Sohrai paintings, an ancient and vibrant mural tradition, recently gained national attention at the Kala Utsav 2025 – Artists in Residence Programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

1. Historical and Cultural Roots

• Origin: The term "Sohrai" derives from the word ‘soro’, which means "to drive with a stick." This reflects the connection between the art and agricultural practices, where women traditionally painted to celebrate harvest and seasonal changes.

  Ancient History: The origins of Sohrai paintings date back to the Meso-chalcolithic period (9000-5000 BC). Isko rock shelters in the Barkagaon region of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, contain rock paintings that resemble the motifs and styles found in traditional Sohrai art, suggesting its deep historical roots.

2. Key Features of Sohrai Paintings

• Vibrant Colors & Patterns: Sohrai paintings are characterized by intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and symbolic motifs. These murals often feature nature-centric themes, with strong connections to the local environment.

  Themes and Symbolism: The paintings typically represent elements of the natural world, such as:

  • Forests

    Rivers

    Animals

    Crops (especially the harvest)
    The art form symbolizes life cycles, nature’s bounty, and the spiritual connections between the people and the environment.

  Festivals: Sohrai is traditionally celebrated during the Sohrai festival, which marks the harvesting season and the onset of winter. This festival is central to the cultural practice of creating these murals, as they are a part of the celebration of nature's abundance.

  Materials Used: The paintings are created using natural substances like:

  • Charcoal

    Clay

    Soil
    These materials give the murals their distinct earthy and vibrant appearance.

3. Cultural Significance

• Tribal Tradition: Sohrai art is primarily practiced by indigenous tribal women belonging to communities like:

  • Kurmi

    Santal

    Munda

    Oraon

    Agaria

    Ghatwal
    These communities are primarily found in the States of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.

  Women-Centered Art: The creation of Sohrai paintings is deeply embedded in the cultural practices of tribal women, who use this art form as a means of expressing their identity and celebrating seasonal and spiritual milestones.

4. Geographical Roots and Recognition

• Hazaribagh, Jharkhand: The art form has deep historical roots in the Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, where the tradition continues to thrive.

  GI Tag: The Sohrai Paintings have been officially recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition underscores the unique cultural and geographical heritage associated with the art form and ensures its protection and promotion as part of India’s intangible cultural assets.

Sohrai paintings not only represent a unique and vibrant art form but also reflect the rich cultural history and ecological relationship of the indigenous communities of India.

The recent capture of a 6.3-feet-long female saltwater crocodile from a pond near Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district .

About Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National Park, located in Kendrapara district, Odisha, is a unique mangrove ecosystem and one of the most significant conservation areas in India.

Key Features:

• Area: The park spans an area of 672 sq.km, encompassing mangrove swamps, creeks, backwaters, estuaries, and deltas formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers.

  Mangrove Ecosystem: It is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, following the Sunderbans in West Bengal.

  Ramsar Site: The park is also recognized as a Ramsar site, signifying its global importance for wetland conservation.

Flora:

• The flora of Bhitarkanika includes various mangrove species, casuarinas, and grasses such as the indigo bush. These plants are specially adapted to the saline environment of the park.

Fauna:

• Saltwater Crocodiles: The park is renowned for housing the largest congregation of the endangered saltwater crocodile in India. This makes it an important site for the species' conservation.

  • The 6.3-feet-long female crocodile recently captured near a pond highlights the saltwater crocodile’s presence in the region. Bhitarkanika plays a pivotal role in maintaining the population of this species.

  Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: The Gahirmatha Beach, located along the park's eastern boundary, is home to the largest colony of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. The turtles come to the beach to nest during the winter months, contributing to the park's ecological richness.

  Other Wildlife: Bhitarkanika is home to a variety of mammals, including:

  • Hyenas

  • Wild boars

  • Chitals (Spotted Deer)

  • Sambar Deer

  • Jungle cats and wild pigs

  Birdlife: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the winter migratory season. It hosts numerous migratory birds, and is famous for eight varieties of Kingfishers, making it a rare spot for bird species.

The Indian Prime Minister's visit to London was indeed a significant diplomatic milestone, as it unveiled the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap and formalized the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is aimed at elevating the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom

Key Features of the India-UK Vision 2035

1. Trade and Economic Cooperation:

   • CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) is central to the Vision 2035.

   • Aimed to increase bilateral trade and create jobs.

   • Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) will oversee implementation, with plans for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

2. Technology and Innovation:

   • Focus on next-gen technologies like AI, quantum computing, telecom, and critical minerals.

