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GS Paper: GS1

  • Govt. approves ‘Caste Census’

    Why in the News?

    In a landmark move, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2025 population census for the first time since India’s independence.

    What is Caste Census?

    • A caste census is the process of recording individuals’ caste identities during a national census.
    • It aims to gather data on the distribution and socio-economic status of different caste groups, helping inform policies related to affirmative action, social justice, and welfare programs in India.
    • Caste plays a significant role in the country’s social, economic, and political life.
    • History of Caste Census:
      • British India (1881–1931): Caste enumeration was part of the decennial census under British rule, used for administrative purposes.
      • Post-Independence (1951): After independence, the Indian government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, discontinued caste enumeration to promote national unity and avoid social divisions.
      • 1961 Directive: States were allowed to collect their own data on Other Backward Classes (OBCs), leading to fragmented caste data collection at the state level.
      • 1980 Mandal Commission: The commission recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs, fuelling the demand for caste-based data. The lack of national caste data made the implementation of such policies contentious.
      • 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC): The SECC collected caste data, but it was not officially integrated into the census, and its findings were not fully released, drawing criticism for lack of transparency and application.

    Implications of Caste Census:

    • Political: It can help improve representation for marginalized groups and ensure better-targeted welfare programs.
    • Social: Unveils intersectional disparities, helping identify gaps in services like education, healthcare, and social protection.
    • Policy: Aids in shaping reservation policies and resource allocation for poverty alleviation.
    • Opposition and Concerns: Some worry it may reinforce caste-based divisions, particularly among upper-caste groups and certain political factions.
    • Electoral and Governance: Accurate data influences electoral strategies, helping parties address community-specific needs.
    • Legal and Administrative Impact: The 2025 caste enumeration raises issues regarding data collection, classification, and use, ensuring it is applied effectively without reinforcing caste-based disparities.
    [UPSC 2008] Amongst the following States, which one has the highest percentage of rural population (on the basis of the Census, 2001)?

    Options: (a) Himachal Pradesh* (b) Bihar (c) Odisha (d) Uttar Pradesh

     

  • Hon’ble President confers Padma Awards, 2025

    Why in the News?

    Padma Awards 2025 recognised 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Notable awardees include actor S. Ajith Kumar, singer Pankaj Udhas, and cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.

    About Padma Awards:

    • The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve.
    • These awards recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, particularly public service.
    • The GoI introduced the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in 1954, with the three classes (Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg) renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
    • The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to names.
    • The number of awards given annually is capped at 120 (excluding posthumous awards and awards to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs).

    Award Categories:

    1. Padma Vibhushan: For ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
    2. Padma Bhushan: For ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
    3. Padma Shri: For ‘distinguished service.’

    Eligibility and Nomination:

    • Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister, with final approval from the President.
    • Eligibility Criteria:
      • Open to all individuals, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
      • Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are generally ineligible.
      • Awards are generally not given posthumously, with exceptions in extraordinary cases.
      • A recipient can be considered for a higher category only after five years since their last Padma award.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

    Which of the above statements are not correct?

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

     

  • [29th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Role in a risk society: how women bear a disproportionate burden

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2019] What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?

    Linkage: The article details talk about the various challenges that contribute to women bearing a disproportionate burden, including socio-economic inequalities, health risks, and the burden of caregiving roles.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: In a risk society — where modernisation creates new, man-made dangers like pandemics or climate crises — women face deeper vulnerabilities due to caregiving burdens, poor health, insecure work, and limited access to aid or resources. This gendered risk is not incidental but structural.

    This is relevant for GS Paper 1 (Indian Society) and themes like “Challenges for women across time and space”.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The term ‘risk society’, coined by Ulrich Beck in his book Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity, refers to a shift from an industrial society to a society where uncertainty and dangers, caused by technology and environmental changes, play a larger role in shaping our lives.

    Why are women more vulnerable to the consequences of risks in a risk society, especially in developing countries?

