PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
Linkage: This question directly addresses a central component of the “U.S.-West Asia calculus”—the US-Iran dynamic. The article explicitly states that the U.S. conducted military strikes against Iranian nuclear installations and that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) was focused on the situation in West Asia and how to deter Iran with Pakistan’s support. |
Mentor’s Comment: On June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump launched The USA recently carried out military attacks on three of Iran’s nuclear sites—an action that could influence the future of West Asia for a long time. on three of Iran’s nuclear sites—an action that could shape the future of West Asia for years. This decision may trigger a long-term conflict between the U.S. and Iran, but it also has major links to South Asia. Just days before the strikes, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir had an unusual private lunch with President Trump at the White House—something rare for anyone who isn’t a head of state. This points to deeper strategic changes. At the same time, Pakistan is facing rising sectarian tensions, serious economic troubles, and higher defense spending. Its sudden border closure with Iran and growing support from the U.S. raise important questions about Pakistan’s new role in the Iran-Israel conflict and what it could mean inside the country.
Today’s editorial looks at how the USA’s military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites and Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir’s rare private lunch with President Trump could affect international relations. This is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The USA recently carried out military attacks on three of Iran’s nuclear sites—an action that could influence the future of West Asia for a long time.
What could be the impact of a U.S. strike on Iran have on West Asia and the subcontinent?
- Escalation of Conflict: The strike may trigger a prolonged confrontation between Iran and Western allies, increasing instability in West Asia. Eg: Past U.S. interventions in Iraq (2003) and Libya (2011) resulted in regime change but long-term chaosand extremist expansion.
- Realignment of Regional Powers: Countries like Pakistan may shift alliances to support U.S. actions, potentially isolating Iran and affecting critical land-based trade routes. Eg: Pakistan closed its land border with Iran in June 2025, limiting Iran’s trade access to South Asia.
- Security Tensions: U.S. engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership amid regional conflict could embolden Pakistan strategically, raising concerns for India.
Why is General Munir’s meeting with Trump strategically significant?
- Geopolitical Signalling to India and Iran: The timing and optics of the meeting send a message to both India and Iran about Pakistan’s rising strategic relevance in U.S. calculations. Eg: Coinciding with Pakistan closing borders with Iran and India-Pak tensions easing, the visit reshapes regional power equations.
How do Pakistan-Iran ties affect regional dynamics?
- Border Tensions and Proxy Conflicts: Pakistan and Iran share a volatile border in Balochistan, where militant groups operate across both sides, causing frequent skirmishes. Eg: In early 2024, both countries exchanged missile strikes after attacks on Iranian security forces allegedly by groups based in Pakistan.
- Geopolitical Rivalry in Afghanistan: Both countries compete for influence in Afghanistan, affecting regional alliances and the balance of power in Central Asia. Eg: Iran backs Shia groups, while Pakistan supports Sunni factions, intensifying sectarian divides and shaping Afghanistan’s internal politics.
- Strategic Role in U.S.-Iran Tensions: Pakistan could play a critical role in isolating Iran, especially during a U.S.-Iran conflict, by shutting trade routes and cooperating with U.S. military interests. Eg: On June 15, 2025, Pakistan closed its border with Iran, coinciding with the Pakistani Army Chief’s visit to Washington, signaling alignment with U.S. strategy.
Where does Pakistan stand economically amid rising defence spending?
- High Debt Burden : Interest payments consume 74% of revenue, leaving little for other public services. Eg: In FY2025‑26, PKR (Pakistan’s revenue) 8.207 trillion was allocated to interest, out of PKR 11.07 trillion in total revenue.
- Defense Budget Surge at Development’s Expense: Despite an overall cut in spending, defense gets a 17% increase, while developmental funds are halved. Eg: Defense allocation in FY2025‑26 is PKR 3.29 trillion, whereas development spending dropped to PKR 1 trillion.
- Heavy Reliance on Bailouts: Pakistan depends on IMF packages and debt rollovers to meet fiscal commitments amid shrinking revenues. Eg: After its 25th IMF bailout, Pakistan secured PKR 1.4 billion in climate resilience funds, along with PKR 16 billion in loan rollovers.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Strategic Engagement with Iran and Gulf Nations: India continues to balance its ties with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to safeguard energy security and trade interests. Eg: India is actively involved in developing the Chabahar Port in Iran, enhancing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. At the same time, India is deepening partnerships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including in defence and energy sectors.