   • Technology Security Initiative (TSI) will be launched for collaboration on these sectors.

3. Defense Cooperation:

   • A 10-year defense industrial roadmap will focus on joint research and manufacturing in key areas like jet engine technology, maritime security, and directed energy weapons.

   • India’s role in logistics in the Indian Ocean Region and collaboration under the Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI).

4. Climate and Sustainability:

   • Collaboration on green finance, offshore wind, nuclear technologies, and green supply chains.

   • Platforms like International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure will support these efforts.

5. Education and Skills:

   • Focus on establishing UK university campuses in India.

   • Emphasis on Mutual Recognition of Qualifications and Green Skills Partnership for climate-linked job creation.

6. Global Governance:

   • Both countries reaffirm commitment to multilateralism and push for reforms in international institutions like the UN, WTO, IMF, and the World Bank.

Key Highlights of the India-UK CETA

1. Duty-Free Access:

   • 99% duty-free access for India to the UK market, particularly for sectors like textiles, leather, marine products, electric and hybrid vehicles, and auto components.

   • Elimination of tariffs on UK electric vehicles within six years of the agreement.

2. Services Sector:

   • Expanded market access for Indian professionals and companies in sectors like IT, financial services, education, and more.

   • Simplified visa processes for sectors like engineering, architecture, and hospitality.

3. Double Contribution Convention:

   • Exempts Indian professionals and their employers from UK social security contributions for three years, improving competitiveness for Indian talent.

4. Inclusive Growth:

   • Promotes participation from women, youth, MSMEs, farmers, and innovators in global value chains.

5. Agricultural Benefits:

   • Indian agricultural exports such as processed foods, edible oils, and seafood will benefit from tariff reductions.

Impact of India-UK CETA

• Trade Expansion:

  • The agreement aims to double bilateral trade by 2030, potentially reaching USD 112 billion in combined goods and services.

  • Projected increase in UK exports to India by 60% by 2040.

• Job Creation:

  • The CETA will drive job creation in manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors in both countries.

• Increased Investment:

  • By encouraging MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs, the CETA is expected to increase investment flows between India and the UK.

How India-UK Relations Have Evolved

1. Trade & Investment:

   • Bilateral trade reached USD 21.34 billion in 2023–24, with India's exports to the UK growing by 12.6% to USD 14.5 billion in 2024–25.

   • Technology & Innovation: The India–UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI) focuses on AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

2. Defense & Security:

   • Strengthened defense cooperation through joint exercises like Konkan, Cobra Warrior, and Ajeya Warrior, with an emphasis on Indo-Pacific and defense tech.

3. Health Collaboration:

   • During the Covid-19 pandemic, India and the UK collaborated on the AstraZeneca-Serum Institute vaccine partnership.

4. Indian Diaspora:

   • The UK is home to 1.86 million people of Indian origin, who contribute significantly to science, arts, business, and politics.

Key Areas of Friction Between India and the UK

1. Extradition Issues:

   • India’s accusations of the UK sheltering fugitives like Vijay Mallya.

2. Russia-Ukraine War:

   • India’s neutral stance contrasts with the UK’s strong support for Ukraine, leading to strategic discomfort.

3. Climate Tariffs:

   • The UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may harm Indian exports, especially in steel, which India perceives as protectionism.

4. Khalistani Activities:

   • Pro-Khalistani protests in the UK strain diplomatic relations. India seeks stronger action against such groups.

5. Intellectual Property Rights:

   • Conflicts arise over IP protection, with the UK pushing for stricter rules while India seeks affordable medicines and more flexible innovation rules.

Steps India Can Take to Strengthen India-UK Ties

1. Deepen Security Ties:

   • Expand cooperation in Indo-Pacific, counterterrorism, and cyber defense through forums like AUKUS.

2. Joint Climate Action:

   • Collaborate on clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and green innovation.

3. Trade & Investment Diplomacy:

   • Promote India as a Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub and expand market access to drive investment.

4. Leverage the Indian Diaspora:

   • Engage the Indian community in the UK for political, cultural, and economic outreach.

Conclusion

The India-UK Vision 2035 and CETA are pivotal in strengthening strategic, economic, and technological ties between the two nations. These agreements pave the way for collaborative opportunities in trade, innovation, defense, and climate action. By addressing policy differences and focusing on diplomatic engagement, both nations can foster a robust, future-ready partnership.

