#Goodmorning
⏳38 days left IfoS mains 16 Nov
⏳228 days left CSP26 [ 24-05-26]
⏳317 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
⏳3 days left APSC mains 11 Oct
⏳4 days left UPPSC /OPSC prelims 12 Oct
⏳60 days left PPSC prelims 7 dec
⏳54 days left JKPSC prelims/CAT/EPFO 30 Nov
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
⏳38 days left IfoS mains 16 Nov
⏳228 days left CSP26 [ 24-05-26]
⏳317 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
⏳3 days left APSC mains 11 Oct
⏳4 days left UPPSC /OPSC prelims 12 Oct
⏳60 days left PPSC prelims 7 dec
⏳54 days left JKPSC prelims/CAT/EPFO 30 Nov
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
❤1
🔆 Yakshi: Key Facts
📍 Historical Context
✅ Associated with Didarganj Yakshi from the Mauryan Period.
📍 Religious & Cultural Significance
✅ In Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, Yakshis are female counterparts of Yakshas.
✅ They are nature spirits, often benevolent, but sometimes mischievous or capricious.
✅ Linked with water, fertility, trees, forests, treasure, and wilderness.
📍 Depictions & Role
✅ Found in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist texts.
✅ Commonly seen in ancient & medieval South Asian and Southeast Asian temples as guardian deities.
✅ Typically adorned with ornaments and carrying maces, swords, bows, and other weapons.
📍 Historical Context
✅ Associated with Didarganj Yakshi from the Mauryan Period.
📍 Religious & Cultural Significance
✅ In Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, Yakshis are female counterparts of Yakshas.
✅ They are nature spirits, often benevolent, but sometimes mischievous or capricious.
✅ Linked with water, fertility, trees, forests, treasure, and wilderness.
📍 Depictions & Role
✅ Found in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist texts.
✅ Commonly seen in ancient & medieval South Asian and Southeast Asian temples as guardian deities.
✅ Typically adorned with ornaments and carrying maces, swords, bows, and other weapons.
❤1
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi “for the development of metal–organic frameworks
Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi have been awarded the 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry for the development of a new type of molecular architecture.
In 1989, chemistry laureate Richard Robson tested utilising the inherent properties of atoms in a new way. He combined positively charged copper ions with a four-armed molecule; this had a chemical group that was attracted to copper ions at the end of each arm.
When they were combined, they bonded to form a well-ordered, spacious crystal. It was like a diamond filled with innumerable cavities.
Robson immediately recognised the potential of his molecular construction, but it was unstable and collapsed easily. However, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi provided this building method with a firm foundation; between 1992 and 2003 they made, separately, a series of revolutionary discoveries.
Susumu Kitagawa showed that gases can flow in and out of the constructions and predicted that metal–organic frameworks (MOF) could be made flexible.
Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi have been awarded the 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry for the development of a new type of molecular architecture.
In 1989, chemistry laureate Richard Robson tested utilising the inherent properties of atoms in a new way. He combined positively charged copper ions with a four-armed molecule; this had a chemical group that was attracted to copper ions at the end of each arm.
When they were combined, they bonded to form a well-ordered, spacious crystal. It was like a diamond filled with innumerable cavities.
Robson immediately recognised the potential of his molecular construction, but it was unstable and collapsed easily. However, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi provided this building method with a firm foundation; between 1992 and 2003 they made, separately, a series of revolutionary discoveries.
Susumu Kitagawa showed that gases can flow in and out of the constructions and predicted that metal–organic frameworks (MOF) could be made flexible.
❤3
Forwarded from UPSC update
202510071241420982.pdf
881.1 KB
UGC NET Notification
December 2025
Form filling dates
7th October to 7th November
https://www.tg-me.com/upsc_cse_update
December 2025
Form filling dates
7th October to 7th November
https://www.tg-me.com/upsc_cse_update
❤1
🔆 South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC): A Catalyst for Global Development
📍 Context:
✅ As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development nears its deadline, South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a vital mechanism to strengthen partnerships among Global South countries.
