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The annual Ambubachi Mela, one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in Eastern India, has commenced at the revered Kamakhya Temple.

About Ambubachi Mela

Introduction

The Ambubachi Mela is an important Hindu religious festival celebrated every year during the monsoon season (generally in June) at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.

The festival marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising the creative and regenerative power of nature.

Religious Significance

The Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti, and is regarded as one of the most important centres of Tantric Shaktism in India.

According to tradition, the Goddess undergoes her annual menstrual cycle during the Ambubachi period. Consequently, the sanctum sanctorum remains closed for three days, signifying the Goddess's period of seclusion.

On the fourth day, the temple reopens after elaborate purification rituals, and devotees receive the Prasad in the form of the Angodak (holy water) and Angabastra (red sacred cloth) believed to be blessed by the Goddess.

Association with Fertility

The festival is closely associated with fertility, agriculture, and the arrival of the southwest monsoon. It reflects the traditional belief that the Earth is a fertile mother, rejuvenated with the onset of rains. The word "Ambubachi" literally means "water flowing", symbolising both the life-giving monsoon and the fertility of Mother Earth.

Kamakhya Temple

Location

The Kamakhya Temple is situated on the Nilachal Hill, overlooking the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.

Religious Importance

The temple is one of the oldest and most revered of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is considered the foremost centre of Tantric worship, attracting Tantric practitioners, saints, pilgrims, and devotees from across India and abroad.

Unlike most Hindu temples, Kamakhya Temple does not contain an idol of the Goddess. Instead, worship is offered to a natural rock fissure, continuously fed by an underground spring, symbolising the Yoni (creative feminine power) of Goddess Shakti.

Architecture of Kamakhya Temple

Nilachala Style of Architecture

The temple is constructed in the distinctive Nilachala Style of Architecture, which represents a unique fusion of the traditional Nagara style and the Saracenic (Mughal) architectural style. This architectural blend is found only in Assam, making the temple architecturally unique.

The Kamakhya Temple is also the only temple in Assam with a fully developed ground plan, reflecting sophisticated medieval temple planning.

Temple Structure

The temple consists of five principal chambers, namely the Garbhagriha (sanctum), Antarala (vestibule), Jaganmohan (assembly hall), Bhogmandir (offering hall), and Natmandir (dance or opera hall), where traditional dance, music, and religious performances are conducted.

Each chamber displays distinct architectural features. The main temple is crowned with a modified Saracenic dome, the Antarala possesses a double-roofed structure, the Bhogmandir features five domes resembling the main shrine, while the Natmandir has a shell-shaped apsidal roof, similar to the traditional Namghars (Assamese prayer halls).

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Recently, the President of Bolivia declared a state of emergency in the country following a severe national crisis.

About Bolivia

Location

Bolivia is a landlocked country situated in west-central South America. Despite having no coastline today, Bolivia historically had access to the Pacific Ocean before losing it to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879–1884).

Neighbouring Countries

Bolivia shares international boundaries with five countries. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the northwest.

Capital Cities

Bolivia has two capitals.

• Sucre is the constitutional capital and the seat of the Judiciary.

• La Paz is the seat of government and serves as the executive and administrative capital.

Geographical Features

Relief and Terrain

Bolivia possesses highly diverse physical geography, comprising high mountain ranges, elevated plateaus (Altiplano), fertile valleys, and extensive tropical lowlands.

Mountain Ranges

The Andes Mountains dominate western Bolivia. The Cordillera Occidental runs along the Chile–Bolivia border, while the Cordillera Oriental extends through the eastern part of the Andean region.

Highest Peak

The country's highest mountain is Nevado Sajama, rising to 21,463 feet (6,542 metres) above sea level. It is also the highest peak in Bolivia.

Major Rivers

Important rivers include the Beni, Desaguadero, Guaporé, Madre de Dios, and Mamoré rivers. These rivers form part of the extensive Amazon River Basin and play a crucial role in inland transport, biodiversity, and agriculture.

Major Lake

Lake Titicaca, shared between Bolivia and Peru, is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest navigable large lake in the world. It is an important ecological, cultural, and economic resource.

Natural Resources

Bolivia possesses abundant natural gas reserves and rich mineral resources, including tin, silver, zinc, and lithium.

The country is globally significant for its vast lithium reserves, particularly in the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, making Bolivia an important player in the global electric vehicle battery supply chain.

