Daily Current Affairs 06 July 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 July 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Pandavani Folk Art: Origin, Features, And Vedamati vs Kapalik

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Pandavani
3. Importance and Significance
4. Challenges
5. Contribution of Teejan Bai

Why in the News?

Renowned Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai passed away in Raipur at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era in Indian folk traditions.

News in Brief

• Teejan Bai was the only person from Chhattisgarh to receive the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for her exceptional contribution to folk arts.
• Through her powerful performances, she popularized Pandavani, and earned it global recognition.
• Defying social norms, she broke the male monopoly over Pandavani by becoming its first internationally acclaimed woman performer, transforming a village folk tradition into a globally celebrated art form.

Pandavani

• Pandavani is a traditional oral storytelling and musical folk art of Chhattisgarh that narrates episodes from the Mahabharata, especially the lives and heroic deeds of the Pandavas.
• It combines storytelling, folk singing, theatre, acting, music, dialogue, and improvisation into a vibrant performance.
• Transmitted through the Guru–Shishya Parampara, it is an important element of India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
• A single performer narrates the story while enacting multiple characters using voice modulation, facial expressions, gestures, and dramatic movements.

Meaning of Pandavani

• Pandava means the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, while Vani means voice or narration.
• Thus, Pandavani literally means “The Voice or Story of the Pandavas.”
• Performances mainly depict episodes involving Bhima, Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Krishna, Draupadi, Karna, and Duryodhana.

Origin and Distribution 

• Origin- Chhattisgarh (especially rural regions).
• Popular in- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
• Languages- Chhattisgarhi, Hindi dialects and local vernaculars.
• Major Themes- Bhima’s bravery, Arjuna’s archery, Krishna’s guidance, Kurukshetra War, Draupadi’s humiliation and Karna’s sacrifice.

Salient Features

• It is an oral narrative tradition, with stories transmitted across generations without written texts and allowing scope for improvisation.
• It is a fusion of storytelling, folk singing, theatre, acting, dramatic dialogue and dance-like movements.
• Instead of narrating the entire Mahabharata, performers present selected episodes highlighting heroism, morality, justice and devotion.
• The performance is highly interactive, with artists responding to audience reactions during narration.
• A single performer portrays multiple characters through voice modulation, gestures and expressive acting, supported by accompanying folk musicians.

Musical Instruments

• Important instruments include Ektara (Tambura), Harmonium, Manjira, Dholak and Tabla, with supporting musicians providing rhythm and melody throughout the performance.
• Symbolic Use of the Tambura
  • The Tambura (Ektara) serves both as a musical instrument and a symbolic stage prop.
  • During performances, it represents Bhima’s mace, Arjuna’s Gandiva bow, Krishna’s chariot, sword, spear, shield or other weapons, depending on the episode, showcasing the artist’s imagination without elaborate stage equipment.

Costume and Stage Presentation

• Artists wear traditional attire with folk ornaments, while the stage setup remains simple with minimal props, placing emphasis on narration, acting and expressions rather than elaborate decoration.

Major Styles of Pandavani

• Vedamati Style
  • The older and more traditional style where the performer generally remains seated, emphasizing singing, narration and devotional presentation with limited acting and movement.
  • It faithfully narrates the epic while focusing on musical expression.
• Kapalik Style
  • A dynamic theatrical style in which the performer stands, using dramatic body movements, expressive gestures, character enactment, voice modulation, improvisation and active audience engagement, transforming Pandavani into folk theatre.

Importance and Significance

• Cultural Significance
  • Preserves the Mahabharata tradition, oral heritage and indigenous storytelling practices while strengthening the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh and safeguarding India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Social Significance
  • Empowered women artists, promoted social inclusion and challenged traditional gender and caste barriers in folk performances.
• Educational Significance
  • Transmits epic literature, ethical values and cultural traditions to younger generations while enhancing cultural literacy.
• Economic and Tourism Significance
  • Promotes cultural tourism, supports folk artists and strengthens India’s soft power through international recognition.

