Author: karthik

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 Syllabus: Culture   Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals in Jainism, commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankara. In 2025, the festival falls on Thursday, April 10, marking the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. This auspicious day reflects the core values of Jain philosophy—Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-attachment). It is observed with devotion, reflection, charity, and celebration by Jain communities across India and around the world. Festival Date: April 10, 2025 (Thursday) Tithi: Trayodashi of Shukla Paksha, Chaitra month Timing: Begins April 9 at 10:55 PM and ends April 11 at 1:00 AM (Drik Panchang) Historical Background Born as Vardhamana in 599 BCE at Kundalagrama (present-day Vaishali, Bihar) Parents: Queen Trishala and King Siddhartha Renounced royal life at age 30 in pursuit of spiritual truth Attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) after 12 years of penance Spread the message of liberation, self-discipline, and non-violence Achieved Moksha at age 72 in 527 BCE     Significance Honors Lord Mahavir’s birth and his spiritual teachings Promotes Jain ideals of truth, non-violence, and minimalism Encourages detachment from material desires and ego A time for introspection, spiritual growth, and community service   Celebrations & Rituals Temple visits, prayer offerings, and spiritual discourses Reading of Jain Agamas (scriptures) Acts of charity: feeding the poor, donations, and volunteering Rath Yatras (chariot processions) with Lord Mahavir’s idol Hymns, meditation, and teachings shared among devotees Celebrated not only in India but also in Nepal, UK, USA, and other parts of the world   Cultural Beliefs According to the Swetambar tradition, Queen Trishala had 14 auspicious dreams before Mahavir’s birth, symbolizing his future greatness Believed to be destined as either a great emperor or a spiritual leader The name Mahavira, meaning “Great Hero”, reflects his mastery over worldly temptations and senses With reference to Lord Mahavir and Jainism, consider the following statements: Lord Mahavir was born into a royal Kshatriya family in a region corresponding to present-day Uttar Pradesh. He attained Moksha at Pavapuri, which is located in modern-day Jharkhand. The Digambara sect of Jainism believes that Mahavir never married, whereas Svetambaras maintain he had a daughter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: C. 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, near Vaishali in Bihar, not Uttar Pradesh. Statement 2 is incorrect: Though Pavapuri is associated with Lord Mahavir’s Moksha, it is located in Bihar, not Jharkhand. Statement 3 is correct: There is a doctrinal difference—Svetambaras believe Mahavir married and had a daughter, whereas Digambaras assert he remained unmarried. World Homeopathy Day 2025 Date, Significance, Background Syllabus:Health   Overview: World Homeopathy Day is observed annually on April 10 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, the German physician and founder of homeopathy. The day serves to acknowledge homeopathy’s contributions to holistic and integrative healthcare, while encouraging scientific discourse, public awareness, and policy engagement.   Significance and Purpose Historical Relevance: Honors Dr. Hahnemann, who pioneered homeopathy in the late 18th century based on the core principle of “Similia Similibus Curentur” (like cures like). Healthcare Contribution: Highlights homeopathy’s role as a complementary medical system focused on natural, non-invasive, and patient-centric healing. Global Impact: Over 200 million people worldwide, particularly in India, utilize homeopathic treatments for a wide range of ailments.   Core Principles of Homeopathy Philosophy: Treats patients using highly diluted substances that stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Sources of Remedies: Derived from plants, minerals, animals, and synthetic compounds. Treatment Approach: Aims to address the root cause of illness, focusing on the mind-body connection.   Objectives of World Homeopathy Day AwarenessGeneration: Educates the public about the efficacy, safety, and scope of homeopathy in modern healthcare. ScientificAdvancement: Encourages research, clinical validation, and evidence-based practice through academic and institutional collaboration. Healthcare:Integration: Promotes dialogue for synergizing homeopathy with conventional medicine to ensure comprehensive patient care. Myth:Busting: Addresses misconceptions and counters misinformation regarding homeopathy’s effectiveness and scientific basis.   Key Activities and Events (2025) Health Camps: Free consultations and distribution of homeopathic remedies. Workshops and Webinars: Expert-led sessions on treatment principles and patient outcomes. Educational Campaigns: Outreach programs in schools and colleges to inform youth. Recognition Programs: Awards for distinguished contributions by homeopathic practitioners and researchers. Community Engagement: “Plant a Medicinal Garden” initiative to promote herbal awareness. Student Competitions to foster academic interest in holistic medicine. Social Media Campaigns using hashtags like #WorldHomeopathyDay.   