💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Type: Prelims Only

  • Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his Contributions

    syama

    Central Idea

    • Following judgment of the Supreme Court upholding the abrogation of Article 370, many invoked Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901-53), an ardent opponent of Kashmir’s ‘special status’ in the Indian Union.

    Who was Syama Prasad Mookerjee?

    • Syama Prasad Mookerjee, an eminent Indian politician, barrister, and academician, played a significant role in shaping India’s political landscape during the mid-20th century.
    • Born on July 6, 1901, in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Mookerjee emerged as a prominent leader and a staunch advocate of Indian nationalism and Hindu politics.

    Early Life and Education

    • Bengali Brahmin heritage: Mookerjee hailed from a respected Brahmin family with roots in Jirat, Hooghly District, and West Bengal.
    • Academic brilliance: He exhibited exceptional academic prowess, pursuing his education at prestigious institutions such as Presidency College and the University of Calcutta.
    • Legal career: Mookerjee became a barrister, being called to the English Bar after studying at Lincoln’s Inn in London.

    Political Career

    • Initial association with Congress: Mookerjee began his political journey as a member of the Indian National Congress, representing Calcutta University in the Bengal Legislative Council.
    • Hindu Mahasabha affiliation: He later joined the Hindu Mahasabha, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and became its president.
    • Championing Bengal partition: Mookerjee actively advocated for the partition of Bengal to safeguard Hindu interests, leading to the establishment of a separate West Bengal within the Indian Union.
    • Resignation from Bengal cabinet: As Finance Minister of Bengal Province, Mookerjee resigned in 1942, condemning the British government’s oppressive policies and their attempts to hold on to India.

    Contributions to Independent India

    • Minister for Industry and Supply: Mookerjee served as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet after independence.
    • Nehru-Liaquat Pact and resignation: He resigned from Nehru’s cabinet in 1950, protesting against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, which he believed compromised the interests of Hindus in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
    • Founding Bharatiya Jana Sangh: Mookerjee, with the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, laying the foundation for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    Mookerjee’s Opposition to Article 370

    • Balkanization of India: Mookerjee strongly believed that Article 370 created a sense of separatism and division within the country, leading to the fragmentation of India’s unity.
    • Rejection of dual governance: Mookerjee famously stated, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge” (One country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags), emphasizing his opposition to the separate status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Reservations about special status: Mookerjee expressed concerns that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 would impede the state’s full integration into the Indian Union.
    • Inequality and separatism: He believed that granting special privileges to one state based on religion or regional factors would lead to a sense of inequality and separatism.

    Ideological Stance and Legacy

    • Influence on BJP’s policy agenda: His ideology and vision continue to shape the policies and agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
    • Controversial demise: Mookerjee’s untimely death in 1953 while in custody remains a subject of controversy and speculation, with demands for an independent inquiry.
  • Controversy over Germany’s Debt Brake Rule

    Central Idea

    • On November 15, Germany’s constitutional court declared the government’s reallocation of €60 billion to a “climate and transformation fund” (KTF) as unlawful.

    Understanding the Debt Brake Rule

    • Definition and Purpose: The debt brake rule caps government borrowing and restricts the federal government’s fiscal deficit to 0.35% of GDP, while prohibiting deficit spending by Germany’s 16 regions.
    • Enactment: This rule was incorporated into German law in 2009 by a coalition, mirroring the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact and the 2012 Fiscal Compact Treaty.

    Legal Challenge and Its Implications

    • Opposition’s Argument: It argued that climate change and energy transition investments, being long-term, shouldn’t be funded by the debt brake’s emergency exemption, which was specific to COVID-19 relief.
    • Government’s Defense: The government contended that the reallocated funds addressed economic consequences of the pandemic by linking investment shortfalls to COVID-19’s economic impact.

    Germany’s Post-2009 Economic Performance

    • Mixed Outcomes: Germany experienced growth and budget surpluses in the last decade, benefiting from low-interest policies of the ECB.
    • Zero-Deficit Budget: The government achieved a zero-deficit budget, promoting it as an ideal approach for the EU during a sovereign debt crisis.
    • Challenges and Criticisms: A cooling economy highlighted under-investment in infrastructure. Critics urged for expansionary fiscal measures, while others favored higher taxation. Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the need to avoid burdening the younger generation with debt.
    • Pandemic Response: In 2020, the debt brake rule was suspended for pandemic-related borrowing, with plans for reinstatement.
  • Expulsion of MP from Lok Sabha

    MP expulsion mahua moitra

    Central Idea: Expulsion of Mahua Moitra

    • A Member of Parliament from West Bengal was expelled from the Lok Sabha over allegations of a cash-for-query scandal.
    • Her expulsion highlights the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards and parliamentary etiquette in legislative proceedings.

