CONTENTS Ningol Chakkouba Festival Ningol Chakkouba Festival Context: Recently, Ningol Chakkouba festival was held with religious fervour and gaiety across the State of Manipur. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Ningol Chakkouba Festival The Meitei Community Celebrating Ningol Chakkouba Ningol Chakkouba Festival: The Ningol Chakkouba Festival is an annual celebration deeply rooted in the culture of the Meitei community of Manipur, India. Held on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei according to the Meitei calendar, this festival has transcended its community boundaries to embrace a broader spirit of family reunion and societal harmony. Key Features of the Festival Meaning and Significance: The term ‘Ningol’ means ‘married woman’ and ‘Chakkouba’ translates to ‘invitation for a feast.’ This festival centers around the celebration of married women, who are invited to their parental homes for a grand feast. Cultural Practices: It is a tradition for the brother to send a formal invitation to his sister a week before the festival, signaling respect and the importance of the familial bond. The day is marked with lavish meals and the exchange of gifts, fostering family ties and unity. Widespread Celebration: Originally celebrated by the Meiteis, Ningol Chakkouba has found resonance across various communities, underscoring universal values of family happiness and societal peace. The festival is now celebrated by Manipuris living outside the state, including those in different parts of India and abroad, maintaining cultural identity and connection among the diaspora. The Meitei Community: The Meitei community is the dominant ethnic group in Manipur, known for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the cultural mosaic of northeastern India. Cultural and Demographic Overview Language: The Meiteis speak the Meitei language, also officially recognized as Manipuri. It is one of India’s 22 scheduled languages and serves as the sole official language of Manipur State. Geographic Distribution: Predominantly settled in the Imphal Valley, Meiteis also have a significant presence in other northeastern states such as Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Their cultural influence extends into neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh. Social Structure: The Meitei society is clan-based, with strict rules against intermarriage within clans, preserving distinct familial lineages. Economic Foundation: Agriculture, particularly rice cultivation on irrigated fields, forms the backbone of their economy, reflecting the community’s deep connection with the land. Celebrating Ningol Chakkouba Ningol Chakkouba is more than just a festival; it is a vital cultural institution that reinforces familial bonds and community solidarity. Through its celebration, the Meitei community not only honors its women and upholds family values but also showcases the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world. This festival highlights how traditional practices can foster societal harmony and peace, making it a significant cultural touchstone for the Meiteis and an example of cultural pride for other communities.

Contents : Aadhaar biometric data access will aid forensics Rising STEM research demands revitalised education Aadhaar Biometric Data Access Will Aid Forensics Background : Aadhaar Act: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) imposes strict regulations on data disclosure to protect privacy and prevent misuse. Section 33(1): Permits disclosure of certain information under a court order not inferior to that of a High Court judge. Section 29(1) & Section 33:sharing of core biometric information (fingerprints and iris scans) under any circumstances is prohibited except for exceptions. Relevance: GS 2 ( Governance ) Practice Question: Evaluate the legal and ethical dimensions of permitting law enforcement access to Aadhaar biometric data for identifying unknown deceased individuals. (250 words ) Issues : Balancing Rights: The challenge lies in balancing the right to privacy with the right to life with dignity. High Court Rulings: Emphasise respectful and humane treatment of bodies, highlighting the importance of dignity even in death. Unidentified Deceased Individuals Many unidentified deceased are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, daily wagers, migrants, or those with strained family relationships. Lack of identification documents, mobile phones, and missing person reports worsens the issue. Standard Investigative Procedures Examination and Documentation: Bodies are examined and photographed, and distinct features are noted, such as tattoos and body scars. Evidence Collection: Includes collecting evidence from the scene, analysing CCTV footage, scrutinising phone records, and checking against missing person reports. Fingerprint Analysis: collected fingerprints are analysed against criminal records available in crime records. Fingerprints Decomposition: Even in severely decomposed bodies, fingerprints can be retrieved and preserved using formaldehyde. Limited Databases: Police fingerprint databases are often limited to known criminal histories, and many states have not fully digitised them. Proposal for Aadhaar Access Identification Aid: Access to the Aadhaar database could aid in identifying bodies and assisting families with last rites. Homicide Investigations: Ensures investigations proceed effectively by identifying victims. Legal Issues Absolute Prohibition: The Aadhaar Act’s strict prohibition on sharing core biometric information is a major obstacle. U.S. Model: In the U.S., law enforcement agencies use advanced identification tools to match the fingerprints of deceased individuals against extensive databases. Re-evaluating Restrictions Case-Specific Access: There is a need to re-evaluate the Aadhaar Act to provide