- Heightened Border Surveillance: The Indian government has directed increased surveillance and intelligence gathering along the western borders, especially in Jammu & Kashmir, to counter any proxy threats or destabilisation efforts. Eg: Deployment of UAVs and satellite imaging systems has been intensified across vulnerable stretches, and border infrastructure under the Vibrant Villages Programme is being upgraded.
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What should India do? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Strategic Autonomy in West Asia: India must maintain balanced relations with both Iran and the U.S., ensuring that its energy security and regional interests are safeguarded. Eg: Continue investing in Chabahar Port, a strategic counter to China-backed Gwadar, while also deepening ties with the Gulf monarchies for energy and investment.
- Enhance Intelligence and Military Vigilance along Western Borders: With increasing Pakistan-U.S. military cooperation and Iran-Pakistan tensions, India must stay alert to any spillover effects. Eg: Boost surveillance in Jammu & Kashmir, especially given General Munir’s renewed rhetoric on Kashmir and increased Pakistani defense spending.
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Why in the News?
Despite headlines celebrating India’s less than 3% inflation rate in May 2025, deeper economic indicators tell a more troubling story. The same month saw a rise in unemployment from 5.1% to 5.8%, and GDP growth has slowed sharply from 9.2% in 2023-24 to 6.5% in 2024-25.
What caused the recent fall in inflation despite rising unemployment?
- Faster Agricultural Growth Narrowed Supply-Demand Gap: In 2024-25, agriculture grew faster than non-agricultural sectors, leading to an increased supply of food items. E.g., higher food production reduced scarcity, stabilising prices and easing inflationary pressure.
- Sharp Decline in Food Inflation: Food-price inflation fell from nearly 11% in October 2024 to less than 1% in May 2025. Eg: This drop significantly pulled down the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Why is the RBI’s inflation control strategy being questioned?
- Mismatch Between Interest Rates and Inflation Trends: The RBI’s key tool—repo rate hikes—did not align with the sharp fall in inflation, especially food inflation. Eg: Despite no major repo rate hike since June 2022, inflation fell from ~11% in Oct 2024 to <1% in May 2025.
- Inflation Expectations Remain Unchanged: Household inflation expectations remained high and stable, even as actual inflation dropped, undermining the theory that RBI can anchor inflation through expectations. Eg: RBI’s own surveys (Mar 2024–May 2025) show expectations stayed well above the 4% target.
- Policy Reactivity, Not Proactivity: The RBI’s approach appears reactive, adjusting repo rates after inflation changes instead of steering inflation proactively. Eg: RBI Governor stated repo rates may be reduced if inflation continues to fall—indicating policy follows rather than leads inflation.
How does sectoral growth affect inflation?
- Balanced Sectoral Growth Reduces Supply-Demand Gaps: When agriculture and non-agriculture sectors grow at similar rates, it narrows the supply-demand gap, especially for essentials like food. Eg: In 2024–25, agriculture grew faster than non-agriculture, helping reduce food shortages and lowering food inflation.
- Agricultural Growth Directly Lowers Consumer Prices: A rise in farm output increases food availability, leading to a direct fall in food prices, which are a major part of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). E.g., food inflation fell from nearly 11% in Oct 2024 to under 1% in May 2025 due to a strong agricultural season.
- Wage Effects Spill into Non-Agricultural Prices: Lower food inflation slows down wage growth demands, especially for rural labour, which indirectly eases price pressures in services and manufacturing. Eg: Cheaper food reduces pressure on industrial wages, helping contain broader inflation in non-farm sectors.
What does the data say about interest rates and managing inflation?
- Weak Link Between Interest Rates and Inflation Control: Econometric studies show no conclusive evidence that interest rate hikes directly reduce inflation in India. Eg: Despite a repo rate increase of over 10% in June 2022, food inflation fell in 2025 largely due to improved agricultural supply, not rate changes.
- Sectoral Growth Differences Matter More: Inflation responds more to the relative growth of agriculture and non-agriculture sectors than to interest rate tweaks. Eg: In 2024–25, faster agricultural growth narrowed the supply-demand gap, lowering inflation, independent of any monetary policy shift.
- Inflation Expectations Remain High Despite Rate Hikes: Even with a tighter monetary policy, household inflation expectations remained above the 4% RBI target, questioning the effectiveness of interest rate-driven expectations control. E.g., from March 2024 to May 2025, inflation expectations stayed high despite stable repo rates.
