Odishaâs law minister recently clarified that there was no secret chamber inside the treasury of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
About Jagannath Puri Temple
The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.
Itâs Architecture:
With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.
The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:
Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)
PYQ:
[2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
(a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
The Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), held the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) in New Delhi.
About the Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS)
ABS is a high-level conference organized to bring together Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across Asia.
The theme of the first summit was âRole of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asiaâ.
It aligns with Indiaâs Act East Policy, aiming to deepen cultural and spiritual ties across Asian nations.
Key topics discussed at the summit include:
The role of Buddhist art, architecture, and heritage.
The dissemination of Buddha Dhamma and its cultural influence across Asia.
The significance of holy Buddhist relics and their societal impact.
The relevance of Buddhist philosophy and literature in the 21st century.
Exploring the relationship between Buddhism and scientific research for health and well-being.
About Buddhism:
Details
Origin of Buddhism
⢠Originated in India over 2,600 years ago.
⢠Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) around 563 BCE.
⢠Born into the royal family of the Sakya clan in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal border.
⢠At age 29, Gautama renounced a life of luxury and embraced asceticism.
⢠Attained Bodhi (enlightenment) after 49 days of meditation under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
⢠Delivered his first sermon in Sarnath, known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana.
⢠Died at 80 in Kushinagara (Mahaparinirvana) in 483 BCE.
Tenets of Buddhism
⢠Advocated the Madhyam Marg (Middle Path) between indulgence and asceticism.
⢠Emphasized individual responsibility for happiness.
⢠Four Noble Truths (ariya-sachchani):
1. Dukkha: Suffering is inherent.
2. Samudya: Every suffering has a cause.
3. Nirodha: Suffering could be extinguished.
4. Atthanga Magga: Achieved through the Eightfold Path.
⢠Eightfold Path (astangika marg): Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, mindfulness, effort, concentration.
⢠Ultimate goal: Attaining Nirvana (Nibbana).
⢠Five Precepts (Panchasil): Prohibitions against violence, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.
Major Buddhist Texts
⢠Initially oral teachings, memorized by the Sangha.
⢠Written down around 25 BCE in Pali.
⢠Three Pitakas:
1. Vinaya Pitaka: Monastic rules.
2. Sutta Pitaka: Main teachings, divided into five Nikayas (Digha, Majjhima, Samyutta, Anguttara, Khuddaka).
3. Abhidamma Pitaka: Philosophical analysis of teachings.
⢠Other important texts: Divyavadana, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milind Panha.
Role of the Buddhist Councils
⢠Important turning points in early Buddhism, leading to sectarian clashes and the Great Schism.
⢠Four Major Councils:
1. First Council (483 BCE): Presided by Mahakasyapa, aimed to preserve teachings.
2. Second Council (383 BCE): Addressed monastic discipline.
3. Third Council (250 BCE): Under Ashoka, focusing on spreading Buddhism.
4. Fourth Council (72 CE): Led to division into Mahayana and Hinayana.
Different Schools of Buddhism
⢠Mahayana: “Great Vehicle,” emphasizes Bodhisattva ideal and idol worship; spread to Central and East Asia.
⢠Hinayana: “Lesser Vehicle,” focuses on individual salvation and original teachings; Theravada is a major branch.
⢠Theravada: Closest to original teachings; dominant in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
⢠Vajrayana: “Vehicle of the Thunderbolt,” complex rituals; developed around 900 CE.
⢠Zen: Focuses on meditation, developed in China and Japan.
Spread of Buddhism in Ancient India
⢠Monastic organization through Sangha for spreading teachings.
⢠Rapid growth during Buddhaâs lifetime.
⢠Ashoka’s influence post-Kalinga conquest; adopted Dhamma conquest, sending missions to various regions, including Gandhara, Kashmir, Greece, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Egypt, and Thailand.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentorâs Comment:Nearly 23% of women surveyed in eight countries reported experiencing online abuse or harassment multiple times, with the U.S. having the highest rate.
Women in power, such as U.S. politician Nikki Haley and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have encountered gender bias in technology and safety. Haley faced manipulated explicit images during her Republican primary campaign, while Meloni was targeted with deepfake content.
In Bangladesh, female politicians Rumin Farhana and Nipun Roy were victims of deepfake images circulating on social media ahead of the January 7, 2024, general election, which attracted millions of views. This situation raises critical questions about what actions content moderators are taking to address these issues?
Todayâs editorial addresses the persistent issues of online harassment and abuse that disproportionately affect women. It criticizes the failure of major technology companies to create safe digital environments.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Online abuse directed at women, including harassment, threats, and misogynistic comments has gained significant attention as more women share their experiences of unsafe digital environments, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Kamla Harris faced extensive online trolling, particularly from right-wing commentators.
