COMPTROLLER AUDITOR GENERAL (CAG)
1. Context
2. About CAG
- Article 148 of the Indian Constitution provides for an Independent Office of Comptroller Auditor General (CAG)
- Head of the Indian Audits and Account Department
- It is an apex authority for external and internal audits of the expenses of the National and State governments
3. Appointments, Term & Removal
- The CAG is appointed by the President, they should take oath before the president or before someone from the President's office
- CAG holds Office for six years or up to the age of 65 years whichever is early
- CAG can resign by addressing their resignation to the President
- CAG can be removed by the President from Office in the same manner as a Supreme court Judge or Resolution passed by the President in both houses of the Parliament with a special majority, either on the ground of misbehaviour or incapacity
- CAG is not eligible to join any Central Government Post or any State government Post
- Expenses, allowances, and salaries are drawn from the Consolidated Fund of India.
4. Duties of CAG
- CAG will conduct all expenses from Consolidated Fund in all the states and UT has a legislative assembly
- CAG Audits all the expenses from the Contingency Fund of India and Public accounts of India as well as the Contingency Fund of State and Public Accounts of a State
- CAG Audits all trading accounts, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central and State Governments
- CAG Audits the receipts and expenditures of all bodies and Authorities which are financed by the Central and State Government revenues
- CAG Submits audit reports relating to the Central Government to President and State Governments to Governor, they will furnish these reports in parliament as well as in-state assemblies
- CAG submits three reports to the President 1-Report on Appropriation accounts, a report on financial accounts, a report on public undertakings
5. CAG Audit and Financial Irregularities
Obstacles Faced by CAG The CAG's audit covered Rs 8, 500 crores of the total expenditure, as the BMC objected to auditing the remaining amount. The BMC issued a legal notice to halt the audit of any acts, works or decisions related to Covid management and expenditure amounting to Rs 3, 538.73 crores, citing provisions of the Epidemic Act, 1897 and the Disaster Management Act 2005.
Project Audits and Findings The CAG report, spanning 146 pages, highlighted weaknesses in internal control mechanisms within the BMC. It revealed instances where work orders were awarded without tenders, contractual documents were not executed and third-party auditors were not appointed to assess the quality of work.
Departments Under Scrutiny Various BMC departments were found to have financial irregularities. The Development Plan Department was flagged for overvaluation of expenditure during land acquisition and delays in acquiring land for public amenities. The Bridges Department awarded work orders without registering private contractors with the BMC. The report also mentioned cost escalations, delayed clearances and irregularities in various other projects and departments.
Financial Transactions During the Pandemic While the ED is investigating financial transactions during the Pandemic period, the CAG report sheds light on the wide-ranging financial irregularities across multiple BMC departments.
6. The way forward
The ED raids and the CAG report have brought to light alleged financial irregularities in the BMC's operations. Investigations and further actions will be taken to determine the extent of the scam and hold those responsible accountable.
For Prelims: Enforcement Directorate, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Special Investigation Team, Comptroller Auditor General, Consolidated Fund of India, Contingency Fund of India, Report on Appropriation accounts, a report on financial accounts, a report on public undertakings,
For Mains:
1. Examine the constitutional provisions and powers of the CAG in conducting audits of government expenses at both the central and state levels. Discuss the significance of the CAG's role in upholding financial discipline and promoting good governance. (250 Words)
2. Explore the role of technology and digital platforms in improving financial oversight and preventing irregularities in government projects. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of digital auditing mechanisms. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following is not correct in respect of Directorate of Enforcement? (CDS 2021)
A. It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
B. It enforces the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
C. It enforces the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
D. It enforces the Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act, 1988.
Answer: D
2. The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India can be removed from office only by the: (UPSC CAPF 2015)
A. President on the advice of the Union Cabinet.
B. Chief justice of the Supreme Court.
C. President of India after an address in both Houses of Parliament.
D. President on the advice of Chief Justice of India.
Answer: C
3. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. The Department of Revenue responsible for the preparation of Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament.
