PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2015] To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?
Linkage: The articles talks about the how China has effectively led and transformed the global green energy market, particularly through cost reduction and market control. This question directly addresses the factors behind the fall in solar energy costs, which is directly related to article. |
Mentor’s Comment: In 2024, China installed more wind turbines and solar panels than the rest of the world combined, demonstrating its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing and supply chains. With a $940 billion investment in renewables in a single year, China has strategically leveraged state-owned enterprises (SOEs), policy backing, and supply chain control to become a clean-energy superpower.
Today’s editorial analyses China’s dominance in Green Energy. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Energy Sector) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, China has gained attention for investing a huge amount of money and taking the lead in the global green energy sector.
Why is China a global leader in renewable energy?
- Installed Capacity: China has the largest installed base of solar and wind energy in the world. Eg: By 2024, China added 300 GW of solar power, more than the rest of the world combined.
- Supply Chain Control: China dominates the entire renewable energy supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. Eg: It produces over 80% of global solar panels and a major share of battery components like lithium and cobalt.
- Massive Green Investments: China leads in clean energy investments, supported by government incentives and green bonds. Eg: In 2024, China invested $940 billion in clean energy, nearly triple that of the U.S.
- State-Led Policies: The government uses State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and policy mandates to drive green growth. Eg: SOEs like Huaneng and State Grid built large-scale wind and solar farms across the country.
- Export of Green Technology: Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China exports renewable energy infrastructure globally. Eg: Chinese firms are setting up solar projects in Africa and wind parks in Latin America.
How did domestic issues drive China’s green strategy?
- Severe Air Pollution: China faced toxic air quality, especially in industrial cities like Beijing, causing public health crises and unrest. Eg: The 2013 “Airpocalypse” led to mass protests, pushing the government to launch the Air Pollution Action Plan.
- Energy Insecurity: Heavy dependence on coal and imported oil created vulnerability in energy supply and pricing. Eg: China increased solar and wind deployment to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and enhance energy self-sufficiency.
- Economic Rebalancing Needs: China needed to shift from heavy industry to innovation-driven growth and green jobs. Eg: The government promoted green industries under the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans to support sustainable development and tech leadership.
What role do SOEs play in China’s energy transition?
- Leading Renewable Deployment: State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are the primary drivers of solar, wind, and hydro projects, benefiting from state financing and land access. Eg: China Three Gorges Corporation built massive hydropower plants, including the Three Gorges Dam, aiding low-carbon electricity supply.
- R&D and Technology Innovation: SOEs invest in clean energy R&D, fostering breakthroughs in battery storage, grid tech, and EVs. Eg: State Grid Corporation of China has led innovations in ultra-high-voltage transmission to integrate renewables across vast regions.
- Policy Implementation and Scaling: SOEs act as instruments of the central government’s green policy, enabling fast scaling of infrastructure and meeting national climate goals. Eg: China Energy Investment Corporation rapidly expanded wind farms under the 14th Five-Year Plan.
What can India learn from China?
- Scale and Speed of Deployment: India can emulate China’s rapid infrastructure development in renewables by simplifying land acquisition and faster clearances.Eg: China added over 230 GW of renewable capacity in 2023, nearly 3 times India’s total renewable addition.
- Strong Role of Public Sector: India should empower its public sector undertakings (PSUs) to take a leadership role in clean energy, similar to China’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Eg: China’s SOEs like State Power Investment Corporation lead massive solar and wind projects, while India can enhance NTPC and SECI’s role.
- Domestic Manufacturing Push: China’s dominance is rooted in its robust clean tech manufacturing ecosystem. India should focus on R&D, incentives, and supply chains.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- National Solar Mission: Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), this mission promotes solar power generation with a target of 280 GW by 2030. Eg: India has already crossed 81 GW of solar capacity as of 2024.
- Green Hydrogen Mission: The government launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Eg: Target of 5 MMT green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
- PLI Scheme for Renewable Manufacturing: To reduce import dependence, the government introduced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for solar PV modules, batteries, and wind components. Eg: Over ₹24,000 crore allocated to boost domestic solar manufacturing.