Challenges

• Declining number of traditional performers
• Increasing competition from digital entertainment
• Inadequate financial support
• Commercialization affecting authenticity
• Declining youth participation
• Insufficient documentation of oral traditions threaten the survival of Pandavani.

Contribution of Teejan Bai

• Teejan Bai revolutionized and popularized the Kapalik style, introducing powerful theatrical elements into Pandavani.
• She brought the art form from village performances to national and international stages.
• By breaking the long-standing convention that only men performed Kapalik Pandavani, she inspired generations of women artists and made Pandavani globally recognized.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Pandavani:

1. It is based on the Ramayana.
2. It originated in Chhattisgarh.
3. It combines storytelling, singing and acting.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Pandavani is not merely a folk performance but a living repository of India’s civilizational heritage.” Discuss. (10Marks, 150 words)

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant personalities

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901–1953)
3. Major Contributions

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader whose ideals continue to inspire India’s development and governance.

News in Brief

• The occasion renewed attention on his enduring legacy in India’s political discourse, particularly his emphasis on national unity, constitutional integrity, and public service.
• The commemoration highlighted the continued relevance of his ideas in the context of India’s nation-building journey and post-independence political history.
• The anniversary serves as an opportunity to revisit the contributions of one of India’s prominent post-independence leaders, whose life and work remain important from the perspectives of history, polity, and governance.

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901–1953)

• Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was one of post-Independence India’s foremost educationists, lawyers, parliamentarians, institution-builders, industrial policy-makers, and nationalist leaders.
• He believed that national unity, constitutional democracy, educational advancement, and economic self-reliance were essential for a strong India.
• His ideas continue to shape debates on national integration, federalism, governance, and constitutional unity.
• Born – 6 July 1901, Kolkata (then Calcutta), Bengal Presidency.
• Father –  Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, eminent jurist, educationist, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, popularly known as the “Tiger of Bengal.”
• Profession – Lawyer, Educationist, Parliamentarian, Politician, Institution-builder.
• Entered public life at a young age and served in provincial and national politics.
• Died  – 23 June 1953 in Jammu while under detention during his protest against the permit system for entering Jammu & Kashmir.

Major Contributions

Champion of National Integration

• • Dr. Mookerjee regarded India’s unity and sovereignty as non-negotiable and opposed constitutional arrangements that created distinctions within the Union.
    • Advocated complete political and constitutional integration of all regions.
    • Opposed the special constitutional status of Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Campaigned against:
      • Separate Constitution
      • Separate Flag
      • Separate Permit System
      • Emphasized equal constitutional rights for all citizens.
      • Popularized the slogan “Ek Desh, Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan” (One Nation, One Flag, One Constitution).
• His movement became closely associated with debates on Articles 370 and 35A.

Pioneer in Educational Reforms

• Education was central to his vision of nation-building.
• At 33, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta.
• Key Reforms
  • Promoted Indian languages alongside English.
  • Expanded science, technical, and agricultural education.
  • Strengthened teacher training and professional education.
  • Encouraged research-based learning and academic excellence.
  • Integrated Indian cultural values with modern scientific education.
  • Improved university administration and standards.
• These reforms strengthened India’s higher education system.

Institution Builder

• Believing that strong institutions sustain national progress, he promoted:
  • Universities and libraries.
  • Scientific research institutions.
  • Technical and professional education.
  • Industrial research.
• His efforts strengthened India’s intellectual infrastructure, promoted scientific temper, and contributed to a skilled workforce.

Contribution to Industrial Development

• As India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, he viewed industrialization as the foundation of economic self-reliance.
• Industrial Vision
  • Heavy industries.
  • Indigenous manufacturing.
  • Industrial self-reliance.
  • Balanced regional development.
  • Public sector expansion.
  • Infrastructure development.
• Major Institutions
  • Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) – Multipurpose project for flood control, irrigation, power generation, and regional development.
  • Chittaranjan Locomotive Works- Indigenous locomotive manufacturing that strengthened railway infrastructure.
  • Sindri Fertilizer Plant- One of India’s earliest fertilizer plants, supporting agricultural modernization and food security.
• His policies laid the foundation for India’s industrial growth.