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The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has invited nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026, recognising children with exceptional achievements across diverse fields.

About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is the highest civilian honour for children in India. It is presented annually by the President of India on Veer Bal Diwas, observed every year on 26 December in memory of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice for their faith.

The award recognises exceptional achievements by children in six categories—Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology—thereby encouraging excellence, innovation, courage, and social responsibility among young citizens.

Selection Process

The awardees are selected by a National Selection Committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and headed by the Secretary of the Ministry. The committee evaluates nominations based on the significance, originality, and impact of the child's achievement.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, the child must be an Indian citizen and should be more than 5 years of age but not exceed 18 years, as on 31 July of the respective award year.

The achievement, act of bravery, or contribution must have occurred within two years preceding the last date for submission of nominations.

Although a child may be nominated under more than one category, the Selection Committee reserves the right to consider only one application for final evaluation.

Nomination Process

Any individual or institution can nominate an eligible child. Self-nominations by children are also permitted. In addition, recommendations are invited from various government departments and public authorities to ensure deserving candidates from across the country are considered.

Award Components

The maximum number of awards is 25, although the National Selection Committee may relax this limit in exceptional circumstances.

Each awardee receives a medal, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

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The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently announced a plan to evacuate all ships and nearly 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, highlighting the IMO's role in ensuring maritime safety and security during international crises.

About the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for promoting the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of international shipping.

• It serves as the global standard-setting authority for maritime transport by developing internationally accepted rules and regulations governing shipping operations.

• The IMO's primary objective is to establish a fair, effective, universally adopted, and uniformly implemented regulatory framework for the global shipping industry, ensuring that maritime transport remains safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Background

The organization was established in 1948 as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO). It officially became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1959 and was renamed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1982.

The headquarters of the IMO is located in London, United Kingdom.

Mandate and Functions

The IMO develops and adopts international conventions, regulations, and standards relating to maritime safety, ship security, navigation, pollution prevention, and the environmental performance of ships.

It also works to prevent marine pollution, improve the efficiency of global shipping, strengthen maritime security, facilitate international cooperation, and promote the implementation of international maritime laws by member states.

Governance Structure

Assembly

The Assembly is the highest governing body of the IMO and comprises all Member States. It meets once every two years in regular sessions to approve the work programme, adopt the budget, and elect the Council.

Council

The Council functions as the executive organ of the IMO. It consists of 40 elected Member States and is responsible for supervising the organization's activities between Assembly sessions and coordinating its overall work.

Committees

The IMO has five policy-making committees, which are responsible for developing, reviewing, updating, and approving international maritime conventions, regulations, standards, and technical guidelines covering various aspects of global shipping.

Funding

The IMO is financed primarily through assessed contributions from Member States, supplemented by voluntary contributions, technical cooperation funds, and revenue from selected commercial activities and publications.

Membership

The IMO currently has 176 Member States along with three Associate Members, making it one of the world's most comprehensive maritime organizations.

India has been a member of the IMO since 1959 and actively participates in shaping global maritime policies and regulations.

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The President of India recently interacted with Cheetah Mitras and members of the Sahariya Tribe during a visit to Kuno National Park in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the important role of the tribal community in wildlife conservation and eco-development.

About the Sahariya Tribe

Introduction

The Sahariya Tribe is one of India's 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). It is considered among the country's most socio-economically vulnerable tribal communities and is primarily found in the forested regions of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The tribe is also known by several other names, including Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, and Sahra, reflecting regional variations in nomenclature.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographical Distribution

The Sahariyas mainly inhabit the forests and rural villages of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where they traditionally depend on forests for their livelihood.

They usually reside in a distinct settlement known as "Seharana," which consists of a cluster of houses separated from the main village settlement.

Traditional Houses

Traditional Sahariya houses are constructed using stone boulders, while the roofs are covered with stone slabs locally known as "Patore." In some villages, mud houses are also commonly found.

Language and Religion

Language

The Sahariyas have largely lost their original tribal language and today communicate primarily in the local dialects of the regions in which they reside.

Religious Beliefs

The tribe predominantly follows Hinduism, blended with animistic traditions that reflect their long association with forests. They worship local deities such as Bhavani, Gond Devta, and Bijasur, while also revering various spirits and natural elements.

Social Structure

Sub-Tribes

The Sahariya community is divided into five occupational sub-groups, namely Jati, Arsi, Muli, Kindal, and Kumbi.