✅ It promotes development solidarity, inclusiveness, and innovative solutions amid shrinking traditional aid and rising inequalities.
📍 About SSTC:
✅ South–South Cooperation (SSC): Collaboration among developing countries across political, economic, social, cultural, and technical domains.
✅ Triangular Cooperation: Partnership between two or more developing nations supported by a developed country or multilateral body.
✅ Based on mutual respect, equality, non-interference, and solidarity.
📍 Evolution:
✅ 1974: Creation of UN Office for South–South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
✅ 1978: Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) established SSC principles of solidarity and mutual respect.
✅ 2009: Nairobi Outcome Document expanded SSC beyond technical to institutional and political cooperation.
✅ 2017: Launch of India–UN Development Partnership Fund for demand-driven projects.
✅ 2025 Theme: “New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC.”
📍 Contemporary Relevance:
✅ Empowerment & Solidarity: Strengthens self-reliance without external conditionalities.
✅ Global Challenges: Offers collective solutions for poverty, climate change, and inequality.
✅ SDGs Driver: Facilitates progress toward SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and other goals.
✅ Multi-Sectoral Role: Enhances cooperation in agriculture, digital economy, health, and education.
📍 India’s Role in SSTC:
✅ Guiding Philosophy: Rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”).
✅ Institutional Mechanisms:
• Development Partnership Administration (MEA): Coordinates SSTC initiatives.
• ITEC Programme: Capacity building in 160+ countries.
• India–UN Fund: Supports 75+ projects in 56 countries, focusing on LDCs & SIDS.
✅ Technology Sharing: Exporting digital tools like Aadhaar and UPI to partner nations.
✅ Regional Advocacy: Led Voice of Global South Summit and backed African Union’s G20 membership.
✅ WFP Collaboration: Implemented Annapurti (Grain ATMs) and Take-Home Ration models to fight food insecurity globally.
📍 Challenges:
❌ Fragmentation: Diverse political priorities dilute coordination.
❌ Funding Gaps: Heavy reliance on voluntary trust funds like IBSA Fund.
❌ Political Will: Inconsistent follow-through limits progress.
❌ Bureaucratic Hurdles: Triangular projects often face power asymmetries with Northern partners.
❌ Weak Monitoring: Lack of a common results framework affects transparency and scalability.
📍 Way Forward:
✅ Foster Innovation: Scale up locally driven solutions aligned with 2025 UN SSTC theme.
✅ Enhance Financing: Expand and stabilize funding channels for demand-led projects.
✅ Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Involve private sector, academia, and civil society.
✅ High-Impact Focus: Prioritise food security, health, climate, and education.
✅ Knowledge Platforms: Create global training and best-practice sharing systems.
✅ SDG Alignment: Map every SSTC project to measurable Sustainable Development Goals outcomes.
📍 Conclusion:
SSTC embodies the collective strength of the Global South, offering a partnership model based on equality and shared growth rather than dependency. With India leading through inclusive development diplomacy, SSTC can redefine global cooperation for a fairer, multipolar world.
💭 Mains Question:
➡️ “Discuss the role of South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. How has India contributed to strengthening this global partnership model?”
#GS2 #InternationalRelations #mains
📍 Context:
✅ As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development nears its deadline, South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a vital mechanism to strengthen partnerships among Global South countries.
✅ It promotes development solidarity, inclusiveness, and innovative solutions amid shrinking traditional aid and rising inequalities.
📍 About SSTC:
✅ South–South Cooperation (SSC): Collaboration among developing countries across political, economic, social, cultural, and technical domains.
✅ Triangular Cooperation: Partnership between two or more developing nations supported by a developed country or multilateral body.
✅ Based on mutual respect, equality, non-interference, and solidarity.
📍 Evolution:
✅ 1974: Creation of UN Office for South–South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
✅ 1978: Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) established SSC principles of solidarity and mutual respect.
✅ 2009: Nairobi Outcome Document expanded SSC beyond technical to institutional and political cooperation.
✅ 2017: Launch of India–UN Development Partnership Fund for demand-driven projects.
