JANUARY 14, 2019 UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS - SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY
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SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS
JANUARY 14, 2019
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
103- Constitutional Amendment
Parliament cleared the Constitutional Amendment Bill guaranteeing 10% quota in
education and employment to economically weaker sections in the general category,
following an approval by the Rajya Sabha.
The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill was introduced by Minister of Social Justice
and Empowerment, who later in his reply said that the existing reservation to the SCs, STs
and OBCs would not be touched by the amendment.
The Upper House nod came following an over nine-hour-long heated debate, during which
the Opposition accused the government of bringing the Bill in haste with an eye on the
coming Lok Sabha election.
Amendments Added through Constitutional 124th amendment:
The Act amends Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, by adding a clause which allows
states to make “special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker
sections of citizens”.
These “special provisions” would relate to “their admission to educational institutions,
including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the state, other
than the minority educational institutions”.
It also makes it clear that reservation would be “in addition to the existing
reservations and subject to a maximum of 10 per cent of the total seats in each
category”.
Clause 6 to ARTICLE 15:
It allows the Government to give reservation for the economically weaker sections of society
in higher educational institutions including private ones, whether they are aided or not by the
State. Minority educational institutions are exempted.
Clause 6 to ARTICLE 16:
It provides quota for economically deprived sections in the
initial appointment in Government services.
It is amendment to fundamental right coming under Part III of the Constitution and it does not
require ratification accordingly.
DPSP of Article 46: About Reservation in Education and Economic Interests:
According to the objects of the bill, “The directive principles of state policy contained in
Article 46 of the Constitution enjoins that the State shall promote with special care the
educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in
2 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect
them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.”
Economically weaker sections of citizens were not eligible for the benefit of reservation.
With a view to fulfil the mandate of Article 46, and to ensure that economically weaker
sections of citizens get a fair chance of receiving higher education and participation in
employment in the services of the State, it has been decided to amend the Constitution of
India.
Redesigning Reservations:
The greatest cost of this amendment lies in the foregone opportunity to develop an enhanced
and more effective reservation policy so that we can genuinely see an end to the entrenched
inequalities in Indian society in the medium term.
We have gotten so used to business as usual that we make no effort to sharpen our focus and
look for more effective solutions, solutions that would make reservations redundant in 50
years.
If the goal is to help as many people as possible, we are facing a serious challenge.
On the one hand, 50% reservation looks very large; in the grand scheme of India’s
population it is a blunt and at times ineffective instrument.
The Statistics from UPSC tell us that in spite of reservations, a vast
proportion of reserved category applicants do not find a place via the UPSC
examination.
Statistics from other fields may tell a similar story. This implies that if we expect reservations
to cure the ills of Indian society, we may have a long wait.
Spread the benefits:
One strategy may be to try and spread the benefits of reservations as widely as
possible within the existing framework:
Ensure that individuals use their reserved category status only once in their lifetime.
This would require that anyone using reservations to obtain a benefit such as college
admission must register his/her Aadhaar number and she would be ineligible to use
reservations for another benefit (e.g. a job) in the future.
This would require no changes to the basic framework but spread the benefits more broadly
within the reserved category allowing a larger number of families to seek upward mobility.
A second strategy might be to recognise that future economic growth in India is going to
come from the private sector and entrepreneurship:
3 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
In order to ensure that all Indians, regardless of caste, class and religion, are able to partake in
economic growth, we must focus on basic skills.
We have focused on admission to prestigious colleges and government jobs, but little
attention is directed to social inequality in the quality of elementary schooling.
The IHDS shows that among children aged 8-11, 68% of the forward caste children can read
at Class 1 level while the proportion is far lower for OBCs (56%), SCs (45%) and STs (40%).
This suggests that we need to focus on reducing inequalities where they first emerge, within
primary schools.
Conclusion:
At present, the economically weaker sections of citizens have largely
remained excluded from attending the higher educational institutions and public
employment on account of their financial incapacity to compete with the persons who are
economically more privileged.
The challenge we face is that our mindset is so driven by the reservation system that was
developed in a different era that we have not had the time or the inclination to think about its
success or to examine possible modifications.
Legalising Marijuana in India
Uttarakhand will be the first State in the country to allow commercial cultivation of hemp
crop, a rich source of high-quality fibre and a host of medicinal and nutritive products.
