9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 28th January, 2025

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Why India Should Take a Conservative Approach to Growth Ahead of Budget 2025

This post on  Why India Should Take a Conservative Approach to Growth Ahead of Budget 2025 has been created based on article “Ahead of Budget 2025, why India should take a conservative approach to growthpublished in The Indian Express on 28th January 2025.

Conservative Approach to Growth Ahead of Budget 2025

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy

Context: The article discusses why India should adopt a conservative approach to growth ahead of the 2025 Budget. It emphasizes the importance of achieving sustained, long-term growth with low risk rather than chasing aggressive, short-term targets that could lead to instability.

Why is a conservative approach to growth important for India?

  1. A conservative approach allows India to sustain long-term growth with minimal risks. Historical evidence shows that countries relying on debt-fueled growth often face sharp slowdowns or restructuring.
  2. For India, achieving consistent 6% real growth over 20 years would increase GDP per capita from $2,650 to $10,000 by 2045. Even at 5.5% growth, this target could be achieved by 2047.
  3. The timeline (2045 vs. 2047) is less critical than achieving sustainable, low-risk growth over extended periods.

What are the economic assumptions for this growth trajectory?

  1. India Inflation: 5% per annum
  2. US Inflation: 2% per annum
  3. INR Depreciation: 3% per annum
  4. Population Growth: 1% per annum

What challenges are contributing to the current moderation in growth?

a) Rising Household Indebtedness:

  1. Indian households have shifted from borrowing for emergencies or appreciating assets to borrowing for depreciating assets and experiences.
  2. Factors like click-driven EMIs, social media influence, e-commerce convenience, and lack of incentives for cash-down purchases contribute to debt-led consumption.
  3. Rising retail NPAs indicate higher household indebtedness. Debt-fueled consumption shifts growth from the future to the present, leading to eventual payback challenges.

Solution:

  1. Encourage cash-down purchases by offering better pricing compared to EMI-based purchases.
  2. Evaluate the long-term impact of debt-fueled consumption and tweak risk weights on personal loans.

b) Competition from Chinese Exports:

  1. Despite the China+1 strategy, India faces stiff competition from China’s robust manufacturing base, built over decades of investments and infrastructure development.
  2. China’s surplus capacity, due to weak domestic demand, is leading to deflation in export prices, affecting Indian exporters.
  3. India has potential to grow its manufacturing footprint with government support and favorable geopolitical conditions. However, progress will be slow and challenging.

c) Temporary Global Headwinds:

  1. Rising US interest rates, a strong US dollar, and a narrowing yield gap (2.2%) between India and the US.
  2. Net FDI has sharply fallen due to MNCs selling stakes in their Indian operations (e.g., Timken, GE Vernova, Whirlpool, Hyundai). These sales are driven by sector valuations, not pessimism about India.

How are stock markets responding to growth narratives?

  1. Small and mid-cap stocks have gained popularity due to high returns post-Covid. However, this stems from the sharper fall they experienced during the downturn. For instance:
    1. Large-caps fell from 100 to 70 during Covid, resulting in a 40% recovery.
    2. Small/mid-caps fell from 100 to 30, yielding over 200% recovery to return to 100.
  2. Nearly 75% of current demat accounts (out of 20 crore) were opened post-Covid, meaning new investors lack experience with earlier market cycles like 1992, 2000, or 2008.
  3. Investors should remember the principle of “reversion to the mean,” as highlighted by John C. Bogle, and temper expectations of sustained small/mid-cap outperformance.

What should policymakers and investors focus on?

For Policymakers:

  1. Prioritize sustainable growth with low risk rather than short-term acceleration.
  2. Address the rising indebtedness by promoting financial literacy and discouraging debt-fueled consumption.
  3. Support manufacturing growth with better policies and infrastructure, recognizing the slow progress.

For Investors:

  1. Avoid being swayed by IPO frenzies or small/mid-cap hype. Understand the cyclical nature of markets and adopt a long-term perspective.

