Current Context : The Bathukamma Festival of Telangana has recently set two Guinness World Records during its grand celebrations organized by the State Government. ABOUT BATHUKAMMA FESTIVAL Type – Floral festival celebrated by women in Telangana. Meaning – Bathukamma means “Mother Goddess Come Alive.” Legends – Connected with Goddess Gauri and Chola dynasty folklore. History – Promoted by Kakatiya dynasty as a festival of feminine strength and agricultural prosperity. Time of Celebration – During Durga Navratri (September–October), lasting 9 days. Culmination – Saddula Bathukamma or Pedda Bathukamma. State Recognition – Declared as the State Festival of Telangana.Read More

Current Context : India lost a legendary classical musician with the demise of Pandit Chhannulal Mishra (1936–2025), Padma Vibhushan awardee and one of the last great exponents of the Purab Ang of Banaras Gharana in Thumri music. ABOUT THUMRI MUSIC Form – Semi-classical vocal form of Hindustani music, called the lyric of Indian classical music. Origin – Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow & Banaras) in the 18th century CE. Themes – Love, devotion, Radha-Krishna stories. Languages – Braj Bhasha, Awadhi, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit. Distinct Feature – Emphasis on bhava (emotion) and improvisation. Associated Dance Form – Kathak. Types – Purbi Thumri....Read More

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Rashmoni on her birth anniversary. ABOUT Rani Rashmoni She was born on 28 September 1793 into a Mahishya zamindar family in Kona village (now North 24 Parganas) and emerged as a formidable figure in 19th-century Bengal’s male-dominated society. Her deep spirituality and commitment to justice earned her the title “Rani.”  Major Roles  Rani Rashmoni took charge of her family’s zamindari and business, showcasing exceptional administrative and supervisory skills. She expanded her enterprises and became a champion of public welfare.  She was Known for her bold defiance against British authorities—such as blocking Hooghly....Read More

Current Context : The Prime Minister of India inaugurated new infrastructure and beautification works at the Tripura Sundari Temple complex in Udaipur, Tripura. ABOUT TRIPURA SUNDARI TEMPLE Location : Tripura, built in 1501 A.D. by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. History : One of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the subcontinent. Names & Importance Fondly called Matabari. Also known as Kurma Pith, as its base resembles a tortoise’s hump. Considered one of the most sacred temples of Northeast India. Architecture & Deities Temple has a square plan with a sloping roof, similar to Bengal hut style. Sanctum houses two idols: Goddess Tripura....Read More

Current Context: The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated at Sirarakhong Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur to promote the GI-tagged Hathei chilli and boost local farming and cultural tourism. ABOUT HATHEI CHILLI FESTIVAL Location: Sirarakhong, Manipur Organised to: Promote Manipur’s unique GI-tagged chilli variety Key Events: Ceremonial Flag Hoisting Cultural performances Buyer-Seller Meet to connect farmers with markets Tree Plantation Drive under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign ABOUT HATHEI CHILLI Origin: Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur Features: GI-tagged crop Bright red colour, medium pungency, strong aroma Uses: Culinary spice, pickles, food processing Significance: Symbol of Manipur’s agricultural identity and....Read More

Current Context: A recent study has found that a ‘black crust’ is forming on the walls of the Red Fort due to high levels of air pollution in Delhi. ABOUT RED FORT Location: Delhi, India (on banks of river Yamuna) Built By: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 Architects: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and Ustad Hamid Original Name: Quila-e-Mubarak (Blessed Fort) Purpose: Palace fort of Shahjahanabad, new Mughal capital UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (designated in 2007) Historical Significance: Served as Mughal emperors’ residence for nearly 200 years (until 1857) Every year on Independence Day (15 August), Indian Prime Minister hoists....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Langkhun festival was celebrated by the Tiwa tribe in Umsowai village, Karbi Anglong district, Assam. About Langkhun Type: Socio-religious agricultural festival Purpose: To pray for a good Rabi crop harvest and seek divine blessings. Celebrations: Offerings to deities, traditional music, dance, and cultural performances. About Tiwa Tribe Also called Lalung; found in Assam and Meghalaya. Hill Tiwas: Karbi Anglong (Assam), Meghalaya; speak a Tibeto-Burman Plains Tiwas: Southern Brahmaputra valley; speak Assamese. Society: Matrilineal system — groom goes to bride’s home (called Kobea Liwa). Main Festivals: Tiwa Bihu, Jon Beel Mela, Sagramisawa, Langkhun Puja.  Read More

Current Context : The Prime Minister of Bhutan visited Nalanda University in Bihar. ABOUT NALANDA UNIVERSITY Founded: 5th Century by Gupta Emperor Kumaragupta. Type: World’s first residential university. Location: Rajgir, Bihar. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patrons: King Harshavardhana (7th century), Pala rulers (8th–12th century). International Scholars: Came from China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia. Chinese scholar Xuanzang gave detailed account of Nalanda’s learning traditions. DECLINE Decline started in 9th century with changes in Buddhism. Finally destroyed around 1200 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji.Read More

Current Context : India celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji, also known as the “Grand Old Man of India”. ABOUT DADABHAI NAOROJI (1825–1917) SOCIAL REFORM Founded Literary and Scientific Society (1848) – established 6 girls’ schools by 1849. Founded Rast Goftar newspaper to spread reformist ideas. Co-founded Rahnumai Mazdayasan Sabha (1851) to reform Parsi society. ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS Drain of Wealth Theory – exposed how British drained India’s wealth. Writings: Poverty of India (1876), Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901). Raised India’s economic exploitation in forums like East India Association. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS Moderate Leader – believed in petitions,....Read More

Current Context : The Prime Minister greeted the nation, especially tribal communities, on the occasion of Karma Puja. About Karma Puja Also called Karam or Karam Parab. Type: Tribal festival linked with harvest and fertility. Sacred Symbol: Karam tree (represents prosperity and auspiciousness). Where Celebrated States: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam. Communities: Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, Santhal. Celebration Women sow seven types of grains a week before. A Karam tree branch is planted in the courtyard or akhra. Worship by the pahan (tribal priest) with flowers and songs. Ends with immersion of the branch in....Read More