Dodol

Context: The Goan dessert Dodol is poised to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. While GI tags are valuable for commercial purposes by linking products to their geographic origins and unique qualities, they often overlook the dynamic and migratory nature of food culture.   About GI Tag: A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation used on …

World Craft City

Context:  Srinagar has been officially recognized as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC), highlighting its rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans. This recognition underscores the city’s longstanding tradition of excellence in crafts such as papier-mâché, hand-knotted carpets, and pashmina shawls. Srinagar, one of the oldest cities in South …

Annual Ambubachi Mela

 Source: LM Context: Devotees are converging at Guwahati’s Kamakhya temple for the annual Ambubachi Mela, with festivities underway.   What is Ambubachi Mela? The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fair held at the historic Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. It takes place during the monsoon season, specifically in the Assamese month of Ahaar, around the …

Kozhikode: India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’

Source: TH Context: Kozhikode, Kerala, has been declared India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’, a prestigious recognition that highlights its rich literary heritage and cultural contributions.   About Kozhikode: It is located on the Malabar coast of Kerala, and was designated India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ in October 2023, under the UNESCO Creative Cities …

10th International Yoga Day (IYD)

 Source: TH Context: The Prime Minister highlighted the global Muslim adoption of yoga during the 10th International Day of Yoga in Srinagar, aiming to dissociate yoga from any specific religious connection.   He cited instances like: Yoga therapy in Turkmenistan’s medical universities Inclusion of Yoga in Saudi Arabia’s education system Yoga-specific schools in Mongolia to …

PM Modi Inaugurates New Nalanda University Campus in Rajgir, Bihar

Syllabus: Ancient and Medieval: Ancient Indian Universities Source: BS   Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Nalanda University campus in Rajgir, Bihar, a joint initiative between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) nations. Green Campus: The new campus features a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus with solar power, water treatment plants, water recycling, and extensive …

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: NewsOnAir  Context: The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, celebrating India’s rich literary heritage and cultural legacy.     About UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register: Launched in 1992. It consists of three Registers namely, International, Regional and …

Raja Ravi Varma

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH    Context: On the occasion of Raja Ravi Varma’s 176th birth anniversary celebrations, the first true copy of his painting “Indulekha” was unveiled at Kilimanoor Palace, Kerala – where the artist was born. The oil painting portrays Indulekha holding a letter addressed to her lover, Madhavan, dated 1892, …

Impact of GI-certified products

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH    Context: NABARD has initiated a study to evaluate the impact of Geographical Indication (GI) products. This study aims to assess the benefits received by artisans and producers due to GI tags.  

Kuchipudi

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH  Context: Kuchipudi, a traditional dance-drama performance, has evolved from being male-dominated to a classical dance form with the prominence of female dancers across India. However, in the village of Kuchipudi in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, the art form faces challenges, including a lack of interest among the younger …

Mohiniyattam

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Deccan Herald  Context: The Kerala Kalamandalam, a prestigious cultural institution, has announced a significant policy change allowing male dancers to learn Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form previously reserved exclusively for women.

Archaeological Survey of India

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 centrally protected monuments due to their assessed lack of national importance. This is the first large-scale delisting exercise in decades, reducing ASI’s purview from 3,693 to 3,675 monuments. These monuments, including landmarks like the medieval highway …

Gulaal Gota

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE  Context: The Jaipur tradition of “Gulaal Gota” involves small lac balls filled with dry Gulaal (coloured powder) thrown during Holi celebrations.   About Gulaal Gota: These balls are made by Muslim artisans known as Manihaars in Jaipur, with lac sourced from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The tradition dates back around …