National Geospatial Policy 2022

On 28th December, 2022, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) published the National Geospatial Policy, 2022. Vision To make India a world leader in Global Geospatial space with the best in the class ecosystem for innovation. To develop a coherent national framework in the country and leverage it to move towards

Social Progress Index 2022

On 20th December, 2022, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) along with the Institute for Competitiveness and Social Progress Imperative released the Social Progress Index (SPI). About Social Progress Index (SPI) It is a comprehensive tool that can serve as a holistic measure of a country's social progress at the

Regenerative Agriculture

Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its report on “Climate Change and Land” emphasised the importance of regenerative agriculture. About Regenerative Agriculture Regenerative Agriculture is a holistic land management practice that leverages the power of photosynthesis in plants to close the carbon cycle, and build soil health, crop resilience

World Bank Report on Air Pollution

On 14th December, 2022, the World Bank released a report, titled 'Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia'. Background Persistently hazardous levels of air pollution have caused public health crises in South Asia demanding urgent action. Using a modelling approach over South Asia as a whole, the

Biofloc Fish Farming Technology

Giving a fillip to homestead aquaculture and nutritional security, a self-help group in Kochi (Kerala) has reaped a bumper harvest from biofloc fish farming, an innovative aquaculture practice. About Biofloc Technology It is a technique of improving the quality of water by balancing carbon and nitrogen in the system. The principle

GI Tag to Agricultural Products

Recently, five agricultural products of Kerala- Attappady Attukombu Avara, Attappady Thuvara, Onattukara Ellu, Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli, and Kodungalloor Pottuvellari have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status. With the latest five GIs, 17 agricultural products of Kerala facilitated by the Kerala Agricultural University have received the GI status. Attappady Attukombu Avara (Beans) It is curved

Surety Bond Insurance

On 19th December, 2022, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways launched one of India’s first-ever Surety Bond Insurance product from Bajaj Allianz. About Surety Bond Surety bonds are a contract or a three-way agreement that are guarantees of payment, which insurers issue. The surety (insurance companies/banks) provides the financial guarantee to the

Share Buyback

Recently, the parent company of Paytm has decided on a proposal for buyback of its shares. About Share buyback Share buyback is when a listed company buys its own shares from the existing shareholders. Share buyback is also called as share repurchase. The process reduces the number of outstanding shares in the open market

Domestic Systemically Important Banks

On 2nd January, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released 2022 list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank has again been named as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) by RBI in 2022 list. About D-SIBs These are also referred to as “Too Big

Bharat Bill Payment System

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to expand the scope of the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). Need BBPS currently does not enable non-recurring payments or collection requirements of individuals even if they are recurring in nature. Consequently, some categories of payments/collections remain outside the ambit of the BBPS — professional

India’s Startup Boom

According to figures presented in Parliament, the success rate of startups in India is relatively higher than the rest of the world and there were 84,012 recognised startups in the country at the end of November, 2022. Current Status The data also reveals that there is at least one Department for Promotion

KALYANI FeRRESTA: India’s First Green Steel Brand

Recently, India’s first Green Steel Brand “KALYANI FeRRESTA” was launched by the government. This first-of-its-kind steel has been manufactured by a Pune-based Steel company, Kalyani group by using renewable energy resources, leaving zero carbon footprints in the environment. Kalyani Ferresta has a very low GHG emission intensity of < 0.19 tCO2e per

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

On 27th December, 2022, Ministry of Railways has formulated a new policy for modernization of stations named –Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme It envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long term vision. It is based on Master Planning for long term and implementation of the

Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem Program

Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $250 million policy-based loan to support the Government of India’s wide-ranging reforms that aim to strengthen and modernize the country’s logistics infrastructure, improve efficiency, and lower the cost in the logistics sector. The loan will finance the first subprogram of the Strengthening

Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

It is managed by the IEPF Authority, set up in 2016 under the provisions of Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013. IEPF Authority has responsibility of administration of IEPF and promotes awareness among investors, makes refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits and debentures to rightful claimants. It will

Rights Issue

A rights issue is a mechanism to raise money by offering existing shareholders, new equity shares typically offered at a discount by listed firms. If an existing investor does not intend to participate in the rights offering, there is an option to renounce the shares in favour of others. Rights

Rules of Origin

Rules of origin are the rules to attribute a country of origin to a product in order to determine its "economic nationality". The WTO Agreement on Rules of Origin arising out of the Uruguay round of WTO negotiations was an attempt to harmonize the rules of origin for different

Agriculture Investment Portal

Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is a centralized one stop portal for agri-investors to avail benefits of various government schemes implemented by various departments related to agriculture and allied sectors. The portal highlights the steps for ease of doing business in India, the market entry

Mahila Coir Yojana(MCY)

It is a women oriented self-employment programme in the coir industry, which aims to providing self-employment to rural women artisans in regions producing coir fibre. The scheme is being implemented by the Government through the Coir Board under its Coir Vikas Yojana. The scheme is prevalent in coir producing coastal

Stress Testing

It is commonly described as the evaluation of a bank’s financial position under a severe but plausible scenario to assist in decision making within the bank. It enables a bank in forward looking assessment of risks, which overcomes the limitations of statistical risk measures or models based mainly on historical

Kasturi Cotton

The Kasturi cotton was launched in 2020 as a brand with a logo. A unique brand identity for 'Kasturi' Indian cotton was created by highlighting its specifications-based benefits. The Kasturi Cotton brand will represent Whiteness, Brightness, Softness, Purity, Luster, Uniqueness and Indianness. Authorities - The Kasturi brand owned by the

Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is developing Krishi-DSS, a decision support system, on the lines of Gati Shakti, using RISAT-1A and VEDAS of Department of Space. This will enhance the evidence-based decision-making capability of all the stakeholders in the agriculture sector by way of integration with MOSDAC

Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP)

QIP is a mechanism used by publicly traded corporations to raise capital by selling stocks or other equity-convertible instruments to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs). Conditions - Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) are the only entities allowed to purchase QIPs. For a QIP to take place, the company must already have its

Draft National Retail Trade Policy

Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought the views of 16 departments and ministries on its Draft National Retail Trade Policy. The primary aim of the policy is to formulate strategies for the overall development of all formats of the retail sector. Objectives Ensuring easy and

ODOP merged with ‘District as Export Hub’ Initiative

Recently, One District One Product (ODOP) initiative operationally merged with ‘Districts as Export Hub (DEH)’ initiative of DGFT, Department of Commerce, with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as a major stakeholder. About One District One Product (ODOP) It is an initiative which is seen as a transformational

Nuclear Fusion: US Scientists Reach New Milestone

Recently, in a major scientific breakthrough, scientists in the US for the first time achieved a net gain in energy from a nuclear fusion reaction. Net energy gain has been an elusive goal because fusion happens at such high temperatures and pressures that it is incredibly difficult to control. The Experiment Scientists

Brain-eating Amoeba

On 26th December, 2022, South Korea reported its first case of infection from Naegleria fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba’. Naegleria fowleri is found in all continents and is declared as the cause of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a dangerous brain infection, in over 16 countries, including India. About Naegleria fowleri Naegleria is an amoeba,

‘Pralay’ Ballistic Missile

On 25th December, 2022, the Ministry of Defence cleared a proposal to procure around 120 Pralay ballistic missiles, which will be deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan. The missile will be first inducted into the Indian Air Force, followed by the Indian Army. India had earlier successfully conducted the second

New Gene Therapy for Cancer Treatment

In a major scientific breakthrough, scientists in the United Kingdom have successfully tested a new form of gene therapy, ‘Base Editing’, for the first time in a patient with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL), a type of blood cancer. The researchers used this tool to engineer a new type of T-cell

New Artificial Nanostructures for Infrared Absorption Technologies

Recently, researchers in Bengaluru’s Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have demonstrated for the first time infrared light emission and absorption with Gallium nitride (GaN) nanostructures. The development could lend itself to multiple useful applications. Context GaN, a widely used

OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Recently, OpenAI, a San Francisco-based non-profit Artificial Intelligence (AI) research lab, introduced a new chatbot called ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a ‘conversational’ AI and answers queries just like humans. It can answer follow-up questions, and can also admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests. GPT-3 stands for Generative

Ruthenium−Ferrocene Bimetallic Agent

Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, have discovered a Ruthenium−Ferrocene bimetallic agent that shows a highly potent antitumor effect in platinum-resistant cancers. Platinum drugs are the frontline treatment option for many cancers. But their broad applicability is severely limited due to the fast development of resistance against these

Gelbots

Recently, scientists have built soft robots named Gelbots. Gelbots are made out of gelatin. They are created by 3D printing. They are capable of moving without requiring an extra power source because of the way their shape, dimensions and patterning of gel are designed. This is because the gels swell

Incovacc

Bharat Biotech’s intranasal vaccine, BBV154 or Incovacc is the world’s first intranasal vaccine to be approved as a booster dose for COVID-19. The nasal vaccine is a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. As the vaccine is given nasally, it triggers an immune response in

Deep-tech Startups

Deep tech or deep technology refers to a class of startup businesses that develop new offerings based on tangible engineering innovation or scientific discoveries and advances. Deep technology (deep tech) or hard tech is a classification of organisation, or more typically startup company, with the expressed objective of providing technology

Widefield ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind survey (WALLABY)

It is a radio telescope in Western Australia that is helping astronomers build a three-dimensional map of the night sky, mapping galaxies as far as a billion light years away. It is hosted by the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP)

SWOT Mission to Survey Earth’s Water

Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The spacecraft was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Key Points About: SWOT is an advanced radar satellite jointly developed and operated by NASA and CNES, the French

HAKUTO-R Mission

Recently, Japanese space startup ispace Inc launched its own private lander M1 to the Moon under its HAKUTO-R mission. The launch was carried out by SpaceX in Cape Canaveral in the US state of Florida. Key Points About: HAKUTO-R is Japan’s first-ever lunar mission and the first of its kind by a

Nijaat Campaign

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the US-based international organisation has selected the anti-drug & illicit liquor campaign ‘Nijaat’ of Chhattisgarh police for ‘Leadership in Crime Prevention’ award in the institutional category. The prestigious IACP 2022 Award has selected the de-addiction drive ‘Nijaat’, which was executed following the directive

Project Vanikaran

The Forest Department in association with Noolpuzha grama panchayat has launched the ‘Vanikaran’ (afforestation) project to root out invasive plants. The project is being executed on 30 hectares of forestland under the Sulthan Bathery forest range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where exotic invasive plants, including Senna spectabilis, Eupatorium, Mikania

First Complete Library Constituency in India

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s constituency-Dharmadam, has achieved the position of complete library constituency in India, the first in India. Out of the total 138 wards in the constituency, there were no libraries in 63 wards. Dharmadam reached the achievement with the opening of libraries in these wards

Country’s First Infantry Museum

The country’s first Infantry Museum has been opened for the general public at Mhow, Indore (Madhya Pradesh). The Infantry Museum covers the history of the Infantry from 1747 to 2020. It depicts the rich heritage, glorious past and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers preserved in sculptures, murals, and

Mental Health and Social Care Policy

The Meghalaya cabinet has approved a policy aimed at addressing the issues of mental health and social care through collaborative engagement with communities. Meghalaya is the third state in the country to have a comprehensive policy on mental health and social care. Kerala and Karnataka are the other two states

