1. MOHINIYATTAM (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: In a historic move, the Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has lifted gender restrictions to learn Mohiniyattam.

Mohiniyattam

• About: It is a semiclassical dance form originating from Kerala, southwestern India.
• Performed by: It is performed by women as a tribute to the Hindu god Vishnu in his avatar as Mohini, the enchantress. Male can perform this dance. 
• Mythology: According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu took the form of Mohini to deceive the demon Bhasmasura and save the universe from destruction.
• History of Mohini Attam

oAncient Roots: Mention of Mohini Attam dates back to a 16th-century legal treatise, but it gained prominence in the 18th century.

oMid-19th Century Revival: Mohini Attam experienced a significant revival in the mid-19th century, particularly under the patronage of Swati Thirunal, the king of Travancore.

Features

• Grace and Elegance: Mohiniattam combines the grace and elegance of Bharatnatyam with the vigour of Kathakali. There is a marked absence of thumping of footsteps and the footwork are gentle.
• Feminine dance: Mohiniattam generally narrates the story of the feminine dance of Vishnu.
• Own style: It has its own Nritta and Nritya aspects like that of other classical dances.
• Lasya aspect: The Lasya aspect (beauty and grace) of dance is dominant in a Mohiniattam recital. Hence, it is mainly performed by female dancers.
• Music and songs: The dance is accompanied by music and songs.
• Costume: Costume is of special importance in Mohiniattam, with white and off white being the principal colours and presence of gold coloured brocade designs. There is no elaborate facial make-up. The dancer wears a leather strap with bells (Ghungroo) on her ankles.
• ‘Atavakul or Atavus’ is the collection of 40 basic dance movements.
• Musical instruments used are: cymbals, veena, drums, flute, etc.

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2. SAME SEX MARRIAGE (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Social Issues)

Context: Thailand’s lawmakers passed a legislation to recognize same-sex marriage, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to guarantee marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.

Same Sex Marriage

• Definition: Marriage between two men or two women is the practice known as same-sex marriage.
• Global Regulation: In most countries worldwide, laws, religious beliefs, and customs have regulated same-sex marriage.
• International Recognition: Over 30 countries legally perform and recognize marriages between same-sex couples as of 2022.
• Recent Legalization: Mexico is the most recent country to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Indian Legal Framework: The right to marry is not expressly recognized either as a fundamental or constitutional right under the Indian Constitution.
• In India: No legal recognition of same-sex marriages and no constitutional or fundamental right to civil unions.

Key Facts: Global status of same sex marriage

• Only about 36 countries worldwide have legalised same-sex marriages so far.
• Nepal (June 2023) was the first South Asian country to do so.
• The Netherlands was the first country to legalise same-sex marriages in 2001.
• United States: It allowed same sex marriage in 2015.

Special Marriage Act, 1954

• About: It is an Indian law that establishes a legal framework for marriages between individuals of diverse religions or castes.
• Civil Regulation: It primarily regulates civil marriages, with the state's endorsement rather than religious institutions.
• Feature Of SMA: Laws, such as the Muslim Marriage Act, 1954, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, require either spouse to convert to the religion of the other before marriage. However, the SMA enables marriage between inter-faith or inter-caste couples without them giving up their religious identity or resorting to conversion.
• Applicability: The Act is applicable to individuals of all faiths, encompassing Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists, throughout India.

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3. BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Gov. Bodies/Infrastructure)

Context: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently completed the connection of the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• About: It is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to Indian Armed Forces formed on 7 May 1960.
• Motto: Guided by the motto "Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam".
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence.
• Structure: Governed by the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB), chaired by the Prime Minister with the Defence Minister as Deputy Chairman. It facilitates coordination for timely project execution.
• Role of the BRO

oIn Peace: Develop & Maintain the Operational Road Infrastructure of General Staff in the Border Areas.

• Contribute to the Socio-Economic Development of the Border States.

oIn War: To Develop & Maintain Roads to Keep Line of Control through in Original Sectors and Re-Deployed Sectors.

• To Execute Addl Tasks as laid down by the Govt Contributing to the War Effort.
• Military Integration: BRO's inclusion in the Order of Battle of the Armed Forces ensures seamless support to the Indian Armed Forces, demonstrating its crucial role in national defense.

Nimmu-Padam-Darcha

• Length: 298-km
• Geographical Advantage: The road is notably shorter compared to other routes and involves crossing just one pass, Shinkun La (16,558 feet).
• Enhanced Defense Preparedness: Improved road connectivity will bolster defense capabilities, enhancing security measures in the region.
• Economic Stimulus: Strengthened connectivity will fuel economic growth, particularly benefiting the development of the Zanskar valley.

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4. RAMAKRISHNA MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Ramakrishna Mission president Swami Smaranananda passed away due to old age ailments at the age of 95.

Ramakrishna Mission

• Founded in: 1897.
• Founded by: Swami Vivekananda.
• Headquarter: Belur near Calcutta.
• Objectives: Twofold:

oTo spread the teachings of Vedanta as embodied in the life of the Hindu saint Ramakrishna (1836–86) and 

oTo improve the social conditions of the Indian people.

