Current Affair Category: History and Culture

Why in News? The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 seeks to change the official name of the State from “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 24 February 2026, following a unanimous resolution of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The Bill was subsequently passed by Parliament in August 2026. The proposal is […]

Philosophy of Governance: Why in News? BJP launched a mass outreach campaign from Varanasi on the 650th Jayanti of Sant Ravidas. The debate links Sant Ravidas’ idea of “Begumpura” with modern welfare-oriented governance. UPSC Relevance: GS 1: Bhakti Movement, Indian Culture. GS 2: Welfare Governance, Social Justice. GS 4: Equality, Human Dignity, Compassion, Public Service. Essay: Inclusive Growth, Good Governance, Indian Philosophy. What is Begumpura? […]

Why in Newss? The 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee: The World Heritage Committee is holding its annual meeting in Busan, South Korea, evaluating new global landmark candidacies, monitoring existing cultural/natural wonders, and reviewing sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger (which totals over 50 sites affected by conflict and climate […]

Why in the News? The legendary Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, the most renowned exponent of the Pandavani folk tradition, passed away in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, at the age of 72. Her contribution to globalizing this traditional art form has been widely acknowledged by national leaders. What is Pandavani Folk Tradition? Definition: Pandavani (meaning “Songs and […]

Why in the News? The ‘Chita Andolan’ (Pyre Protest) has resumed in Madhya Pradesh. Communities affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) have mobilized, alleging systemic delays in rehabilitation, inadequate compensation, and forced resettlement procedures. Why is it Relevant? GS Paper II (Governance/Social Justice): Addresses the conflict between development and the rights of vulnerable sections, […]

Allahabad High Court Ruling: The 1991 Act and Public Use Key Findings: A division bench of the Allahabad High Court has clarified that the ‘Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991’ does not prevent the government from acquiring places of worship for public purposes. Case Context: The bench, comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Arun […]

Rakhigarhi: Advanced Scientific Examination of Skeletal Remains Why in News ? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially transferred human skeletal remains excavated from Rakhigarhi, Haryana, to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Kolkata, for advanced multidisciplinary scientific investigation. This initiative aims to deepen the understanding of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization (Harappan Civilization). Key Points: […]

Joint UNESCO Nomination: Xuanzang’s Records: Syllabus: GS1 – History and Culture Context:India and China are in advanced discussions to nominate The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions as a joint UNESCO heritage entry. Who Was Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)? Identity: A renowned Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler. Timeline: Journeyed across India during the 7th […]

Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) Why is it in the News?: On World Environment Day (June 5, 2026), Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced that India has reached a landmark century (100) of Ramsar sites with the designation of the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Key Highlights: […]

Subaltern Historiography & Dalit Political Icons in Uttar Pradesh 1. Veera Pasi: The Forgotten Hero of 1857 Historical Role: A Dalit warrior belonging to the Pasi community who served as a trusted commander and lieutenant under Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh (the ruler of Shankarpur Estate in Raebareli) during the Revolt of 1857. Biographical Sketch: […]