Sri Lanka’s recovery and ongoing economic challenges

Source: The post Sri Lanka’s recovery and ongoing economic challenges has been created, based on the article “Navigating growth challenges in Sri Lanka” published in “The Hindu” on 28th January 2025

Navigating growth challenges in Sri Lanka

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Context: The article discusses Sri Lanka’s economic recovery after its worst crisis, supported by IMF aid, Indian assistance, and tourism growth. It highlights challenges like brain drain, inexperienced Parliament, fiscal instability, and geopolitical tensions while urging bold policies for sustainable growth.

For detailed information on Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve its economy read this article here

What is the current economic situation in Sri Lanka?

  1. Sri Lanka’s economy is stabilizing after its worst economic crisis in 2022-23. It defaulted on external debt in April 2022.
  2. Prudent policies by the Central Bank, a $3 billion IMF program, and $4 billion in Indian aid helped stabilize the economy.
  3. Debt restructuring worth $17.5 billion with private bondholders and China provided relief.
  4. Tourism is recovering, with over 2 million visitors in 2024, boosting foreign exchange reserves.

What challenges does Sri Lanka face internally?

  1. Brain Drain: Over 300,000 skilled professionals left Sri Lanka in 2024, creating a talent gap in sectors like IT, banking, and healthcare. This affects business growth and governance.
  2. Inexperienced Parliament: Out of 225 MPs, 150 are first-time representatives from the NPP, raising concerns about legislative and policymaking capacity.
  3. Tourism Imbalance: Despite a 38% rise in tourists (2 million in 2024), benefits remain concentrated in Colombo. Regions like the north and east need promotion.
  4. Fiscal Strain: Loss-making SOEs, like SriLankan Airlines and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, drain public funds. Effective restructuring is required.

What are the external factors affecting Sri Lanka?

  1. Geopolitical Challenges:
  • Geopolitical Tensions: The re-election of President Donald Trump in the U.S. impacts regional dynamics, with Sri Lanka needing to navigate its strategic relationships carefully.
  • India is crucial to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, but relations must balance economic ties with security concerns.
  • President Dissanayake has promised non-interference in India’s concerns, such as halting visits from Chinese spy ships.
  1. Debt Repayments:
  • Debt repayment risks will rise by mid-2027.
  • Sri Lanka must rely on trade-led growth and partnerships with the IMF, World Bank, and India to avoid another crisis.

What steps can the government take?

The government should focus on:

  1. Improving public sector services.
  2. Promoting sustainable tourism.
  3. Rationalizing spending and restructuring SOEs.
  4. Strengthening ties with India through energy projects, digital identity systems, and trade agreements.
  5. Presenting a bold and practical National Budget in February 2025 to address these issues effectively.

Question for practice:

Discuss the internal and external challenges Sri Lanka faces in its economic recovery and the steps the government can take to address them.

Regulatory and Health Issues of Alcoholic Tinctures

Source: The post Regulatory and Health Issues of Alcoholic Tinctures has been created, based on the article “Getting drunk, on homoeopathy” published in “The Hindu” on 28th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

Context: The article discusses the public health risks of alcoholic tinctures marketed as homeopathic remedies in India. It highlights regulatory challenges, weak enforcement, and legal hurdles, emphasizing the harm to health and revenue, especially with high alcohol content in such products.

Getting drunk on homoeopathy

For detailed information on Methanol poisoning deaths due to Spurious alcohol in India read this article here

What is the Issue with Alcoholic Tinctures in India?

  1. High Alcohol Content: Homoeopathic tinctures contain up to 12% alcohol, significantly higher than “strong beer,” which has 7% alcohol. This makes them attractive substitutes for alcoholic beverages.
  2. Public Health Risk: Regular consumption of these tinctures can cause serious illnesses, such as alcoholic hepatitis. Unsuspecting consumers believe they are remedies without realizing their alcohol content.
  3. Deaths in Prohibition States: States like Bihar and Gujarat, which prohibit alcohol, reported deaths due to spurious tinctures.
  4. Regulatory Gap: Public health and alcohol taxation are State responsibilities, but States cannot regulate tinctures due to the Union’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
  5. Taxation Loophole: Medicinal alcohol is taxed at 18% (Union rate), much lower than State taxes on alcoholic beverages, causing revenue losses.
  6. Legal Challenges: Rule 106B (1994) limits tincture sales but faces prolonged litigation by the homoeopathy industry, delaying enforcement.

