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Garba Dance

GS- I >> Art & Culture>> Folk Dance

Context: Gujarat’s traditional dance form ‘Garba’ was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

About the Garba Dance:

• Garba is a ‘ritualistic and devotional dance’ that is performed on the occasion of the festival of Navratri which is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or ‘Shakti’.
• The dance takes place around a perforated earthenware pot lit with an oil lamp, or an image of the mother goddess Amba.

Origin of Garba:

• The term ‘Garba’ comes from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘womb’ or ‘deep’ and bears a deep symbolic interpretation.
• Garba is also known as Garbha, Garbha Deep and Garbhi, varying with local dialects of language.
• The dance celebrates fertility and is performed as a tribute to womanhood.

Garba in Indian Mythology:

• In Hindu mythology, when Goddess Durga defeated Evil, Navaratri was celebrated to commemorate her victory and Garba was an integral part of expressing the deity’s power.
• Dandiya sticks used in Garba signify the goddess’ sword and invincibility.

Traditional Costumes of Garba:

• The traditional costume for males is kediyu which consists of a kafni pajama, a round kurta and a turban embellished with sequins for the head.
• Women wear chaniya choli which is a three-piece dress.

Link: www.thehindu.com

Supplementary Demands for Grants

GS- II >> Polity >> Parliament

Context: The government has sought Parliament’s approval for an additional net spending of Rs 58,378 crore in the current fiscal, primarily allocating funds for MGNREGA and fertiliser subsidies.

• The supplementary demands include allocations for fertiliser subsidy (Rs 13,351 crore), Department of Food and Public Distribution (Rs 7,000 crore), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (Rs 9,200 crore), and Ministry of Rural Development for MGNREGA (Rs 14,524 crore).

About Supplementary Demands for Grants:

• Needed when the authorized amount for a service in the current fiscal year is insufficient. Presented and passed by Parliament before the financial year ends.

Other Types of Grants:

• Additional Grant: Granted for new services not in the budget.
• Excess Grant: Granted when spending exceeds the budgeted amount. Voted by Lok Sabha after the financial year.
• Vote of Credit: Granted for unforeseen and indefinite demands. Acts like a blank cheque for the Executive.
• Exceptional Grant: Granted for special purposes outside the annual service.
• Token Grant: Granted for new service by reappropriation. Involves a nominal sum (Re 1) and requires Lok Sabha approval.

Link: www.thehindu.com

Monument Mitra Scheme

GS- II >> Social Justice >> Government Scheme

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has developed a framework for engaging with the private and public sector companies to develop and provide amenities at protected monuments through CSR funds.

About Monument Mitra Scheme:

• Aim: Ensuring quality amenities and facilities at heritage, natural, and tourist sites. Active participation of private and public sector organizations.
• Features: Corporate entities involved in the scheme as part of Corporate Social Responsibility. Collaborate to provide amenities.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture, for monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Applicability: All centrally protected heritage properties.
• Key Focus: Quality and inclusive provision of amenities and facilities.
• Process: Private and public sector organizations collaborate as ‘Monument Mitras.’

Source: pib.gov.in

Pompe Disease

GS- II >> Social Justice >> Health

Context: Recently, India’s first patient diagnosed with Pompe disease died.

About Pompe Disease:

• A rare inherited disorder that affects one child per million.
• Caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alphaglucosidase (GAA) which breaks down complex sugars in the body.
• It results in the accumulation of glycogen in cells, particularly in muscles.
• It is an example of Lysosomal storage disease
• Symptoms: Muscle weakness, respiratory issues, heart problems etc.
• Treatments: Mostly to manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Source: indianexpress.com

GI Tag products

GS- III >> Economy >> GI Tag

Context: Recently, four products from Meghalaya received GI Tag.

About GI Tag products:

• Lakadong turmeric: known for its high Curcumin content.
• Garo dakmanda: Traditional dress worn by Garo tribe.
• Larnai pottery: Black pottery from Jaintia Hills District.
• Garo chubitchi: Traditional rice based alcoholic beverage of Garo tribe.

About GI Tag:

• Awarded by Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Administered by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
• Once awarded is valid for 10 years.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com