Current Affairs of 25 July 2026 by Vajiram & Ravi IAS Institute

President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania

July 25, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania, beginning on 23 July 2026, was the final leg of her State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania. It was the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades and sought to give fresh momentum to a relationship that is entering its 80th year of diplomatic relations in 2028.

Key Outcomes of President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania

President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania focused on expanding the India-Romania partnership through trade, technology, innovation, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Trade and Investment: India and Romania agreed to deepen trade and investment, strengthen resilient supply chains and work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years.
India-EU Economic Engagement: India highlighted Romania’s importance as a partner within the European Union and noted that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would create significant opportunities for industries and skilled professionals.
Sectoral Cooperation: The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, renewable energy, green hydrogen, agricultural products and fertilisers, science and technology, Digital Public Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence.
Defence Cooperation: India and Romania agreed to strengthen defence cooperation through regular exchanges, training, capacity building and closer engagement between their defence industries.
Science and Technology: Both countries agreed to expand joint research and development under the Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology, including cooperation in emerging technologies.
Education and Indian Studies: An Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair of Indian Studies is being established at the University of Bucharest to promote academic cooperation and deeper understanding of Indian and Romanian societies.
Sports Cooperation: The two countries signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in sports, creating opportunities for institutional exchanges and capacity building.
Capacity Building: India decided to double training opportunities for Romania under the ITEC Programme, including courses in Artificial Intelligence.
Cyber Diplomacy: Romanian diplomats will have opportunities to participate in the Foreign Service Institute’s Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats, including specialised modules on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy.
India-Romania Year of Innovation: To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028, both countries agreed to celebrate 2028 as the “India-Romania Year of Innovation.”

About Romania

Romania is a South-Eastern European country bordered by Ukraine to the north, Moldova to the east, the Black Sea to the southeast, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest and Hungary to the northwest.
Bucharest is the capital of Romania.
It is a democratic republic and a member of the European Union and NATO.
Major geographical features include the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvanian Basin, Danube Delta and fertile Chernozem plains.
Romania has a high-income economy with important sectors including manufacturing, information technology, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, energy and agriculture.
Its position on the Black Sea and the presence of the Port of Constanta, a major regional maritime and logistics hub, give Romania importance for European connectivity and trade.

India-Romania Relations

India and Romania share a longstanding relationship that has gradually expanded from diplomatic engagement to cooperation in trade, technology, education, culture, defence and innovation.

India and Romania established diplomatic relations in 1948 and will complete 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2028.
India enjoys a trade surplus with Romania. In FY 2024-25, total bilateral trade was approximately US$1.45 billion. Romania accounted for 0.24% of India’s total exports and was India’s 56th-largest export destination, while it accounted for 0.06% of India’s imports and ranked 81st among India’s import sources.
India’s major exports include petroleum products, engineering goods and pharmaceuticals, while imports include machinery, vegetable oils, iron and steel.
Bilateral relations have also developed through cooperation in areas such as information technology, petroleum and natural gas, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, tourism and defence.

Significance of Romania for India

Romania’s strategic location, EU membership, industrial capabilities and growing technological potential make it an important partner for India in Europe.

Gateway to the European Union: As an EU member, Romania can help deepen India’s economic engagement with European markets, particularly through the India-EU FTA.
Strategic Location and Connectivity: Located in South-Eastern Europe on the Black Sea, Romania connects the European mainland with the wider Black Sea region. Its Port of Constanta offers opportunities for cooperation in maritime connectivity, logistics and Europe-Asia trade routes.
Economic and Industrial Cooperation: Romania’s skilled workforce and industrial base create opportunities for Indian cooperation in manufacturing, IT, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, infrastructure, renewable energy and advanced technologies.
Technology and Innovation Partnership: Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, science and technology, digital technologies and cyber diplomacy can combine Romania’s strengths in software, engineering and research with India’s capabilities in digital innovation.
Diversification of Partnerships: Stronger ties with Romania can help India diversify its economic partnerships and build more resilient supply chains in a changing global environment.
Greater Engagement with Central and Eastern Europe: The partnership strengthens India’s presence in a region important for European connectivity, energy security, technology and strategic affairs.
Climate and Sustainable Development Cooperation: Romania’s engagement with initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, along with its stated intention to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance, can create opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable development.
People-to-People and Soft Power Links: The ICCR Chair of Indian Studies, expanded ITEC training opportunities, academic exchanges and sports cooperation can deepen India’s cultural, educational and institutional presence in Europe.

President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania FAQs

Q1: When did India and Romania establish diplomatic relations?

Ans: India and Romania established diplomatic relations in 1948 and will complete 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2028.

Q2: Why was President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Romania significant?

Ans: President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania was the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades and aimed to give fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.

Q3: What was the main focus of the President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania?

Ans: President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania focused on trade, investment, technology, innovation, education, culture, defence and people-to-people relations.

Q4: What was the target set for India-Romania trade during President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Romania?

Ans: Both countries agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade within three years and strengthening resilient supply chains.

Q5: What is the significance of Romania for India?

Ans: Romania is an important EU partner and gateway to European markets, with strategic access to the Black Sea, industrial capabilities and potential for cooperation in technology, manufacturing and connectivity.

Folk Dances of Haryana, List, Features, Cultural Significance

July 25, 2026

Folk dances of Haryana are a lively reflection of the state’s simple, joyful, and community-centered lifestyle. These dances are deeply connected to everyday life, farming traditions, and seasonal celebrations. Performed during festivals, weddings, and social gatherings, they bring people together and create a strong sense of unity and belonging. With energetic movements, rhythmic music, and colorful traditional attire, the folk dances of Haryana beautifully express the emotions, traditions, and cultural spirit of its people.

Famous Folk Dances of Haryana

Famous folk dances of Haryana reflect the state’s rich cultural traditions and vibrant lifestyle. These dances are closely linked with festivals, celebrations, and daily life, expressing the joy and energy of the people. Performed with rhythmic movements, lively music, and traditional attire, they form an important part of Haryana’s identity. The major folk dances are discussed below with their key features and significance.

1. Phag Dance

Phag Dance is a joyful spring and harvest dance performed during the month of Phalgun, when the winter season ends and crops are ready.
Both men and women participate, expressing happiness and relief after months of hard farming work.
Women wear bright and colorful traditional dresses, while men tie vibrant turbans, adding to the festive look.
The dance includes simple yet energetic movements, often accompanied by singing and clapping.
It reflects the celebration of nature, prosperity, and new beginnings in rural Haryana.

2. Saang Dance (Swang)

Saang Dance is a unique folk theatre and dance form that combines storytelling, acting, and music.
It is performed by a group of 10-12 people, usually in open public spaces, making it accessible to everyone.
The dance presents religious stories, folk tales, and moral lessons, often lasting for several hours.
A special feature is cross-dressing, where male performers dress as female characters to enact roles.
The word Saang means “disguise or imitation”, highlighting its dramatic nature.
It is believed to have been shaped into its present form by Kishan Lal Bhaat in the 18th century.

3. Chhathi Dance

Chhathi Dance is a ritual dance performed by women to celebrate the birth of a male child.
It takes place on the sixth day after the child’s birth, usually during the night.
The dance is filled with joy, blessings, and emotional expressions, reflecting family happiness.
Women sing and dance together, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
At the end, boiled wheat and chana are distributed, symbolizing sharing of happiness.
It highlights traditional beliefs and social customs related to childbirth in Haryana.

4. Khoria Dance

Khoria Dance is a women-only dance mainly performed during weddings, especially when men are away in the baraat (wedding procession).
It is inspired by the Jhumar dance style, with graceful steps and rhythmic movements.
Women wear colorful skirts, dupattas, and traditional jewelry, enhancing the beauty of the performance.
The dance includes playful songs and expressions, often reflecting daily life and relationships.
Movements start slowly and gradually become faster and more energetic.
It represents women’s bonding, creativity, and joy during special occasions.

5. Dhamal Dance

Dhamal Dance is a powerful male-only dance popular in the Gurgaon region, especially among the Ahir community.
It is believed to have roots in the time of the Mahabharata, giving it historical importance.
The dance is performed after a good harvest, expressing gratitude and happiness.
Men form a semi-circle, sing loudly, and move energetically to the beats of drums.
Before starting, they often offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Bhavani, and the Trinity.
It reflects strength, unity, and devotion, along with celebration of success.

6. Daph Dance

Daph Dance is a seasonal folk dance performed during the spring season by farmers.
It celebrates a good harvest and prosperity, marking a joyful time for rural communities.
The main musical instrument used is the ‘Daph’ (a one-sided drum), which gives the dance its name.
Women’s ornaments also create rhythmic sounds, adding to the musical effect.
The dance involves simple, rhythmic steps, making it easy and enjoyable for group participation.
It represents harmony between people, music, and nature.

7. Ghoomar Dance

Ghoomar Dance is a graceful and circular dance form popular in the western parts of Haryana.
It is mostly performed by young girls, especially during festivals like Holi, Teej, and Gangaur.
The dancers move in circles, clapping and twirling, creating a visually beautiful pattern.
As the music speeds up, dancers form pairs and spin faster with great coordination.
Songs sung during the dance are often filled with humor, satire, and social themes.
It reflects joy, celebration, and feminine grace.

8. Jhumar Dance

Jhumar Dance is named after a traditional ornament called “Jhumar”.
It is mainly performed by young married women, especially during festive occasions.
The dance includes graceful swaying movements and gentle spins, giving it a soft and elegant feel.
Performers wear colorful attire and traditional jewelry, enhancing the visual appeal.
It is accompanied by instruments like dholak and thali, creating a rhythmic background.
In some regions, it is also known as “Haryanvi Gidda”.

9. Gugga Dance

Gugga Dance is a devotional dance performed in honor of Gugga Pir, a respected local saint.
It is performed mainly by men during religious processions.
Dancers sing songs of praise and devotion while moving around the saint’s shrine.
The performance creates a spiritual and emotional atmosphere among devotees.
It reflects faith, belief, and community participation in religious traditions.

10. Loor Dance

Loor Dance is performed by young girls during the spring season (Phalguna), especially around Holi.
It celebrates the arrival of spring and the sowing of Rabi crops.
The dance is known for its question-answer style songs, making it interactive and fun.
Girls wear traditional attire like ghagra, kurti, and chundri, adding vibrant colors.
It expresses youthfulness, joy, and seasonal celebration.

11. Ras Leela Dance

Ras Leela Dance is a devotional dance drama based on the life of Lord Krishna.
It was traditionally popular in the Braja region of Faridabad.
The dance includes songs, storytelling, and expressive movements depicting Krishna’s divine acts.
Performers wear colorful costumes with embroidery and mirror work, enhancing the visual appeal.
It creates a sense of spiritual joy and devotion, connecting people with mythology.
This dance highlights the religious and cultural depth of Haryana’s traditions.

Folk Dances of Haryana Cultural Significance

Folk dances like Phag Dance, Loor Dance, and Daph Dance reflect the strong connection of people with agriculture and seasonal cycles, especially celebrating harvests and spring festivals.
Dances such as Saang Dance and Ras Leela Dance highlight religious devotion and storytelling traditions, presenting tales from mythology and local folklore.
Dhamal Dance and Paika-like martial elements (in spirit) showcase the strength, bravery, and warrior traditions, especially among communities like the Ahirs.
Folk forms like Khoria Dance and Jhumar Dance emphasize women’s participation, social bonding, and family traditions, especially during weddings and festive occasions.
Gugga Dance represents faith and devotion, as it is performed in honor of Gugga Pir, showing the importance of local beliefs and spiritual practices.
Folk dances of Haryana act as a medium of cultural preservation and unity, passing down traditions, values, music, and customs from one generation to another.

Folk Dances of Haryana FAQs

Q1: What are the famous folk dances of Haryana?

Ans: Famous folk dances of Haryana include Phag, Saang, Chhathi, Khoria, Dhamal, Daph, Ghoomar, Jhumar, Gugga, Loor, and Ras Leela.

Q2: What is the cultural significance of folk dances in Haryana?

Ans: Folk dances reflect agriculture, festivals, traditions, and community life, helping preserve Haryana’s cultural heritage.

Q3: When is Phag Dance performed?

Ans: Phag Dance is performed during the month of Phalgun, celebrating spring and harvest season.

Q4: What makes Saang Dance unique?

Ans: Saang Dance combines acting, storytelling, and music, and includes cross-dressing to portray different characters.

Q5: Which Haryana folk dances are related to festivals?

Ans: Dances like Phag, Loor, Ghoomar, and Daph are closely linked with festivals like Holi, Teej, and harvest celebrations.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme

July 25, 2026

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, launched in 1964, is India’s flagship development cooperation initiative for sharing its technical expertise, knowledge and developmental experience with partner countries. Through training, technical assistance and capacity building, it has evolved into an important instrument of India’s South-South Cooperation, Global South engagement and development diplomacy.

About Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is a flagship bilateral development cooperation programme of the Government of India, instituted by a decision of the Union Cabinet on 15 September 1964. It aims to share India’s technical expertise, knowledge and developmental experience with partner countries.

It is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
It is a fully funded programme of the Government of India.
It covers 161 partner countries across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Small Island countries.
Its main focus is on capacity building, skill development, technical assistance and knowledge sharing.
It covers areas such as governance, public administration, digital technology, agriculture, finance, health, renewable energy, climate change and disaster management.
It is based on the principles of mutual benefit, partnership and South-South Cooperation.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme Role and Working

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme primarily works by building the human and institutional capacities of partner countries. It provides specialised training and technical assistance to government officials and professionals, enabling them to gain knowledge and skills in areas relevant to their countries’ developmental needs.