    Parliamentary Etiquette and Rules

    • Expected Conduct of MPs: MPs must adhere to rules of parliamentary etiquette, such as not interrupting speeches, maintaining silence, and avoiding obstruction during debates.
    • Updated Rules for Modern Protests: In 1989, rules were updated to include prohibitions against shouting slogans, displaying placards, tearing documents, and using electronic devices for protest in the House.
    • Rajya Sabha’s Similar Rules: The Rajya Sabha, like the Lok Sabha, has similar rules to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings.

    Power of Suspension in Parliament

    • Presiding Officer’s Authority: The presiding officer of each House can direct an MP to withdraw from the chamber for disorderly conduct, resulting in absence for the day.
    • Naming and Suspension Process: MPs obstructing House business can be “named” by the presiding officer, leading to a possible suspension motion by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
    • Duration of Suspension: Suspensions can last until the end of the session.

    Legal Recourse: Approaching the Supreme Court

    • Option for Judicial Review: The expelled MP has the option to challenge the expulsion in the Supreme Court, as explained by former Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary.
    • Constitutional Provisions: Article 122 of the Constitution provides immunity to parliamentary proceedings from judicial scrutiny based on procedural irregularity.
    • Scope for Judicial Review: Despite this immunity, the Supreme Court in the 2007 Raja Ram Pal case clarified that judicial review is possible in cases of substantive or gross illegality.

    The Raja Ram Pal Case (2007)

    • Case Background: Raja Ram Pal, a BSP leader, was among 12 MPs expelled in the 2005 cash-for-query scam.
    • Supreme Court’s Stance: The Court upheld the expulsion but noted that proceedings tainted by substantial illegality are open to judicial scrutiny.
    • Judicial Review of Parliamentary Actions: The Court affirmed its role in scrutinizing legislative actions that infringe on fundamental rights.

    Article 105 of the Constitution

    • Powers and Privileges of Parliament: Article 105 deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its Members.
    • Judicial Scrutiny of Privilege Enforcement: The Court recognized that the enforcement of privilege by the legislature can be subject to judicial review, within certain constitutional limits.

    Grounds for Challenging Expulsion

    • Examining Privilege and Procedure: The court can scrutinize whether the privilege cited for expulsion existed and if proper procedures were followed.
    • Functioning of Committees: The roles of the Privileges Committee and Ethics Committee are distinct, focusing on investigating misconduct and ensuring dignity in the House.
    • Investigative Procedures: Proper investigative procedures, including the right to depose and cross-examine, are essential for fairness and truth-finding.

    Determining Offense and Punishment

    • Article 20 of the Constitution: This article stipulates that punishment requires an existing law defining the act as an offense.
    • Case-Specific Issues: In the case of the expelled MP, issues like sharing Parliament login-passwords and accepting money for questions are examined for rule violations.
    • Breach of Privilege and Inquiry: Accepting money for asking questions in Parliament is a breach of privilege warranting inquiry by the Privileges Committee.

    Conclusion

    • Ongoing Debate and Implications: The case continues to spark debate on the limits of parliamentary privilege, the role of the judiciary, and the ethical standards expected of elected representatives.
    • Balancing Authority and Rights: The expulsion case underscores the delicate balance between parliamentary authority and the rights of its members.
    • Importance of Judicial Oversight: The potential for judicial review emphasizes the importance of legal oversight in maintaining democratic principles and fairness in legislative processes.
  • Advisory issued against drug ‘Meftal’

    Central Idea

    • Pharma standard body Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert for commonly used painkiller mefenamic acid, popularly sold under the brand name Meftal.

    What is Meftal used for?

    • Meftal 500, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is usually prescribed in treatment for conditions like menstrual pain, headache, muscle, joint, or dental pain.
    • It has been advised to take the table with food.
    • The most common side effects of the medicine include mild vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, headache, and dizziness.

    What does the alert against Meftal say?

    • IPC stated that a preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database revealed drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.
    • DRESS, also known as drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome, is an adverse drug reaction that can even be life threatening.
    • It may cause damage to several organs, especially to the kidneys, heart, lungs, and pancreas.
    • The mortality rate is high and is about 10 per cent.