How Does the Constitution Regulate These Tinctures?

  1. State Role: Public health and alcohol taxation fall under State jurisdiction as per List II of Schedule VII.
  2. Union Exception: Entry 84 of List I allows the Union to tax alcohol meant for medicinal purposes.
  3. Pre-GST Era: Medicinal alcohol was taxed at 4% under the Medicinal and Toilet Preparations (Excise Duties) Act, 1955.
  4. Post-GST Confusion: The 101st Constitutional Amendment removed this exception. However, the Union now taxes medicinal alcohol at 18%, still lower than State taxes on alcoholic beverages.
  5. Concurrent List Conflict: Drugs are in the Concurrent List; States require presidential assent for amendments to the Union’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

What Attempt had been made to Regulate Tinctures?

  1. Rule 106B (1994): The Union government introduced Rule 106B under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, limiting retail tincture bottles to 30 ml with 12% alcohol and 100 ml bottles for hospitals.
  2. Industry Resistance: The homoeopathy industry opposed this rule, challenging it in courts, causing enforcement delays.
  3. Judicial Action:
  • Delayed Enforcement: The Supreme Court transferred 13 cases against Rule 106B to itself in 2017. The matter remains unresolved.
  • Bhagwati Medical Hall Judgment: The Court ruled that only the Union can regulate homoeopathic tinctures, frustrating State efforts.

For detailed information on Impacts of the SC ruling on alcohol regulation read this article here

What Should be Done?

  1. Amend Legal Framework: Allow States to regulate and tax homoeopathic tinctures, ensuring accountability under public health laws.
  2. Resolve Litigation: The Union should lay Rule 106B before Parliament for 30 days to settle ongoing lawsuits.
  3. Enhance Public Awareness: Labels must warn about health risks, similar to warnings on alcoholic beverages.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of regulatory gaps and legal challenges on the public health and taxation of alcoholic tinctures in India.

Understanding Global Power Shifts and Emerging Influences

Source: The post Understanding Global Power Shifts and Emerging Influences has been created, based on the article “Today’s world is literally and metaphorically bipolar” published in “Live mint” on 28th January 2025

 Global Power Shifts and Emerging Influences

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the global power structure, highlighting a bipolar world dominated by the US and China. It emphasizes economic strength, trade networks, and reforms as key for emerging powers like India to gain influence and join global leadership platforms.

What is the global power structure today?

  1. The world is largely bipolar, dominated by the US and China.
  2. The US remains powerful due to military strength, global alliances, and the dollar as a reserve currency.
  3. China has risen as a near-peer competitor with strategic trade investments and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
  4. Emerging powers like India and others are yet to reach the level of being a ‘pole.’

For detailed information on No, the US-led global order is not collapsing read this article here

How does defence spending influence power?

  1. US Defence Spending: The US spends more on defence than the next five countries combined (Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Germany). This allows the US to maintain about 750 military bases globally, with 350 in strategic locations like Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Italy.
  2. China’s Efficiency: China spends only a third of the US defence budget but has emerged as a near-peer adversary. Its influence stems from trade, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and strategic bases like Djibouti.
  3. Russia’s Limitations: Despite its large nuclear arsenal and resources, Russia lacks economic strength and diversity, limiting its global influence.
  4. Emerging Powers: Countries like India and Indonesia lag behind as they need economic growth and reforms before becoming influential powers.
  5. Thus, defence spending impacts power but requires complementary economic and strategic initiatives.

How does China expand its global influence?

  1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China invests heavily in infrastructure projects across Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia to build economic partnerships.
  2. Strategic Bases: China has established its first international military base in Djibouti, strategically located near the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
  3. Listening Posts: It operates listening posts in Cuba and Kazakhstan for strategic monitoring.
  4. Trade and Investment: China focuses on trade-led influence in regions like the Caribbean and its maritime zones, boosting economic interdependence.
  5. Cost Efficiency: Despite spending only a third of the US defence budget, China rapidly expands global influence through economic means.