Ways to Participate Organize Public Seminars or community events on holistic health. Offer Free Check-ups at local clinics to encourage first-time users. Launch Digital Awareness Campaigns featuring patient testimonials and expert interviews. Collaborate with Healthcare Influencers to amplify reach and trust. Involve Youth through quizzes, essay contests, and science projects on homeopathy.   Conclusion World Homeopathy Day is not only a tribute to Dr. Hahnemann’s legacy but also a platform to re-evaluate homeopathy’s role in 21st-century healthcare. By fostering public awareness, encouraging interdisciplinary research, and promoting inclusive health policies, the day underscores the enduring relevance of holistic healing in a scientifically evolving world. With reference to World Homeopathy Day, consider the following statements: It is celebrated annually on April 10 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Edward Bach. Homeopathy follows the principle of “like cures like.” India is the country with the largest number of homeopathy users globally. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; World Homeopathy Day is celebrated on April 10 in honor of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, not Edward Bach. Statement 2 is correct; homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like.” Statement 3 is also correct; India has the largest number of homeopathy users. IIM-Ahmedabad to Set Up Campus in Dubai Syllabus:IR In a landmark move toward global expansion, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad

Dokra Art Syllabus: GS1/ Art & Culture   In a notable gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Dokra Brass Peacock Boat with a Tribal Rider to the Thai Prime Minister.   About Dokra Art Dokra art, an ancient craft dating back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization, is known for its rich history and craftsmanship. The iconic Dancing Girl sculpture from Mohenjo-daro is one of the most famous examples of this art form. The name “Dokra” is believed to have originated from the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal. A defining characteristic of Dokra art is its use of the lost wax casting technique. This method involves creating a mold that is only used once and then broken, ensuring that each Dokra artifact is unique in its design. In recognition of its cultural significance, the Dokra art from Bankura in West Bengal was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2008, further highlighting the importance of preserving this ancient art form. Consider the following statements about Dokra Art: Dokra Art traces its origins to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal are credited with the name and origin of Dokra Art. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Dokra of Bankura was granted in 2005. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Statement 1: Correct – Dokra art is believed to have origins dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The famous “Dancing Girl” sculpture from Mohenjo-daro is considered an example of early casting techniques that later influenced Dokra art. Statement 2: Correct – The name “Dokra” is believed to have originated from the Dhokra Damar tribes in West Bengal, who are the primary practitioners of this art form. Statement 3: Incorrect – The GI tag for Dokra of Bankura, West Bengal, was granted in 2008, not 2005. Gaza Strip Syllabus: GS1/ Places in News Israel has gained control over more than 50% of the Gaza Strip’s territory since resuming its military operations against Hamas.     About the Gaza Strip: Location: The Gaza Strip is a small region situated along the eastern Mediterranean coast. It borders Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the southwest, covering approximately 365 square kilometers. Conflict Zone: The Gaza Strip has been the site of recurring conflicts between Israel and Hamas, with major wars occurring in 2008, 2012, 2014, and most recently in 2023–2024. Humanitarian Crisis: Due to the ongoing blockade and repeated conflicts, the Gaza Strip faces severe humanitarian challenges, including high unemployment, limited access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare, and widespread poverty. With reference to the Gaza Strip, consider the following statements: It shares a border with both Israel and Jordan. It has an area less than that of the Indian city of Mumbai. It lies along the Red Sea coast. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?A. 1 and 3 onlyB. 2 onlyC. 2 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Gaza shares borders with Israel and Egypt, not Jordan. Statement 2 is correct: Gaza Strip’s area is approx. 365 sq km, which is less than Mumbai’s area (~603 sq km). Statement 3 is incorrect: It lies along the eastern Mediterranean Sea, not the Red Sea. Palna Scheme Under Mission Shakti Syllabus: GS2/ Health     Context: The Palna Scheme addresses the pressing childcare needs of working mothers by offering quality crèche services, thereby facilitating their participation in the workforce without compromising the well-being of their children. The scheme also contributes to the recognition and formalization of unpaid care work, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 8 – promoting decent work and economic growth. About the Scheme: Launched in 2022, the Palna Scheme is the restructured version of the erstwhile National Crèche Scheme. It functions under the ‘Samarthya’ sub-scheme of the umbrella programme ‘Mission Shakti’. The scheme is Centrally Sponsored, with a Centre-State funding pattern: 60:40 for States and UTs with legislature. 