    Back2Basics: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

    Details
    Establishment 1956,

    An autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    Primary Objective To promote public health by setting and updating standards for drug quality in India.
    Key Publication Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), a legally recognized book of drug standards.
    Role in Drug Regulation Standards set in the IP are enforceable by law, crucial for India’s drug regulatory framework.
    International Recognition Collaborates with WHO and aligns with global drug standards.
    Pharmacovigilance Program Involved in monitoring and analyzing adverse drug reactions through the PvPI.
    Quality Control & Training Engages in drug quality control and provides training to regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry.
    Publication Updates Periodically updates the IP to include new drugs and revise existing standards.
    Collaboration Works with the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and regulatory bodies.
    Global Harmonization Aims to harmonize the IP with international pharmacopoeias like the USP and BP.
  • Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and Its Implications

    Central Idea

    • The Odisha Government invoked its Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) prohibiting strikes by paramedical staff, including nurses, pharmacists and technicians to ensure that medical services are not disrupted.

    About Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA)

    • Description: The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Parliament in 1968.
    • Constitutional Placement: It falls under list no. 33 in the 7th schedule under the concurrent list of the Indian Constitution.
    • Purpose: ESMA is primarily used by states to manage strikes by employees, especially in essential services.
    • Essential Services: The Act empowers the government to designate any economic activity or service as ‘essential’, where disruption would impact the normal life of people.

    Provisions and Powers under ESMA

    • Police Authority: The Act grants police the authority to arrest protestors without a warrant if they violate the provisions of ESMA.
    • State-Specific Provisions: Each Indian state has its unique version and provisions of the ESMA.

    Right to Strike in Context

    • Worker’s Basic Right: Striking is a fundamental means for workers to legitimately promote and defend their economic and social interests.
    • Legal Status: While the right to protest is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, the right to strike is a legal right with certain restrictions.
    • Industrial Dispute Act 1947: This act outlines the legal framework and restrictions for strikes, especially in public sectors and essential services.
    • Restrictions in Specific Sectors: Strikes are particularly restricted for public sector employees, banking, oil, metropolitan transport, and education sectors under state jurisdiction.

    International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Right to Strike

    • ILO’s Stance: The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association has established principles regarding the right to strike.
    • Essential Services Definition: Essential services are those whose interruption could endanger the life, safety, or health of part or all of the population.
    • Examples of Essential Services: The committee identifies sectors like hospitals, electricity, water supply, telephone services, and air traffic control as essential services.
    • Restriction on Strikes: Employees in these essential services are generally not permitted to strike.

    Problems and Criticisms of ESMA

    • Irresponsible Use: The Act has been criticized for its sometimes irresponsible and unwise implementation.
    • Suppression of Democratic Rights: ESMA is seen as monopolizing power and suppressing the democratic rights of stakeholders, particularly the right to protest or strike.
    • Government’s Overpowering Role: Critics argue that ESMA dangerously skews the balance in industrial relations towards the government in the public sector.

    Conclusion

    • Debate on ESMA’s Role: The Essential Services Maintenance Act remains a contentious topic, balancing the need for uninterrupted essential services with the rights of workers to strike.
    • Need for Responsible Implementation: Responsible and democratic application of ESMA is crucial to maintain this balance.
    • Ongoing Discussions: The Act continues to spark debate about the extent of government power and the protection of workers’ rights in essential sectors.
  • Ethanol Production Policy: New Directive on Sugarcane Usage

    sugarcane ethanol

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued a directive to sugar mills and distilleries, not to use sugarcane juice or syrup for ethanol production in the ethanol year 2023-2024.

    No Sugarcane Juice for Ethanol Production

    • Continuation of Existing Supplies: The directive allows the continued supply of ethanol from B-Heavy molasses based on existing offers received by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
    • Regulatory Oversight: The Department of Food and Public Distribution, responsible for monitoring sugar production and availability, implements this directive under the Sugar (Control) Order.

    Rationale behind the Directive

    • Ensuring Sugar Availability: The government’s decision aims to ensure sufficient sugar availability in India, considering the lower sugar production in the country.
    • Food vs. Fuel Consideration: Businesses highlighted this move as a balance between food security and fuel production.
    • Impact on Ethanol Blending Targets: The directive is significant in the context of India’s goal of achieving 20% ethanol blending by the 2025-2026 ethanol year.