Asia’s First Drone Delivery Hub

The Meghalaya government in partnership with startup TechEagle has unveiled Asia’s first drone delivery hub and network which is aimed at providing universal access to healthcare for the people in the state. The project is aimed at delivering vital supplies like drugs, diagnostic samples, vaccines, blood and blood components

Award for Best Practice in Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM)

The Meghalaya government, which has adopted a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement) against Tuberculosis, received an award for best practices in controlling the disease that affects 2.6 million people in India every year. The award for Best Practice in Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) in Tuberculosis control was presented

‘Friends of Library’ Program

Under the program, books would be directly given to those who are unable to access state-run libraries. The project will be helpful to people with disabilities, seniors, kids, and hospital in-patients, among others, who are unable to visit a library. Volunteers will hand over the books to such people from

Aadhaar: Mandatory for Schemes

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that all those who are eligible for benefits under various government schemes are required to submit proof of possession of an Aadhaar number. According to the order, Aadhaar is mandatory for government employees, government pensioners and beneficiaries of various schemes implemented by the State

Nilgiri Tahr Project

It is aimed at restoring the state animal’s original habitat and stabilizing its population. The ‘Nilgiri Tahr Project’ is a five-year program with a budget of Rs 25.14 crore. It will also have a dedicated team chaired by the project director to deal with species conservation. The presence of Nilgiri

‘E-Sushrut’ Hospital Management Information System (HMIS)

The initiative was launched by the state medical education department in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC). The software will help in the patient registration, admission, discharge, ambulance, food, medicines, and make available the details of doctors online. Through this system the availability of doctors in the

Lula da Silva

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office on January 1, 2023 for a third term as Brazil’s President. Lula's presidency builds up global hopes of saving Amazon

Justice Hemant Gupta

Former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Hemant Gupta has been appointed as Chairperson of the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre.Recently Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju introduced a Bill to rename the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre as the India International Arbitration Centre in the Upper House

Praveen Kumar Srivastava

Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).Mr. Srivastava's appointment comes after Suresh N. Patel completed his term as the chief of the anti-corruption watchdog Central Vigilance Commission on December 24, 2022.The commission is headed by a CVC and can have a maximum

Santosh Kumar Yadav

He has been appointed as the chairman, National Highways Authority of India

Anil Kumar Lahoti

He has taken over the charge of the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Railway

Meghna Chautala

The wife of Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, has become (the first woman) president of the Table Tennis Federation of India

Suhail Ejaz Khan

He has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to Saudi

Ashwini Vaishnab

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnab has been appointed as the first Chancellor of Gati Shakti University,

Meenesh C Shah

He has been appointed as the Managing Director of the National Dairy Development Board

Ganji Kamala V Rao

He has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

Maithili Thakur

Well-known folk singer Maithili Thakur has been appointed the state icon for Bihar by the Election Commission.

Nityanand Rai

He will head a high-powered 17 Member committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to “ensure protection of land and employment” for the people of Ladakh.

Qin Gang

He replaced Wang Yi as China’s foreign

Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2022

The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation gives 4 awards in different categories. Three are given to Indians and one award, for promoting Gandhian values outside is given to a foreigner. Winners in Four Categories For Constructive Works: Nilesh Desai (Madhya Pradesh) - He is the founder of the Sampark Samaj Sevi Sansthan which works

‘Vagir’ handed over to the Indian Navy

On 20th December 2022, ‘Vagir’, the fifth submarine of the Scorpene class, has been handed over to the Indian Navy.This submarine has been built under Project-75, a project for the construction of Kalvari class submarines. Six submarines of the Scorpene design are to be built in India in Project-75. These

INS Arnala: Indian Navy’s First Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

INS Arnala, Indian Navy's first anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASWSWC), being built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, was launched on 20th December 2022 at the Larsen & Toubro shipyard in Kattipallu, Tamil Nadu.The ship has been named Arnala to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded

Gaan-Ngai

Gaan-Ngai festival is celebrated in Manipur every year by Zeliangrong and Kabui ethnic groups who follow indigenous religion Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak in short TRC.Gaan-Ngai is a post-harvest festival and also marks the beginning of new year.The programme begins with lighting of traditional lamp using ancient system called mai-labmei (extracting fire

Exercise Surya Kiran

The 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal was conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi (Nepal), from 16 - 29 December 2022.Exercise “SURYA KIRAN” is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare & counter terrorism

Ex Kazind – 2022

The 6th Edition of Indo - Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22” was conducted at Umroi (Meghalaya) from 15 to 28 December 2022.This joint annual training exercise with the Kazakhstan Army was instituted in 2016 as Exercise Prabal Dostyk, which was later upgraded to a company level exercise and renamed as

Pope Benedict XVI

Former Pope, Benedict XVI has passed away on 31st December 2022.Benedict's election as pope occurred in the 2005 papal conclave that followed the death of Pope John Paul II. He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since

Yoginder K Alagh

Noted economist and former member of erstwhile Planning Commission Yoginder K Alagh passed away on 6th December 2022.During the 1980s, he headed the Agricultural Prices Commission (APC) as well the Bureau of Industrial Costs & Prices (BICP). As chairman of APC (now called the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Price),

Manohar Devadoss

Renowned artist and a writer from Tamil Nadu Manohar Devadoss has passed away on 7th December 2022.He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020 for his inspirational work in art and

Kenneth Lawrence Powell

Kenneth Lawrence Powell, popularly known as "The Gentleman Sprinter" has passed away on 11th December 2022.He was an Indian track and field athlete from the state of Karnataka. He competed in the 1964 Olympics and the 1970 Asian Games. He was the first sportsperson from Karnataka to win the Arjuna