access for specific cases like identifying deceased persons. First Information Report (FIR): Access based on an FIR should be provided. Judicial Order: A jurisdictional judicial magistrate’s order, rather than a High Court order, could suffice, reducing the higher judiciary’s burden. Conclusion The Aadhar Act needs to be re-evaluated to address emerging demands, and identifying deceased individuals is one of them. Meanwhile, the balance between the right to privacy and the right to dignity is the need of the hour. Rising STEM Research Demands Revitalised Education Context: India’s STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics )education faces major challenges, affecting the employability and research capabilities of graduates. While private engineering colleges and newer IITs have expanded access, many students lack essential industry skills. Relevance: GS 2 ( Education ) Practice Question: Evaluate the challenges in India’s STEM education system and suggest reforms in pedagogy. (250 words ) Key Challenges in Higher Education Lack of Industry Skills: Many graduates from private engineering colleges and newer IITs lack the essential skills needed by the industry, which worsens the skill gap. Struggles in Research: Research institutes find it challenging to get students with the necessary skill set for higher studies, which hampers the quality of research outputs. Insufficiently skilled faculty and declining higher education pursuing students make the situation worse Pressure on Faculty: Education quality is compromised by faculties focusing on publishing research papers rather than improving the quality of teaching. Lack of Support: Many teaching institutions do not provide a robust environment conducive to quality research, which hinders the development of capable graduates. Proposed Reforms Separate Rankings: Teaching should be ranked based on the quality of their teaching rather than their research output. Emphasise faculty development programs, mentorship, and effective teacher evaluations to improve teaching standards. Encourage teaching institutions to collaborate with research institutions to enhance teaching methods and pedagogy. Introduce a dedicated teaching track within academic hierarchies, such as roles focused specifically on teaching (e.g., teaching assistant, associate professor). Funding agencies should incentivise collaborative projects between teaching and research institutions to improve both teaching and research outcomes. Joint Degree Agreements Strengthening Collaboration: Joint Degrees: Establish joint degree programs between teaching and research institutions, allowing top-performing students to spend their final years at research institutions and receive joint degrees. Curriculum Alignment: Align curricula between teaching and research institutions to ensure consistency and high standards in both content and pedagogy. Benefits: Enhanced Student Quality: Improves the quality of students entering research institutions. Improved Teaching Quality: Raises the standard of teaching and curriculum in teaching institutions. Faculty Exchanges: Facilitates faculty exchanges, promoting the sharing of best practices and improving pedagogical methods. Policy and Structural Changes Promotion Criteria: Focus on Pedagogy: Base faculty promotion criteria on pedagogical skills and effective teaching, assessed through suitable metrics. Centres of Excellence: Establish centres of excellence in pedagogy to enhance the quality of teaching practices. Resource Allocation: Support Partnerships: Allocate resources to support sustainable partnerships between research and teaching institutions. Scalable Programs: Implement scalable upskilling programs, outreach initiatives, internships, and online courses to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals. Conclusion Pedagogy and improving teaching and research collaboration are key demands to build a skilled and resilient workforce.

CONTENTS ADB’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 Unveils Massive Economic Consequences US Presidential Election Underway: Harris vs. Trump in Tight Race India’s Reservation Debate: Supreme Court Proposes “Quota-within-Quota” Orphan Drugs Tumaini Festival Yanadi Tribe ADB’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 Unveils Massive Economic Consequences Context: Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently published its Asia-Pacific (APAC) Climate Report 2024, which puts forth the immense economic effects of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 About Asian Development Bank (ADB) Key Highlights of the Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 Economic Impacts on the Asia-Pacific Region Projected GDP Reductions: By 2070, high greenhouse gas emissions could lead to a 17% decrease in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region’s GDP, with the potential to escalate to 41% by 2100. Country-Specific Impacts: Notable declines are expected by 2070 with India seeing a 24.7% decrease, Bangladesh 30.5%, Vietnam 30.2%, and Indonesia 26.8%. Human and Environmental Consequences Coastal Flooding Risks: Up to 300 million people could face coastal flooding by 2070, with projected annual damages possibly reaching USD 3 trillion. Decrease in Labor Productivity: The region could suffer a 4.9% loss in GDP from reduced labor productivity, with India facing a steeper loss of 11.6% due to increased cooling requirements. Temperature-Related Economic Decline: Regional GDP could drop by 3.3%, with India experiencing a sharper decrease of 5.1%. Flooding and Environmental Degradation River Flooding Damages: By 2070, annual river flooding could cause damages worth USD 1.3 trillion across APAC, affecting over 110 million people. India’s Specific Losses: Residential damages could exceed USD 400 billion, with commercial damages surpassing USD 700 