Why should inflation and unemployment be assessed together?
- Inflation Control Alone Doesn’t Reflect Economic Well-being: Focusing only on low inflation can hide deeper problems like joblessness, which directly affects livelihoods. Eg: In May 2025, inflation dropped to 2.8%, but unemployment rose to 5.8%, showing a weak job market despite price stability.
- Policy Trade-offs Require Balanced Assessment: Sometimes policies that lower inflation may slow economic growth and reduce employment opportunities. Eg: Growth fell from 9.2% in 2023–24 to 6.5% in 2024–25, aligning with rising unemployment—highlighting that price stability came at the cost of jobs.
Way forward:
- Adopt a Dual-Mandate Approach: Policymakers, especially the RBI, should consider both inflation and unemployment while framing monetary policy—moving beyond inflation targeting alone.
- Promote Inclusive Growth through Sectoral Investment: Encourage job creation by investing in labour-intensive sectors like manufacturing, MSMEs, and services, while ensuring agricultural support to maintain price stability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.
Linkage: This question is highly relevant because it explicitly mentions both “inflation and unemployment” together and the need for their effective management. This article talks about the inflation has fallen, unemployment has risen, and it criticizes the focus on inflation while neglecting unemployment.
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Why in the News?
The growing trade war between the U.S. and China, marked by rising tariffs, has drawn attention to rare earth elements and critical minerals.
What is the role of critical minerals in key industries?
- Clean Energy and Digital Technologies: Critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt are essential for lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronics.
- Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Minerals like dysprosium and neodymium are used in wind turbines, while tellurium, indium, and gallium are critical for solar photovoltaic cells, vital for clean energy generation.
- Defence and Strategic Industries: Rare earth elements are critical for manufacturing missile guidance systems, jet engines, and advanced communication equipment. Eg: Gallium and indium are used in high-frequency radar systems and military-grade semiconductors.
Why is China’s control over rare earths a global concern?
- Supply Chain Vulnerability: China controls over 90% of global rare earth refining and has the largest reserves, making other countries highly dependent on its exports. In May 2025, China’s export restrictions on rare earth magnets led to global panic and supply concerns in the automobile and electronics sectors.
- Geopolitical Leverage: China’s dominance allows it to use rare earths as a strategic tool in trade wars or diplomatic tensions, affecting global industrial stability. In response to U.S. tariffs, China imposed restrictions on rare earths, disrupting supply to key U.S. industries.
- Disruption of Global Industries: Restrictions can hinder production in sectors like renewables, EVs, and defence, slowing global progress in critical technologies. Eg: India’s automobile sector expressed concern about rare earth shortages impacting EV manufacturing and sought government intervention.
How are countries responding to China’s restrictions?
- Diplomatic and Trade Negotiations: Major economies like the U.S. and EU are engaging with China to secure continued access to rare earth supplies. Eg: The U.S.-China framework includes commitments that “Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied… by China.”
- Diversification of Supply Sources: Nations are turning to alternative producers to reduce dependence on China. Eg: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam are actively exploring their critical mineral resources to establish new supply options.
- National Self-Reliance Missions: Countries are launching domestic initiatives to boost exploration, mining, and processing of critical minerals. Eg: India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) aims to conduct 1,200 exploration projects by 2030–31 to bolster local supply chains.
What measures has India taken for mineral self-reliance?
- Launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025): A central initiative aimed at securing India’s future needs in critical and rare minerals. This mission includes plans for 1,200 exploration projects by 2030–31 under the Geological Survey of India.
- Expanding Domestic Exploration & Mining: India is ramping up on-ground efforts to locate and extract critical minerals within its own borders. Eg: The Geological Survey of India is actively spearheading new lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elementexploration programs across several states.
- Building Processing and Supply Chain Ecosystems: The government is promoting infrastructure for domestic processing, refining, and manufacturing related to critical minerals. Eg: Policy support and incentives are being extended to companies to set up mineral processing plants, reducing dependence on foreign sources.
Why is a multi-level strategy needed in this sector?
A multi-level strategy refers to a comprehensive approach that operates on different layers or fronts simultaneously to address a complex issue effectively.
- To Ensure Short-Term Supply Security: Relying on a single country like China for essential minerals creates risks of disruption during geopolitical tensions or trade restrictions. Eg: After China’s 34% tariff and export restrictions in 2025, global industries, including India’s auto sector, faced supply uncertainty.