H. R. Keshava Murthy

Gamaka exponent and guru H. R. Keshava Murthy has passed away on 21 December 2022.He was honoured with Padma Shri in 2022 in the field of arts.He publicised Kannada epics Kumaravyasas Bharatha and Jaiminis Bharatha. His variant of music later came to be known as Keshava Murthy gharana.Gamaka, also known

Sribhashyam Vijayasarathi

Sribhashyam Vijayasarathi, an author, Sanskrit grammarian, Philosopher and critic has passed away on 28 December 2022.He was the recipient of Padma Shri for the year 2020 for his excellent work in the field of Literature and

Pele

Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pelé has passed away on 29 December 2022.During his illustrious career, Pele went on to win three FIFA World Cups – 1958, 1962 and 1970 – and remains the only player to achieve this feat to date.Regarded as one of the

Rayaroth Kuttambally Krishna Kumar

Noted business executive who was the director of Tata Sons Rayaroth Kuttambally Krishna Kumar has passed away on 1 January 2023.His contributions are known behind several acquisitions of Tata Group, including the £ 271 million buy-out of Tetley in 2000, which made Tata Global Beverages the second largest tea company

Sumitra Sen

Veteran Rabindrasangeet exponent Sumitra Sen has passed away on January 3, 2023.The West Bengal government had bestowed the Sangeet Mahasamman award on Sen in

Asian Pacific Postal Union

India will take over the leadership of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) from January 2023.Following the successful elections held during the 13th APPU Congress held in Bangkok during August-September, Vinaya Prakash Singh, former Member (Personnel), Postal Services Board, will take over the charge of secretary general of the Union

​Captain Shiva Chouhan

Captain Shiva Chouhan of the Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps became the first woman officer to get operationally deployed at the world's highest battlefield,

Bosnia

European Union members from the 27 nations agreed recently to grant candidate member status to Bosnia and Herzegovina - a country on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern

Croatia

The European Union's newest member adopted the euro as its currency on Jan. 1, 2023 making it the 20th country to join the euro area.Croatia is situated between central and eastern Europe bordering the Adriatic Sea between Slovenia and Bosnia and

Cyprus

India and Cyprus recently signed agreement on defence and military cooperation, Migration and Mobility Partnership and the Framework Agreement on International Solar Alliance.It is an island country located south of the Anatolian Peninsula in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is located north of Egypt, east of Greece, south of Turkey,

Pre-Historic Civilization

Pre-History generally refers to a period where there’s no writing or development. In the absence of records, these periods are judged on the basis of artefacts (mostly tools). Pre-history period in India is divided into three different phases based on the tools used by the people: 1. Palaeolithic Period: 2 million

Indus Valley Civilization

The Harappan civilization was first discovered by Charles Mason in 1826, followed by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1872. Neither of them thought the structures represented a civilization. It was only in 1924 that an archaeologist John Marshall studied the ruins and concluded the region as a long-forgotten civilization. He believed

Vedic Period Society

The period is known as Vedic period due to composition of Vedas during the period. The "Vedas", are essentially a compilation of prayers and hymns, offered by different families of poets and saga to various gods. Early Vedic Period (1700 BCE – 1000 BCE) Society: The Early Vedic society was tribal and

Mahajanapada Era

The Mahajanapadas were a set of sixteen kingdoms that existed in ancient India starting from 6th Century BCE. It all began when the tribes (janas) of the late Vedic period decided to form their own territorial communities, which eventually gave rise to new and permanent areas of settlements called ‘states’

Social Structure

The Harappan society appears to have been divided into three sections, viz. an elite class associated with the Citadel; a well-to-do middle class; and a relatively weaker section, occupying the lower town, which was generally fortified. The Craftsmen and laborers normally were resided outside the fortified area. The Early Vedic

Food

The Harappans grew lentils and other pulses (peas, chickpeas, green gram, black gram). Their main staples were wheat and barley, which were presumably made into bread and perhaps also cooked with water as a gruel or porridge.Meat came mainly from cattle, but the Harappans also kept chickens, buffaloes and some

Dress

The limited depictions of clothing during Harappan period shows that men wore a cloth around the waist, resembling a modern dhoti and like it, often passed between the legs and tucked up behind.The so-called "Priest-king" and other stone figures also wore a long robe over the left shoulder, leaving bare

Marriage System

During the Indus Valley Civilization, women were given a goddess’s stature, and were very respected. This led to the concept called the Matrilocality. This is a practice where the groom stays with the bride’s parents after the wedding. Due to this, the female offspring always stayed close to or with

Caste System

There was no existence of caste system in Harappan or pre-historic times. During Early Vedic period, social divisions based on occupations had started but there was no caste division. During later Vedic period, occupation of individuals was the basis of classification of a society. It was divided into four varnas,

Death Rituals

During Harappan civilization, various burial practices were followed. For instance, complete burial and post-cremation burial were popular at Mohenjodaro. At Lothal, the burial pit was lined with burnt bricks indicating the use of coffins. Wooden coffins were also found at Harappa. The practice of pot burials is found at Lothal

Status of Women

In the Harappan civilization, women were initially getting more respect and high status compared to the other different societies. Historical sculptures discovered from the Indus valley civilization highlighted the significant role played by women during the ancient period. Women were not considered as property. Bull riding was one of the

Forced Labour

There was no recorded existence of slave system or forced labour in Harappan or pre-historic times. During Vedic period, the term dāsa and dāsyu has been interpreted by as "servant" or "slave". A person in distress could pledge themselves for work leading to under adsatava, while under ahitaka a person's