    • Unequal Access to Resources: Women often have less access to land, credit, education, and technology compared to men. Eg: In rural areas of Africa and South Asia, women farmers typically control smaller plots and have less access to irrigation or improved seeds, making them more vulnerable to climate shocks like droughts.
    • Caregiving Responsibilities Increase Exposure: Women are usually responsible for caregiving roles (childcare, eldercare, healthcare), exposing them more to environmental and health risks. Eg: During the COVID-19 pandemic, women healthcare workers (70% of health workforce globally) faced higher exposure to the virus.
    • Greater Health Vulnerabilities: Due to physiological factors and social inequalities (like poor nutrition), women face higher health risks during environmental crises. Eg: In India, 57% of women suffer from anaemia (NFHS-5), making them more vulnerable during food shortages or health crises.
    • Social and Cultural Norms Deepen Disadvantages: Gender norms often prioritize men’s needs over women’s during disasters, leading to unequal relief, recovery, and aid access. Eg: After natural disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, women had lower survival rates partly because cultural norms restricted their ability to swim or climb trees.
    • Economic Insecurity Limits Resilience: Women are overrepresented in informal, low-wage, and insecure jobs, making it harder for them to recover from economic disruptions. Eg: During lockdowns in 2020, women in informal sectors (like domestic work or street vending) lost incomes faster and found it harder to regain employment.

    How do manufactured risks differ from natural risks?

    Aspect Natural Risks Manufactured Risks
    Origin of the Risks Arise from natural events or phenomena without human intervention. Result from human activities, often related to technological, industrial, or environmental actions
    Eg. Earthquakes, floods, storms Chernobyl nuclear disaster, pollution from industrial activities
    Predictability and Control Typically unpredictable, though some can be forecasted with scientific tools. Often foreseeable and manageable through technologies or regulations.
    Eg. Earthquakes (hard to predict), hurricanes (can be forecasted) Air pollution (can be reduced through cleaner technologies)
    Scope and Impact Often localized, though some (e.g., pandemics) can have widespread effects. Tend to have global implications, affecting large populations and interconnected systems.
    Eg. Flood in a specific region Climate change causing global consequences (e.g., rising sea levels, extreme weather)

    How did significant disasters like the Chernobyl nuclear accident and the COVID-19 pandemic reveal the vulnerabilities of an interconnected world?

    • Global Spread of Consequences: Both disasters showed how localized events can have widespread, global implications due to the interconnectedness of modern society. Eg: The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 released radioactive material into the atmosphere, which was carried by wind and affected countries across Europe, highlighting how environmental risks can transcend national borders. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic, originating in China, spread rapidly across the globe, disrupting economies and health systems worldwide.
    • Overwhelming Existing Systems: Both events overwhelmed existing infrastructures, revealing vulnerabilities in global systems that were ill-equipped to handle large-scale crises. Eg: In Chernobyl, the failure to control the nuclear fallout showed the inadequacies of disaster management and safety protocols, especially with complex technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems, even in developed countries, as hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and unable to cope with the rapid spread of the virus.
    • Amplification of Inequalities: Both disasters deepened existing inequalities, demonstrating how interconnected risks can exacerbate vulnerabilities for marginalized groups. Eg: Chernobyl disproportionately affected nearby populations, including poorer communities, who were more vulnerable to health impacts due to limited access to resources and healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic similarly highlighted how marginalized groups, such as low-income workers and people in developing countries, suffered more from economic disruption and limited access to healthcare.

    Who primarily bears the burden of managing risks in households, especially related to environmental and health hazards?

    • Women as Primary Caregivers: In many societies, especially in developing countries, women are the primary caregivers and household managers, placing them at the forefront of managing health and environmental risks. Eg: Women often handle household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children or elderly family members, putting them at increased exposure to risks like air pollution from solid fuel use or water contamination.
    • Gendered Roles in Resource Management: Women are frequently responsible for collecting water, gathering fuel, and managing food resources, making them more vulnerable to environmental hazards like water scarcity, pollution, and food insecurity. Eg: In rural areas, women often walk long distances to collect water, and if these water sources are contaminated, they face health risks directly, such as waterborne diseases.
    • Economic and Social Vulnerabilities: Women’s economic position and access to resources are often limited, making it harder for them to recover from environmental or health-related disasters. Their roles as caregivers are frequently undervalued, and they often lack the financial independence or support to manage risks effectively. Eg: In the aftermath of climate-related disasters like floods or droughts, women, especially in rural or low-income households, may face greater difficulties in accessing relief or rebuilding their livelihoods, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008 to tackle climate change by promoting renewable energy and enhancing climate resilience (e.g., National Solar Mission).
    • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Initiated in 2014 to improve sanitation and reduce health hazards through waste management and toilet construction.
    • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Launched in 2016 to provide crop insurance, protecting farmers from losses due to natural calamities.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Gender-Responsive Policies: Develop and implement policies that address the specific needs of women in disaster management, healthcare, and environmental sustainability to reduce vulnerabilities.
    • Enhancing Access to Resources and Technology: Improve access to education, technology, and financial resources for women, particularly in rural areas, to enable them to better manage and mitigate risks.

