India's Folk Traditions at IFFI

Why in News?

Recently, Day 3 of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 transformed the INOX venue in Panaji, Goa, into a vibrant showcase of the nation’s diverse performance arts.

What is the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)?

• Origin – Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema.
• Host – Jointly hosted by
  • The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
  • The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).
  • State Government of Goa.
• Significance – The festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers.
• What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight.
• 56th edition – Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28.
• The 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage

What are the traditional performances that took place?

• Gussadi (Telangana) – Gussadi is a vibrant folk dance from the Gond tribe in Telangana, performed during the Dandari festival which coincides with Diwali.
• The male-only dancers wear elaborate costumes, including colorful clothes, peacock feather turbans, and deer antlers, and perform energetic routines to traditional instruments like the dappu and tudumu.
• Mahishasura Mardini (West Bengal) – It is a dramatic folk play-dance, offering a powerful depiction of good triumphing over evil.
• The performance vividly recreated the epic battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, complete with appearances by other major deities and striking martial choreography inherent to the Chhau style
• Mahishasura Mardini in West Bengal most commonly refers to the Mahishamardini Shakti Peeth in Bakreshwar, a sacred site dedicated to the goddess who slays the demon Mahishasura.
• It also refers to the famous Durga Puja festival, where a central image is the deity Mahishasura Mardini (a form of Durga), a tradition deeply ingrained in the state's culture.
• Sambalpuri Chutkuchuta (Odisha) – Chutkuchuta" in Odisha can refer to a traditional folk dance, an album of songs, or a restaurant.
• Sambalpuri Chutkuchuta is an energetic folk dance from the Sambalpur region of Odisha, while "Chutku Chuta" and "Chutkuchuta" are also the titles of popular Odia music albums.
• Additionally, "Hotel Chutkuchuta" is a specific hotel in Odisha.
• Tarpa Dance (Daman and Diu/Maharashtra) – Tarpa Dance is a tribal folk dance originating from tribes in Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.
• It is characterized by performers dancing in a circle to the music of a wind instrument also called a "tarpa".
• The dance is performed during celebrations like harvests, marriages, and childbirths, often on moonlit nights.
• The dancers form a spiral or circle, and others can join in, with the musician staying inside the circle
• Chari Dance (Rajasthan) – The Chari dance is a traditional folk dance from Rajasthan, India, performed by women, particularly from the Kanjar and Gurjar communities.
• Dancers balance brass pots on their heads while performing graceful movements and twirls.
• The dance symbolizes the hard work of women collecting water and is performed at festivals and celebrations, with the pots sometimes carrying flaming lamps to create a fire effect.
• Lavani (Maharashtra) – Lavani is a traditional folk dance form of Maharashtra, known for its energetic blend of song, dance, and theatrics.
• Originating around the 16th or 18th century, it is performed by women dancers wearing nine-yard sarees and ghungroos to the rhythmic beats of instruments like the dholki.
• The name "Lavani" comes from the Marathi word "lavanya," meaning "beauty".
• Ram Vandana (Assam) – Ram Vandana" in Assam refers to a part of the Sattriya classical dance form originating from the Majuli island.
• It is a devotional performance that can be a segment in a larger play, such as the 15th-century "Ram Vijay" by Shrimant Shankardev, and features the graceful and refined movements characteristic of Sattriya dance.
• Bihu (Assam) – Bihu is the most important festival in Assam, celebrated three times a year, with the most popular being Rongali Bihu (or Bohag Bihu) in April, which marks the Assamese New Year and the start of spring.
• The festival celebrates life, unity, and gratitude through traditional music, the famous Bihu dance, community feasts, and various cultural events.
• The other two Bihu festivals are Bhogali Bihu in January, celebrating the harvest, and Kati Bihu in October, which focuses on the new paddy crop.

Reference

PIB| IFFI and Indian Folk dances

State Public Service Commissions

Why in News?

The 2025 national conference of chairpersons of the State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) is being hosted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission on December 19 and 20.

What is the evolution and significance of State PSCs?