Education System

Harappan writing attests to (limited) literacy, which requires learning. Astronomy, time reckoning, elementary mathematics and medicine are topics studied in other early civilizations, and cultic lore and rites as well as administration undoubtedly also required teaching. During Vedic period, system of education was the education of the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads

Development of Press

Ancient India did not have any press or associated profession. It was only during medieval India that press developed. Press was under a lot of regulation and restrictions under British. Initially (mid-19th century), the press was used as a medium to propagate ideas on social reforms but with growing nationalism, it

Ancient Indian Philosophy

Samkhya System The Samkhya philosophy holds that reality is constituted of two principles one female and the other male i.e., Prakriti, Purusha respectively. Prakriti and Purusha are completely independent and absolute. According to this system, Purusha is mere consciousness, hence it cannot be modified or changed. Prakriti on the other hand

Religious System during Harappan Period

The available evidence indicates that the religion of the Indus people comprised of − Worship of the Mother Goddess;Worship of a male deity, probably of Lord Siva;Worship of animals, nature, semi human, or fabulous;Worship of trees in their natural state or of their indwelling spirits;Worship of inanimate stones or other

Religious System during Vedic Period

The Rig Vedic people's religion was relatively straightforward in that it largely involved praying to a large number of deities who stood in for diverse natural events. The development of clear concepts and philosophies regarding the true nature of the soul, or Atman, and the cosmic principle, or Brahman, who stood

Religious System of Later Vedic Period

Major Gods: Indra and Agni, the two notable gods, lost their earlier significance. However, in the later Vedic period, Prajapati (The Creator) rose to become the supreme being. Rudra (the god of animals) and Vishnu, two of the Rigvedic period's other minor deities, also rose to prominence (the preserver and

Jainism

According to Jaina traditions, 24 Tirthankaras were responsible for the origin and development of Jaina religion and philosophy. Of these, the first 22 are of doubtful historicity. In the case of the last two, Parsvanatha and Mahavira, Buddhist works also confirm their historicity. Mahavira The 24th Tirthankara was Vardhamana Mahavira. He was

Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha who was given the name Siddhartha by his parents. His father was Suddhodana, the chief of the Sakya clan and mother was Maya, princess of the Koliya clan. He was born in the Lumbini (modem Rumindei) in Nepal. Life of Buddha The misery of the human

Religious System of Mauryan Period

Throughout the period of empire, Brahmanism was an important religion. The Mauryans favoured Brahmanism as well as Jainism and Buddhism. Minor religious sects such as Ajivikas also received patronage. A number of Hindu texts were written during the Mauryan period. Brahmanism The Buddhist texts Samantapasadika and Mahavamsa suggest that Bindusara followed Hindu Brahmanism,

Religious System of Gupta and post-Gupta Period

The Guptas were a Hindu dynasty in the past. They were devout Hindus who permitted followers of Buddhism and Jainism to practise their faiths. Sanchi is still a significant Buddhist hub. Nalanda is supposed to have been built in 455 CE by Kumaragupta I. Modern DNA research suggests that

Medieval Philosophical System

The mystics were responsible for the major religious movements. They made contributions to the religious doctrines and ideals. Shankaracharya's advaita (non-dualism) philosophy served as the foundation for the new philosophical thought that Bhakti saints like Vallabhacharya, Ramanuja, and Nimbaraka contributed. Some of the Philosophical Doctrines and Propounders of Medieval India

Local Administration

The Indus civilization had the proud distinction of giving to the world its earliest cities, its first urban civilization, its first town planning, its first drainage system and its earliest example of city government. The local bodies offered a stable basis of organized life at the local levels. So far as

Judicial Administration

Judicial Administration in Ancient India In ancient India, there was no reference for Judicial Organization in Vedic Literature. Later after the Kings’ rulings, the Judicial Administration came into existence through the concept of Dharma. Kings were the head of the Justice. Concept of Dharma: Dharma is the Sanskrit word for duty, religion,

Key Officers

Mauryan Empire Mantrin: Chief Minister Mantriparishad Adhyaksha: Head of Council of Ministers Purohita: Chief Priest Senapati: Commander-in-Chief Yuvaraj: Crown Prince Samaharta: Revenue Collector Yukta: Subordinate Revenue Officer Shulkadhyaksha: Officer-in-Charge of Royal Income Prashasti: Prison Head Sannidata: Treasury Head Koshadhyaksha: Treasury Officer Koshthagaradhyaksha: Royal Treasury Manager Nayaka: City Security Chief Vyabharika: Chief Judge Karmantika: Head of Industries & Factories Dandapala: Head of Police Durgapala: Head of Royal Fort Annapala:

Land Revenue System

Permanent Settlement Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Land Revenue Settlement of Bengal, which was extended to the provinces of Bihar and Orissa. Under Permanent Settlement, annual lease system was abolished, and a decennial (Ten years) system was introduced. Features of Permanent Settlement The zamindars of Bengal were recognised as the owners of

Tax System

Manu Smriti and Arthshastra are the foundations of Indian taxation. The old tax system that was founded on the principle of maximal social welfare is the foundation of the current Indian tax system. Manu Smriti asserts that the king should organise tax collection such that taxpaying citizens do not experience

Development of Civil Service

Evolution of Civil Services East India Company started the Covenanted Civil Services (CCS) after battle of Plassey (1757). After the Revolt of 1857, when the rule of the company ended and power was transferred to the British Crown, i.e., after 1886 the service came to be called the Imperial Civil Service (ICS).