These personal attacks targeted her background, character, and integrity, including a manipulated video shared by Elon Musk that falsely portrayed her making disparaging remarks about Joe Biden and herself.
How does online abuse uniquely affect women compared to men?
Widespread Online Harassment: Women in power, such as U.S. politician Nikki Haley and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, have also encountered similar challenges. In Bangladesh, female politicians Rumin Farhana and Nipun Roy were victims of deepfake images ahead of general election, which attracted millions of views.
Impact of Big Tech’s Inaction: The failure of major tech companies to effectively manage degrading content places an undue burden on women.
The nature of online abuse varies significantly; while men often face misinformation regarding their roles, women are subjected to objectification, sexualized content, and body shaming.
Accountability Issues: Big Tech often evades accountability by claiming that their platforms merely reflect user behavior and cannot be closely monitored.
In short, they benefit from ‘safe harbor‘ protections that shield them from responsibility.
Psychological Impact: Research shows that nearly half of women report severe psychological consequences from online abuse, such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
Many women alter their online behavior due to fear of harassment, leading to self-censorship (silencing effect).
CASE STUDY:
⢠Siri and Gender Bias: Siri’s responses to sexual harassment reflected gender biases inherent in its programming. Apple acknowledged the issue and began working on updates to improve Siri’s responses and reduce gender stereotyping in its interactions. ⢠UNESCO Initiatives: UNESCO has been actively working on projects aimed at reducing gender bias in AI technologies. They promote diversity in AI development teams and encourage the implementation of gender-sensitive approaches in algorithm design.
What measures can be taken to mitigate gender bias in technology and improve safety?
Policy and Governance: Establish clear guidelines that address gender bias in technology development and online platforms. Promote diversity in tech leadership roles to ensure varied perspectives are included in decision-making processes.
Technology Design: Develop AI tools that can identify and flag abusive content directed at women, allowing for quicker intervention. Secondly, we need to involve women in the design and testing phases of technology to better understand their needs and experiences.
Education and Training: Implement training programs for developers and tech professionals on gender sensitivity and the impacts of bias. Need to enhance digital literacy among women to empower them to navigate technology safely and effectively.
Online Safety Measures: Improve reporting systems for online harassment, making them more accessible and responsive to women’s experiences. Encourage platforms to provide robust privacy settings that allow users to control their data and interactions more effectively.
The Thadou tribe, one of the oldest and largest non-Naga tribes in Manipur, has expressed support to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC)in the state.
About the Thadou Community
Details
Overview
One of the oldest indigenous tribes in Manipur, recognized as a distinct community.
One of 29 officially recognized indigenous tribes in Manipur with rich cultural practices and folklore.
Historical Background
Recognized as the largest tribe in Manipur since the First Census of India (1881), with a distinct historical narrative from Kukis.
ST Recognition
Acknowledged as an independent Scheduled Tribe under the 1956 Presidential Order.
PopulationÂ
As per the 2011 Census, the Thadou population stands at 2,15,913;
Identity
Asserts a distinct identity from the Kuki community, emphasizing unique language, culture, and history.
Language
Belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, with a distinct dialect from other nearby tribes.
Geographic Distribution
Primarily located in Manipur; also present in Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram, inhabiting hilly regions.
Socioeconomic Status
Engaged in agriculture (particularly jhum cultivation) and knowledgeable about medicinal plants; faces challenges in infrastructure and education.
Religious Practices
Traditionally practiced animism; many have converted to Christianity, blending traditional and Christian customs.
Position Amid Ethnic Conflict
Affected by the ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023; asserts their distinct identity.
In the recent judgment of Society forEnlightenment and Voluntary Action v. Union of India, the SC has shifted the focus in child marriage cases from punishing criminal acts to addressing the âharm inflicted on the victim.â
What is the law on Child Marriage?
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA): Defines child marriage as one where the husband is under 21 years or the wife is under 18.
Such marriages are voidable: The underage person can choose to cancel the marriage, but until they do, it is still legally recognized.
State Variations: In Karnataka and Haryana, child marriages are void from the beginning, without the need for annulment.
Annulment vs. Divorce: Annulment treats the marriage as if it never took place, while divorce ends an existing marriage. To get an annulment under the PCMA, it only needs to be shown that one person was underage at the time.
Why are there concerns about using criminal action to tackle child marriage?
Although the marriage remains valid unless annulled, related activities are criminalized under PCMA, BNS, and POCSO, such as promoting or performing child marriages and sexual activity with a minor.
Criminal provisions can lead to charges against the girlâs family members (parents, husband, in-laws), leaving her without support and creating barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Studies reveal criminal provisions are used more in self-initiated marriages than arranged ones, overlooking the complexities of these cases.
Some adolescents may choose marriage to escape abusive environments or forced marriage, often seeing it as a way to assert their agency in a restrictive society.