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that contaminated medicines have led to the death of 1,300 people over the past 90 years.

About the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

• Established: In 1997, through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.

• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

Key Functions of UNODC

1. Combatting Drug Abuse:
   UNODC works globally to educate people on the dangers of drug abuse and strives to create awareness about the risks involved.

2. Action Against Illicit Drugs:
   It strengthens international action against illicit drug production, trafficking, and drug-related crimes.

3. Criminal Justice Reform:
   UNODC aids in improving crime prevention, enhancing criminal justice systems, and promoting rule of law. This is aimed at combating transnational organized crime and corruption.

4. Terrorism Prevention:
   In 2002, the UN General Assembly approved an expanded program for the Terrorism Prevention Branch. This initiative focuses on assisting states in ratifying and implementing 18 universal legal instruments against terrorism.

5. Funding:
   The UNODC relies mainly on voluntary contributions from governments to fund its operations.

Global Impact

The UNODC's ongoing efforts to prevent illicit drug trafficking and tackle organized crime play a pivotal role in maintaining global health and security. With organizations like the WHO and UNODC working together, there is a global drive to ensure that medicines are safe, legitimate, and accessible to those who need them most.

Recently, an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted the west of Macquarie Island. Earthquakes in this region are linked to the movement of the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, and such seismic events can have profound effects on the local environment and ecosystems.

About Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island is located in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,500 km southeast of Tasmania, Australia. It is situated about halfway between Australia and Antarctica, and is notable for its unique geological and ecological significance.

• Size: The island is about 34 km long (21 miles) and 5 km wide (3 miles).

• Population: No humans live on the island permanently today.

Geological Significance

• Macquarie Island sits on the exposed crest of the undersea Macquarie Ridge. This ridge marks the point where the Indo-Australian tectonic plate meets the Pacific plate.

• It is one of the only places on Earth where rocks from the Earth's mantle (about 6 km below the ocean floor) are being actively exposed above sea level.

  This unique geological feature makes the island a site of major geoconservation significance.

Ecological and Environmental Features

• Macquarie Ridge: The ridge is one of only three such ridges that impede the Antarctic Circumpolar Circulation, causing significant oceanographic and ecological effects. This creates distinct differences between the west and east sides of the ridge, which influence the behavior of various species.

• Vegetation: Although the island is treeless, it hosts a variety of native vegetation, including grasses and numerous species of moss. The island also contains a few small glacial lakes.

• Fauna: Macquarie Island is known for its abundant and unique wildlife. It is home to:

  • 4 species of penguins

  • 4 species of albatross

  • A recorded 57 species of seabirds

Political and Conservation Status

• Regionally, Macquarie Island is part of Oceania, but politically, it is a part of Tasmania, Australia.

• It became a Tasmanian State Reserve in 1978.

• In 1997, the island was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique geological and ecological significance.

Recently, Nitin Gupta, the former Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

About NFRA

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) is an independent regulatory body established by the Government of India under Section 132(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. Its primary role is to oversee and enforce compliance with accounting and auditing standards to enhance the credibility, quality, and transparency of financial reporting in India.

• Head Office: New Delhi

• Primary Objective: The NFRA aims to protect the interests of investors, stakeholders, and the public by ensuring high standards in financial reporting.

Functions of NFRA

The key functions of the NFRA include:

1. Recommending Standards:

   • The NFRA recommends accounting and auditing policies and standards to be adopted by companies. These recommendations are forwarded for approval to the Central Government.

2. Monitoring Compliance:

   • The NFRA monitors and enforces compliance with accounting and auditing standards, ensuring that companies follow the prescribed norms.

3. Overseeing Quality of Service:

   • The authority oversees the quality of services provided by professionals ensuring compliance with the standards and suggests measures to improve service quality.

4. Additional Functions:

   • The NFRA may perform other necessary or incidental functions to achieve its objectives.

Composition of NFRA

• The NFRA comprises a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government and a maximum of 15 members.

• Qualifications for Appointment:

  • Members, including the chairperson, must have expertise in accountancy, auditing, finance, or law.

  • They are required to declare that there is no conflict of interest or lack of independence in their appointment.

  • Full-time members should not be associated with any audit firm (or related consultancy firms) during their tenure and for two years after.

Powers of NFRA

The NFRA has significant investigative and disciplinary powers:

1. Investigation Powers:

   • The NFRA has the power to investigate, either suo moto (on its own) or based on a reference from the Central Government, into the matters of professional or other misconduct committed by any member or firm of chartered accountants.