Commitment to Democratic Values

• Democratic Contributions
  • Served in independent India’s first Union Cabinet.
  • Participated actively in parliamentary debates.
  • Resigned constitutionally over policy differences.
  • Believed in a strong democratic opposition.
  • Upheld parliamentary democracy and constitutional methods.
• His conduct strengthened India’s democratic traditions.

Humanitarian Service During the Bengal Famine (1943)

• During the Bengal Famine, he actively organized relief efforts by:
  • Establishing relief camps.
  • Mobilizing food and essential supplies.
  • Coordinating voluntary organizations.
  • Assisting affected families and rehabilitation.
• His humanitarian work reflected his commitment to public welfare.

Founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh

• In 1951, Dr. Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) to promote:
  • National unity.
  • Cultural nationalism.
  • Good governance.
  • Economic self-reliance.
  • Democratic opposition.
  • Constitutional values.
• The Bharatiya Jana Sangh later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Dr. Mookerjee and Jammu & Kashmir

• Jammu & Kashmir remained central to his political vision.
• He opposed:
  • Separate Constitution.
  • Separate State Flag.
  • Permit system for Indian citizens.
• He argued these weakened national integration and constitutional unity.
• During a protest in 1953, he entered Jammu & Kashmir without a permit, was arrested, and died in detention on 23 June 1953.
• His views continue to influence debates on national integration, federalism, Centre-State relations, constitutional unity, and special constitutional provisions.

Industrial Institutions Associated with Dr. Mookerjee

• Damodar Valley Corporation (1948)
  • India’s first multipurpose river valley corporation.
  • Inspired by the Tennessee Valley Authority (USA).
  • Functions- flood control, irrigation, hydel and thermal power generation, water supply, and soil conservation.
• Sindri Fertilizer Plant
  • One of India’s earliest fertilizer manufacturing units.
  • Produced nitrogenous fertilizers.
  • Improved agricultural productivity and food security.
• Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW)
  • Located in West Bengal.
  • Initially manufactured steam and later electric locomotives.
  • Strengthened Indian Railways and indigenous manufacturing.

Conclusion

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s legacy lies in his commitment to national integration, democratic values, educational reforms, and industrial development. His vision of a united, self-reliant, and constitutionally strong India continues to hold relevance in contemporary governance and nation-building.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Question

With reference to Article 35A, consider the following statements:

1. It empowered the Jammu & Kashmir Legislature to define permanent residents.
2. It was inserted through a Presidential Order.
3. It was originally part of the Constitution adopted in 1950.

Select the correct answer:

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Mains Practice Question

Q. Public service above personal interest is the hallmark of great leadership.

Value Addition for Essay

Substantiate your arguments with suitable examples from eminent Indian leaders, including Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to enrich the quality and credibility of your essay.

Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) – UPSC Notes

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems, E-technology in the aid of farmers, Science and Technology

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR)
3. Features of Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR)
4. Advantages
5. Challenges of DSR & Way Forward

Why in the News?

Farmers in north-west India are increasingly adopting Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) as an alternative to conventional transplanted rice.

News in Brief

• Weak monsoon conditions associated with El Niño have increased the need for water-efficient cultivation practices.
• Labour shortages and rising cultivation costs are encouraging farmers to shift towards DSR.
• Herbicide-tolerant (HT) basmati varieties developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) have improved weed management, promoting wider adoption of DSR.

Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR)

• Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) is a method of rice cultivation in which seeds are directly sown into the main field, eliminating nursery raising, seedling uprooting, manual transplantation, and puddling.
• It can be practiced through dry seeding, wet seeding, or zero-till seed drills, depending on local conditions.