2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the authorization from the Parliament of India
3. All the disbursements made from Public Account also need authorization from the Parliament of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
4. The Contingency Fund of India is placed at whose disposal? (SSC CGL 2017)
A. The Prime Minister
B. Judge of Supreme Court
C. The President
D. The Finance Minister
Answer: C
5. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for their intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)? (UPSC 2012)
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares a national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programs by the ministers are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 3 and 4 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
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SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE
- A Black hole is a region of space-time exhibiting gravitational acceleration so strong that nothing no particles or even electromagnetic radiation such as light can escape from it.
- The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass can deform space-time to form a Black hole. The boundary of the region from which no escape is possible is called the event horizon.
- The concept was theorized by Albert Einstein in 1915 and the term 'black hole' was coined in the mid-1960s by American physicist John Archibald Wheeler.
- One category ranges between a few solar masses and tens of solar masses. These are thought to form when massive stars die.
- The other category is supermassive black holes. These range from hundreds of thousands to billions of times that of the sun from the solar system to which Earth belongs.
3.Types of Black Holes
- Stellar
- Intermediate
- Supermassive
- Miniature
- The first is the SMBH, or supermassive black hole. This is the largest variety, with an unquantifiable number of solar masses. This is typically found at the heart of the universe's biggest galaxies. The SMBH is located in Sagittarius A in our solar system.
- The second is the singularity, which is the black hole's eye (or core). This is the point at which the curve becomes infinite.
- The photon sphere, a spherical boundary (with no thickness) where photons move perpendicularly to the sphere and are imprisoned in an elliptical orbit about the black hole, is the third.
- A micro black hole, also known as a little black hole or a quantum mechanical black hole, is the last form. Stephen Hawking first mentioned them in 1971.
4.Formation of Black hole
- Astronomers believe that depending on a star's mass, only one of the three things can happen once it runs out of fuel. A star with a mass less than that of the sun falls into a 'white dwarf' with a radius of barely a few thousand kilometres.
- If the mass of the star is between one and four times that of the sun, it can form a 'neutron star with a radius of only a few kilometres, which is known as a 'pulsar'.
- Only a few stars with mass greater than four times that of the sun may avoid collapsing and creating black holes within their Schwarzschild radii. As a result, black holes could be the remains of enormous stars.
- Milky way, according to most astronomers, was born from a vast cloud of gas that collapsed and broke up into individual stars.
- The nucleus, or core, of the galaxy, presently contains the most densely packed stars. It's possible that there was too much substance at the very centre to form a regular star, or that the stars that did form were too close together to form a black hole.
- As a result, it's been proposed that black holes as huge as a hundred million Suns could exist in the centre of some galaxies.
5.Rare Supermassive blackhole
- A rare supermassive black hole has been spotted by a team of Indian researchers and The monster black hole is about one billion light years away from the Earth. The black hole in question was captured, spewing a jet of radiation and particles in one direction, unlike others that fire jets in opposite directions. But strangely for this galaxy, only one side of the jet is seen. The supermassive black holes create powerful jets and radiation and particles.
- The supermassive black hole occupies the centre of the RAD 12 galaxy, which is elliptical or egg-shaped. RAD 12 is in the process of merging with another galaxy, RAD 12b, in the next one billion years. RAD 12b, which is elliptical, is bigger and brighter than RAD 12. The jet is bigger than its host, RAD 12. It resembles a 440 thousand light-years-long mushroom.
- This discovery may help scientists study why star formation does not occur in elliptical galaxies. Star formation requires extremely cooled gas, usually forged in a cloud of interstellar gas and dust. The temperature in these regions ranges from -253.15°C-263.15°C, according to the University of Oregon. Theoretically, jets remove cold gas and suppress star formation. Researchers speculate that jets fired by supermassive black holes will likely suppress future star formation.
For Prelims:
Black holes, RAD 12, RAD 12b, Supermassive black hole (SMBH), Sagittarius A
For Mains: 1. What is a Black Hole? Explain the formation and types of Black Holes. (250 words) .