How can India increase its global influence?

  1. Focus on Economic Strength: India must prioritize creating inclusive prosperity, achieve upper-middle-income status, and balance fiscal and current accounts to strengthen its foundation for influence.
  2. Leverage G7 Membership: India has been invited to 11 G7 outreach meetings. Securing permanent membership would enhance its role in global economic discussions.
  3. Join Key Trade Groups: Joining plurilateral trade groups like CPTPP or RCEP is crucial to becoming part of global supply chains, which increasingly involve multiple countries.
  4. Expand Trade Networks: Strengthening trade networks will help India gain influence in international trade and economic systems.
  5. Undertake Domestic Reforms: Reforms to enhance economic efficiency and competitiveness are necessary for long-term growth and global recognition.
  6. Highlight Economic Indicators: India’s GDP, measured in both exchange rates and PPP, places it among the world’s largest economies and strengthens its claim to global leadership.
  7. Manage Bipolar Dynamics: India should recognize the current US-China bipolar structure and strategically navigate this landscape to expand its influence.

For detailed information on India’s Growing Stature – A Rising Power read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine how economic strength, defence spending, and strategic initiatives shape global influence in the current bipolar world.

GS PAPER - 3

Debate surrounding MSP

This post on Debate surrounding MSP has been created based on article “MSP is not enough. Government should become key player in markets to relieve farmer distresspublished in The Indian Express on 28th January 2025.

Debate surrounding MSP

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy

Context: The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the demand for a legally binding Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers in India, particularly in light of farmer protests and distress. It critiques the singular focus on MSP as a solution, arguing that it is a narrow and potentially counterproductive approach to addressing farmers’ challenges.

What is the current debate about MSP in India?

  1. The debate centers around making the Minimum Support Price (MSP) legally binding.
  2. While this aims to address farmers’ distress, it is seen as a narrow and counterproductive solution that may exacerbate rural poverty and destabilize agricultural markets.
  3. Legally binding MSP overlook overlooks challenges like climate-induced production shocks, the need to align agricultural production with changing dietary preferences, and the broader livelihood issues of rural citizens beyond cultivation.

Why is focusing solely on MSP problematic?

  1. Focusing solely on MSP ignores the reality that rural livelihoods extend beyond farmers, including traders and supply chain workers.
  2. Additionally, MSP doesn’t protect farmers from climate-induced yield shocks and may lead to inefficiencies in market dynamics.
  3. The risks of combining high MSP with depressed retail prices undermines the livelihoods of traders and other rural workers, destabilizes markets, and may create inefficiencies in the agricultural supply chain.

What are the two key alternatives to an MSP-centric approach?

The two alternatives are:

  1. Income Support: A quasi-Universal Basic Income (q-UBI) for rural households.q-UBI extends income support beyond cultivators. Setting the payment higher than PM-Kisan payouts (e.g., at the average income of a five-acre farmer) ensures better protection against price and quantity shocks.
  2. Price Deficiency Payments: Compensating farmers for price shocks while maintaining market discipline.

How do price deficiency payments work?

  1. When crop prices in a district drop drastically, farmers are compensated for a fraction (e.g., 30%) of their average losses.
  2. This shields farmers from extreme volatility while incentivizing market adaptability.

 How should public procurement evolve?

  1. Public procurement should be decentralized and include a broader range of crops to reflect changing demand patterns.
  2. It should align with welfare schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and mid-day meals.

The key suggestions for improving public procurement are:

  1. Expand crop coverage in welfare schemes while narrowing beneficiary targeting to manage subsidies.
  2. Encourage states to take the lead in implementing decentralization under frameworks like PM-AASHA.
  3. Ensure states are fiscally responsible to minimize wastage.

How can strategic reserves benefit farmers and consumers?

  1. Strategic reserves should include essential crops like pulses and onions, in addition to rice and wheat.
  2. This would shield farmers and consumers from price shocks, stabilizing demand and fostering a resilient food system.

