GS Paper 1

President’s invitation box includes South Indian Handicrafts

Context: Indian President’s invitation box for “At home” reception during Republic Day will include handicraft items from South India.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: GS-1 (Handicraft based questions)

Mains: GS-3 (Analytical question on scope, issues and suggestions for handicraft sector in India)

Major Highlights:

  • Every year the President of India hosts an ‘At Home’ reception on the eve of Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhawan. 
  • Unlike traditional invitation card this year invitation includes a bamboo box along with various handicraft items which are GI tagged (Geographical Indicators) from various South Indian states:
    • Box decorated by Kalamkari Art of Andhra Pradesh
    • Pochampally Ikat from Telangana
    • Ganjifa Art from Mysore
    • Kanjivaram cloth pouch from Tamil Nadu
    • Etikoppaka dolls from Andhra Pradesh.
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Facts about mentioned Handicrafts:

1. Kalamkari Art (Andhra Pradesh):

  • Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form involving hand-painting or block-printing on fabric, often cotton or silk. 
  • Originating in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, its name combines "kalam" (pen) and "kari" (work). Intricate designs depict mythology, nature, and folk tales, using natural dyes for vibrant, eco-friendly colors.
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2. Pochampally Ikat (Telangana):

  • Pochampally Ikat is a traditional handwoven textile from Telangana, India, known for its geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Artisans use a unique tie-and-dye technique on threads before weaving. 
  • Renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, Pochampally Ikat represents India’s rich heritage and is often crafted into sarees, dupattas, and home décor items.
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3. Ganjifa art (Mysore):

  • Ganjifa art is a traditional Indian craft involving hand-painted playing cards, popular during the Mughal and Deccan eras. 
  • Made from cloth or paper, the cards feature intricate designs depicting mythology, flora, and geometric patterns. 
  • Often circular or rectangular, Ganjifa cards are painted with natural pigments, showcasing India's rich artistic heritage.
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4. Kanjivaram (Tamil Nadu):

  • Kanjivaram, or Kanchipuram silk, is a luxurious handwoven silk fabric from Tamil Nadu, India. 
  • Renowned for its vibrant colors, intricate zari work, and durability, it is often used for traditional sarees. 
  • Crafted with pure mulberry silk and gold or silver threads, Kanjivaram symbolises elegance and is treasured for weddings and festive occasions.
image 13

5. Etikoppaka dolls (Andhra Pradesh):

  • Etikoppaka dolls are traditional wooden toys crafted in Etikoppaka, a village in Andhra Pradesh, India. 
  • Made from softwood called "Ankudu," these eco-friendly toys are hand-carved and coated with natural, lacquer-based dyes. 
  • Known for their vibrant colors and smooth finish, Etikoppaka dolls showcase India's artisanal heritage and sustainable craftsmanship.
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Scope for Indian Handicrafts:

  • High global demands: Indian handicraft items are unique in their build, history and decorations, making them highly demanded in the global markets E.g., Madhubani print paintings and Jaipur’s blue pottery. 
  • Expansion of e-commerce: Online websites like Amazon are providing a marketplace for these handicrafts by facilitating both artisans and customers.
  • Tourism extension: Indian Tourism industry is seeking expansion with the rise in UNESCO heritage sites. These arts are promoted as tourism extensions.
  • Government schemes: Schemes like ‘One District One Product’ are promoting local handicrafts in both India and abroad. E.g.; Channapatna toys under ODOP receive government support.
  • Sustainability demand: The world is focusing on reducing solid waste and promoting biodegradable goods. Indian Handicrafts like Bamboo craft from Assam and Etikoppaka toys.

Challenges to Handicrafts in India:

  • Limited market integration: Local Artisans often fail to find an adequate marketplace for their goods. E.g., Traditional Bidriware artisans often rely on local markets, reducing profitability.
  • Competition from machine made clothes: Handicraft items like Kanjivaram and Pochampally Ikat face price competition from bulk made products from machines. Also, cheaper goods made of artificial fiber compete with handicraft goods.
  • Reducing artisans: Artisans are changing their professions due to low profitability of handicrafts creating a void in training of new artisans in the family. E.g., Gujarati Rogan art families are migrating to other professions.
  • Dependence on middleman: Artisans depend on the middle man due to the unregulated and fragmented market of goods making profession less attractive. E.g., Channapatna toy makers often receive a fraction of the retail price.
  • Environmental impact on the raw material of goods impacts the future of arts in a negative manner. E.g., Sandalwood used in many handicraft goods is facing the wrath of climate change.