Women and Child Development Minister has suggested legalising marijuana in India for
medical purposes.
Context:
Three major science administrators in India — The Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research, the Indian Council for Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnolgy —
are getting together to promote research in herbal drugs, some of which involve deriving new
drugs from marijuana.
Among the first such studies likely to kick off is joint investigation by the CSIR-Indian
Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) and the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC),
Mumbai.
Here researchers will test whether strains of marijuana grown at the CSIR-IIIM campus in
Jammu could be effective in the treatment of breast cancer, sickle-cell anaemia as well as
4 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
be “bio-equivalent” (similar in make-up and effect) to marijuana-derived drugs already
approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA)
Restricted cultivation
Marijuana (or hemp), more formally parts of the cannabis super-family, is illegal for
commercial cultivation though it grows as weed in several parts of the country. Uttarakhand,
Jammu and — as of this month Uttar Pradesh — have allowed restricted cultivation of the
plant for medical research.
About Marijuana
Marijuana is a greenish-grey mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of
Cannabis sativa – the hemp plant.
Most people smoke marijuana, though it can also be used in other forms such as edibles,
powders and oils.
It used for controlling pain for medical issues, like cancer, nervous system diseases,
glaucoma, migraines, etc and also used to treat nausea and improve appetites for people with
HIV or other chronic illnesses.
Cannabis is banned in most countries but number countries have started decriminalising its
use in recent years.
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical, recreational &
religious purposes.
Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporization, within food, or as an extract.
It creates mental and physical effects, such as a "high" or "stoned" feeling, a general change
in perception, and an increase in appetite.
Short term side effects may include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired
motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety.
Long term side effects may include addiction, decreased mental ability and behavioural
problems in children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy.
Historic significance in India:
Cannabis has been used since ancient times in India, dating back to 2000 BCE.
The cannabis plant has been mentioned as one of the five sacred plants in the Vedas.
Bhang, an edible preparation of cannabis, which is ‘consumed either in the form of a
drink or smoked’ is common during the Hindu festivals of Holi and Mahashivaratri.
5 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
Significance:
The studies into the therapeutic potential of marijuana is part of a larger governmental thrust
to making new drugs derived from herbs and plants that find mention in Ayurvedic and other
traditional-medicine knowledge systems.
It’s a sleep aid, appetite enhancer, anxiety and pain reliever. It has brought immense relief to
the terminally ill. It’s also a muscle relaxant, aiding and speeding recovery from
bodybreaking fevers like chikungunya. (I can vouch for this from experience.) And as more
legal research is done into it, more medically proven benefits are bound to surface. Bharat
was always aware of it. Our sadhus and gods smoked it. No Mahashivratri is complete
without a good chillum; no Holi without a good bhang ..
Medicinal qualities:
There has been no rigorous scientific testing of the medicinal properties of cannabis due to
restrictive laws.
There is considerable evidence though, supporting its use in the treatment of chemotherapy -
induced nausea and vomiting, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis.
Lower levels of evidence support its use for AIDS, wasting syndrome, epilepsy, rheumatoid
arthritis, and glaucoma.
legal status:
The possession, use, and sale of cannabis are illegal in most countries as a result of an
agreement in the ‘International Opium Convention’ (1925).
Indian government banned the use of cannabis by passing the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Act-1985.
The rigour of restrictive laws & its implementation varies greatly across countries.
Canada, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and several U.S. states are some
territories were medical use of cannabis is legal.
Netherlands (1976) & some US states (recently) have allowed for the recreational use of
marijuana.
Reasons why marijuana should now be legalized in India:
1.It will eliminate illegal trade and associate crimes
Marijuana legalization (or decriminalization) will replace the black market production and
distribution with an 'overboard industry'. There will be rules and regulations but the trade will
be 'populated by the government, farmers, merchants and retails clerks, not by criminals or
drug dealers'.
6 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
2. Marijuana addiction is rare
An epidemiological study showed that only 9 percent of those who use marijuana end up
being clinically dependent on it. The 'comparable rates' for tobacco, alcohol and cocaine
stood at 32 percent, 15 percent and 16 percent respectively.
3. Taxing marijuana will increase government's revenue
By legalizing and taxing marijuana, the government will stand to earn huge amounts of
revenue that will otherwise go to the Italian and Israeli drug cartels. In an open letter to US
President George Bush, around 500 economists, led by Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman,
called for marijuana to be "legal but taxed and regulated like other goods".