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MULTIMODAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
1. Context
With an objective to advance increased control over circulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips and technology, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) introduced a tiered framework for licensing and exports. It held the regulations were in tandem with “national security and foreign policy interests”. Further, it would help “cultivate a secure and trusted technology ecosystem for the responsible use and diffusion of AI”.
2. Other Artificial Intelligence
- In this race towards multimodal AI, leading AI companies are vying for dominance.
- OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, recently announced its GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models' ability to analyze images and engage in spoken conversations via mobile apps.
- This move comes after reports of Google's forthcoming multimodal large language model named Gemini, which has raised the stakes in this competition.
- Google holds an advantage due to its vast repository of images and videos through its search engine and YouTube.
- However, OpenAI is aggressively pursuing multimodal capabilities, hiring experts and working on a project called Gobi, distinct from its GPT models.
3. About Multimodality
- Multimodal AI systems are not entirely new. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of such systems, including OpenAI's DALL·E, a text-to-image model released in 2021, which underpins ChatGPT's vision capabilities.
- DALL·E, like other multimodal models, links text and images during training, allowing it to generate images based on textual prompts.
- Similarly, for audio-based systems, GPT relies on Whisper, an open-source speech-to-text model.
- Whisper can convert speech in audio into text, extending GPT's capabilities to voice processing.
4. Applications of Multimodal AI
- Multimodal AI systems find applications across various domains. They combine computer vision and natural language processing or audio and text to perform tasks like automatic image captioning.
- Beyond these, more complex systems are in development. Meta, for instance, has explored multimodal systems for detecting harmful memes on Facebook and predicting dialogue lines in videos.
- These systems hold potential for future applications involving multiple sensory inputs, such as touch, smell, and brain signals.
- In fields like medicine, multimodal AI is indispensable for analyzing complex datasets of images and translating them into plain language.
- Additionally, multimodal AI has significance in autonomous driving and robotics.
5. The Future of Multimodal AI
- The future of multimodal AI is poised for exciting possibilities. AI systems could cross-reference sensory data to create immersive experiences, and industries like medicine and translation services will continue to benefit from these advancements.
- As technology evolves, multimodal AI is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping our interactions with AI systems, making them more versatile and attuned to human-like cognition.
For Prelims: artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, DALL·E,
For Mains:
1. What is multimodal artificial intelligence and why is it important? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? ( UPSC 2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 3, and 5 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: B
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TAX HEAVEN
- Cyprus Confidential involves an extensive examination of 3.6 million documents available in English and Greek.
- This investigation exposes the detailed records of companies established in Cyprus, known for its status as a tax haven, by influential individuals worldwide.
- Conducted in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the investigation engaged over 270 journalists from more than 60 media outlets across 55 countries and territories.
- The amassed data originates from six offshore service providers in Cyprus. In addition to details about Indian investors who gained Cypriot citizenship through the Golden Passport program, the documents also encompass information about enterprises formed by prominent business entities to capitalize on the favourable tax system in this Eastern Mediterranean nation

A tax haven refers to a country or jurisdiction with favorable tax laws and regulations, often offering low or no taxes on certain types of income or business activities. These locations attract individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking to minimize their tax liabilities.
Characteristics of a tax haven include:
Low or Zero Tax Rates: Tax havens typically impose very low or zero taxes on specific types of income, such as corporate profits, capital gains, or personal income earned outside the jurisdiction.
Financial Secrecy: They often have strict banking secrecy laws, allowing individuals and entities to keep their financial information private and confidential.
Ease of Doing Business: Tax havens usually offer streamlined business registration processes and minimal regulatory requirements, making it easy for businesses to establish themselves.
Lack of Transparency: Some tax havens lack transparency in financial reporting, making it challenging for authorities in other countries to track money flows and enforce tax laws.
Stable Political and Economic Environment: Generally, tax havens have stable political and economic conditions, attracting individuals and businesses seeking a safe haven for their assets.
