Indian Culture

Caste as a ‘Way of Life’: Path to Equality and Inclusion

Context Recent initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma scheme and the National Education Policy (NEP) treat caste as a cultural and occupational identity. While these efforts aim to promote inclusion, they raise concerns about achieving real equality.   Key Concepts Culturalisation of Caste Caste is increasingly seen as part of culture, …

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ILO Report on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLFP)

Background: The ILO report titled ‘The Impact of Care Responsibilities on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLP)’ highlights the barriers that caregiving responsibilities pose to Indian women’s participation in the workforce. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Represents the proportion of individuals within a population who are either employed or actively seeking …

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Right to Free Food and the National Food Security Act (NFSA):

Context The global food insecurity situation is critical, with the FAO reporting that approximately 2.33 billion people worldwide face moderate to severe food insecurity. In India, the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 was introduced as a crucial step toward ensuring food security. However, concerns have been raised regarding the …

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Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

Context The Satark Nagrik Sangathan’s 2023-24 report has brought attention to issues with the RTI Act, highlighting the pressing need for reforms. Overview of the RTI Act 2005 The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, grants citizens the right to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance …

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India’s Approach to Refugees

Context: India has granted refuge to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her forced departure from Bangladesh, despite the absence of an official refugee policy in the country. Defining Refugees: Refugees: Individuals compelled to leave their home country and seek safety in another due to the threat of persecution, …

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Dhimsa Dance

The Dhimsa dance is a vibrant and energetic tribal dance form originating from the Koraput district of Odisha, India. While traditionally performed by the Porja caste women, it has transcended boundaries and become a beloved cultural symbol across Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the regions around Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam. Meaning …

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Criminalization of Adultery on a Gender-Neutral Basis

The story so far The criminalization of adultery on a gender-neutral basis was recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs last month after reviewing the three new criminal law Bills that will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. This …

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When Onam Was A Big Festival In Tamil Lands

Syllabus: Indian culture Snapshot Today Onam is a festival only identified with Malayalis and Kerala. However it was once a big festive occassion across Tamil speaking regions as well. There are multiple ancient Tamil literary works that speak of grand celebrations of Onam nearly two millennia ago. Padmanabhan beautifully describes …

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28-ft Nataraja sculpture

Context:  Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Why in NEWS A 28-foot Nataraja statue, meant to be placed at the venue of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit to be held next month in New Delhi, was sent by road …

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Murugan idol from Pallava-era.

Syllabus: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Context The Idol Wing CID, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S., has traced a stone idol of Lord Murugan, which was stolen from a 7th Century Pallava-era temple at …

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Harappans were best civil engineers

Syllabus: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Context Harappans knowledge in Construction Harrapan Planning The Harappans have taught us how to make beautiful, well-planned cities which are hygienic and the scientific construction methods introduced by them, and are …

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Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri

Syllabus: Art & Culture Why in NEWS Crack in the temple About the temple Called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ and ‘White pagoda’ One of the four dhamas i.e. Puri, Dwarika, Badrinath & Rameswar, in India Constructed by a famous king of Ganga Dynasty Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva (12th CE) Kalinga architecture

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