4. It will create job opportunities
Legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical purposes in Colorado has created
10,000 new jobs in the area. There are a plethora of jobs that can be created by the marijuana
industry and help reduce India's unemployment rate.
5. Marijuana use has medical benefits
Studies have shown that marijuana use has dozens of medical benefits. It treats glaucoma,
prevents cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, reduces anxiety, slows the progress
of Alzheimer's disease, improves metabolism and is even said to spur creativity in our brain.
6. It will help the locals
In states like Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where cannabis plants grow, marijuana is
the only source of income for many locals. However, being a banned substance, the farmers
are forced to sell it at a very cheap price to the drug dealers and they face additional pressure
from the police as well, who are paid to destroy the cannabis plantations. Legalizing
marijuana will end this 'war on drugs' targeting our own countrymen.
7. Legalization will ensure that good quality marijuana is sold to the consumers
In India, dealers often mix hash and weed with chemicals or other drugs like afeem to
improve the taste, color, texture or 'high' of the stuff. Legalization will improve the quality of
marijuana sold to the users because government will regulate the production and sale of the
drug.
8. Marijuana has limited withdrawal symptoms and its use can't be fatal
"I've heard you have to smoke something like 15,000 joints in 20 minutes to get a toxic
amount of delta-9 tetrahydrocannibinol," says Dr. Paul Hornby, a biochemist and human
pathologist. "I challenge anybody to do that." Not only is it virtually impossible to overdose
on marijuana, the users face nominal withdrawal symptoms after consuming it.
9. Prohibition has failed to control the use and domestic production of marijuana
It is said that 60,000 kgs of hash and 40,000 kgs of opium is produced in Himachal Pradesh.
Out of that, only 500 kgs is seized annually. As per reports, "more than 1,600 hectares of
cultivable farmland and an additional 500 hectares of illicitly felled public forests are
currently under cannabis cultivation". The rate is only increasing. Moreover, these days, it is
7 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
pretty easy to buy marijuana in India and its consumption is widespread among the youth. So
it is fair to say that prohibition has failed to curb the 'problem'.
10. Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol
Marijuana consumption was never regarded as a socially deviant behaviour any more than
drinking alcohol was. In fact, keeping it legal was considered as an 'enlightened view'. It is
now medically proven that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. Unlike alcoholics, stoners
don't indulge in rash driving or violent fights. They tend to be calm and pleasant under the
influence of marijuana
The Doctors Advice:
The opinion among medical practicners in India is divided.
Some are of the opinion that, it is a better alternative to alcohol & tobacco consumption.
While supporters claim that denying medical use of marijuana is a violation of ‘Right to life’,
others believe it is not all that important a drug for Palliative Care.
Most doctors advocate caution, as a wrongly worded policy could potentially aggrevate
substance abuse among youngsters.
Vote on Account
The Budget to be presented by Finance Minister ArunJaitley on February 1 is likely to be a
vote on account or an interim Budget.
Vote on Account
Discussion on Budget takes place after a few days of the presentation of the Budget. The
Parliament can’t vote the entire budget before the beginning of the new financial year. This
creates the requirement to keep enough finance at the disposal of Government so that it could
run the administration of the country. Therefore, there is a special provision named "Vote on
Account" by which Government obtains the Vote of Parliament for a sum adequate to incur
expenditure on various items for a part of the year.
Vote on Account is a grant in advance to enable the government to carry on until the
voting of demands for grants and the passing of the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill.
The sum of the grant would be equivalent to one sixth of the estimated expenditure for the
entire year under various demands for grants.
As a convention, a vote-on-account is treated as a formal matter and passed by Lok
Sabha without discussion.
Most importantly, a 'Vote on Account' cannot alter direct taxes since they need to be passed
through a Finance Bill.
Can Vote on Account be granted for more than 2 months?
8 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
Yes. During election year or when it is anticipated that the main Demands and
Appropriation Bill will take longer time than two months, the Vote on Account may be
for a period exceeding two months.
Difference between Full Budget and Vote on Account:
Full Budget deals with both expenditure and revenue side but Vote-on-account deals
only with the expenditure side of the government’s budget.