What are the challenges in India?
- Intermittent Energy Supply: Renewable energy like solar and wind is non-continuous, making it hard to meet demand consistently. Eg: In 2022–23, India’s solar power capacity was ~70 GW, but actual generation was only ~110 billion units, implying an average capacity utilization of ~18%.
- Inadequate Energy Storage: India lacks robust battery storage infrastructure to balance supply-demand fluctuations. Eg: As of 2023, India had only ~4.6 GW of battery storage, while the estimated need by 2030 is over 40 GW(CEA).
- Low Private Investment in Renewables: High risks and policy uncertainty reduce private sector participation. Eg: In FY 2022–23, investment in India’s renewable sector fell by 25%, from $14.5 billion in 2021 to $10.9 billion (IEEFA).
Way forward:
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage collaboration between government, industry, and startups to accelerate clean energy innovation and deployment.
- Invest in Skill Development and R&D: Promote training in green technologies and boost research in storage, hydrogen, and grid integration to build long-term capacity.
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Why in the News?
On June 16, 2025, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared that eradicating terrorism from Jammu & Kashmir is the government’s foremost priority, during the passing-out parade at Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur.
What limits central forces in handling terrorism in J&K?
- Lack of Local Intelligence: Central forces often lack deep familiarity with local terrain, dialects, and community networks, which limits their real-time response and prevention capability. Eg: In 2022, a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district was attacked despite heavy deployment, partly due to lack of localized inputs.
- Limited Civil Engagement: Being outsiders, central forces struggle to build community trust and rapport, which is crucial in identifying radical elements or suspicious activity. Eg: In Shopian, several villages refused to cooperate during a combing operation, affecting the credibility of the forces.
- Operational Dependence on Local Police: Central forces depend on J&K police for actionable intelligence, language support, and legal procedures. Without local coordination, operations falter. Eg: A planned raid in Anantnag in 2023 failed due to miscommunication between central teams and local law enforcement.
Why is the local police important in counter-terrorism in J&K?
- Deep Local Knowledge: The J&K Police understand the terrain, dialects, and social dynamics far better than external forces, enabling precise operations. Eg: In 2020, the local police identified and neutralised a Hizbul Mujahideen module in Kulgam using ground-level intel.
- Strong Community Links: Their trust-based relationship with local residents helps in gathering timely human intelligence (HUMINT) against militant activities. Eg: Tip-offs from locals helped prevent a planned terror strike in Pulwama in 2022.
- Proven Operational Experience: The J&K Police have decades of counter-terrorism experience, including intelligence gathering, search operations, and deradicalisation efforts. Eg: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of JAKP has led several successful anti-terror raids in Anantnag and Baramulla.
How does excluding elected leaders affect security in J&K?
- Weakens Grassroots Intelligence: Elected leaders act as a bridge between citizens and security forces, providing local insights into suspicious movements. Their exclusion disrupts this intelligence flow. Eg: After the dilution of Article 370, the absence of panchayat leaders in parts of South Kashmir reduced early warnings of militant regrouping.
- Erodes Public Trust: Marginalising elected representatives creates a governance vacuum, leading to alienation and making youth more vulnerable to radicalisation. Eg: In 2021, areas with fewer active local leaders saw a spike in recruitment by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Hampers Local Problem-Solving: Without democratic leadership, local issues like unemployment or land disputes remain unaddressed, creating fertile ground for terrorist narratives. Eg: In Kupwara, lack of local mediation escalated minor disputes into violent protests, exploited by separatist elements.
Why is democratic governance key to counter-terrorism in J&K?
- Enhances Local Legitimacy: Democratic governance empowers elected representatives who enjoy public trust, making it easier to mobilize communities against terrorism.
- Improves Intelligence Gathering: Leaders at the grassroots level, like panchayat members, act as the eyes and ears of the state, helping identify suspicious activities early.
- Counters Alienation: Political inclusion addresses grievances, reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies and promoting peaceful participation in governance.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Abrogation of Article 370: Revoked the special status of J&K in 2019 to fully integrate the region with the Indian Union and ensure uniform application of laws.