   • It has the same powers as a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit.

2. Disciplinary Powers:

   • If professional or other misconduct is proven, the NFRA can impose punishments on the accused parties.

3. Appeals:

   • If an individual or firm is dissatisfied with the NFRA’s order, they can appeal to an Appellate Authority.

Jurisdiction of NFRA

• Listed Companies: The NFRA’s jurisdiction covers listed companies and large unlisted public companies. The exact thresholds for these companies will be specified in the Rules.

• Public Interest Investigations: The Central Government may refer other entities to the NFRA for investigation if public interest is involved.

Significance of NFRA

The establishment of the NFRA is an important step towards:

• Improving Transparency: It enhances the transparency and credibility of financial reporting in India, crucial for investor confidence.

• Accountability in Auditing: By regulating the auditing profession, the NFRA ensures that auditors and accounting professionals adhere to high ethical and professional standards.

• Investor Protection: The NFRA plays a vital role in protecting the interests of investors and stakeholders by ensuring that financial statements of companies reflect true and fair values.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global initiative called 'Global Specs 2030' with the ambitious goal of ensuring that everyone has access to affordable eyecare services by 2030.

Key Features of the Global Specs 2030 Initiative

The Global Specs 2030 initiative seeks to address the growing need for eye care across the world by focusing on five critical areas:

1. Services:
   The initiative aims to improve access to refractive services, ensuring that more people can receive necessary vision care.

2. Personnel:
   There will be efforts to build the capacity of eye care personnel, ensuring there are trained professionals available globally to deliver quality services.

3. Education:
   The program will focus on promoting public awareness about eye health, empowering people with knowledge on how to care for their eyes and detect vision problems early.

4. Cost:
   One of the core objectives is to reduce the cost of eyeglasses and other related eye care services, making them affordable for people across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

5. Surveillance:
   Strengthening data collection and research to monitor global eye health trends, identify challenges, and inform policy decisions.

Key Strategies of the Global Specs 2030 Initiative

To support countries and stakeholders in meeting these objectives, the initiative will focus on four key strategies:

1. Normative Work:
   WHO will build upon existing technical guidance for eye care and develop new resources to enhance services worldwide.

2. Global SPECS Network:
   A platform that will promote coordinated advocacy, facilitate shared experiences, and help expand the professional network of eye care organizations globally.

3. Private Sector Dialogues:
   WHO will convene discussions with key players in the private sector, including the optical, pharmaceutical, and technology industries, as well as private service providers and insurance companies to create sustainable and affordable solutions.

4. Regional and Country Engagement:
   By engaging with countries directly, WHO will accelerate progress and bridge the gap between global eye care commitments and on-the-ground implementation at the national and regional levels.

Objective and Timeline

The Global Specs 2030 initiative is part of the WHO’s broader commitment to making eye care accessible to everyone by 2030. This would not only improve the quality of life for millions around the world but also reduce the social and economic impacts of untreated vision impairments.

Recently, Nashik rural police uncovered a significant black-marketing racket involving darshan passes at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple in Maharashtra. This incident has raised concerns regarding the commercialization of religious experiences and the exploitation of pilgrims seeking to visit the sacred site.

About Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple

• Location: Situated in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, around 28 km from the city of Nashik.

  Geography: The temple lies near Brahmagiri, the mountain from which the Godavari River originates.

  History: Constructed by Balaji Bajirao (third Peshwa) in the period between 1740-1760, on the site of an ancient temple.

  Significance: Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

Temple Architecture and Unique Features

The Trimbakeshwar Temple stands out for its distinct architectural style, combining traditional Hindu temple design with regional elements:

• Intricate Carvings: The temple features detailed carvings and sculptures illustrating mythological tales and deities.

  Three Lingams: The sanctum houses three lingams, representing the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, signifying the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.

  Shrines: The temple complex also contains shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

Jyotirlingas:

A Jyotirlinga is a sacred shrine where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam (a radiant column of light). There are 12 primary Jyotirlingas in India, each representing different aspects or manifestations of Lord Shiva.

1. Somnath (Gir, Gujarat)

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

4. Omkareshwar (Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)

5. Baidyanath (Deoghar, Jharkhand)

6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)

7. Ramanathaswamy (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu)

8. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat)

9. Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

10. Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra)

11. Kedarnath (Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand)

12. Ghrishneshwar (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

Trimbakeshwar, as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, holds immense religious significance for Hindus and draws millions of pilgrims every year.