The vote-on-account is normally valid for for two months but full budget is valid for 12
months (a financial year).
As a convention, a vote-on-account is treated as a formal matter and passed by Lok
Sabha without discussion. But passing for budget happens only after discussions and
voting on demand for grants.
What is an interim budget then?
An interim budget in all practical sense is a full budget, but made by the government
during the last year of its term – ie. just before election. An interim Budget is a complete
set of accounts, including both expenditure and receipts. But it may not contain big policy
proposals.
Is it mandatory for the government to present vote on account instead of full budget in an
election year?
During an election year, the ruling government generally opts for a vote-on-account or
interim budget instead of a full budget. While technically, it is not mandatory for the
government to present a vote-on-account, but it would be inappropriate to impose policies
that may or may not be acceptable to the incoming government taking over in the same year.
Why is important?
Despite the hype around it, the Union Budget is nothing but a projected income and
expenditure statement from the Central government for the coming year. Usually, the Budget
has to be approved by Parliament before the commencement of the new financial year. Over
the years though, Indian Budgets have become major events, doubling up as major policy
statements of the government.
But in the years where Lok Sabha elections are due, it would be improper for the outgoing
government to impose policy changes or budgetary constraints on its successor who may or
may not accept them. However, it is still necessary to keep enough money at its disposal to
allow it to run the administration, requiring a vote on account.
Though vote-on-account is a temporary measure, it does need the approval of Parliament and
it is usually passed without much discussion. It is usually valid for two months, until the new
government presents a full Budget. Ministries and departments can utilise the funds available
9 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
for non-Plan expenditure which includes payments of salary to government employees, loan
interest payments, subsidies, pension payments, based on the vote on account.
The vote on account typically does not seek funds for major projects or new initiatives. This
usually awaits the presentation of the full Budget. The new government elected may have
different ideas in mind for the allocation of resources.
Therefore, the incumbent government usually restrains itself from making any new financial
commitments. However, on the downside, the country may lose crucial time on
developmental projects during the hiatus after the vote on account.
The constitution says that no money can be withdrawn by the government from the
Consolidated Fund of India except under appropriation made by law. For that an
appropriation bill is passed during the Budget process. However, the appropriation bill may
take time to pass through the Parliament and become a law. Meanwhile, the government
would need permission to spend even a single penny from April 1 when the new financial
year starts. Vote on account is the permission to withdraw money from the Consolidated
Fund of India in that period, usually two months.
According to the Article 266 of the Constitution, it is mandatory for the government to seek
approval from the parliament before raising any funds from the consolidated funds of India.
Why should I care?
One of the key features of a vote on account is that it usually does not contain any direct tax
proposals that would impact you, as that requires amendments to the Finance Bill.
Therefore, any decrease/increase or exemption/inclusion related to income tax will be on hold
if there’s a vote on account. On indirect taxes though, there could be clarifications or minor
tweaks.
A vote on account could be used as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the
government during its years in office. This may help you understand the effectiveness of the
government and make up your mind for voting.
But no matter when the new government is elected, it has to pick up from where the previous
one left off to reboot the economy.
10 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
Skittering of Earth’s Magnetic North Pole
Researchers say Earth’s magnetic North Pole is ‘skittering’ away from Canada, towards
Siberia.
The problem has got so bad, researchers around the world are scrambling to update a global
model of the fields. Called the World Magnetic Model, it underlies all modern navigation,
from the systems that steer ships at sea to Google Maps on smartphones.
EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELDS
The problem lies partly with the moving pole and partly with other shifts deep within the
planet.
Liquid churning in Earth’s core generates most of the magnetic field, which varies over time
as the deep flows change.
In 2016, for instance, part of the magnetic field temporarily accelerated deep under northern
South America and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Satellites such as the European Space
Agency’s Swarm mission tracked the shift.
THE WORLD MAGNETIC MODEL
The charts, known as the World Magnetic Model (WMM), are used to convert between
compass measurements of magnetic north and true north and can be found in the navigation
systems of ships and airplanes as well as geological applications (such as drilling and
mining).
The WMM is also part of map applications in smartphones, including the Google Maps App.
Researchers from the U.S.’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
maintain the WMM.