- Increased Security Deployment: Strengthened the presence of central paramilitary forces, enhanced surveillance, and improved infrastructure to curb terrorism.
- Development Initiatives: Launched major schemes like PMDP (Prime Minister’s Development Package) and back-to-village programmes to boost infrastructure, education, and employment.
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What reforms are needed for better governance and security in J&K? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Local Bodies: Empowering Panchayati Raj institutions with real authority and resources ensures decentralized governance and community involvement. In 2020, delays in fund disbursal to panchayats led to poor development outcomes, hampering trust in state mechanisms.
- Police Reforms: Investing in modern training, surveillance tech, and better coordination between local and central forces improves counter-terror operations. During a 2021 operation in Baramulla, timely tech-driven coordination between police and intel units led to the arrest of a top militant.
- Restoring Electoral Processes: Holding timely Assembly elections boosts political engagement, giving people a voice and reducing radicalization risks. The absence of an elected government since 2018 has widened the disconnect between administration and public sentiment.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Linkage: The article talks about the emphasizes that the eradication of terrorism in J&K is a top priority, and that the J&K Police (JAKP) should utilize strategies like community engagement, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration. This directly relates to the PYQ’s theme of “winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’” and “restoring the trust of the population” in terrorism-affected areas.
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Why in the News?
India has cautioned against “double standards” in response to a U.S. Bill, the Russian Sanctions Act of 2025, which proposes 500% duties on countries, including India, that buy Russian oil.
Why has India opposed the proposed U.S.-Russia Sanctions Act, 2025?
- Energy Security: India opposes the Act as it threatens its access to affordable energy from Russia, which is crucial for domestic needs. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil from Russia at discounted rates, helping stabilize fuel prices.
- Strategic Autonomy: India defends its foreign policy independence and rejects external pressure on sovereign decisions.
- Selective Sanctions: India criticizes the Act for reflecting geopolitical double standards, where some nations are penalized while others are exempt. Eg: While India faces scrutiny, European countries continue importing Russian gas without facing similar sanctions.
What are the implications of the U.S. Act on India’s energy security and oil imports?
- Disruption of Oil Supplies: The Act may lead to restrictions on Indian companies dealing with Russian energy firms, affecting oil flow. Eg: Indian refiners like Indian Oil Corporation may face hurdles in continuing long-term contracts with Rosneft.
- Rising Energy Costs: Reduced access to discounted Russian oil can increase India’s energy import bills and domestic fuel prices. Eg: Without Russian discounts, India may rely more on Middle Eastern oil, which is often costlier.
- Supply Chain Uncertainty: The Act creates geopolitical instability, making energy supply chains more volatile for India. Eg: Any secondary sanctions could deter shipping firms or insurers from facilitating India-Russia oil trade.
How has India diversified its crude oil sources in response to geopolitical pressures?
- Increased Imports from the U.S. and Latin America: India has strengthened ties with non-traditional suppliers to reduce overdependence on West Asia or Russia. Eg: Crude oil imports from the U.S. rose from 0.9 million tonnes (2017) to over 10 million tonnes (2023).
- Use of Spot Markets and Diversified Contracts: India leverages spot purchases and signs long-term deals with diverse countries to ensure supply security. Eg: Indian Oil and BPCL have signed deals with Brazil’s Petrobras and Mexico to broaden sourcing.
- Investments in Overseas Oil Assets: India is acquiring stakes in oil fields abroad to ensure equity oil and reduce market vulnerability. Eg: ONGC Videsh holds stakes in projects in Sudan, Mozambique, and Venezuela, ensuring strategic access.
Why has India not resumed oil imports from Iran despite Tehran’s requests?
- U.S. Sanctions on Iran: India halted Iranian oil imports after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Eg: In 2017-18, Iran was India’s third-largest oil supplier, but imports dropped to zero by mid-2019 due to U.S. pressure.