  • In news: Haji Pir Pass

    Why in the News?

    The recent Pahalgam terror attack has revived debates on India’s 1966 decision to surrender the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan during Tashkent Agreement of 1966.

    This move is compared to the Soviet Union’s 1954 transfer of Crimea, which created lasting security challenges.

    About Haji Pir Pass:

    • The Haji Pir Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).
    • It connects Poonch in India to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
    • Historically, it was a vital route for connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley before 1947, making it an essential part of India’s transportation network.
    • Post-partition, it became part of PoK and, during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, India recaptured it under Operation Bakshi.
    • However, it was returned to Pakistan following the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, a decision criticized by many experts.

    How Haji Pir Pass is a Chokepoint?

    • Strategic Military Route: The pass provides Pakistan with the ability to control and monitor the Kashmir Valley from a high-altitude position, serving as a key route for military logistics and infiltration.
    • Gateway for Infiltration: Historically, it has been used for militant infiltration into India, fuelling insurgency and instability in Kashmir.
    • Shortened Military Access: Retaining the pass would have reduced the distance between Poonch and Uri from 282 km to 56 km, improving India’s military logistics and rapid deployment.
    • Control over Key Terrain: Controlling the pass enables domination of the surrounding hills, limiting Pakistan’s ability to sustain military pressure and infiltration.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La

     

  • The history and evolution of monsoon forecasting in India

    Why in the News?

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the rainfall during the June-September southwest monsoon season will be higher than usual, around 105% of the average rainfall over a long period.

    What are the main factors that influence the Indian monsoon, as mentioned by the IMD?

    • El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): El Niño, which is characterized by warming sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, tends to reduce monsoon rainfall over India. Eg, during the 2015 El Niño event, India experienced a weakened monsoon and below-normal rainfall.
    • Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): The IOD refers to temperature differences between the western and eastern Indian Ocean. A positive IOD (warmer waters in the west) is typically linked to above-average rainfall in India, while a negative IOD can lead to drought conditions. Eg,2019 saw a positive IOD, which helped counterbalance the El Niño and brought more rainfall.
    • Himalayan Snow Cover: As observed by Blanford, the amount of snow accumulation in the Himalayas influences the monsoon. A thicker snow cover in the winter months often leads to increased rainfall during the subsequent monsoon. Eg, years with heavy snowfall in the Himalayas tend to see better monsoon rainfall in regions like Northwest India.

    How did Blanford contribute to the development of monsoon forecasting in India?

    • Identified the Snow-Monsoon Relationship: Blanford discovered an inverse relationship between the amount of snow accumulated in the Himalayas during winter and the subsequent monsoon rainfall over India. He hypothesized that greater snow accumulation led to a stronger monsoon. This was the basis for early monsoon predictions. Eg: Between 1882-1885, Blanford used Himalayan snow cover data to predict the intensity of the monsoon, marking a key step in systematic weather forecasting.
    • First Long-Range Forecast (1886): Blanford made India’s first long-range monsoon forecast in 1886, predicting the seasonal rainfall across India and Burma based on his snow-rain hypothesis. This was a pioneering effort in utilizing long-term data for weather predictions. Eg: Blanford’s 1886 forecast was the first to consider annual snowfall patterns in the Himalayas to predict the monsoon’s arrival and intensity across the entire Indian subcontinent.
    • Foundation for Modern Meteorology: Blanford’s work laid the foundation for further development in meteorology and forecasting. His research on snow cover influenced future meteorologists, including Sir John Eliot and Sir Gilbert Walker, who refined and expanded his methods using new data sources and statistical models. Eg: Blanford’s ideas directly influenced later meteorologists, helping to evolve more comprehensive models, including those considering global atmospheric factors.

    Why were IMD’s forecasts inaccurate between 1932 and 1987?

    • Outdated Predictors: The parameters identified by Sir Gilbert Walker, such as the Southern Oscillation and other atmospheric factors, had lost their significance over time, meaning their relationship with the monsoon was no longer consistent. This led to inaccurate forecasts. Eg: For instance, in the period 1932-1987, the forecast errors were significant, with average errors of 12.33 cm for the peninsula and 9.9 cm for Northwest India, indicating the failure of the existing model.
    • Failure to Adapt to New Data: Despite attempts to tweak Walker’s model, the IMD did not fully integrate new meteorological data and evolving atmospheric conditions, leading to persistent inaccuracies in monsoon prediction. Eg: The model failed to predict the 1987 drought, highlighting the inadequacy of the forecasting system during this period and the inability to account for changing atmospheric patterns.