POLES FLIPPED
Scientists in recent years have predicted that Earth’s magnetic field could be gearing up to
‘flip’ – a shift in which the magnetic south pole would become magnetic north, and vice
versa. Such an event could have catastrophic effects, wreaking havoc on the electric grid and
leaving life at the surface exposed to higher amounts of solar radiation.
Electric grid collapse from severe solar storms is a major risk. As the magnetic field
continues to weaken, scientists are highlighting the importance off-the grid energy systems
using renewable energy sources to protect the Earth against a black out.
Very highly charged particles can have a deleterious effect on the satellites and astronauts.
11 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
The Earth’s climate could also change. A recent Danish study has found that the earth’s
weather has been significantly affected by the planet’s magnetic field.
SECTION 126 OF THE RP ACT, 1951
A Committee constituted to review and suggest modifications and changes in the provisions
of the Section 126 and other sections of the Representation of People Act 1951 and
provisions of Model Code of Conduct has submitted its report. The panel was headed by
senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha.
Section 126 of RP Act, 1951 states:
Section 126 of the RP Act prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia,
of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed
for conclusion of poll in a constituency.
“Election matter” has been defined in that Section as any matter intended or calculated to
influence or affect the result of an election.
The provision prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results during the
period mentioned therein, in the hour fixed for commencement of polls in the first phase and
half hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the States.
Violation of the provisions of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment upto a
period of two years, or with fine or both.
Suggestion’s:
Internet service providers and social media companies should take down content violating the
48-hour ban on campaigning prior to polling, instantly and latest within 3 hours of EC issuing
such a direction.
Amend Section 126(1) of R P Act to impose the “campaign silence period” on print,
electronic media and intermediaries. The definition of intermediaries, as per Section 2(w) of
the Information Technology Act, includes telecom service providers, internet service
providers, web-hosting service providers, search engines, etc.
Bring in changes in the model code of conduct to ensure that parties release their manifesto at
least 72 hours prior to polling (or 72 hours prior to polling for first phase in a multi-phase
election).
Star campaigners should desist from addressing press conferences or giving interviews on
election matters during silence period. Also, in a multi-phased election, there should be no
direct or indirect reference seeking support for parties/candidates in constitutencies observing
silence period.
12 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
Intermediaries should ensure that their platforms are not misused to vitiate free and fair polls.
This would include a notification mechanism by which EC may notify the platform of
potential violations of Section 126 of R P Act.
While EC will appoint an officer to liaise with the intermediaries, the latter should open a
special grievance redressal channel for EC and have a dedicated team during election period
to interface with and take quick action on receipt of EC order to take down or disable content
in violation of R P Act.
Intermediaries should report to the Commission on measures taken to prevent abuse of their
platforms, including generating publicly-available action taken reports. All political
advertisements may be clearly labelled as such and be pre-approved by a EC-appointed
content monitoring committee.
The intermediaries would also need to maintain a repository of political advertisements with
information on their sponsors, expenditure and targeted reach.
Harvest festivals of India
Festivals have always been the most memorable and favorite part of a traveler’s journey
through different countries and continents. Being the colorful nation that India is, the most
vibrant harvest festivals of India involve interesting mythological legends and joyous
celebrations. They are as incredible and diverse as its people and landscapes and let you
experience the beauty of the Indian culture.
However, dates for harvest festivals in different parts of the country vary due to diversity in
climate. See the list to explore all important harvest festivals of north, north east, east and
west, and south India.
Harvest festivals of North India
Makar Sankranti – An auspicious day for Hindus
Where is Makar Sankranti celebrated: Pan India in different ways but mainly in the north
Celebrated all over the country, Makar Sankranti is the oldest and the most colorful harvest
festival in India. It is also the most celebrated harvest festival of North India making it the top
harvest festival of Uttar Pradesh. As per Hindu mythology, this festival marks the end of an
unfavorable phase and the beginning of a holy phase. Particularly in villages of
Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Himachal, West Bengal, and Punjab, people celebrate
the harvest of new crops with bonfire, carnivals, songs, dances, kite flying, and rallies.
Key attractions of Makar Sankranti festival: Kumbh Mela and various sumptuous sweet
dishes made of sesame and jaggery
Date: 14th January 2018
13 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
Baisakhi – Celebrating with the rhythms of Dhol and Bhangra
Where is Baisakhi celebrated: Punjab and Haryana
People of Punjab and Haryana celebrate Baisakhi or Vaisakhi by thanking God for the good
harvest. And the farmers of the country express their happiness and delight through
this Indian harvest festival. People wear their best colorful dresses, sing the happiest songs,
and dance to the melodious beats of Dhol. Baisakhi fairs are also organised where acrobatics,
wresting, algoza, and vanjli performances can be seen.