billion. Increased Weather Intensity: More frequent tropical storms and heavier rainfall could lead to exacerbated floods and landslides, especially in areas like the India-China border. Forest Productivity Loss: The APAC region might see a decrease in forest productivity by 10-30% by 2070, with India and Vietnam facing losses over 25%. Policy and Climate Goals Net-Zero Emission Targets: 36 out of 44 Asian economies have set targets for reaching net-zero emissions, but only four have legal backing. Comparative Lag in Targets: India and China have set their net-zero goals for 2070 and 2060 respectively, trailing behind OECD economies, many of which aim for 2050. Financial Strategies for Climate Adaptation Need for Increased Funding: The region requires an annual investment of USD 102–431 billion for climate adaptation, a steep increase from the USD 34 billion recorded between 2021 and 2022. Private Investment and Policy Enhancement: There’s a critical need for greater private investment and stronger policies to attract private climate finance. Emphasis on Renewable Energy and Carbon Markets: The report highlights significant opportunities to use renewable energy and carbon markets as cost-effective strategies for climate action. About Asian Development Bank (ADB): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966 to promote social and economic development in Asia. It is headquartered in the city of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines. The ADB was modelled closely on the World Bank and an official United Nations Observer. Japan holds the largest proportion of shares in ADB followed by the USA, and it has a weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions (just like the World Bank). The bank admits the members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP, formerly the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East or ECAFE) and non-regional developed countries. ADB defines itself as a social development organization that is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. ADB aids in reducing poverty through investments in the form of loans, grants and information sharing (in infrastructure, health care services, financial and public administration systems), helping nations prepare for the impact of climate change or better manage their natural resources, as well as other areas. -Source: The Hindu US Presidential Election Underway: Harris vs. Trump in Tight Race Context: The US Presidential Election kicked off on November 5, featuring a highly anticipated contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. With the outcome heavily reliant on the Electoral College, the focus is on seven key “swing states” where the race is especially close. This tight competition across these pivotal states renders the final result of the election uncertain, capturing nationwide and global attention. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: U.S. Presidential Election Process The U.S. presidential election occurs every four years, determining the leadership for the President and Vice President of the United States. The election utilizes an indirect voting system where citizens vote for electors in the Electoral College, who in turn, elect the President and Vice President. Constitutional Requirements for Presidential Candidates Citizenship: Candidates must be natural-born citizens of the United States. Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 35 years old. Residency: Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. Primary Elections and Caucuses Primaries and caucuses are held in each state to help political parties choose their presidential nominees. These events occur from early in the election year through the summer. Party members vote for their preferred presidential candidates, and delegates are chosen based on these preferences to represent the party at national conventions. National Conventions After the primaries and caucuses, each party hosts a national convention where delegates formally nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Following the nominations, the candidates accept their party’s nomination and begin their general election campaigns. The General Election The general election takes place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Voters in each state select electors who will represent their preferences in the Electoral College. Electoral College Voting and Inauguration Electoral Vote: In December, the chosen electors meet in their state capitals to cast their ballots for President and Vice President. Congressional Count: These votes are tallied by Congress in early January, and the President-elect is officially announced. Inauguration Day: The President-elect is inaugurated on January 20, commencing their term in office. Election mechanics Americans do not directly vote for their President. Instead, they vote to determine the composition of the Electoral College, which elects the President. There are 538 electors in the Electoral College, and 270 is the majority mark. Each state is allocated a specific number of electors, which is somewhat based on population. A vote cast in favour of a certain candidate is, in effect, meant to elect the candidate’s slate of electors in a state, who are chosen by the parties prior to the election. To win the presidency, a candidate needs to cobble together victories in enough states to reach the 270 mark in the Electoral College. Most states (with the exception of Maine and Nebraska) have a winner-takes-all system, which means whoever wins the popular mandate in the state secures its entire allocation in the Electoral College. This makes the result in most states — which are either firmly Democratic or Republican — a foregone conclusion before the first ballot is cast. It also means that certain states where the race is particularly close have outsize