    How has the IMD’s forecasting system improved since 2007?

    • Introduction of Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System (SEFS): In 2007, the IMD introduced the SEFS, which combined multiple models to generate a more robust prediction. This reduced the error margin and improved the accuracy of forecasts by considering different possible outcomes. Eg: The SEFS helped reduce the average absolute error in forecasts between 2007 and 2018 to 5.95% of the long-period average (LPA), compared to a higher 7.94% error in the earlier period (1995-2006).
    • Launch of the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System (MMCFS): In 2012, the IMD launched the MMCFS, which integrated ocean, atmosphere, and land data for more accurate predictions. This coupled dynamic model enabled better predictions by accounting for the interactions between various climate factors. Eg: The MMCFS contributed to more accurate monsoon forecasts in the years following its introduction, helping the IMD predict monsoon patterns with greater precision.

    What impact did the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System (MMCFS) have on IMD’s accuracy?

    • Improved Forecast Accuracy by Integrating Multiple Data Sources: The MMCFS combined data from the ocean, atmosphere, and land, allowing for a more holistic and accurate monsoon forecast. This helped the IMD provide more reliable predictions by considering the dynamic interactions between various climate components. Eg: After the introduction of MMCFS in 2012, the IMD was able to produce more precise monsoon predictions, particularly in terms of seasonal rainfall.
    • Enhanced Long-Term Predictive Capabilities: The coupled model allowed the IMD to improve long-term monsoon predictions by simulating real-world climate interactions more accurately, reducing errors in forecasting and enhancing the reliability of predictions over longer time spans. Eg: The model helped improve predictions such as the 2014 monsoon season, where the forecast matched the actual rainfall more closely than earlier years, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing forecast errors.

    Way forward: 

    • Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Leveraging AI and ML can further refine IMD’s forecasting models by analyzing vast datasets more efficiently and identifying hidden patterns in climate behavior, improving the accuracy of short- and long-term monsoon predictions.
    • Collaboration with Global Climate Agencies: Strengthening partnerships with international climate research institutions can enhance data sharing and provide more comprehensive insights into global climate drivers affecting the Indian monsoon.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.

    Linkage: Forecasting is essential for understanding the behavior of the Indian monsoon. This article explores the evolution of monsoon forecasting in India, particularly by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

  • Places in News: Sea of Marmara

    Why in the News?

    A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul and surrounding areas with its epicenter located beneath the Sea of Marmara.

    About the Sea of Marmara

    • The Sea of Marmara is a small but significant inland sea in Turkey, acting as a transition zone between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
    • It holds geographical, ecological, and cultural importance, separating Asia and Europe within Turkey.
    • It spans 11,350 km², it is 280 km long and 80 km wide.
    • It is connected to the Black Sea in the northeast via the Bosphorus Strait and to the Aegean Sea in the southwest via the Dardanelles Strait.
    • It receives cold, fresh water from the Black Sea and warmer, saltier water from the Mediterranean, creating a unique fresh-to-salty water transition.
    • The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold, wet winters, influencing the marine ecosystem.
    • The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the sea, causing significant earthquake risks, including the recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake near Istanbul.
    • It is home to several islands, including Marmara Island (the largest) and Prince Islands.
    • The city of Istanbul lies along its coastline.
    [UPSC 2014] Turkey is located between:

    Options: (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

     

  • Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

    Why in the News?

    Two decades since the demolition of Bamiyan Buddha, the Afghan Taliban are now convinced to restore it.

    Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

    About Bamiyan Buddha:

    • The Bamiyan Buddhas were located in the Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, about 130 km northwest of Kabul.
    • The Western Buddha (Salsal) stood 55 meters tall, and the Eastern Buddha (Shah Mama) stood 38 meters tall, making them two of the largest standing Buddha statues in the world before their destruction.
    • Construction:
      • Built around 600 CE during the rule of the Hephthalites.
      • Carved directly into sandstone cliffs with features made from mud and straw, and painted with bright colors, including carmine red for the larger Buddha.
      • The style blends Greco-Buddhist art, Sasanian Persia, and Byzantine Empire influences.
    • Historical Significance:
      • Represented Vairocana and Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha).
      • Served as a major Buddhist religious centre along the Silk Road, hosting monasteries and playing a crucial role in religion, philosophy, and art.
      • Survived invasions, including by Genghis Khan (1221 AD) and Aurangzeb (17th Century).
    • In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the statues. The Buddhas had previously survived multiple attacks.
    • The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense historical, religious, and cultural significance.
    [UPSC 2014] Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

    1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only * (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

     

  • Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent

    Why in the News?