    Implications for Industry

    • ISMA’s Response: The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) is assessing the implications of the order.
    • Effect on Domestic Sugar Supply: Industry sources indicate that this decision will ensure adequate sugar supply domestically, especially with reduced sugarcane production in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
    • Impact on Ethanol Blending Program: The restriction is likely to affect the ethanol blending program, which is a key component of India’s renewable energy strategy.
    • Consequences for Ethanol-Only Units: Facilities dedicated solely to ethanol production may face challenges due to this new policy.

    Conclusion  

    • The directive represents a strategic decision by the Indian government to prioritize domestic sugar availability over ethanol production from sugarcane.
    • Monitoring the impact of this directive on both the sugar industry and the ethanol blending program will be crucial in the coming years.
  • SC affirms “Group of Companies’ Doctrine

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling, expanding the scope of arbitration agreements to include non-signatories under specific conditions.
    • This ruling centers on the “group of companies” doctrine within the framework of arbitration agreements.

    ‘Group of Companies’ Doctrine

    Details
    Essence Non-signatory entities in a corporate group can be bound by an arbitration agreement if part of the same group as a signatory.
    Basis on Mutual Intent Relies on the mutual intention to bind both signatories and non-signatory group members.
    Arbitration as a Tool Offers an alternative to court litigation, with enforceable decisions by neutral arbitrators.
    Root in International Jurisprudence Based more on international arbitration practices than domestic law.
    Indian Legal Precedent Established by Chloro Controls India Pvt. Ltd. v. Severn Trent Water Purification Inc. case (2013).
    Criteria for Application Set by the Indian Supreme Court, includes mutual intent, relationship between entities, common subject matter, transaction nature, and contract performance.
    Objective Aims to prevent dispute fragmentation in complex, multi-party transactions.
    Recent Supreme Court Ruling Clarified conditions under which non-signatories can be bound by arbitration agreements, focusing on legal relationships and demonstrated intentions.
  • Google unveils ‘Gemini AI Model’

    gemini

    Central Idea

    • Google has introduced Gemini, a new multimodal general AI model, available globally through Bard.
    • It is seen as Google’s response to ChatGPT, offering advanced capabilities in the realm of GenAI.

    What is Google Gemini?

    • Unlike ChatGPT, Gemini can process and operate across various formats including text, code, audio, image, and video.
    • Google claims Gemini Ultra surpasses current models in academic benchmarks and is the first to outperform human experts in massive multitask language understanding (MMLU).

    Different versions available

    • Three Variants: Gemini comes in three sizes – Ultra, Pro, and Nano – each designed for specific levels of complexity and tasks.
    1. Gemini Ultra: Intended for highly complex tasks, currently in a trial phase with select users.
    2. Gemini Pro: Available in Bard for general users, offering advanced reasoning and understanding, and accessible to developers via Google AI Studio or Google Cloud Vertex AI.
    3. Gemini Nano: Focused on on-device tasks, already integrated into Pixel 8 Pro, and soon available to Android developers via AICore in Android 14.

    Addressing Challenges of Hallucinations and Safety

    • Factuality and Hallucinations: While improvements have been made, Gemini, like other LLMs, is still prone to hallucinations. Google uses additional techniques in Bard to enhance response accuracy.
    • Safety Measures: Google emphasizes new protections for Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, conducting comprehensive safety evaluations, including bias and toxicity assessments.
    • Ongoing Safety Research: Google collaborates with external experts to stress-test models and identify potential risks in areas like cyber-offence and persuasion.
    Hallucination: Asking a generative AI application for five examples of bicycle models that will fit in the back of your specific make of sport utility vehicle. If only three models exist, the GenAI application may still provide five — two of which are entirely fabricated.

     Comparing Gemini and ChatGPT 4

    • Flexibility and Capabilities: Gemini appears more versatile than GPT4, especially with its video processing and offline functionality.
    • Accessibility and Cost: Unlike the paid-access ChatGPT4, Gemini is currently free to use, potentially giving it a broader user base.
  • Centre’s Ethanol Policy Shift: Impact on Sugar and Ethanol Industries

    Central Idea

    • The Centre has taken significant steps to increase domestic sugar availability, including banning sugar exports and restricting the diversion of sugar for ethanol production.
    • On December 7, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production.

    Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

    • Programme’s Success: The EBP programme, a key achievement of the government, has seen ethanol blending with petrol increase from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23.
    • Feedstock Diversification: The success is attributed to diversifying feedstocks, including C-heavy molasses, B-heavy molasses, sugarcane juice/syrup, and grains.