The programme follows a largely demand-driven approach. Partner countries identify their capacity-building requirements, after which eligible participants are nominated through the concerned authorities.
These participants undertake specialised training through Indian universities, government institutions, training centres and other approved institutions.
After completing their training, they return to their home countries and apply the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to institutional and national development.

The exact eligibility requirements, duration of training and facilities provided to participants may vary according to the specific course and applicable programme guidelines.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme Expanding Role

Recent initiatives demonstrate that the ITEC Programme is expanding beyond conventional technical training into specialised and executive-level capacity building:

NHRC, in collaboration with MEA, organised an ITEC Executive Programme for senior officials of National Human Rights Institutions from the Global South.
Rashtriya Raksha University conducted an ITEC programme on Geoinformatics, Disaster Risk Reduction and National Security.
India and Romania agreed to double ITEC training opportunities for Romanian participants.

These examples show ITEC’s expansion into human rights, technology, disaster management and national security.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme Components and Modes

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme delivers capacity-building and technical cooperation through multiple modes to meet the varied needs of partner countries.

Regular ITEC: Short-term training programmes conducted in India through universities, government institutions and specialised training centres.
e-ITEC: Online training and capacity-building programmes that enable participation without travelling to India.
ITEC-Onsite: Training conducted in partner countries to address their specific technical and institutional needs.
ITEC Executive: Specialised programmes for senior officials and institutional leaders focusing on governance, policy and leadership.
Technical Assistance and Expertise: Sharing Indian expertise through expert deputation, consultancy and other forms of technical cooperation as required by partner countries.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme Significance

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is significant as it transforms India’s developmental experience and technical expertise into an instrument of capacity building, South-South Cooperation and development diplomacy.

Strengthens Development Partnership: Builds human and institutional capacities in partner countries.
Promotes South-South Cooperation: Enables developing countries to share knowledge and solutions to common challenges.
Enhances India’s Soft Power: Creates goodwill through India’s expertise, training and developmental experience.
Supports Global South Diplomacy: Converts India’s engagement with the Global South into practical cooperation.
Shares India’s Experience: Provides learning opportunities in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, financial inclusion, agriculture and disaster management.
Builds Long-Term Linkages: Creates professional and institutional networks between India and partner countries.
Supports Sustainable Development: Strengthens the capacity of partner countries to address developmental and emerging challenges.
Enhances India’s Role as a Knowledge Partner: Positions India as a provider of technical expertise, skills and development solutions.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme FAQs

Q1: What is the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme?

Ans: The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is a flagship bilateral development cooperation programme of the Government of India that shares India’s technical expertise, knowledge and developmental experience with partner countries.

Q2: When was the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme launched?

Ans: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was instituted by a decision of the Union Cabinet on 15 September 1964.

Q3: Which ministry administers the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme?

Ans: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Q4: How many countries are covered under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme?

Ans: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme covers 161 partner countries across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Small Island countries.

Q5: What is the main objective of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme?

Ans: Its main objective is to promote capacity building, technical cooperation, skill development and knowledge sharing among partner countries.

Folk Dances of Odisha, List, Features, Cultural Significance

July 25, 2026

Folk dances of Odisha reflect the rich cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and community life of the state. These dances are closely connected with festivals, rituals, and celebrations, making them an important part of people’s lives. They are usually performed with colorful costumes, rhythmic music, and expressive movements that showcase both joy and devotion. Folk dances of Odisha represent the simplicity, unity, and cultural heritage of the region in a lively and engaging way.

Famous Folk Dances of Odisha

Famous folk dances of Odisha represent the rich cultural diversity and traditional heritage of the state. These dances have developed over time in different regions, reflecting the local customs, beliefs, and lifestyles of the people. Many of them are linked with festivals, rituals, and community celebrations, while others show elements of devotion, martial traditions, and daily life. Each dance form has its own unique style, music, costumes, and theme, making Odisha’s folk culture vibrant and diverse. The major and most popular folk dances of Odisha are discussed below, highlighting their features, significance, and regional variations.

1. Gotipua Dance

Gotipua is a traditional dance of Odisha, widely considered the precursor of Odissi dance, and it developed around the 17th century when temple dancing traditions started declining.
It is performed by young boys dressed as female characters, who beautifully portray stories of Radha–Krishna through graceful expressions (abhinaya) and acrobatic movements.
The dance is especially famous in Puri and Raghurajpur, a heritage village known for preserving this art form and housing the Gotipua Dance Academy.
The performance includes singing and dancing together, where dancers enact devotional poetry written by Oriya poets in a simple yet expressive manner.
Musical accompaniment is provided by instruments like Mardala, cymbals (gini), and harmonium, creating a devotional atmosphere.
Over time, Gotipua influenced the revival of Odissi dance in the 20th century, and today it represents a blend of tradition, devotion, and physical skill.

Also Read:- Festivals of Odisha

2. Chhau Dance

Chhau Dance is a famous martial folk dance of eastern India, with the Mayurbhanj style being prominent in Odisha.
It reflects warrior traditions, depicting battle scenes, attack and defence movements, and is believed to have evolved from the training practices of the Paikas (warrior clan).
The dance is known for its vigorous movements, strong footwork, and stylized body postures, often resembling a soldier in action.
It is usually performed during the Chaitra Parva festival (March–April) and narrates stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Mayurbhanj Chhau is unique because it is performed without masks, unlike other styles like Seraikela and Purulia Chhau.
Musical instruments such as dhol, dhumsa (kettledrum), and mahuri provide energetic rhythms, making the performance powerful and dramatic.

3. Ghumura Dance

Ghumura Dance is a traditional drum-based folk dance from regions like Kalahandi, Sambalpur, and Balangir in Odisha.
The dance is named after the Ghumura drum, a pitcher-shaped percussion instrument made of terracotta and worn around the neck of the dancer.
It is performed mainly by men, who dance in groups with energetic steps while playing the drum tied to their chest.
The dance reflects martial traditions, with performers sometimes carrying swords and shields, symbolizing bravery and strength.
Costumes include colorful dhotis, jackets, turbans with peacock feathers, and accessories like ghungroo and waist bells (ghaagudi).
It is traditionally performed during festivals like Gamha Purnima (Shravan full moon) and combines music, rhythm, and group coordination.

4. Ranappa Dance

Ranappa literally means “dancing on stilts”, and it is mainly practiced in the Ganjam district of Odisha.
Performers balance themselves on long wooden stilts and dance with remarkable skill and coordination, making it visually striking.
The dance often includes enactments of stories from Lord Krishna’s childhood, adding a mythological and devotional element.
It is usually performed in villages during local festivals and fairs, reflecting rural traditions and entertainment.
The use of stilts symbolizes balance, agility, and control, making it both a sportive and artistic performance.

5. Chaiti Ghoda Dance

Chaiti Ghoda Dance is popular among the fishing community (Keuta community) in the coastal districts of Odisha, especially Ganjam.
It is a dummy horse dance, where performers appear to be riding a decorated artificial horse, creating a lively visual effect.
The dance is performed during a festival in the month of Chaitra (March–April) and is associated with the worship of Goddess Basuli.
It has roots in local mythology (Kaivarta Purana), linking the dance to the origin and livelihood of fishermen.
Music is provided by instruments like dhol and mahuri, and sometimes a female dancer joins the performance.
The dance combines devotion, storytelling, and community celebration, marking the transition of seasons.

6. Sambalpuri Dance

Sambalpuri Dance is a broad term for various folk dances of western Odisha, including Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Jaiphula, etc.
It reflects the rural and tribal culture of the region, with themes of nature, love, and daily life.
The dance is known for its colorful Sambalpuri costumes, especially sarees with traditional designs, and energetic movements.
It is commonly performed during festivals like Nuakhai and Bhaijiuntia, which celebrate harvest and family bonds.
The music includes instruments like dhol, nisan, flute, and traditional songs in the Sambalpuri dialect.
Sambalpuri dance represents the vibrant lifestyle, simplicity, and cultural richness of western Odisha.

7. Dalkhai Dance

Dalkhai is one of the most popular folk dances of Odisha, mainly performed by young tribal women from communities like Binjhal and Kuda.
It is associated with festivals like Dusserah and Bhaijiuntia, where women pray for the well-being of their brothers.
The dance involves rhythmic steps, graceful hand movements, and group formations, making it visually appealing.
Songs sung during the performance are in the Sambalpuri language and often describe nature, seasons, and emotions.
Musical instruments like dhol, nisan, and flute accompany the dance, creating a lively atmosphere.
It reflects the social traditions, emotional bonding, and festive spirit of tribal life in Odisha.

8. Karma Dance

Karma Dance is performed by tribal communities in districts like Sambalpur and Balangir in honor of Karamsani (goddess of fate).
It begins on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra month and continues for several days as part of rituals.
Both men and women participate, dancing together in colorful attire around a sacred tree or branch.
The dance symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and good fortune, deeply rooted in tribal beliefs.
Music is provided by instruments like mandal (drum) and cymbals, maintaining a steady rhythm.
It highlights the close connection between nature, religion, and community life.

9. Paika Dance

Paika Dance is a martial dance form performed by men dressed as warriors, representing the valor of the Paika community.
It includes sword and shield movements, simulating real battle scenes with energy and discipline.
The dance reflects Odisha’s military history and resistance traditions, especially linked to the Paika rebellion.
It is accompanied by dhol beats, which enhance the intensity and rhythm of the performance.
The dance emphasizes strength, courage, and coordination, making it both historical and entertaining.

10. Dhap Dance

Dhap Dance is a Sambalpuri folk dance performed by the Kandha tribe of Odisha.
It is usually performed during marriage ceremonies and social gatherings, serving as a form of entertainment.
The dance is named after the ‘dhap’ instrument, a traditional percussion instrument used during the performance.
Both men and women participate, dancing in groups with simple yet rhythmic movements.
It reflects the joyful and communal lifestyle of tribal societies in Odisha.

Folk Dances of Odisha Cultural Significance

Folk dances like Gotipua and Chhau reflect the deep religious devotion of the people, as many performances are based on mythological stories of Radha–Krishna and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Dances such as Paika and Ghumura highlight the martial traditions and warrior culture of Odisha, preserving the history and valor of communities like the Paikas.
Folk forms like Dalkhai, Sambalpuri Dance, and Karma Dance are closely linked with festivals and seasonal celebrations like Nuakhai and Bhaijiuntia, showing the importance of agriculture and community bonding.
Dances such as Chaiti Ghoda represent the livelihood and beliefs of specific communities, especially the fishing community, connecting culture with occupation and local traditions.
Performances like Ranappa and Dhap Dance serve as a means of entertainment and social interaction, bringing people together during village fairs, marriages, and gatherings.
Many dances including Sambalpuri and Dalkhai promote regional identity and cultural unity, as they use local language, music, and traditional costumes.
Folk dances of Odisha act as a medium of cultural preservation and transmission, passing on values, traditions, and heritage from one generation to another.

Folk Dances of Odisha FAQs

Q1: What are the famous folk dances of Odisha?

Ans: Famous folk dances of Odisha include Gotipua, Chhau, Ghumura, Ranappa, Chaiti Ghoda, Sambalpuri, Dalkhai, Karma, Paika, and Dhap Dance, each representing different regions and traditions.

Q2: What is the cultural significance of folk dances in Odisha?

Ans: Folk dances reflect religious devotion, festivals, martial traditions, and community life, helping preserve Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Q3: Why is Gotipua dance important in Odisha?

Ans: Gotipua dance is important because it is considered the precursor of Odissi dance and portrays Radha-Krishna themes through expressive and acrobatic movements.

Q4: What is unique about Chhau dance of Odisha?

Ans: The Mayurbhanj Chhau is unique because it is performed without masks and showcases martial movements and mythological stories.

Q5: Which folk dances of Odisha reflect martial traditions?

Ans: Paika Dance, Chhau Dance, and Ghumura Dance reflect warrior culture, including battle techniques, strength, and discipline.

Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh, List, Features, Cultural Significance

July 25, 2026

Folk dances of Chhattisgarh are a lively reflection of the state’s simple lifestyle, deep-rooted traditions, and close connection with nature. These dances are an important part of village life, performed during festivals, harvest seasons, and social gatherings with great energy and joy. They are not just a form of entertainment but also a way for people to express their emotions, beliefs, and cultural identity. Through rhythmic movements, traditional music, and colorful costumes, the folk dances of Chhattisgarh beautifully showcase the spirit of community bonding and celebration.

Famous Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Famous Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and community life of the state. These dances are closely connected with festivals, agriculture, tribal beliefs, and devotional practices. Each dance form has its own unique style, purpose, and significance, which are discussed in detail below.

1. Pandavani Dance

Pandavani is a traditional storytelling folk dance of Chhattisgarh that brings the stories of the Mahabharata to life in a very engaging way.
The performer usually plays multiple characters like Yudhishthira, Arjuna, and Bhima using voice, expressions, and body movements, which makes it very dramatic and interesting.
It started as an oral storytelling tradition in villages and later developed into a structured performance with music and narration.
Famous artist Teejan Bai played an important role in making this art form popular at the national and international level.
The performance begins with a narrator who sings and explains the story, followed by expressive movements and symbolic gestures.
Instruments like dholak, tambura, mandar, and flute create rhythm and emotional depth in the performance.