Tax havens can be used for legitimate purposes such as international business operations and investment, but they can also be exploited for tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit financial activities. Many countries and international organizations have been working to increase transparency and reduce tax evasion through agreements and regulations to combat the misuse of tax havens.
3.1.Advantages of Tax Heavens
- Tax havens often impose minimal or zero taxes on specific types of income, such as corporate profits, capital gains, or foreign-derived income, leading to substantial tax reductions for individuals and businesses.
- Tax havens typically have strict banking and financial secrecy laws, ensuring confidentiality and privacy for account holders. This level of privacy can be appealing for individuals and businesses aiming to keep their financial information confidential
- These jurisdictions often provide robust legal structures that can safeguard assets from legal claims, creditors, or other risks. Trusts, foundations, and other legal entities available in tax havens can offer asset protection benefits
- Tax havens usually have simplified regulatory and business registration processes, making it easier and faster for companies to establish themselves. This streamlined process can save time and resources
- Tax havens can serve as strategic locations for managing global operations, facilitating international trade, and reducing tax burdens associated with cross-border transactions
- Many tax havens offer political and economic stability, making them attractive for investments and asset protection purposes. These stable environments can be valuable for individuals seeking a safe haven for their wealth
Offshore tax havens can offer various advantages:
Reduced Taxes: They often impose low or no taxes on income like capital gains, corporate profits, or certain types of personal income, allowing individuals and businesses to reduce their tax burden.
Financial Privacy: Offshore tax havens have strict banking and financial secrecy laws, providing confidentiality and privacy for account holders. This secrecy can shield financial information from scrutiny in the account holder's home country.
Asset Protection: These jurisdictions may provide legal structures that shield assets from legal claims, creditors, or other risks, offering a level of protection for individuals' and businesses' wealth.
Global Business Operations: For multinational corporations, offshore tax havens can be strategic for managing international operations, easing cross-border transactions, and reducing taxes associated with global business activities.
However, offshore tax havens have also faced criticism and scrutiny for their potential role in facilitating tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit activities. Many countries and international organizations have been working to increase transparency and reduce the misuse of offshore tax havens by implementing regulations, agreements, and measures to combat tax evasion and financial crimes.
5. Way forward
The use of tax havens is subject to international scrutiny due to concerns about tax evasion, money laundering, and their impact on global tax systems. Many countries and international bodies are working to promote transparency and reduce the misuse of tax havens for illegal activities.
For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance For Mains: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interest |
Previous Year Questions 1. Which country is Tax Haven? (Maharashtra Police Constable 2017) A.America B.England C.Canada D.Mauritius Answer (D) |
Source: indianexpress
DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCE AGREEMENT(DTAA)
A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is a treaty between two countries that aims to prevent individuals or companies from being taxed twice on the same income. These agreements are designed to promote economic cooperation and trade between the signatory countries by eliminating or reducing double taxation.
Under a DTAA, the two countries agree on rules to allocate taxing rights over various types of income, such as dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. Typically, the agreement includes provisions to determine the residency status of taxpayers, which helps in determining which country has the primary right to tax specific types of income.
DTAAs often involve provisions for the exchange of information between tax authorities to ensure compliance and prevent tax evasion. They also usually include mechanisms for resolving disputes that may arise from differences in interpretation or application of the agreement
3. Benefits of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) offer several benefits to individuals and businesses operating in multiple countries.