The Jati are traditionally farmers, the Arsi are weavers, the Muli are iron workers, the Kindal specialise in basket making, and the Kumbi are traditionally potters. This classification is primarily based on occupation rather than lineage.

Culture and Traditions

Saharia Swang Dance

The tribe is well known for the Saharia Swang, a colourful folk dance performed during the festival of Holi.

The dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as the dhol, nagari, and matki. A distinctive feature of the performance is that a male dancer dressed in female attire dances around the other male performers, making it a unique cultural tradition of the Sahariya community.

Livelihood

Forest-Based Economy

The Sahariyas are predominantly forest dwellers whose livelihoods depend largely on the collection of minor forest produce. They also cultivate small agricultural plots and frequently work as landless agricultural labourers.

The community possesses traditional expertise in preparing catechu (katha) from the khair tree (Acacia catechu), which has historically been an important source of income.

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Russia's Burevestnik cruise missile, designated SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, has once again come into focus after recent research suggested that its nuclear-powered propulsion system may leave a trail of radioactive material during flight, raising concerns over environmental safety and strategic stability.

About Burevestnik Missile

Introduction

The Burevestnik, which translates to "Storm Petrel", is a ground-launched, low-flying, nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile developed by Russia. It is regarded as the world's first nuclear-powered cruise missile, representing a significant advancement in long-range strategic weapon systems.

The missile was unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his 2018 address to the Federal Assembly as one of six next-generation strategic weapons designed to strengthen Russia's nuclear deterrence. Within NATO, it is known by the reporting name SSC-X-9 Skyfall.

Key Features of the Burevestnik Missile

Nuclear Propulsion System

Unlike conventional cruise missiles that rely on turbojet or turbofan engines, the Burevestnik is powered by a compact nuclear reactor. The reactor heats incoming air to generate thrust, allowing the missile to remain operational without the limitations imposed by conventional aviation fuel.

Virtually Unlimited Range

The use of nuclear propulsion provides the missile with a virtually unlimited operational range, enabling it to travel thousands of kilometres, remain airborne for extended periods, and loiter for days before striking its target. This capability allows the missile to bypass conventional defensive routes and attack from unexpected directions.

Low-Altitude Flight

The missile is specifically designed to fly at extremely low altitudes, making it difficult for ground-based radar systems and air-defence networks to detect and intercept. Its terrain-following capability significantly enhances its survivability against modern missile defence systems.

Nuclear-Armed Capability

The Burevestnik is designed to carry a nuclear warhead, making it a component of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent. Its combination of long endurance, unpredictable flight path, and nuclear payload is intended to overcome advanced missile defence systems deployed by potential adversaries.

Strategic Significance

Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence

The missile reflects Russia's effort to develop next-generation strategic weapons capable of penetrating sophisticated missile defence shields. Its unlimited range and low observability are intended to ensure a credible second-strike capability, thereby reinforcing Russia's strategic deterrence posture.

Environmental and Security Concerns

The nuclear-powered propulsion system has generated widespread international concern because it could potentially release radioactive particles during normal flight or following an accident. Consequently, the missile raises important questions regarding nuclear safety, environmental protection, and global arms control.

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The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026 Report has highlighted a significant decline in global hunger and an improvement in the affordability of healthy diets. For India, the report provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and the Public Distribution System (PDS) in addressing food security and nutrition challenges amid changing socio-economic conditions.

Major Findings of the SOFI 2026 Report

About the Report

The SOFI 2026 Report is jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is the most authoritative global assessment of food security, hunger, and nutrition.

Improved Affordability of Healthy Diets

The report estimates that the proportion of Indians unable to afford a healthy diet declined from 59.8% in 2017 to 35.5% in 2025. Consequently, the number of people unable to afford nutritious food fell from 759 million to 589 million, indicating that nearly 170 million people crossed the affordability threshold. This improvement reflects rising household incomes, economic growth, and enhanced purchasing power.

Decline in Poverty

India's real per capita income increased by nearly 78% between 2013–14 and 2025–26, while the poverty rate declined from around 22% at the time of NFSA implementation to approximately 5% in 2022–23. These trends suggest that the Public Distribution System (PDS) has gradually evolved from a poverty-targeted programme into a near-universal food support system.

Slow Decline in Hunger

The proportion of undernourished people declined from 13% in 2013–14 to 9.8% during 2023–25. Although this represents progress, the decline has been relatively slow, indicating that food grain availability alone cannot eliminate hunger or malnutrition, and that broader nutrition-focused interventions remain necessary.