How should the government support farmers instead of stipulating MSPs?

  1. The government should actively participate in markets by rationalizing procurement at market prices.
  2. Procurement should reflect demand conditions and existing inventories to prevent overstocking and wastage.
  3. The focus should move from setting fixed MSPs to stabilizing demand through diversified procurement and dynamic market participation.

Why is it important to move beyond MSP?

  1. A sole focus on MSP risks missing the opportunity to implement a comprehensive policy framework.
  2. An integrated approach can safeguard rural livelihoods, foster dynamic markets, and align agriculture with future demands.

What infrastructure and experiences support this shift?

  1. The proposed reforms build on existing systems like PM-Kisan, PM-AASHA, and lessons learned over the past decade.
  2. Careful planning and collaboration are essential to implement these changes effectively.
  3. The approach aims to create a sustainable and equitable system that supports farmers, stabilizes agricultural markets, and aligns policies with future demands, ensuring resilience against economic and climate challenges.

Understanding Radical Innovations

This post on Understanding Radical Innovations has been created based on article “How India can lead the way in transformative innovationspublished in The Indian Express on 28th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Science and technology

Context:The article focuses on the concept of radical innovation—groundbreaking ideas or inventions that fundamentally alter how people solve problems, experience the world, or navigate daily life.

What defines a “radical innovation”?

  1. Radical innovations solve problems in fundamentally new ways, cause significant performance improvements, or bring about transformative changes.
  2. They stand apart from incremental innovations by overcoming fundamental constraints in existing systems or designs.

How is “radical innovation” different from “incremental innovation”?

  1. Incremental innovation involves adjusting input variables (like size, color, or components) to optimize performance within existing constraints.
  2. In contrast, radical innovation surpasses fundamental constraints, enabling entirely new possibilities.

How do engineers approach innovation?

Engineers follow a structured process involving:

  • Objective Function: A goal to maximize, minimize, or optimize.
  • Input Variables: Design choices available to achieve the goal.
  • Constraints: Limitations that must not be violated.
    An innovation becomes radical when it overcomes fundamental constraints, breaking through barriers that incremental changes cannot address.

How did the Wright Brothers’ aircraft demonstrate radical innovation?

  1. Objective Function: Enable faster travel.
  2. Constraints in Existing Systems: All vehicles (cars, trains, ships) required surface contact for movement.
  3. Radical Innovation: The aircraft overcame the fundamental constraint of surface dependence by enabling flight.

What was the radical innovation in early telephone systems?

  1. Objective Function: Minimize call connection time.
  2. Constraint: Human operators could not physically connect calls in less than 1.5 seconds.
  3. Radical Innovation: The electro-mechanical switch automated call connections, removing the need for human operators and allowing the system to scale.

Can radical innovation occur outside engineering, such as in the arts?

Yes, a notable example is jasrangi, a vocal duet created by Late Pandit Jasraj. He overcame  fundamental constraint  such as:

  • Constraint: Male and female singers have naturally different vocal pitches.
  • Radical Innovation: By adjusting the base notes (‘Sa’) for each singer to align with their natural range, jasrangi made classical duets easier and more harmonious.

Is there a competition between incremental and radical innovation?

  1. No, both types are essential for progress. Incremental innovation drives steady advancements, while radical innovation leads to transformative leaps.
  2. They enable groundbreaking changes that redefine industries, systems, or experiences.

How can young people contribute to transformative innovations?

  1. Focus on Fundamental Constraints: Identify and address core challenges in systems or designs.
  2. Leverage Design Thinking: Use structured techniques to identify problems and create solutions.
  3. Adopt a Problem-Solving Mindset: Concentrate on the right problem, as it’s often half the journey to innovation.

Overcoming fundamental constraints requires creativity, persistence, and a deep understanding of the problem. However, this approach holds the key to globally transformative innovations.

India’s Budget Priorities for Achieving Climate Goals

Source: The post India’s Budget Priorities for Achieving Climate Goals has been created, based on the article “The Union Budget as a turning point for climate action” published in “The Hindu” on 28th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Budget and Environment

Context: The article discusses India’s need to prioritize climate action in the FY26 Budget. It highlights renewable energy goals, the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, promoting a circular economy, boosting green finance, and improving climate resilience through insurance.