Features of Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR)

• Direct Sowing of Seeds
  • Paddy seeds are directly sown into the prepared main field without raising a nursery.
  • Eliminates the need for seedling uprooting and manual transplantation.
  • Sowing can be done using seed drills, broadcasting, or zero-till machines, depending on field conditions.
• No Requirement of Standing Water
  • Unlike conventional paddy cultivation, DSR does not require continuous flooding during crop establishment.
  • Seeds germinate under moist soil conditions rather than submerged conditions.
  • This significantly reduces the demand for irrigation water.
• Efficient Irrigation Management
  • Irrigation is applied only to maintain optimum soil moisture, rather than keeping fields continuously flooded.
  • Saves approximately 25–35% irrigation water.
  • Reduces groundwater extraction and electricity consumption for pumping water.
• Herbicide-Based Weed Management
  • Since fields are not flooded, weed infestation is higher than in transplanted rice.
  • Weed control mainly relies on pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides, along with Integrated Weed Management (IWM) practices such as crop rotation and mechanical weeding.
  • Herbicide-tolerant rice varieties further improve weed control efficiency.
• Suitable for Mechanized Farming
  • DSR is compatible with modern farm machinery, including seed drills and zero-till planters.
  • Reduces dependence on manual labour.
  • Enables timely sowing, increases operational efficiency, and lowers cultivation costs.
• Resource-Efficient Cultivation
  • Requires less labour, water, time, and energy than conventional transplanted rice.
  • Promotes efficient utilization of agricultural inputs, making it a climate-smart and sustainable farming practice.

Advantages

• Eliminates nursery preparation and transplantation, reducing labour dependence and cultivation costs.
• Lowers expenditure on irrigation, labour, and nursery management.
• Suitable during weak monsoon, water scarcity, and El Niño years.
  • Since rice is India’s most water-intensive cereal crop, DSR helps reduce irrigation demand during deficient rainfall years.
• Lowers methane emissions compared to flooded paddy fields.
• Promotes climate-smart, resource-efficient, and sustainable agriculture, especially in water-stressed regions such as Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Challenges of DSR

• High weed infestation due to the absence of standing water.
• Greater dependence on herbicides and risk of herbicide-resistant weeds.
• Requires adequate soil moisture during germination.
• Needs scientific management of seed rate, sowing depth, and irrigation.
• Performance varies across soil types.
• Needs farmer training and awareness.
• Improper management may reduce crop yield.

Way Forward

• Promote precision irrigation and scientific DSR practices.
• Strengthen Integrated Weed Management (IWM).
• Develop more climate-resilient and herbicide-tolerant varieties.
• Expand mechanization through custom hiring centres.
• Increase research on sustainable weed management.
• Promote region-specific DSR recommendations.
• Strengthen groundwater conservation policies and integrate DSR into climate-smart agriculture programmes.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. DSR involves direct sowing of paddy seeds without transplantation.
2. DSR eliminates puddling and reduces labour requirement.
3. Imazethapyr inhibits the ALS enzyme in susceptible rice plants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: c) 1,2 and 3

Mains Practice Question

Q. Examine the significance of Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) in addressing India’s water, labour, and climate challenges. Suggest measures for its wider adoption. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Role of Local Governance In Climate Adaptation

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Devolution of Powers up to Local Levels, GS III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Disaster Management.

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Climate Change and Local Governance
3. Key Challenges
4. Best Practices in Local Climate Action
5. Way Forward

Why in the News?

An opinion article states that Gram Panchayats, despite being at the forefront of climate change impacts, need greater powers, funds, and planning authority to effectively contribute to India’s climate goals.

News in Brief

• India is witnessing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, water scarcity, floods, droughts, and livelihood disruptions due to climate change.
• While India has strengthened its climate commitments under the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), effective implementation requires empowering local governments.
• The article argues that Gram Panchayats, being closest to people, should become central partners in climate adaptation and natural resource management.

Climate Change and Local Governance

• Climate change is increasingly affecting rural India through rising heat waves, erratic monsoons, water scarcity, crop failures, floods, droughts, loss of livelihoods, and migration.
• Rural communities are highly dependent on agriculture and natural resources, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• As these impacts are first felt at the village level, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in building climate resilience and promoting sustainable development.