Suggestions to boost handicrafts:

  • Fashion integration: The handicrafts need to be integrated with the fashion industry with help of NIFT centers. E.g., Banarasi silk sarees and Phulkari embroidery in designer collections.
  • Common market place: There should be a free of cost common market place for the traditional goods and handicrafts to facilitate artisans. E.g., Dilli Haat for regular showcasing of crafts such as Pashmina shawls and Madhubani paintings.
  • Promoting traditional learning with schemes like USTAAD to foster a new generation of artisans.
  • Branding and certification: Handicraft goods to be provided with branding of Geographical Indications to promote their value and artisans profitability.

Conclusion: Indian handicrafts embody cultural heritage and economic potential. Addressing challenges with financial aid, e-commerce, branding, and awareness can preserve traditions, empower artisans, and expand global recognition.

What is the Polar Vortex?

Context: Large swathes of Canada and the USA were hit by a massive winter storm. At least five people have died in the United States over the weekend and the storm has led to mass school closures, dangerous road conditions and power cuts. The extreme weather has been caused by the expansion of the polar vortex southwards.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Polar Vortex. 

What is Polar Vortex?

  • Polar vortex is a circulation of strong, upper-level winds that normally surround the Northern Pole, moving in a counter-clockwise direction, i.e., a polar low-pressure system. 
  • These winds tend to keep the bitter cold air locked in Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. On occasion, this vortex can become distorted and dip much farther South, allowing the cold air to spill Southwards.
  • There are two types of Polar Vortex: Tropospheric and Stratospheric:
  • Tropospheric polar vortex occurs at the lowest layer of the atmosphere — it extends from the surface up to about 10 km to 15 km — where most weather phenomena occur.
  • Stratospheric polar vortex occurs at around 15 km to 50 km high. Unlike the tropospheric polar vortex, the stratospheric polar vortex disappears during the summer and is the strongest during the autumn.

Formation of Polar Vortex:

  • Polar Vortex forms every winter because of the temperature difference between Equator and Poles. 
  • In the polar stratosphere, sunlight basically gets cut off during the late fall and early winter—and that makes it cold, while the equator remains quite warm.
  • A jet forms to balance this temperature difference. This jet is what we call the Polar Vortex or Polar Night Jet.

Distortion of Polar Vortex:

  • When the pressure difference gets lower, the jet streams get weakened and follow a much wavier path. This change in intensity allows the dense Arctic cold wind to spill down to the lower latitudes and lead to major cold air outbreak in the US, parts of Europe, and Asia.
  • This oscillation is known as the Arctic Oscillation, and it can switch from a positive phase to negative phase a few times per year. This oscillation -- namely the Negative phase, where the polar winds are weaker, tends to lead to major cold air outbreaks in one or more regions of the planet.
Polar Vortex

Climate Change and Polar Vortex

  • Scientists are still researching the precise impact of climate change on the polar vortex. Some researchers believe that as the poles are getting warmer at a faster rate than the rest of the Earth, the polar vortex and jet stream are becoming weaker. Warmer temperatures make it easier for the polar vortex and jet stream to get disrupted.
  • This can be understood through following:
    • Jet streams are propelled forward by temperature differences and the Earth's rotation. Warm air is less dense than cold air and rushes to fill in low-pressure regions. Wider temperature differences create faster moving winds.
    • Earth is warming more quickly at the poles than at the mid-latitude regions, meaning the temperature contrast that drives jet streams has decreased.
    • Complex sequence of events involving sea ice, which is rapidly diminishing in the Arctic. As ice retreats, summertime heat is absorbed by the dark ocean that lies underneath. This heat is released into the atmosphere during winter, spurring winds that can disrupt the polar vortex.

River Interlinking: Merits & Challenges 

Context: On December 25, 2024, the Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, which aims to solve the water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region that covers parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Interlinking of rivers is necessary to overcome the anomaly of uneven temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall in the country. It is also necessary to remove the regional imbalances in the country. 