90:10 for North-Eastern and Special Category States. 100% Central assistance for UTs without legislature. It ensures active participation of States/UTs to strengthen implementation, monitoring, and accountability.   Objectives: To provide safe, secure, and high-quality crèche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years. To support the nutritional needs, health, and early cognitive development of children. To facilitate growth monitoring, immunization, and other essential early childhood services. The scheme is universal in access, providing services to all mothers, regardless of their employment status. With reference to the Palna Scheme, consider the following statements: It is implemented under the Samarthya sub-scheme of Mission Shakti. The scheme is applicable only to mothers who are engaged in formal employment. For UTs without legislatures, the entire cost is borne by the Central Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 1 and 3 onlyC. 2 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Palna is a sub-component of ‘Samarthya’, which is a sub-scheme under ‘Mission Shakti’. Statement 2 is incorrect: Crèche services are available to all mothers, irrespective of employment status. Statement 3 is correct: For UTs without legislature, the scheme is 100% centrally funded Judicial Cooperation Between India and Nepal Syllabus :GS 2/IR/Governance    About the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): The Supreme Court of India and the Supreme Court of Nepal have signed an MoU aimed at enhancing judicial cooperation between the two nations. The MoU seeks to promote exchange of information, mutual judicial interactions, and capacity-building programs such as training for judges and court officials. It emphasizes the adoption of technology to improve judicial efficiency, streamline court procedures, reduce case backlogs, and enhance citizen-centric services. A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to devise actionable plans and monitor the progress of initiatives under this cooperation framework. The MoU also envisions collaboration through judicial exchanges, joint research projects,

PM Modi to Participate in Navkar Mahamantra Divas Syllabus: Culture Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Navkar Mahamantra Divas on April 9, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Organized on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti, this global spiritual event promotes peace, unity, and inner awakening. The Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) is hosting the event, which will see participation from over 1.08 crore devotees across 108 countries. Participants will collectively chant the Navkar Mahamantra, a sacred Jain prayer, to inspire universal harmony and self-reflection.     About Navkar Mahamantra The Navkar Mahamantra is the most revered chant in Jainism. It pays homage to the five supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. The mantra reflects key Jain values such as non-violence (Ahimsa), humility, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. It encourages individuals to practice introspection, self-discipline, and moral transformation.   About Mahavir Jayanti and Lord Mahavir Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. He was born in 615 BC as Vardhamana into a royal family. At the age of 30, he renounced worldly life in search of truth and spiritual liberation. After 12 years of deep meditation and penance, he attained Kevala Jnana, or perfect knowledge. Lord Mahavir’s teachings, including “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” (Non-violence is the supreme religion), remain highly relevant in today’s world. He emphasized purity, tolerance, and collective welfare through a life of compassion and truth. Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a reflection of India’s spiritual heritage and its global influence in promoting peace, harmony, and ethical living. Consider the following statements regarding the Navkar Mahamantra Divas 2025 and associated Jain philosophical concepts: The Navkar Mahamantra is unique among major religious chants in that it does not invoke any deity but instead pays reverence to spiritually elevated beings based on their qualities. Lord Mahavir, whose birth is commemorated during Mahavir Jayanti, attained Kevala Jnana before renouncing his royal life, making him the only Tirthankara to do so. The 2025 observance of Navkar Mahamantra Divas saw participation from over 108 countries, with global chanting organized on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti. The principle of Ahimsa as taught by Mahavir is exclusive to Jainism and finds no mention in other Dharmic traditions like Buddhism or Hinduism. Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1 and 3 onlyB. 1, 2 and 4 onlyC. 2 and 4 onlyD. 