• State PSC – On the lines of UPSC in the centre, there is a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) for every state, which is an independent Constitutional body.
• It is basically the major recruiting agency of a state.
• Constitutional basis – Article 315 to 323 (Part XIV) deals with the composition, appointment and removal of members along with the independence, powers and functions of the SPSC.
• Evolution and background
  • Government of India Act, 1919 – It proposed to set up the Federal Public Service Commission.
  • Lee commission – In 1926 on the recommendation of Lee Commission (1924), the Federal Public Service Commission was established.
  • Government of India Act, 1935 – It provided for the Central and State Public Service Commission.
• Objectives and Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the recruitment of the State services and advises the government on promotion and disciplinary matters.
  • Watchdog of merit system in the State.
• Appointment of members – The SPSC consists of a Chairman and other members who are appointed by the Governor of a state.
• The Governor of a state enjoys discretionary power to determine the composition and conditions of service of the chairman and other members of SPSC.
• Qualification for appointment – According to the Constitution of India, 50% of the members of SPSC should be those who have held government office (Government of India/State Government) for at least 10 years.
• It mentions no other qualification.
• Tenure – All the members including the Chairman hold office for a six year term, or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.
• Resignation from office – All the members including the Chairman can resign from their offices at any time by addressing their resignation to the Governor.
• The Governor can temporarily appoint one of the members of the SPSC as an acting chairman if
  • The office of the chairman of the commission becomes vacant; or
  • The chairman of the commission is unable to perform the duties of his office due to absence or for any other reason
• Removal of chairman and members – Although the Chairman and members of a SPSC are appointed by the Governor, they can be removed only by the President of India if:
  • He has gone insolvent or bankrupt.
  • He engages in any paid involvement during his tenure.
  • He found it unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.
• The President can also remove the Chairman or any other member of SPSC for misbehaviour,
• However it is subject to judicial inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
• Under the provisions of the Constitution, the advice tendered by the Supreme Court in this regard is binding on the president

What are the issues faces by State PSCs?

• Political interference – State PSCs operate in a politically osmotic environment and the proverbial ‘spoils system’ is visible in the appointment process.
• The conventional requirements of minimum age, qualifications and public experience are given a short shrift.
• Inadequate manpower – The manpower needs of the States are limited and not planned unlike UPSC.
• Insufficient financial resources – They lack the financial resources to meet the retirement and recruitment obligations of their employees leading to extension of the superannuation age and postponement of recruitment.
• Lack of dedicated ministry – Most State governments do not have a dedicated Ministry of Personnel.
• And therefore, vacancies are not notified regularly by the government which effectively means that State PSCs are not required to conduct the examinations regularly.

• No regular committees – State PSCs do not appoint committees regularly to redraft the syllabus.
• They are constrained to tap academic resources from within the State and are not able to achieve satisfactory ‘inter-se’ moderation in evaluation.
• Complexity of reservation – They also have the daunting task of making complex calculations to accurately incorporate not only vertical reservations but also horizontal reservations.
• Meeting the demands of regional quotas in the form of zonal reservations adds to this complexity. All these lead to continuous litigation in one form or the other delaying the recruitment process.

What can be done?

• Creation of separate ministry – Separate ministry should be created for personnel management.
• This Ministry should clearly layout a five-year road map for recruitment so that State PSCs are able to notify and conduct the examination process.
• Fixing the minimum age of members – The minimum age for appointment as a member should be fixed at 55 and the maximum age at 65.
• Along the lines of the 41st amendment of the Constitution (1976), which raised the maximum age limit of the members of State PSCs from 60 to 62 years in order to attract meritorious and experienced civil servants, there is a need for another amendment.
• The stipulation of minimum age will enable appointment of experienced individuals while increasing the maximum age will enable State PSCs to benefit from the experience of senior civil servants who have retired at 60 for a longer period than under the existing provisions.
• This amendment could also specify the necessary qualifications that members need in order to be appointed.
  • For example, in order to be an ‘official’ member, experience as Secretary to a State government or a post equivalent to this rank should be stipulated while for ‘non-official’ members 10 years of practice in a recognised profession like law, medicine, or engineering should be stipulated.
• Consultation with opposition – A mandatory pre-consultation with the leader of the Opposition before appointment may be considered for non-official members.
• Constitution of panel – A state wide panel of eminent people those with high standing, integrity, merit and independence should be constituted and periodically updated.
• Periodical revision of syllabus – The syllabus should be revised periodically, keeping in view the changing academic scenario and the syllabi for examinations as stipulated by the UPSC.
• Every proposal for revision should be placed in the public domain and changes can be made after public consultation.
• Objective type format – Knowledge on State specific areas like regional history, regional economy and regional geography, in which the availability of faculty is limited.
• It should be tested in the objective type format so that there would be no scope for complaint on the grounds of asymmetry of information and value laden correction.
• Combination of objective and subjective papers – While the preliminary examination may continue in the objective format, the main examination should be a mixture of objective and subjective papers.
• Eliminating the errors – The process of translation of the questions from English to the regional language should not only involve technology for secrecy but also the human element so that the right meaning is conveyed.
• Care should be taken to regularly change the pattern of questions so that the role of AI-chat bots, as a source of information for formulating answers, is effectively countered.
• Appointment of experienced officer – The Secretary of the State PSCs should be a senior officer with prior experience as either Commissioner of School Education or Secretary of the Board of Intermediate education to enable effective supervision of the examination branch of the Commission.