- To Develop Domestic Capabilities: Long-term resilience requires countries to invest in local exploration, mining, and processing infrastructure. Eg: India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission with plans for 1,200 exploration projects by 2030–31 to reduce import dependence.
Way forward:
- Strengthen International Collaborations for Strategic Reserves: India should forge long-term mineral supply agreements and joint ventures with resource-rich countries. Eg: Bilateral ties with Australia, Argentina, and Africa can help secure lithium and cobalt through assured offtake deals.
- Boost Domestic R&D and Green Mining Technologies: Investing in sustainable exploration, extraction, and recycling technologies will reduce environmental impactand enhance efficiency. Eg: Support for CSIR and private firms in developing indigenous technologies for rare earth processing and battery recycling.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
Linkage: The article highlights that China dominates the production and reserves of rare earth elements and has placed export restrictions on them, causing panic over supply shortages. This question encapsulates the broader geopolitical and economic context that necessitates India’s strategy to counter China’s dominance and secure critical supplies, such as rare earths.
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Why in the News?
On June 26, 2025, India marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, imposed in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
What is National Emergency? (Article 352)
- Definition: A national emergency is a constitutional provision under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.
- Grounds for Proclamation: It can be proclaimed by the President of India when the security of India or any part of it is threatened by:
- War
- External Aggression
- Armed Rebellion
- (Earlier also included “internal disturbance”, removed via the 44th Amendment, 1978)
Grounds of Proclamation: Evolution
- Original Provision (1950): Allowed Emergency for “internal disturbance”, which was vague and broad.
- 38th Amendment Act (1975): Made the President’s satisfaction final and beyond judicial scrutiny.
- 44th Amendment Act (1978):
- Replaced “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” to curb misuse.
- Restored judicial review of the President’s decision.
Process of Proclamation
- Initiation: The Union Cabinet (not just the PM) must send a written recommendation to the President.
- Anticipatory Power: The proclamation can be issued before the actual occurrence of war, aggression, or rebellion.
- Parliamentary Approval:
- Must be ratified by both Houses within 1 month.
- Requires a special majority:
- Majority of the total membership.
- Two-thirds of members present and voting.
- Valid for 6 months; can be extended indefinitely with fresh approvals every 6 months.
Territorial Application
- Original Scope: Applied to the entire nation.
- 42nd Amendment Act (1976): Permitted partial emergencies limited to specific states or territories.
Judicial Review:
- Before 1975: Emergency proclamations could be challenged in courts.
- After the 38th Amendment: Made proclamations immune to judicial review.
- Post-44th Amendment: Judicial review restored.
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): SC ruled that Emergency can be struck down if based on mala fide, irrelevant, or absurd grounds.
Revocation of National Emergency:
- Duration: Can continue indefinitely with periodic 6-month renewals.
- Revocation: The President can revoke anytime without Parliamentary approval.
- Lok Sabha Oversight:
- If 1/10th of Lok Sabha members give written notice, the Speaker/President must convene a session within 14 days.
- Disapproval motion can pass with a simple majority.
Historical Precedents:
India has witnessed 3 National Emergencies:
- 1962–1968: Due to war with China (external aggression).
- 1971–1977: Triggered by war with Pakistan, later extended on grounds of internal disturbance.
- 1975–1977: Declared on June 25, 1975, for internal disturbances—widely seen as misuse of power.
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Implications of Imposition of National Emergency:
- Centre-State Relations:
- Executive Control: The centre gains dominant powers over state governments.
- Legislative Powers:
- Parliament can legislate on State List subjects.
- President can issue ordinances on State subjects.
- Such laws remain valid for 6 months after Emergency ends.
- Financial Control:
- President can alter financial distribution between Centre and states.
- Reduced grants or tax transfers can continue till end of financial year after Emergency is lifted.
- Legislature:
- Lok Sabha:
- Under Article 83(2), its term can be extended by one year at a time.
- Cannot continue beyond 6 months after Emergency ends.
- State Assemblies: Term can be similarly extended with the same limitation.
- Fundamental Rights:
- Article 358 – Automatic Suspension:
- Article 19 is automatically suspended, only when Emergency is due to war or external aggression.
- Applies nationwide, regardless of where Emergency is declared.
- Article 359 – Presidential Order:
- President can suspend court enforcement of specified Fundamental Rights.
- Does not apply to Articles 20 and 21.
- Can be regional or nationwide, covering all or selected rights.
- Judiciary:
- 38th Amendment: Shielded Emergency from judicial scrutiny.
