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Society History Governance Science and Technology Environment Polity Economy International Relations Geography Reports Defence Miscellaneous Nüshu Script Conservation Syllabus:History Nüshu, a 400-year-old “women’s script” originating from Jiangyong, Hunan province, is a remarkable example of cultural resilience. This 17th-century phonetic script was created by women as a private communication system during a time when they were barred from formal education. Its characters are slender, curved, and leaf-shaped, and are intrinsically tied to the local dialect. Traditionally, Nüshu was passed down from one generation of women to the next through letters, songs, and intricate embroidery, serving as a powerful symbol of sisterhood and empowerment. Today, it is experiencing a notable revival among Gen Z Chinese women, who are embracing it as a vital part of their cultural heritage. The long-term conservation of this endangered intangible heritage is being significantly bolstered by modern technology. Digital archiving efforts, including high-resolution scans, cloud storage, and Unicode integration, are helping to preserve and standardize the script for global accessibility. Furthermore, the use of AI and translation tools has enabled the development of machine learning models that can decode, translate, and facilitate the online learning of Nüshu.   The script’s reach is also being expanded through virtual outreach, utilizing social media, e-courses, and AR/VR exhibitions to introduce Nüshu to a global audience. These conservation efforts have profound implications. They not only ensure the cultural preservation of this unique heritage but also foster community empowerment. By leveraging digital platforms, women can create new livelihood opportunities through digital art, tourism, and broader cultural exchange. The combination of tradition and technology is proving to be a powerful tool for safeguarding Nüshu for future generations while simultaneously celebrating its rich legacy of female solidarity. With reference to the Nüshu script, consider the following statements: It is logographic in nature, derived directly from classical Chinese calligraphy. It originated as a secret communication system exclusively among women in a specific region of China. Its characters are based on the pronunciation of the Jiangyong local dialect. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 2 onlyD. 1, 2, and 3 Correct Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect — Nüshu is phonetic, not logographic, and uses simplified, elongated strokes rather than classical Chinese ideographs. Statement 2 is correct — it emerged in Jiangyong, Hunan province, as an exclusive women’s writing system. Statement 3 is correct — it is based on the pronunciation of the local dialect rather than standard Mandarin. Dhirio Syllabus :GS1/Culture Dhirio, also spelled Dhiri, is a traditional bullfighting event in Goa where two bulls are pitted against each other in a head-to-head fight until one is injured or retreats. This practice is deeply rooted in the state’s cultural heritage, historically linked to post-harvest festivals and church feasts. The participating bulls often have names like “Tyson” or “Rambo” and attract a dedicated fan following. Despite its cultural significance, dhirio has been at the center of a legal debate. It was banned by the Bombay High Court at Goa in 1996 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, due to concerns over animal welfare. The Supreme Court of India further reinforced this ban in 2014, prohibiting all animal races and fights. However, the tradition continues clandestinely in some of Goa’s coastal villages, particularly in the south. Recent calls by Goa MLAs to legalize the event highlight the ongoing tension between cultural traditions and animal welfare laws.   With reference to Dhirio in Goa, consider the following statements: It is traditionally linked to agricultural post-harvest celebrations and church feasts. The bulls fight until one dies or is fatally injured. The practice was banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 onlyB) 1 and 3 onlyC) 2 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2, and 3 Correct Answer: B) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — it is associated with harvest festivals and religious feasts. Statement 2 is incorrect — fights end when one retreats or is injured, not necessarily fatal. Statement 3 is correct — banned by the Bombay High Court at Goa under PCA Act, 1960 in 1996. CSR Spending Imbalance Syllabus:Governance   A new report by the Developmental Intelligence Unit (DIU) has revealed a significant imbalance in India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending. In 2022–23, approximately 60% of CSR funds were concentrated in just six states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Gujarat. In contrast, the country’s designated Aspirational Districts received less than 20% of the funds. This disparity points to challenges like the misinterpretation of the “local area preference” clause and a lack of focus on needs-based allocation. The report underscores the need to ensure that CSR, a statutory mandate under the Companies Act, 2013, serves its intended purpose of promoting inclusive growth and addressing regional disparities. The recent Developmental Intelligence Unit (DIU) report highlights a geographical imbalance in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending. Which of the following is a potential reason for this imbalance? A) The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that a majority of CSR funds must be spent in states with a high per capita income. B) Eligible companies are statutorily required to spend at least 2% of their profits in their “local area,” which is often interpreted as their corporate headquarters. C) Aspirational Districts lack the necessary infrastructure to absorb and effectively utilize large-scale CSR funds. D) The report indicates a trend where companies are more likely to invest in states where they have significant business operations. Correct Answer: D) The report indicates a trend where companies are more likely to invest in states where they have significant business operations. Explanation: Option D is the most direct and accurate explanation based on the context, which points to a concentration of spending in a few developed states (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat) where major corporations are headquartered or have large operations. Option A is incorrect. The Companies Act does not mandate spending based