Why is the SC judgment significant?
Social and Economic Barriers: Women who leave child marriages often face significant social and economic penalties. The SC judgment proposes skill development, vocational training, economic stability programs, rehabilitation services, and victim compensation to support them.
Empowering Women in Child Marriages: Some women prefer to remain married but need support to advocate for themselves. The judgment calls for tools to help them make decisions about reproductive rights, employment, and education.
Sex Education for Adolescents: The judgment emphasizes sex education, equipping young people with skills and knowledge to navigate relationships and improve agency.
Holistic Approach: By moving away from solely criminal prosecution to focus on empowerment and support, the SC judgment provides a more comprehensive, agency-affirming response to child marriage.
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Support Systems: Develop targeted programs for skill training, financial assistance, and rehabilitation to help individuals exit child marriages, promoting economic stability and social reintegration.
Enhance Education and Awareness: Implement comprehensive sex education and awareness initiatives in communities to empower young individuals and discourage child marriage through informed decision-making and better access to reproductive rights.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Empowering women is the key to controlling the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)
Q Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2020)
The extreme conditions in eastern Spain which saw Valencia get a year’s worth of rainin just 8 hours can be blamed on an event locally known as Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA).
What is DANA?
Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), is commonly referred to as the âcold dropâ in English.
It is a meteorological phenomenon in the western Mediterranean region that brings intense rainfall and flooding.
The term âDANAâ was coined by Spanish meteorologists to specifically describe this weather phenomenon.
Features and Location:
DANA occurs when cold airfrom the Polar Regions separates from the polar jet stream and descends over the warmer Mediterranean Sea.
The contrast between cold air aloft and warm, moist air near the surface causes atmospheric instability, leading to the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds and intense thunderstorms.
It primarily affects Spain and Portugal but can also impact Italy, France, and other areas around the Mediterranean Sea.
This occurs in autumn and spring, as temperature variations are more pronounced during these seasons.
PYQ:
[2014] The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of:
Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) âThough women in post-independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.â Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (UPSC CSE 2023)
Mentorâs Comment:
The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant, underscores the human cost of a relentless work culture that often glorifies long hours and high productivity, leading to Mental health crises among young professionals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 20% of Indians are expected to experience mental health disorders by the end of the year, with 5.6 crore suffering from depression and 3.8 crore from anxiety disorders
Most of the world’s largest multinationals are American, which shapes their work culture. Western work culture is not just about productivity; it’s deeply rooted in historical and religious contexts.
Todayâs editorial addresses the alarming trend of adopting detrimental workplace practices from abroad, particularly from high-pressure environments in developed countries. It highlights the severe implications of such practices on mental health and overall employee well-being.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The tragic death of a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant has brought attention to the severe pressures faced by employees in high-stress environments.
The Lancet found a 35% increase in mental health disorders in India, reflecting the growing crisis
What are the characteristics of toxic work cultures imported from Western countries?
Historical Insights: After the USSR fell, the U.S. gained significant influence over global affairs, and its economic practices became the standard for success.
The idea of “the American way” (long hours and high productivity/Capitalist perspective) became synonymous with corporate culture, influencing companies worldwide.
Karl Marx pointed out over a century ago, longer working days can lead to higher profits if labor costs are kept low.
German sociologist Max Weber explored that Protestantism changed its attitudes toward work in Northern Europe.
American Influence on Work Culture: The term âMultinational Corporationsâ is misleading because, despite their global operations, these companies are often closely tied to their home countries.
Max Weber cited American thinker Benjamin Franklin to illustrate this connection, suggesting that the work culture in MNCs is deeply rooted in historical religious values (cultural glorification of hard work) rather than modern management theories.
What is the actual scenario?
⢠Data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shows that while hard work has helped the U.S. economy grow, it doesnât guarantee the highest living standards. In 2023, the U.S. ranked 12th globally in terms of per capita income, falling behind countries like Austria, Belgium, and Denmark. ⢠The U.S. has improved only slightly compared to Switzerland. Interestingly, workers in most other countries listed worked fewer hours than those in the U.S. This shows that achieving greater wealth while working less is possible.
How does this imported âCapitalist perspectiveâ affect Indian professionals and their work culture?
High-Pressure Work Environment: American companies often expect long hours, leading to stress and burnout among Indian workers. The expectations set by American firms often clash with Indian cultural norms.
Indian work culture traditionally values relationships and teamwork, the imported capitalist model tends to prioritize efficiency and individual performance.
Indian professionals may struggle with the more egalitarian approach of American firms, which encourages open communication.
Hierarchical Structures Vs. Equality: Indian workplaces are typically hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on respect for authority and seniority. In Indian organizations, decision-making is often top-down, whereas American firms favor collaborative approaches.