- Risk of Secondary Sanctions: Engaging with Iran could expose Indian companies to secondary sanctions, disrupting financial transactions and insurance cover. Eg: Indian refiners like IOC and MRPL stopped imports fearing blocked dollar transactions and shipping challenges.
- Awaiting Nuclear Deal Revival: India prefers to wait for revival of the Iran nuclear deal to restore oil trade under an international framework. Eg: Talks on JCPOA revival have stalled, making Indian policymakers cautious despite Iran’s open invitation.
How are deportations of Indian nationals affecting India-U.S. diplomatic relations?
- Strain on Bilateral Relations: Frequent deportations of Indian nationals without adequate communication cause diplomatic tension. Eg: In 2023, over 2,500 Indians were deported from the U.S., prompting MEA to seek clarification over due procedures.
- Concerns over Human Rights: Reports of poor detention conditions and lack of consular access raise human rights concerns. Eg: Indian consulates in the U.S. flagged cases where detainees were held in unsanitary facilities, leading to formal protests.
- Impact on Consular Cooperation: Large-scale deportations increase the burden on India’s consular services, affecting coordination and trust. Eg: The sudden deportation of 60 Indians in early 2024 led to delays in documentation and reintegration, requiring urgent diplomatic intervention.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Consular Coordination: Enhance real-time communication between Indian missions and U.S. authorities to ensure due process and humane treatment of deportees.
- Negotiate a Bilateral Framework: Establish a formal agreement on deportation procedures, ensuring transparency, timely consular access, and respect for individual rights.
Mains PYQ:
[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: The article highlights that the U.S. is considering imposing a 500% ad valorem duty on countries, including India, that purchase Russian oil, uranium, natural gas, or petroleum products through the proposed Russian Sanctions Act, 2025. This question is highly relevant as it directly parallels the geopolitical dynamic and dilemma faced by India regarding its energy imports amidst external pressure and sanctions, which is the core theme of the article.
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Why in the News?
The new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook omits Tipu Sultan, Haidar Ali, and the Anglo-Mysore Wars from its chapter on India’s colonial era.
Legend of Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali:
- Rise of Haidar Ali: Started as a horseman in the Mysore army and became de facto ruler by 1761 through military skill.
- Military Reforms: Introduced Western training, built arms factories with French help, and strengthened cavalry and artillery.
- Tipu Sultan: Born in 1751, trained by French officers and well-versed in Islamic law, Persian, Arabic, and science.
- Administrative Innovations: Introduced a new calendar, land revenue reforms, and coins in gold, silver, and copper with Persian inscriptions.
- Governance and Industry: Created seven departments, promoted silk industry, and envisioned the future Kannambadi Dam.
- French Alliance: Maintained strong ties with France, alarming the British amid global Anglo-French rivalry.
- Technological Advancement: Deployed iron-cased Mysorean rockets, which inspired British Congreve rockets.
- Moral Governance: Banned liquor, gambling, and prostitution to enforce discipline.
- Religious Policy: Though devoutly Islamic, he patronized temples and mathas, but faced criticism for intolerance in annexed regions.
About the Anglo-Mysore Wars:
First Anglo-Mysore War (1767–69)
- Alliance Against Mysore: British, Marathas, and Nizam formed a coalition against Haidar Ali.
- Diplomatic Victory: Haidar neutralized the Marathas and secured Nizam’s support.
- Outcome: Treaty of Madras (1769) restored the status quo and mutual restitution of territories.
Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–84)
- Trigger: British violation of the Treaty of Madras and occupation of French port Mahe.
- Coalition Formation: Haidar allied with Marathas and Nizam against the British.
- Major Battle: Captured Arcot and defeated Col. Baillie; Haidar died in 1782.
- Conclusion: Tipu continued the fight; Treaty of Mangalore (1784) was the last time an Indian power dictated terms to the British.
Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–92)
- Cause: Tipu’s attack on Travancore, a British ally.
- British Response: Cornwallis led a coordinated campaign with Maratha and Nizam support.
- Result: Tipu ceded half his territory and paid ₹3 crore under the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792).
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799)
- British Strategy: Wellesley isolated Tipu diplomatically over his French ties.