importance in the election. Role of Swing Sta “Some states are known as ‘swing states’ or ‘battleground states’ for historically close races. This year, they are ‘must win’ for either Democratic or Republican candidates.” These states play a pivotal role, as the winner-takes-all system makes their outcome critical to securing the required 270 electoral votes. Swing states in this election year Currently, seven swing states in this US presidential election are Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Nevada. This cluster has a total of 93 Electoral College votes and thus plays a huge role in targeting both campaigns by Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s campaigns. -Source: Indian Express India’s Reservation Debate: Supreme Court Proposes “Quota-within-Quota” Context: India’s reservation system has played a critical role in offering access to opportunities for historically marginalized groups, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). However, ongoing debates have raised questions about the equitable distribution of these benefits among various SC subgroups. In response, the Supreme Court has suggested a “quota-within-quota” approach to tackle these disparities. This proposal has sparked a nationwide discussion, focusing on whether data justifies such redistributive measures to ensure fairness within the reservation system. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: About caste quota Data from Different States: Are reservations accessible? Assessing the ‘Quota-Within-Quota’ Approach to Affirmative Action The ‘quota-within-quota’ concept involves subdividing existing reservat Conclusion About caste quota Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, believed that formal legal equality (one person, one vote) would not be enough to dismantle the deeply entrenched inequalities of caste. Thus, reservations were mandated to become a mechanism to move from legal equality to substantive equality by creating opportunities for SCs and STs in higher education, public sector jobs, and government institutions. The argument underlying the Supreme Court verdict is that despite its progressive aims, India’s reservation system is plagued by uneven outcomes. Some SC groups seem to have progressed more than others over the decades. This has led to calls for a more nuanced approach to affirmative action — one that recognises the heterogeneity within the SC category itself. Data from Different States: Andhra Pradesh Our estimates reveal that while there are slight differences between the two major SC groups — Malas and Madigas — the disparities are not significant enough to warrant subdivision of the quota. By 2019, both groups had seen improvements in education and employment, and both were equally likely to benefit from white-collar jobs. Tamil Nadu The two largest SC groups — Adi Dravida and Pallan —were almost indistinguishable in terms of socio-economic outcomes by 2019. But other States paint a more complicated picture. Punjab SC quota has been subdivided since 1975, the data suggests that this policy has led to better outcomes for more disadvantaged SC groups, such as the Mazhabi Sikhs and Balmikis. These groups, once marginalised even within the SC category, have begun to catch up to more advanced groups such as the Ad Dharmis and Ravidasis. Bihar Subdividing the SC quota into a “Mahadalit” category in 2007 is a cautionary tale. Initially designed to target the most marginalised SC groups, the policy eventually faltered as political pressure led to the inclusion of all SC groups in the Mahadalit category, effectively nullifying the purpose of the subdivision. The broader takeaway from these findings is that while there is some heterogeneity within the SC category, the disparities between SC groups and upper-caste groups (general category) remain far more pronounced. In other words, the gap between SCs and the privileged castes is still much larger than the gap between different SC subgroups. Are reservations accessible? We need good jati-wise data on actual use of reserved category positions. The closest we can get is based on a question from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) that asks potential beneficiaries if they have a caste certificate — a prerequisite for accessing reserved positions in education and employment. These numbers can be seen as proxy for actual access in the absence of authoritative official data. In States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, less than 50% of SC households report having these certificates, meaning that a large portion of SCs are excluded from the benefits that are supposed to uplift them. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh fare better, with over 60-70% of SC households holding caste certificates, but these States are the exception rather than the rule. This highlights a fundamental problem with the current system — access. Without ensuring that all eligible SCs can actually benefit from reservations, subdividing the quota becomes a secondary concern. The focus should first be on improving access to reservations across the board, ensuring that those who are entitled to these benefits can avail them. Assessing the ‘Quota-Within-Quota’ Approach to Affirmative Action The ‘quota-within-quota’ concept involves subdividing existing reservations among subgroups within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and other marginalized communities. This idea has yielded mixed results across various states in India, showing potential in some areas while raising concerns in others. Regional Variations and Efficacy Localized Success: In states like Punjab, where disparities among SC subgroups are pronounced, subdividing quotas has proven beneficial, bringing more marginalized groups into mainstream opportunities. Unnecessary Complications: Conversely, in