2. Panthi Dance

Panthi Dance is a vibrant and devotional folk dance of Chhattisgarh, mainly performed by the Satnami community to honor their spiritual leader Guru Ghasidas.
It is especially performed during Maghi Purnima (birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas) and other religious and community festivals, bringing people together in a spirit of devotion and unity.
The dance is known for its high energy, fast-paced movements, and strong rhythmic coordination, making it both powerful and visually engaging.
A key highlight is its acrobatic style, where dancers perform human pyramids, jumps, and complex formations, symbolizing teamwork, discipline, and collective strength.
The costume is simple yet symbolic - dancers wear a white dhoti, waist belt, and ghungroo (anklets), often performing bare-chested with a sacred thread, representing purity and spiritual dedication.
Music plays an important role, with instruments like mridangam and cymbals creating strong beats that guide the dancers and enhance the devotional atmosphere.
The themes focus on devotion, social equality, truth, and moral values, reflecting the teachings of Guru Ghasidas and spreading his message through performance.
Panthi Dance represents the cultural identity and heritage of the Satnami community and helps preserve their traditions across generations.
It is not just entertainment but a form of spiritual expression, where dancers connect deeply with their faith and community values.

3. Raut Nacha Dance

Raut Nacha is a lively folk dance performed mainly by the Yadav community, especially during festivals related to Lord Krishna.
It represents the life of cowherds and celebrates Krishna’s love for cows, nature, and playful activities.
The dance is performed in groups where dancers use sticks and move in rhythmic patterns, often acting out stories from Krishna’s life.
It has deep roots in rural traditions and was originally performed as a devotional activity during harvest and religious festivals.
The energetic footwork, jumping movements, and coordinated stick play make the dance very vibrant.
Musical instruments like dhol, mandar, tasha, and flute create a fast and exciting rhythm.

4. Karma Dance

Karma Dance is an important tribal dance performed during the Karma festival, which is dedicated to the sacred Karma tree.
It reflects the close relationship between tribal communities and nature, especially during the harvest season.
Dancers form a circle around the tree, symbolizing the cycle of life, prosperity, and harmony with nature.
The movements include swaying, stamping, and rotating steps that represent farming activities and seasonal changes.
It originated among tribes like Gonds, Baigas, and Oraons, and has been passed down for generations.
Instruments such as dholak, tambura, and chimta provide rhythm and enhance the traditional feel.

5. Saila Dance

Saila Dance is a joyful harvest dance performed by tribal communities to express happiness after a successful crop season.
It shows gratitude towards nature and celebrates unity and togetherness in the community.
Dancers usually perform in semi-circular formations and move in a synchronized manner.
The dance includes gentle swaying movements that resemble crops moving in the wind, along with quick turns and jumps.
It originated from agricultural traditions and was mainly performed by tribal groups like the Gonds.
Instruments like dholak and chimta help maintain rhythm and highlight movements.

6. Suwa Dance

Suwa Dance is mainly performed by women during the harvest season to celebrate nature and prosperity.
The dance expresses joy, gratitude, and the close connection between people and agriculture.
Dancers form circles, clap rhythmically, and perform gentle steps that resemble farming activities like sowing and harvesting.
It originated in rural areas where farming plays a major role in daily life.
Instruments like dholak, tumbi, and flute create a soft and pleasant musical environment.
The synchronized movements reflect unity and collective happiness.

7. Kaksar Dance

Kaksar Dance is a traditional tribal dance performed during religious occasions to seek blessings for health, wealth, and good harvest.
It has strong spiritual significance and is deeply connected to tribal beliefs and rituals.
The dance begins with prayers and includes slow, graceful movements with symbolic hand gestures.
It represents unity with nature and the divine, often performed in circular formations.
Instruments like dholak, bansuri (flute), and tumbi create a calm and spiritual atmosphere.
It has been practiced since ancient times during sowing and harvesting seasons.

8. Cherchera Dance

Cherchera Dance is performed during harvest festivals to celebrate success, joy, and community unity.
It is an energetic dance where both men and women participate together.
The dance includes fast footwork, spinning, and formation of patterns in groups.
It originated from farming communities as a way to thank nature for a good harvest.
Instruments like dholak, tumbi, and flute create a lively and festive mood.
The synchronized group performance highlights cooperation and coordination.

9. Khada Nacha Dance

Khada Nacha is a powerful dance performed mainly by men to show strength, bravery, and courage.
It has roots in warrior traditions where it was used to display physical power and confidence.
The dance includes strong foot stamping, bold gestures, and energetic movements.
Dancers perform in lines or circles, maintaining perfect synchronization.
Instruments like dhol and tasha create loud and intense beats that match the dance style.
It is often performed during fairs and celebrations to express pride.

10. Gendi Dance

Gendi Dance is performed during Diwali to celebrate joy, light, and togetherness.
Dancers use long wooden sticks (gendi) and perform spinning movements in circles.
The circular motion symbolizes the cycle of life and unity among people.
It originated in rural areas and became an important part of Diwali celebrations.
The dance is often performed at night with lamps, creating a beautiful visual effect.
Instruments like dholak and flute provide rhythm and balance to the movements.

Also read : Festivals of Chhattisgarh

Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh Cultural Significance

Folk dances like Panthi Dance and Raut Nacha show strong religious devotion and spiritual beliefs. Panthi is linked with Guru Ghasidas and the Satnami community, while Raut Nacha is associated with Lord Krishna, reflecting faith through music and movement.
Dances such as Karma Dance and Suwa Dance are performed during harvest seasons and festivals, expressing happiness, prosperity, and gratitude towards nature. They highlight the close relationship between people and agricultural life.
Tribal dances like Gaur Dance represent the identity, customs, and traditions of tribal communities. These dances depict hunting practices, bravery, and traditional lifestyles, helping preserve indigenous culture.
Group performances like Raut Nacha and Karma Dance promote social unity and community bonding. People participate together, strengthening cooperation, harmony, and collective cultural expression.
Dances such as Gendi Dance reflect daily life activities and skills like balance, farming, and rural practices. They act as a medium to portray the lifestyle and occupations of the people.
Folk dances like Suwa Dance and Panthi Dance help in the preservation of cultural heritage, folklore, and oral traditions through songs, music, and storytelling passed from one generation to another.

Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh FAQs

Q1: What are the folk dances of Chhattisgarh?

Ans: Folk dances of Chhattisgarh are traditional dance forms performed during festivals, harvest seasons, and social gatherings that reflect the culture, beliefs, and lifestyle of the people.

Q2: Which are the most famous folk dances of Chhattisgarh?

Ans: Some popular dances include Panthi, Pandavani, Raut Nacha, Karma Dance, Saila Dance, Suwa Dance, Kaksar Dance, Cherchera Dance, Khada Nacha, and Gendi Dance.

Q3: What is Pandavani dance known for?

Ans: Pandavani is known for storytelling based on the Mahabharata, where the performer narrates and enacts different characters using expressions and music.

Q4: Why is Raut Nacha dance performed?

Ans: Raut Nacha is performed mainly during festivals related to Lord Krishna and celebrates the life of cowherds and rural traditions.

Q5: What is the significance of Karma Dance?

Ans: Karma Dance is performed during the Karma festival and symbolizes the bond between humans and nature, especially during the harvest season.

Super El Nino, Causes, Development, Global Effects, Impact

July 25, 2026

Super El Nino is an informal term for an exceptionally strong El Nino event, characterised by unusually high sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The impact of Super El Nino can extend far beyond the Pacific, influencing global temperatures, rainfall, agriculture, water security and extreme weather events.

Super El Nino Meaning

Super El Nino is not an officially recognised scientific category with a universally accepted definition. It generally refers to an exceptionally strong El Nino, often associated with sea-surface temperature anomalies of around +2°C or more in the Nino 3.4 region, along with a strong atmospheric response.

El Nino is the warm phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which also includes La Nina and neutral conditions.
“Godzilla El Nino” is an informal popular term used to describe an exceptionally powerful El Nino event.

Why Is Super El Nino Called “Godzilla El Nino”?

The term “Godzilla El Nino” is a popular nickname used to highlight the exceptional strength and widespread effects of a major El Nino event.

It became particularly popular during the 2015-16 El Nino, one of the strongest events recorded.
The name compares the enormous scale of the climate event with the fictional monster Godzilla.
It is not an official scientific classification used by the World Meteorological Organization or meteorological agencies.

How Does Super El Nino Develop?

Super El Nino develops when weakening Pacific trade winds allow warm surface water to move eastwards, triggering major changes in oceanic and atmospheric circulation.

Normally, easterly trade winds push warm surface water towards Indonesia and Australia.
Warm water accumulates in the western Pacific, while cold, nutrient-rich water rises near the eastern Pacific through upwelling.
When trade winds weaken, warm water moves towards the central and eastern Pacific. This raises sea-surface temperatures in the Nino regions and weakens normal upwelling.
The main zone of rising, moisture-laden air and rainfall shifts eastwards.
When these oceanic and atmospheric changes become exceptionally strong, the event is informally described as a Super El Nino.

Role of the Walker Circulation: The Walker Circulation is a large-scale east-west circulation of air over the tropical Pacific.

Under normal conditions, warm, moist air rises over the western Pacific and air sinks over the relatively cooler eastern Pacific.
During El Nino, warming in the central and eastern Pacific shifts the main zone of rising air eastwards.
This alters atmospheric pressure, winds and rainfall patterns across the tropics.

These changes can influence distant regions through teleconnections.

Super El Nino Historical Events

Only a few El Nino events have reached exceptionally strong levels in the modern instrumental record.

1982-83: One of the strongest El Nino events of the 20th century, associated with major disruptions in global rainfall and temperature patterns.
1997-98: A particularly powerful event associated with widespread floods, droughts, heatwaves and disruptions to agriculture and marine ecosystems.
2015-16: One of the strongest El Nino events on record, associated with severe drought conditions in several parts of Asia and exceptionally high global temperatures.

These events show that the impact of Super El Nino depends not only on its intensity but also on its interaction with other climate drivers and regional weather systems.

Super El Nino Impact on Global Climate

The impact of Super El Nino on global climate is significant because it disrupts normal atmospheric circulation and produces contrasting weather conditions across different regions.

Extreme heat: It can add natural warming to the atmosphere and intensify heatwaves. The 2015-16 El Nino contributed to exceptionally high global temperatures.
Drought: It can suppress rainfall in some regions, increasing the risk of water shortages and agricultural losses. Australia and parts of Southeast Asia, for instance, often face increased drought risk during El Nino events.
Heavy rainfall and floods: Altered atmospheric circulation can produce excessive rainfall and flooding in other regions, including parts of South America.
Agriculture and food security: Erratic rainfall and extreme temperatures can reduce crop yields and increase food-price pressures.
Marine ecosystems: Reduced upwelling of nutrient-rich water near the coasts of Peru and Ecuador can affect fisheries.
Coral bleaching: Warmer ocean temperatures can increase stress on coral ecosystems.
Water security: Drought can reduce river flows, groundwater recharge and reservoir levels, while intense rainfall can damage infrastructure.

Thus, the same Super El Nino event can produce drought in one region and excessive rainfall in another

Super El Nino Impact on India

The primary impact of Super El Nino on India is an increased likelihood of a weaker and more uneven southwest monsoon. However, the actual outcome depends on the interaction between El Nino, the Indian Ocean Dipole and regional weather systems.

El Nino weakens the large-scale atmospheric circulation that supports the Indian summer monsoon, reducing moisture transport towards the Indian subcontinent.
Its influence is generally stronger during the latter half of the monsoon season, making July-September more vulnerable than the onset phase in June.
The greatest concern is often not merely lower seasonal rainfall but its uneven spatial and temporal distribution, with prolonged dry spells proving more damaging than moderate rainfall deficits.
Delayed rainfall and long breaks in the monsoon can adversely affect kharif sowing, crop growth and agricultural productivity, particularly in rain-fed regions.
Reduced rainfall lowers reservoir storage, groundwater recharge and hydroelectric generation while increasing the risk of heatwaves and agricultural stress.
Lower agricultural production may create supply shortages and contribute to food inflation.
Since 1950, nearly three-fifths of El Nino years have experienced below-normal monsoon rainfall, and several major drought years including 1972, 1982, 2009 and 2015 coincided with El Nino events.
Nevertheless, El Nino increases the probability of a weaker monsoon rather than guaranteeing drought across the entire country.

Why Doesn’t Every Super El Nino Cause Drought in India?

Although a Super El Nino increases the probability of a weaker southwest monsoon, it does not invariably lead to drought. The eventual monsoon outcome depends on the interaction between the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and regional atmospheric systems.

A positive IOD, characterised by warmer waters in the western Indian Ocean than in the eastern Indian Ocean, enhances moisture transport towards India and can partly or substantially offset El Nino-induced rainfall suppression.
The 1997-98 Super El Nino is the best example, when a strongly positive IOD helped India receive about 2% above-normal monsoon rainfall despite one of the strongest El Nino events on record.
Conversely, a weak or neutral IOD provides little support against El Nino-induced monsoon weakening, increasing the likelihood of below-normal seasonal rainfall.

Why Can India Experience Cloud Cover and Heavy Rainfall Despite Super El Nino?

El Nino primarily influences the seasonal probability of rainfall, whereas day-to-day weather is governed by regional atmospheric systems.

Low-pressure systems, upper-air cyclonic circulations and a favourable monsoon trough can transport abundant moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, leading to widespread cloud cover and rainfall.
Heat-driven convection and the interaction between Western Disturbances and monsoon winds can further enhance rainfall, particularly over northern and central India.

Consequently, episodes of widespread rainfall can occur even during a Super El Nino without contradicting the broader seasonal outlook.

However, short periods of heavy rainfall do not necessarily indicate monsoon recovery, as the overall performance of the monsoon depends on the June-September seasonal rainfall and its spatial and temporal distribution.

Super El Nino FAQs

Q1: What is Super El Nino?

Ans: Super El Nino is an informal term for an exceptionally strong El Nino event, generally associated with sea-surface temperature anomalies of around +2°C or more in the Niño 3.4 region, leading to significant global climatic impacts.

Q2: Why is Super El Nino called “Godzilla El Nino”?