Harappan Period

The Indus Valley Civilization, which is thought to have begun around 3000 B.C., is regarded as India's first urbanisation. Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were the two most significant cities of this civilization, and each was situated along a river, with Mohenjo-Daro on the Indus and Harappa on the Ravi. The establishment of

Mahajanapada Period

Second urbanization led to the emergence of sixteen Mahajanapadas from Janapadas during ancient India in the period of 500 to 600 BC in the Indian subcontinent. This was the time when agricultural improvement saw a hike in the middle of Gangetic plains. Cultivation methods like wet rice cultivation started

Urbanization in Medieval India

Urbanization throughout the medieval era was aided by the establishment of local kingdoms and the spread of international trade. Due to political circumstances, the rate of urbanisation was relatively low at the start of the mediaeval age. The locations near rivers, fertile land, and important travel routes started to emerge

Urbanization during the British Period

Many types of cities were built under the patronage of Britishers in the colonial period like Hill Stations, Railway Station Town, Court Town, Industrial Commercial Town, Cantonment Town, Port Town, and Administrative or Presidency Town, etc. Important Towns of the British Period Cantonment Towns: Yashohar Cantonment Town, Darbhanga Cantonment Town,

Pottery in Ancient India

Pottery is first mentioned in the Neolithic period. Although it is handmade ceramics, a foot-wheel was also employed later. The existence of separate ceramic cultures during the Chalcolithic Age is a defining characteristic of pottery. For instance, ceramics in black and red, black on red, and ochre-coloured. Polished Ware was one of

Painting

Prehistoric Rock Paintings In India the earliest paintings have been reported from the Upper Palaeolithic times. The first discovery of rock paintings was made in India in 1867–68 by an archaeologist, Archibold Carlleyle. Upper Palaeolithic Period The paintings of the Upper Palaeolithic phase are linear representations, in green and dark red, of huge animal

Music

The earliest tradition of Indian music may be traced to Sama Veda which contained the slokas that were put to music. Chanting of Vedic hymns with prescribed pitch and accent still form a part of religious rituals. The earliest text dealing exclusively with performing arts is Bharata’s Natyashashtra (compiled between second

Dance

The Rig Veda compares the brilliant dawn (usas) to a brightly attired danseuse and cites dancing (nrti) and danseuse (nrtu). Jaiminiya and Kausitaki dance and music are referenced together in the Brahmanas. Dance served as a way for religious concepts to be symbolically expressed in old Indian culture. The incarnation of

Indian Theatre/Drama

Indigenous tradition as well as modern research traces the origin of Indian drama to the Vedas. In the Ramayana we hear of drama troupes of women while Kautilya’s Arthshastra mentions musicians, dancers and dramatic shows. Bharata wrote Natyashastra and created the plays known as Asura Parajaya and Amrit Manthan. The next

Indian Puppetry

Major forms of Puppetry in India There are 4 major different types of puppets used in India. They are – Glove Puppets, Rod Puppets, Shadow Puppets, and String Puppets. Major sub-types of puppetry includes – Major Types of Puppetry Examples Glove Puppets Sakhi Kundhei Nata (Odisha), and Pavakoothu (Kerala) Rod Puppets Putul Nach (West Bengal),

Cave Architecture

Bhimbetka Caves (Early Stone Age) Located in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. Discovered in 1958 by V.S. Wakanker, it is the biggest prehistoric art depository in India. Atop the hill a large number of rock-shelters have been discovered, of which more than 130 contain paintings. Excavations revealed history of continuous habitation from early

Rock-cut Buddhist Caves

Mahakali Caves (Kondivite Caves) Rock-cut Buddhist caves built between 1st Cen. BCE to 6th Cen. CE and are situated in Andheri East, Mumbai. Comprises of 4 caves on the south-eastern face and 15 caves on the north-western face. Cave 9 is the chief cave and is the oldest and consists of a stupa

Temple Building Style

Basic Forms of Hindu Temple Sanctum, originally a small cube with a single entrance that eventually expanded into a bigger chamber (garbhagriha, literally "womb-house"). The primary icon, which is the subject of intense ritual attention, is intended to be housed in the garbhagriha. A mandapa is the name for the temple's entryway,

Delhi Sultanate Architecture

The idea of an arch or dome was not created by Muslims; rather, they took inspiration from post-Roman architectural designs and further developed them. First time using cementing agent in the form of mortar. Typical mortar-masonry works made of dressed stones. Use of scientific principles helped increase the strength and stability of

Major Regional Kingdoms’ Temple Architecture

Cholas (Tamil Nadu) The Dravidian temple architecture started by the Pallavas got matured at the hand of the Cholas. Some Prominent Features of Temple Architecture in the Chola Dynasty Niche: These are characteristic architectural designs of Chola temples carved in temple walls. Devakusthas: These are decorative niches of Chola temple walls where deities

Mughal Period Architecture

Important Features Both red and white sandstone were employed. Jali-latticed screens and Parchin Kari ornamental work are two instances of fine ornamentation craftsmanship. Gardens surround gorgeous structures on all four sides. Huge courtyard mosques are fairly common. Quranic passages inscribed in calligraphic form in Persian and Arabic. A number of substantial gateways lead to the main

European Era Architecture

Portuguese Influence The Portuguese carried the Iberian architectural style with them. They began by constructing trading terminals and warehouses along the coasts, which were subsequently transformed into fortified cities. They also imported the notion of 'patio homes' and the 'Baroque style,' which were established in Europe in the late 16th century to

Buddhist Art

Gandhara School of Art (50 BC to 500 AD) Region extending from Punjab to the borders of Afghanistan was an important centre of Mahayana Buddhism up to the 5th century AD. Imbibed all kinds of foreign influences like Persian, Greek, Roman, Saka and Kushan. Origin can be traced to the Greek rulers of

Surgery & Ayurveda in Ancient Times

Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old medical system with roots in India. Ayurveda is a branch of the Atharva Veda. Plants and herbs are used in Ayurveda to make remedies. Ayurveda was once thought to be the panacea for all ills and diseases. Ayurveda treats illnesses and disorders with natural remedies like herbs,