1, 3 and 4 only   Answer: A. 1 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 – Correct: The Navkar Mahamantra is distinctive as it does not mention any specific deity. Instead, it pays homage to five categories of spiritually perfected beings — Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus — emphasizing qualities over divine personification. This is a unique feature within major world religions. Statement 2 – Incorrect: Lord Mahavir renounced his royal life at the age of 30 and then undertook 12 years of asceticism before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He did not achieve enlightenment before renunciation. Statement 3 – Correct: The 2025 Navkar Mahamantra Divas was globally significant, with participation from over 108 countries and more than 1.08 crore devotees. It was organized on April 9, the eve of Mahavir Jayanti. Statement 4 – Incorrect: While Ahimsa is central to Jain philosophy, it is not exclusive to Jainism. Ahimsa is a shared core principle in Buddhism and Hinduism as well — for example, it is a foundational concept in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and in Buddhist precepts. Shingles Vaccine Can Reduce Risk of Dementia Syllabus: GS 2/Health  A study conducted in Wales and published in Nature suggests a link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of dementia. Individuals who received the shingles vaccine were found to be about 20% less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year period, compared to those who did not receive the vaccine. The protective effect appeared stronger in women than in men. Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox. After an initial infection, the virus can remain dormant in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in life as shingles. The shingles vaccine is recommended for older adults to prevent this reactivation. Dementia refers to a group of disorders that result in progressive cognitive decline, impacting memory, reasoning, behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia. Risk factors for dementia include advancing age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol misuse, physical inactivity, social isolation, depression, strokes, infections, and brain injury. The condition places a significant burden on individuals, caregivers, and society. While there is no cure for dementia, management strategies include medication (such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists), physical and cognitive activities, and controlling associated medical conditions. The recent study’s design allowed researchers to compare dementia rates between groups eligible and ineligible for the shingles vaccine based on birth dates. The findings support the theory that reducing the occurrence of viral infections may contribute to lowering the risk of developing dementia.   With reference to a recent population-based cohort study published in Nature, which examined the association between shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccination and reduced dementia incidence, consider the following statements: The use of birth-date-based eligibility in the study strengthens causal inference by minimizing selection bias. The observed reduction in dementia risk among vaccinated individuals supports the hypothesis that latent viral reactivation may contribute to neurodegeneration. The findings conclusively establish that shingles vaccination can prevent all forms of dementia across demographic groups. The effect observed was sex-neutral, indicating similar vaccine efficacy across genders. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1, 2, and 4 onlyD) 1, 3, and 4 only Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Statement 1: Correct :The study design used birth-date-based eligibility to determine who received the vaccine. This is a form of a quasi-experimental design that can reduce selection bias, as eligibility is externally assigned and not based on individual

Pamban Bridge Syllabus :GS3/Economy New Pamban Bridge: A Modern Marvel Rooted in History   In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Pamban Bridge, replacing the iconic century-old structure that connected Rameswaram to mainland India.   Historical Significance Built in 1914, the original Pamban Bridge was India’s first sea bridge, vital for trade and religious pilgrimage. It stood strong through the 1964 tsunami, which claimed a train but not the bridge. The bridge was later restored by E. Sreedharan with the help of local fishermen — a remarkable feat completed in just 46 days.      About the New Bridge Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), under the Ministry of Railways. India’s first Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge, spanning 2.08 km. Features a 72.5-meter lift span, capable of rising 17 meters to allow ship passage. Stands 3 meters taller than the old bridge, designed for semi-high-speed trains (e.g., Vande Bharat) and heavy freight. Built using corrosion-resistant materials for a lifespan of 58 years.   