Importance of Local Governance

• Since climate change impacts vary across regions, local solutions are more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches.
• Gram Panchayats possess knowledge of local ecosystems, natural resources, and community needs, enabling them to:
  • Prepare climate-resilient Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
  • Promote water conservation, afforestation, and watershed management.
  • Strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
  • Encourage climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable resource management.
  • Ensure community participation through Gram Sabhas.
• Thus, empowered Panchayati Raj Institutions are indispensable for effective climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and achieving sustainable rural development in India.

Key Challenges

• Weak Functional Devolution
  • Although the Constitution assigns several subjects to Panchayats, administrative control largely remains with government departments, limiting local decision-making.
• Financial Constraints
  • Panchayats lack adequate grants, flexible climate finance, and untied funds, making climate adaptation plans difficult to implement.
• Limited Planning Capacity
  • Climate planning remains largely top-down, while Panchayats often lack technical expertise and institutional capacity to prepare village-level climate plans.
• Declining Devolution
  • The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 and Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI) indicate that the devolution of Functions, Funds, and Functionaries (3Fs) has weakened in several states.

Best Practices in Local Climate Action

Hiware Bazar (Maharashtra)

• Hiware Bazar is a nationally recognised model of community-led watershed management and climate resilience.
• Key initiatives:
  • Watershed development and rainwater harvesting
  • Drought-proofing through groundwater recharge
  • Water conservation and efficient water use
  • Active community participation in resource management
• Significance
  • Demonstrates how local governance can improve water security, agriculture, and rural livelihoods.

Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra)

• Ralegan Siddhi is known for transforming a drought-prone village into a sustainable rural development model.
• Key initiatives:
  • Watershed development
  • Soil and moisture conservation
  • Afforestation and protection of common lands
  • Promotion of sustainable agriculture
• Significance – Highlights the role of ecological restoration and community participation in climate adaptation.

Bela Gram Panchayat (Maharashtra)

• Bela Gram Panchayat has adopted effective water conservation practices to address water scarcity.
• Key initiatives:
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Efficient water management
  • Conservation of local water resources
• Significance – Serves as a replicable model for drought-prone villages.

Bokaro (Jharkhand)

• Bokaro has effectively utilized District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for environmental protection.
• Key initiatives:
  • Ecological restoration
  • Environmental conservation
  • Rehabilitation of mining-affected areas
    • Funds are used for the welfare and sustainable development of mining-affected communities.

Kerala

• Several coastal Gram Panchayats in Kerala have integrated climate risks into local development planning.
• Key initiatives:
  • Weather-risk management
  • Climate-resilient local planning
  • Disaster preparedness for coastal hazards
• Significance- Strengthens resilience against cyclones, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events.

Assam

• Panchayats in Assam have adopted climate-resilient practices to address recurring floods.
• Key initiatives:
  • Community-based flood preparedness
  • Early warning dissemination
  • Strengthening community resilience
• Significance- Enhances local capacity to reduce disaster risks and protect lives and livelihoods

Way Forward

• Integrate Panchayats into National and State Action Plans on Climate Change by assigning clear responsibilities, planning authority, and adequate financial resources.
• Strengthen the 3Fs—Functions, Funds, and Functionaries so Panchayats can effectively plan, decide, implement, and monitor climate initiatives.
• Mainstream climate adaptation into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and enhance the technical capacity of Panchayat representatives.
• Expand climate finance through adequate and flexible grants for local bodies.
• Promote nature-based solutions such as watershed development, afforestation, and water conservation.
• Encourage peer learning by linking high-performing Panchayats with others to replicate successful practices.
• Ensure convergence of schemes such as MGNREGS, Jal Jeevan Mission, PMKSY, and State climate programmes.
• Strengthen Gram Sabhas to ensure community participation and inclusive, locally driven climate governance

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment inserted Part IX into the Constitution.
2. The Eleventh Schedule contains 29 subjects.
3. Water management is included in the Eleventh Schedule.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Answer: C

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Achieving India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement requires empowered Panchayati Raj Institutions through effective devolution of functions, funds, and functionaries. Critically examine the role of local governments in climate-resilient governance and suggest measures to strengthen decentralized climate action.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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