Some of the key advantages include:
- One of the primary benefits of DTAAs is the prevention of double taxation on the same income or profits. By allocating taxing rights between countries and providing mechanisms for relief, DTAAs ensure that taxpayers are not subjected to taxation on the same income in both their home country and the country where the income is earned
- DTAAs often include provisions for reduced withholding tax rates on certain types of income, such as dividends, interest, and royalties. This can result in lower tax liabilities for individuals and businesses receiving such income from foreign sources
- By eliminating or reducing tax barriers, DTAAs facilitate cross-border trade and investment by providing certainty and clarity regarding tax obligations. This encourages businesses to expand their operations internationally and promotes economic cooperation between countries
- DTAAs foster economic cooperation between countries by promoting mutual investment and trade. By providing a framework for resolving tax disputes and exchanging information between tax authorities, DTAAs help build trust and confidence among countries, thereby facilitating greater economic collaboration
- DTAAs include provisions for the exchange of information between tax authorities to prevent tax evasion and avoidance. By promoting transparency and cooperation in tax matters, DTAAs help combat tax evasion and ensure compliance with tax laws in both countries
- DTAAs often include provisions regarding the taxation of individuals working abroad. By providing clarity on tax residency rules and the taxation of employment income, DTAAs encourage international mobility and facilitate the movement of workers across borders
- DTAAs provide taxpayers with certainty and predictability regarding their tax obligations in foreign countries. By establishing clear rules for the allocation of taxing rights and the determination of tax liabilities, DTAAs reduce uncertainty and mitigate the risk of double taxation
India and DTAA
India has signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with over 90 countries worldwide. These agreements aim to prevent double taxation of income earned in one country by residents of the other country. The treaties typically outline rules for the allocation of taxing rights over various types of income, such as dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains, and may include provisions for reduced withholding tax rates
India has an extensive network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with various countries around the world. These agreements aim to promote cross-border trade and investment by eliminating or reducing double taxation and providing certainty regarding tax obligations for residents of both India and the treaty partner countries
The DTAA was a major reason for a large number of foreign portfolio investors (FPI) and foreign entities to route their investments in India through Mauritius. Mauritius remains India’s fourth largest source of FPI investments, after the US, Singapore, and Luxembourg. FPI investment from Mauritius stood at Rs 4.19 lakh crore at the end of March 2024, which is 6 per cent of the total FPI investment of Rs 69.54 lakh crore in India. FPI investment from Mauritius had stood at Rs 3.25 lakh crore, out of total FPI investment of Rs 48.71 lakh crore at the end of March 2023
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- India and Mauritius have recently signed a protocol amending their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with the aim of curbing treaty abuse for tax evasion or avoidance.
- The updated agreement introduces the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), which stipulates that tax benefits under the treaty will not be applicable if it is found that obtaining those benefits was the primary purpose of any transaction or arrangement.
- Under the amended protocol, a new Article 27B has been added to the treaty, defining the concept of 'entitlement to benefits.'
- The PPT will deny treaty benefits, such as reduced withholding tax on interest, royalties, and dividends, if it is determined that obtaining those treaty benefits was one of the main purposes of the party involved in the transaction.
- The revision of the India-Mauritius treaty, signed on March 7 in Port Louis and made public recently, comes in response to Mauritius being a favored jurisdiction for investments in India, particularly due to the exemption of capital gains from the sale of shares in Indian companies until 2016.
- The treaty was last amended in May 2016, allowing for taxation of capital gains arising from the sale or transfer of shares of an Indian company acquired by a Mauritian tax resident, with investments made until March 31, 2017, being exempt from such taxation.
- Furthermore, the preamble of the treaty has been modified by both nations to emphasize the focus on preventing tax avoidance and evasion.
- The previous objective of 'mutual trade and investment' has been replaced with an intent to "eliminate double taxation" without allowing for opportunities for non-taxation or reduced taxation through tax evasion or avoidance, including through "treaty shopping arrangements" aimed at obtaining benefits provided under this treaty for the indirect benefit of residents of third jurisdictions
MAHA KUMBH MELA
- The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the largest and most revered religious gatherings in the world, celebrated with deep spiritual fervor by Hindus. Rooted in ancient mythology, this grand event takes place every 12 years at four sacred locations in India: Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Ujjain, and Nasik, along the banks of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati (mythical), Godavari, and Shipra. Each of these cities hosts the Kumbh Mela on a rotating basis, with the Mahakumbh being the grandest of all, celebrated exclusively at Prayagraj
- The origins of the Kumbh Mela are deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, particularly the legend of the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras).