states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the data indicate that the benefits of reservations are already equitably distributed among SC groups, making further subdivisions redundant. Political Dynamics and Policy Impact Political Exploitation: The experience in Bihar suggests that political motives can compromise the integrity of affirmative action. Policy decisions based on political gain rather than factual analysis can weaken the impact of reservations, reducing them to mere tools of political leverage rather than means of genuine social advancement. Judicial Perspectives and Creamy Layer Concept Supreme Court’s Stance: The proposal to introduce a ‘creamy layer’ criterion for SCs, akin to that applied to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), lacks sufficient empirical support at present. This approach necessitates a careful review of how socio-economic advancements influence discrimination against historically marginalized groups. Economic Factors and Reservation Benefits Financial Assistance: While quotas address representational disparities, monetary benefits like scholarships and lower fees should focus on need-based criteria to ensure that support reaches the most economically disadvantaged individuals. Persistence of Stigma Despite Economic Gains Societal Bias: Advancements in economic status do not necessarily eradicate the deep-seated stigmatization faced by SCs. Instances of untouchability, though legally abolished, continue covertly and overtly, underscoring the enduring impact of social identity on discrimination. The Need for Updated Data Data Deficiency: The lack of current and comprehensive data on caste-based disparities — exacerbated by delays in conducting the national Census — hampers effective policy formulation and reform. Accurate data is crucial for tailoring affirmative action policies that genuinely reflect and address the needs of marginalized populations. Conclusion While the idea of a ‘quota-within-quota’ has potential in specific regional contexts, its overall effectiveness is contingent on nuanced implementation that is sensitive to the varying needs and conditions of SC subgroups across different states. For affirmative action to fulfill its role as a catalyst for social justice, it must be underpinned by reliable data and implemented free from political manipulation. The journey towards eliminating caste-based disparities is ongoing, and policies must evolve based on robust evidence and an unwavering commitment to equity. -Source: The Hindu Orphan Drugs Context: India faces significant challenges in ensuring the development, affordability, and accessibility of orphan drugs, especially compared to other countries like the United States and the European Union. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Orphan Drugs Classification of Orphan Drugs India’s NPRD Classification for Rare Diseases Criteria for Orphan Drug Designation Incentives for Development Orphan Drugs Orphan drugs are pharmaceutical agents developed specifically to treat rare (orphan) diseases. These diseases, though affecting only a small portion of the population, often lead to life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions. Definitions of orphan drugs vary depending on the regulatory framework. In the U.S., a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 2,00,000 people, while in the European Union, a disease must affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people to be considered rare. Although there is no formal prevalence-based definition in India, the NPRD of 2021 outlines a framework for diagnosing and treating rare diseases, with a low prevalence threshold expected. The lack of a clear definition complicates the identification of orphan drugs and the addressing of needs of patients affected by these conditions. Classification of Orphan Drugs Orphan drugs are categorized based on the diseases they target, their stage in the drug development process, and their regulatory status. This classification is crucial for understanding the availability and potential efficacy of treatments for rare diseases. Disease Categories Genetic Disorders: These include conditions such as cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which are inherited and typically require ongoing treatment throughout an individual’s life. Rare Cancers: Diseases like neuroblastoma and gliomas are categorized here. They are less common types of cancers, which often lack targeted treatments and carry a poorer prognosis. Metabolic Disorders: This category includes diseases like Gaucher’s disease and Fabry disease, which result from enzyme deficiencies affecting metabolism. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as systemic sclerosis fall under this category, involving the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. Regulatory Status Approved Orphan Drugs: These have received approval from regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA), indicating they have passed rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. Orphan Drug Candidates: These are still undergoing clinical trials to gather necessary data on their effectiveness and safety before they can gain regulatory approval. India’s NPRD Classification for Rare Diseases India’s National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 outlines a strategic classification to guide treatment approaches across different conditions: Group 1: Includes curable disorders through one-time interventions, such as Lysosomal Storage Disorders treatable with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Group 2: Encompasses diseases requiring long-term or lifelong management but are less costly to treat, such as Phenylketonuria and Maple Syrup Urine Disease. Group 3: Covers conditions where treatment is available but is often expensive and requires lifelong care, including