Relevance of the Topic:Mains: River interlinking: Concept, Merits & Challenges 

Evolution of the concept

  • The concept of inter-basin transfer was proposed 130 years ago by Sir Arthur Cotton, who designed irrigation dams in the Godavari and Krishna river valleys. 
  • M. Visvesvaraya, an early icon among Indian engineers, further refined this idea. 
  • K.L. Rao and Captain Dinshaw J. Dastur subsequently expanded the scope of this concept in 1970 and 1980. 
  • Initially termed the ‘National Water Grid’, this concept re-emerged as the ‘River-Interlinking Project’ (ILR) from the Ministry of Water Resources to transfer surplus waters from the Ganga and the Brahmaputra to water-deficient regions in Central and Southern India.
  • Following this, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was established in 1982 to conduct surveys and investigations, and to prepare feasibility reports for links under the National Perspective Plan. The NWDA identified 30 links for feasibility studies, divided into 14 Himalayan and 16 Peninsular river links.
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Merits of River Interlinking

  1. Water Resource Management:
    • Helps in transferring surplus water from water-rich basins to water-deficient regions, ensuring equitable distribution of water.
  2. Agricultural Productivity:
    • Enhances irrigation potential in drought-prone areas, potentially boosting agricultural output and ensuring food security.
  3. Flood and Drought Mitigation:
    • Reduces the frequency and intensity of floods in surplus regions and mitigates drought in deficit areas.
  4. Hydropower Generation:
    • Provides opportunities for hydropower development, contributing to renewable energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
  5. Inland Navigation:
    • Facilitates the development of waterways for transportation, reducing the burden on road and rail networks.
  6. Socio-economic Benefits:
    • Promotes rural development, creates job opportunities, and improves livelihoods through better water availability.
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Issues and Concerns Related to River Interlinking

  1. Environmental Impact:
    • Alters natural river ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, wetlands, and forests.
    • Low flow of fresh water to the seas and Oceans can impact salinity levels, water chemistry and related impacts.
    • Regime change of rivers and consequential changes in physical and chemical composition of sediment, river morphology and shape of delta. 
    • Submergence of land leading to deforestation and soil erosion. 
    • Dams result in diversion of forest areas, increased methane emissions from reservoirs, reservoir induced seismicity. 
    • There can be waterlogging and salinity intrusion related issues. 
    • Changes in surface water distribution could alter groundwater recharge patterns, potentially causing overextraction in certain areas.
  2. Displacement of Communities:
    • Large-scale projects require land acquisition, leading to displacement of people, particularly tribal communities.
  3. High Cost and Financial Burden:
    • Projects require massive investments, which may strain public finances and lead to delays in execution.
  4. Interstate Water Disputes:
    • Sharing and transferring water across states could exacerbate existing water-sharing disputes.
  5. Climate Change Uncertainty:
    • Changing rainfall patterns and unpredictable water availability may render some projects ineffective or unsustainable.
  6. Siltation and Maintenance Issues:
    • Interlinking projects may face challenges like siltation in canals and reservoirs, increasing maintenance costs.

Also, the water surplus in most river basins of India is during the same period of monsoons. After the monsoon season even the so-called water surplus states such as Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand face water deficits. Hence, during this period there will be no surplus left to transfer to peninsular states.

Some Examples & Case Studies:

  • Channelisation of the Kissimmee river in the State of Florida, authorised by the U.S. Congress in 1954 to mitigate flooding, is an environmental disaster, resulting in the loss of wetlands. Massive resources are being spent to revive its original configuration. 
  • The current state of the Aral Sea — one of the world’s largest lakes — is another example of how geoengineering projects destroy natural systems. The lake has now become a howling desert after the rivers that sustained it were diverted by irrigation projects implemented during the heady days of the Soviet Union.
  • The Indus Delta offers a crucial lesson. Alice Albinia, in her book, Empires of the Indus: The Story of a River (2008), narrates how a delta system at the mouth of the Indus — which was once “the richest in all Pakistan” — became impoverished when the British started barrage construction, which Pakistan continued after 1947.

Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project: 

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Background: 

  • The project is a tripartite agreement between Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and the Central Government. 
  • This project includes transfer of surplus water from the Ken basin in Madhya Pradesh to the deficit Betwa basin in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • This project is part of the National river linking project to connect 14 Himalayan and 16 peninsular rivers. 
  • The central government will contribute 90% of the project. It is India’s first river linking project.

Benefits of the project as per the government: 

  • It will enhance the irrigation potential of the water starved Bundelkhand region in UP and MP. It will also facilitate ground water recharge and reduce the occurrence of floods. 

Concerns associated with the project: 

  • About 12,500 hectares of land is going to get submerged. This includes 9,000 hectares of forest and also Penna Tiger Reserve. 
  • Damage to the forest might create issues with rainfall patterns in the region. 
  • Ken river is not perennial hence could not meet the surplus demand of water.
  • About 30% of the 103 MW of energy would be spent on lifting the water as Betwa is higher than Ken.
  • The Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has already raised concerns about the project.
  • The cost-benefit calculations of the project also do not take into consideration the environmental and social costs.