✅ 2025 Theme: “New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC.”
📍 Contemporary Relevance:
✅ Empowerment & Solidarity: Strengthens self-reliance without external conditionalities.
✅ Global Challenges: Offers collective solutions for poverty, climate change, and inequality.
✅ SDGs Driver: Facilitates progress toward SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and other goals.
✅ Multi-Sectoral Role: Enhances cooperation in agriculture, digital economy, health, and education.
📍 India’s Role in SSTC:
✅ Guiding Philosophy: Rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”).
✅ Institutional Mechanisms:
• Development Partnership Administration (MEA): Coordinates SSTC initiatives.
• ITEC Programme: Capacity building in 160+ countries.
• India–UN Fund: Supports 75+ projects in 56 countries, focusing on LDCs & SIDS.
✅ Technology Sharing: Exporting digital tools like Aadhaar and UPI to partner nations.
✅ Regional Advocacy: Led Voice of Global South Summit and backed African Union’s G20 membership.
✅ WFP Collaboration: Implemented Annapurti (Grain ATMs) and Take-Home Ration models to fight food insecurity globally.
📍 Challenges:
❌ Fragmentation: Diverse political priorities dilute coordination.
❌ Funding Gaps: Heavy reliance on voluntary trust funds like IBSA Fund.
❌ Political Will: Inconsistent follow-through limits progress.
❌ Bureaucratic Hurdles: Triangular projects often face power asymmetries with Northern partners.
❌ Weak Monitoring: Lack of a common results framework affects transparency and scalability.
📍 Way Forward:
✅ Foster Innovation: Scale up locally driven solutions aligned with 2025 UN SSTC theme.
✅ Enhance Financing: Expand and stabilize funding channels for demand-led projects.
✅ Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Involve private sector, academia, and civil society.
✅ High-Impact Focus: Prioritise food security, health, climate, and education.
✅ Knowledge Platforms: Create global training and best-practice sharing systems.
✅ SDG Alignment: Map every SSTC project to measurable Sustainable Development Goals outcomes.
📍 Conclusion:
SSTC embodies the collective strength of the Global South, offering a partnership model based on equality and shared growth rather than dependency. With India leading through inclusive development diplomacy, SSTC can redefine global cooperation for a fairer, multipolar world.
💭 Mains Question:
➡️ “Discuss the role of South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. How has India contributed to strengthening this global partnership model?”
#GS2 #InternationalRelations #mains
❤7
#Goodmorning
⏳36 days left IfoS mains 16 Nov
⏳227 days left CSP26 [ 24-05-26]
⏳316 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
⏳2 days left APSC mains 11 Oct
⏳3 days left UPPSC /OPSC prelims 12 Oct
⏳59 days left PPSC prelims 7 dec
⏳53 days left JKPSC prelims/CAT/EPFO 30 Nov
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
⏳36 days left IfoS mains 16 Nov
⏳227 days left CSP26 [ 24-05-26]
⏳316 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
⏳2 days left APSC mains 11 Oct
⏳3 days left UPPSC /OPSC prelims 12 Oct
⏳59 days left PPSC prelims 7 dec
⏳53 days left JKPSC prelims/CAT/EPFO 30 Nov
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
❤1
🔆 Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th Century CE)
📍 Founding & Rise
✅ Pulakesin I (c. 550 CE) founded the Chalukya dynasty and made Badami (Vatapi) his capital.
✅ Assumed the title Vallabheshvara and performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice, asserting sovereignty.
✅ Kirtivarman I (566–597 CE) expanded the kingdom by defeating the Mauryas of Konkan, Nalas of Nalavadi, and Kadambas of Banavasi.
📍 Age of Expansion – Pulakesin II (609–642 CE)
✅ The most illustrious ruler of the dynasty.
✅ Defeated Harsha of Kanauj on the banks of the Narmada, halting northern expansion into the Deccan — detailed in Ravikirti’s Aihole inscription.
✅ Took the title Parameshvara (Supreme Lord).
✅ Conquered the Vishnukundins of Andhra and consolidated power across the peninsula.