diseases like Gaucher Disease and Pompe Disease. Criteria for Orphan Drug Designation To be designated as an orphan drug, a medication must meet specific criteria: Low Prevalence: The disease must affect a small percentage of the population. Unmet Medical Need: There must be a lack of approved treatments, or the orphan drug must offer significant therapeutic benefits over existing options. Evidence of Potential Benefit: Developers must provide scientific evidence demonstrating the drug’s potential to treat or alleviate the disease. This evidence can be from any stage of development, from preclinical studies to late-stage clinical trials. Incentives for Development Orphan drugs receive several incentives to stimulate their development, crucial for encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest in treatments for rare diseases: Market Exclusivity: This prevents competitors from entering the market with similar products for a specific period. Tax Credits: Offered for research and development costs to reduce financial risk. Fee Waivers: For regulatory applications to lower the barrier to entry in the drug approval process. -Source: The Hindu Tumaini Festival Context: Tumaini Festival in Malawi unites refugees and locals through music, art, and crafts, fostering connection and hope. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Tumaini Festival Malawi Dzaleka Refugee Camp Tumaini Festival Founded in 2014, the Tumaini Festival is a unique cultural event held annually within the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, making it the only festival of its kind globally. Organized and managed by refugees, the festival serves as a vital platform for displaced people to promote community, solidarity, and cultural exchange. Each year, it draws thousands of attendees and features a vibrant mix of global performances. Highlights of the Festival Cultural Diversity: The festival showcases an eclectic range of artistic expressions, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts from around the world. Engagement: Managed by the refugees themselves, it encourages a deep sense of involvement and empowerment within the refugee community. Recognition: In 2024, the festival was honored with the Cultures of Resistance Award (CoR Award), recognizing its impact and contribution to cultural preservation and solidarity through the arts. Malawi: Malawi is a landlocked nation in Southeastern Africa known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Despite its scenic beauty and cultural richness, Malawi is among the world’s poorest countries, with an economy heavily reliant on agriculture. Key Facts about Malawi Geography: Malawi covers an area of 118,484 sq. km and shares borders with Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia. Capital and Languages: The capital city is Lilongwe, and the major languages spoken are English and Chichewa, both of which are official. Natural Features: The country is renowned for Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi), one of the deepest lakes globally, which occupies more than one-fifth of the country’s total area. Economic Overview: Agriculture is the backbone of Malawi’s economy, employing over 80% of the population. Dzaleka Refugee Camp: The Dzaleka Refugee Camp was established in 1994 as Malawi’s only permanent refugee camp, originally set up in response to the influx of people fleeing the devastating impacts of genocide, violence, and wars in regions like Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Over the years, it has expanded to accommodate refugees and asylum seekers from a broader array of countries, including Somalia and Ethiopia, serving as a crucial haven for those in dire need. Significance of the Camp Refugee Influx: For nearly three decades, Dzaleka has been a critical refuge for thousands seeking safety and a new start away from conflict and turmoil. Community and Culture: The camp has become a melting pot of cultures and stories, with the Tumaini Festival emerging as a central, unifying event that highlights the resilience and creativity of its residents. -Source: The Hindu Yanadi Tribe Context: Three runaway Yanadi tribe children traced, restored to family. Relevance: GS II: Tribes Yanadi Tribe The Yanadi tribe is one of the significant scheduled tribes in the southeastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, particularly prevalent in the district of Nellore. Known for their deep connection to the natural environment, the Yanadis are considered one of India’s most vulnerable tribal groups due to their socio-economic conditions. Socio-Economic Conditions The Yanadi tribe faces extreme poverty and social exclusion, limiting their access to resources and opportunities for advancement. As per the 2001 census, there are approximately 462,167 Yanadi individuals in Andhra Pradesh, making them a significant cultural and demographic presence in the region. Their mother tongue is Telugu, which they share with the majority of Andhra Pradesh’s population. Cultural and Occupational Practices Historically, the Yanadis have engaged in hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Their survival has closely depended on their extensive knowledge of the local land and its resources. They possess a rich repository of traditional health knowledge, utilizing various plants to treat ailments ranging from gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders to skin conditions and reproductive health issues. Cultural Identity The Yanadi tribe has a profound spiritual connection with the forest, which is reflected in their religious practices and the celebration of numerous festivals linked to the forest flora. This traditional dance is an integral part of Yanadi cultural expression, performed during festivals and special occasions to celebrate their heritage and communal bonds. -Source: The Hindu