Read More: Ken-Betwa Link Project 

Way Forward

  • In interlinking proposals, a provision of the minimum lean season flow should be safeguarded to maintain the ecology and the river regime
  • Cumulative impact assessment for the entire project should be done and not on component-by-component basis.
  • Rehabilitation and Resettlement should be done prior to undertaking the projects.
  • First projects should be identified which has least opposition. Ken Betwa Linkage is the first Inter-linkage proposal to be taken up; it should be completed as the lighthouse of the project.
  • Focus should be on reforming the water governance (as per Mihir Shah Committee Report), focus on water use efficiency, participatory water governance and reforms in water usage in the agricultural sector.

Global Water Monitor Report 2024

Context: According to the Global Water Monitor Report 2024, climate change has been wreaking havoc on Earth’s water cycle by disrupting how water circulates between the ground, oceans and atmosphere.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Water Cycle; Global Water Monitor Report 2024. 

Water Cycle

  • It involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-atmosphere system. 
  • There are many processes involved in the water cycle, the most important are evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. 
Water Cycle
  • Although the total amount of water within the cycle remains essentially constant, its distribution among the various processes is continually changing.
  • Most water cycles through the planet because of the energy from the Sun and changes in temperatures.
  • The water cycle is crucial as it not only enables the availability of water for all living organisms but also regulates weather patterns on the Earth. 

Components and Processes of the Water Cycle

ComponentsProcesses
Water storage in oceansEvaporation, Evapotranspiration, Sublimation
Water in the atmosphereCondensation, Precipitation
Water storage in ice and snowSnowmelt runoff to streams
Surface runoffStream flow, freshwater storage, infiltration
Groundwater storageGroundwater discharge springs

What is Climate Change?

  • Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and average temperatures on Earth, primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
  • Characterised by: Increase in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, which traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere and leads to global warming.
  • Impacts: Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, melting glaciers and polar ice caps, sea-level rise, and altered ecosystems.
  • Consequences: Far-reaching consequences for human societies, ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and natural disasters, posing significant challenges to global sustainability and the well-being of future generations.

Global Water Monitor Report 2024

  • Report: Global Water Monitor Report – 2024
  • Published by: Consortium of researchers from universities and organisations in countries like Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, Austria, USA, Netherlands and Denmark etc.

Key Global Findings

  • Climate change has intensified the water cycle by increasing the rate of evaporation, driven by rising air temperatures. This has resulted in increasing the strength, duration and rainfall intensity of monsoons, cyclones and other storm systems, causing severe flooding across the world.
  • Water-related disasters caused major damage in 2024. They caused over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and inflicted more than US$550 billion in damages. Flash floods, landslides, and tropical cyclones were the worst types of disasters in terms of casualties and economic damage.
  • Both High rainfall and Drought are becoming more extreme. In 2024, months with record-low precipitation were 38% more common than during the baseline period of 1995-2005, while record-high 24h rainfall extremes were 52% more frequent.
  • Rainfall records are being broken with increasing regularity. For instance, record highs for monthly rainfall were set 27% more often in 2024 than in the year 2000, and daily rainfall records were set 52% more frequently.
  • Global temperatures continue to increase rapidly. Average air temperature over land area hit an all-time high, reaching 1.2°C above the 1995-2005 average. Over 111 countries experienced their warmest year yet, while 34 countries set new maximum temperature records.
  • Last year, most of the world’s dry regions experienced ongoing low values of the terrestrial water storage (TWS). However, the values increased in western, Central and Eastern Africa.
  • The outlook for 2025 shows increased risks. Seasonal climate forecasts and current catchment conditions signal potential worsening of droughts in northern South America, southern Africa, and parts of Asia. Wetter regions like the Sahel and Europe may face elevated flood risk. 

Other Reports Cited

  • Nature journal – Study titled ‘Observed poleward freshwater transport since 1970’ (published in 2022) found that climate change had intensified the global water cycle by up to 7.4%.
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - In its sixth assessment report in 2021 said climate change will cause long-term changes to the water cycle. This would lead to more frequent and intense droughts and extreme rainfall events, the report added.

Read More:  Impacts of Climate Change 

Mystery of the Indus Valley Script

Context: The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the script of the Indus Valley Civilisation. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Indus Valley Civilisation and Indus Valley Script. 