✅ Hiuen-Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, visited his court — describing his empire as well-governed and prosperous.
✅ Maintained diplomatic ties with Khosrau II of Persia, exchanging envoys — a rare instance of early Indo-Iranian diplomacy.
✅ Ultimately defeated and possibly killed by Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE), who captured Vatapi (642 CE).
📍 Decline
✅ Post Pulakesin II, the dynasty weakened due to internal strife.
✅ Around 750 CE, Rashtrakuta ruler Dantidurga overthrew Kirtivarman II, ending the Badami line.
📍 Art & Architecture
✅ Over 150 monuments (450–700 CE) survive in the Malaprabha basin of Karnataka.
✅ Major sites: Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
✅ Architectural features: blend of Nagara (north) and Dravida (south) styles.
✅ Key examples:
• Durga Temple, Aihole (6th c.)
• Ladh Khan Temple, Aihole (5th c.)
• Meguti Temple, Aihole (634 CE)
• Badami Cave Temples (c. 600 CE) – rock-cut shrines for Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain faiths.
📍 Administration & Polity
✅ Empire divided into:
• Maharashtrakas (provinces) → Rashtrakas (mandalas) → Vishayas (districts) → Bhogas (ten-village units).
✅ Feudatories like Alupas, Gangas, Banas, and Sendrakas ruled autonomously under Chalukya suzerainty.
✅ Local assemblies managed civic affairs; mahajanas (learned Brahmins) governed agraharas and educational institutions (e.g., 2000 at Badami, 500 at Aihole).
📍 Society & Culture
✅ Caste system prevalent; prostitution legally recognised.
✅ Sati not widely practised — records mention widows like Vinayavathi and Vijayanka.
✅ Women in power:
• Vijayanka, queen and Sanskrit poetess.
• Kumkumadevi, sister of Vijayaditya.
• Lokamahadevi, queen of Vikramaditya II, took part in wars.
📍 Religion
✅ Initially Vedic Hinduism; later strong Shaiva influence (Pashupata, Kapalika, Kalamukha sects).
✅ Jainism actively patronised — Jain cave temples in Aihole and Badami.
✅ Buddhism declined during their rule.
📍 Military & Coinage
✅ Well-organised army: infantry, cavalry, elephant corps, and a navy for western coast defence.
✅ Coins bore Nagari and Kannada legends with motifs like temples, lions, boars, and lotuses.
✅ The gold coin Honnu (~4g) and smaller units Fana, quarter Fana (modern Hana) were in circulation.
💡 Mains Question:
Assess the political and cultural significance of the Badami Chalukyas in shaping early medieval Deccan history.
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@studytoday1
@upsc_art_and_culture
📍 Founding & Rise
✅ Pulakesin I (c. 550 CE) founded the Chalukya dynasty and made Badami (Vatapi) his capital.
✅ Assumed the title Vallabheshvara and performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice, asserting sovereignty.
✅ Kirtivarman I (566–597 CE) expanded the kingdom by defeating the Mauryas of Konkan, Nalas of Nalavadi, and Kadambas of Banavasi.
📍 Age of Expansion – Pulakesin II (609–642 CE)
✅ The most illustrious ruler of the dynasty.
✅ Defeated Harsha of Kanauj on the banks of the Narmada, halting northern expansion into the Deccan — detailed in Ravikirti’s Aihole inscription.
✅ Took the title Parameshvara (Supreme Lord).
✅ Conquered the Vishnukundins of Andhra and consolidated power across the peninsula.
✅ Hiuen-Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, visited his court — describing his empire as well-governed and prosperous.
✅ Maintained diplomatic ties with Khosrau II of Persia, exchanging envoys — a rare instance of early Indo-Iranian diplomacy.
✅ Ultimately defeated and possibly killed by Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE), who captured Vatapi (642 CE).
📍 Decline
✅ Post Pulakesin II, the dynasty weakened due to internal strife.
✅ Around 750 CE, Rashtrakuta ruler Dantidurga overthrew Kirtivarman II, ending the Badami line.