This difference can make it challenging for Indian professionals to adapt, as they may feel uncomfortable speaking up or challenging their superiors even when encouraged to do so.
Work-Life Balance Challenges: Long hours and blur boundaries like working late or during weekends, make it hard for the employees to relax or find the space between work and personal life.
Rising stress levels contribute to mental health problems, including anxiety and burnout.
Women face additional pressures in balancing work demands with traditional family roles.
What steps can organizations take to mitigate these effects?
Employee Wellbeing Programs: Create wellness initiatives that include flexible work hours, mental health days, and access to counseling. These programs help reduce stress and improve morale.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexible schedules and remote work options. This helps employees manage personal and professional commitments, reducing burnout.
Foster Open Communication: Build a culture where employees can discuss their workloads and mental health openly. Regular check-ins can help managers support their teams effectively.
Train Managers: Provide training for managers to be supportive leaders. Good management practices can enhance employee satisfaction and create a positive work environment.
Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.Â
About Konark Wheels
Details
Design
The temple is designed in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 horses and features 24 wheels.
Dimensions of Wheels
Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet 9 inches with 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes.
Symbolism of Wheels
The wheels represent various time-related aspects:
⢠7 horses symbolize the days of the week.
⢠12 pairs of wheels signify 12 months.
⢠24 wheels represent 24 hours in a day.
⢠8 spokes symbolize prahars (three-hour periods).
Architectural Features
⢠The wheels are intricately carved, showcasing designs of foliage, animals, and figures of women in various poses.
⢠Rims of the wheels have decorative carvings.
Sun Dial Functionality
Two of the wheels function as a sundial, accurately indicating time from sunrise to sunset using the shadow cast by the axel.
Modern Representation
Featured in Indian currency, specifically in the old Rs. 20 and new Rs. 10 notes, representing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Rs. 10 note released by the RBI on January 5, 2018, features the Konark Wheel on its reverse side.
Its significance
The Konark Wheel, serving as an ancient sundial, symbolizes the advanced understanding of timekeeping and astronomy in 13th-century India.
Its intricate carvings reflect exceptional craftsmanship and cultural significance, embodying the cycle of life and the worship of Surya, the Sun God.
Its depiction on Indian currency highlights its enduring legacy and significance in promoting national identity and tourism in Odisha.
Back2Basics: Konark Sun Temple
Approximately 64 km from Bhubaneswar.
Built in the 13th century (around 1250 CE) during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
Exemplifies Kalinga architecture, known for its intricate stone carvings and elaborate sculptures.
Constructed from Khondalite stone, which is durable and intricately carved.
Designed as a chariot with 7 horses and 24 wheels.
Structure originally included a sanctum (deul) and a jagamohan(assembly hall) that have largely collapsed but were once adorned with exquisite carvings.
PYQ:
[2017] Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
While five languages were granted classical status earlier this month, Maithili was not considered as the Bihar governmenthad not officially forwarded the proposal, despite ongoing demands for its inclusion.
About Maithili Language
Maithili belongs to the eastern sub-group of the Indo-Aryan branch of languages.
It is believed to have evolved from Magadhan Prakrit.
The poet Vidyapati (14th century) popularized Maithili, establishing its importance in literature and folk culture.
It was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, making it one of the 22 officially recognized languages of India.
It is an optional subject in the UPSC exams, providing an opportunity for candidates to take it as a paper.
It was granted second official language status in Jharkhand in 2018.
It is spoken primarily in Bihar and Jharkhand in India, with a significant presence in Nepal.
According to the 2011 Census, there are around 12 million Maithili speakers in India.
It is the second most spoken language in Nepal, especially in the Terai region.
Mithilakshar, also known as Tirhuta, is the original script used for writing Maithili.
It belongs to the same family as Bangla, Assamese, Odia, Tibetan, and Nepali scripts.
The scriptâs oldest records date back to 950 AD, found in Sahodara stone inscriptions.
AboutEighth Schedule:
Details
Purpose
Lists the official languages of India as recognized by the Constitution.
Relevant Articles
Part XVII (Articles 343 to 351) of the Constitution outlines provisions for official languages.
Key Constitutional Provisions
⢠Article 344(1): Mandates the formation of a Commission by the President to recommend steps to promote Hindi after five years of the Constitutionâs commencement.
⢠Article 351: Promotes the development of Hindi as a medium to represent Indiaâs composite culture.
Languages in the Eighth Schedule
Currently includes 22 languages: Initially Included (14 languages): Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Later Additions: Sindhi (21st Amendment, 1967), Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (71st Amendment, 1992), Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (92nd Amendment, 2003).
Official Language Status
Hindi (in Devanagari script) is the official language of India, with English as an additional official language for administrative purposes.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following languages:
Gujarati
Kannada
Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as âClassical Language/Languagesâ by the Government?