About Indus Valley Civilisation

  • In 1924, Sir John Marshall announced the discovery of the Bronze Age culture  or Harappan Civilization in the valley of the Indus between c. 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE.
  • IVC flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia, primarily in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Key archaeological sites include:
    • Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan): One of the first sites to be excavated, giving its name to the civilisation.
    • Mohenjo-daro (Sindh, Pakistan): Known for its advanced urban planning and the Great Bath.
    • Dholavira (Gujarat, India): Notable for its unique water conservation system.
    • Lothal (Gujarat, India): An important port city with a dockyard.
    • Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India): One of the largest Harappan sites.
Indus Valley Civilisation

Indus Valley Script: 

  • Harappan script is largely undeciphered. Attempts have been made to compare it with the contemporary scripts of Mesopotamia and Egypt, but it is the indigenous product of the Indus region and does not indicate any connection with the scripts of western Asia. 
  • Key Features: 
    • Short inscriptions: Indus inscriptions are very short – with only about five characters on average – with the longest having only 26 characters.
    • Boustrophedon script: Harappan script is boustrophedon, i.e., it is written from right to left on one line and then from left to right in the next line. 
    • Pictographic script: The Harappan script is not alphabetical but largely pictographic. There are about 250 to 400 pictographs in the form of a picture; each letter stands for some sound, idea, or object. 
  • There are nearly 4000 specimens of Harappan writing on stone seals and other objects.
    • Unlike the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, the Harappans did not write long inscriptions. 
    • Most inscriptions were recorded on seals and contain only a few words. These seals may have been used by the proprietors to mark and identify their private property. 
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Plight of Migrant Workers

Context: According to a UNESCO report, internal migrants contribute to around 10% of India's GDP, however, migrant workers are often disregarded and considered forgotten citizens. The state mechanisms show lack of care and attention towards the plight of migrant workers.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains- Migration: Status, drivers, challenges associated, government initiatives and way forward. 

Status of Migration in India

  • As per the Census 2011, the total number of internal migrants in India were estimated to be 450 million (37% of the country’s population).
    • This had risen by 139 million from 315 million in 2001 in Census 2011 and 220 million in 1991, a doubling over 1991-2011.
  • As per NSS 2020-21 Survey: One in three Urban Indians is a ‘migrant’ but mostly intra-state. Among migrants, 55% have moved between villages, mostly women moving after marriage.
  • Marriage is a larger driver of migration than jobs for women. Jobs are the biggest reason for migration from men.
  • Himachal Pradesh and Telangana have the highest share of job-related migrants in their total urban male population.
  • Delhi has the highest share of persons (21.3%) who have come from outside its territory.

Drivers of Migration

  • Caste-based discrimination: Disadvantaged caste groups embrace migration as an opportunity to escape unfair practices in their villages, such as caste based discrimination in accessing employment, opting for other livelihood options.
  • Natural disasters and climatic conditions contribute to migration in search of livelihoods.
  • Uneven growth: The central, eastern and north-eastern parts of India have low levels of urbanisation, forcing workers to migrate to the southern and western regions, as they offer more employment opportunities.
  • Social mobility: Migration helps workers to finance expenses for marriage or to enhance their asset base, by means such as improving housing or even buying land.

Caste and Migration

  • According to NSS data, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are over-represented in short-term migration streams and under-represented in long-term migration streams.
  • While a substantial portion of migration for all social categories is because of marriage, a high share of both the SC and non-SC/ST categories report migrating for employment.
  • Apart from economic reasons, Lower caste groups also migrate from rural to urban areas to escape from the caste-based discrimination in their source regions.
  • SC and ST migrants are largely confined to construction sector and other informal jobs due to poor skills and lack of social networking.

Issues of Migrant Population:

  • Official Invisibility: The migrant workforce is almost invisible in official data. This absence results in deprivation of social protection programmes offered by the state.
  • No Bargaining Power: Migrant Workforce is a highly diverse group. Hence, they lack any power to bargain collectively and are susceptible to exploitation.
  • Political Exclusion: Political parties do not always recognise migrants as a political constituency and respond to their concerns, since they most often don’t exercise their voting rights in destination places.
  • Exclusion from welfare schemes: Most of the welfare schemes are linked to the place of origin of the migrants. Lack of access to proper government documents (E.g., local address proof for voter ID) deprives them from accessing most govt schemes and policies.
  • Discontinuation of education: Seasonal migrants often take their children along when they migrate for work, which negatively impacts upon the regular and continued schooling of children.
  • Violence: Social exclusion and hostility against the migrants owing to rising sense of regionalism.