📍 Art & Architecture
✅ Over 150 monuments (450–700 CE) survive in the Malaprabha basin of Karnataka.
✅ Major sites: Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
✅ Architectural features: blend of Nagara (north) and Dravida (south) styles.
✅ Key examples:
• Durga Temple, Aihole (6th c.)
• Ladh Khan Temple, Aihole (5th c.)
• Meguti Temple, Aihole (634 CE)
• Badami Cave Temples (c. 600 CE) – rock-cut shrines for Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain faiths.
📍 Administration & Polity
✅ Empire divided into:
• Maharashtrakas (provinces) → Rashtrakas (mandalas) → Vishayas (districts) → Bhogas (ten-village units).
✅ Feudatories like Alupas, Gangas, Banas, and Sendrakas ruled autonomously under Chalukya suzerainty.
✅ Local assemblies managed civic affairs; mahajanas (learned Brahmins) governed agraharas and educational institutions (e.g., 2000 at Badami, 500 at Aihole).
📍 Society & Culture
✅ Caste system prevalent; prostitution legally recognised.
✅ Sati not widely practised — records mention widows like Vinayavathi and Vijayanka.
✅ Women in power:
• Vijayanka, queen and Sanskrit poetess.
• Kumkumadevi, sister of Vijayaditya.
• Lokamahadevi, queen of Vikramaditya II, took part in wars.
📍 Religion
✅ Initially Vedic Hinduism; later strong Shaiva influence (Pashupata, Kapalika, Kalamukha sects).
✅ Jainism actively patronised — Jain cave temples in Aihole and Badami.
✅ Buddhism declined during their rule.
📍 Military & Coinage
✅ Well-organised army: infantry, cavalry, elephant corps, and a navy for western coast defence.
✅ Coins bore Nagari and Kannada legends with motifs like temples, lions, boars, and lotuses.
✅ The gold coin Honnu (~4g) and smaller units Fana, quarter Fana (modern Hana) were in circulation.
💡 Mains Question:
Assess the political and cultural significance of the Badami Chalukyas in shaping early medieval Deccan history.
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@studytoday1
@upsc_art_and_culture
❤8👍1
🔆 Anatomy of Article 200 — At the Intersection of Politics & Constitution
📍 Context:
✅ The Supreme Court’s judgment in State of Punjab v. Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab (2023) examined the discretionary powers of Governors under Article 200, addressing delays in giving assent to Bills passed by State legislatures.
📍 About Article 200:
✅ It provides three courses of action for a Governor when a Bill is presented for assent —
1️⃣ Give assent
2️⃣ Withhold assent and send back for reconsideration
3️⃣ Reserve the Bill for President’s consideration
✅ The issue lies in the vague phrase “as soon as possible”, which Governors have used to delay Bills indefinitely — stalling State governance.
📍 Recent Concerns:
✅ Growing instances in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh where Governors have delayed assent have created a constitutional deadlock.
✅ The Court noted that such inaction paralyses legislative functioning, undermines federalism, and violates the spirit of parliamentary democracy.
📍 Supreme Court’s Interpretation:
✅ The Court clarified that the Governor must act “within a reasonable timeframe” under the principle of constitutional expediency.
✅ The Governor cannot act as a “super-constitutional authority” by overriding the State executive and legislature.
✅ Discretion under Article 200 is not absolute — it must align with cabinet advice and federal principles.
📍 Present Dichotomy:
✅ Despite the ruling, ambiguity persists over the Governor’s dual role — as a constitutional head bound by advice vs. as an independent check under limited circumstances.
✅ This exposes tension between State autonomy and central oversight, raising questions about India’s cooperative federalism.
📍 Mains Question:
Q. Examine the constitutional and political dimensions of the Governor’s discretionary power under Article 200. How does it impact the functioning of State legislatures and the federal balance in India?
#GS2 #Polity
📍 Context:
✅ The Supreme Court’s judgment in State of Punjab v. Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab (2023) examined the discretionary powers of Governors under Article 200, addressing delays in giving assent to Bills passed by State legislatures.
