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Society History Governance Science and Technology Environment Polity Economy Intellectual Property Rights Geography Reports Defence Miscellaneous Global Progress and Inequalities in Water Sanitation Syllabus:Society Context The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF released a 2025 report reviewing global progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). While significant improvements have been recorded since 2000, deep inequalities continue to undermine the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) — universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.     Current Status of Sanitation and Open Defecation Progress achieved (2015–2024): 2 billion people gained access to safely managed sanitation. Global coverage increased from 48% (2015) to 58% (2024). Nearly 60% of the world’s population now uses toilets with safe waste treatment. Regional variation: Developed countries: Nearly universal coverage. Latin America, Caribbean, Eastern & South-Eastern Asia: Open defecation eliminated. Northern Africa & Western Asia: Near elimination achieved. Low-income countries: Open defecation rates remain four times higher than global average.   Drinking Water Access and Disparities Global coverage (2015–2024): Rose from 68% to 74%. Rural areas: Increased from 50% to 60% (10% rise). Urban areas: Stable at 83%. Inequalities: Least developed countries (LDCs): Over twice as likely to lack safely managed water compared to global average. Rural vs. Urban: Urban populations still ahead, but rural regions improving faster.   Inequalities in WASH Access Social dimensions of inequality: Rural populations, ethnic minorities, indigenous groups, children, women, and disabled persons remain disproportionately affected. Gender impact: Women and girls bear higher burdens, often spending hours daily collecting water. Infrastructure gaps: Communities with road access fare better than isolated ones. Data limitations: National statistics often mask intra-country disparities, necessitating alternative data collection to ensure “leave no one behind” principle.   Required Scale of Action to Achieve SDG 6 Acceleration targets: Lower-middle-income countries: Must double progress rates. Low-income countries: Require a 7-fold increase in water access and an 18-fold increase in sanitation and hygiene services.   Imperatives: Rapid scale-up in infrastructure. Prioritisation of marginalised and vulnerable communities. Recognition of WASH as a fundamental human right requiring urgent, inclusive action. With reference to the progress in sanitation between 2015 and 2024, consider the following statements: More than one billion people gained access to safely managed sanitation during this period. Global coverage of safely managed sanitation rose by over 10 percentage points in the last decade. Developed countries, Latin America, and Eastern Asia have achieved near universal elimination of open defecation. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Options:A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D Explanation: 1 is correct:2 billion gained access. 2 is correct: From 48% to 58% = 10 percentage point increase. 3 is correct: Developed countries ≈ universal; Latin America, Caribbean, Eastern & SE Asia = elimination; Northern Africa/Western Asia = near elimination. Samvatsari Syllabus: GS1/Culture  Context Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Samvatsari, describing it as a festival that represents forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.   About Samvatsari Samvatsari is the sacred concluding day of the Jain festival Paryushan Parva. It emphasizes forgiveness (kṣamā), humility, compassion, and reconciliation. On this day, Jains traditionally greet each other with “Micchami Dukkadam”, which means:“May all the wrongs done by me be forgiven.” The practice promotes introspection, spiritual peace, and harmonious relationships.   About Paryushan Parva A major Jain festival of spiritual reflection, penance, and renunciation. Observed by both Shwetambara and Digambara sects, with slight variations in rituals: Shwetambaras: observe it for 8 days. Digambaras: observe it for 10 days (known as Das Lakshan Parva). Core practices include: Fasting, meditation, scriptural study, vows of non-violence, and self-discipline. Strengthening values of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).   Significance Encourages self-purification, moral responsibility, and social harmony. Enhances interpersonal trust by fostering forgiveness and compassion. Embodies Jain philosophy of universal brotherhood and peace.     Consider the following statements regarding Samvatsari: It is the concluding day of the Jain festival Paryushan, primarily observed by the Digambara sect. The greeting “Micchami Dukkadam” exchanged during this festival symbolizes seeking and granting forgiveness. The festival emphasizes reconciliation and renewal of social and spiritual bonds. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Samvatsari is the concluding day of Paryushan celebrated mainly by the Shwetambara sect, while the Digambara sect observes the Das Lakshan Parva. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as forgiveness and reconciliation are central to Samvatsari. Athachamayam Procession Syllabus:Culture Context The 2025 Athachamayam procession marked the ceremonial beginning of Kerala’s 10-day Onam festival. Held at Tripunithura, the former royal capital of the Kochi kingdom, the event combined heritage, folk traditions, contemporary themes, and community inclusivity. Bright sunshine, a festive crowd, and participation from artists, students, and cultural troupes turned it into a major cultural spectacle.     Historical & Cultural Significance Athachamayam is a centuries-old royal procession symbolising the arrival of King Mahabali and the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, central to Onam mythology. Traditionally, it represented the king marching with his subjects in egalitarian celebration, highlighting Kerala’s spirit of unity, equality, and cultural inclusiveness. The modern version retains folk traditions and mythological characters, while adapting to socially relevant themes.   Highlights of the 2025 Procession Scale of Participation: Over 300 artists and more than 50 troupes, including schools and colleges. Diversity of Art Forms: Display of 59 folk and classical art forms such as theyyam, kummatti, kathakali, pulikali, margamkali, kolkali, and kalaripayattu. Costumed Characters: Mythological figures (Mahabali, Vamana), traditional figures (tigers, hunters, kings), and even popular film impersonations (Empuran, Pushpa, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Kalabhavan Mani). Musical Traditions: Pandimelam and panchavadyam accompanied the parade, with live kalaripayattu demonstrations adding martial vibrancy.   Artistic & Social Themes 19 thematic floats carried messages on drug abuse, social responsibility, and cultural awareness, blending tradition with modern issues. Folk arts from multiple regions reflected religious and communal harmony. Fusion of traditional, contemporary, and cinematic themes