India's Food Security Framework

National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 provides a legal entitlement to subsidised food grains and forms the backbone of India's food security architecture. The Act covers 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, based on the 2011 Census, entitling eligible beneficiaries to 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidised prices. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households receive 35 kg of food grains per family every month.

Since 2020, these food grains have been supplied free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) is the largest food-based social protection programme in the world, distributing nearly 55 million tonnes of food grains annually to around 800 million people. In 2025–26, the food subsidy amounted to approximately ₹2.28 trillion, accounting for over 4% of the Union Government's total expenditure, demonstrating India's continued commitment to ensuring food security.

Issues with the Existing Food Security System

Excessively Wide Coverage

Despite significant reductions in poverty and improvements in food affordability, nearly two-thirds of India's population continue to receive free food grains. This raises concerns regarding the efficiency and targeting of the subsidy programme.

Rising Fiscal Burden

The food subsidy bill has increased more than fourfold since 2019–20, primarily due to rising procurement costs and the increasing economic cost borne by the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This trend has raised concerns about the long-term fiscal sustainability of the programme.

Calorie-Centric Distribution

The current PDS largely focuses on distributing rice and wheat, ensuring calorie intake but doing little to address protein deficiency, micronutrient deficiencies, and dietary diversity. Consequently, persistent nutritional challenges such as anaemia, child stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence continue despite widespread food grain distribution.

Government Initiatives Supporting Nutrition Security

Nutrition-Focused Programmes

The Government has introduced several complementary initiatives to improve nutritional outcomes beyond food grain distribution.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 provides legal access to subsidised food grains, while the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) supplies these grains free of cost to all NFSA beneficiaries.

The POSHAN Abhiyaan adopts a convergence-based approach to reduce stunting, wasting, and anaemia, whereas Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 strengthen supplementary nutrition and early childhood care.

The PM POSHAN Scheme (Mid-Day Meal Programme) improves the nutritional status of school children, while the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provides supplementary nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.

The Government has also expanded Food Fortification Initiatives, particularly through the distribution of fortified rice, to address micronutrient deficiencies. Additionally, Mission Poshan Tracker and Anaemia Mukt Bharat use digital monitoring and targeted interventions to improve maternal and child nutrition.

Suggested Reforms

Rationalising PDS Coverage

Experts recommend gradually reducing PDS coverage so that subsidies are directed primarily towards individuals who genuinely cannot afford a healthy diet. Current estimates indicate that coverage could be reduced to around 570 million beneficiaries, resulting in substantial fiscal savings.

Diversifying the Food Basket

The PDS should gradually move beyond rice and wheat by including protein-rich foods, pulses, millets, fortified foods, and edible oils to improve dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes.

Addressing Hidden Hunger

Savings generated through better targeting should be redirected towards combating hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, anaemia, and child malnutrition, with special emphasis on women and children.

Integrated Nutrition Strategy

Food security reforms should be integrated with healthcare, sanitation, safe drinking water, and behavioural change programmes to ensure improvements in nutrition outcomes, rather than merely increasing food availability.

Way Forward: Towards Nutrition Security

Targeted Food Security

India should gradually align food assistance with the 35.5% of the population identified by the SOFI 2026 Report as being unable to afford a healthy diet. Better targeting would improve efficiency while ensuring that the most vulnerable households continue to receive support.

Nutrition-Centric Food Distribution

Future reforms should prioritise the inclusion of protein-rich, nutrient-dense, and fortified foods, especially for women, children, and other nutritionally vulnerable groups.

Strengthening Nutrition Missions

Government programmes such as POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, Mission POSHAN 2.0, and the PM POSHAN Scheme should be further strengthened to combat anaemia, stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence.

Dynamic Beneficiary Identification

The identification of beneficiaries should move beyond the 2011 Census and be updated regularly using current socio-economic databases, ensuring that the Public Distribution System remains responsive to changing economic realities and reaches those most in need.

Conclusion

The SOFI 2026 Report indicates that India has made significant progress in improving food affordability and reducing poverty, supported by the NFSA and the Public Distribution System. However, the persistence of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and hidden hunger demonstrates that food security must evolve into nutrition security. A more targeted, nutrition-sensitive, and data-driven food security framework will be essential to improve health outcomes while ensuring the long-term fiscal sustainability of India's welfare system.