Ans: “Godzilla El Nino” is an informal nickname for an exceptionally strong Super El Nino, reflecting its enormous scale and widespread global impacts. The term became popular during the 2015-16 Super El Nino, one of the strongest events on record, but it is not an official scientific classification.

Q3: How does Super El Nino affect India?

Ans: Super El Nino increases the likelihood of a weaker and more uneven southwest monsoon, raising the risk of prolonged dry spells, agricultural stress, water scarcity and heatwaves.

Q4: Why does Super El Nino not always cause drought in India?

Ans: A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and favourable regional weather systems can offset El Nino’s drying effect, allowing India to receive normal or even above-normal rainfall.

Q5: Can India experience heavy rainfall during a Super El Nino?

Ans: Yes. Super El Nino influences seasonal rainfall, while day-to-day rainfall is driven by low-pressure systems, cyclonic circulations, the monsoon trough and Western Disturbances, which can produce widespread rainfall.

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh 2026, Name, Famous Dance Form List

July 25, 2026

The Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh represent the rich cultural traditions of its indigenous communities. These dances are closely linked with agriculture, seasonal festivals, religious beliefs, social customs and historical memories. Every dance has a distinct purpose, ranging from seeking a good harvest and prosperity to celebrating bravery, fertility and community unity. Traditional Folk Songs, colourful handwoven costumes, ornaments, musical instruments and ritual performances together make these dances an important part of the state's cultural heritage and preserve oral traditions across generations.

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh 2026

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh are performed during major festivals, religious ceremonies, agricultural celebrations and important social occasions. They are not merely forms of entertainment but also preserve oral history, heroic traditions, spiritual beliefs and community identity. Many dances narrate stories of ancestors, agricultural practices and victories through songs and rhythmic movements. These performances also strengthen social bonds while displaying the unique customs, attire, ornaments and artistic traditions of different communities across the state.

List of Famous Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh 2026

There are numerous traditional Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh, each reflecting a unique cultural tradition, festival, community belief or historical memory preserved through generations. The List of Main Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh has been provided below:

Ponung Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

It is one of the best known dances of the Adi community.
Ponung is mainly performed by women during Solung, before harvesting and on other auspicious occasions.
A male Miri leads the performance using the Yoksa, a sword like instrument that produces rhythmic sounds while singing traditional hymns.
Women dancers wear the traditional Gale skirt, Galup blouse, conical headgear made from Gale and ornaments such as Gol Pota, Madoli, Nok, Tampilang, Sumbi/Humbi, Sondorong and Tadok.
Graceful hand movements and coordinated chorus singing define the performance.
The songs performed during Ponung narrate the history of the Adi people, agricultural traditions and community heritage.
The dance is performed to pray for a healthy village, abundant crops, prosperity and overall well being before the harvest season.

Yakjong Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Yakjong is another important Adi dance performed during the Unying Aran (Aran) festival.
Men, women and children all participate together, making it one of the few dances without age or gender restrictions in Arunachal Pradesh.
During Yakjong, performers move from one household to another carrying decorated sticks while singing and dancing.
Welcoming the performers is traditionally believed to bring blessings, prosperity and a bumper harvest to the host family.
Families often offer money or food as a gesture of respect.

Delong Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Delong is an energetic folk dance performed exclusively by men of the Adi community during the Etor festival.
The performance takes place inside the village Dere, the traditional community hall where villagers gather for important social and cultural activities.
Etor is associated with repairing or constructing protective fences around agricultural fields to prevent damage from roaming domestic animals.
After completing this community work, men assemble in the Dere to perform Delong under the guidance of a Miri, who sings traditional hymns.

Tapu War Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Tapu is the traditional war dance of the Adi community and is performed only by men during the Unying Aran festival.
The performance symbolically drives away evil spirits while preserving memories of ancient warfare and heroic traditions.
Dancers wear traditional warrior costumes, carry swords and shields and perform vigorous battle formations with loud victory cries.
The choreography recreates scenes of combat, courage and triumph, reflecting the martial heritage of the Adi people.
The Tapu War Dance gained national attention when performers from Arunachal Pradesh presented it during the Republic Day Parade 2022 at Rajpath in New Delhi.

Popir Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Popir is the principal folk dance of the Galo community and is performed during the Mopin festival.
It is traditionally associated with Mopin Ape, regarded as the goddess of abundance and fertility, symbolising prosperity and agricultural well being.

Gumrak Paksong Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Gumrak Paksong is the major traditional dance of the Mishing community and is performed during the Ali Aye Ligang festival.
The dance celebrates the beginning of the agricultural cycle and reflects the community's close relationship with farming traditions.

Rikhampada Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Rikhampada belongs to the Nyishi community and is performed during the Nyokum festival.
Traditionally believed to have been introduced by Abotani, the dance has become an important symbol of Nyishi cultural identity and festive celebrations.

Khampti Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

The Khampti community presents dramatic dance performances during Khamsang, Sankian and Potwah festivals.
These performances narrate religious and historical stories in open courtyards using gongs and cymbals, with men traditionally performing female roles.

Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

The Idu Mishmi community performs ritual and fertility dances during ceremonies such as Rren, Mesalah, Aihim and Aihm.
Priests and priestesses perform these dances with drums and horn bugles, while selected villagers may also participate.

Daminda Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Daminda is associated with the Apatani community and forms an important part of the Dree festival.
The celebrations include traditional exchanges of rice beer, bacon, roasted meat and community gatherings, strengthening social harmony.

Bardo Chham Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Performed by the Sherdukpen community, Bardo Chham means the "Dance of the Zodiacs."
Based on the belief in twelve symbolic evils representing the months of the year, the dance portrays the victory of good over evil during community festivals.

Pasi Kongki Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Pasi Kongki is a traditional dance of the Adi community dedicated to the brave Pasi, who risked their lives to transport essential supplies to villages.
Through songs and rhythmic movements, the dance honours courage, sacrifice and service.

Wancho Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

The Wancho community performs this dance during the Oriah festival celebrated in March and April.
The performance strengthens unity among community members while marking the arrival of the spring season through collective celebration.

Chalo Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Chalo Dance is performed by the Nocte community during the Chalo Loku festival held in October and November.
It marks the end of one agricultural season and welcomes the beginning of the next paddy cultivation cycle.

Buiya Dance of Arunachal Pradesh

Buiya is performed by men and women of the Digaru Mishmi community during festivals including Tazampu, Duiya and Tanuya.
It is also presented after major feasts and family gatherings, highlighting celebration, cooperation and social bonding.

Cultural Importance of Arunachal Pradesh Folk Dances

These dances preserve oral traditions, historical narratives, agricultural knowledge, religious beliefs and indigenous customs. Along with traditional attire, ornaments, songs and music, they continue to safeguard the cultural identity and living heritage of Arunachal Pradesh for future generations.

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh 2026 FAQs

Q1: Which is the most famous Folk Dance of Arunachal Pradesh 2026?

Ans: Ponung is one of the most famous folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh. It is performed by Adi women during the Solung festival to pray for prosperity, good health and a successful harvest.

Q2: Which Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh are performed during the Mopin festival?

Ans: Popir is the main folk dance performed during the Mopin festival by the Galo community. It is associated with prosperity, abundance and traditional cultural celebrations.

Q3: What is the Tapu War Dance of Arunachal Pradesh?

Ans: Tapu is a traditional war dance of the Adi community. It is performed by men during the Unying Aran festival to depict bravery, ancient warfare and the symbolic removal of evil spirits.

Q4: Which Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh are performed during the Nyokum festival?

Ans: Rikhampada is performed by the Nyishi community during the Nyokum festival. It is an important cultural dance that reflects the traditions and identity of the Nyishi people.

Q5: Which folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh is performed by both men and women?

Ans: Yakjong is a traditional folk dance performed by men, women and children of the Adi community during the Unying Aran festival while visiting households to offer blessings and good wishes.

Portfolio Management Service

July 25, 2026

Portfolio Management Service Latest News

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a sweeping review of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, seeking to modernise the framework governing portfolio management services (PMS).

About Portfolio Management Service

It is registered under the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.
It is a professional investment service where a qualified fund manager takes charge of the equity, debt and other securities portfolio of a customer — who is a high net-worth individual.
Who can offer: Only corporate entities, companies or LLPs with SEBI registration can legally offer these services in India.
SEBI mandates that no PMS provider can accept less than Rs 50 lakh per client.

Types of Portfolio Management Service

Discretionary PMS: In this type of PMS services, the portfolio manager has complete autonomy to make investment decisions on behalf of the investor.
Non-Discretionary PMS: In non-discretionary PMS, the portfolio manager provides recommendations, but the final decision to buy or sell rests with the investors themselves.
Advisory PMS: In Advisory PMS, the portfolio manager offers investment advice, and the investor executes transactions independently.

Key Regulations of Portfolio Management Service

Registration: All PMS providers must register with SEBI.
Minimum Investment Requirement: SEBI mandates a ₹50 lakhs minimum investment, targeting high net worth investors capable of managing associated risks.
Disclosure Obligations: PMS providers must regularly update investors with performance reports, fees, and risk disclosures.
Custodian Engagement: An independent custodian is required to hold investor assets to eliminate conflicts of interest
Compliance Monitoring: Each PMS provider is required to appoint a compliance officer to ensure adherence to SEBI regulations

Source: IE

Portfolio Management Service FAQs

Q1: What is the minimum investment required for PMS as per SEBI?

Ans: Rs 50 Lakh per client

Q2: Who can legally offer PMS in India?

Ans: Corporate entities, Companies or LLPs registered with SEBI

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 Report

July 25, 2026

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 Report Latest News

Recently, the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 Report was released.

About State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 Report

It is the UN system’s flagship assessment of global hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition,
It is produced jointly by FAO, IFAD,(International Fund for Agricultural Development), UNICEF, WFP (World Food Programme) and WHO.
It tracks progress toward SDG 2 through the latest global and regional estimates on food insecurity, diet quality and the global nutrition targets.

Key Highlights of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 Report

It showed that while global food security and nutrition improved modestly in 2025, progress remains uneven and insufficient to meet the 2030 targets.
Hunger affected 7.8 percent of the world’s population, and 2.1 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity.
Persistent disparities remain, particularly for women, young children and rural communities, and diet quality continues to lag worldwide.
The share of undernourished Indians has more than halved over the past two decades, from 21.1 per cent in 2004-06 to 9.8 per cent in 2023-25.
India’s healthy-diet cost has risen faster since 2017 — up nearly 48 per cent — compared to about 32 per cent in the US over the same period.

Source: DTE

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 Report FAQs

Q1: SOFI 2026 report is released jointly by how many UN agencies?

Ans: FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO

Q2: Which region now has the largest number of hungry people in the world as per SOFI 2026?

Ans: Africa

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

July 25, 2026

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Recently, camera-trap evidence confirmed the return of the Dhole in the Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: It is located in Udalguri district & Baksa District of Assam.
The sanctuary is sited on the eastern Himalayan foothills and shares the Indo-Bhutan international transboundary landscape.
This sanctuary is named after the river Bornadi which flows on its western border.
The Nalapara River which originates from Bhutan flows from north to south along its eastern edge.
It was established in 1980 to protect the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) and pigmy hog (Porcula salvania).
Climate: It has a typical subtropical monsoon climate.
Vegetation: It consists of tropical semi-evergreen, moist and dry deciduous.
Flora: Euphorbiaceous Scrub, Alstonia scholaris, Garuga pinnata, Aphanamixispolystachya, Toona ciliata, Mesua ferrea, Terminalia chebula, Bischofia javanica, Bridelia retusa, Mellotus Repandus etc.
Fauna: Pigmy Hog and Hispid hare, Asiatic Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, India Bison, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, etc.

Source: NW

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?

Ans: Assam

Q2: Which endangered species is the flagship species of Bornadi WLS?

Ans: Pygmy Hog

BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme

July 25, 2026

BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan BHAVYA Rasayan scheme.

About BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme

It was launched for the establishment of three dedicated chemical parks across the country.
The scheme is designed to promote the development of the chemical industry across the entire value chain, including upstream, downstream and ancillary industries.
Financial Outlay: It has a total financial outlay of ₹3,030 crore, (₹3,000 crore for developing common infrastructure facilities and basic utilities within the parks and ₹30 crore towards administrative expenses).
Time Period: The scheme will be implemented over five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Features of BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme

Financial Assistance: The Centre will provide financial assistance of up to ₹1,000 crore for each chemical park, subject to a minimum contribution of ₹500 crore by the respective state government.
Selection Process: The chemical parks will be developed by state governments through a challenge-based selection process, with each park requiring at least 2,000 acres (8 sq. km.) of contiguous, encumbrance-free land.
The parks will feature plug-and-play infrastructure tailored to the needs of the chemical sector, including
- Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), water supply and distribution systems, solvent recovery and distillation facilities, steam generation and distribution networks, interconnected pipeline systems, and logistics and warehousing infrastructure.

Source: PIB

BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme FAQs

Q1: BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme aims to set up how many chemical parks?

Ans: 3 dedicated Chemical Parks

Q2: What is the minimum state contribution required per chemical park under BHAVYA-Rasayan?

Ans: ₹500 crore

Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme

July 25, 2026

Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme Latest News

The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme supports non-farm enterprises through training and financing and by June 2026 it had supported 4.32 lakh rural enterprises across the country.

About Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme

It was launched in 2016,
It is a sub-scheme of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Objective: To implement the Government's efforts to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty and unemployment in the villages by helping start and support rural enterprises.