Strategic & Cultural Importance Continues the legacy of facilitating trade and pilgrimage, particularly towards Sri Lanka. Offers a future-ready solution to the operational challenges of the old bridge — including corrosion and maintenance. Enhances regional connectivity and supports economic development through modern infrastructure. With reference to the newly constructed Pamban Railway Bridge in India, consider the following statements: It is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge designed exclusively for road and rail vehicular traffic. It is constructed by a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The new bridge replaces the original structure built in the colonial era that connected Rameswaram to the mainland. The lift span of the bridge allows passage of ships up to a height of 17 meters during high tide. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 3 onlyC. 3 and 4 onlyD. 1, 2, and 4 only   Correct Answer: B. 3 only Explanation: Statement 1: Incorrect. The new Pamban Bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, not designed for road traffic. It is meant exclusively for rail traffic, including semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat. Statement 2: Incorrect. The bridge was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), which is a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, not under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Statement 3: Correct. The original Pamban Bridge was built in 1914 during British rule and was a critical link between Rameswaram and the Indian mainland. The new bridge replaces this historic structure. Statement 4: Incorrect. The lift span of the new bridge can rise to a height of 17 meters, but the reference to “during high tide” is misleading and unnecessary. The bridge’s vertical clearance is based on engineering design, not tidal conditions.  Ottawa Convention Syllabus :GS 2/IR In News Poland, Finland, and the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have announced their intention to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, citing escalating security threats from Russia. Withdrawal would allow these states to resume the production, stockpiling, and use of anti-personnel mines.     About the Ottawa Convention Formal Name: Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. Adopted: 1997 at a diplomatic conference in Oslo. Opened for Signature: Later in 1997 in Ottawa, Canada. Came into Force: March 1, 1999. Objective: Complete elimination of anti-personnel landmines by prohibiting their use, development, transfer, and stockpiling.   Key Achievements Over 40 million stockpiled landmines have been destroyed since the Convention’s enforcement. Substantial reduction in global production and use of anti-personnel mines. Enhanced support for mine victims, including medical care, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. Accelerated mine clearance efforts, improving safety and enabling productive land use in previously contaminated regions. Integrated victim assistance within the broader framework of disability rights and humanitarian aid.   Significance The Ottawa Convention has played a pivotal role in: Advancing humanitarian disarmament efforts. Reducing civilian casualties caused by landmines. Promoting international cooperation on mine clearance, victim assistance, and post-conflict reconstruction. Enhancing global norms against indiscriminate weapons. Which of the following statements regarding the Ottawa Convention are correct? It permits the use of anti-tank mines under specific conditions. It came into force prior to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. India is a signatory but has not ratified the Convention. The Convention allows state parties to withdraw after a formal notice of six months. Select the correct answer using the codes below:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 4 only(c) 1, 2 and 3 only(d) 2, 3 and 4 only Answer: (b) 2 and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ottawa Convention bans anti-personnel mines, but it does not cover anti-tank mines—however, it does not permit anti-personnel landmines under any condition. Statement 2 is correct: The Ottawa Convention entered into force in 1999, while the Convention on Cluster Munitions was adopted in 2008. Statement 3 is incorrect: India is not a signatory to the Ottawa Convention. Statement 4 is correct: A State Party may withdraw from the treaty six months after giving written notice. 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Syllabus :GS 2/Governance/IR   In News Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla is heading the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from April 5–9, 2025.    About the 150th IPU Assembly Theme: “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice” Focus areas include: Poverty eradication Promotion of decent work Social inclusion Participation of marginalized and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes    Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): Overview Founded: 1889 Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland (with offices in New York & Vienna) Membership: 181 national parliaments + 15 associate members   Objectives & Mandate Promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development Strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation Empower parliaments to address global challenges through dialogue   Advocate for: Democratic governance Human rights Gender equality & youth empowerment Climate action Funding Primarily funded by contributions from its member parliaments.