- 44th Amendment: Restored court oversight.
- Minerva Mills Judgment: Upheld that proclamations can be invalidated if mala fide or irrational.
| [2022] Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
3. To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only * (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of an alleged gang rape in Odisha.
About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
- Legal Status: The NHRC is a statutory body, established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
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- Mandate: It functions as the national watchdog for human rights, aiming to ensure that state institutions respect and protect fundamental human dignity.
- Objective: To strengthen institutional mechanisms for addressing human rights concerns.
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- Core Members: It consists of a Chairperson and 4 full-time members.
- Chairperson: The Chairperson must be a former Chief Justice or Judge of the Supreme Court.
- Other Members: Other members include retired judges, human rights experts, and at least one woman.
- Ex-Officio Members: There are 7 ex-officio members—Chairpersons of the SC, ST, Women, Minorities, Backward Classes, Child Rights Commissions, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
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- Investigation Role: To inquire into human rights violations or failure to prevent them, either suo motu, on a petition, or through court direction.
- Custodial Oversight: To visit jails and detention centres to examine conditions.
- Legal Reform Advice: To review legal protections for human rights and recommend reforms.
- Awareness Promotion: To promote awareness and literacy around human rights issues.
- NGO and Research Support: To support NGOs and academic research on human rights.
- Global Alignment: To study international treaties and suggest implementation strategies.
Appointment and Tenure:
- Selection Process: Appointments are made by the President of India based on the recommendation of a 6-member committee headed by Prime Minister and including the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Opposition leaders, Home Minister, and others.
- Term Limits: The Chairperson and members serve for 3 years or until the age of 70, whichever comes first.
Removal and Service Conditions:
- Grounds for Removal: The President can remove a member for reasons like insolvency, misconduct, or infirmity, subject to inquiry by the Supreme Court in some cases.
- Salary and Benefits: Salaries and service conditions are fixed by the Central Government and cannot be altered to the disadvantage of the appointees after their appointment.
Working Procedure and Limitations:
- Quasi-Judicial Powers: The NHRC operates with civil court powers, can summon reports, and has an investigative staff.
- Inter-Agency Support: It can request help from Central or State agencies for investigation.
- No Enforcement Authority: Its role is recommendatory, with no power to punish violators or grant relief. Governments must respond within one month to its recommendations.
- Time and Jurisdiction Limits: It cannot investigate violations reported after 1 year of the alleged act and has a limited role in probing armed forces misconduct in human rights issues.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has launched the NAVYA initiative.
About the ‘NAVYA’ Initiative:
- Overview: NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
- Nodal Agencies: It is a joint pilot initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Target Beneficiaries: It targets adolescent girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, particularly from under-served regions.
- Implementation: The pilot phase will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and those from North-Eastern regions.
- Objective: To build skills, confidence, and employability among young girls in sectors beyond traditional roles.
Key Features:
- Focus on Non-Traditional Skills: Girls will receive training in emerging fields like electronics repair, drone technology, solar energy, and more.
- Certification Support: Beneficiaries will receive skill certificates under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma.
- Post-Training Pathways: Designed to ensure employment, entrepreneurship, or further education opportunities for girls.
- Inclusive Development Goal: Empowers girls to be agents of socio-economic change, aligning with India’s growth trajectory toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.
| [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
Pilgrims have begun arriving in Guwahati, Assam, for the Ambubachi Mela, held annually at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most sacred centres of Tantric Shaktism in India.
About Ambubachi Mela:
- Festival Overview: Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fertility festival celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
- Timing and Season: It is held during the Assamese month of Ahaar (mid-June), coinciding with the monsoon season.
- Religious Significance: The festival marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya symbolising fertility and life-giving power.
- Ritual Closure: During the festival, the sanctum sanctorum (innermost sacred chamber) of the temple is closed for three days to observe the goddess’s retreat.
- Ceremonial Reopening: The temple reopens ceremonially on the fourth day, when lakhs of devotees gather for darshan.
- Pilgrim Footfall: It is considered the largest religious gathering in Northeast India, with pilgrims arriving from across the country.
- Etymology: The name ‘Ambubachi’ literally means ‘water flowing’ (denoting menstruation and the flow of life).
- Spiritual Tradition: The practice is rooted in Tantric traditions (esoteric spiritual practices focusing on divine feminine energy).
- Cultural Observance: During this time, agricultural activities are halted to honour the goddess’s rest and align with nature’s rhythms.