- According to the tale, during this cosmic event, a pot (kumbh) containing the nectar of immortality (amrita) emerged. A fierce battle ensued, and as the gods tried to secure the pot, drops of nectar fell at four locations, sanctifying them forever. These locations are now the sites of the Kumbh Mela
- The Mahakumbh Mela is considered an unparalleled opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of pilgrims, saints, and seers, often referred to as sadhus or naga sadhus (ascetics), gather to take a ritualistic dip in the holy rivers.
- It is believed that bathing in these sacred waters during the auspicious period washes away sins and grants liberation (moksha). The event also serves as a vibrant showcase of India’s rich cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions
The Mahakumbh spans over several weeks and follows a strict astrological calendar, with specific dates deemed highly auspicious for bathing. The main highlights include:
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- At its core, the Mahakumbh Mela highlights the Indian ethos of spirituality and the eternal quest for liberation (moksha). The belief in the purifying power of the sacred rivers and the ritual of bathing symbolizes the desire to cleanse one’s soul, transcend worldly attachments, and achieve salvation. This reflects the deep spiritual underpinnings of Indian civilization, where the pursuit of higher consciousness is a fundamental goal
- The Mela’s origins in the legend of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) embody the Indian tradition of weaving mythology into everyday life. This connection to divine stories fosters a sense of continuity with the past and reinforces the sacredness of specific places and practices. It demonstrates how mythology serves as a moral and philosophical guide in Indian civilization
- The Mahakumbh Mela brings together millions of people from diverse backgrounds, castes, and regions, showcasing the inclusivity that is central to Indian society. Regardless of social or economic status, all pilgrims are united by their shared faith and devotion, reflecting the civilization’s emphasis on equality before the divine
- Indian civilization values a harmonious balance between material and spiritual existence. The Mahakumbh Mela provides a platform where people temporarily renounce material comforts, focusing instead on spiritual growth through rituals, prayers, and discourses. This mirrors the Indian ideal of integrating spiritual practices into daily life
- The gathering of saints, scholars, and ascetics at the Mahakumbh Mela represents India’s age-old tradition of intellectual and spiritual discourse. These exchanges of ideas and teachings at the Mela highlight the civilization’s emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment
- The focus on the sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, and Shipra—reflects the Indian ethos of reverence for nature. These rivers are seen not just as physical entities but as life-giving forces and symbols of divinity, embodying the civilization’s holistic view of the environment
- The Mela’s continuity over thousands of years showcases the resilience and adaptability of Indian civilization. Despite changing political, social, and economic landscapes, the Mahakumbh Mela remains a thriving tradition, underscoring the civilization’s ability to preserve its core values while embracing change
- In recent decades, the concept of "cultural heritage" has expanded significantly, largely due to initiatives developed by UNESCO. Cultural heritage now encompasses more than just monuments and collections of artifacts.
- It also includes living traditions and expressions passed down from ancestors to future generations, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, festivals, and knowledge related to nature, the universe, or traditional craftsmanship.
- Despite its fragility, intangible cultural heritage plays a crucial role in preserving cultural diversity amid growing globalization. Gaining an understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities fosters intercultural dialogue and promotes respect for diverse ways of life.
- The value of intangible cultural heritage lies not in the cultural expressions themselves, but in the wealth of knowledge and skills passed on through them from one generation to the next.
- This transfer of knowledge has social and economic significance for both minority and mainstream groups within a country, and it holds importance for both developing and developed nations
India, with its rich and diverse cultural heritage, has an extensive list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements recognized for their importance in preserving the cultural identity of its various communities. These practices and traditions span the country’s vast geography and reflect its cultural diversity. Some prominent examples of ICH from India include:
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Kathakali (Kerala): A classical dance-drama form that integrates dance, music, and acting to tell stories from Hindu mythology. Its elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and dramatic storytelling are distinctive features.
