Jackson (1932) with a revolver supplied by Kamala Das Gupta.
    • Networks: Part of secret revolutionary student circles.
    • Court Statement: Famous for her passionate resistance plea before Calcutta High Court.

    Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain:

    • Early Life: Born on 9 December 1880; pioneer of women’s rights and education.
    • Writings: Authored “Sultana’s Dream” (1908), envisioning a feminist utopia.
    • Institutions: Founded the first school for Muslim girls in Kolkata; formed Muslim Women’s Association (1916).
    • Activism: Led women’s conferences, challenged purdah, advocated education.

    Kamala Das Gupta:

    • Early Life: Born in Dhaka; completed MA in history at Kolkata. Initially Gandhian, later joined Jugantar.
    • Role: Provided shelter, weapons, and materials; arrested multiple times.
    • Connection: Supplied Bina Das with revolver for her assassination attempt.
    • Legacy: Wrote “Rakter Akshare” and “Swadhinata Sangrame Nari”; led refugee relief and vocational training.

    Nanibala Devi:

    • Early Life: Disguised as a revolutionary’s wife; spied in prisons for intelligence.
    • Sacrifice: Endured brutal police torture (including red chili powder) without revealing secrets.
    • End: Died in poverty but symbolised courage and resilience.

    Labanya Prabha Ghosh:

    • Early Life: Born on 14 August 1897, Purulia.
    • Contribution: Helped establish Shilpashram, hub of revolutionaries like Subhas Bose, C.R. Das.
    • Political Role: First woman MLA from Purulia; wrote and edited nationalist journals.
    • Later Activism: Led movements for land rights, justice for the poor.

    Matangini Hazra (“Gandhi Buri”):

    • Early Life: Born in 1870, Hogla village, Midnapore; widowed young, lived in poverty.
    • Freedom Struggle: Joined Salt Satyagraha, arrested for making salt; resisted chowkidari tax.
    • Repression: Imprisoned and beaten; served the sick during epidemics.
    • Martyrdom: Killed by police firing while leading Quit India procession (1942), holding the tricolour until death.
    [UPSC 2009] During the freedom struggle, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity in

    Options:

    (a) Civil Disobedience Movement

    (b) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (c) Quit India Movement*

    (d) Swadeshi Movement

     

  • Census 2027 and Urban Area Definition

    Why in the News?

    The Registrar General of India (RGI) has announced that the same definition of “urban area” used in Census 2011 will be retained in Census 2027 to ensure comparability of data and analysis of urbanisation trends.

    Background and Urbanisation Trends:

    • Census 2011 Data: India’s population was 121 crore – 68.8% rural (83.3 crore) and 31.2% urban (37.7 crore).
    • Trend: Urban share grew from 17.3% in 1951 to 31% in 2011, showing rapid urbanisation.
    • Units: 6,40,867 villages and 15,870 urban units recorded in 2011.

    Definition of Urban Area:

    • Statutory Towns: Include municipal corporations, nagar palikas, town panchayats, cantonment boards, and notified town area committees.
    • Census Town Criteria:
      • Minimum population of 5000;
      • Population Density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km;
      • Workforce: ≥ 75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities.
    • District HQs: Headquarters not legally notified as towns will be Census Towns only if they meet criteria.
    • Exclusions: Plantations and orchards outside statutory towns will not be treated as “forests” under this definition.

    Special Features of Census 2027:

    • Caste Data: For the first time, caste enumeration included (approved April 2024).
    • Worker Classification: Male agricultural workers (cultivators, labourers, livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting, plantations) excluded when calculating non-agricultural engagement.
    • Error Correction: Grouping multiple villages into one Census Town discontinued; identification now at village level.

    Preparatory Work and Timelines:

    • Jurisdiction Updates: All changes in villages/towns/wards updated till 31 December 2025.
    • Boundary Freeze: Administrative boundaries fixed on 1 January 2026.
    • Village Review: Villages with 4,000+ population in 2011 re-examined to meet 5,000 threshold by 2027.
    • Phases:
      • Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO) – April 2026.
      • Population Enumeration (PE) – February 2027.
    [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements about the megacities of India:

    I. Population of each megacity is more than 5 million.

    II. All the megacities are important sea ports.

    III. Megacities are either national or State capitals.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    (a) I, II and III

    (b) I and II

    (c) II and III

    (d) I and III *

     

  • NCERT textbooks introduce Indian Art Forms

    Why in the News?

    For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts into primary and middle school textbooks (Classes 3 to 8).

    About Classical Arts in School Textbooks

    • For the first time, NCERT has integrated Indian classical arts (music, dance, theatre, and visual arts) into textbooks for Classes 3 to 8.
    • The reform aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates rooting education in India’s ethos and cultural heritage.
    • Music content includes swar, laya, shabd, Sanskrit shloka recitations, folk songs, ragas from Hindustani & Carnatic music.
    • Dance content covers 8 classical dance forms — Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.
    • Draws from ancient texts like Natyashastra, Brihaddeshi, Sangita Damodara, Abhinaya Darpanam.
    • Pedagogy: Emphasis on exposure, appreciation, and creativity rather than mastery. Includes storytelling, abhinaya (expressions), theatre, group performances.

    Classical Dance Forms Mentioned:

    Dance Form Details
    Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu) Oldest dance form; temple origins; fixed torso, bent legs, intricate footwork; emphasis on abhinaya and mudras; devotional themes (Bhakti rasa).
    Kathak (North India) Storytelling tradition (katha = story); features fast spins (chakkars) and rhythmic footwork; evolved in temples & Mughal courts; uses ghungroo.
    Kathakali (Kerala) Dance-drama with elaborate costumes, makeup, masks; based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas; strong gestures, expressions (navarasas).
    Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) Blend of dance & drama with dialogue; famous Tarangam item (dance on brass plate); Vaishnav themes (Krishna stories); brisk, graceful movements.
    Manipuri (Manipur) Graceful, devotional form linked to Ras Lila of Krishna; lyrical movements, cylindrical skirt for women; avoids forceful footwork; spiritual style.
    Mohiniyattam (Kerala) “Dance of the enchantress”; soft, feminine style; gentle swaying movements; solo, mostly by women; white-golden costume; mood of lasya (grace).
    Odissi (Odisha) Temple dance linked to Jagannath worship; tribhangi posture and chauka stance; sculptural quality like temple carvings; strong Vaishnava themes.
    Sattriya (Assam) Introduced by Srimanta Sankardev in monasteries (sattras); devotional Vaishnava themes; combines dance, drama, music; recognised as classical in 2000.

     

    [UPSC 2012] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

    1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.

    2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

    Options:

    (a) 1 only*

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2