• Philosophy: At its core, the mission promotes Advaita Vedanta, a profound Hindu philosophy emphasizing the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal soul (Brahman).
• Philosophical Focus: The mission primarily promotes Advaita Vedanta, a Hindu philosophy emphasizing non-duality.

oIt also advocates four yogic ideals: Jnana (knowledge), Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Raja (royal) yoga.

• Role in the Ramakrishna Movement: Central to the Vedanta Movement, the Ramakrishna Mission serves as a vital hub for individuals seeking spiritual growth, enlightenment, and service to humanity.

Swami Vivekananda

• Born: He was born in 1863 as Narendranath in a Bengali family.
• Spiritual Journey: He became a monk and was the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna.
• Representation at World Stage: In 1893, Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism in The Parliament of the World's Religion in Chicago.
• Establishment of Vedanta Society: In 1894, he founded the Vedanta Society in New York to study, practice, and propagate the principles of Vedanta.

Ramakrishna Mission Features

• Improvement of Women's Situation: The mission aimed to improve the situation of women, promoting their empowerment and education.
• Combatting Untouchability and Superstition: Another objective of the mission was to combat untouchability and superstition, striving for a more inclusive society.
• Educational System: The Ramakrishna Mission sought to overhaul the educational system, emphasizing holistic and value-based education.
• Emphasis on Hindu Religion and Culture: Swami Vivekananda emphasized the primacy of Hindu religion and culture, advocating for its revival and preservation.
• Spiritual Ideals vs. Materialism: Vivekananda proposed that Hinduism be centered on spiritual ideals, contrasting it with the materialism of Western culture.

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5. AFSPA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Centre is planning to revoke the controversial AFSPA Act and withdraw some troops from Jammu and Kashmir.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 

• About: An Act to enable certain special powers to be conferred upon members of the armed forces in disturbed areas.
• Timeline: The Act in its original form was promulgated by the British in response to the Quit India movement in 1942. After Independence, Government decided to retain the Act, which was first brought in as an ordnance and then notified as an Act in 1958.
• Imposition Of AFSPA: It has been imposed on the Northeast states, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab during the militancy years. Punjab was the first state from where it was repealed,

oIt remains in force in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, J&K, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Powers to declare areas to be disturbed areas: Governor of that State or the administrator of that Union Territory or the Central Government.
• Ground For declaration: If in the opinion of concerned authority, Disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary, the authority, may by notification, declare the whole or such part of such State or Union territory to be a disturbed area.
• Special Powers of the armed forces:
• Security forces have the authority to use force, including lethal force, against individuals violating laws, with a prior warning issued.
• They possess the power to demolish arms dumps, fortified positions, or shelters used for armed attacks.
• They can arrest individuals without a warrant if they have committed a recognizable offense or are reasonably suspected.
• They are empowered to enter and search premises without a warrant to effect such arrests.
• Indian States that are under AFSPA Act: Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.

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6. FICCI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Vice-President of India emphasized that empowering women is an investment in both the present and future of the world, while speaking to members of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) at Bharat Mandapam, marking the culmination of 40 years of the organization.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

• About: It was established in 1927 by a group of Indian entrepreneurs led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Objective: The organization was formed with the aim of safeguarding and advancing the interests of the indigenous business community in India.
• Role in Economic Transformation: FICCI has been instrumental in driving significant changes in India's economy since its inception.

oThrough active engagement in public policy advocacy, FICCI has influenced major industrial policies, contributing to the nation's economic development.

• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Global Presence: FICCI has a global footprint with branches and affiliations in countries such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, among others.
• Functions

oThe Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry primarily aims to advance and safeguard the interests of the industry in India.

oIt acts as a lobbying force to influence government policies in line with industry requirements.

oFacilitating foreign trade and investment is another key function.

oIt fosters the exchange of knowledge and skills among its members.

oThe federation aids in the formation of joint ventures and collaboration agreements between Indian and global companies.

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7. REVISED WAGES OF MGNREGS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Union government recently notified the revised wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), resulting in several States reporting a hike in wages by 8 to 10%.

Revised Wages

• Wage Hikes: Uttar Pradesh witnessed a modest increase from ₹230 in 2023 to ₹237 in 2024, whereas Goa experienced a substantial hike of ₹34 from ₹322 to ₹356 during the same period.
• Significant Wage Jumps in Select States: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Goa reported noteworthy wage hikes ranging from 8% to 10.5%.
• Close Pursuit: Bihar closely follows with a revision of ₹17 in wages.
• Haryana Leads in Wages: Haryana maintains its position offering the highest daily wages at ₹374, while Uttar Pradesh lags with one of the lowest rates at ₹237.
• Discrepancy in Employment Guarantee: Despite the government's promise of 100 days of guaranteed work, the national average days of employment provided per household in the financial year 2023-24 stood at only 51 days.
• Hike depend on: The MGNREGA wage rates are fixed according to changes in the CPI-AL (Consumer Price Index-Agriculture Labour), which reflects the increase in the inflation in rural areas.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