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Ramlila (Across India): A theatrical performance of the life of Lord Rama, based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. This performance tradition is carried out during the festival of Dussehra.
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Yoga (Across India): An ancient practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and philosophy. It is widely practiced as a means of achieving mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
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Vedic Chanting (Across India): The recitation of ancient Vedic scriptures in a specific rhythmic and melodic manner. It is an important spiritual practice, especially in Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
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Chhau Dance (Eastern India): A martial arts-based dance form from the regions of Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. It incorporates acrobatics and masks to depict mythological and historical themes.
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Madhubani Paintings (Bihar): A traditional form of painting known for its intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and depiction of themes from nature, mythology, and social life.
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Kolkata’s Durga Puja (West Bengal): One of the largest and most celebrated festivals in India, Durga Puja involves elaborate rituals, artistic displays, processions, and offerings to the goddess Durga. It is a living tradition that brings communities together.
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Pukka (Madhya Pradesh): A traditional system of medicine and healing practices in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, using indigenous knowledge of plants and herbs for health and well-being.
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Traditional Cuisine (Across India): Culinary traditions, such as the preparation of dishes like biryani, dosa, or khichdi, that carry deep cultural meaning and are unique to various regions and communities.
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Craftsmanship (Across India): Techniques such as handloom weaving, pottery, carpet-making, and embroidery that are integral to India’s craft traditions, passed down through generations.
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Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage (Uttarakhand): The spiritual and religious journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, which is central to various belief systems, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
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Wangala Dance (Meghalaya): A traditional dance performed by the Garo tribe to celebrate the harvest, featuring rhythmic drumming and colorful costumes.
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Ghoomar Dance (Rajasthan): A traditional folk dance that is performed by women in swirling movements, often during festivals and celebratory occasions.
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Pukka Dance (Sikkim): A unique traditional dance form from Sikkim that incorporates rich cultural expressions of the region’s diverse communities.
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Sufi Music and Whirling (Across India): The mystical Sufi tradition in India, particularly in places like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ajmer, involves devotional singing, poetry, and the iconic whirling dance that represents the soul's union with the divine.
- The Mahakumbh, the world’s largest gathering, will take place in Prayagraj this year from January 13 to February 26. It is anticipated that around 40 crore people will take part in this religious event.
- Spanning 4,000 hectares along the riverbank, the Maha Kumbh is expected to draw a crowd of at least 40 crore. The event will be organized with an estimated budget of approximately Rs 6,382 crore, of which over Rs 5,600 crore has already been allocated for the event and related projects. In comparison, the 2012 Maha Kumbh, held during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure, had a budget of Rs 1,152 crore and attracted nearly 12 crore visitors.
- The Ministry of Culture has implemented special cybersecurity measures to protect the large number of devotees attending from around the world. This includes the deployment of 56 cyber experts for patrolling, the establishment of a Maha Kumbh cyber police station to handle online threats, 40 Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs), and a dedicated helpline number.
- To assist with crowd management, monitor crowd density, report incidents, and maintain cleanliness, 2,300 CCTV cameras will be installed at the event site and throughout Prayagraj. Additionally, 99 temporary parking areas, covering 1,850 hectares, will be set up, along with over 1.45 lakh toilets across the mela area.
- One of the primary challenges, aside from managing the crowds, is the water channelization due to delayed rainfall and higher-than-usual Ganga river levels. To address this, IIT Kanpur has been enlisted for crowd control and security planning, while IIT Guwahati experts are focusing on river flow management.
- The state has also requested the railway ministry to increase train services to Prayagraj, especially during the Mauni Amavasya snan when a large number of visitors are expected. A source mentioned that, in 2019, around 500 special trains were used for the Ardh Kumbh, and this number is likely to rise to about 1,000. Nearly 300 trains are expected to operate around the Mauni Amavasya snan period
For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.
For Mains: General Studies I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
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Previous year Questions 1.With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2.With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only 3.With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014) (a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India (b) It is an ancient style bronze and brass work still found in the southern part of the Coromandel area (c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar (d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India |