Features of Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme

The programme supports Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their family members in establishing small enterprises in the non-farm sector.
It provides financial assistance, institutional support, business management training, soft skill development, and business development services.
SVEP also facilitates access to banking linkages and convergence with government schemes.
A key feature of SVEP has been community-based decision-making for funding and supporting enterprises locally.
It has adopted an all-inclusive approach, with a strong focus on supporting women, marginalized communities, and individuals with limited educational attainment.
Implemented By: SVEP is implemented through the State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs).
- At the block level, Block Resource Centres–Enterprise Promotion (BRC-EPs) coordinate programme implementation.
- Trained Community Resource Persons–Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EPs) provide technical assistance to the Block Resource Centres on enterprise promotion.

Source: PIB

Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme FAQs

Q1: Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme is implemented under which larger mission?

Ans: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission

Q2: Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme was launched in which year?

Ans: 2016

Spain

July 25, 2026

Spain Latest News

Recently, over 1,66,000 people were evacuated in France and Spain as unprecedented forest fires raged near Madrid and Bordeaux.

About Spain

Location: It is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.
Bordering Countries: It shares its borders with Portugal (to the west), France and Andorra (to the northeast), and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar (to the south).
Maritime borders: It is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea (to the southeast and east), the Bay of Biscay (to the north), and the Atlantic Ocean (to the northwest and southwest).
Capital City: Madrid

Geographical Features of Spain

Mountain ranges: The Pyrenees Mountains form a natural barrier between Spain and France.
Plateaus: The Meseta Central is a vast interior plateau, dominating the central part of Spain.
Rivers: Spain is traversed by important rivers such as:
- Ebro River – flows into the Mediterranean.
- Tagus River – shared with Portugal.
Desert feature: Spain hosts the Tabernas Desert in Andalusia, recognized as the only true desert in mainland Europe.
Natural Resources: It mainly consists of copper, fluorspar, gypsum, iron ore, kaolin, lead, magnesite, mercury, pyrites, sepiolite, tungsten, uranium, and zinc.

Source: TH

Spain FAQs

Q1: Which strait separates Spain from Morocco?

Ans: Strait of Gibraltar

Q2: Which river is the longest river in Spain?

Ans: Tagus / Tajo River

Ceratocaudia antigua

July 25, 2026

Ceratocaudia antigua Latest News

Scientists recently discovered a new species of long-necked dinosaur named Ceratocaudia antiqua in western India that possessed a unique, horn-like tail crest.

About Ceratocaudia antigua

It is a new species of long-necked dinosaur.
It was discovered following excavations in the Kaladongar Formation of the Kachchh Basin in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
Living roughly 170 to 180 million years ago during the Jurassic period, this diminutive giant reaches only about seven meters in length, significantly smaller than its more famous 20-meter-long relatives like Brachiosaurus.
Ceratocaudia is distinguished by several physical traits that set it apart from its closest relatives.
- The most striking feature is a curved, horn-like crest atop its front tailbones.
- It also possessed a unique notch on its neck vertebrae and specific shapes in its lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, which have not been seen in other sauropods.
- Furthermore, its tail vertebrae show a rare transition from flat-ended joints to "ball-and-socket" joints near the tip, a feature usually reserved for much later dinosaur species.
The name Ceratocaudia antiqua reflects these physical and historical traits.
- The genus name is derived from the Greek words ‘cerato’ (meaning horn) and ‘caud’ (meaning tail), referring to the unique spike on its vertebrae.
- The species name, ‘antiqua’, is Latin for "old" or "ancient," highlighting that this is one of the earliest known macronarian dinosaurs, a group of long-necked giants characterised by their large, boxy skulls and wide nostrils.
Ceratocaudia now stands as the earliest diagnosable member of its lineage in India and one of the oldest in the world .

News: RM

Ceratocaudia antigua FAQ's

Q1: What is Ceratocaudia antiqua?

Ans: It is a new species of long-necked dinosaur.

Q2: Where was Ceratocaudia antiqua discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Kaladongar Formation of the Kachchh Basin in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

Q3: During which geological period did Ceratocaudia antiqua live?

Ans: The Jurassic Period, about 170–180 million years ago.

Q4: What is the most distinctive feature of Ceratocaudia antiqua?

Ans: A curved, horn-like crest on its front tail vertebrae.

Q5: To which group of dinosaurs does Ceratocaudia antiqua belong?

Ans: It belongs to the macronarian group of long-necked dinosaurs.

Lake Mansarovar

July 25, 2026

Lake Mansarovar Latest News

The wish of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to take a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar remained unfulfilled yet again this year, as Chinese authorities continued to prohibit bathing in the lake.

About Lake Mansarovar

It is a large freshwater lake situated in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
It is regarded as one of the holiest lakes in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
The lake covers an area of 410 sq.km. and lies at an altitude of 4,590 meters/15,060 feet.
It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
It is located adjacent to Lake Rakshastal, which is a saltwater lake. The two lakes are connected by the Ganga Chhu channel.
The highest peak in the surrounding range is Gurla Mandata (7694 meters). To the north of the lake is magnificent Mount Kailash.
The waters of the lake are so clear with transparency up to 14 meters.
The Kailash Manasarovar region is a source of 4 great rivers flowing across Asia, including the Ganges (also known as the Karnali, the longest river in Nepal), flows on the south side, whereas the Indus, the Sutlej, and the Brahmaputra (the Yarlung Tsangpo) in the east, west, and north, respectively.
At present, along with the shores of Mansarovar, there are 5 Buddhist monasteries, and out of those five, Chiu Monastery is the most popular and is located on the northwest shore of the lake.

News: ETVB

Lake Mansarovar FAQs

Q1: Where is Lake Mansarovar located?

Ans: It is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Q2: At what altitude is Lake Mansarovar situated?

Ans: 4,590 metres (15,060 feet) above sea level.

Q3: Which saltwater lake lies adjacent to Lake Mansarovar?

Ans: Lake Rakshastal.

Q4: Which mountain lies to the north of Lake Mansarovar?

Ans: Mount Kailash.

New Law on Exam Paper Leaks – Explained

July 25, 2026

Exam Paper Leaks Latest News

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft Bill to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introducing stricter punishments of up to 10 years in jail and Rs 10 crore in fines for exam paper leaks, along with time-bound trials and statutory fast-track courts.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, is India's first dedicated national law aimed at curbing leaks, malpractices, and organised cheating in public examinations. It came into effect on June 21, 2024.
Coverage
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
- Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
Existing Punishments
- Section 10: Punishment for individuals resorting to unfair means: Imprisonment of 3 to 5 years and a fine up to Rs 10 lakh.
- Section 11: Punishment for organised crime: Imprisonment of 5 to 10 years and a fine of at least Rs 1 crore.
Limitations of the Existing Law
- Despite the existence of the 2024 Act, several challenges persisted:
  - Investigation and trial delays: Cases dragged on for years without resolution.
  - Absence of fast-track courts: No dedicated judicial infrastructure for speedy trials.
  - Limited deterrence: Existing punishments were seen as insufficient against organised networks.
  - Lack of statutory timelines: No prescribed time limits for probe and trial.

News Summary: Cabinet Approves Amendments

Following the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved a draft Bill to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament shortly.

Key Amendments Proposed

Stricter Punishments
- The proposed amendments significantly enhance the penalties for exam-related offences:
  - Imprisonment: Up to 10 years
  - Fine: Up to Rs 10 crore
- The stricter penalties are expected to strengthen deterrence against all forms of exam fraud.
Time-Bound Investigation and Trial
- Investigation: Must be completed within two months.
- Trial: Must be completed within three months.
- Total timeline: Cases must be concluded within five months.
- This addresses one of the most serious weaknesses in the existing framework, prolonged delays in investigation and judicial proceedings.
Statutory Backing for Fast-Track Courts
- The Bill provides statutory backing for the establishment of fast-track courts specifically to handle exam paper leak cases.
- Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that fast-track courts would initially be set up in the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
- These are the states where cases pertaining to the NEET paper leak are currently ongoing.

Background and Trigger for the Amendment

The amendments come in response to widespread protests and public anger over:
- NEET-UG paper leak in May 2026.
- Irregularities in the CBSE school examination process.
- Calls for reforms in the education system.
- Demands for compensation to families of students who died by suicide after the NEET-UG paper leak.
Various student groups organised protests, demanding strict action against those responsible for exam irregularities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the government's decision to bring in a tough new law and fast-track courts. The Cabinet also approved the draft Bill.

Significance of the Amendments

Stronger Deterrence
- The enhanced punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment and Rs 10 crore fine sends a strong signal that exam fraud will not be tolerated.
- The significantly higher financial penalty hits organised networks economically.
- The combination of criminal and financial penalties strengthens the legal framework.
Speedier Justice
- The five-month deadline for investigation and trial addresses the problem of delayed justice.
- Fast-track courts ensure dedicated judicial infrastructure for exam-related cases.
- Quick resolution acts as a stronger deterrent than prolonged proceedings.
Institutional Reform
- Statutory backing for fast-track courts institutionalises the special judicial mechanism.
- Clear timelines reduce procedural delays and administrative inefficiencies.
- The amendments address gaps identified during the implementation of the 2024 Act.
Public Confidence
- The amendments respond to widespread public anger over exam leaks.
- They aim to restore faith in the integrity of public examinations.
- They address the concerns of students and parents affected by exam irregularities.

Challenges Ahead

Implementation
- Setting up fast-track courts across the country will require significant judicial infrastructure.
- Training judges and prosecutors for specialised exam fraud cases.
- Ensuring that investigating agencies have adequate resources to meet the two-month deadline.
Legal and Procedural
- Balancing speed with fairness: ensuring that time-bound trials do not compromise the rights of the accused.
- Coordination between investigating agencies and the judiciary to meet timelines.
- Managing a high volume of cases that may arise with stricter enforcement.
Systemic Issues
- Addressing the root causes of exam leaks, including corruption in recruitment and examination bodies.
- Strengthening internal controls in institutions like the NTA, UPSC, and SSC.
- Improving the digital security of examination systems to prevent leaks.
Judicial Capacity
- The High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh will need additional judges and staff.
- Ensuring continuity of fast-track courts beyond initial cases.
- Managing existing backlog while adding new fast-track cases.

Source: TH | IE

Exam Paper Leaks FAQs

Q1: What is the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024?

Ans: It is India's first dedicated national law to curb leaks, malpractices, and organised cheating in public examinations conducted by bodies like UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS, and NTA.

Q2: What are the new punishments proposed under the amendments?

Ans: The amendments propose imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for those involved in exam paper leaks.

Q3: What is the timeline proposed for investigation and trial of paper leak cases?

Ans: The Bill proposes a two-month time frame for investigation and three months for trial, ensuring cases are concluded within five months.

Q4: Where will the fast-track courts be set up initially?

Ans: Fast-track courts will initially be established in the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, where NEET paper leak cases are ongoing.

Q5: What triggered the need for these amendments?

Ans: The amendments were triggered by widespread protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE examination process, demanding stricter laws and accountability.

India Secures Lower US Tariffs Under Section 301 Amid Forced Labour Compliance

July 25, 2026

US Tariffs Latest News

The United States has imposed 10% additional tariffs on imports from India under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, lower than the 12.5% initially proposed.
The reduction follows India's decision to prohibit imports of goods produced using forced labour, aligning with US concerns while India and the US continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement.

Why the US Imposed Section 301 Tariffs

Section 301 of the US Trade Act:
- It authorises the US to investigate and respond to unfair foreign trade practices.
- Remedies include additional tariffs, import restrictions or negotiated settlements.
- Unlike Section 122, Section 301 measures remain effective until modified or withdrawn.
Earlier, the US Trade Representative (USTR) initiated an investigation against 60 trading partners, alleging inadequate measures to prevent imports of goods produced through forced labour.
The tariffs replace temporary Section 122 tariffs, which could remain in force only for 150 days, whereas Section 301 tariffs are permanent unless reviewed by the US administration.
The measure seeks to protect American industries from unfair trade practices linked to forced labour.

India’s Policy Response

Ahead of the US decision, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended the Foreign Trade Policy by prohibiting the import of goods manufactured wholly or partly using forced labour.
Significance:
- India's compliance reduced the proposed tariff from 12.5% to 10%.
- It strengthened India's image as a responsible trading partner.
- The move complements ongoing India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
DGFT: Functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, DGFT implements India's Foreign Trade Policy, and regulates exports and imports through notifications and licensing mechanisms.

Tiered US Tariff Structure

Most favoured category:
- The European Union (EU) and Taiwan receive the most favourable treatment. Additional Section 301 tariffs apply only where existing Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs are below specified thresholds.
- MFN: A core World Trade Organization (WTO) principle requiring members to extend the same tariff treatment to all WTO members unless covered by FTAs or other recognised exceptions.
India's category (10% tariff): India joins 17 economies, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Least favoured category (12.5%): Countries facing higher tariffs include China, Vietnam, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Philippines. Thus, India enjoys a relative tariff advantage over several major export competitors.

Impact on India’s Export Competitiveness

Positive outcomes:
- Indian exporters retain competitiveness in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, leather, and footwear.
- India's tariff burden is lower than that of China and Vietnam, improving export prospects.
Limitations:
- Around 70% of India's exports to the US will now attract existing MFN tariff, plus 10% Section 301 tariff.
- Products already covered under Section 232 (steel, aluminium, copper, automobiles and auto components) continue to face 25–50% tariffs.

Textile Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs) - A Competitive Concern

The US introduced TRQs for Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Features:
- Limited quantities of textiles and apparel from these countries can enter the US without Section 301 tariffs for three years.
- These countries are also encouraged to source US cotton and textile inputs.
Implications for India: India has not received a TRQ, potentially reducing its competitiveness in textile exports. Bangladesh, a major importer of Indian cotton and fibre, may increasingly shift towards US inputs.