Mathematics & Geometry

Vedic Mathematics The Sulvasutras account for a sizable portion of the body of mathematic knowledge from the Vedic era. The Sulvasutras are works that serve as instructions for building the vedis (altars) and agnis (fireplaces) needed for the execution of yajnas, which were an important aspect of Vedic society. Depending on the

Astronomy

Astronomy became essential to have a thorough awareness of the heavenly bodies, including their exact positions and times of appearance, in order to fulfil religious and ritualistic requirements. Astronomers had patrons thanks to practical factors including the necessity for precise monsoon rainfall forecasting and the rising demand for astrological charts, particularly

Major Social Reformers and Movements

Raja Ram Mohan Roy He was born in 1772 and is considered as the first ‘modern man of India’. He studied the Bible as well as Hindu and Muslim religious texts. He had excellent command over many languages including English, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, French, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. He established the Atmiya Sabha

British Era Customary Laws

Hindu Personal Law, 1772: In 1772, Warren Hastings appointed ten Brahmin pandits from Bengal to compile a digest of the Hindu scriptural law in four main civil matters—marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession. This came to be called as Hindu Personal Law. Bengal Sati Regulation Act, 1829: The Bengal Sati Regulation which

Religious Reform Movements

Fakir Uprising Fakirs were a group of wandering Muslim religious mendicants. Shortly after the annexation of Bengal in 1776-77, Majnum Shah, the leader of these fakirs, began to levy contributions on the zamindars and peasants and, defied the British Authority. After Majnum Shah’s death, Chirag Ali Shah, supported by Pathans, Rajputs

Bhakti and Sufi Movement

Bhakti Movement in South India The Shaivite Nayanar and Vaishnava Alvar saints of South India spread the doctrine of bhakti among different sections of the society irrespective of caste or sex during the period of 7th and 10th century CE. The saint-poets preached bhakti in an intense emotional manner and promoted religious

Portuguese (1498-1961)

The Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama reached the port of Calicut on 17 May 1498 and was received by Zamorin, the ruler of Calicut. The objective of Portuguese was to reap the benefits of eastern trade. The first governor of the Portuguese in India was Francis de Almeida. Almeida advocated

Dutch (1602-1825)

The Dutch East India Company was established in 1602. Their main areas of interest were Indonesian islands for spices and used India to setup their trading depots. They established their settlements/trading depots in India at Surat, Broach, Cambay, Nagapatnam, Machilipatnam, Chinsura, Patna and Agra. Pulicat was their main center from

British (1612-1947)

British East India Company was established in 1600 via Queen Elizabeth I charter to trade with the east and particularly India. In 1608/09, Capt. Hawkins arrived at the court of Jahangir for trade permission in Surat, which was denied. In 1612, Jahangir gave the permission, and the first factory was

French (1664-1760)

The French East India Company was founded in 1664 by Colbert and the first French factory in India was established at Surat by Francis Caron in 1668. Francis Martin founded and became 1st Governor of Pondicherry in 1673 - Later, Pondicherry became headquarters of France.The French had been involved in

Peasant Movements

Narkelberia Uprising Titu Mir, also known as Mir Nithar Ali (1782–1831), pushed West Bengal's Muslim tenants to rebel against their mostly Hindu landlords who assessed a beard tax on the Faraizis and British indigo growers. These uprisings, which are generally considered the first armed peasant uprising against the British, quickly took

Tribal Movements

Pahariyas’ Rebellion The British expansion on their territory led to an uprising by the martial Pahariyas of the Raj Mahal Hills in 1778. The British were forced to usher in peace by declaring their territory as damni-kol area. Chuar Uprising The Chuar indigenous tribesmen of the Jungle Mahal in the Midnapore

Major National Movements

Swadeshi Movement and Partition of Bengal (1905-1911) The British (under Lord Curzon) partitioned Bengal in religious lines to curb nationalist movements in the garb of administrative efficiency. Sensing the real motives of Lord Curzon, nationalists resisted the partition. On the same day when the partition came into effect, 16 October 1905, the

Revolutionary Activities & Organizations of Freedom Struggle

Chapekar Brothers (1897) Damodar, Balkrishna, and Vasudev Chapekar shot at WC Rand, Chairman of the Special Plague Committee, in what was the first political assassination of a British officer after 1857. They were opposed to the atrocities committed by the British during the plague epidemic in Pune, which led to the

Regulating Act, 1773

Company Retains Possessions: This Act permitted the company to retain its territorial possessions in India but sought to regulate the activities and functioning of the company. Control over Indian Affairs: Through this Act, for the first time, the British cabinet was given the right to exercise control over Indian affairs.

Pitts Act, 1784

Dual Control System: It established the dual system of control by the British government and the East India Company. The Company became a subordinate department of the State and its territories in India were termed ‘British possessions’. However, it retained the control of commerce and day-to-day administration. Court of Directors

Charter Act, 1793

Extension of Powers to Governor-General: It extended the overriding power given to Lord Cornwallis over his council, to all future Governor-Generals and Governors of Presidencies. Appointments of Senior Officials: The royal approval was mandated for the appointment of the governor-general, governors, and the commander-in-chief. Senior officials of the Company were

Charter Act, 1813

Demand of English Traders: The English traders demanded a share in the Indian trade. This demand was particularly in view of loss of trade due to the Continental System of Napoleon Bonaparte who sought to cripple England commercially. End of Company’s Monopoly: By this, the Company was deprived of its

Charter Act, 1833

Company’s Trade Situation: The lease of 20 years provided to the Company (under Charter Act, 1813) for the possession of territories and the revenue collection was further extended. However, the Company’s monopoly over trade with China and in tea ended. European Immigration: All restrictions on European immigration and the acquisition

Charter Act, 1853

Company’s Trade Situation: The Company was to continue possession of territories unless the Parliament provided otherwise. The Company’s patronage over the services was dissolved; the services were now thrown open to a competitive examination. Indian Legislative Council: The law member became the full member of the governor-general’s executive council.