• About: MGNREGS is a demand-driven scheme, that seeks to provide guaranteed 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• Features: Legal right to work, a time-bound guarantee of work and unemployment allowance (within 15 days), Decentralised planning – i.e. Gram Sabha recommends work, demand-driven scheme.
• MGNREGA Act, 2005: It specifies a list of works that can be undertaken to generate employment such as water conservation, land development, construction, agriculture.
• Role of MGNREGA in addressing rural distress: Jobs to unskilled/semi-skilled, Reduction in poverty levels, Women labour force participation, Benefits to agri-sector, Rural Development, Creation of rural assets, Reviving MSME sector.

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8. ICGS SAMUDRA PAHEREDAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Minister of External Affairs recently paid a visit to the Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, currently stationed in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.

ICGS Samudra Paheredar

• About: It is a specialized Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) operated by the Indian Coast Guard, following ICGS Samudra Prahari as the second PCV in India.
• Indigenously built by:  ABG Shipyard in Surat, it is stationed on the East Coast of India, specifically in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Propulsion and Endurance: Powered by twin diesel engines with twin shaft generators, allowing a maximum speed of 21 knots.

oIt boasts an impressive endurance of 6,500 nautical miles and can operate at sea for up to 20 days.

• Pollution Response Capability: Equipped with advanced pollution response and control equipment to combat oil spills effectively, including containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, and recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms.

oEnsures unhindered oil-recovery operations, vital for mitigating environmental damage.

• Helicopter Operations: Capable of accommodating and operating a twin-engine ALH/Chetak helicopter for aerial support and surveillance.

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9. INDIA EMPLOYMENT REPORT 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

India Employment Report 2024

• About: It is the third installment of a regular publication by the Institute for Human Development focusing on labor and employment issues.
• Partnership: International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Focus: The report delves into the critical issue of youth employment, analyzing its challenges amidst evolving economic, labor market, educational, and skills landscapes in India.

Key findings

• Employment quality: Nearly 90% of the workforce is informally employed, with approximately 82% engaged in the informal sector.

oSelf-employment has emerged as the leading source of employment, constituting 55.8% of the workforce in 2022.

• Participation of women: Between 2000 and 2019, female LFPR declined by 14.4 percentage points, while male LFPR decreased by 8.1 percentage points. However, between 2019 and 2022, female LFPR rose by 8.3 percentage points, compared to 1.7 percentage points for males.

oIndia's LFPR Context: India's low LFPR is predominantly attributed to the significantly low female LFPR. Although it was below the global average of 47.3% in 2022, it was higher than the South Asian average of 24.8%, according to ILO data.

• Structural Transformation: The share of agriculture in total employment dropped to approximately 42% in 2019 from 60% in 2000.
• Construction and services sectors absorbed much of this shift, with their share in total employment increasing to 32% in 2019 from 23% in 2000.
• Youth employment: In 2022, the proportion of unemployed youths in the total unemployed population was 82.9%, with an increasing share of educated youths among them.
• Suggestions: 5 key policy areas for further action:

oPromoting job creation

oImproving employment quality

oAddressing labour market inequalities

oStrengthening skills and active labour market policies

oBridging the knowledge deficits on labour market patterns and youth employment

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10. METHOD OF VOTING (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) announced that out of 97.8 crore eligible voters, 49.72 crore are male and 47.1 crore are female, emphasizing that electors can now cast their votes using Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and postal ballots.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)

• About: EVMs facilitate candidate selection through button presses.
• Comprises two sections: Control Unit and Voting Unit connected by a 5-meter cable.
• Operation: Control unit selected by the Election Commission, assigned to a polling officer.
• Voting Unit placed in the voting area for voters to cast their ballots discreetly.
• Voting Capacity: EVMs record a maximum of 2,000 votes.
• Candidate Accommodation: M2 EVMs can accommodate up to 64 candidates, including NOTA.
• Developed by: Election Commission collaborated with two Public Sector Organizations: Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore, and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad.
• Both companies actively involved in the production of EVMs.

Postal Ballot Voting

• About: It is also known as absentee voting, allows electors to cast their ballots by mail instead of in person at a polling station, offering convenience for various circumstances.
• Eligibility: Different categories of eligible voters include service voters, absentee voters, electors on election duty, and electors under preventive detention.
• Applying for Postal Ballot: To apply for a postal ballot, eligible voters must submit Form 12 D to the returning officer of their constituency, with specific procedures for different groups like service voters and senior citizens.
• Process of Casting the Postal Vote: The process involves receiving the postal ballot, marking it, completing a declaration form, sealing the envelope, and returning it through designated channels.
• Counting of Postal Ballots: Postal ballots are counted separately, with procedures for collection, scrutiny, and integration into the overall vote count on the designated counting day.

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