📍 About Article 200:
✅ It provides three courses of action for a Governor when a Bill is presented for assent —
1️⃣ Give assent
2️⃣ Withhold assent and send back for reconsideration
3️⃣ Reserve the Bill for President’s consideration
✅ The issue lies in the vague phrase “as soon as possible”, which Governors have used to delay Bills indefinitely — stalling State governance.
📍 Recent Concerns:
✅ Growing instances in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh where Governors have delayed assent have created a constitutional deadlock.
✅ The Court noted that such inaction paralyses legislative functioning, undermines federalism, and violates the spirit of parliamentary democracy.
📍 Supreme Court’s Interpretation:
✅ The Court clarified that the Governor must act “within a reasonable timeframe” under the principle of constitutional expediency.
✅ The Governor cannot act as a “super-constitutional authority” by overriding the State executive and legislature.
✅ Discretion under Article 200 is not absolute — it must align with cabinet advice and federal principles.
📍 Present Dichotomy:
✅ Despite the ruling, ambiguity persists over the Governor’s dual role — as a constitutional head bound by advice vs. as an independent check under limited circumstances.
✅ This exposes tension between State autonomy and central oversight, raising questions about India’s cooperative federalism.
📍 Mains Question:
Q. Examine the constitutional and political dimensions of the Governor’s discretionary power under Article 200. How does it impact the functioning of State legislatures and the federal balance in India?
#GS2 #Polity
❤4👍1
🔆 Madras HC on Safeguarding Saivite & Vaishnavite Heritage
📍 Context
✅ The Madras High Court upheld the cultural value of Tevaram (Saivism) and Naalayira Divya Prabandham (Vaishnavism), calling them vital for India’s spiritual heritage.
✅ The remarks came while allowing volunteers to perform Uzhavarapani (temple cleaning) under HR & CE supervision.
📍 Key Observations
✅ Recognised the six Hindu cults — Shanmata (Saivam, Vaishnavam, Shaktam, Ganapatyam, Kaumaram, Sauram) — founded by Adi Shankara, symbolising unity in diversity.
✅ Permitted cleaning of temple premises but restricted interference with sanctum and idols.
📍 Saivite Heritage
✅ Tevaram: 7th–9th century hymns by Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar praising 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (217 in Tamil Nadu).
✅ Uzhavarapani: Initiated by Saint Appar, linking temple cleaning to spiritual purification.
✅ Vaippu Sthalams: 249 temples casually mentioned in hymns, including one believed to be in the Gulf.
📍 Vaishnavite Heritage
✅ Divya Desams: 108 sacred Vishnu temples (84 in Tamil Nadu) celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham — 4,000 Tamil hymns by 12 Alvars, compiled by Nathamuni.
📘 Significance
✅ The judgment reinforces the need to preserve Tamil devotional literature, Bhakti traditions, and volunteer-based temple culture as part of India’s living heritage.
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@studytoday1
@upsc_art_and_culture
📍 Context
✅ The Madras High Court upheld the cultural value of Tevaram (Saivism) and Naalayira Divya Prabandham (Vaishnavism), calling them vital for India’s spiritual heritage.
✅ The remarks came while allowing volunteers to perform Uzhavarapani (temple cleaning) under HR & CE supervision.
📍 Key Observations
✅ Recognised the six Hindu cults — Shanmata (Saivam, Vaishnavam, Shaktam, Ganapatyam, Kaumaram, Sauram) — founded by Adi Shankara, symbolising unity in diversity.
✅ Permitted cleaning of temple premises but restricted interference with sanctum and idols.
📍 Saivite Heritage
✅ Tevaram: 7th–9th century hymns by Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar praising 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (217 in Tamil Nadu).
✅ Uzhavarapani: Initiated by Saint Appar, linking temple cleaning to spiritual purification.
✅ Vaippu Sthalams: 249 temples casually mentioned in hymns, including one believed to be in the Gulf.