Key attractions of Baisakhi festival: Bhangra by menfolk and Gidda by women
Date: 14th April 2018
Ladakh Harvest Festival – Buddhist tradition at its best
Where Ladakh Harvest Festival celebrated: Ladakh, Zanskar, Kargil
Ladakh Harvest Festival has gained immense popularity and fame all over the
world. Ladakhlooks bright, beautiful, and absolutely stunning with the commencement of this
harvest festival. Monasteries and stupas are decorated and pilgrimages to Thangka of Kyabje
Gombo are mandatory things as a part of this celebration. Archery along with old social &
cultural ceremonies and art & handicrafts are the other features of the event.
Key attractions of Ladakh Harvest Festival: Dramas or ‘Chhams’ are performed to display
life and teachings of Buddha and different dance forms of Tibetan culture
Date: 25th to 28th September 2018
Lohri – A popular winter time Punjabi folk festival
Where is Lohri celebrated: Punjab
Lohri is a renowned harvest festival in Punjab that showcases traditional dance and songs. To
kill the chills of winter, the entire family and neighbours gather around the bonfire and sing
together and offers grains, corns, and nuts to respect and appreciate the grand harvest of
sugarcane crops.
Key attractions of Lohri festival: The Punjabi folklore Sunder Mundriye sung by everyone
Date: 13th January 2018
Basant Panchami – A festival to celebrate birth of goddess Saraswati
Basant Panchami marks the onset of spring season. Celebrated in different states of North
India, it is considered an auspicious day. This festival is associated with yellow color, which
is a color of spirituality. One can see the magnificent mustard crop fields in the countryside,
especially rural areas of Haryana and Punjab.
14 SHANMUGAM IAS ACADEMY: 46/1 GOKHALE ST., OPP. SENTHIL KUMARAN THEATRE,
RAM NAGAR, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU – 641009 iasipstnpsc.inUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019
Key attractions of Basant Panchami festival: Indian cuisine like Meethe Chawal, Maake ki
Roti, and Sarso Ka Saag
Date: 22nd January, 2018
Harvest festivals of Northeast India
Bhogali Bihu – Of bliss and cheerfulness
Where is Bihu celebrated: Assam
Every year in January, the entire state of Assam showcases enthusiasm and delight in
celebrating Bhogali Bihu. The farmers of Assam celebrate and cherish the efforts of
cultivation and reap the benefits. The celebration starts one night before with Uruka—the
community feast. On the day of Bihu, the mejis or pavilion made of clay and hay are burnt.
Local women wear stunning mukhlas and participate in group songs and dance. Also known
as Magh Bihu, this is an exotic and most vibrant name on the list of harvest festivals of India.
Key attractions of Bihu festival: Bihu dance, bullfight, bird fight and Sunga Pitha, Til Pitha
and Laru
Date: 15th January 2018
Wangala – Echoes of drums and songs everywhere
Where is Wangala celebrated: Meghalaya and Assam
Wangala is the merriment of 100 drums played by Garo tribes of northeast India. This is one
of the popular harvest festivals of India marking the onset of winter. During this festival, Sun
God is worshiped with immense devotion and zeal. Women wear their traditional colourful
clothes and dance during this harvesting festival while men rhythmically drum their fingers
on the traditional drum pads.
Key attractions of the Wangala festival: Musical extravaganza with drums, flutes, and gongs
Date: 9th to 11th November 2018
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem – The dance festival of Meghalaya
Where is Ka Pomblang Nongkrem celebrated: Meghalaya
The inhabitants of Khasi hills worship Goddess Ka Blei Synshar and celebrate the plentiful
harvest with vigour and excitement. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem brings ultimate joy and
happiness to the community. The celebration comprises of animal sacrifice and Nongkrem
dance with sword in one hand and yak hair whisk on the other.