Government of India Act, 1858

End of Company’s Rule: East India Company’s rule came to an end and the Indian administration came under the direct control of the Crown. Establishment of New Institutions: In England, the Court of Directors and Board of Control were abolished. In their place came the Secretary of State for India

Indian Council Act, 1861

Increase in members: It increased the number of members in the Governor-General’s executive Council from 4 to 5. Further the Governor-General’s Executive Council was enlarged into a Central Legislative Council. Additional Members: Six to twelve “additional members” were to be nominated by the Governor-General. Not less than half of these

Indian Council Act, 1892

Additional Members: It had increased the number of “additional members” in the Central Legislative Council. They were to be not less than 10 and not more than 16. Non-Official Members: It had also increased the proportion of non-officials – 6 officials and 10 non-officials. Allowed to Discuss Budget: The members

Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909

Increase in Additional Members: The number of “additional members” of the Central Legislative Council was increased to a maximum of 60 (33 of these were nominated members). Communal Representation: The principle of election to the councils was legally recognized but communal representation was for the first time introduced in the

Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919

Dyarchy: Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces. Provincial subjects were divided into “Reserved Subjects” such as police, jails, land revenue, irrigation and forests and “Transferred Subjects” such as education, local self-government, public health, sanitation, agriculture and industries. The Reserved subjects were to be administered by the Governor and his Executive

The Government of India Act, 1935

All India Federation: Provision for the establishment of an All India Federation at the Centre, consisting of the Provinces of British India and the Princely States. Division of Powers: Division of powers into three lists: Federal, Provincial and Concurrent. Dyarchy at Centre: Introduction of Dyarchy at the Centre. The Governor-General and his

Major Harappan Sites and their Features

Sites Important Features Harappa It was the first site to be discovered. It is located on the bank of the river Ravi in Western Punjab. In terms of its size and the variety of objects discovered, it ranks as the premier city of the Harappan Civilization. The ruins of the city cover a

Major Inscriptions & their Features

Inscriptions Features Mandasaur Inscription By Kumaragupta in 437-38 AD. Mentioning construction of Sun temple. Written by Vatsbhatta. In Mandsor district, Madhya Pradesh. Lumbini Pillar Inscription It is located in Nepal. It is a royal commemorative inscription recording Ashoka’s visit to Buddha’s birth place. Kudumiyamalai Inscription Located in Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu. Inscription written on rocks of cave temple. Is a celebrated musical

Major Battles and Treaties

Battles Treaties Year Significance Mughal-Ahom Battle Treaty of Asurar Ali 1639 The treaty established the boundary between the Mughal empire and the Ahom kingdom ending the Mughal’s efforts to conquer Ahom.

Various Organizations and their Leaders in Modern India

Organization Founder Year Brief Description Abhinav Bharat V. Savarkar 1904 It was a society of radicals who believed in armed insurrection to overthrow British authority and hence carried out a few killings

Major Newspapers and Literary Works

Year Name Newspaper/ Journal Founder 1780 Bengal Gazette English newspaper James Augustus Hicky 1819 Samvad Kaumudi Bengali weekly newspaper Ram Mohan

Important Sessions of Congress

Year Location President Importance 1885 Bombay W C Bonnerjee 1st session attended by 72 delegates 1886 Calcutta Dadabhai Naoroji National Congress

Governor Generals and Viceroys and Major Events their Regime

Governors-General & Viceroys Events Warren Hastings (1773-1785) Regulating Act of 1773Pitt’s India Act of 1784The Rohilla War of 1774The First Maratha War in 1775-82 and the Treaty of Salbai in 1782Second Mysore War in 1780-84

Committee, Commission and Proposals/Recommendations

Charles Wood Despatch (1854) Governor-General/Viceroy: Lord Dalhousie Subject: Education Recommendations: According to the recommendations, it was declared that the aim of the Government’s policy was the promotion of western education. In his despatch, he emphasized on the education of art, science, philosophy and literature of Europe. Hunter Commission (1882) Governor-General/Viceroy: Lord Ripon Subject: Education Recommendations: There should

Important Terminologies related to Ancient and Medieval India

Buddhism & Jainism Word Meaning Ajivika A heterodox sect closer to Jainism. It prospered at the time of the Buddha. Stupa Domical structure containing relics of the Buddha. Hinayana Literally ‘lesser vehicle’, also known as ‘abandoned vehicle’ or ‘defective vehicle’. It believes in the original teachings of Buddha or ‘Doctrine of Elders’. Chaitya A Buddhist place of worship. Bodhisattva An individual who

Rulers of Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire: Chronology

Rulers Duration Facts Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210) Founder of Mamluk Dynast and Slave of Muhammad Ghori Aram Shah (1210–1211) Eldest son of Qutb-ud-din Aibak Shams-ud-din Iltutmish (1211–1236) Son-in-law of Qutb-ud-din Aibak Ruknuddin Feruz Shah (1236) Son of Iltutmish Razia Sultana (1236–1240) Daughter of Iltutmish and Grand Daughter of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Muizuddin Bahram (1240–1242) Son of Iltutmish Alauddin Masud (1242–1246) Son of Ruknuddin Feruz Shah Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246–1266) Razia’s Brother who had died in 1229 Ghiyas-ud-din Balban (1266–1286) Father-in-law of Nashiruddin

From the Editor’s Desk

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