Bharani Festival Syllabus: GS1/Culture   Kodungalloor Bharani is one of Kerala’s most renowned and vibrant festivals, held annually at the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple in Kodungalloor, Thrissur. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April), the festival is steeped in mysticism and tradition. At the heart of the celebration is a powerful spiritual atmosphere, marked by the presence of numerous Oracles—known locally as Komaram or Velichappadu—dressed in striking red attire. The Bharani festival honors the birth of Goddess Bhadrakali, who, according to legend, emerged from the third eye of Lord Shiva. She was created to vanquish the demon Darika, embodying divine fury and justice. Which of the following statements regarding the Kodungalloor Bharani festival is/are correct? The festival is associated with the worship of Bhadrakali, who is believed to have been born from Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra to annihilate the demon Darika. It is characterized by the participation of oracles (Komaram or Velichappadu), who perform ritualistic dances and often enter trance-like states. The Kodungalloor Bharani is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, which corresponds to the peak of the monsoon season. The festival is rooted in a Tantric tradition and has historically included symbolic rituals of blood sacrifice. Select the correct answer using the code below: 1 and 3 onlyB. 2 and 4 onlyC. 1, 2, and 4 onlyD. 2, 3, and 4 only   Answer: B. 2 and 4 only   Explanation: Statement 1 — Incorrect: Bhadrakali, according to traditional belief, was born from the third eye of Lord Shiva, not from Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra. Her purpose was to destroy the demon Darika, symbolizing the triumph of divine feminine power over evil. Statement 2 — Correct: The presence of oracles (Komaram or Velichappadu) is one of the defining features of the festival. They dress in red, wield swords, and often perform frenzied dances, sometimes entering trance-like states as a medium of the goddess. Statement 3 — Incorrect: The festival takes place in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April), not Karkidakam (July-August), which is the monsoon season and associated with different religious observances like Ramayana month rituals. Statement 4 — Correct: The festival has Tantric roots and historically involved symbolic rituals, including animal or symbolic blood sacrifice, which are believed to represent offerings to the fierce goddess. Many of these practices have been toned down in modern times. GI Tag to Chapata Chilli   In News: The Warangal Chapata Chilli, popularly known as Tomato Chilli, from Telangana has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the GI Registry.   About Warangal Chapata Chilli (Tomato Chilli): Noted for its vibrant red colour and low pungency, making it distinct from other chilli varieties. Widely sought after for its high content of natural colouring agent, specifically paprika oleoresin, used in food and cosmetic industries. The variety includes three distinct fruit types: Single Patti Double Patti Odalu With reference to the Warangal Chapata Chilli, recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, consider the following statements: It is primarily cultivated for its high capsaicin content, which contributes to its intense pungency. The chilli is a significant source of paprika oleoresin, a natural colouring agent used in various industries. It includes distinct morphological fruit types, namely Single Patti, Double Patti, and Odalu. Its cultivation is limited to the high-altitude tribal belts of Eastern Ghats in Telangana. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 4 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 2, 3, and 4 onlyD. 1, 2, and 3 only Answer: B. 2 and 3 only Explanation:  Statement 1 — Incorrect:Warangal Chapata chilli is not known for high capsaicin or pungency. In fact, one of its key traits is its low pungency, which differentiates it from other chilli varieties. Thus, the statement is factually incorrect. Statement 2 — Correct:The chilli is in high demand due to the presence of paprika oleoresin, a natural colouring agent used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This makes the variety economically significant beyond its culinary usage. Statement 3 — Correct:The three distinct fruit types of this chilli variety—Single Patti, Double Patti, and Odalu—refer to the physical/morphological characteristics of the fruit, and are used by cultivators to distinguish between sub-types. Statement 4 — Incorrect:The cultivation of Warangal Chapata chilli is not limited to high-altitude tribal belts or the Eastern Ghats. It is mainly cultivated in the plains of Telangana, particularly around Warangal, which is known for its fertile soils and chilli production.   GI Tag for Kannadippaya Syllabus :GS 3/Economy /S&T   In News: The traditional Kannadippaya has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, granting it legal protection, market recognition, and global visibility.     About Kannadippaya (“Mirror Mat”): Kannadippaya, meaning “mirror mat”, is a traditional tribal handicraft of Kerala, known for its fine texture and reflective finish. It is woven using the soft inner layers of reed bamboo, primarily from species such as Teinostachyum wightii and Ochlandra spp. The mat possesses distinct thermal properties—warm in winter and cool in summer—making it both functional and environmentally adaptive. The craft is traditionally practiced and preserved by tribal communities such as the Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, and Kadar, across the districts of Idukki, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Palakkad. Historically, these mats were offered to kings as symbols of respect and honor by the tribal artisans, reflecting the cultural significance and craftsmanship involved. Consider the following statements with reference to Kannadippaya, which recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag: It is a traditional mat woven from the coarse outer layers of reed bamboo, offering high durability but little thermal insulation. The craft is predominantly preserved by tribal communities in the Western Ghats region of Kerala. The species Teinostachyum wightii and Ochlandra spp. are used in the making of Kannadippaya, both of which are endemic to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The mat derives its name from its ability to reflect heat, making it ideal for desert regions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1, 3, and 4 onlyD.