Government Intervention for Migrant Workers:

●  e-SHRAM portal: To create a national database of unorganised workers seeded with Aadhaar. It is also to facilitate delivery of Social Security and welfare Schemes to such workers.

●  One Nation One Ration Card: To create a technology system which will be used for enabling migrants to access Ration from any Fair Price Shop in India.

●  Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) for Migrant Workers/Urban Poor (under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban ): To cater to the housing needs of eligible beneficiaries.

●  Code on Social Security, 2020: The code broadens the definition of an employee to encompass informal workers to extend the existing social security net. Under this central government will establish social security funds for informal workers, gig workers, and platform workers.

●  Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi): To offer affordable working capital loans to street vendors, enabling them to restart their livelihoods adversely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.

●  State Migrant Cell: Established to develop a database of migrant workers in various states, along with comprehensive mapping.

●  Election Commission's remote voting plan for migrants: That would allow domestic migrants to vote in national and regional elections for enabling political inclusion of migrant workers so they can demand their entitlements.

Inter-state Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979:

  • The Inter-state Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act was enacted by the Government of India in 1979 to safeguard the interests of migrant workers.
  • ●  The act provides for payment of minimum wages, equal payment at par with local workers for similar work, payment of journey allowance, suitable accommodation, and medical facilities free of charge among others.
    • Employers must obtain a licence from the relevant authority before employing a migrant worker. Migrant workers must be registered with the district magistrate before being employed.
    • Principal employer: If a contractor does not pay wages and other benefits to migrant workers, the principal employer is responsible.
    • Penalties: The penalty for violations of the act is up to one year in prison or a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.
  • Issues: The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 has some issues, including:
    • Poor Compliance: Many migrant workers are not registered with licensed contractors, which means they do not receive the benefits of the act. Migrant workers were recruited through agents/contractors to work on large construction and other projects from outside the state and this system lends itself to various abuses.
    • India’s labour force remains largely informal and unorganised. However, there has been a lack of systematic data on unorganised workers.

Recommendations of NITI Aayog

To overcome the challenges faced by the migrants, NITI Aayog prepared a Draft policy on Migrant workers. Major recommendations of the policy are:

  • Rights-based Approach: This approach towards Migrant workers will lead to enhancing the agency and capability of the community.
  • Political inclusion of Migrant Workers to enhance accountability of political leadership towards welfare of migrant workers of their respective states.
  • Amending Inter State Migrant Workers Act, 1979 as the existing law protects only labourers migrating through a contractor, and left out independent migrants.
  • Collecting credible data on Migrants and Creation of a central database to help employers fill the gap between demand and supply and ensure maximum benefit of social welfare schemes.
  • Setting up Inter-State Coordination mechanisms and adopting strategies to check distress migration.

Addressing various challenges of Migrants is crucial for seamless migration of labourers across the country and economic unification of the country.

Modhweth Festival

Context: Members of the Toda tribe in the Nilgiris district gather around a ‘Moonpo’ (head) temple in the Muthanad mund (village) in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) .

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Modhweth Festival; Toda Tribe. 

About Modhweth Festival

Modhweth Festival
  •  Modhweth Festival is the most important festival of the Toda tribe. 
  • The yearly festival is celebrated at the Moonpo temple in Muthanadu Mund (village) in the Nilgiri district, during the last Sunday of December or on the first Sunday of January.
    • Moonpo temple is an ancient temple known for its vertical spire made of thatched roof with a flat stone on top.
    • The temple is unique in that it is one of the last of the Toda temples with a similar design left in the Nilgiris. 
    • Toda men from 14 different clans living in different villages in the upper slopes of the Nilgiris come to the village to celebrate the festival. The temple draws not just Todas but also other tourists.
  • As part of the celebrations, the Todas offer prayers to the deity, Thenkish Amman, and perform a dance outside the temple. They pray to the deity to give good health, rains and harvests during the coming year.
  • The celebrations culminate with Toda youth lifting a greased boulder, weighing around 80 kg, to showcase their strength, balance and masculinity. 
  • As is the custom with most Toda rituals, women were excluded from taking part in the celebrations.