What lies ahead?

• Transparency and confidentiality should be balanced on the lines of the UPSC.
• If these changes are effected, one would have vibrant Public Service Commissions at the State level on par with the Union Public Service Commission.
• These are some of the main reasons limiting the efficient functioning of State PSCs and their declining credibility.
• Often aggrieved students comment that they have lost faith in State Commissions and would like the UPSC to conduct the examinations.
• Time bound structural and procedural reforms are required to restore faith in State PSCs.

Reference

The Hindu| State PSCs

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Why in news?

Michelle Bachelet, the first and only woman to serve as President of Chile and a former Chief of the UN Human Rights, receives the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for 2024.

• Indira Gandhi Peace Prize – It is awarded annually and named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
  • To commemorate her outstanding contribution to national and global well-being and to promote the causes which she espoused, in 1985.
  • Also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development.
• Purpose – To honor individuals/organizations for outstanding contributions to peace, disarmament, and development.
• Established in – 1986.
• Awarded by – Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
• Prize – It includes a trophy with a citation and cash prize of Rs.10 million or its equivalent in a foreign exchange.
  • Trophy – It is a square piece of banded Haematite Jasper, the same stone which is used at the samadhi of Indira Gandhi.

Haematite Jasper - one of the hardest varieties of stone found in India and is estimated to be 2000 million years old.

• Past Recipients – Mikhail Gorbachev (1987), UNHCR (1998), Angela Merkel (2013), WHO (2021), etc.
• Michelle Bachelet (2024 awardee)
  • She was 1^st woman of President of Chile  (2006-2010 and 2014-2018), symbolizing progress in gender equality.
  • As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018–2022), she spoke against abuses worldwide, including in Myanmar, Xinjiang (China), and Ukraine.
  • In Chile, she expanded social protection, improved healthcare, and promoted education reforms.
  • As a part of global peace efforts, she advocated for nuclear disarmament and strengthening multilateral institutions.

To know more about the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, Click here

References

1. Indian Express | Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, 2024
2. IGMT | Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Chestnut winged cuckoo

Why in news?

Recently, the Conservancy worker rescues Chestnut winged cuckoo in a busy part of Chennai.

• Scientific name – Clamator coromandus.
• Family – Cuculidae (Cuckoos).
• Taxonomy – It is monotypic (has no recognized subspecies).
• Habitat – It is found in wooded areas, mangroves, gardens, and parks, and often prefers dense canopy.
• Distribution & Migration –
  • Breeding range - Himalayan foothills, northern India, China, Myanmar, and Thailand.
  • Wintering range - Southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
  • Migration pattern - Moves southwards in winter, often seen as a passage migrant in peninsular India.
• Identification – A distinctive, long-tailed cuckoo with a peaked black crest like a witch's hat, bright orange throat, rusty wings, a black back, and white nape and belly.

• Size – It is about 47 cm long.
• Behavior – Forages and sings high in dense canopy; rarely seen clearly with all traits visible.
• Varied vocalizations – Harsh, raspy, or metallic sounding and include high-pitched “veep-veep” notes, a strident “kooree”, and a lunatic rattling cackle.
• Conservation Status –
  • IUCN - Least Concern
  • Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule-II
• Threats – It is not globally threatened, but local risks include habitat loss and urban predation during migration.

References

1. The Hindu | Rescue of Chestnut winged cuckoo
2. Birds of Singapore | Chestnut winged cuckoo
3. eBird | Chestnut winged cuckoo

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

Why in news?

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, presided over the 5^th Audit Diwas celebrations in New Delhi on November 16, 2025.