Key attractions of Ka Pomblang Nongkrem festival: Pemblang ceremony and Ceremony of
Tangmuri
Date: 5-day long festival begins in 3rd week of November
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Festivals in East and West India
Nuakhai – Worship of food grains
Where is Nuakhai celebrated: Orissa
Nuakhai is an age old harvest celebration in Odisha. Locally ‘nua’ means new and ‘khai’
means food. This is not only a popular harvest festival in India, but also celebrated to
appreciate the passing away of the past and evil days while welcoming the new and beautiful
with open arms. The festival is also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat.
Key attractions of Nuakhai festival: The delicious Arsaa Pitha (sweet pancakes)
Date: 14th September 2018
Gudi Padwa – A springtime ceremony
Where is Gudi Padwa celebrated: Maharashtra
Gudi Padwa is a grand harvest festival of Maharashtra marking the beginning of an
auspicious New Year. People make rangoli designs at the entrance of their homes and
decorate it with flowers and a handmade doll . Folks meet friends and relatives, exchange
wishes, and women cook sweets like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Sunth Paak.
Key attractions of Gudi Padwa festival: Local people make Gudi (bamboo doll) using mango
and neem leaves and hang them at the entrance.
Date: 18th March 2018
Nabanna – The festival of the new harvest
Where is Nabanna celebrated: West Bengal
This is one of the most celebrated traditions of Bengal, where new rice is harvested with
sheer joy and stocked in homes. Farmers from Bengal cheerfully participate in this harvest
ritual in the Bengali month of Agrahayan and offer the first grains to Goddess Lakshmi while
thanking her for all blessings.
Key attractions of Nabanna festival: Payesh (Kheer) made from the newly harvested rice and
Nabanna fair.
Date: November and December
Harvest festivals of South India
Onam – The most splendid harvest festival of India
Where is Onam celebrated: Some regions of Kerala
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Onam is a legendary harvest festival of Kerala celebrated with great enthusiasm in different
parts of Kerala. The festival is celebrated for 10 days with the arrival of Mahabali. To relish
the successful harvest, Malayalee people decorate their house entrance with floral rangoli,
wear new traditional clothes, women cook delicious food, and celebrate with traditional
music and dance.
Key attractions of Onam festival: Traditional Malayalee recipes like Rasam, Payasam, Avial,
brown rice and parippu curry are offered to guests in traditional green leaf, snake boat race
and tiger dance are also exciting to watch.
Date: 15th August to 27th August 2018
Pongal – Displaying gratitude to mother nature
Where is Pongal celebrated: Tamil Nadu
Pongal is another name for Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated during the same time in
various cities of Tamil Nadu. This is a thanksgiving celebration where people express their
deep gratitude to mother nature for the produce of the year. This is one of the most
colourful harvest festivals of India celebrated for 4 days.
The first day is the Bhogi Festival devoted to Lord Indra for abundance of rain. On the
second day, newly harvested rice and milk is cooked outdoor and offered to Sun God. Third
day is for cattle worship and on the fourth day, Pongal or traditional coloured rice is offered
with turmeric, betel leaf, and betel nuts.
Key attractions of Pongal festival: Decorated houses with Kolam, bull taming contests,
bonfire with agricultural wastes and worship for the family’s prosperity
Date: 14th to 17th January 2018
Ugadi – A simple yet wonderful festival to thank the deity
Where is Ugadi celebrated: Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
Ugadi is a regional New Year celebration for people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This
harvest festival is considered auspicious to start new work and ventures. On the day, local
people take oil bath, wear traditional clothes, decorate homes with earthen lamps and rangoli,
and perform Ugadi puja at home.
Key attractions of Ugadi festival: The Ugadi delicacies like Ugadi Pachadi, Pulihora and
Bobbatlu are prepared with raw mango, jaggery, neem, and tamarind.
Date: 18th March 2018
Vishu – The day of worshiping Lord Krishna
Where is Vishu celebrated: Kerala and Karnataka
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Grand worship of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, elaborate family lunch, evening prayers, and
fireworks sum up the complete picture of Vishu festival. This is an interesting harvest festival
celebrated on the first day of Malayalee New Year. Women of the house prepare
Vishukkani—varieties of traditional cuisine to offer to Gods—, with rice, golden lemon,
golden cucumber, jackfruit, yellow konna flowers, and betel leaves.
Key attractions of Vishu festival: Kani Kanal—the first holy sight of Vishnu and the Sadya—
the grand mid-day meal spread
Date: 14th April 2018.
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