Notable Features:
- No Idol Worship: No idol is worshipped; instead, the process of menstruation itself (biological and divine function) is venerated.
- Sacred Tokens: Devotees receive pieces of red cloth as sacred amulets.
- Spiritual Discipline: The mela includes ritual abstentions (temporary renunciation of daily activities), devotional silence, and spiritual observance (religious discipline).
About Kamakhya Temple:
- Mythology: It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites where body parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen).
- Location: It is located on Nilachal Hill beside the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.
- Architectural Style: Architecturally, the temple follows the Nilachala Style (a blend of North Indian Nagara and Mughal Saracenic architecture).
- Structural Layout: The structure includes 5 chambers:
- Garbhagriha (sanctuary where the main deity resides),
- Antarala (vestibule or connecting passage),
- Jaganmohan (main audience hall),
- Bhogmandir (ritual chamber where offerings are made), and
- Natmandir (hall for performances and religious gatherings).
- Sacred Symbol: Instead of an idol, the temple houses a yoni-shaped stone (symbol of the goddess’s womb and creative energy).
- Tantric Centre: It is one of the most revered Tantric pilgrimage sites (destinations for practitioners of spiritual and mystical rituals).
- Cultural Depth: The temple’s rituals and legends have deep mythological (related to ancient stories and beliefs), astronomical, and cultural significance, especially during Ambubachi.
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| [UPSC 2017] Consider the following pairs : Traditions Communities
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 only *(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above |
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Why in the News?
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released its “State of the Climate in Asia, 2024” report.
About the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO):
- Overview: It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that deals with meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
- Historical Origin: It was established in 1950, evolving from the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
- Headquarters Location: The headquarters of WMO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Global Coordination Role: WMO plays a key role in coordinating international efforts for climate data collection, forecasting, disaster preparedness, and climate change assessment.
- Members: It has a membership of 193 members (187 member states + 6 Territories), including India.
- Flagship Reports: WMO publishes annual climate reports such as the “State of the Climate” to highlight key trends and extreme weather impacts.
Key Highlights of the State of the Climate in Asia – 2024 Report:
- Record Warmth: 2024 was the warmest year on record in Asia, with heatwaves, extreme rainfalls, cyclones, and droughts devastating the region.
- Global Temperature Spike: The global mean temperature reached its highest level since 1850, surpassing the 2023 record of 1.45°C.
- Glacier Loss: 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan suffered mass loss, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Marine Heatwaves: Marine heatwaves of unprecedented extent and intensity affected Asian oceans, particularly around India, Japan, and China.
- Major Cyclones: Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh and India with 111 km/h winds and 2.5-metre-high storm surges; Asna and Fengal also caused major damage in Oman, Sri Lanka, and India.
- Flash Floods and Landslides: Flash floods and landslides in Kerala, Nepal, and Sri Lanka resulted in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement.
- Extreme Heatwaves: Heatwaves broke records across East and South Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and India. Myanmar set a new national record at 48.2°C.
- Severe Drought in China: Drought in China affected 4.8 million people, damaged over 335,000 hectares of crops, and caused losses of CNY 2.89 billion.
| [UPSC 2018] Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by
Options: (a) The Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (b) The UNEP Secretariat (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat* (d) The World Meteorological Organization |
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Why in the News?
The 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society, chaired by the Prime Minister, was recently held.
About the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML)
- Overview: The PMML, earlier called the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), is located at Teen Murti House, just south of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
- Origin: Built in 1929–30 as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of British India, it was designed by Robert Tor Russel as part of Lutyens’ Delhi.
- Nehru’s Residence: After independence, it became the home of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from 1948 to 1964 and was later dedicated to him following his death.
- Establishment: The PMML Society was founded on April 1, 1966, while the original museum was inaugurated on November 14, 1964, by President Dr S. Radhakrishnan to commemorate Nehru’s 75th birth anniversary.
- Renaming in 2023: The name was changed from NMML to PMML to reflect a broader mandate — documenting and honouring all Indian Prime Ministers, not just Nehru.
- Administrative Structure: PMML is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, with the Prime Minister of India as the head of the Society.
- Mission and Scope: The institution promotes advanced research in modern and contemporary Indian history, especially related to Prime Ministers, governance, and the evolution of Indian democracy.
- Key Institutions: PMML includes:
- The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Museum).
- A world-class library.
- The Centre for Contemporary Studies.
- The Nehru Planetarium.
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