- Final Battle: Tipu was killed defending Seringapatam on May 4, 1799, ending native resistance in South India.
Aftermath of the Wars:
- Fall of Resistance: Tipu’s death marked the end of organized native military opposition in the South.
- British Control: Wodeyars reinstated as puppet rulers under Subsidiary Alliance; key territories annexed by the British.
- Territorial Division: Nizam received Gooty and Gurramkonda; Marathas declined British land offer.
- Administrative Changes: Mysore came under direct British rule in 1831 due to alleged misrule; restored to Wodeyars in 1881 by Lord Ripon under a constitutional monarchy.
- Legacy: Anglo-Mysore Wars showed how native resistance could challenge colonial power through modernization, alliances, and tactical innovation.
- Rocketry Influence: Tipu’s military rocketry was studied and adapted by the British into European warfare.
| [UPSC 2014] With reference to the Anglo-Mysore Wars, consider the following statements:
1. In the Third Battle of Panipat, Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated Ibrahim Lodi.
2. Tipu Sultan was killed in the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
3. Mir Jafar entered in a conspiracy with the English for the defeat of Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah in the Battle of Plassey.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 only* (c) 2 and 3 (d) None |
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Why in the News?
India successfully tested the Akash Prime Missile System in Ladakh, neutralizing two high-speed aerial targets at high altitude.
About Akash Prime:
- What It Is: Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
- High-Altitude Capability: Designed to operate effectively above 4,500 metres.
- Development: Developed by DRDO with BDL, BEL, and Army Air Defence.
- Operational Use: Proven in Operation Sindoor against aerial threats.
- Production Trials: Validated through First of Production Model (FoPM) firing trials.
- Deployment: Already in use at IAF bases and forward posts along the LAC in Ladakh.
Key Features:
- Seeker Upgrade: Equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for better accuracy.
- Altitude Adaptability: Engineered for high-altitude, cold-climate operations.
- Multi-Target Engagement: Capable of engaging multiple aerial threats at once.
- Speed & Accuracy: Travels at Mach 2.5 with up to 90% kill probability.
- Electronic Warfare: Equipped with ECCM features to resist electronic jamming.
- Radar Integration: Uses Rajendra radar for detection, targeting, and tracking.
- Operational Range: Effective engagement range of 25–30 km.
Other Variants of Akash:
- Akash Mark-I (1990–2005): First version under IGMDP; achieved successful dual-target intercepts by 2005.
- Akash-1S (2019): Enhanced version with 30 km range and 60 kg warhead; effective against aircraft and drones; tested successfully in May 2019.
- Akash Prime (2021 onwards): Added active RF seeker and altitude/weather resistance; tested on September 27, 2021.
- Akash-NG (Next Generation): Approved in 2016 with ₹470 crore funding; offers faster response and improved aerial threat protection.
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| [UPSC 2009] In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements:
1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has detected radio emissions with circular polarisation near a massive young protostar, IRAS 18162-2048.
About Protostars:
- Definition: Early-stage stars formed by the gravitational collapse of dense regions in molecular clouds.
- Accretion Phase: They actively gather gas and dust but have not yet begun sustained nuclear fusion.
- Jet Ejection: Bipolar jets—high-speed streams of particles—are commonly emitted from their poles.
- Massive Protostars: Expected to evolve into stars with masses over 8–10 times that of the Sun.
- Role of Magnetism: Magnetic fields likely influence both jet formation and ejection mechanisms.
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About the Protostar IRAS 18162-2048:
- Overview: Situated about 4,500 light years away in the Milky Way.
- Jet Feature: Powers the HH80-81 jet—one of the galaxy’s largest and brightest protostellar jets.
- Magnetic Detection: First direct evidence of magnetic fields from the protostar itself, not just its jet.
- Observation Challenges: Heavily shrouded in dense gas and dust, making traditional observation difficult.
- Jet Dynamics: Suggests that magnetic fields and rotational energy drive its development.
Recent Observations:
- Detection Method: Observed circular polarisation in radio waves—where electromagnetic fields rotate along their path.
