News In Short 30-August-2025

Mela Patt

Syllabus: GS1/Culture

Context

• In Jammu and Kashmir, the annual three-day Mela Patt, commenced at the ancient Khakhal Mohalla in Doda district. 

Mela Patt

• It is dedicated to Lord Vasuki Nag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley.
• The festival is rooted in the Nag culture,which  marks the historic meeting between Mughal Emperor Akbar and King Nag Pal of Bhaderwah. 
• The festival has been celebrated since the 16th century.
  • It was first celebrated by King Nag Pal when Bhaderwah was known as Bhadarkashi.
• It is observed every year on Nag Panchami, seven days after the conclusion of the Kailash Yatra, and is renowned for its inclusive nature.
• The unique ‘Dikko Dance,’ a traditional folk performance where men and women of all religions and backgrounds participate, serves as a symbol of peace, pride, and communal harmony. 

Bhaderwah Valley

• It is Situated in Doda district, Jammu division, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
• The Neeru River flows through the valley.
• Major festivals: Mela Patt and Kailash Yatra.
• Languages spoken: Bhaderwahi (a Western Pahari dialect), Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu.

Source: AIR

Daruma Doll

Syllabus :GS1/Art and Culture 

In News

• The chief priest of Daruma-ji temple gifted a Daruma Doll to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Japan.

Daruma doll

• The Daruma is a Japanese papier-mâché doll inspired by Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism. 
• It symbolizes perseverance, resilience, and good luck.
• Under the Goal-Setting ritual, one eye is painted when a goal is set; the second eye is filled in upon achievement—representing commitment and determination.
• Its rounded base ensures it always rights itself when tipped, embodying the proverb: “Fall seven times, stand up eight”—a metaphor for never giving up.

Relations with india 

• The Daruma doll symbolizes the intense meditation of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, revered in Japan as Daruma Daishi.
• He is believed to have meditated for nine years, facing a wall with folded limbs—hence the doll’s limbless, rounded form and blank eyes.
• Bodhidharma’s journey took him from India to Henan Province, China, where he meditated in a cave.
• The Daruma’s name derives from the Sanskrit word “Dharma,” underscoring its Indian roots. 

Source :IE

350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Syllabus: GS1/Modern History

Context

• Indian Railways will commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to aware the younger generation about his teachings and sacrifices.

About Guru Tegh Bahadur

• Early Life: He was born on 1 April 1621 in Amritsar and was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru.
  • Guru Teg Bahadur was known as Teyag Mal in his youth and he later earned the title “Tegh Bahadur” by his father.
  • In 1664, he became the ninth Sikh Guru.
• Contributions: He established Anandpur Sahib, strengthened Sikh institutions, and added over 700 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, leaving a profound spiritual legacy.
• Teachings: His hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib emphasize spiritual liberation, human rights, and equality. 
  • Guru Tegh Bahadur advocated tolerance and opposed tyranny.

Historical Significance

• Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as Hind ki Chadar (Shield of India), sacrificed his life to protect religious freedoms. 
• In 1675, he was martyred in Delhi, defending the Kashmiri Pandits against forced conversions under Aurangzeb’s rule. 
• The site of his martyrdom is now marked by Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

Source: AIR

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The Union government has approved the appointment of former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel as Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a period of three years.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• Origin: The IMF was established in 1944 in the aftermath of the Great Depression of the 1930s.
• Membership: The organization is currently composed of 191 member countries. Each member’s representation on the Executive Board is determined by its financial contribution (quota).
• Executive Board: The Board consists of 25 Executive Directors, elected by member countries or groups of countries.
  • India belongs to a four-country constituency along with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C
• Publications: World Economic Outlook, Global Financial Stability Report, Fiscal Monitor, Global Policy Agenda.

IMF’s Role in the Global Economy

• Crisis Management: The IMF provides financial assistance to countries facing macroeconomic risks, particularly currency crises, often referred to as a “bailout.”
• Lending Mechanism: Assistance is usually provided in the form of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a reserve asset based on a basket of five currencies: U.S. dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, and British pound.
• Lending instruments include the Extended Credit Facility, Flexible Credit Line, and Stand-By Arrangements.
• Conditionality: IMF support is tied to structural reforms and policy adjustments. Borrowing countries are often required to implement fiscal consolidation, currency stabilization, or governance reforms.

Source: TH

India Extends Import Duty Exemption on Cotton

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture

Context

• The Government of India has extended the import duty exemption on cotton till 31st December 2025, as notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
  • Duty-free cotton imports help control the cost of raw material across the textile value chain, yarn, fabric, garments, and made-ups.

Production and Consumption of Cotton in India

• India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton G. Arboreum & G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton). 
• Majority of cotton production comes from 9 major cotton growing states, which are grouped into three diverse agro-ecological zones, as under:
  • Northern Zone – Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
  • Central Zone – Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. 
  • Southern Zone – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 
  • Apart from the above the cotton is also grown in the state of Odisha and Tamil Nadu. 
• India is the 2nd largest producer in the world with estimated production of 5.84 Million Metric Tonnes during cotton season 2022-23 i.e. 23.83% of world cotton production. 
• India is also the 2nd largest consumer of cotton in the world with estimated consumption of 22.24% of world cotton consumption.

Source: PIB

State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)

Syllabus: GS3/ Energy

In News

• Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Tripura have emerged as the top performers in their respective groups in the State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 (sixth edition).

About State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)

• Released by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under Ministry of Power + Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
  • First launched in 2018, SEEI is published annually.
• Objective: To track state-level energy efficiency progress and encourage energy-efficient governance, policies, and outcomes.
• Classification: States and UTs are classified into four categories: Front Runners (>60% score), Achievers (50–60%), Contenders (30–50%), and Aspirants (<30%).

Source: PIB

Conocarpus Trees

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

In News

• The Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has sought a ban on Conocarpus trees in India due to ecological harm.

About Conocarpus Trees

• Scientific Name: Conocarpus erectus (also called Buttonwood tree).
• Origin: Native to coastal areas of North & South America, West Africa.
  • Introduced in India (mainly Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana) for urban greening and roadside plantations due to its fast growth and ability to withstand saline & arid conditions.
  • They are evergreen, medium-sized trees (up to 20 m) and grow rapidly in dry, saline, and polluted environments.
• Concerns in India:
  • Allergic Reactions: Reported to release high levels of pollen, causing respiratory issues, asthma, and skin allergies.
  • Ecological Impact: Classified as invasive in some regions – suppresses native vegetation.
    • High water intake may stress groundwater in dry areas.
  • Municipal Bans: Hyderabad (2022) and Gujarat (2023) restricted large-scale plantation.

Source: HT

Exercise Achook Prahar

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) wrapped up a high-altitude exercise Achook Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh.

About the Exercise

• It was conducted under simulated combat conditions, the drill tested interoperability between Army and ITBP, reaffirming the combat readiness of Armed Forces and CAPFs in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
• It reinforces India’s layered defence architecture and rapid-response capability in the sensitive eastern sector bordering China.
• It follows a series of recent integrated exercises — such as Prachand Prahar and Poorvi Prahar— that have tested India’s tri-service capabilities in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

Source: TH

SCOPE Eminence Awards

Syllabus :Miscellaneous 

In News

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the SCOPE Eminence Awards 2022–23 in New Delhi, lauding the pivotal role of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in India’s development.

SCOPE Eminence Awards

• It  is an endeavour to commemorate the remarkable achievements and contributions of PSEs across multiple domains and represents one of the highest honours for the Public Sector.
• It is part of SCOPE’s continued efforts towards recognizing the Public Sector’s role as nation builders.

Source :PIB