Major Exemptions from Section 302 Tariffs

The US has exempted several categories from additional tariffs, including -
- Aircraft and aviation equipment.
- Pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Certain fertilisers, pesticides and industrial chemicals.
- Pig iron, aluminium scrap and strategic minerals.
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- Battery waste and recyclable materials.
- Agricultural inputs, seeds and selected food products.
- Medical devices such as MRI machines, ECG equipment and defibrillators.
- Selected artworks, antiques and collectibles.
These exemptions aim to prevent supply disruptions and inflation while safeguarding critical industries.

Future Trade Risks

Apart from forced labour concerns, the USTR is conducting another investigation into excess manufacturing capacity involving India, China, the EU, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and others.
Possible consequences include - Additional trade restrictions or tariffs, greater scrutiny of industrial subsidies and manufacturing policies, and new challenges for India's export sector despite ongoing FTA negotiations.

Conclusion

India's prohibition on imports produced through forced labour enabled it to secure a lower 10% US Section 301 tariff, preserving its competitiveness relative to major rivals such as China and Vietnam.
It strengthens India's position in labour-intensive exports and supports ongoing India-US trade negotiations.
However, the absence of textile TRQs and the possibility of further US investigations into excess manufacturing capacity indicate that trade relations will continue to evolve, requiring sustained policy reforms and strategic engagement.

Source: IE | FE

US Tariffs FAQs

Q1: How did India's prohibition on imports produced using forced labour influence the US Section 301 tariff decision?

Ans: It enabled India to secure a lower 10% Section 301 tariff instead of the proposed 12.5%, improving its export competitiveness.

Q2: What is the significance of Section 301 of the US Trade Act in international trade?

Ans: It authorises the US to investigate and impose trade remedies, including tariffs, against countries engaged in unfair trade practices.

Q3: How do the newly introduced textile TRQs affect India's textile exports?

Ans: Its exclusion from TRQs may reduce India’s competitiveness as beneficiary countries can export specified textile quantities to the US.

Q4: What is the role of the DGFT in India's trade policy?

Ans: DGFT administers India's Foreign Trade Policy by regulating exports and imports.

Q5: Why is the MFN principle important in the context of the US Section 301 tariff framework?

Ans: Because the US tariff structure builds upon existing MFN tariff rates, making MFN treatment a key determinant.

SEBI PMS Overhaul: Wider Investment Choices and Simplified Entry Rules

July 25, 2026

SEBI PMS Overhaul Latest News

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a sweeping review of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, through a consultation paper released recently.
This marks one of the most comprehensive reviews of portfolio management services (PMS) regulations since their notification in 2020.

Why the Overhaul Is Needed

Assets managed by portfolio managers have more than doubled over the past six years, prompting SEBI to modernise the regulatory framework.
The reforms aim to offer greater flexibility to portfolio managers and broader investment options to sophisticated investors, while adapting to the growing complexity of India's capital markets.

What Is Portfolio Management Service (PMS)?

PMS is a professional investment service registered under the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.
A qualified fund manager manages the equity, debt, and other securities portfolio of a high net-worth client.
Only SEBI-registered corporate entities, companies, or LLPs can legally offer PMS in India.
SEBI mandates a minimum investment of Rs 50 lakh per client.

Industry growth

PMS assets under management (AUM) rose from Rs 18.07 lakh crore (April 2019) to Rs 42.61 lakh crore (May 2026).
Total clients grew from 1.5 lakh to 2.19 lakh over the same period.
The number of registered portfolio managers more than doubled — from 226 in 2020 to 515 as of May 2026.

Key Proposed Reforms

Wider Investment Universe
- Portfolio managers may be permitted to invest in overseas listed equity and debt securities, aligning PMS rules with those governing mutual funds and alternative investment funds.
- Investments allowed in "to-be-listed" securities, widening market exposure.
- Discretionary portfolio managers may invest up to 10% of client AUM in investment-grade unlisted debt securities.
- Currently, PMS managers cannot invest client funds in foreign securities — though resident individuals can do so independently via the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), capped at USD 250,000 per financial year.
New 'Mutual Fund-Only' PMS (MF-PMS) Category
- A simplified framework aimed at mass-affluent investors, focused exclusively on managing investments in direct plans of mutual funds, ETFs, and specialised investment funds.
- Requires separate registration as MF-PMS.
- Minimum client investment proposed to be reduced from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
- Minimum net worth requirement for applicants proposed to be lowered from Rs 5 crore to Rs 2 crore.
- Mutual fund distributors (MFDs) operating under MF-PMS must maintain arm's length separation between their MFD and MF-PMS functions through distinct departments, with client-level segregation — the same client cannot be offered both services by one entity.
Easing Compliance Burden
- Greater flexibility in using derivatives for hedging and investment strategies, with exposure allowed up to 1.25 times client AUM.
- A new framework permitting independent fund managers to operate under registered PMS platforms, with compliance responsibility remaining with the registered portfolio manager.
- Firms managing assets below Rs 100 crore may be exempted from maintaining a separate dealing room, cutting operational costs for smaller players.

Balancing Innovation with Investor Protection

SEBI has stressed that the reforms aim to strike a balance between innovation, ease of doing business, and investor safeguards.
The regulator believes the evolving PMS industry requires a framework that supports greater product diversity while maintaining adequate oversight.

Conclusion

SEBI's proposed PMS overhaul reflects a maturing regulatory approach — expanding investment avenues and lowering entry barriers to serve a broader investor base, while retaining safeguards through segregation norms and enhanced oversight.
If implemented, it could significantly deepen and diversify India's portfolio management landscape.

Source: IE | LM

SEBI PMS Overhaul FAQs

Q1: Why has SEBI proposed the SEBI PMS Overhaul?

Ans: The SEBI PMS Overhaul aims to modernise portfolio management regulations by expanding investment opportunities, improving operational flexibility and supporting the growing PMS industry.

Q2: What new investment opportunities are proposed under the SEBI PMS Overhaul?

Ans: The SEBI PMS Overhaul permits overseas securities, to-be-listed securities and limited investment in unlisted debt, broadening the investment universe for portfolio managers.

Q3: What is the new MF-PMS category under the SEBI PMS Overhaul?

Ans: The SEBI PMS Overhaul introduces a Mutual Fund-Only PMS category with lower investment thresholds, focusing on direct mutual fund plans, ETFs and specialised investment funds.

Q4: How does the SEBI PMS Overhaul balance innovation with investor protection?

Ans: The SEBI PMS Overhaul retains client segregation, regulatory oversight and compliance safeguards while enabling greater flexibility, product diversity and ease of doing business.

Q5: Why is the SEBI PMS Overhaul important for India's capital markets?

Ans: The SEBI PMS Overhaul strengthens India's investment ecosystem by expanding investor access, encouraging innovation and creating a more competitive and diversified portfolio management industry.

Airport Operators Owning Airlines: Market Access, Fair Play and Regulatory Concerns

July 25, 2026

Airport Operators Owning Airlines Latest News

The Centre is reportedly weighing policy relaxations that could allow Indian airport operators to own airlines. Preliminary internal discussions are underway, though nothing is finalised.
Such a move could open the door for airport operators like the Adani group and GMR group to enter the airline business.

Background of the Discussion

Initial talks on cross-ownership reportedly followed the Adani group's request for an enabling policy environment, though Adani Enterprises has denied evaluating any airline entry proposal.
The government has been pushing for more airlines in Indian skies, given that IndiGo and the Air India group together hold over 90% of the domestic market share — a near-duopoly.
The stated objective behind exploring this policy shift is to foster greater competition in the aviation sector.

Current Regulatory Restrictions

India currently imposes strict limits on cross-ownership between airports and airlines:
- Operators of India's largest airports — Delhi (GMR, 74% stake) and Mumbai (Adani group, 74% stake) — are barred from owning more than 10% in any scheduled carrier.
The reverse restriction also applies: airlines face strict limits on owning airports.

The Core Concern: Conflict of Interest

Experts warned that allowing airport operators to run airlines would create a "massive conflict of interest" against consumer interests.

Key risk areas

Slot allocation: If an airport operator also runs an airline, and is simultaneously the slot coordinator, there is inherent conflict in allocating prime slots between its own airline and competitors.
Infrastructure access: Airlines depend on airports for critical facilities — parking bays, check-in counters, aircraft stands, boarding gates, and ground handling. Any perceived favouritism, even unintentional, could trigger anti-competitive practice allegations.
Experts note that even without actual discrimination, the appearance of unequal treatment undermines stakeholder confidence — a key concern for anti-trust regulation, which focuses on maintaining a level playing field, not just proven wrongdoing.

The Counter-Argument: Capital and Efficiency

Experts acknowledge the rationale behind considering this move:
- Capital access: New airlines often cannot sustain losses for years against dominant incumbents, but well-capitalised airport operators like Adani and GMR can absorb such risk.
- Efficiency argument: Since airport revenues increasingly depend on passenger footfall, an airport-owning-airline model could incentivise more flights at lower fares rather than fewer at higher fares.

Global Practices

Aviation regulators worldwide have generally favoured keeping airports and airlines operationally separate:
- West Asia: In hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, airports and airlines are government-owned but remain distinct corporate entities (e.g., Dubai Airport and Emirates; Etihad and Abu Dhabi airport).
- Singapore: Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines are linked via state investment but maintain separate management and regulatory oversight.
- Key distinction: These hub models operate in markets with negligible domestic air traffic and no domestic competition — unlike India, where airlines are largely private and domestic competition is significant.
- European Union: Enforces some of the world's strictest competition rules, mandating that airport slot coordinators remain functionally independent from any interested party.
- United States: Most major airports are owned by city/county governments or independent authorities. Federal Aviation Administration grant assurances prohibit airport discrimination among airlines and bar airport revenue from being invested in airlines.
India's market structure — dominated by private airlines and increasingly private airport operators — makes it structurally closer to Europe than to the West Asian or Singapore hub models.

Safeguards Needed, If Policy Changes

Experts recommend a watertight regulatory framework, including:
- Structural separation between airport and airline businesses
- Independent boards and management teams for each entity
- Strict protection of carriers' commercially sensitive information
- Independent airport slot coordinators
- Transparent gate and terminal allocation policies
- Enhanced oversight by regulators — the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Conclusion

Allowing airport operators to own airlines could inject much-needed capital and competition into India's airline duopoly, but it risks compromising the neutrality airports must maintain as shared infrastructure.
Any policy shift will need robust structural and regulatory safeguards to prevent the natural monopoly of airports from tilting the competitive playing field in aviation.

Source: IE | MC

Airport Operators Owning Airlines FAQs

Q1: Why is the proposal on Airport Operators Owning Airlines being considered?

Ans: Airport Operators Owning Airlines is being explored to attract fresh investment, promote competition and reduce the dominance of India's near-duopoly in the domestic aviation market.

Q2: What is the biggest concern regarding Airport Operators Owning Airlines?

Ans: Airport Operators Owning Airlines may create conflicts of interest in slot allocation, gate access and airport infrastructure, potentially affecting fair competition among carriers.

Q3: How do global aviation markets regulate Airport Operators Owning Airlines?

Ans: Most jurisdictions maintain structural separation between airports and airlines, ensuring independent management and regulatory oversight to preserve competition and prevent discriminatory practices.

Q4: What safeguards are needed if Airport Operators Owning Airlines is permitted?

Ans: Airport Operators Owning Airlines would require independent slot coordinators, separate management, transparent infrastructure allocation and stronger oversight by AERA, DGCA and CCI.

Q5: Why is Airport Operators Owning Airlines significant for India's aviation sector?

Ans: Airport Operators Owning Airlines could improve capital availability and airline competition, but only if supported by strong safeguards that ensure neutrality and a level playing field.

Chenab River

July 25, 2026

Chenab River Latest News

India rejected Pakistani media reports regarding Chenab River flooding "baseless" and said that the recent rise in water levels in the Chenab river is due to heavy monsoon rainfall over Jammu and adjoining catchment areas.

About Chenab River

It is a tributary of the Indus River.
Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
It flows through Jammu and Kashmir union territory, Himachal Pradesh and after receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River.
Major Tributaries:
- Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari
- Right Bank: Ans, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Kalnai Marusudar and Miyar Nalla.
Major Dams on Chenab River: Salal (rockfill dam), Aalal (concrete dam), Baglihar, and Dul.
The waters of the Chenab are shared by India and Pakistan as per the terms of the Indus Water Treaty.

Source: TH

Chenab River FAQ's

Q1: Chenab River is formed by the confluence of which two rivers?

Ans: Chandra and Bhaga

Q2: Chenab is a tributary of which river?

Ans: Indus River

Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh 2026, Famous Dance Forms List

July 25, 2026

Madhya Pradesh is often called the "Heart of India." It preserves one of the richest folk dance traditions in the country. The Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh are performed during harvests, marriages, births, seasonal celebrations and religious occasions and combine music, rhythm, costumes and storytelling. Every region, including Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Malwa, Nimar, Gwalior and tribal areas, has developed distinctive dance forms that continue to represent the cultural identity of the state.

Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh 2026

The Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh are closely linked with local traditions, dialects, occupations and social customs. Their costumes, musical instruments, formations and themes vary according to the surrounding environment and community practices. Festivals of Madhya Pradesh such as Khajuraho Dance Festival, Lokrang and Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh continue to promote these traditional dance forms and preserve the state's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

List of Famous Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh 2026

The List of Most Famous Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh 2026 has been provided below:

Rai Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Originating in Bundelkhand, Rai derives its name from the swirling movement of mustard seeds (rai).
Traditionally performed by women of the Bedia community, dancers wear lehengas up to seventeen yards long.
The performance begins with Dadra rhythm using nagada, dholak, jhika and ramtula, while drummers perform acrobatic movements, including the famous scorpion pose.