    Ethanol Production from Different Feedstocks

    • C-heavy Molasses: Traditionally used for ethanol production, yielding 220-225 litres of ethanol per tonne.
    • B-heavy Molasses: Provides higher ethanol yield (290-320 litres per tonne) compared to C-heavy molasses.
    • Direct Fermentation of Sugarcane: Fermenting the entire sugarcane without sugar extraction yields 80-81 litres of ethanol per tonne.

    Centre’s Ethanol Blending Scheme: Food vs. Fuel Debate

    • Increased Ethanol Production Post-2017: The use of B-heavy molasses and sugarcane juice/syrup, along with new substrates like surplus rice, broken grains, and maize, boosted ethanol production.
    • Differential Pricing Policy: The government incentivized ethanol production from non-C-heavy molasses feedstocks with higher prices.
    • Impact on Industry: Companies like Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd (TEIL) adapted to multiple feedstocks, including grain during the off-season.

    Challenges and Setbacks for the Industry

    • Directive’s Impact: The December 7 directive is a setback, especially for companies with capacities to produce ethanol from cane juice/syrup.
    • Tender for Ethanol Supply: The OMCs’ tender for 825 crore litres of ethanol for 2023-24 might be affected, particularly the 135 crore litres from sugarcane juice/syrup.
    • Uncertainty in Pricing: The Centre has not announced prices for various ethanol feedstocks for 2023-24, despite the ethanol supply year aligning closer to the sugar year.

    Sugar Supply Concerns and Policy Implications

    • Low Sugar Stocks: The 2022-23 sugar year ended with low stocks, prompting the government to prioritize domestic sugar supply.
    • Uncertain Production Forecasts: The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories predicts a decrease in sugar production for 2023-24.
    • Government’s Prioritization: The latest decisions reflect the government’s focus on domestic supply and consumer needs over exports and fuel production.

    Conclusion

    • Shift in Government Policy: The Centre’s recent actions indicate a shift towards prioritizing domestic sugar availability over ethanol production.
    • Broader Implications: These decisions impact both the sugar and ethanol industries, reflecting the complex balance between food security and renewable energy initiatives.
  • Garba makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

    garba

    Central Idea

    • Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    • This recognition makes Garba the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which was added two years ago.

    About Garba

    • What is it? Garba is a traditional dance form from Gujarat, India, primarily performed during the Navratri festival to worship the Hindu goddess Durga.
    • Origins and Meaning: The term “Garba” comes from “Garbha” (womb) and “Deep” (lamp). The dance is performed around a central lamp or a representation of the Goddess, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.
    • Dance Style: Garba is characterized by energetic, circular movements, clapping hands, and intricate footwork, reflecting the cyclical nature of life.
    • Music and Instruments: The dance is accompanied by rhythmic music, traditionally using instruments like the dhol (drum), harmonium, and flute, with modern adaptations including electronic instruments.
    • Traditional Attire: Women wear a chaniya choli (a colorful, embroidered skirt set) and men don a kediyu and dhoti or pajama, often embellished with mirrors and embroidery.
    • Dandiya Raas Association: Garba is often followed by Dandiya Raas, another dance form using sticks (dandiyas), especially after the Aarti (worship ritual).
    • Inclusivity and Community Aspect: The dance is inclusive, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, and emphasizing community participation.

    About UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

    • ICH means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage.
    • Furthermore, its importance is not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
    • The adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2003 was a crucial step towards preserving intangible heritage.
    • UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was established in the year 2008.

    Criteria for the selection

    • There are three criteria for an intangible cultural heritage to be inscribed in the United Nations list.
    • The entity must-
    1. be recognized by communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals as part of their cultural heritage,
    2. be transmitted from generation to generation and be constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history and
    3. provide them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity

    India’s ICH on the UNESCO list

    • Sangeet Natak Akademi is the nodal organisation which looks after this function, and files nominations of intangible cultural entities from India, for evaluation by the international body.
    • ICG from India include Kolkata’s Durga Puja (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Navroz (2016), Yoga (2016), traditional brass and copper craft of utensil-making among coppersmiths of Punjab (2014), Sankirtana, a ritual musical performance of Manipur (2013), and the Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012).
    • Before 2011, the list included Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dance of Rajasthan, and Mudiyettu, a dance drama from Kerala (2010), Ramman, a religious festival and theatre performance of Garhwal in the Himalayas (2009), and Kutiyattam or Sanskrit theatre, and Vedic chanting (2008).
    • Ramlila, a traditional performance of Ramayana, was also included in 2008.