• CAG is a constitutional authority that audits the financial accounts of the Government of India and its state governments.
• CAG is the head of Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• He/She is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at the Centre and the State level.
• Constitutional provision - Article 148 provides for an independent office of the CAG.
• Appointment by – The President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.
• Governed by – The Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987.
• Tenure – 6 years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
• Resignation – CAG can resign at any time from his office by addressing the resignation letter to the President of India.
• Removal – Same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
  • Can be removed by the President based on a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majority.
• Reason for removal – Proved misbehavior or incapacity.
• Reappointment – Not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any State.
• Salary & service conditions – Determined by Parliament - Salary is equal to judge of the Supreme Court.
• Administrative expenses – Charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).

The current CAG (as of Nov, 2025) is K. Sanjay Murthy

To know more about CAG, Click here

Quick Fact

References

1. Indian Express | CAG to assess progress across 101 major cities.
2. PIB | Fifth Audit Diwas celebration

Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0

Why in news?

The Ministry of Education will organise Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 from 2^nd December, 2025, to celebrate the deep civilizational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

• Previous editions – The 1^st edition of KTS was held in 2022, 2^nd in 2023, and 3^rd in Feb, 2025.
• Theme for 4.0 – “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”.
• Aim – To promote Tamil learning across India and foster wider appreciation for India’s classical linguistic and literary heritage.
• Inspired by – The vision to uphold the civilizational, cultural, linguistic, and people-to-people bonds between the two regions, reflecting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat.
• Coordinated by – IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU),  Varanasi.
• 7 Categories –
  • Students
  • Teachers
  • Writers & Media Professionals
  • Agriculture & Allied Sectors
  • Professionals & Artisans
  • Women
  • Spiritual Scholars and Practitioners

Major Initiatives under KTS 4.0

• Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition from Tenkasi to Kashi
  • It recalls the efforts of Pandiyan ruler Shri Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, who spread the message of cultural unity by traveling from Tamil Nadu to Kashi.
    • He built a Shiva temple and renamed the town Tenkasi (Dakshin Kashi) to symbolize oneness.
  • Highlights the civilizational linkages from the Chera, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, Chalukya and Vijayanagara periods, promoting awareness of Tamil literature, Siddha medicine and shared heritage.
• Teaching Tamil in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Schools
  • 50 Hindi-knowing Tamil teachers will teach Tamil to school students in Kashi under the campaign “Tamil Karkalam”.
• Tamil Learning Study Tours for Students of Uttar Pradesh
  • A total of 300 college students from Kashi will travel to Tamil Nadu for a 15-day Tamil learning programme.
  • Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai will provide orientation and learning materials.
  • Host institutions will organize academic and cultural tours highlighting Tamil Nadu’s heritage, traditions and historic ties with Kashi.

References

1. PIB | Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0  
2. KTS | Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS)

Auramine

Why in news?

India continues to face recurring episodes of chemical adulteration in food, one of the most persistent among them is auramine O, banned under Indian food-safety regulations.

• Auramine O – It is a synthetic yellow dye, produced from compounds such as dimethylaniline and formaldehyde.
  • The dye appears as yellow flakes or powder and dissolves easily when mixed with solvents.
• Used in – Industry, including textile and leather processing, printing inks, paper manufacturing, etc.
• Banned for food use – It is bright in colour, easily available and low-cost, yet remains unapproved for use as a food additive.
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – classifies auramine as a substance that is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Other adulteration - Metanil yellow, rhodamine B, Sudan dyes, Argemone oil, calcium carbide, urea, other mineral oil, chalk powder, etc.

• Commonly found in – Sweets, turmeric powder, and street food snacks, gives a bright yellow hue that looks more appealing to consumers.
• Effects –
  • Toxic effects – Range of health risks, including liver and kidney damage, enlargement of the spleen, mutagenic effects, etc.
  • Persistent exposure – Even small amounts consumed regularly can accumulate and cause long-term harm.
  • Children at risk – Brightly colored foods often target children, increasing vulnerability.
• Global context – In the U.S., EU, and East Asian nations classify auramine strictly as an industrial dye, and its presence in consumables triggers product recalls and import alerts.
• Findings from investigation in India – Despite a strong legal framework, weak enforcement, economic pressures, and fragmented supply chains allow banned dyes like auramine to persist in Indian food.
• Significance of violation – In India, food regulator bans the use of such dyes, but mix of informal trade, high demand, weak testing and limited awareness of safety standards allows these chemicals to circulate -
  • Leads to public health risks, erosion of consumer trust, regulatory strain, and structural weaknesses in the food economy.

References

1. The Hindu | Auramine in Indian food
2. Ground Report | Auramine