Naurata Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Performed during Navratri in Bundelkhand, Naurata is associated with prayers for unmarried girls to receive suitable life partners and a happy married life.
Decorative lime and natural colour designs are created outside homes before the ritual dance begins.

Badhai Dance of Madhya Pradesh

This joyful dance marks auspicious occasions such as births, marriages, Teej celebrations and festivals.
Men and women perform together wearing colourful traditional attire, while mridang and dhaple create energetic rhythms that match the vigorous dance movements.

Saira Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Saira is performed mainly by young boys and girls carrying sticks while dancing to folk songs centred on Lord Krishna.
Farmers also associate the dance with prayers to Lord Indra for favourable rainfall and agricultural prosperity.
Dholak, timki, manjira, mridang and flute accompany the performance.

Jawara Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Popular among farming communities, Jawara is celebrated as a harvest dance.
Women balance baskets of Jawara crops on their heads while maintaining steady body movements, symbolising agricultural prosperity.
Both men and women participate in this dance during festive agricultural celebrations.

Kanara Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Kanara is traditionally performed by the Dhobi community of Bundelkhand.
The dance reflects community customs and local cultural identity and is usually presented during festive and social gatherings.

Dhirmarthai Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Associated with the Dhimar community, Dhirmarthai is performed during births, engagements, weddings and festivals.
The dance incorporates graceful movements resembling Kathak while singers accompany the performance with traditional folk music.

Diwari Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Celebrated during Deepawali, Diwari depicts the legend of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill.
Male dancers perform martial style movements with long sticks and peacock feathers.
Dholak and nagaria provide rhythmic accompaniment throughout the energetic performance.

Ahirai or Birha Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Found in Baghelkhand, Ahirai combines dance, music and social interaction.
Men and women perform together in a competitive question answer style using Birha songs accompanied by nagadiya and shehnai.
Traditionally, it also provided opportunities for selecting life partners.

Kalsa Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Performed mainly by Ahir and Gadariya communities, Kalsa features dancers balancing decorated urns on their heads while welcoming guests.
The dance follows a question answer pattern, displaying balance, coordination and hospitality.

Dadar Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Dadar is a community dance jointly performed by men and women from Kol, Kotwar and Kahar communities during happy occasions.
Its inclusive nature symbolises social unity and collective celebration.

Kemali Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Also known as Sajan-Sajni dance, Kemali is performed during marriage ceremonies.
Male and female performers present songs and dance in a conversational question answer style, highlighting family traditions and joyful celebrations.

Kehra Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Kehra features both men and women dancing separately on the rhythmic Kaharwa beat.
The dance showcases different movement styles while maintaining coordinated musical patterns rooted in Baghelkhand traditions.

Atari Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Performed by the Bhumiya and Baiga communities, Atari is among the most spectacular Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh.
Dancers create human pyramids by standing on each other's shoulders while moving in circular formations, displaying remarkable balance and teamwork.

Matki Dance of Madhya Pradesh

A signature dance of the Malwa region, Matki is performed by women during weddings and festivals.
A solo performer begins the dance while balancing earthen pots on her head, later joined by a group dancing gracefully in circular formations to the beat of the dhol.

Gangaur Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Popular in the Nimar region, Gangaur is performed during the nine day Gangaur festival in honour of Ranubai, Dhaniyer Suryadev and Goddess Parvati.
Women dance around the deity's idol with rhythmic clapping and traditional songs. Two popular forms are Thalariya and Thola.

Bhagoria Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Bhagoria is closely associated with the Bhil, Bhilala, Patalia and Ranth communities of Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts.
Performed during the Bhagoria festival before Holi, it celebrates youth, courtship and community interaction, with male dancers carrying bows during the Ger dance.

Kathi Dance of Madhya Pradesh

One of the best known dances of the Nimar region, Kathi is performed by Balai Samaj artists between Ekadashi and Mahashivratri.
Decorated bamboo structures, peacock feathers, Dhak drums, brass plates, Nimadi songs and stories of Raja Harishchandra and Goddess Parvati form its main features.

Phapharia Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Phapharia is a group dance where men and women perform together to the music of the pungi.
Its coordinated movements and lively rhythm make it a popular traditional dance in the Nimar region.

Madalya Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Madalya is a women's group dance accompanied by drums and brass plates.
Dancers rapidly change speed according to the drum beats while displaying coordinated hand and foot movements throughout the performance.

Aada-Khada Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Performed during births, deaths and important ceremonies, Aada-Khada features women dancing with veils while bending their bodies and moving hands and knees rhythmically.
The dhol provides the principal musical accompaniment.

Danda Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Farmers of the Nimar region perform Danda Dance during Chaitra and Vaishakh, especially during the Gangaur festival.
Groups of about 20 to 25 men dance together using dhol and thali to create powerful rhythmic patterns.

Karma Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Karma is performed jointly by Gond and Oraon communities during the rainy season.
Instruments such as madhar, thumki, payri, chhalla and jhumki accompany the dance.
Popular forms include Sikri, Jhumar, Ghatwar, Ektaria, Pendehar, Dohoari, Lahaki and Tegwani.

Saila-Reena Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Saila is performed by men, while Reena is performed by women of the Gond community.
Dancers carry batons and peacock feathers, wear ghunghru and dance in circular formations.
Mandhar is the principal instrument and Reena is especially popular in Dindori during Diwali.

Goncho Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Goncho is a traditional Gond community dance performed to pray for timely and sufficient rainfall.
The dance highlights the close relationship between agriculture, seasonal cycles and community life.

Chatkora Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Chatkora is performed by the Korku community, mainly in Chhindwara and Betul districts.
The dance reflects local traditions and remains an important part of community celebrations.

Thapti Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Thapti is another Korku community dance performed by both men and women.
Men use Pancha and Jhangh, women use Chitkora, while flute and dhol provide musical accompaniment.
Mojilaal Korku is a well known performer associated with this tradition.

Lehangi Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Performed by Sahariya, Banjara and Kanjar communities during Shravan and Raksha Bandhan.
Lehangi features men striking sticks rhythmically while women wear colourful embroidered dresses decorated with silver ornaments and mirror work.

Lota Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Popular among the Banjara community, Lota Dance requires women to balance large metal pots on their heads while dancing in straight or circular formations wearing heavy ornaments and colourful traditional clothing.

Garba Dandiya Dance of Madhya Pradesh

The Banjara community performs Garba Dandiya during the Dussehra festival in the Nimar region.
The dance combines rhythmic stick movements with festive music and colourful traditional costumes.

Pardoni Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Pardoni is a marriage dance of the Baiga community performed during wedding ceremonies.
It reflects traditional customs and strengthens social bonds within the community.

Baredi or Yadav Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Popular in Gwalior district, Baredi is performed from Diwali until Kartik Purnima.
Dancers wear dhotis, carry peacock feathers and perform in circles accompanied by dholak, mridang, jhanz, manjira, dhapli and ramtula with question answer style folk songs.

Tertali Dance of Madhya Pradesh

The Kamar community performs Tertali while seated on the ground.
Women tie manjiras to their legs, hold cymbals in both hands and sometimes balance a decorated pot on the head or a sword between the teeth while dancing to vocal music and drums.

Sua or Sugga Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Performed by Baiga women in the Maikal Hills, Sua imitates the movements of a parrot.
One dancer balances a pot while others clap using the wooden Thiski.
No other musical instruments are used.

Muriya Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Muriya begins with ritual offerings carried by boys along with the bride and groom.
Boys and girls dance together using running steps, circles, jumps and kneeling movements.
Hulki, Har, Endanna and Karsana are important variants.

Grida Dance of Madhya Pradesh

Grida celebrates the flourishing of rabi crops in villages of Madhya Pradesh.
The dance progresses through three stages: Sela with slow footwork, Selalarki with faster movements and Selabhadoni where the entire body sways rhythmically in celebration.

Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh 2026 FAQs

Q1: Which is the most famous Folk Dance of Madhya Pradesh 2026?

Ans: Rai is considered one of the most famous Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh. It originated in Bundelkhand and is known for graceful movements, colourful costumes and energetic drum performances.

Q2: Which Folk Dance of Madhya Pradesh is performed during harvest festivals?

Ans: Jawara, Karma, Grida and Saira are major harvest related Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh. They celebrate agricultural prosperity, seasonal changes and community participation.

Q3: Which dance of Madhya Pradesh is performed with earthen pots?

Ans: Matki dance is performed by women balancing decorated earthen pots on their heads. It is a popular folk dance of the Malwa region during weddings and festivals.

Q4: Which communities perform the Rai dance in Madhya Pradesh?

Ans: The Rai dance is traditionally performed by women of the Bedia community in the Bundelkhand region. It is presented during weddings, celebrations and festive occasions.

Q5: Which festivals preserve the Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh?

Ans: The Khajuraho Dance Festival, Lokrang and Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh provide important platforms to showcase and preserve the traditional Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh.

Preventive Detention, Types, Provisions, Issue, Judgements

July 25, 2026

Why in News?

The Delhi government has empowered the Commissioner of Police to exercise powers under National Security Act, 1980, as there are ongoing protest in the capital city Delhi regarding the NEET Exam Paper leak.

Preventive Detention

Preventive Detention is a legal process of detaining a person without trial or court conviction to prevent them from committing an offence in the future. The Constitution of India permits preventive detention under some specific circumstances. Still, its use remains a matter of debate as it directly affects the Right to Personal Liberty under Article 21 of Indian Constitution.

Preventive Detention Historical Background

The idea of preventive detention originated during British rule and was mainly used to suppress political dissent and maintain colonial control.

1818 – Bengal State Prisoners Regulation III: One of the earliest preventive detention laws that empowered the British Government to detain individuals without trial.
1915 – Defence of India Act: Enacted during the First World War to suppress revolutionary movements and anti-colonial activities.
1939–1945 – Defence of India Rules: During the Second World War, similar powers were granted to detain individuals suspected of threatening British interests.
1950 – Preventive Detention Act: Independent India's first preventive detention law was enacted after the Constitution came into force.
1969: The Preventive Detention Act expired.
1980 – National Security Act (NSA): Introduced to provide preventive detention powers for maintaining national security and public order.

Types of Detention

There are two major types of detention under the Indian legal system: Punitive Detention and Preventive Detention. While both involve the custody of an individual, their purpose and legal basis are different.

1. Punitive Detention:

Punitive detention is the detention of a person as a punishment for a criminal offence after the offence has been committed and proved in a court of law.

Imposed after the commission of a crime.
Requires investigation, trial, and conviction by a competent court.
Based on evidence proving the accused's guilt.
Intended to punish the offender and deter future crimes.
Governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

2. Preventive Detention:

Preventive detention is the detention of a person without trial or conviction to prevent them from committing an offence that may threaten national security, public order, or public safety.

Imposed before an anticipated offence is committed.
Does not require a criminal conviction.
Based on the likelihood that a person may engage in activities harmful to the State or society.
Intended to prevent future offences, not punish past conduct.
Permitted under Article 22 of the Constitution and governed by preventive detention laws such as the National Security Act (NSA), 1980.

Preventive Detention Constitutional Provisions

The Constitution of India permits preventive detention under Article 22, balancing the need for national security and public order with safeguards to protect individual liberty.

It is one of the few provisions that expressly permits detention without trial under specific circumstances.
Article 22(1) and 22(2) provide safeguards for persons arrested under ordinary criminal law, such as the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
Article 22(3) excludes persons under preventive detention from some of these protections.
Article 22(4) states that no person can ordinarily be detained for more than three months unless an Advisory Board finds sufficient cause for continued detention.
Article 22(5) requires the detaining authority to communicate the grounds of detention and provide the detainee an opportunity to make a representation against the detention order.
Article 22(6) allows the government to withhold facts if disclosing them would be against the public interest.
Article 22(7) empowers Parliament to prescribe the maximum period of preventive detention and regulate the procedure of the Advisory Board.

Preventive Detention Laws in India

India has enacted various preventive detention laws to protect national security, public order, and public safety by preventing activities that may threaten the nation's interests before they occur. These laws are:

1. National Security Act (NSA), 1980

The National Security Act (NSA), 1980 empowers the Central and State Governments to detain individuals to prevent activities that may threaten the security of India, public order, or the maintenance of essential supplies and services.

Enacted in 1980 to strengthen preventive detention powers.
Allows detention without formal charges or trial for up to 12 months, subject to periodic review.
Applicable to Indian citizens as well as foreign nationals.
Detention orders can be issued by the Central Government, State Governments, District Magistrates, or Commissioners of Police.
The detention order must be reviewed by an Advisory Board within the period prescribed under the Act.
Commonly invoked in cases involving terrorism, communal violence, anti-national activities, and threats to public order.

2. Public Safety Act (PSA)

The Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978 is a preventive detention law enacted to maintain public order and protect the security of the State.

Applicable in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Allows detention without trial to prevent activities considered harmful to public order or state security.
A person may be detained for up to one year for activities affecting public order.
Detention may extend up to two years for activities considered a threat to the security of the State.
Detention orders are generally issued by the District Magistrate or the Divisional Commissioner.

Issue Related to Preventive Detention

Although preventive detention is intended to protect national security and public order, its use raises several constitutional and human rights concerns.

Restriction on Personal Liberty: Detention without trial affects the fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.
Risk of Arbitrary and Misuse: Broad executive powers may lead to arbitrary detention or misuse against political opponents, activists, or ordinary law and order situations.
Limited Due Process: A detainee is deprived of the safeguards of a regular criminal trial, and the government may withhold certain grounds of detention in the public interest.
Weak Judicial Oversight: Courts mainly review the legality of detention procedures rather than the executive's subjective satisfaction, limiting effective judicial scrutiny.

Supreme Court on Preventive Detention

The Supreme Court of India has consistently held that preventive detention is an exceptional measure and should be used sparingly to protect national security and public order, not as a substitute for ordinary criminal law.