    A hidden landmass, called the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, has been discovered beneath the icy waters between Canada’s Baffin Island and Greenland.

    About the Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent:

    • The Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent is a hypothesised landmass located in the Davis Strait, believed to have existed during the Paleozoic era.
    • It is composed of 19–24 km thick thinned continental crust, surrounded by two narrow bands of 15–17 km thick continental crust.
    • It is thought to have broken apart due to tectonic movements.
    • Geological evidence, including similarities in rock formations and tectonic features found in Greenland and parts of the Canadian Arctic, supports the idea of this ancient landmass.
    • While its exact nature and extent remain debated, the proto-microcontinent is crucial for understanding the tectonic processes that shaped the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding regions.

    About Davis Strait:

    • The Davis Strait is a large body of water located between southeastern Baffin Island (Canada) and southwestern Greenland, serving as part of the Northwest Passage.
    • It separates the Baffin Bay (to the north) from the Labrador Sea (to the south), and it connects the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
    • It is an important maritime route for shipping and trade.
    • Named after John Davis, the English explorer who navigated the area in the late 16th century, the Davis Strait plays a significant role in the tectonic evolution of the Arctic region.
    [UPSC 2013] Consider the following:

    (1). Electromagnetic radiation (2). Geothermal energy (3). Gravitational force (4). Plate movements (5). Rotation of the earth (6). Revolution of the earth

    Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None*

     

  • Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

    Why in the News?

    Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra manuscripts has been included in UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register.

    About UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register:

    • Launched in 1992, UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme preserves and promotes documentary heritage of global significance.
    • It safeguards humanity’s documentary heritage, ensuring materials are accessible for future generations.

    About the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra:

    • Bhagavad Gita:
      • Traditionally attributed to sage Vyasa, the Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse scripture in the Mahabharata.
      • It presents a dialogue between Arjuna and his charioteer, Lord Krishna, discussing duty, righteousness, and spirituality.
      • The Gita synthesizes various Indian philosophical traditions, including Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Charvaka.
      • The text is dated to the first or second century BCE, with oral compositions transcribed later.
    • Natyashastra:
      • Attributed to sage Bharata, the Natyashastra defines the rules of performing arts such as drama, music, and dance.
      • It introduces Rasa (aesthetic experience), a key concept in Indian theatre.
      • The treatise consists of 36,000 verses and was codified around the 2nd century BCE, continuing to influence performing arts today.

    India’s Earlier Entries to the Memory of the World Register

    • Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, Sahṛdayaloka-Locana (2024): Important literary and cultural texts in India’s storytelling tradition.
    • Abhinavagupta’s Works (2023): Significant contributions to Shaiva philosophy and mysticism.
    • NAM Archives (2023): Archives from the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement summit, reflecting India’s role in diplomacy.
    • Rig Veda (2005): One of the oldest texts, foundational in Indian spirituality.
    • Dutch East India Company Archives (2003): Reflecting colonial history.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhāsa?

    Options: (a) Kavyaalankara (b) Natyashasta (c) Madhyama-vyoga* (d) Mahabhashya

     

  • Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume soon

    Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume soon

    Why in the News?

    The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is set to resume after a halt since 2020.

    About Kailash Mountain and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

    • Kailash Mountain is situated in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, near India and Nepal, standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet).
    • Religious Significance:
      • Hinduism: Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, believed to bring moksha (liberation).
      • Buddhism: Home of Buddha Demchok, symbolizing bliss.
      • Jainism: Lord Rishabhanatha attained Nirvana here.
      • Bon Religion: Center of the universe in Bon faith.
    • Mansarovar Yatra is the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake at 4,556 meters (14,950 feet).
    • This lake is believed to be created by Lord Brahma, bathing here is believed to cleanse sins.
    • The Yatra is managed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Indian pilgrims.
    Places in News: Kailash Mansarovar
    Copyright infringement not intended.

    Routes to Kailash Mansarovar

    • Lipulekh Pass: Located at 5,115 meters, this route is 200 km of trekking and has been suspended since 2020 due to geopolitical tensions.
    • Nathu La Pass: Positioned at 4,310 meters, this 1,500 km motorable route requires 35-40 km of trekking. It has been operational since 2015.
    • Nepal Route: Available since 2023, this route is managed by private operators, with challenges related to visa and permit requirements.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La