📍 Vaishnavite Heritage
✅ Divya Desams: 108 sacred Vishnu temples (84 in Tamil Nadu) celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham — 4,000 Tamil hymns by 12 Alvars, compiled by Nathamuni.
📘 Significance
✅ The judgment reinforces the need to preserve Tamil devotional literature, Bhakti traditions, and volunteer-based temple culture as part of India’s living heritage.
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@studytoday1
@upsc_art_and_culture
https://innovateindia.mygov.in/upsc/
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a new digital initiative titled ‘My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality’ as part of its Centenary Year celebrations (1925–2025).
The portal has been created to document and preserve the personal experiences of officers who appeared for the UPSC Personality Test during their journey to becoming public servants.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a new digital initiative titled ‘My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality’ as part of its Centenary Year celebrations (1925–2025).
The portal has been created to document and preserve the personal experiences of officers who appeared for the UPSC Personality Test during their journey to becoming public servants.
❤5
🔆 Right to Die Debate under Article 21 – Mains Perspective
📍 Context:
The Right to Die with Dignity debate under Article 21 (Right to Life & Personal Liberty) continues to evolve — balancing individual autonomy, ethics, and state responsibility in end-of-life decisions.
📍 1️⃣ Constitutional & Judicial Basis:
✅ Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) – Recognised Right to Die with Dignity as part of Article 21.
✅ Affirmed autonomy to refuse life-sustaining treatment; legalised passive euthanasia and living wills.
✅ Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011) – Permitted passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
🧾 Law Commission Reports:
• 196th (2006): Procedural clarity for euthanasia.
• 241st (2012): Advocated legalising passive euthanasia.
📍 2️⃣ Living Wills & Implementation:
✅ Living wills allow individuals to predefine end-of-life medical decisions.
✅ Judicial directives ensure safeguards but bureaucratic delays persist.
✅ 2025 Living Will Case – Streamlined medical board approval process.
📍 3️⃣ Ethical and Legal Dimensions:
✅ Balancing autonomy vs. risk of misuse (coercion, consent issues).
✅ NHRC Reports (2020s) – Urged ethical frameworks for euthanasia.
✅ Courts emphasise procedural checks and family/medical oversight.
📍 4️⃣ Mental Health & Euthanasia:
✅ Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – Recognises mental distress as a medical condition, decriminalising suicide attempts.
✅ Ongoing debate on extending euthanasia to severe psychiatric illnesses (2025 Neurodegenerative Disease Case).
📍 5️⃣ Suicide & Dignity under Article 21:
✅ Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996) – Rejected suicide as a right, but upheld dignity in death.
✅ Mental Healthcare Act (2017) & Law Commission’s 210th Report (2008) – Decriminalised suicide, reinforcing compassion over punishment.
📍 6️⃣ Broader Ethical Concerns:
✅ State duty to protect life vs. individual right to autonomy.
✅ Distinction between active euthanasia (illegal) and passive euthanasia (legalised).
✅ Global precedents: Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium legalise assisted dying under strict supervision.
📍 Way Forward:
🔹 Codify euthanasia and living will provisions via a comprehensive End-of-Life Care Act.
🔹 Strengthen medical ethics boards for transparency and accountability.
🔹 Integrate mental health and palliative care within end-of-life policy frameworks.
📘 Mains Practice Question:
“The Right to Die with Dignity under Article 21 raises profound ethical and legal dilemmas. Discuss how India’s judicial and legislative responses have shaped this debate.”
#GS2 #Ethics #mains
📍 Context:
The Right to Die with Dignity debate under Article 21 (Right to Life & Personal Liberty) continues to evolve — balancing individual autonomy, ethics, and state responsibility in end-of-life decisions.
📍 1️⃣ Constitutional & Judicial Basis:
✅ Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) – Recognised Right to Die with Dignity as part of Article 21.
✅ Affirmed autonomy to refuse life-sustaining treatment; legalised passive euthanasia and living wills.
✅ Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011) – Permitted passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
🧾 Law Commission Reports:
• 196th (2006): Procedural clarity for euthanasia.
• 241st (2012): Advocated legalising passive euthanasia.