A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950): The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Preventive Detention Act, 1950, recognizing the power of preventive detention under Article 22 while emphasizing compliance with constitutional safeguards.
Ram Manohar Lohia v. State of Bihar (1965): The Court distinguished 'law and order' from 'public order', holding that preventive detention should be invoked only when public order is genuinely threatened.
Ankul Chandra Pradhan v. Union of India (1997): The Court observed that the objective of preventive detention is to prevent future prejudicial activities, not to punish a person for past offences.
Rekha v. State of Tamil Nadu (2011): The Supreme Court ruled that preventive detention should be used only in exceptional circumstances when ordinary criminal law is inadequate.
Ameena Begum v. State of Telangana (2023): The Court reiterated that preventive detention is an extraordinary power meant for emergency situations and should not be used routinely or to bypass normal criminal proceedings.

Preventive Detention FAQs

Q1: What is preventive detention?

Ans: Preventive detention is the detention of a person without trial or conviction to prevent them from committing an offence that may threaten national security, public order, or public safety.

Q2: Which Article of the Constitution deals with preventive detention?

Ans: Article 22 of the Constitution of India provides the constitutional framework and safeguards relating to preventive detention.

Q3: What is the difference between preventive detention and punitive detention?

Ans: Preventive detention aims to prevent a person from committing a future offence, whereas punitive detention is imposed as punishment after a person has committed a crime and is convicted by a court.

Q4: What is the maximum period of preventive detention in India?

Ans: Under Article 22(4), a person cannot ordinarily be detained for more than three months unless an Advisory Board finds sufficient cause for extending the detention.

Q5: Can preventive detention be challenged in court?

Ans: Yes. A preventive detention order can be challenged before the High Courts under Article 226 or the Supreme Court under Article 32 if it violates constitutional provisions or procedural safeguards.

Daily Editorial Analysis 25 July 2026

July 25, 2026

A Growth Story That Needs Women at Work

Context

India aims to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, but achieving this goal requires sustained 8–9% GDP growth, productive employment, and inclusive development.
Rising youth unemployment, slowing structural transformation, increasing income inequality, and low Female Work Participation Rate (WPR) have weakened the economy.
While external shocks such as the West Asia conflict have exposed these vulnerabilities, domestic policy shocks since 2016 have already slowed job creation and reduced private investment.
Unlocking women’s employment is essential for restoring growth.

India’s Employment Challenge

India’s recent growth has been largely jobless, with employment failing to keep pace with the expanding workforce.
Economic disruptions caused by demonetisation, a poorly implemented GST, the NBFC crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic reversed structural transformation by increasing dependence on agriculture and reducing manufacturing employment.
The resulting rise in inequality weakened aggregate demand, lowered private investment, and slowed non-farm job creation, limiting India’s long-term growth potential.

Women’s Employment: A Powerful Growth Multiplier

Expanding women’s participation in the workforce is one of the strongest drivers of economic growth.
A 10-percentage-point increase in female WPR could raise GDP growth by nearly 2 percentage points.
Greater female employment:
Expands the labour supply and productive capacity.
Raises household incomes, consumption, and savings.
Improves nutrition, education, and healthcare, strengthening human capital.
Promotes productivity, innovation, and competitiveness through gender-diverse workplaces.
Women’s employment is therefore both an economic necessity and a tool for inclusive development.

Why India’s Female Work Participation Remains Low

India’s female WPR remains below 30%, among the lowest globally.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, women’s participation was high because of agricultural employment.
However, mechanisation, declining demand for manual labour, and rising education reduced female participation between 2004 and 2018, reflecting the first phase of the U-shaped labour participation hypothesis.

The Illusion of Rising Female Employment after COVID-19

The rise in female WPR after 2020 largely reflected economic distress rather than quality employment.
Pandemic-induced reverse migration and shrinking urban jobs forced many women into Unpaid Family Labour (UFL), subsistence farming, animal husbandry, and poultry.
This distress-driven feminisation of agriculture increased labour participation but not productive or secure employment.

Manufacturing: The Missing Link

India’s growth has been concentrated in capital-intensive sectors such as finance, IT, and organised manufacturing, which generate limited employment.
Labour-intensive industries like textiles, garments, footwear, food processing, and MSMEs experienced declining employment between 2013 and 2019.
Despite Make in India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, women’s manufacturing employment in 2019 remained below its 2004 level, recovering only by 2022. Expanding labour-intensive manufacturing is therefore critical for employment generation.

Regional Divide: Lessons from Tamil Nadu

A sharp North-South divide characterises female employment.
Tamil Nadu, with only 5–6% of India’s population, employs over 40% of the country’s women factory workers due to its strong textile, electronics, footwear, and automobile industries, combined with better female literacy, transport, hostels, and social acceptance of women workers.
In contrast, many northern states suffer from weak public education, poor healthcare, high malnutrition, low female mobility, and limited industrialisation.
Bihar, for instance, has a female WPR of only 15%.

The Crisis of Educated Young Women

Although secondary education has achieved near gender parity, employment opportunities have not kept pace.
The number of women aged 15–29 years who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) has risen from below 70 million before 2004 to over 100 million by 2018.
Rising unemployment among educated women represents a major loss of India’s demographic dividend.

Way Forward

India should promote labour-intensive manufacturing, strengthen MSMEs, improve public education and healthcare, enhance women’s safety, transport, childcare, and hostel facilities, expand skill development, and encourage women’s entrepreneurship.
Replicating the Tamil Nadu model in northern states through industrial clusters and gender-friendly infrastructure can substantially increase female employment and accelerate inclusive growth.

Conclusion

India cannot achieve Viksit Bharat by excluding half of its population from productive employment.
Higher female labour force participation, stronger manufacturing, investment in human capital, and greater gender equality are essential for generating employment, boosting productivity, and sustaining long-term economic growth.
Women’s employment is not merely a social objective but the missing engine of India’s development.

A Growth Story That Needs Women at Work FAQs

Q1. Why is increasing women’s work participation important for India’s growth?

Ans. Increasing women’s work participation expands the labour force, boosts productivity, raises household incomes, and can significantly accelerate India’s GDP growth.

Q2. Why did female work participation rise after 2020?

Ans. Female work participation increased mainly because many women entered unpaid agricultural and family work due to economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q3. How has manufacturing affected women’s employment in India?

Ans. The decline of labour-intensive manufacturing sectors has reduced employment opportunities for women despite industrial initiatives.

Q4. Why is Tamil Nadu considered a model for female employment?

Ans. Tamil Nadu has created large-scale employment for women through strong manufacturing industries, better education, and supportive infrastructure.

Q5. What is the biggest obstacle to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047?

Ans. Excluding a large proportion of women from productive employment is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Source: The Hindu

India’s Foreign Policy Must Look Seaward

Context

India has become the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally, with over 3.2 lakh personnel serving international shipping.
They play a crucial role in global trade, energy security, and the Blue Economy, yet operate in a complex system involving multiple jurisdictions, flags of convenience, and diverse stakeholders.
Recent conflicts in West Asia, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea have exposed the vulnerability of Indian seafarers and underscored the need for stronger protection.

India's Growing Maritime Workforce

Indian seafarers work across international waters without permanently residing abroad.
A single voyage may involve an Indian crew member employed by a foreign company, sailing on a vessel registered in another country and carrying cargo owned elsewhere.
This fragmented structure creates uncertainty regarding responsibility during emergencies, often delaying rescue, legal assistance, and repatriation.

Challenges Faced by Indian Seafarers

Complex Jurisdictional Responsibility
- The multinational nature of shipping often blurs accountability among ship-owners, Flag States, insurers, and port authorities.
- During crises such as attacks, detention, or abandonment, Indian diplomatic missions frequently struggle to identify the responsible authority, delaying assistance.
Rising Security Threats
- Commercial ships increasingly operate through conflict-prone waters.
- Missile attacks, drones, piracy, hostage-taking, and sea mines in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, West Africa, and West Asia have endangered civilian crews.
- Indian seafarers have become unintended victims of geopolitical conflicts despite having no role in them.
Crew Abandonment
- India records one of the highest numbers of abandoned seafarers worldwide.
- Many face unpaid wages, inadequate food and medical care, confiscated documents, and delayed repatriation.
- Weak enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) by some flag States further worsens their plight.
Information and Communication Gaps
- Although ship-tracking technology reveals a vessel's location, it rarely provides information about the crew's safety.
- Families often remain unaware whether their loved ones are injured, detained, or stranded, causing severe anxiety.
Limited Consular Preparedness
- India's diplomatic missions are organised geographically rather than around mobile maritime workers.
- The absence of specialised maritime officers, coordination with ports, hospitals, insurers, and legal experts often slows emergency response.

Government Initiatives

The Seafarer First initiative marks an important step toward proactive protection by introducing a tracking dashboard, monitoring of high-risk regions, and liaison officers for affected families.
The Directorate General of Shipping has also restricted deployment on vessels associated with crew abandonment and advised against deployment through conflict-prone routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Existing Gaps

India still lacks a permanent Maritime Consular Protocol defining responsibilities during emergencies.
Existing bilateral maritime agreements primarily facilitate employment and recognition of certificates but provide limited provisions for legal assistance, consular access, emergency evacuation, or compensation.
Additionally, many seafarers receive insufficient information regarding vessel ownership, insurance status, sanctions, or previous abandonment records before signing contracts.

Way Forward

India should establish a dedicated maritime consular network with trained officers in major shipping hubs.
The Seafarer Dashboard should remain operational for all designated high-risk maritime regions.
A comprehensive Maritime Consular Protocol should define procedures for distress response, rescue, legal aid, and repatriation.
Recruitment agencies must ensure transparency by disclosing vessel ownership, insurance coverage, sanctions, and previous abandonment history before employment.
Seafarers should have the right to refuse deployment into officially designated conflict zones without facing penalties.
At the international level, India should collaborate with the Philippines, Indonesia, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to establish common standards on crew welfare, detention, abandonment, and repatriation.
Stronger enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention and protection of commercial shipping from attacks are essential to safeguarding civilian seafarers.

Conclusion

India's maritime ambitions extend beyond ports, shipping corridors, and naval capability.
They depend equally on protecting the citizens who sustain global maritime commerce.
Ensuring proactive governance, international cooperation, transparent recruitment, robust consular support, and effective legal safeguards will strengthen India's maritime leadership while fulfilling its responsibility towards every Indian seafarer, regardless of the flag under which they serve.

India’s Foreign Policy Must Look Seaward FAQs

Q1. Why are Indian seafarers particularly vulnerable during international conflicts?

Ans. Indian seafarers often work across multiple jurisdictions, making responsibility for their safety, rescue, and repatriation difficult to determine during crises.

Q2. What is the purpose of the Seafarer First initiative?

Ans. The Seafarer First initiative aims to monitor Indian seafarers in high-risk regions through a tracking dashboard and provide liaison officers for affected families.

Q3. What are the major challenges faced by Indian seafarers?

Ans. Indian seafarers face challenges such as jurisdictional ambiguity, security threats, crew abandonment, communication gaps, and limited consular support.

Q4. Why is a Maritime Consular Protocol necessary for India?

Ans. A Maritime Consular Protocol is necessary to establish clear procedures for rescue, legal assistance, emergency response, and repatriation of Indian seafarers.

Q5. How can India strengthen the protection of its seafarers?

Ans. India can strengthen seafarer protection by improving recruitment transparency, enhancing consular support, enforcing international maritime laws, and promoting global cooperation through the IMO and ILO.

Source: The Hindu

Daily Editorial Analysis 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is editorial analysis?

Ans: Editorial analysis is the critical examination and interpretation of newspaper editorials to extract key insights, arguments, and perspectives relevant to UPSC preparation.

Q2: What is an editorial analyst?

Ans: An editorial analyst is someone who studies and breaks down editorials to highlight their relevance, structure, and usefulness for competitive exams like the UPSC.

Q3: What is an editorial for UPSC?

Ans: For UPSC, an editorial refers to opinion-based articles in reputed newspapers that provide analysis on current affairs, governance, policy, and socio-economic issues.

Q4: What are the sources of UPSC Editorial Analysis?

Ans: Key sources include editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express.

Q5: Can Editorial Analysis help in Mains Answer Writing?

Ans: Yes, editorial analysis enhances content quality, analytical depth, and structure in Mains answer writing.

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

July 25, 2026

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A 26-year-old farmer was critically injured in a suspected leopard attack in the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in the Balasore district recently.

About Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

It is situated in the Balasore District of Odisha.
It is spread across the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
It covers an area about 300 sq.km., connected to Simlipal National Park through hills called Sukhupada and Nato.
It is characterized by its complex topography, which includes rolling hills, valleys, and plateaus that contribute to its microclimates.
The local tribal communities, including the Santhal and Munda, maintain a deep-rooted spiritual connection to Kuldiha.
The sanctuary is also home to unique geological formations, such as the ancient rock shelters adorned with petroglyphs that date back thousands of years.
Vegetation: It contains mixed deciduous forest.
Flora: It is dominated by species such as Sal (Shorea robusta) and various bamboo species.
Fauna:
- The dense forests of the region are home to wild animals like the elephants, leopards, deer, bison and Malabar giant squirrels.
- The forest also houses a variety of birds. Some of them are like white-rumped shama, parrot, hornbills, and peafowl.

News: NIE

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: It is located in the Balasore district of Odisha.

Q2: In which physiographic region is Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary situated?

Ans: The Chota Nagpur Plateau region.

Q3: Which national park is connected to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Simlipal National Park.

Q4: Which tribal communities have a deep-rooted spiritual connection with Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: The Santhal and Munda communities.

Q5: What type of vegetation is found in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Mixed deciduous forest.