What are the challenges India faces in achieving climate goals?

  1. Renewable Energy Target: India aims for a renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030 but has currently installed only 203.18 GW.
  2. Scheme Implementation: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has seen low completion rates, with only 6.34 lakh installations out of 1.45 crore registrations (4.37%).
  3. Domestic Manufacturing: The local production of solar panels meets only 40% of the demand, with domestically manufactured panels costing 65% more than imported ones.
  4. Extreme Weather: Increasingly frequent extreme weather events add urgency to these challenges.

How can the Budget accelerate India’s green energy transition?

  1. Enhance PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
  • Out of 1.45 crore registrations, only 6.34 lakh installations (4.37%) are complete.
  • Allocate funds to the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model to reduce upfront costs for low-income households using credit guarantees and innovative financing.
  1. Boost domestic solar manufacturing:
  • Domestic production meets only 40% of solar demand, with domestic panels costing 65% more than imports.
  • Expand production-linked incentives (PLI) across the solar module supply chain to address this gap and reduce costs.
  1. Utilize Railways’ land for renewables:
  • Railways’ land and track corridors have the potential to generate up to 5 GW of solar and wind energy.
  • Introduce public-private partnerships to unlock this opportunity.

How can India protect exports from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

  1. CBAM starts in 2026 and could impose 20%-50% carbon levies on $8.22 billion worth of Indian exports to the EU.
  2. MSMEs, contributing 30% to GDP and 45% to exports, are most vulnerable.
  3. A ‘Climate Action Fund’ is needed to support decarbonization in these sectors, similar to Japan’s Green Transformation Fund.

How can India transition to a circular economy?

  1. A circular economy could yield ₹40 lakh crore ($624 billion) annually by 2050 while cutting emissions by 44%.
  2. Weighted tax deductions (150%) and accelerated depreciation benefits can promote recycling and refurbishment technologies.
  3. A sovereign green bond framework should fund circular economy infrastructure.

How can green finance drive India’s climate goals?

  1. Green finance is essential to meet India’s climate goals: India requires ₹162.5 trillion ($2.5 trillion) by 2030 to achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions.
  2. Investor confidence through standardized definitions: Standardizing green finance definitions can build investor trust, crucial for attracting the necessary investments.
  3. Infrastructure for green finance: Allocating Budget funds for market readiness programs, verification systems, and financial institution capacity building is necessary to implement effective climate finance taxonomy.
  4. Encouraging investments: Introducing differential tax treatments for taxonomy-aligned investments can further encourage green investments and help meet climate targets.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges India faces in achieving climate goals and how the Budget can address them.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Key Facts about Georgia

News– Recently, Georgia has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO).

About Georgia

Georgia
Source- BBC
  • Location: It is a country in the Transcaucasia region, situated at the intersection of Eastern Europe and West Asia.
  • Capital: Tbilisi
  • Bordering Countries:
    • North & Northeast: Russia
    • East & Southeast: Azerbaijan
    • South: Armenia and Türkiye
  • Bordering Water Body: Black Sea (to the West)
  • Geographical Features:
    • Highest Point: Mount Shkhara (5,068 meters).
    • Mountain Ranges: Greater Caucasus Range (Northern Georgia), Lesser Caucasus Range (Southern Georgia).
    • Major Rivers: Mtkvari (Kura), Rioni, Inguri, and Kodori.
  • Conflict Regions: Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Ajaria (historical conflicts).
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Includes Gelati Monastery and Upper Svaneti

Lezim dance

News– The upcoming Bollywood film Chhava, depicting the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has stirred controversy over a scene showing the Maratha king performing the Lezim dance.

