Author: karthik

World Puppetry Day About World Puppetry Day World Puppetry Day is observed annually on March 21st to celebrate puppetry as a global art form and to honor puppeteers worldwide. This day highlights the significance of puppetry in cultural storytelling, entertainment, and artistic expression across various mediums, including stage, television, and film.   Understanding Puppetry Puppetry is an ancient performing art that involves crafting and manipulating puppets—figures representing humans, animals, or abstract forms—without mechanical aid. Puppets are controlled manually to create theatrical performances that engage audiences through storytelling and social commentary.   Puppetry in India India has a rich tradition of puppetry, deeply rooted in folklore, mythology, and artistic expression. The art has been used for centuries to narrate historical epics, moral tales, and social issues.            Major Types of Puppetry in India String Puppets (Kathputli): Predominantly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, these puppets are manipulated using strings and often depict folk tales and traditional narratives. Shadow Puppets: Crafted from leather, these puppets are used to cast shadows on a screen. This form is especially popular in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Rod Puppets: Controlled with rods, these puppets are commonly used in West Bengal and Assam, often portraying mythological stories. Glove Puppets: Worn on the puppeteer’s hands, these puppets are particularly known in Kerala (Pavakathakali), blending elements of classical dance with puppetry. The celebration of World Puppetry Day emphasizes the cultural importance of puppetry and encourages the preservation and promotion of this unique art form. With reference to puppetry in India, consider the following statements: The Kathputli form of puppetry, primarily found in Rajasthan, is a type of rod puppetry. Shadow puppetry is practiced in states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Pavakathakali, a type of glove puppetry, is influenced by Kathakali dance traditions. 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: (b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Kathputli is not rod puppetry but a string puppetry form, primarily found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. (Statement 1 is incorrect.) Shadow puppetry is a traditional art form seen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, where leather puppets cast shadows on a screen. (Statement 2 is correct.) Pavakathakali, a glove puppet tradition from Kerala, is inspired by Kathakali dance, incorporating similar costume styles and expressions. (Statement 3 is correct.) APAAR ID Syllabus: GS2/ Education APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID is a unique 12-digit identifier designed to digitally store, manage, and access a student’s academic records, including scorecards, mark sheets, grade sheets, degrees, diplomas, certificates, and co-curricular achievements. This initiative is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program introduced by the Ministry of Education, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The APAAR ID is generated through the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) portal, which maintains a database of schools, teachers, and students, along with regional academic statistics. Concerns Raised Despite being voluntary, activists and parents have expressed concerns over the rapid push by schools to create APAAR IDs for students, raising questions about privacy, data security, and informed consent. With reference to the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID, consider the following statements: APAAR ID is a 12-digit unique academic identifier launched under the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ initiative. It is mandatory for all students enrolled in government and private educational institutions. The ID is generated through the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) It aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 3 only 1, 3, and 4 only 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3, and 4 Answer: (B) 1, 3, and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The APAAR ID is a 12-digit unique identifier for students. Statement 2 is incorrect: While some schools are actively pushing for APAAR ID registration, it remains voluntary and not mandatory. Statement 3 is correct: The ID is generated through the UDISE+ portal, which compiles educational data. Statement 4 is correct: APAAR aligns with the NEP 2020, aiming to digitize academic records and improve student mobility. Implementation of Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission Syllabus: GS 3/Economy The Union Cabinet has approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with an additional allocation of ₹1,000 crore, increasing the total budget to ₹3,400 crore for the period 2021-2026 under the 15th Finance Commission. Launched in December 2014, RGM aims to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds. It is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, focusing on genetic upgradation, enhancement of milk production and productivity, and improving the profitability of dairy farming for farmers.   The scheme includes several key components. The Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program seeks to boost milk productivity, while Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection focus on producing high-genetic-merit bulls, particularly of indigenous breeds. The implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology plays a crucial role in genetic upgradation within a single generation. Sex-Sorted Semen Production has been established at five government semen stations in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) initiative trains and equips technicians to deliver quality artificial insemination services directly to farmers. The revised mission will now function as a Central Sector component under the Development Programmes scheme. Two new initiatives have been introduced: a 35% capital assistance provision for setting up Heifer Rearing Centres and a 3% interest subvention on loans for purchasing High-Genetic-Merit (HGM) IVF heifers. The core activities of strengthening artificial insemination networks, supporting breed improvement programs, and establishing Centres of Excellence will continue. The mission has significantly contributed to India’s dairy sector. Over the past decade, milk production has increased by 63.55%, with per capita milk availability rising from 307 grams/day in 2013-14 to 471 grams/day in 2023-24. The Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme has covered over 8.39 crore animals, benefiting 5.21 crore farmers.