- Rarity: Circular polarisation is extremely faint and seldom detected, even in intense sources like active galactic nuclei.
- Scientific Milestone: First-ever estimation of magnetic field strength near a massive protostar using circular polarisation.
- Magnetic Field Strength: Estimated to be 100 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.
- Theoretical Support: Findings reinforce the theory that magnetic fields power jets from both stars and black holes.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:
Objects in space :: Description
1. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
2. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically
3. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
Machilipatnam, once a flourishing ancient port city on India’s east coast, is witnessing a major transformation with the construction of a modern Greenfield port.
About Machilipatnam:
- Alternate Names: Also known as Masulipatnam, Maisolia, or Manjarika.
- Geographic Location: Located in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, on the southeastern Coromandel Coast, at the mouth of River Krishna, ~70 km east of Amaravati.
- Historical Importance:
- One of the most significant east coast port cities for ~1,700 years.
- Played a key role in maritime trade across ancient, medieval, and early modern periods.
- Global Trade Connections:
- Attracted traders from Rome, Arabia, Persia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- Known for exporting high-quality Muslin textiles prized in Roman markets.
- The term “muslin” likely derives from “Maisolia,” an ancient name of the city.
- Cultural Contributions:
- Known for Kalamkari art, a traditional textile art featuring hand-painted or block-printed designs.
- Dynastic Port Usage:
- Satavahanas (1st BCE – 2nd CE): Used as a major trade gateway.
- Vishnukundins (4th–6th CE): Trade wealth supported Buddhist monument construction (e.g., Nagarjunakonda).
- Qutb Shahis (16th–17th CE): Transformed it into a global hub for diamonds, muslin, and Kalamkari.
- Nizams of Hyderabad (18th century): Controlled the port until partial cession to the British.
- Mentions in Ancient Texts:
- Appears as Maisolia in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
- Listed as Maisolos in Ptolemy’s Geographia.
- Colonial Involvement:
- Dutch built a fort in the 17th century.
- British East India Company established its first Bay of Bengal factory here in 1611.
- Between 1686–1759, it changed hands among French, Dutch, and British; seized by British from the French in 1759.
- Decline of the Port:
- Anchorage Issue: Unsuitable for large ships, with anchorage 5 miles offshore.
- Cyclone Damage: A severe cyclone in 1779 killed ~20,000 and destroyed Dutch structures.
- Trade Shift: Decline due to growing prominence of Madras (Chennai) and Visakhapatnam under British rule.
- Post-Independence Claim:
- In 1947, 7th Nizam of Hyderabad attempted to reclaim it for sea access to an independent Hyderabad state.
- Modern Revival:
- A Greenfield port at Manginapudi is under construction, expected to be operational by 2026.
- Aims to restore Machilipatnam’s historical maritime legacy.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as:
(a) capital cities (b) ports* (c) centres of iron and steel making (d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras |
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Why in the News?
The Behdienkhlam Festival of Pnar (Jaintia) community in Meghalaya was recently celebrated.
About Behdienkhlam Festival:
- Cultural Role: Major religious and cultural festival of the Pnar (Jaintia) community in Meghalaya.
- Location: Four-day festival held in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills.
- Meaning: Means driving away the plague or evil.
- Timing: Celebrated in mid-July after sowing season.
- Purpose: Prayers for a good harvest and community cleansing.
- Faith: Observed mainly by followers of the Niamtre religion.
- Women’s Role: Women offer food to ancestors but do not dance in rituals.
Key Features:
- Rituals: Dolois perform rites to drive away disease and evil.
- Symbolic Act: Youth beat rooftops with bamboo sticks to expel evil.
- Rots: 30–40 ft decorated bamboo structures with social themes.
- Khnong Ritual: Teams pull a large wooden beam and immerse it in mud.
- Dad-Lawakor: Traditional football-like game predicting harvest success.
- Celebrations: Mass dancing at Wah Aitnar pool with drums and pipes.
| [UPSC 2012] Chapchar Kut is a festival celebrated in the state of:
Options: (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Assam (c) Mizoram* (d) Sikkim |
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