About Lezim dance

Lezim dance
Source- Maharashtra Tourism
  • It is traditional folk dance of Maharashtra.
  • It is named after the lezim, a wooden stick with jingling metallic cymbals used by dancers.
  • The dance involves vigorous and rhythmic steps involving squatting, jumping, and group formations.
  • Occasions:
    • It is performed during festivals (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi), marriage processions, and cultural events.
    • It is also practiced widely in schools as a form of physical exercise.
  • Features:
    • Energy and Synchronization: Dancers perform in circles or groups, gradually increasing pace with drum beats (dhol or dhalgi).
    • Cultural Identity: Symbolizes community spirit and is often associated with Maratha pride.
    • Martial Connection: Rooted in physical drills from akhadas (traditional gymnasiums).
  • Historical Significance-Shivaji Maharaj’s Influence: Promoted during his reign as a military exercise for maintaining fitness and discipline among soldiers.

Asan wetland

News– A bird counting campaign at Asan Wetland in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has been successful, with volunteers spotting 5,225 birds from 117 species.

Asan wetland
Source- The Statesman

About Asan wetland (Asan Conservation Reserve)

  • Location: It is situated in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, along the Asan River, which flows into the Yamuna River.
  • It was declared a Conservation Reserve in 2005 under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Ramsar Site: It is the first Ramsar site in Uttarakhand.
  • Avain Species:
    • Strategically located within the Central Asian Flyways (CAF),the reserve homes 330 bird species, including critically endangered species like the red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, and Baer’s pochard.
    • Other vulnerable or endangered species include the Egyptian vulture, steppe eagle, and Indian spotted eagle.
  • Fish Diversity: It supports 49 fish species, including the endangered Putitor mahseer (Tor putitora).
  • It is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and BirdLife International.

Etikoppaka toys

News– On India’s 76th Republic Day, Andhra Pradesh’s tableau, featuring the 400-year-old Etikoppaka Bommalu wooden toy-making tradition, mesmerized the audience at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path.

Etikoppaka toys
Source- The Indian Express

About Etikoppaka toys

  • Etikoppaka toys are traditional toys made by artisans of Etikoppaka village located on the banks of Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • These toys are made from the wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria), which is lightweight, soft, and ideal for intricate carvings.
  • The toys are known for its rounded design with no sharp edges, ensuring safety for children.
  • They are colored using natural dyes derived from seeds, roots, leaves, and bark.
  • They are finished with a lacquer-turning technique, giving the toys a smooth, glossy, and durable finish.
  • Cultural and Historical Significance:
    • Designs often depict mythological characters, animals, household items, and musical instruments, reflecting India’s cultural heritage.
    • Some motifs are inspired by ancient civilizations like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.
  • Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: It was awarded the GI tag in 2017. 

Other GI tagged toys in India

Toy Name State Key features
Channapatna Toys Karnataka Crafted from ivory wood; lacquer-coated and colored with natural dyes.
Thanjavur Dolls Tamil Nadu Known as “Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai”; oscillating dolls made of terracotta.
Nirmal Toys Telangana Hand-carved wooden toys with traditional gold-painted designs.
Kondapalli Toys Andhra Pradesh Made from softwood (Tella Poniki); depict mythological themes and rural life.

Libia Lobo Sardesai- Goa Freedom Fighter

News- Recently, Goa’s freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai, was honoured with the Padma Shri for her pivotal role in the state’s liberation struggle.

Libia Lobo Sardesai
Source- The Indian Express

About Libia Lobo Sardesai

  • She was born on May 25, 1924 in Portuguese-ruled Goa.
  • Role in Goa’s Liberation:
    • Actively participated in the Goan nationalist movement during her college years.
    • Played a key role in countering Portuguese propaganda during Goa’s struggle for independence.
    • Operated an underground radio station, Voice of Freedom, from 1955 to 1961 alongside Vaman Sardesai (her late husband) and Nicolau Menezes.
  • Significant Contributions:
    • Announced Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961, using an Indian Air Force plane fitted with a loudspeaker.
    • Played a pivotal role in maintaining morale among Goan nationalists during the blockade and movement.
  • Post-Liberation: Became the first Director of Tourism for Goa, Daman, and Diu after the liberation of Goa.
  • Recognition: At the age of 100, Libia Lobo Sardesai was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions to Goa’s liberation and her lifelong service to the nation.

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