About Toda Tribe

image 50
  • Toda is a pastoral Dravidian tribe living in Nilgiri region of Tamil Nadu state. 
  • Todas traditionally live in settlements called mund, consisting of three to seven small thatched houses, constructed in the shape of half-barrels and located across the slopes of the pasture, on which they keep domestic buffalo. 
  • Toda lands are now a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO designated International Biosphere Reserve and their territory is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Their sole occupation is cattle-herding and dairy-work. The Todas are vegetarians and do not eat meat, eggs that can hatch, or fish.
  • Toda religious life and practices stem from a pantheon of gods. The heads of this pantheon are the goddess Tökisy and the god of the underworld Ön.
  • Toda language belongs to the Dravidian language family.
  • Todas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tamil Nadu. 

Jallikattu

Context: Tamil Nadu’s first Jallikattu of 2025 was held at Thatchankurichi village, Pudukottai district, marking the beginning of the bull-taming season in the state ahead of Pongal festivities. Twenty people were injured at the end of the event.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Jallikattu. 

About Jallikattu

Jallikattu
  • Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport from Tamil Nadu, also known with the other names like Sallikkattu, Eru Taḻuvuṭal and Manju-virattu. 
  • In this event, a zebu bull such as the Pulikulam or Kangayam breeds, is released into a crowd of people (not teams), and many people attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. They hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, they must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns.
  • Etymology: Term  or sallikattu is derived from salli ('coins') and kattu ('package'), which refers to a prize of coins that is tied to the bull's horns and that participants attempt to retrieve.
  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Duration of the year: January (during Pongal)

History of the Event

  • Inception: around 6th-1st century BCE (Sangam period)
  • It began during the Sangam period when Ayar tribal people living in Mullai region (dense forest) of Tamil Nadu started playing this sport. 
  • A cave painting in white kaolin was discovered near Madurai, depicting a lone man trying to control a bull, is estimated to be about 1,500 years old.
  • Legal backing: In May 2023: A five judge Constitution Bench dismissed petitions challenging constitutionality of Jallikattu and upheld the validity Tamil Nadu laws protecting the sport.

Winter Char Dham Circuit

Context: In December 2024, the state government of Uttarakhand inaugurated the winter Char Dham circuit, aimed at drawing tourists to the state in the off-season winter months.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about the Char Dhams and the Winter Char Dhams. 

Char Dham in Uttarakhand

  • Char Dham are four revered Hindu shrines or dhams located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. 
    • Gangotri: shrine of Goddess Ganga (Uttarkashi)
    • Yamunotri: shrine of Goddess Yamuna (Uttarkashi)
    • Kedarnath: shrine of Lord Shiva (Rudraprayag)
    • Badrinath: shrine of Lord Vishnu (Chamoli)
  • Each year, from May to November, lakhs of pilgrims visit these shrines, accounting for roughly 8.4% of Uttarakhand’s annual domestic tourist footfall.
Char Dham in Uttarakhand

Winter Char Dham Circuit

  • During the winter months, heavy snowfall leaves Char Dham shrines inaccessible, and their gates are shut. 
  • The presiding deities of these temples are brought to shrines at lower altitudes:
    • Mukhba in Uttarkashi is the winter seat of Gangotri Dham
    • Kharsali in Uttarkashi is the winter seat of Yamunotri Dham
    • Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag is the winter seat for Kedarnath. 
    • Pandukeshwar in Chamoli is the winter seat for Badrinath. 
  • The winter Char Dham circuit is aimed at drawing pilgrims to these shrines, and thus attract tourist footfall to Uttarakhand during off-season months. 

Concerns:

The increased footfall of tourists leads to:

  • Winter Char Dham yatra might risk the safety, security and health of tourists, given the terrain and harsh weather in the mountain areas of Uttarakhand.
  • During winter, rare and threatened animals on the high mountain slopes and crests come down for food and water. Traffic during winters can cause disturbance for wildlife like snow leopard and mountain sheep.

Conclusion: As per the recommendation of the National Green Tribunal, the state government must ascertain the carrying capacity of the Char Dham to ensure the delicate balance of infrastructural construction and environmental considerations.

Panama Canal

Context: The US President-elect Donald Trump criticised the current management of the Panama Canal,  called the ‘Panama Treaty’ foolish and intended to regain the Panama Canal.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Map based questions in Prelims on Straits and Canals.