📍 2️⃣ Living Wills & Implementation:
✅ Living wills allow individuals to predefine end-of-life medical decisions.
✅ Judicial directives ensure safeguards but bureaucratic delays persist.
✅ 2025 Living Will Case – Streamlined medical board approval process.
📍 3️⃣ Ethical and Legal Dimensions:
✅ Balancing autonomy vs. risk of misuse (coercion, consent issues).
✅ NHRC Reports (2020s) – Urged ethical frameworks for euthanasia.
✅ Courts emphasise procedural checks and family/medical oversight.
📍 4️⃣ Mental Health & Euthanasia:
✅ Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – Recognises mental distress as a medical condition, decriminalising suicide attempts.
✅ Ongoing debate on extending euthanasia to severe psychiatric illnesses (2025 Neurodegenerative Disease Case).
📍 5️⃣ Suicide & Dignity under Article 21:
✅ Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996) – Rejected suicide as a right, but upheld dignity in death.
✅ Mental Healthcare Act (2017) & Law Commission’s 210th Report (2008) – Decriminalised suicide, reinforcing compassion over punishment.
📍 6️⃣ Broader Ethical Concerns:
✅ State duty to protect life vs. individual right to autonomy.
✅ Distinction between active euthanasia (illegal) and passive euthanasia (legalised).
✅ Global precedents: Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium legalise assisted dying under strict supervision.
📍 Way Forward:
🔹 Codify euthanasia and living will provisions via a comprehensive End-of-Life Care Act.
🔹 Strengthen medical ethics boards for transparency and accountability.
🔹 Integrate mental health and palliative care within end-of-life policy frameworks.
📘 Mains Practice Question:
“The Right to Die with Dignity under Article 21 raises profound ethical and legal dilemmas. Discuss how India’s judicial and legislative responses have shaped this debate.”
#GS2 #Ethics #mains
❤2👍1
Part IX
Article 243 Definitions
Article 243A Gram Sabha (A for apple sbne gaanv me paarha h means gram = gram sabha)
Article 243B Constitution of Panchayats ( बनना panchayat ka )
Article 243C Composition of Panchayats(c= composition )
Article 243D. Reservation of seats ( apna दबदबा hai kuch seats reserve kr li)
Article 243E Duration of Panchayats, etc ( Expiry date = duration)
Article 243F. Disqualifications for membership (F = fut lo yahan se)
Article 243G. Powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats. ( G = gun lekr chalne wala jiske pass power h)
Article 243H. Powers to impose taxes by, and Funds of, the Panchayats( haftaaa nikaal = tax impose)
Article 243I Constitution of Finance Commission to review financial position ( rat lo 243I finance Commission hai)
Article 243J Audit of accounts of Panchayats ( J = जांच krna = audit)
Article 243K. Elections to the Panchayats ( kon ayega kon krwayega = state election commission )
Article 243L Application to Union territories ( lieutenant governor kaha hote ?? Are UT me hotee)
Article 243M Part not to apply to certain areas ( Mna kr dia us area ne yaha apply mt krna )
Article 243N Continuance of existing laws and Panchayats( naya nhi ayega❌️ wahi continue rhega)
Article 243O Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters ( oo helloo don't interfere here go and study )
Same for IXA.
👌11❤9😁2👍1
#Goodmorning
⏳35 days left IfoS mains 16 Nov
⏳226 days left CSP26 [ 24-05-26]
⏳315 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
⏳ Tommorow APSC mains 11 Oct
⏳2 days left UPPSC /OPSC prelims 12 Oct
⏳58 days left PPSC prelims 7 dec
⏳52 days left JKPSC prelims/CAT/EPFO 30 Nov
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
⏳35 days left IfoS mains 16 Nov
⏳226 days left CSP26 [ 24-05-26]
⏳315 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
⏳ Tommorow APSC mains 11 Oct
⏳2 days left UPPSC /OPSC prelims 12 Oct
⏳58 days left PPSC prelims 7 dec
⏳52 days left JKPSC prelims/CAT/EPFO 30 Nov
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
❤1