Panama Canal

About Panama Canal

  • Panama Canal is a man-made sea route that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
  • The approximately 80 km long canal is  constructed across the Isthmus of Panama, Panama Country. It was constructed by the US and officially opened in 1914.
  • The canal is one of the major choke points of the world. It handles the 6% maritime trade volume of the world, and significantly reduces the cost, time and distance for international trade.
image 26

Transfer of Panama Canal to Panama: 

  • The Panama Treaty, also known as the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, was signed between the US and Panama in 1977 to hand over the canal to Panama in a phased manner. 
  • Transfer of Control: The Canal was turned over to Panama on December 31, 1999. 

National Maritime Heritage Complex

Context: The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), envisaged to be one of the largest maritime complexes in the world, is under construction near Lothal in Gujarat.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about National Maritime Heritage Complex; Lothal. 

About National Maritime Heritage Complex

  • National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is an under construction tourism complex near Lothal, Gujarat.
  • Spread over 400 acres, the complex will present the maritime history & heritage of India covering 4500 years.
  • Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway.
  • Project components of NMHC include NMHC museum; Open Aquatic Gallery, Lighthouse Museum, Bagicha Complex, Coastal State Pavilions and Recreation of Lothal city, Eco resorts and Museuotel, Theme based parks, Maritime research institute etc.
  • The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) will construct the World's tallest light house in the complex.

Vision of this complex

Mission

  • To develop a world class and unique in its nature complex, highlighting the historic maritime legacy of the country.
  • Comprehensive integration of past, present, and future maritime activities with an integrated network of components.
  • Sustainable strategies to respond to the local environment.
  • Edutainment through interactive and experiential playful exploration of objects for holistic learning.

About Lothal IVC site

Historical Significance

  • Lothal was an ancient maritime port city of the Indus Valley Civillisation, dating back 4500 years.
  • Location: Ahmedabad district, Gujarat (80 km southwest of Ahmedabad).
  • The name "Lothal" combines two Gujarati words, Loth and Thal, meaning "the mound of the dead."
  • It flourished as a thriving trading port during 3700 BCE, linked to ancient trade routes from Sindh to Saurashtra.
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Archaeological Discoveries

  • Excavations (1955–1960) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered the world’s oldest known artificial dock, connected to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
  • Key features include:
    • Acropolis and Lower Town
    • Bead Factory and Warehouses
    • Advanced Drainage System
    • Unearthed canals and dockyards highlight its significance as a trading hub.

Global Connections

  • Artefacts suggest trade links with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.
  • An entire township with markets and docks showcases the city’s advanced urban planning.

Artefacts and Museum

  • The Archaeological Museum near the site displays:
    • Jewellery, pottery, seals, religious symbols.
    • Everyday objects that reflect the daily life and craftsmanship of the time.
image 201

UNESCO Nomination

Archaeological Legacy

Reduction in Domestic Migration

Context: As per the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) Report, “400 Million Dreams” the domestic migration has reduced by 11.78% as compared to 2011 census. 

Relevance of the Topic Mains: Labour issues and Migration led economy. 

Major Highlights:

  • The EAC-PM has highlighted the reduction in migration rate from 37.64% in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023. In 2023, the estimated number of migrants is about 40.20 crore as compared to 45.57 crore in census 2011. 
  • Three datasets were used to estimate the data:
    • Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System data on passenger volume. 
    • Mobile telephone roaming data from TRAI
    • District level banking data on remittances 
  • Cities attracting the most migrants: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad. 
  • West Bengal, Rajasthan and Karnataka have shown maximum growth in migrant arrivals. 
  • Hypothesis for trend: Report suggests improvement in health, education and economic opportunities in small cities as the reason for reduction in the migration rate. 

Other Possible Reasons for Reduction in Migration

  • Reduced urban center attraction: The urban centers are suffering from decaying infrastructure, high inflation and poor housing conditions. This can reduce the migration towards the urban centers. 
  • Preference to short distance migration: Migrants from semi-urban centers can prefer short distance migration to seek better economic opportunities.
  • Policy factor: Government policies like Aspirational District Programme has promoted the jobs and quality of life in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, reducing migration
  • Emerging labour opportunities: Percolation of development to the semi-urban areas especially the infrastructure projects creates a labour market in the small towns. 

Also Read: Migration in India: Current Issue and Challenges 

About EAC-PM

  • Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister is an independent, non-constitutional and non-permanent body formed to provide objective advice on economic policy matters to the Prime Minister. 
  • It consists of a chairperson, followed by experts from domains like economy, finance, agriculture etc.

Conclusion: The findings in the report not only highlights the migration pattern but also indicates the potential better economic conditions in semi-urban areas, reducing the necessity of migration to urban centers.